Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OCs and the plot.

A/N: Over a hundred views. So excited! Next chapter up. Please review guys! I'd like to hear some feedback!

Ch. 3

Nice to meet you, where you been?
I could show you incredible things
Magic, madness, heaven sin
Saw you there and I thought
Oh my God, look at that face
You look like my next mistake
Love's a game, want to play?

~Blank Space, Taylor Swift

Since Henrik had returned home, the atmosphere of the house had completely changed. Sigrid and Margarethe completely avoided Aurora, leaving her to her own devices. Thor was often graced with her presence during the last few days of his stay. Lord Amundson and his sons would spend much time in the study with Thor and Fandral taking part in the meetings. The men would indulge themselves in a few glasses of wine, talking of the many affairs of the court of Asgard. Aurora would be there as well, sitting in the window seat reading one of her many books or playing with Kajsa in her arms.

Thor was able to engage Aurora into a few small conversations, most of them focusing on the subject of Asgard. Her eyes would light up with interest and fascination with the mention of the capital as she had never been there. Thor would eagerly anticipate the next time he would be able to speak with her, relishing in the way she hung on to his every word. Her laugh was contagious and sounded like that of chiming bells, sweet and melodious. He loved the way she spoke her mind and that she said the most outrageous things. Her favorite topic of course was that of nature.

Quoting from her favorite manuscript during one of their chats, she said "Wilderness appeals to those bored or disgusted with man and his works. It not only offers an escape from society, and the opportunity to explore your own soul. The solitude and total freedom of the wilderness creates a perfect setting for either melancholy or exultation." He sat in his chair, thinking over what she said. For such a young girl she held quite the thirst for knowledge.

"Perhaps you are right," Thor answered, "I sometimes desire solitude in my life although I will never have it." A solemn look appeared on his face.

Aurora reached out to take his hand in hers. "You shall achieve it one day my lord," she replied sincerely, smiling at him. A shock ran through both of their bodies, their hairs rising on end. A blushed graced her cheeks and the god felt a surge of victory run through his body. She looked so innocent and pure. He would never tire of that look even if she did not know it.

On the night before his departure, an impressive banquet was held. Many guests had been invited to this grand affair in order to bid the prince farewell. The walls shone with multicolored tapestries, the chandeliers had been rubbed until they shined, and a large group of minstrels had been hired to entertain the many people present. At his seat of honor at the high table, Thor sat admiring the festivities below him. Placed before him were many platters: a large piece of meat smothered in a delectable garlic sauce, a wild boar with the customary apple in its mouth lay upon a medley of vegetables, a platter of rabbit and poultry with a saffron sauce, an assortment of fish paired with crabmeat, and finally a plump goose. Digging into the delicious food, he tried to ignore the high pitched voice of Margarethe who was once again boasting about herself. Being quite bored, he excused himself from the table a few minutes later and went to mingle with the guests, leaving her behind with a sour look on her face.

Margarethe exchanged a look of exasperation with her mother, upset with the prince's actions. Sigrid rose from her chair and came behind Margarethe, placing her hands on her shoulders.

"Talking about yourself will get you nowhere darling," she whispered, twisting one of Margarethe's curls around her finger. Margarethe rolled her eyes and pouted. "Be patient and do not talk so much. And remember, a lady's voice should be no higher than the hum of a whisper."

After dinner, the floor was cleared for dancing. Unlike the rest of her family, Aurora did not engage herself with the favorite pastime. Instead she went back and forth between lounging in a chair, staring at the scene in front of her or she stood with her back against the wall, a cool refreshment in her hand. Irena would try to get her sister to join in with the revelries, but she would shake her head and decline the offer.

"I don't believe I've said anything about how beautiful you look tonight my lady," Thor said from beside Aurora. She jumped, startled at the intrusion. Her brunette locks lay loose upon her shoulders, a simple golden circlet set with pearls set upon her head. Her bruise was almost gone now, only a yellowish tint to the area. She had donned a golden gown as well that set off her lithe body. She looked up at the prince red-faced, taking in his entire being. He looked quite handsome tonight, his rugged features highlighted by the candles.

