❀ Beauty and the Beast ↠

❀3❀

I wasn't surprised by the crowds reactions when I removed my helmet. It wasn't every day that a small, delicate looking blonde woman removed her helmet to reveal that a mighty war hero was in fact a woman. Odin and Frigga had been kind to me, letting me stay and even inviting me to dine with the royal family. I had been lead to a chamber that was big enough for three people to live in. On the left side of the room was a large, round bed with golden sheets and white organza hanging from the frame at the top. The floor was a white marble with gray imperfections that made it even more beautiful. There was a large balcony looking out over Asgard, a huge dressing table - seemingly made from gold - with an oval mirror to sit in front of. To top it all off there was a huge ensuite! I was exploring the room in all of it's glory when a loud knock sounded from the door. "Come in!" I yelled. A pretty woman - a little older than me - walked in with her hands clasped firmly together at her pelvis and bowed before closing the door."My name is Ragna, Lady Freya. I have been sent by her majesty. I serve you and you alone," She told me. I knew that there was no point in arguing with this woman so I just smiled, walking over and taking her hands in my own which clearly shocked her. I told her that if she was going to serve me, she would have to drop the formal act with a smile. I didn't want to know servants, I wanted to know the people behind them. This woman could be a wife, a mother, a sister and I was going to treat her as such. Not as the same person as the young boy who tended the horses or the old woman who cooked the dinner. Each of them had their own story and I respected that. Ragna eventually eased into my touch and smiled back once she got over the initial shock. "Very well, my lady," She told me, accepting my grip on her hands. "We must prepare you for dinner," She told me. I laughed and agreed saying that I couldn't be seen with the royal family in armour. After I was washed, I sat in a silk robe in front of the mirror whilst Ragna worked the brush through my golden hair. "Now, do you know the royal family?" I shook my head as she continued softly. Her hands were so careful and gentle. Of course I knew the names of the brothers and the warriors three but I had no idea who was who. It would have been easier ti work out if they had their weapons but they were not under the threat of battle so it made sense that they were unarmed. "Lady Sif was the woman," I nodded. That was one that I did work out as she was the only woman. "Volstag is the bearded man," Made sense but at first I had assumed that he was Thor. Something about the beard I guess. "Fandral is the man with the short, blonde hair," I remembered him. He was a handsome man who was just as shocked as every other man that I was a fragile woman. "Then Hogan, the dark haired gentleman next to Volstag," Ah yes! He wore black armour, I was sure I had crossed with him on the battlefield at some point but he wouldn't have known that it was me due to my helmet. The woman began to braid. I had no idea what she was doing but I just let her continue and listened intensely to her advice. "Then Thor, the man beside Odin with the long blonde hair," I had a bone to pick with him. Thor was one of Asgard's mightiest warriors so why wasn't he there to help us? He could have saved so many lives. Once the braid was finished, she spun me around and began to pick little strands of hair out by my ears to loosen the look. I asked about the last man. He had long, black hair and dressed almost exclusively in green. I could feel Ragna tense. She looked away and stood, letting go of my hair. "That's Loki, miss," She told me. Loki? I'd heard of him. Word was that he had caused quite a stir in the past. Word was that he liked it. I remembered him from the throne room. He seemed to be the only one in the room besides Frigga who didn't seem shocked that I was a woman. After all, he was her son - that made sense. From what I had seen and learnt. Thor seemed to be more like his father, powerful and proud whereas Loki was more like Frigga, quiet and observant. There was the old debate on which approach was better in battle. Perhaps I would finally get my answer here. After she had snapped out of her trance, she guided me over to the wardrobe, revealing three dresses to me. One gown was a shimmering gold which I felt was far too bold considering the queen would most likely be wearing gold. The second was a bright red. It would seem a perfect choice for the goddess of love but it would only attract more attention. I knew that, being the goddess of love and beauty, men were easily attracted. it was the main reason that I covered my face in battle. I would rather not have this attention. Men stood around you all the time trying to impress you could get very annoying and tiring. Eventually, I went for the baby blue gown. It fit wonderfully! I was honestly impressed with Ragna's work. The dress was loose around the neck with green flowers and leaves around the hem with light blue organza attached to the sleeves that flowed down my sides around my bare arms. The whole thing complimented by a golden belt around the waist and a small golden tiara. I thanked Ragna as I made my way to the door but the woman stopped me. With fear in her eyes, she begged me "Stay away from Loki," I was confused and asked why I would need to do such a thing. "He's a monster," her voice trembled before she let my arms go. I was really confused but I let it drop. I am the goddess of war! How dangerous could he really be?