A/N: With huge help of my beta, lovely Confusedrambler, I decided to re-write story a little bit. Most of the changes are corrections of grammar mistakes I made, sometimes there are few lines more. However, the plot remains the same! Give both of us some time to work on whole story. Huge, huge thanks to Liz (Confusedrambler) and also JigokuShoujosRevenge, who always supports me ;)
Alarice
xxx
"Child… I was thinking. I know that in your free time you sit in the library or help the healers; do you wish to become one of them?"
Eir finished brushing Queen Frigga's hair and stepped back.
"Yes, my Queen," she said with a small smile. "Of course, I never neglect my responsibilities!"
"I know, Eir. Truly, I was wondering if you'd agree to help me with something…"
"With pleasure, my Queen!" the girl dipped into a shallow bow, watching Frigga from the corner of her eye.
"Then you will help me prepare for the day and I will employ another to clean my rooms. Instead I ask that you take books several times a week to my son and clean his chamber. In return, every evening and after the noontime meal on certain days, your time may be devoted solely to your studies. Is this agreeable?"
"I… Prince Thor wishes to read?" asked Eir with wide eyes. She couldn't understand his sudden interest in literature; it was well known that the Prince was no bookworm.
"No. No, I meant my youngest son- my Loki," Frigga said with a gentle smile. "He's bored, I can see that. But because I allowed his father to imprison him as punishment, he is angry with me, too. He needs time to calm and start thinking clearly. I could send the books by magic or by guard, but I believe your company will do him good. You needn't fear him, Eir. Loki has made many foolish decisions, but he won't hurt you."
Eir shook her head, looking at the floor.
"I'm not afraid, my Queen, but you are too generous. It's not right. Cleaning one cell- chamber, I mean- won't take much of my time. I can't agree to such riches for so little work…"
"Do you think easing a mother's worries such an easy task to repay? This is my decision, child; the payment is fair. If you agree, I will be overjoyed to give you all the time you desire; time to learn… and time to sleep." Frigga smiled knowingly, easily finding the dark circles under Eir's eyes.
Eir gaped at the Queen, not knowing what to say. Before she could think better of it, she darted forward and hugged Frigga tightly.
"Thank you, my Queen," she said, tears spilling down her cheeks. She dashed them away with the back of her hand, a grin stretching her lips as she stepped back. "When may I begin?"
"At once would not be soon enough," Frigga laughed, standing abruptly. "Come, the books are in my chamber."
They moved quickly, Eir already daydreaming about her studies in herbalism. The Queen retrieved the books quickly, pressing three tomes into Eir's arms.
"There, take these with you. Tell Loki that his mother sends them with love," Frigga said, the corners of her lips lifting in amusement. "Go. The sooner you leave, the sooner you'll be able to run to the library!"
Eir hugged the books to her chest and bobbed a curtsy before leaving the chamber. She couldn't hide the smile on her lips.
