Chapter 1

It was hard for Maria to make her way through Asgard. Not merely because the streets were intricate and, more often than not, she got lost in her way through them to her designated house - but because she was so recognised.

For the tenth time that day, Maria was stopped, surprise popping on her turning face as she felt a firm tug from the back of her cream shawl. She wasn't used to being grabbed like that. Still, the smile bloomed on her face as she turned to a young boy stood behind her, looking no older than eight. His small fist held on lightly to the shawl, where it fell over her hip.

The minute she turned though, rough hands pulled the child firmly away. "Have you no respect?" the guard holding the boy by the scruff of the neck growled down, dragging the child back further from Maria. "You should not touch the princess!"

The blood drained from Maria's face in a heartbeat. "It's okay, Garik." she cut in quickly as the boy's feet dragged on the ground, pain flashing in scrunched up face. Well, Garik was hardly being gentle.

The warrior was tall, strong and stout, Thor sparing nothing but the best for his wife's protection whilst she walked the streets. And while Maria was grateful for the concern ... well, she just wasn't used to it. Four guards flanked her at all times the second she stepped foot out of the palace doors. So far, her months in Asgard had gone uneventful. Most people just called out when they recognised her, her identity hardly discreet with her unmissable escort.

But no one had ever grabbed her before. The child didn't mean her harm and she knew it, hurrying forward the instant Garik paused in his marching. It was a few more moments before he released the boy's collar though.

Maria knelt down gracefully to her knees as Garik let him go and stood back. "It's alright." Maria murmured, scouring her eyes over the boy to see he wasn't hurt. "He didn't know any better."

Her hands cupped the boy's shoulders, but he looked perfectly calm, as if he hadn't just been dragged around by one of her guards. Maria seemed more shook up by it than he did, blinking up at her brightly. Maria tried not to be too irritated by Garik as he just stood back, no doubt a begrudging expression on his face. "He should know his place, my lady." he gruffed, standing firmly to attention.

"He's just a boy, Garik." Maria sat back on her heels, satisfied the boy was unharmed. Still, she made a mental note to talk to Thor about this. "He didn't mean me any harm."

"With every respect, my lady," Garik went on. "The Prince Thor charged me with your protection, and there are a great many people who would wish you ill."

Maria was certain Garik didn't miss the sharp eye she cast him, but she didn't care. She knew not everybody liked her. Apparently, despite her transition, her mortal background had caused quite a stir in Asgard, hence why Thor had gone - in her opinion - overboard with the protection thing.

Yes, she'd be having words with Thor about this. Garik needed to lighten up. She didn't want to be separated from every person she met by a wall of metal plated muscle.

It was ... different, Maria had to say. Everyday her heart still stopped when someone called her 'your highness' or bowed to her, not feeling like she deserved such preferential treatment just because of who she was married to. She was no better than the people she walked amongst, but it was a view she shared only with herself.

The boy drew her attention back to him with a soft little voice; "My mother wanted me to give you this."

Maria watched as the boy reached into the sleeve of his shirt and pulled out a small, pretty plant, dotted with pearly white flowers. Maria smiled and let the boy press it into her palm.

It truly was a lovely set of flowers. As it sat in Maria's palm, she noted how light it felt, almost like holding just a pocket of air in her hand. It was like a small bunch of flowers, tied together at the thin stems by a small black string. From the stems, the plant quickly blossomed into a vast array of tiny white flowers with little round petals. Despite all that though, it was tiny, fitting easily within her palm. Breathing in, Maria could smell how sweet its fragrance was.

Maria could already envision what little vase she would put them in on her and Thor's bedside table, rolling the plant round by its stems to examine every dainty detail. The smile melted onto her lips.

"It is a Heldig flower, my lady." the boy explained, his little face smiling at Maria's obvious enjoyment. "My mother is one of the wise women. She aids women with childbirth as you do."

Maria's smile widened as her eyes lifted from the flower. "Really? I should like to meet her one day. This flower... it is very pretty."

The boy nodded, eyes twinkling. "My mother asked for me to wish you good luck."

She couldn't deny how her heart ached a little at the boy's sincere words and her hand reached for his shoulder, giving it a grateful squeeze. "Thank you."

The more time she spent around the Asgardians, the more she was appreciating what a generous people they were. Every day she walked through the streets, she was greeted with welcome, people always smiling at her and waving to her. If there were people who wished her ill, as Thor suspected, she had yet to encounter them.

Maria was more than happy to get to know the people she and Thor would play a part in ruling one day, and was very grateful when they adorned her with gifts during her outings. Most were gifts of welcome to the realm, some offering food, some ornaments, some small household objects. Others offered gifts of their trade, such as jewellery, or clothes, or herbs. It was rare for Maria to return back to the palace without some token from the people.

Slowly, she was getting used to the crowds. Day by day, she was getting used to the bustle of the city, to the routine of the people. It was very different to what she was used to though, from back on Earth.

Suddenly, here, she was everything. People wanted to see her, to touch her hand or hear her voice. A part of her thought they were just as fascinated with her mortal descent as much as her position as their new princess, but she didn't mind. All the people she had met were kind and gentle to her, eager to meet the new member of the royal family.

