Elsa

"I thought you said this was to be a small feast!" My voice comes out in a shrill whisper, although I'm not sure if it's due to my anxiety, or the fact that my corset is pulled way smaller than physically possible. I look imploringly at Sigyn, who looks regal in her green and gold dress. She offers me a small smile as we walk farther into the packed ballroom.

"This is a small feast," She tells me. "Wait till you see the size of the one in two weeks."

I gulp at the mere thought of it. Sigyn had taken the rest of the afternoon to help me go over proper behaviour for a lady of my status. I was rather thankful for it - it's surp[rising how rusty your table matters get after hundreds of years of eating alone in huts. It took me much longer than it should have to remember which utensil was my shrimp fork.

I also got tolearn a little more about Sigyn. Although I'm eternally grateful for everything she's done, I'm still not sure whether I like her or not. Don't get me wrong, she's super polite, and fairly friendly. But I can't seem to shake the feeling that she doesn't like me.

Apparently, she's been married to Loki for about seven centuries - way before I was born. From what I could gather they didn't always have a perfect relationship, and Loki's latest tricks in these past few years are putting a strain on it again. When Sigyn said that, I couldn't help but feel that she was directing that answer to me for some odd reason.

Now a few hours later, I find myself in a throng of strangers, my blonde hair in a fancy updo, amethysts and diamonds dotting my hair, with a fine silver crown balanced delicately ontop. I felt out of place putting it on earlier, but Sigyn is wearing one similar, only her's is made of silk like gold.

The dress that apparently Frigga chose for me is slim fitting with a long trailing skirt that threatens to trip my feet at any given moment. She at least seemed to have considered my preference to blue. The gown is a light shade of cobalt, so light to the point that it almost looks as white as my hair. A sash tied around my middle, and the cut across shoulder sash is stained royal blue, as well as the dainty scarf like thing that hangs around my back and perches in the crooks of my elbows. I've exchanged my normal gloves for white silk ones, and have clasped my hands solemnly in front of me.

All in all, I haven't been this done up since my coronation - and that was so long ago my memories are kind of fuzzy. I follow Sigyn around the ballroom like a lost dog, wishing the evening was already over.

So far I've seen nobody I've even recognized - save for the three twits I had the horror of meeting during the afternoon. Loki and Thor have yet tomake an appearance, along with the rest of the royal family. My stomach growls and I hope they arrive soon. Sigyn says we can't eat until they come. Pitty.

"Well look what the cat dragged in," A scratchy high pitched voice behind me stops me in my tracks. Sigyn carries on, starting a friendly conversation with somebody I've never seen before. Gritting my teeth, I turn around slowly.

"Hello Calysa," A tight smile implants itself on my face. I nod to her two minions. "Mia. Kita."

If I thought what they were waering earlier was overdone, now they're dressed extravagently. Rich reds, make up their outfits, Calysa's slightly darker than her minions. Ruffles and bows and sashes take away from the entirety of the dress, and there neckline is cut way toolow to be considered modest. Each has a fancy updo and makeup splattered face.

"Still following the Royals around I see," Calysa smiles similar to a sharks. "It'll be gratifying to see you stripped of your newly attained status."

More like gratifying to see your faces when I'm announced as royalty, I inwardly smirk. But the idea of their faces when the announcement comes is too good to be true, so I bite my tongue and refrain from telling the truth.

"We'll see," I settle for instead. Mia opens her mouth to say something, but thankfully I'm saved by the banquet hall's doors opening.

Odin and Frigga stride in, followed by Thor and Loki. Odin is as solemn as ever, but Frigga and Thor are smiling and immediately start talking to people as they influx to the table seats. Loki is scowling as always.

I spot a nice little corner seat way at the far end of the room and beeline towards it. I dodge through the fray of chiffron and silk skirts, doing my best not to trip in the delicate heels assigned to me. I take several deep breaths to calm myself, and am awarded as no ice makes any appearance as I weave throught the maze of people. I'm nearly there - most people already seated, when Odin clears his throat.

"Elsa."

The room silences, and I freeze, mere feet away from my chair. I turn to Odin in almost a grimace, as everyone's curious eyes turn to me.

