Tabula Rasa (Unlike Loki: Book Two)

Chapter 50

"My King, there is someone here to see you." The Frost-Giant roughly told his King. 

"Who could possibly be here?" The King asked, surprised. No one came to Jotunheim. The last time anyone came here was when Thor and his bafoondish friends tried to lay waste to the kingdom after they had broken into Asgard's weapon vault. 

"A girl, my Lord. She says she must speak with you about important matters." The Frost-Giant said. 

The King thought for a moment. "Bring her here." 

Moments later, another Frost-Giant subject brought a girl before the King. He held her tightly by the arm. The girl was on the cusp of womanhood, with long dark hair and fair skin. She was tall and slender, and slightly on the fragile side. She filled out her clothes well, and when she held her head high, it added to her already beautiful nature. She did not seem scared, but overly confident. She smiled slightly, making the King lean forward slightly, just to be closer to her. 

"My King Helblindi, it is an honor." She said, her voice was soft, songlike, but it was strong. 

The King motioned for his subject to release her. When he did, he studied the girl some more. "The pleasure is all mine, I'm sure." 

The girl smiled, blushing. 

"I was told you wanted to have an audience with me." King Helblindi said. 

The girl looked up and folded her hands together in front of her. "Indeed I did." She swung her head to the side with a quick flick to get her long hair out of her face. 

The King motioned with his hand, "Please..." 

"I have come to make a deal with you. One that I highly advise that you consider." She said shortly. 

The King leaned on his knees, and motioned with his finger for the girl to come closer. She walked towards him and he did not stop her until they were only a short distance from each other, close enough that they could study the pores on the other's face. 

"And what would that be, my dear?" The King asked quietly, so only she could hear. 

The girl held his gaze. "You may know my father. He wants to make a deal. One that will benefit you both greatly." She smiled, leaning slightly closer. "My name is Talia, by the way." She leaned back to where she had been and watched the King. 

The King froze for a moment, sweat beading on his frozen forehead. All knew who Talia was, just as all knew who her sisters were. And that meant he knew very well who her father was.

"I see." He said, quietly, leaning back. "And what kind of deal is your father offering me?" He asked. 

Talia chuckled lightly. "The best offer of your life. Or any life thereafter." Her eyes darkened slightly. 

The King raised his eyebrows. "I'm listening." 

The corner of Talia's mouth lifted up, accentuating her already beautiful face. "Immunity and safety. You get out unscathed in the war that is about to consume the cosmos, and you will be rewarded greatly once the battle is won, and you know we will win." She shifted her weight from one leg to the other, drawing the King's attention to her hips. 

As the King continued to watch her, he said, "And what must I do to recieve such gracious gifts?" 

"Simply your cooperation. And your promise that you will ally yourself with no one but my father." Talia batted her eyelashes and smiled cutely at the King. 

"Sounds too good to be true. How do I know I can trust your father?" The King said, standing. 

"You don't. But, at the same time, my father does not make deals lightly, and it would not benefit him to anger you. So, I'd say it would be a safe bet to trust him." She pursed her lips and put her hands on her hips. "You get my father's protection. All you have to do is stay out of the way. And if Asgard comes crawling to you for help, you crush them. All except the Queen, that is. She is very important to my father."

"How so?" The King asked, looking at the angel before him. 

"That you will find out soon enough." She said teasingly. 

The King walked down from his throne and stood right before Talia. She had to crane her neck to properly look at the royalty standing before her. 

"Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the best part!" She said, touching the King's chest. 

He smiled. "And what is that?" 

Talia ran her hand up and down his chest and stomach. "You get me." She stepped back and bowed dramatically, her long hair falling before her and touching the ground. "Your loyal and humble Queen." She said, looking back up at him. 

He stepped up to her and took her chin in his hand, making her look up at him. "Asgard shall perish in our wake, and we shall rule the cosmos to your father's great desire." 

"Indeed we shall." Talia said, but King Helblindi missed the look on her face that would have let him know he would soon be betrayed.