A dozen strong warriors accompanied the prince and his bride-to-be onto Midgard. The men gave her questioning, or some knowing, looks as she swung onto her horse, but she ignored them. She rode beside Ve as the part hurtled down the rainbow bridge. Odin had not come to see his little brother off. Ve slowed their pace as they drew close to Heimdall's observatory.

"You can go back, if you want to," he murmured.

"I do not."

Ve gave her a brief smile that she did not return. It would be good to see her mother. It would be good to put distance between herself and Faraldar. Just thinking of him made Freyja's face grow hot.

They rode into the observatory, Ve exchanging greetings with the young Heimdall. Freyja gripped the reins of her horse tightly with one hand, and drew the hood of her fur-lined cloak over her head. It was cold where they were going.

The horses were remarkably well trained. They flicked their tails in annoyance as the bifrost began to spin, but did not break formation. The sound was like a rushing waterfall. Freyja grit her teeth as the coloured lights surrounded them all. She felt the jerk in her navel and they were gone. It was not as bad as the first time, but still when the spinning stars and coloured lights stopped, Ve had to reach out and steady her.

"Set camp and watch for the Jotuns," Ve ordered, dismounting.

Freyja shivered despite her cloak. Her breath crystallised in the air, but the ground was clear of snow. They had been deposited in a narrow valley, with steep, white-capped mountains all around them.

Freyja swung off her horse- and her foot connected with Ve's face as he stepped forward to aid her. She twisted to see what she had done, her foot twisted as well, she jerked to correct herself, lost balance and landed on top of Ve. He grunted as he elbow dug into her sternum.

"Are you all right?" she asked as she pushed herself off of him. She ignored the chuckles of the men, but Ve's face was red. He helped her to her feet.

"Yes. Yes, of course. Are you?"

Freyja nodded.

"Set camp," Ve ordered again, and then looked at Freyja with the expression of one completely lost.

Freyja looped her arm through his. "See those peaks over there?" She pointed, pulling Ve away from the rest of the men. "I am not entirely certain, I have never seen it from this point, but I think that there is a cave at the base of them."

"There could be," Ve nodded, looking puzzled.

"That is where I was born." Freyja smiled as she remembered the times when her mother told her the story of her and Frey's birth. She squeezed Ve's arm tighter and on sudden impulse, added, "I would love to show you, someday."

Ve turned with a pleasantly surprised smile, but the sound of the bifrost behind them interrupted whatever he was going to say. Frowning, the prince extracted his arm and strode through the men to see who the new arrival was. Freyja followed slowly.

"Faraldar! You are just arriving, are you?"

Freyja stopped, her face going white. Her heart hammered in her chest.

"My lord Ve, I apologise for my late arrival, but-"

"No excuses, boy. Do not be tardy to any more of your duties or you shall be flogged."

"Yes, my lord. Of course, my lord."

The men parted slightly, and Freyja saw him. He was looking right at her. As soon as her blue eyes locked onto his amber ones, a shock rippled though her. She was frozen, exposed, vulnerable- surely everyone could see the flush in her cheeks, hear the hammering of her heart- she had to stop staring... Could not.

"Lady Freyja?"

Freyja jumped as Ve touched her arm. He frowned.

"Are you all right?"

"What? Oh, yes- yes. I am more anxious than I thought..." Freyja stammered. "I thought- frost giants-"

"No harm shall befall you," Ve assured her, his blue eyes troubled. "But to put your mind at rest- Faraldar!"

Freyja startled, and she flushed deeper. Faraldar strode through the busy bustle and stopped before Ve, bowing lightly.

"Yes, my lord?"

"You have a new assignment. To keep my wife-to-be secure in both body and mind."

Body...

Faraldar bowed sharply, not looking at Freyja. Ve nodded in satisfaction and then went about the camp, insuring that everything was to his satisfaction. Freyja walked with him, asking questions that she already knew the answers to. The setting of camp was quick, and Freyja retreated into her tent as quickly as she could.