"Thank you my lord," she responded softly.

"Why do you not dance?" he questioned, inquisitive about her behavior.

Feeling breathless under his scrutinizing gaze, she replied modestly, "I'm not very good and no one asked me." She took a sip of her drink.

A cheeky grin enhanced Thor's features. "Well then, may I have this dance?"

Aurora raised her brow, "Dance, my lord? Are you sure?" A nervous look appeared on her face.

Thor chuckled, "Yes. Positive." He took the glass from her fingers, placing it on nearby table. "Come," he said, holding his arm out to her.

Leading her onto the floor, Thor turned her to face him. The music started and he reached for her waist, pulling her towards him and began to dance.

Aurora shuddered at the feeling of his hand through her dress, her heart fluttering. She had never been this close to a man before, only her father or brothers.

Thor noticed her discomfort, "Relax little one," he whispered into her ear, "I shall catch you if you slip," he said teasingly.

The warmth began to consume Aurora's body and she began to tremble. She felt how tiny her hand was in his, how he towered over her, the way he held her closer than the customary position. I'm acting ridiculous she thought to herself and tension filled her bones.

Feeling her body become rigid, Thor drew away from her and asked, "Are you alright my lady?"

Aurora shrugged and murmured, "I'm just feeling a bit tired."

Thor released her from his grip, displeased with that fact she had left his arms empty.

"Would you like me to escort you to your room?" Thor asked, a sliver of hope in his eyes that she may allow him that honor.

Aurora shook her head silently and began walking towards her chambers, many eyes following them as they left the room. No words were spoken between the two as they strolled through the hall. Aurora was fiddling her hands while Thor's bright eyes were filled with concern as they looked her way. Upon reaching the door, Thor straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat.

"I wish you a good night madam," he articulated to her. He went to turn on his heel, but before he did, a thought entered his mind. Facing her again he asked, "My lady, may I be so bold to ask for permission to write to you?" He regretted the words as soon as he spoke them.

Aurora looked up shocked, her mouth gaping open like a fish. She quickly closed her lips, realizing herself, and responded, "I do not understand my lord. Do you think that wise? Would you not like to write to my sister?" She did not know why the prince had wanted her attention. She did not think very well of herself, her confidence having been tainted by the words of Sigrid and Margarethe. I am not beautiful like my sister she thought. No future king would want me like they would my sister, the milk and honey sister, the fairer sister. Perhaps he wants to use me to decipher how to beguile Margarethe.

Thor answered truthfully, "I would like to continue our conversations. It would please me immensely." His eyes held her in place as she began to breathe heavily.

"What your majesty asks will be given," Aurora told Thor, choking on her words and then curtsying to him.

A smile curved on Thor's lips, satisfied with her response. "I thank you my lady." And with that he bowed to her, leaving her a shaking mass against the door.

Morning had arrived and the commencement of the prince's departure was in full swing. Thor's company were all mounted on their horses, making last minute adjustments and waiting for their future king to signal their exit from Marmora Manor.

Thor was pacing back and forth in his chambers, wishing he could stay away from court longer. He had not been this peaceful since he could remember. He was exhausted with all the pressure Odin was putting on him for finding a wife. He understood the need for he was to be crowned king soon and needed to produce heirs, but he wanted to do it his way. Thor did not want the process to be rushed. He still desired his freedom of being a man and having no permanent attachments to a woman as of yet.

However, his mind kept wavering towards Aurora. He did not deny the attraction he held for her. She was a remarkable woman, well versed in the way of men. She spoke her opinion and defended it with every breath in her body. Her looks were unique for a noblewoman as tanned skin and golden eyes were not common is Asgard. One of the things he admired about her the most was that her eyes presented warmth to anyone who looked into those caverns. Thor also relished in the fact that he could make her cheeks turn scarlet with just word. She was innocent in every way, unlike the women of the Asgardian court, and she possessed genuine kindness towards all. He knew he was beginning to care for her, but he could not act on it yet.

