"What?" he said incredulously.

"Round up your friends and meet me at sunset in the south hall. Time is of the essence since the deal will be off if I am wed," she said, done with the conversation and walking away.

She knows who the big players are in Asgard, and there is absolutely one individual she needs as a key player on her side. How Loki, who wouldn't give her what she wanted, gave her hope was beyond her. She saw a light at the end of the tunnel. It was exciting and thrilling even….

She waited until the guards weren't looking, casting a minor confusion spell on them. Then, she mounted a mare and took off down the rainbow bridge. She wouldn't have them thinking she was escaping after all. She dismounted and walked up to the notorious gatekeeper.

"Hello, Heimdall," she said softly. "I presume you know why I'm here. You see everything."

"I do," he said.

"So… will you help me?" she asked softly, giving him doe eyes for extra measure. "Because I need you."

"Yes," he said. "Regardless of how you bat your eyes and your non-altruistic desires, I do see… fault with the Allfather. If it's a bloodless coup you plan, then I shall be a part of it."

She snorted incredulously. The slight dig at her wasn't unnoticed. Him not being impressed with her attempts at bribing him with flirtatious eyes wasn't the issue, but him judging her for her morality was.

"I'd say it's fair I don't say to hell with the lot of you and let you violently murder each other over the throne, considering what you have put me through," she said simply. "And yes, I plan for this to be bloodless. I do still like Loki after all."

"What did you have in mind?"

"I'm having a meeting tonight with The Warriors Three and Sif. If you're curious, listen in."

He nodded once, and then gave her a small smile.

"Despite all, it's lovely to see you again, Lady Freyja."

She returned the smile somewhat bitterly.

"You as well, Heimdall," she said before turning away.

"I hope you learn to forgive and let go not for them but for your own peace," he said.

What? Forgive and let go? Why? They deserved vengeance. She wanted them to feel how they made her feel. And, she wanted out of marriage. She didn't particularly want to see Odin die, but simultaneously she wouldn't care if he did die. The council he assigned are the ones who proposed the marriage between her and one of the princes not Odin. Besides, Odin was the one who let her leave Asgard as a child after the severe bullying and beatings she received at the hands of nasty Asgardians. He did do her that kindness. His son and his friends, however, deserved whatever wrath she saw fit. The only reason she was helping them was to get what she wanted: out of marriage. After that, the gloves were off.

"They deserve whatever they get once I wash my hands of them and return to Vanaheim," she said simply.

She rode off. She returned the mare to her stall where she once was just as the guards' hex wore off. They straightened, making her smirk in mild amusement.

"Aw, Lady Freyja, what are you doing here?"

"Oh nothing," she said simply.

She walked up to them, standing in one the guard's space. She saw his eyes look her up and down. It was almost like a superpower the influence she had over men now that her looks have improved. When men were in charge, she could possibly get whatever she wished. And she didn't feel bad for using in this situation.

"Just pretend you never saw me," she said softly, giving him a coy smile.

She saw a blush beginning to grow on his face as he looked away. She could see the tell tale flattery on his face. She had him in the palm of her hands for now that is.

"At least let us escort you back," he said.

"Sure."

They walked along towards the large castle. She tried to ignore them even though they were right behind her.

"What was that, Geir?" she heard his buddy say.

"What?"

"You let that Vanirian whore walk all over you," he said.

She felt a fist form. The visceral hatred of her kind and the lies and assumptions disgusted her deeply. She heard that a couple of women were taken to Asgard as 'spoils of war' afterwards and forced to be wives, and yet there was still hatred and bigotry towards Vanirians. It seemed she was correct that sex and respect don't always go together. After all, she'd imagined the Vanirian women didn't go willingly or consensually.

"No, no, I didn't," he said quickly.

"What were you thinking? She's the Allfather's bought bride," he said.

This time when her fist closed she couldn't help her magic escaping her control. They slipped and fell on their faces. She kept walking regardless.

"Is there a problem, gentlemen?" she questioned, smirking slightly.

"No!" they said quickly.

