Forbidden

Chapter 1 – "The Wild One"

Being raised in Odin's place was a privilege and a burden, Gala had to watch her parents always be treated as peasants. Now she served the Queen Frigga and had become close friends with Sif. All mingles with those close to Odin were forbidden, especially his sons. Thor was a stubborn willful prince that fought valiantly in battle, often boasting about his triumphs. Loki seemed more docile but very capable. It was rather obvious to Gala that Thor was Odin's favorite son.

When Sif was allowed to take up a weapon and train for battle, Gala would train with her. The hope that someday more women of Asgard would be able to do the same flourished in her mind and with Thor encouraging Sif it seemed a possibility.

Gala loved tending to Sif's horse; she understood animals better than the royalty she served. The beautiful dark mare was a fine specimen of equestrian breeding, a true battle horse.

As she brushes down the mare's mane she watches Thor and Loki riding in, Loki grinning at her with a mischievous smile. "Girl, bring some water for our horse."

Gala sets two buckets down by the stalls, Thor's blue eyes catching hers. "Aren't you Sif's handmaid? Go fetch her, I wish to continue our sparring match from this morning."

For Thor to even speak to her made her pulse quicken. To speak directly to the prince was not allowed but to have his husky voice commanding her made her tingle all over. Gala would always deny her true feelings for Odin's eldest son but Sif saw straight through her. She knew it was a cardinal want that drew her to him; he was after all a prince and would never treat her as an equal.

Turning to leave the stables Loki steps out in front of her, his callous smile making him look boyish in a way. "What is your name girl?"

"Gala my Lord." With her eyes cast down she answers the prince, hoping Thor would join him.

"Gala, I've seen you about the palace with mother. Tell me, why are in the stables instead of tending to my mother's needs?" Loki steps ever closer to her, a heat covering her face.

As she opens her mouth to speak Thor's steed breaks loose almost knocking Loki down as it thunders past them. As if on winged feet, Gala takes after the horse.

Thor calls out to her, telling her that Hemidell will take care of the steed. Gala grins from ear to ear as the horse slows on the rainbow bridge.

With her palm up and open she approaches the skittish horse, Hemidell walking up behind it. "Shh … now easy boy." She pets his nose, taking the reins in her empty hand.

Hemdill stands amazed that the wild beast only tamed by Thor could be so timid with a stranger. "You have a way with horse's young one." Hemdill's golden eyes burn cool into Gala's brown ones. "It would seem your true talents are wasted in the palace."

Gala smiles back at the guardian, pulling the horse towards her. Soon Thor is behind her, his golden locks framing his heavenly face. His large hand reaches for the reigns, brushing Gala's fingers in the passing. "I'll take my horse now."

Gala catches her breath, watching as Thor walks away. Loki looks back at her, her eyes looking a little doleful. "What … were you expecting a thank you." He walks off, his smirk beaming.

In that moment she had done two things, proven she was capable of more than carrying trays and that her mother's gift with animals was hers as well.

Sif is waiting for her at the throne room entrance, her mouth twisted into a snarl. "What did you do? Thor came in talking about some girl that chased his horse down. Really Gala … you mustn't do things like that. Don't forget your place. I may not see you as a servant or the Queen's handmaiden but the princes do."

Gala holds back the tears burning in her eyes, Sif's words wrapping around her like a snake coiling.

"The horse was frightened and I was afraid what would become of it … if I … never mind. It's quite obvious, I can only be your friend when no one is looking. I believe your Royal Highness Thor is looking for a sparring partner." Gala stomps off, her crème white dress trailing behind her.

With hot tears trailing down her flushed cheeks she runs to her room to find the Queen herself waiting there. "Gala my child … what happened?" Frigga opens her arms collecting the small girl inside them.

"It would seem I've upset your sons. I was only concerned about Thor's horse my Queen." Gala rests her head on Frigga's shoulder.

"My sons can be brash I know but I'm sure Thor is thankful you saved his horse." Frigga releases the girl from her embrace, smiling sweetly back at her.

"Come … I think my son needs a lesson in humility and appreciation." Frigga drags Gala behind her, the Queen steaming towards Thor's quarters.

Leaving Gala at the entrance, Frigga throws open the towering golden doors. "Thor, come here son."

Thor with Fandral, Hogun and Vostagg in tow comes to his setting room. "Mother."

"Gala, come here child." Frigga holds out her arm, waiting for Gala to take her hand. "I was told my handmaiden here not only saved your prized horse but you took the horse without acknowledging so. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Thor's head titles sideways, his blue eyes creasing. Loki walks into the room, placing his hand on his brother's broad shoulder. "She was told to leave the horse for Hemdill but she ignored Thor and jeopardized not only the horse but herself mother."

Frigga walks over to her dark haired son, her fingers stroking his pale face. "Loki, it would seem you saw the situation through privileged eyes. Perhaps you need to see them through the eyes of man and not a prince. I see neither of you are in the positions to understand that with great power comes great responsibility. That responsibility starts with humility. Being a king Thor is more than ruling a people, it's leading a people. If a simple thank you is beyond you then perhaps I need to tell your father you are not ready for the crown."

Before Thor can respond Frigga takes Gala's hand and leaves. Gala looks back at Thor, a flash of hurt in his eyes. As her brown eyes gaze into the ice blue of his she sees a coldness glaze over them. His face hardens as if this girl is the reason he was just chastised.

This was not how Gala wanted to her first face to face encounter with Thor to go but she always knew anything but a pompous young prince was all she would ever really get.

Sif comes running down the hall after them, her grin so wide it splits her face. "Excuse my Queen; I need a word with Gala."

Frigga leaves Gala alone with Sif, the warrior lady transforming into a giggling girl of the court. "Thor asked me who you are and he said to bring you to the stables. He wants you to tend to his horse from now on; you seem to have a way with his beast. Gala, don't mistake this for Thor softening to you but you did impress him. His horse is wild and hard to handle to all but him."

Gala goes off to her room, changing into her riding clothes. With swift feet she goes to the stables, tending to the magnificent steed. After brushing down the horse she pats his side, kissing his nose. "You're not wild are you boy. You're just misunderstood."

The horse bucks its head, Thor laughing from the door. "Misunderstood is he … do tell Gala?"

Gala turns her gaze from the rows of rippling muscles walking towards her. Thor had entered the stables shirtless and sweaty. "I'm sorry my Lord, I did not know you were there."

"My match with Sif was over quickly so I decided to check in on you and my horse. He likes you, that is something." Thor throws his large glistening arms over the horses back, his smile making his face look all the more handsome.

"I understand him, almost as if he speaks to me. He ran because he was in pain. He threw a shoe and his hoof is split. I can mend it for him if you like my Lord." Thor lifts the horse's hoof, nodding his head.

"Tend to my horse and let me know when I can ride him again. He is your responsibility Gala." With a turn he's gone, his back looking as glorious as his chest.

Gala leans back against the stall wall, fanning her face.