For the next few nights, I shared my bed with my betrothed, basking in the newness of our engagement.
After one such night, I rolled my neck as I walked through the halls of the castle, knowing that the best remedy for the aches lovemaking with Thor had given me was to exercise. With a smile on my face, I headed to the training salle- it was the only place he could possibly be at this time of day.
"Halea."
I turned to the sound of my name being called, encountering Thor's father. "Odin-King, good morning. I did not expect to see you up this early after amount of wine you had at dinner last night," I smiled teasingly, the older god chuckling. "I could say the same for you. Off to see Thor I assume," Odin questioned lightly. "You know me too well."
With a laugh, I left him and entered the open courtyard where Thor was, smiling.
"Good morning my sweet prince," I said rather loudly, catching his attention. His eyes roamed my frame as he grinned, inclining his head towards me.
"Good morning fair maiden. Does the day find you well Halea," he asked, Thor walking over to where I stood. I gave him a soft smirk as he tucked my hair behind my ear, Thor bending down to where his lips brushed against mine hungrily. "The day finds me very well, indeed my love. However, I think I could use some… slow stretching if that sounds good to you."
Thor's eyes darkened and the sexual tension between us was there once more, unadulterated and in our faces. I squealed like a girl as he swept me up in his arms, laughing and smiling at the stolen moment in which we could be ourselves. When he let me down, I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly and pulled his face to mine, cupping his rugged cheek in my hand. "You drive me mad, my darling Odin-son," I murmured before pressing my lips to his, Thor groaning hungrily in this throat.
Before he could even respond, I pulled away, looking over his shoulder.
Odin was standing up on the balcony overlooking the salle with a troubled look on his face, having seen the overwhelming intimacy that Thor and I had tried to hide for so long.
"No," I whispered.
I inhaled deeply as I opened the doors to my chambers, all who laid their eyes upon me falling silent at the expression on my face.
Odin had sent for me early the next morning, requesting my presence in the throne room. It had been several days since the happenings in the courtyard and I hadn't so much as heard from the King- now in being called to meeting, I knew something had to have been wrong.
I wore a flowing golden gown with my hair loose and tousled, walking with a purpose as I struggled to stay calm. I could only imagine what Odin would say, what he would do- being banished was not a fate unheard of those who had gone against the King. I did not know if this was a betrayal or even that it was wrong- not when everything with Thor had felt so right…
"Halea, where are you going," Thor asked, coming off one of the side halls.
"To meet with Odin-King."
He looked at me curiously, "So then he wants to speak to both of us…"
I snatched his arm back and stopped, looking up at him almost menacingly. "Thor, your father knows about us. He saw is together in the salle…" Thor stepped back from me, shaking his head, "It cannot be Halea. Not after all this time- we were so careful. I know not how to explain…" I rubbed my brow before continuing to walk, inhaling deeply.
"We sealed our fate with a kiss," I whispered.
Thor and I entered the Throne Room, Odin upon his throne with Frigga at his side. She smiled almost tearfully at me- eyes glazed with a sort of clarity that hurt- a gesture that made my heart sink. Whatever Odin-King had decided would be law and Frigga knew that there would be no going against his will.
"Before we discuss anything, would either of you like to speak," Odin asked quietly.
"Please-"
He held his hand up to me and I fell silent, Odin inflicting his one icy, blue eye upon me. "No, it is not an apology I requested, and much less from you, Halea. Both of you must know that I witnessed your… interactions in the training salle last night ago. And while I understand that attraction, I do not understand why you thought you had to hide it so. Did you think I would not approve of your relationship, of the joining of the two strongest gods in the realm," Odin questioned searchingly, my eyes drifting to meet Thor's.
If it were any other man, I could not be certain of his feelings, but this man- this man I knew.
Many years together had led to the clashing of duty and want, of societal norms and taboos- and the collision of two very mighty hearts. This had been a long time coming and I knew for sure now that he too, was no longer content to carry on through this façade.
"It was always our- mine and Frigga's- hopes that the two of you would end up together. There will be a day, sooner or later Thor, that you will have to ascend to the throne and there is no one other than Halea than I can see at your side, my son," the King said, something flashing in Thor's eyes as I turned to look at him. It seemed like a part him wanted to rebel at the loss of his choice, even as another part rejoiced; I only saw the truth behind the flash because it was exactly how I felt inside.
"Is that what you request of us," Thor asked, even despite the knowledge that Odin had made his demands.
"It is."
I inhaled deeply as I glanced one more time at Thor and nodded, "Odin-King, it is my duty as one of your subjects to obey you. Such is it a great honor that you would deem me worthy of the throne and if it is Thor's wish-"
"I have already asked Halea for her hand," Thor said stubbornly, looking at his father. "And she has accepted. I was waiting… until my coronation to announce it, however."
"Oh, how lovely!"
Frigga clapped excitedly even as the one-eyed king stared at us, his lips drawn into a thin line. "You are such a foolish, headstrong boy Thor- but my son through and through. Now come, I suggest we leave your mother and your betrothed to plan the wedding. I assure you, it is nothing you want to concern yourself with," Odin said.