X

They were sitting at the table. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif looked so awkward. She wasn't doing much better their entire presence made her so uncomfortable, but she needed them. She hated them, but she needed them for her plan. It's time to swallow the pride and hate. For now that is.

She saw Volstagg eating madly, so with a flick of her wrist the plate of food went flying against the wall.

"Whatever did you do that for?!" the large man demanded, looking over at her.

"You've eaten three fesants, two chickens, and three potatoes," she said, giving him a look. "You've had enough. Pay attention."

She gestured for them to sit at the table to which they did as she did as well. She looked at all of them, trying to lessen the bitter hatred to function.

"Loki is the Allfather now. I'm to be married to said Allfather. Odin is in his Odinsleep. The frost giants plan to kill you all. And, Thor is gone," she said. "I will help you get him back smoothly."

"Why are you helping?" Sif questioned.

"I don't wish to be married."

"Don't you like Loki?"

Freyja laughed drily. The entire situation was just so like Loki. The man was The God of Mischief all throughout. Only he would do this to her because he knows her and her feelings on the subject of marriage, love, and freedom of choice. Why he was punishing her she wasn't sure yet. She hasn't slighted him.

"Yes, but he's always been selfish. Both the princes have been, haven't they?" she said simply, smirking wryly. "Trust me when I say, I will do anything to get out of holy matrimony and keep Vanaheim safe. That includes defying the current Allfather. So, are you going to work for me or not?"

"For you?!" Volstagg said incredulously.

"Hmm, I didn't realize there's an echo in here," she said snarkily with an amused smirk. Oh how she hated them. "Anway, yes, all of you are in need of my leadership. I'm the brains, and you're the brawns. Don't get it confused."

She could see the irritation on their faces, and she was basking in it quite a bit. Granted, Sif didn't beat Freyja up as a child, but she did participate in the gossip and hatred of Vanerians and therefore her. She hated them all, but she needed muscle and people for this particular operation. After all, if she left Asgard now; the treaty would be off and Vanaheim would be in danger. Why would Heimdall tell her to forgive and forget when being a hateful bitch towards them was so much fun.

"Hmm, I've always loved them bossy," Fandral whispered to Volstagg with an unlikeable expression.

Freyja, Sif, and Hogun rolled their eyes deservedly. Even Volstagg wasn't exactly comfortable with Fandral's… words.

"You seem familiar," he said. "Do we know you?"

She laughed darkly. "No, but I know you all. Do you want Thor back or not?"

"Yes," they answered.

"Then do as I say," she said easily, enjoying how the tables have turned. "In the dead of the night, talk to Heimdall. He knows. By the time you reach Vanaheim, it should be morning. Thor should be at his hammer by then. If he can't lift it come back with him regardless."

"And what shall you be doing?" Volstagg said accusingly.

"Holding down the fort, genius. I'll be distracting him," she said.

Fandral smirked, wiggling his brows and earning a smack in the arm from Sif.

"Loki may retaliate," she said, "I'll keep him busy. But, if you four don't make it in time to stop the wedding and the frost giants coming, the deal is off. And, I won't protect you any longer."

"Who are you? The Allfather hasn't announced your name. He's only said you're from Vanaheim," Sif said.

She sighed, looking away in irritation. Her secret will be out soon enough anyway. She might as well divulge. She'd already ripped the bandage off with Thor; she might as well with them.

"I guess I am completely unrecognizable," she said. "My name is Freyja."

She closed her eyes to the collective gasp from all of them. She hated them so.

"You're Freyja?" Fandral said. "You were so…"

"Ugly, I know," she said bitingly. "And now, you're flirting because I'm not ugly anymore. But let me tell you something, all of you actually, I hate you all. The only reason I'm dealing with you is because our interests align. The enemy of my enemy is my friend after all," she said.

She could see that regret she suspected would happen on Fandral, the pussy hound's, face. He only regretted it because he couldn't sleep with her now because of the things he had done to her. But the others may have actually felt guilty now. She didn't believe it genuine. And, she for goddamned sure will make them regret it for real one day.

"I'm s—"

"Don't," she said tightly. "Just go. The meeting is adjourned."

