Epilogue
42. History Repeating
Skye stood at a window in her chamber and looked out at the gorgeous garden below. The snow from a few days ago had all melted away and it now looked as pristine as it did when she first arrived.
Tonight the entire court would be present for the feast welcoming her to Asgard. However, she wanted no part of the affair. If Skye had her wish, she would remain locked away with Grant for a few more days.
Unfortunately, Amora was unable to buy her anymore time. She and Grant had already been there for three days hidden from prying eyes. The only people to see them during that time were Odin, Loki, Amora, Vali, and a few handmaidens.
She would have to attend the feast and make small-talk about what she did not know. She knew nothing about Asgard and they weren't likely to know very much about Earth. It was possible that they would want to know about her but that came with its own challenges. She had no interest in talking about her desolate childhood and she was unsure how much she could reveal about her work with S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Coulson.
Skye heard footsteps behind her and turned around to see Grant standing before her. He looked like something out of a storybook but she reasoned that she probably did as well. They were once again dressed in Asgardian clothes fashioned in Loki's colors.
Grant said, "You look beautiful, Skye."
She smiled. "Thank you. You look pretty hot, too. Who knew I was into the medieval/futuristic thing?"
He laughed and shook his head. She had the ability to say the most absurd things at just the right time. "Are you ready for this?"
She shrugged. "As ready as I will ever be for something like this. I didn't consider this part when I was all like 'let's go to Asgard with my parents!' I am sure it won't all be so bad. There will at least be food and right now, I can get behind that. What about you? Are you ready?"
"It shouldn't be too bad. It was nice of your parents to announce their intention to get married. I am sure that will take away some of the spotlight on you. I will spend the night grinding my teeth while Vali tries to surreptitiously flirt with you. I do not like him."
Skye giggled and walked over to him. "You have nothing to worry about. Vali is cute and all but, I am not interested in any arranged marriages. I have you and that's all I want."
"That doesn't stop me from wanting to rip his head off. Did you see the way he was looking at you last night?" asked Grant.
The previous night they had dinner in Loki and Amora's chambers. Of course, the God of Mischief invited Vali to the private meal. Grant had spent the entire meal clenching his fist in anger. Vali didn't do anything untoward but his eyes were on Skye for most of the night. He laughed a little too hard at her jokes. He smiled a little too much in her direction. He touched her hand one too many times. The last straw had been his offer to show her Asgard when she was ready to venture out. Grant had seriously considered stabbing him in the hand with a fork but luckily, Amora calmed the waters by suggesting it was a task better left to her. Loki smiled smugly throughout the meal. He knew it was getting under Grant's skin just as he intended.
Skye made a noncommittal noise. "I have always believed that you cannot steal someone that does not want to be taken."
Grant scoffed. "He will live as long as you. He can just wait me out."
Skye's dark eyes widened and then clouded over with sadness. There was truth to that statement. Grant would was mortal and he would get older and closer to death with each passing year. Vali could simply just wait him out. Their respective lifespan was not something they had talked about at length. However, it was the large pink elephant in the room. They both knew it was there. However, she didn't know what to say. She caressed his cheek. "Would it make you feel better if I vowed to never love another?"
He glowered at Skye. "Don't patronize me."
She looked wounded and shook her head. "I wasn't patronizing you, Grant. I don't think I could ever love anyone else. You would always be at the back of my mind and they could never be you."
He sighed heavily and shook his head. "I am sorry. I am being petty and possessive."
"Not completely. I think I would feel the same if our roles were reversed. I wouldn't like think that there would be this entire lifetime you would live without me."
"Lifetimes," Ward corrected.
Skye chewed her lip in thought. She said, "There is a way for me to become mortal. When I talked to Odin yesterday afternoon, he told me many things. He turned Thor into a mortal when he was sent to Earth as punishment. Perhaps he could do the same to me?"
Grant studied her face intently for a moment. Finally, he smiled and shook his head. "I wouldn't want you to do that. Not for me. Besides, I don't think Loki or Amora would go for that."
She said, "There is another way. Instead of me becoming mortal, you could become like me. If we got married…he could…"
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
Skye sighed and gave Grant an apologetic look. She cleared her throat and said, "Come in."
A beautiful young woman walked into the room. She said, "Lady Skye, your mother requires your presence in the throne room."
Skye nodded. "We're ready." She linked arms with Grant and took a deep breath. They would have to table this conversation for now.
Grant smirked and leaned down to whisper into her ear. "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."
She huffed out a quiet laugh and walked out of the room with Grant. The handmaiden led them to the throne room and then stepped aside to let them pass.
A man standing beside the doorway loudly announced their entrance. "Lady Skye Lokidóttir and her betrothed Grant Ward of Midgard."
The room was packed but it wasn't likely that many would miss the chance to gawk at the first-born child of the God of Mischief. She wondered if that was more shocking than Grant being a mortal. No matter the reason, the room was buzzing with excited conversation. Some people stared openly others gave sideways glances as they spoke in rushed sentences to their companions.