Biting down the blush and her nerves fluttering in her chest, knowing so many others were watching her as she knelt with the boy, she smiled coyly.

She never got a chance to ask the boy about his wise woman of a mother, before he quickly turned and scurried away, ducking under Garik's arm as he reached for him. The guards face was sour as he turned back to Maria, offering her a hand. Taking it, Maria rose slowly, still cradling the flower.

"We should be heading back now, my lady." Garik grumbled behind her, as she turned back to the other guards. Sounded like his pride was still damaged from before. "It is almost sundown."

Glancing to the skyline herself, Maria noted how low the sun was in the sky. Thor would worry if she was out after dark. In fact, he often went out of his way to warn her of such when he knew she was leaving the palace for the day. With a sigh, she knew Garik was right.

Tucking the flower carefully into the belt that secured her dress around her waist, she followed the armoured procession that marched her back to the palace in silence. Her thoughts fled back to her chambers, to the god that would be waiting for her. It was nice to have someone to come home to every evening. The comfort knowing that warm, strong arms were waiting for her back in their chambers... the blissful smile spread on her lips just thinking about it.

She wasn't sure if she had the energy to stay awake long enough to comfort her husband tonight though. The other times he'd come back from such meetings with Odin and other important figures he'd been withdrawn and quiet, but settling a hot anger inside, an anger he'd burned off with Maria once he'd returned to their chambers. Maria didn't mind; he was always gentle with her. And boy had she been missing out when she'd insisted on abstinence before marriage! Thor as a lover was just... wow, were there even words to describe it?

The blush crept over her cheeks and she was glad the guards dropped her off at the palace doorway instead of directly at her chamber doors. She didn't want to get caught with such thoughts running through her head.

Once she was safely back in her room though, she let out a lonesome sigh; Thor wasn't home yet. Eyes lowering in slight disappointment, she shrugged her shawl off her shoulders and hung it up in the walk in wardrobe, listening to her own wistful sighs in the silence.

Their chambers were vast and grand, but without Thor they did feel very large and lonesome. She loved the walk in wardrobe though. Lines and lines of gowns and garments adorned the racks and she never tired of dressing in that private space. Thor had clothes in there too for the rare occasions he wore something other than his armour, but mostly, the wardrobe was Maria's. It was nice having it separate to the bedroom, giving them so much more space for the luxurious bed and the comfortable couches.

Her bare feet sunk into the plush flooring of her dressing room, so much more welcoming than the cool marble floor of their bedroom. It was warmer in colours too. The walls were a gold colour, not too bold but more the colour of soft molten metal, with beautiful red drapes.

She had been looking forward to seeing Thor this evening, she thought sadly, kicking off her shoes and slipping her dress from her shoulders, unbuckling the belt so the garment dropped freely to the floor. She stepped out of it effortlessly and lazily kicked it into the bottom of the wardrobe. It took mere moments for her to pick out a sweet, loose, short nightgown that she liked the look of and pulled lazily over her head.

Her eyes strayed over to the balcony as she nudged the dressing room door shut behind her, glimpsing between the soft curtains; it was very dark outside now. Suddenly feeling very tired, a yawn fought its way through her mouth as her feet carried her through their very white bedroom.

Crawling into bed, she thought of her husband. She had wanted to fall asleep in his arms tonight…sometimes it was a burden to be married to a prince, always something there to pull him away from her.

Still, she would be here when he got back, she thought positively, stretching in the silky sheets. His face was the last thing she consciously remembered before she curled up and her heavy eyelids got the better of her. She slept deep and dreamless, curling up comfortably in the exquisite pillows in her slumber.

Hours later, she was woken with a loud bang.

Her eyes snapped open and she shot upright, just in time to see the door to their chambers door ricochet off the wall with a thunderous slam.

Her husband strode through the doorway, fists clenched and face beyond furious as he burst his way into their chambers. As soon as he caught sight of Maria though, sat up in the bed in her nightwear, hair ruffled on one side, he paused. His face softened.

"Did I wake you?" he asked surprisingly gently for his abrupt entrance. His fists melted at his sides the longer his eyes swept over his wife.

Maria blinked down her wide eyes, heart still hammering slightly from the sudden wake up call. She was quickly awake again. "No," she waved off unconvincingly, stretching a tired smile on her face. "How did it go?"

Thor's face darkened again. "Not well." He grumbled, wondering round to his side of the bed and perching on the edge. "Those bigoted old fools refuse to listen to reason. They think that I am risking the security of the realm for sentimentality for my lost brother, as if I do not realise what is at stake."

With a sinking heart, Maria sighed. Those meetings rarely went well, but it was still no easier to see Thor so distressed about them.

For now, Loki was locked away in the dungeons, chained safely in confinement. His fate was still being decided for him. Though the dungeon was secure, there were some that believed Loki was too great a threat to remain alive.

Naturally, that did not sit will with Thor and Odin.

Inching forward as Thor pulled off his boots, Maria put a soft hand on his shoulder. His fingers reached up and covered hers tenderly.