…

Later that same night, she was invited to tea with the new Allfather. Another part of his little game? Or did he genuinely miss her? She didn't know. She never knew with Loki. Sometimes, it was difficult to see through him completely. And typically, she was quite perceptive. She prided herself on it. Maybe, that was a reason, amongst others, why she was sort of drawn in by him and why they became friends.

The doors opened, and she stepped through into the grand hall. It was only the two of them in here besides the tea. The guards were waiting outside the door this time. Hmm, it seemed she's to walk into the lion's den alone. Fine by her, he's a devil she knew.

"Hello, Freyja," he said, giving her a smile.

"Hi," she said back in greeting as she walked towards him.

She sat down next to him with many questions on her mind. She's sure he had some as well. But the tea he was pouring looked so appealing to her. She picked up the cup and blew the steam away before sipping.

His eyes were so blue, and they were peering up into hers so earnestly as he sipped his tea. It's like things haven't changed… yet they have.

"So, is there a reason why you called for me?" she questioned curiously.

"Is 'I've missed you' simple enough?" he said playfully.

She laughed easily. "Things are never simple with you. We both know that," she said amusedly.

It was hard to believe that he'd murder his father, and let Jotunheim do whatever they wanted. Loki was mischievous, but he wasn't evil. He's a chaotic good. Was the throne so important to him that he would kill a family member he loved? She couldn't believe it, but she heard and saw it herself.

"You seem troubled," he said. "Your handmaidens told me you've been withdrawn and flighty."

So he was keeping tabs on her, and those wenches couldn't be trusted with anything. Things she's already presumed.

"You know why," she said simply. "You know of my thoughts on marriage and Asgard, and yet you still want to bind me in matrimony."

He blinked away from her gaze. She had to question him on it. And maybe, just maybe she'd question him on his plans; maybe, he'll explain himself. Maybe, he'll change his mind as well. She could be very persuasive under the right circumstances. She doubted it would go well, but she had to try.

"It's been in planning for centuries and as the new Allfather it's not wise to undo the previous Allfather's last command," he said. "Asgard is unstable. And a marriage and the possibility of new heirs to continue the line of succession will stabilize the throne and the people's minds."

New heirs?

She hadn't thought that far ahead. She didn't think she'd be marrying the new Allfather and expected to reproduce to continue the royal line. She wasn't ready for that. No, no, she wasn't ready for children, nor to be someone's broodmare.

She tried her best not to let those words affect her visibly. After all, she was putting an end to it. He wouldn't have his way with her. She wouldn't be forced into a role that didn't benefit her. It resolved her completely.

"Don't you want what's best for Asgard?" he questioned.

She knows what gaslighting is.

"You know I don't give a shit about Asgard," she said simply, not falling into that trap.

"Fair enough," he said with a shrug.

A thought rang true to her finally. Loki wished for what Thor had or, should she say, would've had before his banishment. After all, he'd always been jealous of his older brother. Thor is the first born, represented all the things Asgard valued, and praised endlessly for it. And, since she was promised to Thor, of course Loki wasn't going to let her go. He wants Thor's life, and it was planned for Freyja to be a part of that life. So, he would keep her regardless of her wishes.

She shook her head in disbelief and disgust. He wouldn't let her go, even though he had the power to, all for his selfish desires and reasons. It was another hard thing to swallow just like him planning patricide. And shame on her for missing and liking the company of someone who's bad for you. After all, when she was with him she almost always had a good time with him despite his flaws.

"Do you want to do something fun?" she questioned, wanting a distraction desperately.

"What did you have in mind?" he said, smirking.

"Not tea," she said, wanting out of this room and particular topic.

They were inside The Golden Mare pub and in more casual dress so as to not be spotted. There was a band with a guy playing a lute and a woman singing. People were dancing. Some were throwing darts and hatchets. Others were at the bar, pounding down meade and all kinds of shot, and cutting up and laughing. It seemed everyone was starting the party early. It was five o'clock somewhere, correct? It was a lively night tonight.

They managed to sit at the bar together. They were downing vodka shots together happily. She was laughing, enjoying the harsh burn of alcohol down her throat and gut. She needed this. She's been stressed and longed for a release of tension.