Skye's eyes widened seeing Agent Coulson, Agent May, Jemma, Leo, and two men wearing Earth style clothing that she did not recognize. She couldn't believe they were there. She briefly wondered how it was even possible but quickly realized Thor was in attendance. She whispered to Grant. "Look…"
He glanced into the crowd and felt his blood run cold seeing Agent Garrett standing there. He doubted the man would try anything stupid on Asgard but he was an unneeded complication to an already tenuous situation.
Amora walked across the room with a regal commanding presence. She smiled and said, "I wagered that we might have to teleport you out of your room against your will. It seems that Loki was right. He will be pleased. Come, you must see Odin first."
Skye whispered, "Grant is my betrothed?"
The older woman smirked. "I thought it would deter young Vali from making a nuisance of himself tonight. Openly flirting with you now would be unseemly."
Grant smirked. "I knew there was a reason I liked you best."
Amora winked and then led the way toward Odin's throne.
Skye followed but didn't feel able to speak so she offered a small smile and followed Amora over to the throne. Her eyes widened just a touch seeing the bearded man perched on the throne. He looked more imposing dressed in his ceremonial robes and seated on the throne. In his private chambers, he had seemed warmer and more personable.
Amora bowed in front of Odin and then moved away to stand beside Loki. She kept up the dutiful façade but her hatred for the Allfather ran deep. He was an intractable man that had caused the man she loved unyielding pain. Even now, Loki was broken and she wondered if even her devotion could fix him.
Skye slowly climbed the stairs until she came to a stop in front of Odin's throne. She bowed in front of Odin as Amora had and then offered the briefest of smiles.
Odin was quiet for a moment as he took in the sight before him. Finally, he smiled and said, "My granddaughter was come home to stay. This is cause for celebration! Everyone be merry and rejoice."
43. Trickery
In hindsight, Skye shouldn't have been surprised that Asgardians really knew how to throw a party. The night was filled with pageantry and celebration. It was more than a little overwhelming for Skye. She spent the better part of the night talking to people she didn't know and that looked at her as a curiosity.
However, she was glad to see Grant having a good time. He fit in surprisingly well with the Warriors Three. He listened intently while Volstagg told fantastical stories of his heroism. The stories became more unbelievable as the ale flowed. Even Fitz and Agent Coulson seemed enamored by the tales.
The best part of the evening was spending time with Jemma. She hated not being able to say goodbye to her dearest friend in person. The two young women made plans to see one another again in a few months. Skye would return to Earth for a visit. She couldn't just leave her Earth family for good.
Amora had been right about Vali's cooled intentions. Skye scarcely saw Loki's protégé that night. He kept his distance and she was glad of it. His attention was flattering to say the least but she didn't enjoy the way it made Grant feel. He was genuinely concerned that she would prefer Vali and that was the furthest thing from the truth.
Skye gratefully stepped out onto the balcony and took a deep breath. She was enjoying the party but she deserved a little quiet time. It was hard work being jovial and charming all night. It was even harder staying out of people's thoughts. Skye couldn't really control her powers which meant if she became bored during a conversation she could hear what the person was thinking. That was a dangerous prospect considering what some members of the court thought of her parents. It quickly became apparent that Loki was not the only one with a dubious reputation on Asgard.
"I don't believe we've had a chance to talk all evening."
She turned around hearing the unfamiliar voice. However, her eyes darkened when she saw that it was John Garrett. He looked like the cat that ate the canary. She only recognized him because Agent Coulson introduced the two of them earlier in the evening. "Hello, Agent Garrett."
"There is no need to be so formal. You can just call me John. We're practically family." His smile widened as he took a step closer to her. "You look beautiful tonight. I don't remember if I said that earlier."
Skye smiled mirthlessly and said, "You did but thank you…again. If you are looking for Grant he's inside."
Agent Garrett said, "No, you are the one I wanted to speak with. I wanted to get to know the woman that convinced Ward to throw away a promising career. Seeing you now I can't say I blame him for making the decision." He looked her over appreciatively. His eyes lingered on her curves. His conversation with Ward earlier in the evening had been less than satisfying. The younger man was furious that John attempted to kidnap Skye. His plan had been to kidnap the girl to pull Grant back into the fold. Ultimately, it had the exact opposite effect.
"I didn't convince Grant of anything and this may not be permanent. There is still a chance that we might return to Earth. Agent Coulson has assured us that Director Fury considers us to still be in good standing."
He nodded. "That's true but Grant has other obligations. Obligations that he has failed to tell you about. He owes a debt, one that can't be paid while the two of you play house here."
Skye was starting to become irritated but she smiled. "Grant and I do not keep any secrets from one another. There is nothing of importance that I am keeping him from on Earth."