It was standard warrior's fare. The ground was covered with extra furs for her, however, and a great lump of blankets was her bed. Obviously effort had been put into making her comfortable. It was just as obvious that these men were not used to a woman's comfort. Her small chest sat beside the bed.

Freyja sank down and hid her face in her hands. She had been hoping to be able to visit her mother, but now she could not leave without- that guard accompanying her. And Gaea would not approach this camp. Freyja was there to demonstrate the connection to the goddess, not the goddess herself. And she would not be able to take Ve on whatever rides she went on. He was there for a purpose, and she was not it.

Besides that, the Jotuns would arrive soon.

#

It was dark before they came. They appeared suddenly out of the darkness like giant wraiths. They stood on the edge of camp silently, lips curled in disgust as they surveyed the tiny Aesir.

Freyja, within her tent, heard the guard call for Ve and exited to see the giants. Her heart leapt; for a second she was certain they were surrounded. She saw Ve stride through the ranks, his steps firm, and stepped forward to join him.

She smelled orange blossoms and a hand gripped her arm and pulled her into the tent. She stifled a gasp as she found herself unbearably close to Faraldar.

"What are you doing here?" he breathed, pulling her close. His expression was fraught with worry. "I came here to stay away from you, to chase you and your beauty from my thoughts." He caressed her face gently. "And now I find you here, putting yourself in danger? What were you thinking?" He shook his head, before his expression became angry. "And what is your husband-to-be thinking, bringing you to such a dangerous situation? He should protect you!"

"From the Jotuns or you?" Freyja curled herself away from him. Should she scream? No, it would show weakness in front of the Frost Giants, besides...she was loath to admit it, but part of her was glad to see Faraldar. She knew that was wrong...she should not feel this way for anyone except her betrothed...

Faraldar released her arms and cupped her face in his hands. Her skin sparked where he touched her- even as she recoiled, she wanted more – he suddenly kissed her. Her brain exploded. Never before had she felt so-

"No!" Freyja shoved him roughly away.

"You do not love him. I know you do not. Freyja, I told you that it was lust, but the truth is it is love between us! Can you not feel what I feel? I will abandon any ties to the Aesir- we can hide among my Norn kin, they shall keep us safe."

"No."

Faraldar gripped Freyja's arms again. "You cannot tell me you love him."

"Nor can I say I love you! My body is not a toy for men's possession. I chose who and when. I have chosen Ve, not you. Never you. I am not a broodmare that will couple with every steed in the pasture!"

Faraldar released her, looking stricken. "Is that what you think I think of you? No, Freyja. I love you more deeply than any man has loved a woman- just promise me a smile and I shall be your slave. I shall gladly burn for your touch, even if it is just your hand in mine-"

"Your words and actions speak different phrases," Freyja replied coldly. "Now leave me."

"Of course, my lady. As you wish, my lady."

Faraldar bowed low and slipped out of the tent. Freyja took a moment to compose herself and then followed him out. She marched determinedly to Ve and latched herself to his arm. He turned, a slightly surprised expression on his face.

"Mother wants to know how long you are going to be, beloved. She is eager to meet you," Freyja said with her sweetest smile.

"Do Aesir princelings take orders from women now?"

Freyja looked up at the Jotun who had spoken. He was huge, dark blue skin, blood-red eyes- his facial markings were slightly different than those of his companions, but otherwise they all looked the same to Freyja. He leered at her, his pupils dilating as she leaned back into the shadows.

"Aesir princes do not take orders from any but the king, Laufey," Ve replied with a growl to his voice. "We do, however, respect the Elder Gods. My betrothed is the daughter of Gaea."

Laufey's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Then where is the Mother Goddess, if here is her daughter?"

"The Mother Goddess is becoming impatient waiting to meet her future son-in-law while little boys talk of inane things."

Freyja stifled a sigh of relief. She turned to see her mother strolling casually through the Aesir camp. She wore a sleeveless, fitted green robe more suited for summer than winter, but the cold clearly did not bother her. Gaea stopped beside Freyja, fixing Ve with an intimidating stare.

"Are you quite through wasting my time?"

"Mother!" Freyja protested. "We are not here just to meet you."