Withdrawing from his temporary chambers, he made his way to the front of the manor. Entering into the sunlight, he spotted Henrik and his sons, talking amongst themselves. Upon seeing Thor, Henrik reached out towards him and grasped Thor's hand with a strong grip. Shaking it, he said, "Thank you for visiting my lord. You shall always be welcome here. I will be joining you shortly in Asgard."

Thor nodded and replied, "Thank you for your hospitality and I look forward to seeing you again." He shook Hakon's and Rolf's hands as well and then turned towards the ladies of the manor. All curtsied to him in respect and he walked in front of Sigrid, grabbing her hand and placing a brief kiss upon it. "I thank you my lady," he said, releasing her hand.

"My lord," Sigrid responded, curtseying again. "I hope you shall visit us again soon."

"Yes, maybe in the near future," Thor answered back to her. Rotating around, he walked to his warhorse and mounted. Fandral stood off to the side, relaying his farewells to Irena who was stroking his horses neck. Thor smiled at the two, happy his friend had made a companion during their stay. His eyes then turned to scan the crowd and landed on Aurora. Her eyes were cast down demurely and her hands were clasped together. She wore a floral green dress, her hair cascading down her back elegantly. She was the impeccable image of beauty in itself. Thor had hoped to see her in private before he left, but that was not able to occur. Aurora then rose her eyes to his, a smile gracing her face.

Thor's heart thumped in his chest, his body throbbing with need. By Valhalla she did not know what she was doing to him.

Directing his horse towards the road, he urged his animal into a gallop. With his company following, the journey to Asgard had begun. Before turning around the bend of the lane, he glanced behind to catch one last look of Aurora. She was still standing there silently, watching him. Thor realized he was leaving a part of him with her and nudged his horse again. The quicker he got to Asgard, the earlier he could return to his maiden.

It took Thor's party a week before they reached Asgard. Traveling through the many streets of the city, they were met with the cheery faced occupants of the city who were waving excited at their crown prince and yelling greeting towards him and his company. Upon reaching the palace, he dismounted his horse, a stable boy relieving him of his steed. Briskly ascending the steps, he headed towards the throne room to greet Odin and Frigga. Entering the great hall, he headed towards his parents and kneeled before them. "Father, mother," he said, nodding to them and rising off the floor.

"My dear boy," Frigga said softly and embraced her eldest son. "I have missed you dearly."

"As I have missed you mother," he responded.

"We shall have to talk later. I want to know all about her," Frigga whispered, a glint in her eye.

Thor froze. Of course his mother should discover his secret. He smiled sheepishly at Frigga.

"How was your visit?" Odin questioned suddenly, interrupting the conversation between mother and son.

"It went well father," Thor said.

"Good. What did you think? Were they to your liking?" he probed, referring to Henrik's daughters.

"Yes, very much so," Thor answered, only thinking of Aurora.

"Very well. We will discuss this later. You are dismissed," Odin announced with a flick of his wrist.

Thor kneeled again and began to head towards his apartments.

Thor was running through the palace, his arms reaching towards a shadow just out of reach. He reached to grasp it, but once again the figure slid through his fingers. Rounding a corner, he came to a halt at the sight in front of him. Sitting on ledge in front of him was Margarethe scantily dressed in nothing but a crimson robe, her golden hair fluttering in the wind. She pursed her pouty lips at him and smiled coyly. Untying the dress, she let it slide down her shoulders and onto the ledge. Her skin looked flawless and smooth in the moonlight. Thor's eyes drank her in greedily, savoring the way her body looked. Her breasts were full, her stomach toned, and her legs slender. Lifting her hand up to her neck, she traced a path between the valley of her breasts, down her stomach, and towards her forbidden area, pausing just before she reached it. Thor licked his lips in anticipation, but she didn't continue down the path he thought she would. Instead, she beckoned him with a finger and spread her legs apart. Thor groaned and walked briskly toward her, that is until he heard a small whimper. Jerking his head to the side, he wondered who had just interrupted his playtime.