Agent Garret stepped closer to Skye making the young woman bump into a marble column. He smirked seeing the apprehension on her face. "Well, that's a lie. His job is to lie to everyone. Grant is not who you think he is. He's been lying to you from the very beginning. He is lying to you now. You have no idea who he really is. I'll say one thing…he's good at his job. He made you fall in love with him. Send him back to Earth or I will make sure there is nothing but a cell in the Fridge waiting for him when he decides to return. We both know this will not last. You would be doing him favor."
Skye flashed an impish grin and leaned in. She whispered, "Hail Hydra…"
John stumbled backward and stared at her in shock. He didn't know what to make of the situation. He couldn't imagine that Ward would ever tell Skye such a thing. His entire strategy for getting him back to Earth had just gone up in flames. He worked quickly trying to formulate a different approach.
She saw the wheels turning in the older man's head and her smirk deepened. Despite Grant's fears of losing Skye he made the right decision telling the truth. It had been a shock to her system but she realized that he abandoned all of it for her. It didn't absolve him completely but it went a long way.
She said, "I know that it was you who sent the centipede soldiers after me on the day we left Earth. I wonder what my father would think if he knew you were here. Maybe we should call him out here and ask…"
Garrett grabbed her arm and wrenched it behind her back. He said, "Don't be hasty, little girl. If something happens to me, here it could spark a war between S.H.I.E.L.D. and Asgard and no one wants that. Your precious team would be caught in the crossfire. Believe me…no one is going to believe a word out of Loki's mouth or his corrupted daughter."
The man's tight grip on her arm had little effect on her but she didn't like the gesture. If she wasn't Asgardian he would surely be hurting her. She knew that he was right about her word meaning little. Loki had tried to enslave Earth and he had mind controlled members of the Avengers. S.H.I.E.L.D. was unlikely to believe Loki wasn't the aggressor in this situation. Skye closed her eyes and shifted into her Jötunn form.
John hissed and snatched his hand backward. He studied his frostbitten appendage and then stared at Skye with disbelieving eyes.
Skye shifted back into her Asgardian form and smiled cheerfully. "You should enjoy the party, Agent Garrett…"
Ward stepped out onto the balcony and his jaw clenched painfully. He stormed over to them and placed himself between Skye and Agent Garrett. "What do you want?"
"I was just having a polite conversation with your bride-to-be. She is a charming girl," he muttered.
Grant looked at John's frostbitten hand and growled, "Why were you touching her?"
Skye squeezed his hand. "I'm fine, Ward. It was just a little misunderstanding. Agent Garrett was just about to rejoin the party."
He grabbed the older man's shirt and warned, "Stay away from Skye for the rest of the night. I told you that I'm not coming back. I haven't told Agent Coulson and I won't do that to you. Do not confuse mercy for weakness."
Garret laughed uproariously. "You've always been weak, Ward. We both know that. You were weak from the moment I pulled you out of the juvenile detention center. You were so eager to be loved and respected. It was so easy to manipulate you. You were a lump of clay that I could mold into anything I chose. A pat on the head made little Grant Ward wag his tail like an obedient dog. I guess I gave you too much leash…"
Grant felt tempted the throw Agent Garrett over the balcony but he restrained himself. He let the man go and smoothed out his rumpled shirt. "Skye you should go back inside."
She said, "Okay…but don't stay out here long." Skye smirked at Agent Garrett and walked back into the palace. She looked around the room searching out Agent Coulson.
She smiled seeing him dancing with Agent May. She almost hated to interrupt their dance but the party was nearing its end. Skye tapped Melinda on the back and asked, "May I cut in?"
Melinda chuckled softly and nodded. "Of course…"
Coulson smiled and took Skye's hands as they started dancing. "I am glad that I have the opportunity to say goodbye this time."
Skye shook her head. "It isn't goodbye, A.C., it is more of I'll see you later."
Melinda stood a few feet away watching Phil dance with Skye and had to smile. He looked happy and strangely at peace. He deserved that. She was about to turn away when she saw the look on his face change. First, there was confusion then there was disbelief. However, his features finally settled on enraged. He looked toward the balcony but Skye deftly pulled his focus back to her.
She watched Coulson listen intently as Skye urgently whispered into his ear. The two were no longer dancing. Instead, they stood frozen in the middle of the floor while others celebrated around them.
When the song ended, Skye hugged Agent Coulson and slipped away into the crowd.
Melinda quickly made her way to Phil and asked, "What was all of that about? What's wrong?"
He grimaced and then looked out onto the balcony. In a grim voice, he said, "Hydra…"
A/N: This is the end of The Emerald in Ice but the first chapter in the sequel will be posted August 22. I had a death in the family which brought all of my writing to a halt. I am only at 20% completion on the sequel and I'd like to have more chapters finished before I start posting. I hope everyone sticks around for the sequel. All of you have been amazingly supportive! Thanks again.