"You've become so jaded since the last I've seen of you. It's nice to see you smile," he said. "I thought you'd forgotten how to."

"Well, we aren't children anymore and a lot has happened since then," she said. She downed another shot of vodka and joined the bar's wooting. "But this," she said, slamming the shot upside down, "can make even the most bitter of us unwind."

He chuckled.

With her head swimming pleasantly, she looked around some more. And, one activity stood out to her in this marvelous, giant pub. Her brown eyes lit up as she turned back towards him.

"Do you want to throw darts?" she said with a small smile to which he returned.

It was her turn to throw finally. She picked up the dart and looked up at the target, eyeing it up. She got a couple of drunken shouts to throw it already. So, she did. She almost hit the target, and she let out a sound of mock frustration.

"I almost had it! Did you see that?" she said to Loki playfully, smiling at him.

He smiled back, touching her face briefly.

She turned back to her game, and started to level the shot again. And, just as she released it an unknown man showed up.

"I haven't seen you before," he said, crowding and towering over her space.

"That's because I haven't been here before," she said simply, not paying him any mind as she prepared to throw another dart again.

"You're a pretty, young thing," he said, touching her hair, "even for a ginger."

Backhanded comments were so offensive. She didn't know why red hair in particular was so despised. It's just a hair color.

"Don't touch me," she said tightly, giving him a hard look.

"Oh don't be like that, sweetheart," he said, giving her a similar smirk to Thor's. "Let's dance."

She'll be however she wishes to be. It's her life. If she doesn't want to sleep with an asshole, then she won't sleep with him. Plain and simple. When she says no, she means no not try again.

"I believe she isn't interested," Loki said, stepping in.

He didn't seem intimidated by either of them. Fabulous, another gross warrior douchebag. He looked and acted the part of course.

"I'm not talking to you, pip squeak," he said, poking him in the chest.

"Hey," she said, "That's my friend."

"Oh, so you're not courting him," he said, smirking.

A wicked, mean idea came to mind. And, it was something this asshole definitely deserved for goddamn sure.

She smiled coyly at him and placed a hand on the brute's chest. "Do you want to dance with me?" she asked.

"Yes, maiden, that's all I want," he said. "I just want a relaxing, innocent dance with you."

She looked back at Loki with a small, telling smirk. The both of them waved a hand, and he was forced up on the stage with the merry little band to dance. The two of them laughed.

"Well, are you more relaxed?" Loki teased.

"Yeah," she said with a small smirk.

X

The four of them snuck off, riding their horses to get to Heimdall at the end of the bifrost. Time was of the essence. Freyja was distracting the Allfather, and this was their window of time to go and get Thor. They dismounted in front of Heimdall. And before they could say anything, he beat them to the punch.

"I know why you're here," he said, turning the sword. "Don't be gone too long."

And with that, they were whisked through the bifrost and plopped onto Vanaheim in front of a tent in the middle of the night and nowhere. Did Heimdall make a mistake?

"Thor?!" Volstagg shouted loudly.

Suddenly, there were rustlings within the tent and soon enough Thor emerged. Shock and happiness shown on all of their faces. He immediately started hugging his friends tightly in his arms.

"What are you all doing here?" he questioned. "Not that I'm unhappy to see you all, but you shouldn't be here."

Hogun frowned and said, "What do you mean?"

"We're here to bring you home," Fandral said, smiling brightly.

Why would they say that? They know why he can't come home, right? Surely, they're not that dense.

"You know I can't go home. My father is dead, and Loki will take care of Freyja in my stead."

"Thor," Sif said, getting his attention. "Your father isn't dead, and Freyja doesn't want to marry anyone."

A look of shock and realization graced his face. And then anger began to take over at the lies his brother has told to him….

X

They were standing on the balcony on the second floor, overlooking the entire bar and pub below as people danced behind them. Occasionally, they were throwing spells and incantations at whatever they saw fit. It was a strange yet liberating indulgence to manipulate an entire scene of people she loathes to her will with her childhood friend. Oh, how the tables have turned.

"This music is such a bore," she said and with a flick of the wrist.

