When Frigga reached the bridge and dismounted, Freya was already there waiting for her. Prince was perched up in a tree, keeping watch over them.
"Hello, Frigga." Freya smiled and then quickly frowned when she saw Frigga's tear-streaked face. "Whoa… what's wrong?" Frigga opened her mouth to explain, and choked on a sob.
"Oh, Freya!" Frigga cried, sobbing onto her friends shoulder. "It's my parents… they're forcing me to marry a man I don't even know!" she sobbed. Freya gently patted her back.
"Who?" Frigga looked up at her, her eyes filled with tears.
"Odin Borson." Freya gasped.
"The prince?" Frigga nodded. "Oh boy… well, why are you so upset? You'll be queen!" she soothed. Frigga sat down on the ground and dropped her head into her hands.
"Freya, you don't understand! I have nothing against being married, but…."
"But what?" Freya prompted.
"I always wanted to be married to a man I loved. I don't even know what Odin looks like! I want to spend the rest of my life with a man I know and trust, not a stranger. How am I suppose to love him when I'm being forced to marry him?" she said. Freya patted her friend's shoulder.
"Well, I'm sure it'll all turn out. It always does." She said comfortingly. When Frigga didn't smile, Freya grinned. "Besides, I've heard tell that Odin's quite a hunk. Betcha he could rock your world." She teased. Frigga laughed and slapped at her friend playfully.
"Freya! Honestly, it's not proper to talk of such things!" Freya grinned.
"Well, I'm just pointing out a fact." Frigga smiled softly and then sighed.
"I should be heading back. Mother will have me running around all day tomorrow to prepare for the feast." She frowned. Freya smiled.
"And meeting your fiancé." She teased. Frigga tried not to smile at her friend, but failed. Freya always knew how to lighten up any dark situation.
"Yes, I suppose. I'll see you tomorrow night, Freya." Frigga smiled and leapt gracefully onto her waiting mounts back. Freya waved at her and climbed onto her own horse. As Frigga rode home, she remembered Freya's words. Dear Gods… if I'm queen it'll be my duty to provide an heir. Which means I'll have to bed him. Frigga shuddered at the thought. Freya often spoke about her own many sexual encounters with various squires and warriors, but Frigga had never gone near the men, their rough appearance and hungry stares frightening her.
She entered the courtyard quietly, and made sure her stallion was safely in his stall before she crept to the house, quickly scaling the drainpipe back into her room. As she slipped on her nightdress and crawled beneath the covers, she was surprised to find herself thinking about the man she was soon to wed.
What would he be like? Would he be gruff and wild, like the warriors she had seen, or boring and dull, like the scholars her father had hired in her youth? Was he as handsome as Mildera had said? As Frigga's eyes slowly drooped closed, her thoughts stayed centered on the mysterious man that was soon to be her husband.
The next morning, Frigga was fast asleep when her mother and a trio of servants swept into the room.
"Good morning, my dearest!" Her mother said in a cheery voice as one of the servants flung the shutters open. Frigga groaned as the bright sunlight shone through her window and lit up the room.
"Gods, mother. It's barely daybreak! Let me sleep for just a few minutes longer…" Frigga mumbled and she snuggled deeper into her pillow. Her mother tutted.
"Now now, Frigga. Don't you remember? Today's the big day! You're meeting Odin tonight at the feast!" she gushed. Frigga groaned again.
"Yes, I remember. But why do I need to be up so early?" she protested. Her mother beamed.
"Well, we have to choose a dress! And do your hair, and…" Frigga's mother babbled on, listing off the seemingly never-ending list of things to do. Frigga sighed as she sat up in bed. It was going to be a long day.
When Odin awoke in the morning, it was to the sound of someone pounding on the door of his chambers. He groaned and rubbed his eyes.
"Wake up, my son!" His father's voice called. "You have to prepare for tonight!" Odin sighed and sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He stretched his powerful arms, giving a mighty yawn.
"I'll be out in a moment, father." He called back. The door of his room swung open, and his father and a few servants strode in. One of the servants, a young maiden, blushed bright red at the sight of the prince's naked chest. Her knees went weak, and her heart fluttered. The prince truly was as handsome as they said…
Odin usually slept naked, as most men do, but last night he had thrown on a pair of shorts, and he was now glad he had. He felt the maidens hungry gaze on him, and it made him quite uncomfortable. Perhaps sensing his son's discomfort, the king turned and addressed the maid.