"What could possibly be discussed tonight that would not be better discussed on the morrow? Preferably with a few pints of ale. The Jotuns stay in their camp, the Aesir in their camp, and as long as none of you are stupid everything shall be fine. Now," Gaea linked her arm through Freyja's and gave Ve a final threatening glance. "Do not keep me waiting much longer. I may never age, but that does not mean I have infinite patience. As for you," she turned to Laufey. "Just remember that this is my world, and you would do well to respect it."

With that, Gaea pulled Freyja away, beginning to chat animatedly about wedding plans- that is, until they entered Freyja's tent. Then Gaea stopped and fixed her daughter with a look that made her feel like a young child again.

"What were you thinking? This is a volatile situation, Freyja! One wrong word at these negotiation and it shall be war. Laufey is a hot headed fool and your beloved," Gaea's voice dripped with sarcasm at the word, "is not known for his thinking. Odin and Ymir seem to be searching for excuses to slaughter each other – and there are many all too happy to give them those excuses!"

Freyja waited. "Are you quite through, Mother?"

Gaea frowned. "What a tone to take with the one who gave you life!"

"One of two," Freyja corrected. "And as for my presence here, I was thinking many things, one of which was that I missed my mother's wisdom."

Gaea rolled her eyes, but embraced her daughter. "You have ever been the most difficult of my children. It is what I get for letting Njord raise you."

"It is what you get for letting him impregnate you."

Gaea smiled wryly, straightening Freyja's collar. "Your father was a much nicer man before."

"Before he became king?"

"Before I got to know him. Now, what do you need your mother's wisdom for?"

Freyja bit her lip. Her mother surely would have something to say about her feelings around Faraldar, but she may not grasp the potency of them. She was disallowed answering, however, because at that moment Ve's voice came into the tent, asking for entry.

"Come in," Freyja invited.

Ve entered and bowed low to Gaea. "Lady-" she started.

"I have only one question for you, Lord Ve," Gaea interrupted. "Who do you think is lovelier, my daughter or myself?"

Ve looked stunned. Freyja rolled her eyes. Gaea waited for an answer.

"I do not know you, my lady," Ve said slowly. "I cannot answer your question."

Gaea surveyed him. "Your brother is far better with words. More attractive, too. Dear daughter, if you wish to visit me, please do so – But there is far too much stupidity in this camp for me to stay." Gaea kissed Freyja's cheek and then disappeared in a flash of green light.

"Do not mind her," Freyja said quickly. "She thinks I am too young to marry and thinks my father is selling me for peace."

"I see," Ve slowly replied. "The Jotuns have gone. We shall meet again on the morrow to survey negotiation sites."

Freyja nodded. "Shall I accompany you?"

"I thought you were afraid of the Jotuns."

"I-" Freyja stopped. "I am. But I want to be with you. We are going to be married. I want- I want to see you work."

She would not tell him about Faraldar.

Ve nodded. "If that is what you wish." He was silent for a moment, looking uncertain. He took her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. "Good-night, Lady."

"Good night."

Freyja suddenly wondered what he would do if she asked him to stay the night. Was she even ready for that? Nothing had to happen... But by the time she had worked up the courage, he was gone.

#

It was so cold the next morning the warriors had to melt ice for water. Freyja dressed quickly in her tent, for the only time grateful for Aesir modesty. Less exposed skin mean less cold skin. She twisted her hair into a bun, securing it with a jeweled pin and then ducked out of the tent to Join Ve for breakfast. Faraldar shadowed her like a guard dog, making her feel... she did not know what she felt. His kiss still burned her lips.

Breakfast went by quickly, and Ve, Freyja, and half the warriors, Faraldar included, saddled their horses and rode two kilometers south, where Laufey and two other Jotuns were waiting.

"This is early morning?" the Frost Giant prince sneered. "Aesir are soft." He caught sight of Freyja and his sneer turned into a knowing leer. "You bring your woman to show off your prize or to threaten us with the Mother Goddess?"

Freyja returned the look silently.

"Lady Freyja has her own reasons for accompanying me," Ve responded evenly. "Are we to survey sites for negotiation, or do you merely wish to ogle my bride?"