Thor couldn't believe it. His precious Aurora was here, standing in front of him clad in a loose fitting nightgown which enhanced her purity. Her beautiful hair was braided and lay on her shoulder and her big eyes shined up at him. Her arms were wrapped around herself and she seemed nervous in his presence. Thor went to take a step forward and she timidly stepped back. He repeated the movement and she repeated hers until she had been backed into the wall behind her. Aurora unwound her hands from around herself, pressing her palms to the cool stone wall.

"Why do you run from me little one?" Thor spoke, walking towards Aurora and putting both hands on either side of her head.

"Because my lord, I fear this is just a game to you," she responded meekly, looking behind him.

Thor peeked over his shoulder to see if Margarethe was still present, but she had vanished. Alarmed at his closeness, Aurora began to tremble.

"I assure you this is not a game my lady," Thor said huskily, taking in the way his voice affected her body. "I only care for you."

Aurora was shaking. "Will you protect me my lord?" she responded, gazing up at him and gently laying her hand on his cheek.

Thor nuzzled his face into her palm and kissed it gently. "Always," he told her. His hands cupped her cheeks and brought her face close to his, peering into her eyes. Aurora removed her hands from the wall, placing them on his chest. Leaning in, he tentatively pressed his lips to hers. His mouth began moving and she followed his lead, grasping his shirt in her hands and pulling him closer to her. She gasped as his tongue entered the caverns of her mouth and did nothing to fight his advance. Thor moaned at the feeling of her submitting to his dominance. She tasted heavenly to him and wanted more. Removing his hands from her face, he crushed her body to his, gripping her waist tightly in his hands. Suddenly, Aurora pulled back from his kiss, breathing heavily and leaned her head back on the wall. Thor eyes were filled with lust, but they became gentle when he took in her appearance. With her tangled hair, bruised lips, and pink face, she looked like a goddess to him. He leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. He had never been so content.

Waking up with a gasp, Thor took in his surroundings. He was lying in bed in his rooms. Aurora was not here and he had not kissed her. He let out a loud sigh and laid his head back down on his pillow, wishing his dream had been true. Rising from his bed, he went to sit down at his desk, pulling a sheet of paper and ink out of his drawers. He began to write.

Lady Aurora,

I hope that this letter finds you in good health my lady. I have returned to Asgard and I am already missing the fresh air of the countryside. Often though I was able to converse with you and you were permitted to speak to me, I feel as if we do not truly know each other. I ask of you to please write anything you desire in your letters to me. You are the one true person I have ever met and I wish to hear of your exploits of the day and such. I allow this pleasantry and ask as your friend, not as your prince, if you would do this for me and allow me the privilege of being informal with your person. I shall ask that I hear your reply swiftly.

Thor Odinson

Thor read over his work, pleased with himself. He would send this off in the morning and hopefully receive a letter from her soon. Placing his seal on the letter, he left it sitting on his desk. Rising from his chair, he returned to his bed, demanding that sleep take him.

"A letter for you my lady," a page announced. Henrik and his family were enjoying a simple breakfast that morning before his and Hakon's departure to Asgard. Rolf would stay at the manor to rule in his father's stead.

Sigrid grinned in satisfaction. "Bring it here."

"The letter is not for you madam, but for the Lady Aurora," he replied.

All eyes turned to Aurora who had just lifted a piece of fruit into her mouth. Juice started dribbling down her chin as she had left her mouth wide open, shocked that his majesty had actually sent her a letter. He had thought she would be forgotten by now, but clearly not.

Wiping the liquid off her face, she reached for the letter from the boy and thanked him.

"Who has sent you a letter angel?" Henrik questioned, his eyebrows raised.

Sigrid looked beyond furious that she had been slighted by the page. "Yes, who could have sent you a letter?" she asked.

"Come now sister, tell us," joked Hakon who was just as curious as the rest of his family. "Whose seal is it? Hopefully not a suitor."

Aurora began to blush despite her best attempt to keep it at bay. "His majesty Prince Thor," she responded quietly.