"You. Go prepare your prince's breakfast." He ordered. The maid bowed low and quickly scuttled away. The two remaining servants in the room, both men, quickly busied themselves with opening the drapes and setting out the prince's clothes. Bor smiled at his son, who was busy looking wistfully at his bed, wishing he could crawl back in and sleep for a few more hours.
"Well, are you excited?" Bor questioned after Odin was dressed. Odin shrugged.
"I suppose so." He said flatly. Bor chuckled and slapped his son on the back.
"Trust me, my boy. You'll be much more enthusiastic when you see your bride-to-be. That is a fine woman, let me tell you." He said. Odin smiled at his father.
"I'm quite curious, to be honest. I wonder what she's like?" he wondered aloud. The king smiled.
"Well, her father tells me that she's the sweetest thing that ever lived. Heart of gold, gentle nature, and smart, too." Odin nodded as he took this in. He was going to ask some more questions about his fiancé, but a loud growl from his stomach cut him off. Odin and Bor laughed together, and the two of them headed downstairs for breakfast.
That night, across the city, Frigga was being prepared for the feast. She had selected, much to her mother's dismay, a relatively simple dress, made of dark blue silk that was the color of the night sky. Her hair she had chosen to leave down, and she had flat-out refused any make up. If she was going to marry this man, she wanted him to see her as she always was, without any garish adornments.
"Please, Frigga! You simply must do something with your hair! You can't just leave it down!" her mother had exclaimed, exasperated.
"Mother, it's fine. And it's staying like that." Frigga had said stubbornly. Her hair was beautiful as it was; long, brown locks that framed her lovely face, and flowed down past her shoulders. It was the kind of hair that made men wonder what it would look like spread out over a pillow.
"Ouch! Easy, Tabitha." Frigga exclaimed as the maid tightened a ribbon around her shapely waist.
"Sorry, my lady." The maid apologized. Frigga's mother looked at her daughter as the maids stepped back. Frigga did a little twirl and forced a smile.
"Well, how do I look?" she asked. Her mother smiled proudly at her daughter, secretly pleased with her naturally beautiful look. The simple dress, though lacking any frills or lace, showed off her curvy, slim figure, and her hair framed her face like a portrait.
"Like a queen." She said. Frigga smiled, though it felt as though a cold stone was sitting in her stomach. A small knock sounded at the door, and Frigga's father stepped in the room.
"Are you ladies ready to… Oh my! Frigga, you look absolutely stunning!" he said as he saw his daughter. Frigga smiled and a small blush colored her cheeks.
"Thank you, father." He smiled back at her and held open his arms.
"Come here, my dear. Give your poor, old father a hug." He said laughingly. Frigga laughed and hugged her father tight.
"You're not old, father." She said against his shoulder. He sighed and smiled.
"Yes, my dear, I fear I am." Frigga pulled back and smiled up at him. "Look at you. My little girl... going to be married! Twas only yesterday to me that you were a little baby, just learning to walk." He said over the lump in his throat, and his eyes shined with tears. Frigga kissed his cheek and smiled at him, though the stone in her stomach had grown heavier when he had mentioned her marriage.
"Come along, you two. Let's go, or we'll be late!" Frigga's mother exclaimed. Frigga nodded.
"I'll go wait in the carriage." She said as she left the room. Frigga's parents watched her go, and her father slipped his arm around his wife's shoulders.
"You look just as beautiful." He whispered in her ear. She giggled and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you, my love. Let's go." She said as she took his hand and they walked downstairs to the waiting carriage.
In the royal palace, Odin was just finishing up getting ready for the feast. He had donned a tight fitting, jet-black tunic, with inlaid gold embroidery that showed off his powerful, muscle bound frame. He had also put on some cologne, which, according to Tyr, would make the ladies go wild for him. Truthfully, Odin didn't care what any of the women at the feast thought about him, except for Frigga. He wanted to make a good first impression on his soon-to-be bride. A knock sounded on his door, and Odin recognized it as his mother.
"Enter." He called. The door swung open and the queen stepped into the room, looking at her son proudly. "Hello, mother." Odin smiled.
"Good evening, my son. You look very handsome." She said approvingly. Odin shrugged.
"Thank you, mother." He said. His mother smiled at him.
"So, are you ready to meet your fiancé?" she inquired. Odin nodded.
