King of My Heart

Chapter 4

Astrild's father hadn't said anything to Astrild about Loki after that night. He asked her a few questions, and that was it.

It had been a few days since they left the palace. She was in her room reading when she heard someone at their door. Hardly anyone ever came to their door.

"Astrild, can you get that?" her father called out.

"Of course." She set down her book and headed for the front door. "Hello." There was a young woman in nice clothing at the door.

"Are you Lady Astrild?"

"Yes, I am."

"The queen has asked for your presence at the palace."

"Oh, yes. All right." She looked back, not seeing her father. "I'll just be a moment. I have to tell my father."

"Of course, miss." She carefully shut the door and went back inside.

"Father! Where are you?"

"In here, dear. Who was at the door?" She went into his work room and saw him at his desk.

"One of the queen's helpers." He looked up with wide eyes.

"Is something wrong?"

"Oh, gods no. She wants me to come to the castle." He seemed to forget all about her being invited to the ball. "The ball, Father. Remember?"

"Oh, yes. Of course."

"Will you be all right on your own?"

"Of course, dear."

"I'll set something out for you to eat later, okay?"

"You don't have to do that." Astrild walked over and kissed the top of his head. "How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know. Goodbye, Father."

"Goodbye, dear." She went into the kitchen and put something together for him quickly. She was worried for him on his own.

She went back to the door and saw the woman still standing there. "Are you ready, miss?" She nodded. "Right this way." She took Astrild over to a rather beautiful carriage. "Right in here, miss." She opened the door and helped her in.

She was rather shocked to see that Queen Frigga herself was in there. "Y-your majesty." Astrild bowed her head to show respect.

"Hello, Astrild." She smiled warmly at Astrild. She sat down across from her, still nervous. "Have you ever been to a ball before?"

"No, ma'am. I have not."

"I think you'll love it." They felt the cart start moving as they spoke. "Have you learned how to dance?" She nodded. "I must say, Loki is very excited that you agreed to come. He's never had a personal guest at a ball before."

"Really?" She nodded.

"I've never seen him this excited for a ball. He's very different from his brother, you know. Thor always seems to have fun at these, but Loki always keeps to himself. I'm glad he will finally have someone there to enjoy it with."

Astrild smiled as she looked down at her hands. The queen was so kind, but Astrild still felt nervous around her.

"So how often are you at the palace?"

"Just once a year."

"Perhaps you were the reason Loki was so excited this time last year."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, about this time last year I noticed a certain look in Loki's eyes. He seemed a bit happier for a while. Of course, at the ball, he seemed lonelier than before." She looked out the window at the passing view. She felt bad about telling him no that year but she just couldn't have gone. She still shouldn't be going.