Midgardian princess

Chapter 2

"This must be a dream," you say as you walk to the balcony, Asgardian silks silently gliding over the floor behind you, "But it feels so real."

"My dear, this isn't a dream, all the stories you grew up on are true. The ones about the mighty Thor and handsome Loki, the battles of Odin... they are all true," Frigga stands in the middle of the room, "I raised you to be an Asgardian princess so that you could help bring peace to Midgard and its people, to unite it with the other eight realms."

"No, no, no, let me wake up," you wrap your hands around yourself.

"I can imagine what it's like for you. It must be a lot at once, but I do hope that you'll start believing soon so that I can show you everything the Nine Realms have to offer and that I can introduce you to the princes, especially Loki who you're meant to be betrothed to soon."

"Loki?" you turn around in shock, finally realizing what was going on, "All these years you have fed me lies, you raised me like a pig to be married to someone who has lived for a millennia before I was even born. Vikings knew him as a God! I am lucky to live to see 70, I'd die before he learns my name. And... what gives anyone the right to decide for me... what if I want to go back... if I want none of it..."

"Please, dear, be calm. Sometimes you are too hasty. No one can make you do anything, you are too stubborn for that and this is good. If you want to I'll send you back right now, I'll take all unwanted memories away and you can live a regular life," Frigga comes closer, "But I hope you'll stay, even if just for a little bit longer."

"Thank you... All-Mother," you say without looking at her, you are in pain, "Could I be alone?"

Frigga nods to herself and silently leaves.

It is dark, but you see the city in lights, the streets are almost empty and complete silence surrounds you. It is late and you know you should go to sleep. You look at the big bed, but it isn't inviting, instead you decide to go for a walk and clear your head. Walking through the big halls you are left alone, the guards in shiny armor ignore your presence and soon you manage to find your way outside, instead of the city streets you find yourself in front of a grand garden that is on almost complete darkness.

Walking through the fantastic garden, you see curious flowers and sculptures you could've never imagine. You get lost into your own amazement and are startled by a voice coming from behind you.

"Fair maiden, it's not safe to be alone and in utter darkness outside of the palace," the mesmerizing male voice says. You turn around to see a dark figure. Starlight bounce off the golden decorations on his garment, "Please, let me accompany you."

"It would be very kind of you, sir," you smile lightly.

"I'm Loki, son of Odin," the figure says.

"I'm very sorry, your highness, I meant no disrespect!" you say and bow.

"There is no need, Lady Y/n," you can see him smile, "It would be my pleasure."

With that you walk in the garden and on the city streets for hours. He talks in a low, hushed voice so the two of you wouldn't disturb the peace of the night. He shows you many wonderful buildings and statues, he tells you stories you have never heard before.

You walk along the golden road, you are gently holding the snow white flower the man had plucked for you. The night is warm, but you have gone far from the palace and the winds that make waves appear on the waters surrounding the city are now playing with the silks of your dress. A shiver runs through you and it doesn't go unnoticed to the prince.

"How inconsiderate of me, I'm so sorry, you must be freezing," he says with concern.

He takes off the metal and leather overgarment he was wearing and puts it over your shoulders without waiting for your answer. The leather is warm and smells strongly and pleasantly of something that you can't even describe.

"Thank you,"

"Shall we go back to the palace now?" he smiles.

"Not yet, please, tell me more,"

With that you walk along, he is fascinating and you even forget that he is the high and mighty prince of Asgard, the God of Mischief.

"I remember my time on Midgard many hundred years ago. Your people are fierce and strong, but what I've heard they have quite the fantasy." he says, amused.

"Do you mean to tell me that you do not have many children, including a wolf, a huge snake and an eight-legged horse?" you ask him teasingly.

"I can't say that I do. There are many exaggerations in their stories."

"Well, maybe you Gods shouldn't have been away for so long then," you look at him, the humor in your tone gone.

"You're probably right, Lady Y/n," he nods, "But that is a mistake we will fix over time. For now, pick your steed from the stables."

You hadn't realized that he has brought you to the stables where many horses stand silently, eating. You step in, they look just like horses from the pasture near your house on Earth, but you feel them to be different.

"They are Asgardian horses," Loki says as if he had read your mind, "They were breed to be warhorses, so they would be quiet as the shadows, strong and fast, but never to tire."

You lock eyes with a wonderful white stallion that towers over you as you get closer. Loki steps past you and opens the fence gate and leads the horse out.

"But I can't ride," you say as you stroke the animal's neck.

"Don't worry, he will do all the work for you," the man says and saddles the white stallion and a black one from the other side of the stable.

When he was ready he steps behind you and places his hands gently on either side of your waist and lifts you up effortlessly to help you get into the saddle.

The two of you ride around the outskirts of the city where the buildings meet the forests, following a river you finally make it back to the palace garden. Once he helps you back onto solid ground you feel as if you are flying, you are so tired and all the troubled thoughts you had are gone.

Loki helps you find your room in the maze of halls and stops by the door.

"Thank you, your highness, I had a wonderful time," you say with a smile.

"The pleasure was all mine, my lady," he bows and kisses your hand, "Good night."

"Good night," you say with the slightest hint of a blush. You close the door between the two of you.

Loki's smile disappears as soon as you close the door. He walks back the way you had come and soon sees Frigga standing by a window.

"I wonder why all the lights were out today in the garden," Frigga says with a smile.

"I figured it would be best to get into it as soon as possible," Loki says and stands next to her.

"I'm very proud of you, my son," Frigga takes his hands into hers, "You are dutiful and I know you will try to make her happy, but please, tell me, would you be happy with her by your side?"

"Can anyone be truly happy if they are forced to do something?" Loki's eyes are sorrowful.

"I'm very sorry," Frigga hates to see her son like this.

"Good night, mother," he says and places a kiss on her forehead before slipping past her into a dark hall.