Odin P.O.V. "You've been doing well in your lessons, my son," I boomed, looking down at my troubled boy Loki, "which is why I don't think I would've pegged you as the brother more likely to skip them."
He glanced downward with an annoyed look on his face. "I wasn't skipping, I just ended up taking a bit of a longer break than expected," Loki replied.
"It wasn't to see that girl again, was it?" I asked curiously. He didn't respond. "I'm sure then, at this point, you're aware that she's awake." I said, Loki remaining silent. I'll take that as a yes.
"I will summon her in once she is fed and bathed, those ragged clothes changed as well," I sighed, "you may be in the room when she arrives, if you'd like, but you are not permitted to say anything without permission. Is that clear?"
Loki took a moment to think before looking up at me. "Of course, father," He smiled, "I'm rather surprised though that you're even giving me this. Do tell, is there a hidden reason for it you happen to be benefiting from?"
I took a deep breath, trying to think of a way to explain my thoughts. "I don't want you getting attached to her," I replied honestly, causing Loki to raise an eyebrow in confusion. "I've seen how often you visit her; I don't know why you've taken such a liking to her, but it would seem you've both already very connected, and she still has yet to formally meet you. I don't want you thinking you can go off with any girl who isn't royalty; we don't even know where she comes from."
"I'm not planning our wedding, I have yet to even learn her name," He scoffed, rolling his eyes as if his words were obvious, though I couldn't help wondering if he was lying. "I'll gladly attend whatever greeting you want to hold, I just wanted some chances to see her prior to it. I was hoping she could even be a friend of mine, since you refuse to give me time to make them myself. Besides, everyone here would've made friends with me already if they wanted. I think I'd have better chances with someone not from this planet." He chuckled, my expression unwavering.
"She'll be called here later tonight, before dinner." I stated. "Come if you'd like, but remember the rules I've set in place. She could be from an enemy world. We can't be too careful."
"Then maybe my enemies differ from those of Asgard," He replied slyly, leaving the room before I could add anything.
I let out a long sigh, shaking my head. He is unfortunately confused. It makes me think I'll never be able to tell him of his origins. I need to meet this girl soon, before she is able to find out, and tell him herself.
Second Person P.O.V. You sighed in content as you gently combed your hands through your (h/c) hair, pouring another warm cup of water over your head. It felt good to finally have the chance to take a proper bath after so long. Even if you hadn't been awake and moving most of the time, you felt dirty nonetheless.
You wiped down your arms and carefully rung out your hair before stepping out of the small bathtub. You grabbed the soft white towel one of the maids had left on the floor for you and dried yourself off.
The guest bathroom you were permitted to use at the time had an even better view of the city than the dining hall, since it was so close to the top level. From there, all the people going about their lives down below looked like little ants. Tiny people, leaving their tiny houses so they could buy tiny food for their tiny families. You laughed as you entertained the thought before continuing to dry your body. Isn't it fascinating, how each and every one of those people are living out their own little lives. Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, we all really are just tiny specks.
You walked over to the closet on the other side of the bathroom, your jaw dropping at all the fancy robes and gowns you could change into to meet the All Father. Although you tended to enjoy adorning yourself with clothing more fitted for men, you thought it more appropriate to dress as a typical Asgardian lady for the occasion. Hopefully I'll be able to change into some armor or something later on. Can you imagine... if I got to stay here and train as an Asgardian warrior.
You quickly found a white dress with a light, sandy brown, almost beige waist band. It wasn't too revealing, but still made you look rather appealing, and was definitely formal enough to go to the throne room in.
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You could feel your emotions fighting within you, trying to decide whether to be anxious or excited as you walked down the halls to meet up with Savannah again.
"Ah, I see you're finally all cleaned up," She smiled as you walked down the corridor to her, "that dress looks beautiful on you by the way. Excellent choice!"
You grinned and nodded, doing a twirl before following her further down the hallway to another room, where she dried your hair and helped you fix it into a tight bun, as a mother might for her child.
"I'd tell you there's nothing to be worried about," She sighed, tying the last few ribbons into your damp locks, "but Odin can be rather... stern, at times." She chuckled awkwardly. "It shouldn't be too bad, just, make sure you're respectful, and don't lie about anything. You haven't got anything to hide after all, have you?" She questioned innocently. You quickly shook your head.
"No, I-I think I got it," You murmured before she could press any further.
"That's good," She smiled, standing up and moving in front of you. "You look stunning!" She complimented, and glancing into the mirror beside you, you couldn't help agreeing with her for once.
"Well, presentation is important," You sighed, "Especially in times like these." Savannah nodded in agreement.
"Excuse me, miss?" Another woman knocked on the door, entering a few seconds later. Based on what she was wearing, you assumed she was another one of the Asgardian maids.
"Odin will see you now."
You gulped. The five words you dreaded hearing, yet had been anticipating since you first woke up. It's finally time.
Savannah wished you good luck and saw you to the throne room, along with the other woman. They both stopped in front of the tall double doors that loomed intimidatingly before you.
You closed your eyes, taking a long, deep breath to try and calm your nerves. If he doesn't let me stay here, what then? If they somehow find out where I'm from... should I just tell them flat out? What if I'm banished from all nine realms under Asgardian rule? What if-
"You'll be fine," You heard Savannah's calming voice as she came up behind you to hug you softly. "You've got nothing to worry about."
Despite her not knowing your current situation, you found comfort in her words, and her warm embrace. You nodded confidently to her as she stepped back. Letting out another long breath, you turned back to the door and headed to the place where your future would be decided.
