[3] downfall ~ harry potter × marvel

1.11

"his mother didn't believe him" 

1.11

Raymond had just been leaning against the walls, outside the Queen's chambers. She'd summoned him, yet she was now laughing with her uncle – a traitor she accepted back easier than she should. Why did he have to come when she did not want to speak with him? Did he only serve as someone who'd catch her if her knees went weak? – and even though he hated the thought, Raymond knew he would catch her if her knees went weak. The Queen oozed the exact amount of confidence that still made her look modest and also spoke with such authority that Raymond knew she could make armies kneel and also be open to discuss her decisions. She was the kind of Queen Asgard needed. The kind of Queen his father would've followed to the gates of Hell and back. The kind of Queen he would follow just the same.

"Excuse me, my Lord," a trembling voice spoke up. Raymond looked to the handmaiden who'd spoken to him. Her eyes were widened with fear, yet she didn't seem to be afraid of him. The serving tray in her hands trembled just as much as her voice.

Raymond reached for it and took the tray out of the girl's hands. "What can I do for you? This is the Queen's meal, I take it?"

The girl nodded. "I am to be her personal handmaiden..."

"But?" Raymond knew there was a 'but' for this girl. Why else would she be trembling like that, out of excitement? By the Norns, this girl was scared to Valhalla and back.

"Words go around fast here, my Lord," the girl mumbled, "it's said that the Queen slaughtered half the Einherjar force – just to scare the usurper. If she is so ruthless, what would she do to me if I made a mistake?" Her voice cracked, and he was afraid she'd cry.

"Woah, easy there. The Queen would never slaughter anyone just for the sake of scaring her foe." or so Raymond hoped, "The Einherjar she killed, were traitors who helped to overthrow her family's rule. She executed them because they broke their oaths to always protect her family. Aside from that, I highly doubt she'd hurt a kind girl like you," Raymond gave her an encouraging smile and handed her the serving tray again. "I shall announce your arrival."

He knocked on the door, not waiting for a reply. The hinges squeaked uncomfortably as Raymond pushed the heavy, golden doors apart, making room for the girl to go inside. "Your Majesty, your meal has arrived – as well as your brand-new handmaiden. This is..." With some awkwardness, he looked over to the girl, whose name he did not know. Yet.

She performed a curtsy and didn't look any of them in the eyes. "Astrid, Your Grace."

He saw that the Queen sat up a bit straighter, a kind twinkle playing in her eyes. "It's really nice to meet you, Astrid. If you could please put the tray on the table over there – great! Uhm." She started nibbling her bottom lip, a hypnotizing habit that held Raymond's gaze. But even he, whilst staring at his Queen, noticed the uneasiness in the room.