Laufey snorted, the leer disappearing. He stood. He was taller by half than Ve. Faraldar urged his horse up next to Freyja's. His eyes were narrowed in anger. As he glanced at her, Freyja dropped her gaze. Why must she flush now? It was not the time...

The sun climbed steadily as the half-dozen Aesir and three jotuns traveled through the valley inspecting and discussing potential sites. Freyja tried to listen, but she was distracted more and more by Faraldar's presence. He kept his horse close to hers, even when she tried to put Ve between them.

The group was at the center of the valley, inspecting a wide, flat rock devoid of vegetation when the storm hit. The sky went from sunny to blizzard in half an hour. The Aesir brought their horses together. The Jotuns looked at the snow with smiles. Laufey smirked.

"Has the cold defeated the princling of Asgard?"

"I propose that we resume our discussions after the storm passes," Ve replied, ignoring Laufey's jibe.

Laufey stared at Ve and then nodded. "Run back to your camp, then- perhaps your woman shall keep you warm."

"Perhaps yours would, too, if any would have you!" Ve retorted angrily.

Laufey hissed. Freyja's heart leapt to her throat as the six warriors pulled their horses closer around their prince. Faraldar grabbed her reins from her. She opened her mouth to protest. One of the jotuns drew their weapon-

"Enough," Laufey said. He turned on his heel and stalked into the storm.

Ve wheeled his horse around. Freyja tore her reins back from Faraldar and followed.

The blizzard increased. Soon Freyja could hardly see Ve in front of her. She pulled her cloak around herself tighter. Her nose dripped from the cold; it froze on her upper lip. She bent over her horse's neck, keeping an eye on the animal ahead. A sudden gust of wind made her flinch, turning her head- when she looked up again, she was alone.

"Ve?" she shouted.

No reply.

Freyja's heart pounded and she shouted again. Her voice was lost in the howling wind.

I cannot have been lost so quickly. If she had turned the horse, someone would have seen, would not they?

"Mother?"

Still nothing. Freyja's heart pounded. Lost. Alone. Cold.

Her horse began walking of its own accord. Freyja let the reins slacken, bending over its neck to keep warm. If the horse was not receiving instructions from her mother, all was lost.

#

Atum carefully wreathed his hand in white-hot flame before laying it on the oiled chest of the Aesir he was talking with. The man screamed as the oil bubbled and his skin crisped. Atum watched tears stream down the man's face and then quenched the flame.

The Aesir breathed raggedly. "What do you want?"

Atum flared his hand again. The man screamed. "Do you ask questions of me?"

"No," the man whimpered.

Atum nodded. His demonstration over, he pulled a chair close to the table he had bound the man to. Propping his elbows on the table, he rested his chin in his hands. It was a friendly gesture that never failed to terrify. His green eyes locked coldly on his victim. "My uncle has recently found a way to release his influence into the nine realms."

The Aesir gasps. "I did not-"

"No, you did nothing. But you have been plotting against your king, and this, I believe, was instigated by Chthon. So tell me. What is your plan?"

The man stared in horrified silence.

Atum sighed. The fear his presence inflicted was useful, but the silence that it produced was not. "You need not fear so long as you speak. Remain silent, and I shall melt your face."

"Midgard!" the Aesir screamed as Atum lit his hand again. "The king and his brother negotiate with the Jotuns on Midgard! There is a plan to murder the Jotun prince during these negotiations. Ymir shall think it was Odin's doing. The giants will kill the king and his brother-"

"And what of Ve's bride? What would become of her after this insurrection?" Atum snarled, distracted from whatever Chthon's plot was for the sake of his little sister.

"Our- our leader would claim her."

"As his wife?"

"No- he shall marry the queen- to legitimise his claim to the throne-"

"Who is he?" Atum grabbed the Aesir by the throat. "Who is the fool who thinks he can turn my sister into his whore?"

The Aesir's eyes widened. "I do not know! I swear- we were not told his name-"

Atum saw the man told the truth.

He was of no more use.

The sun god snapped the man's neck and got to his feet. Midgard.