The Dark World | Book 3

Eight: Siege of Asgard

That morning, Sigyn carefully arranged a breakfast platter, dismissing the usual practice of dining alone. Instead, she invited her maidens to join her. A sudden notion had struck her—the idea of sharing this daily ritual with the women who had devoted themselves to her service. They dressed her, styled her hair, and followed her loyally wherever she went, even during her time on Midgard in search of herself. These women had left their home in Vanaheim to serve her in Asgard. It felt only right to show them her gratitude.

"This is a lovely breakfast, my lady," Helga remarked, sipping the warm tea she had brewed earlier that morning.

"Why the change in routine, Princess?" another maiden asked, curiosity glinting in her eyes.

Sigyn shrugged lightly, a small smile on her lips. "I had a realization last night—something I should have understood an eternity ago."

"What was it, if I may ask?"

Sigyn took a delicate bite of a cracker layered with smoked ham. "Don't trouble yourself over it," she replied with a dismissive wave. "But let's make this a tradition—every morning that you bring me breakfast, we'll share it together."

Her maidens exchanged delighted smiles, their soft laughter warming the room. "We would be honored, Princess," one of them said earnestly.

"Wonderful! Now eat up," Sigyn said, gesturing to the array of food meant solely for her. "And tell me—where have Thor and Lady Jane gone this morning? Did you deliver the dress as I requested?"

"Yes, Princess Sigyn," Helga replied. "We delivered the dress early this morning. Prince Thor has taken Lady Jane for a stroll through Asgard's common grounds. He thought she should see the city in all her glory."

"A romantic walk through Asgard," Sigyn mused with a playful smile. "Not that I haven't done the same a thousand times myself—and I could never tire of it. Have you heard any news of my father?"

"He plans to return to Vanaheim soon," Helga said, her tone gentle.

Sigyn paused, her expression softening. "I see," she murmured, her thoughts drifting as she fell momentarily silent.

The piercing toll of alarms shattered the morning calm, their relentless clangour reverberating across the skies. It was the prison's signal—a breakout. The urgency of the sound was impossible to ignore.

Sigyn exhaled deeply, a heavy sigh that betrayed both annoyance and resignation. Her maidens looked to her with wide, worried eyes. "My Lady?" one of them ventured, her voice trembling.

"We can all safely assume my husband has orchestrated either a riot or an escape," Sigyn said with grim certainty, rising from her seat with deliberate grace.

Moments later, the doors to her chambers burst open, and a group of warriors stormed inside. They found the Princess dining with her maidens, calm and composed, as if the chaos beyond the walls didn't concern her.

"The prisoners have escaped!" one of the warriors shouted. "You must get to safety, Princess!"

"And my husband?" Sigyn asked, her voice steady but sharp.

"We have no further information," the warrior admitted, avoiding her piercing gaze.

Sigyn's expression hardened. She turned to her maidens and issued a firm command. "Find shelter. Use the passageways hidden in the walls. Now!" She ushered them toward safety, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.

As they scrambled to obey, Sigyn stood tall, and in an instant, her shimmering silver armor materialized around her. The flowing gown she had worn moments before was replaced by the battle attire of a warrior queen.