The band now had percussions, keys, and a lead singer with actual fire and energy to her voice. The drums reverberated all throughout, causing her sternum to vibrate.

Then, Loki cast a spell, changing two patrons heights continuously from tall to short. Freyja then turned the throwing hatchets into butterflies that flew all around them. They both laughed joyously. And with that, the two of them descended into magical debauchery easily, changing whatever they saw fit to make a scene of innocuous chaos below them.

"We kind of played the scene," she said, turning them back to normal with a flick of the wrist. "We should probably get going," she said, feeling somewhat badly that she's made a mockery of them.

"No," he said playfully. "It's way too early to go home just yet."

"Alright then," she said as she gave him a somewhat reluctant smile.

…

The next day she woke up slowly to her head pounding. Then, she jumped in fear at her two chambermaids standing so closely next to her bed, peering down at her. They looked amused yet sour simultaneously.

"She's for sure hung over," one said.

"Such a shame since it's her wedding day," the other snarked.

Oh yes, how could she forget? She's to be married this afternoon. Those bastards better hurry along, or the deal's off and she's going to spill the beans. They have a few hours while things prep, so they still had time. She still had time.

She held the side of her head as she stepped out of bed. She had to steady herself as her head continued to pound. She closed her eyes as she tried to mentally prepare herself for what's to come. It seemed this was the part of the morning where she's to be dolled up and veiled for her husband to be.

"She'll probably still look beautiful for her big day," one of them continued to snark. "Fuck that Vanirian skin."

After they were finished tidying or whatever it is they were appointed to do, she dismissed them as always rather bitingly.

She sat at her vanity set and placed her forehead on the table, burying her hands in her hair, as she tried to keep her shit together. It took several deep breaths and a knock on her door to bring her back to reality.

She lifted her head and said, "Come in."

A small team with several items came in. She was surprised by the mobility and the amount of things they simply needed to make a bride look good for her big day.

"Have you bathed yet, Lady Freyja?" the elderly woman clearly in charge questioned.

"No," she said. "I just woke up."

"We're already behind schedule," the elderly woman rolled her eyes.

She then began directing her team and Freyja on what to do. They practically picked up the redhead and dragged her towards her attached bathroom. Freyja gasped in shock and tried to fight, but they insisted on scrubbing her themselves and forcing her in the water.

"I know Vanirians are behind in advancements, but, come now, surely you know how to bathe properly," the elderly woman snipped in disdain, earning a glare from the love goddess.

By the time they were done she was practically seething. She hadn't felt so violated in such a long time. They scrubbed so hard with that elvan rose water that her skin was red and irritated.

Then, she was hit with a giant drying fan casted by the horrible elderly woman, making her wince. She closed her eyes as she tried to block the blast from her body. Though, it continued until her hair and skin were dry.

And just before she could ask for a time out, a slip was forced upon her. She was spun around in front of a full length mirror and large wedding gown was forced over her head. It was baggy. What? Did they expect her to be tall like the rest of them?

"Hmm, it seems the last tailor before I assumed you'd be fat. I wonder why that was," the elderly woman said in that usual, superior tone of hers.

"I don't think—"

"Hush, I have alterations to do," she said.

She pulled the fabric tightly against Freyja's body, making her gasp loudly. What was she not allowed to breathe today? She heard violent and quick sewing along her back. She was shaken, pulled, and laced up. She was spun around as they tightened the arms and shortened the length so quickly amongst the team, her head was spinning more than usual.

When they were done, they yanked her off the stand and forced her in front of her vanity set. And she couldn't even get to see her face as a whole as they began applying makeup rapidly. She clenched unhappily as the brushes and sponges were applied rapidly. Not only that, her hair was being attacked with a brush and a heated wand.

When they were all said and done, she just sat there in mild shock. Were they truly done? Was the attack over?

"Well, we did all we could," the elderly woman snipped. "Good luck walking down the aisle, Lady Freyja."

She made a sound of discontented sound as they left her.

She stood and walked across the full length mirror and did a double take. She was a bride. She was dressed as the part. And today was her wedding day.

"Gods, those idiots better hurry," she sighed.