"Yes, I think so." He said, hoping he sounded more sure than he felt. The queen smiled tenderly at her son, and patted his cheek.
"You'll do fine." She assured. Odin smiled at his mother and hugged her. She laughed and pulled away. "Now come. The guests are beginning to arrive."
In the Great Hall, civilians and nobles alike were beginning to pour through the huge doorway. Odin stood at his father's side and watched the people enter the hall, straining to catch a glimpse of the lady Frigga.
"You'll know her when you see her." Bor had said. "She'll be the most beautiful maiden there." Now, Bor looked at his son scanning the crowd and chuckled.
"She'll be here soon, my son." Odin nodded at his father.
"I know."
As Frigga and her parents exited the carriage and entered the throng of people streaming into the palace, Frigga swallowed hard. Wow. The castle was huge, and it looked as though all of Asgard had shown up.
"Come along, Frigga! Your father has gone to tell the king we're here." Her mother said as the entered the hall. Frigga smiled at her mother, though her heart was racing. Oh boy. Okay, get a grip, Frigga. This is it.
"Oy! Over here, pal!" A shout sounded above the people, and Frigga turned to see Freya waving at her, in the company of a rather handsome young man. Frigga waved back at her friend, and motioned that she'd be busy most of the night. Freya nodded and was quickly swept out of sight in the crowd.
"Oh, I'm so excited! Aren't you?" Frigga's mother gushed. "The prince will be here any minute!" Frigga forced a smile and swallowed.
"Yes, I can't wait."
As Odin was looking over the crowd, a man came striding up to Bor.
"My king." He said, bowing low. "My daughter has just arrived." Bor smiled and looked over at his son.
"Excellent!" he boomed. "Odin, are you ready?" he inquired. Odin nodded.
"Of course, father." Odin glanced at the man, who nodded.
"If it would please my lord, I shall take you to her now." he said. Odin squared his shoulders and straightened his tunic.
"Lead on." The man bowed once more and stepped into the crowd, and Odin walked after him. As they walked, the people looked at Odin with awe, and bowed their heads as the prince passed them. The women in the crowd looked at him longingly, but Odin didn't even notice them. His heart was thundering in his chest as he followed his fiancé's father through the crowd.
Frigga looked up and saw her father first, and when she saw the man behind him, her breath caught in her throat.He was huge. Well over 6 feet tall, with strong, broad shoulders and arms that looked like they could snap a man in half. His wide, powerful chest radiated strength, and his bearded jaw was sharp. He had strong, chiseled features, and was very handsome. She inhaled sharply, and caught his scent, the cologne he was wearing. Mmmm… he smelled delicious, his scent a spicy, masculine aroma. But his eyes… they were blue as glacial ice, but they weren't cold. They looked wise, gentle… and they were looking straight at her
As Odin saw the man leading him stop, he looked up to see his fiancé, and he swore his heart stopped for a moment. Beautiful was the biggest understatement he had ever heard. The woman standing in front of him was absolutely heart stopping, stunningly gorgeous. Her long, silky brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her long, dark lashes framed the most beautiful dark grey eyes he'd ever seen. Her face was completely lovely, with perfect cheekbones and a soft curving jaw.
Her lips were absolutely perfect, full, and begging to be touched, kissed, and caressed. And the rest of her… lady Frigga had the body of a goddess. Those perfect curves, slim waist, and full breasts… Odin suddenly felt his manhood grow large in his trousers, and he thanked the stars he had chosen the heavy leathers, which made it impossible for his erection to be detected.
Come on, man! Snap out of it! Introduce yourself, for the love of the Gods! Odin took a deep breath and stepped forward. Frigga almost shrank back when Odin stepped towards her, but she stood her ground.
"My lady, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." Odin said in his deep voice, hoping his hands didn't shake as he leaned forward and gently, so gently, took Frigga's hand and pressed the back of it to his lips. Gods, her skin smelled heavenly. And it was so soft… like the rest of her was bound to be. The muscles in Odin's stomach tightened as his erection punched against his pants, demanding the woman in front of him.
"The pleasure is mine, my lord." Frigga said coolly, giving him a smile. No matter how handsome he was, she would stay distant. Odin smiled warmly at her, and offered her his arm.
"Shall we, lady Frigga?" he asked. Frigga nodded politely and laced her arm through his. Odin found himself loving how small she was compared to him, and he thought of how easily he could pick her up and carry her away in his arms.