"They think I am a fool." Thor growled begrudgingly, as he angrily wrenched his breastplate from his chest. Maria quickly yanked her hand away as he launched it viciously across the room, the rest of his armour melted away without a trace. The breastplate clanked loudly against the wall before it too vanished.

The god sighed as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, head bowed low.

Maria's heart ached for him.

Shuffling closer to her husband, her hands found his shoulders, rubbing firmly at the tense muscles there. She pressed a loving kiss between his strong shoulder blades. "What did Heimdall say?" she asked quietly.

She liked the gatekeeper. He was kind and nice to her, and seemed like a good hearted, rational person. Often she visited the Bifrost and the ever watchful guardian was always more than happy to update her on her friends' lives. As far as she could tell, they weren't suffering without her there.

Again, the god sighed heavily. "Those war generals love the sound of their own voices. Heimdall barely got a chance to speak."

Maria's heart sank to hear it and she felt her stomach drop a little too. A light frown crinkled her forehead as she felt her stomach turn. Her hands paused on her husband's shoulders as she waited for her body to settle.

Feeling Maria's hands suddenly still, Thor glanced over his shoulder, brow slightly furrowed in concern. It deepened when he noted her quickly paling face.

Brushing her hands from his back, the god turned to his wife and carefully cupped his wife's face in his rough hands. "Maria, are you alright?" he asked, eyes scouring her face as he noted her quickening breaths and how her hand moved to her stomach. "You look unwell."

Sucking in a sharp breath, Maria tried to ignore her quickening heartbeat. "I'm fine." She said instinctively.

In a heartbeat, she knew she was lying though. Her stomach felt like it flipped inside of her and before she knew it, her hand clamped over her mouth as she felt the nausea battling up her throat.

She groaned quickly – and then she was running for the bathroom.

Thor's hands remained outstretched for a stunned moment. Then he heard Maria retching from the behind the bathroom door and he was rushing for there too.

"Maria," he called anxiously as he peeled the bathroom door open, heart aching as he found his wife on her hands and knees, throwing up violently. "By the gods…" he murmured, momentarily caught off guard; this was not what he'd expected to come home to.

He didn't freeze for long though. Gathering himself, he quickly stepped forward and knelt down beside his ill wife, closing his hand comfortingly over hers and gathering her hair back from her face with the other. Interlocking their fingers on the floor, he could but wait as his wife was ill in front of him.

He could feel cold sweat on the back of Maria's neck as she was sick, her hand trembling in his grasp. He knew how much she hated being ill. Gods, he could see it, glimpsing the tears in the corners of her eyes as she gasped for breath.

It felt like a lifetime to the god as he gently cradled his wife, murmuring soft, comforting words to her until her retches lessened into dry heaves. Finally, she coughed up the last of her sickness and rested her forehead down on the rim of the lavatory, catching back her breath. Releasing her hand for a moment, the god ripped some tissue for her and Maria gratefully accepted it, holding it to her mouth.

Her hands were still trembling as her breaths started to settle, her eyes wide and vulnerable as they started to lift. Thor watched her every move carefully.

"Maria, are you alright?" he asked, concerned. "Should I send for a healer?"

Maria screwed her eyes shut as she tentatively sat back on her heels and Thor let her hair go, her curled locks tumbling freely down her back. "No," she murmured instantly, shaking her head lightly. "No, I… I don't know what came over me…"

She sounded numb, as if in shock. Perhaps she was, Thor thought, if her nausea had come on as quickly as it had appeared to… "Did you eat something unusual?"

He knew Asgard did have different cuisine to Midgard, but they weren't terribly different. Maria hadn't taken well to the ale, but there had been no disagreement with the food so far. If she had been out on the market today though, perhaps she had tried some of Asgards more exotic delicacies. Even Thor disagreed with some of those…

"No," Maria gasped, throat feeling a bit raw. "Nothing different to what I normally have."

Thor sighed, his moving gently to Maria's back. When she shakily tried to stand though, he took her hands and pulled her carefully to her feet. His hand stayed poised at her back as she walked slowly across the bathroom to the sink, ready to catch her if she should fall as she washed out her mouth.

When she was done, eyes low, Thor wrapped his arm around her shoulder and drew her to his chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

She had stopped shaking at last and though she did not look happy still, at least she had a bit more colour in her cheeks. The worst must be over for tonight, Thor thought gratefully.

"Come." He murmured softly into her hair. "You need rest."

Maria offered no resistance as she let Thor gently guide her back to the bedroom and peel the bedsheets back for her. Gingerly, she eased herself back into bed.

Her arms stayed wrapped protectively around her still slightly unsettled stomach as Thor climber into bed behind her, one arm easing under her shoulder and his other hand settling on her hip. His soft lips pressed a loving kiss to her cheek as he pulled her hair back from her neck with a gentle finger.

"Sleep, Maria." He murmured in his deep, alluring voice. "No further harm will come to you this night under my watch."

With her husband's voice in her ear and her mind quickly shutting down, body aching from being so violently ill, Maria let dreams claim her. Her husband's arms cradled her peacefully through the night.