Silence entered the dining room. Chuckling could be heard by the male counterparts of the family. Irena squeezed Aurora's leg under the table in encouragement. Sigrid narrowed her eyes at Aurora while Margarethe looked plain shocked that the prince had written Aurora a letter and not she.

"My little sister receiving letters from the future king of Asgard. How exciting," teased Rolf, clearly enjoying his stepmother and half-sister's reactions.

"And why is that? Hmmm?" questioned Sigrid sharply.

"Sigrid," Henrik said, giving her a warning look.

"I do not know madam. Perhaps to ask of Margarethe and her interests. Surely he could not send her letters and ask her directly," Aurora answered truthfully.

Sigrid regarded her coolly. "Very well," she said and with that she left the room, Margarethe in tow.

"Well then, perhaps you should write your response so I will be able to bring it with me," Henrik spoke.

Aurora nodded and exited the dining hall, heading towards her father's study. She was confused as to why the prince had fulfilled his promise, but excited as well. She especially enjoyed Margarethe's reaction as she was always used to getting what she wanted and this time, she did not. Upon entering the room, she glanced around the room for her father's writing supplies. Spotting them, she grabbed them and sat down at her father's desk. Breaking the seal of the letter open, she read its contents surprised at what the prince had asked of her. It seemed that he wanted to confide in her and she in him, as a friend and not a servant to his majesty. Aurora then began to write.

Your majesty,

I am pleased with your safe return home and I hope all is well in the capital. I was surprised by your request that I write to you as a friend. Is that how you really see me, my lord? For if it is, I am humbled to hear you say so of me. But I also say to you, why is it you have singled me out for this single purpose? I am nothing while you are everything, you are light while I am dark, you are the sun while I am the moon. I will follow what you have asked of me and I grant you my permission as you have asked under one condition: that you do the same for me as well.

Your most loyal and obedient friend,

Aurora Henriksdottir

Folding the letter, she melted a piece of wax onto the top of the fold, pressing her father's seal into it. Her fate had been sealed.

"Lord Henrik Amundson my lord," announced the page.

"Lord Henrik," Thor spoke, rising from his chair and greeting the man.

"Your majesty," Henrik responded, bowing to the prince. "I have a letter for you my lord," he said, raising and his brow and scanning the prince's features for any reaction.

Twisting the letter around in his fingers for a moment, he handed it to Thor whom seemed elated that Aurora had written him. He trained his features to appear neutral. "Thank you Lord Henrik," he spoke.

"You are welcome your grace. I am content to serve your majesty in any way he wishes," muttered Henrik.

"How is your daughter?" Thor questioned boldly.

"Perhaps you shall find out in her letter my lord," Henrik said, bowing before taking his leave.

Thor was left alone in his chambers to read the letter in peace. Scrolling over her words, he was quite pleased with Aurora's response, chuckling at her attempt of control in the matter. She was challenging him and he enjoyed it.

For the next several months, many letters were exchanged between the lady of Marmora Manor and the prince of Asgard. They spoke of many things together, some being what the other had done that day or personal matters. Loki had been brought up, the disinherited son of Odin, as well as Aurora's lineage. Both persons were understanding and relayed their thoughts on the subject. They became closer, relying on each other for advice on the simplest of matters. A few times, Thor had tried to send her gifts, but all were refused and sent back unopened. She responded to him, mentioning that it was unnecessary as she cherished his friendship, not gifts. He was in awe at her words, but still pushed her to accept his favors. Finally, she agreed to receive one of his presents, a piece that Thor said resembled the color of Aurora's eyes. It was a chain of gold, decorated in small diamonds. A pearl shaped, champagne colored diamond hung in the middle. Aurora believed it to be too extravagant, but Thor insisted upon it. In return, Aurora sent him a dagger encrusted with rubies with the hilt in the shape of a lion. She stated that the lion represented Thor as he was strong and protected his people as the future King of Asgard. Thor had obtained many luxurious presents before, but this one was different. It had a meaning to it and he knew why. He was falling in love with Aurora Henriksdottir.

P.S. I've loaded the links for Aurora's outfits in my profile. Please take a look!