"Of course, Lord Odin." She said, keeping her tone cool. Odin smiled once more down at her, hoping to receive one of her absolutely lovely smiles in return. Frigga smiled politely, and then averted her eyes away from his. Gods, she would give anything to be out of this crowd, away from all of the scrutinizing eyes…
"My lady, would you prefer to go somewhere quieter? Perhaps the balcony?" Odin offered, seeing her discomfort. Frigga looked up at him, surprised.
"Y-yes, my lord. If it is alright with you." She said softly. Odin leaned closer towards her, drinking in the soft, melodious sound of her voice. It was so soft, like silk.
"Of course, my lady." He spoke, leading her through the throng of people, onto the open balcony. There was no one else there, and Frigga inhaled the cool night air deeply into her lungs. The scent of honeysuckle was in the air, and she exhaled slowly as tension seeped from her muscles.
Odin found he couldn't keep his eyes off her. The moonlight on her skin was sweet torture for him, for all he could think of doing was pressing soft kisses everywhere the moons light touched. Frigga looked at the prince, and then out over the city.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said. Odin took a step closer to her.
"Yes, it is. I suppose that makes two of you." He said softly. Frigga blushed, and the slight darkening of her skin sent Odin's heart racing.
"Thank you, my lord." She finally spoke. Odin couldn't resist, and he lightly touched her shoulder.
"No thanks are necessary, my lady." Frigga dropped her eyes to the ground, and then looked back over the city, saying nothing. Odin watched her silently. Gods, she's so beautiful, so perfect… her mouth wouldn't be any different. Just kiss her. Take her face in your hands, and taste that gorgeous mouth of hers. It would be so good… Odin shook his head slightly, and tried to ignore the heavy ache in his groin, and the thoughts in his head. Gods, he'd only know her twenty minutes and he was already wild for her.
"So, we are to be married." Frigga said flatly. Odin nodded, and his brow furrowed.
"Yes. You don't sound very happy about that." He said, a little concerned. Had he said something wrong? Been to forward? She looked like she had received a death sentence. Frigga sighed heavily.
"My lord, I don't want to lie to you, so I won't. No, I am not happy about it." She said, and immediately regretted it. Nice going, idiot. That's exactly what you say to the prince of Asgard, the man you're supposed to marry. Now you're going to be booted out of the castle for the rest of your life. Odin drew in a sharp breath, and a pang of pain hit his heart. What had he done wrong?
"My lady, if it is anything I've done, I deeply apologize…" he said hurriedly, in an almost desperate attempt to win back her favor. Frigga looked up in surprise. He wasn't angry? And he thought it was his fault?
"No, no. It is nothing you have done, my lord." She assured him. "It's just… I always thought…" she began, but the balcony door opening cut her off.
Frigga? Frigga, it's time to… oh! My lord, I am sorry…" Frigga's mother stuttered as she apologized. Odin nodded, his brow still creased with worry.
"It is fine. Lady Frigga and I were just talking." He said, casting another glance at the woman beside him. Frigga's mouth was set in a hard line, and her back was straight. Odin's swollen manhood pulsed with the beat of his heart as he looked at her.
"Yes, you're right mother. It is late, and I am quite tired. Perhaps it's time to go." Frigga said in a cool tone. Her mother looked a tad confused, and then nodded.
"Yes, the carriage is waiting out front. I shall give you a moment to say goodbye." Her mother bowed and retreated back into the crowd of people. Odin and Frigga stayed silent for a moment.
"Goodnight, my lord. It was a pleasure meeting you." Frigga said as she smiled, but Odin saw that her smile didn't reach her eyes, which still looked unbearably sad. Still, when she said "pleasure" all he could think about was the pleasure he could give to her, between satin sheets, limbs intertwined, naked skin on skin…
"The pleasure was all mine, my lady." He said as he bowed and tenderly kissed her hand. "I do look forward to seeing you again." He smiled warmly at her, hoping she couldn't read his lustful thoughts through his expression.
"Likewise, my lord." Frigga smiled as she turned and walked briskly back into the crowd, quickly disappearing from Odin's line of sight. He let out a heady sigh and ran a hand through his hair. Great. Your first time meeting her, and you've already screwed it up. Obviously, she's not thrilled at the thought of marrying you. Odin leaned against the railing and looked out over the city. He knew, deep in his heart, that he was already deeply, hopelessly in love with the lady Frigga. And he was prepared to do anything to get her to feel the same for him.