"Your seat belongs here," His voice echoes. The only satisfaction I have as I walk towards his indicated seat, are the alarmed looks that fly across Calysa and the minions faces. I walk to my seat quietly, all too aware of the intent stares. I sit myself, as Odin begins introductions.

"House of Asgard, I introduce to you this day my granddaughter, Elsa Lokidottir. She has spent the majority of her life on Earth. Her ties with Yggdrissall are some of the strongest in the Nine, and she has been brought before you this day to learn how to control her gifts under the guidance of my wife, Frigga Allmother. As one of the House of Odin, she is to be treated with dignity and respect," He raises his glass. "Welcome," He actually smiles in my direction.

I fumble to grab the same looking glass he's holding, while everyone else picks it up with relative ease, before murmering consent. Personally I scowl at the name. Lokidottir? Really? That's the last thing I want to be known by. Calysa is shooting me a venemous look, but seeing as how she's at the far end of the table from me, at least a dozen chairs away, she can't do much more than that thankfully.

As waiters bustle around placing food on the table, I take a quiet moment to see where exactly I'm sitting. Sigyn's sitting on my left, but She's currently in conversation with Frigga who sits on her right. Thor sits across from his mother, and Loki across from Sigyn. I look at who's sitting across from me, and almost balk.

It's that abysmal boy from the Gardens. I think his name was Thorgrim. When he catches my eyes, a nasty smirk floods his features.

"I suppose I should apologize for earlier," He snarks. "Your Highness."

I stick my tongue out at him.

I don't care how immature that is, and it's evidently quite immature by the sharp glare Loki sends me. But I don't care. I refuse to speak to the brat, so instead I ignore him.

His father is sitting beside him, all done up in proper regala. For a moment I think it's sort of funny how his son is sitting closer to Royalty than he is. Then my stomach drops.

Those sly devils.

Well, I'm certainly not talking to Thorgrim now.

The only other person in my vicinity is an older woman who keeps dozing off every few seconds. I sigh, and grab a bun off the table. This is certainly going to be a dull evening.

The meal I swear is sent to kill me.

The buns apparently were the only normal thing on he menu. But seeing what else they've started to serve, I'm beginning to wonder if even those were normal. Dishes of strange shapes and colours are served of what I presume to be vegetables. But whoever deemed a purple cherry spotted, worm shapped root a vegetable, clearly had no eyes whatsoever.

Even the meat is atroctious. Since when do people cook whole pigs? Yes, pigs as in plural. They must've slaughtered an entire kingdomof pigs for this one meal. And the sickening thing is, they're all being aten. Thor himself ripped half the body off the nearest one, and yet is already on seconds.

I place a second bun on my plate and nibble listlessly, watching in horror as the different people voraciously shove more food down their gullets than all of Arrendelle could've aten in a lifetime. Apparently I'm not the only one.

"Makes you loose your appetite, doesn't it?" Loki curl hardly reaches my ears. I look up to see that he's one of few who are actually eating civilly, his plate only half gone. His jade eyes meet mine and I shrug. I'm pretty sure that's the first civil thing he's ever said to me. I'm not quite sure how to respond.

"And this is only the first course," Sigyn speaks up beside me, a small laugh in her voice although her eyes are detached. "You should see Volstagg eat."

I say nothing though, and both enrapture themselves in their own conversation. Not hungry, I sit back idly and just watch the two of them interact. Loki must've cut his hair for once, because he actually looks presentable. Their outfits compliment eachother nicely, and while they share in a whispered conversation, Loki and Sigyn's eyes both light up in a way I've never seen.

They both seem so happy.

Feeling intruisive, I turn my vision back to my plate. My stomach lets out a growl at the wafting aroma, and a grumble of protest as I go to pick up the bun again. But as my eyes land on the foreign food, my brain screams at me to keep my distance.

"Not hungry?"

My eyes flit across the wide table. Thorgrim is smirking arrogantly in a way that reminds me of the Haughty Man back on Earth. As much as I want to deny it, he holds the same charisma about him, with his windswept dark hair, and challenging copper eyes. I can understand why the other courtiers dote on him so. But that doesn't mean he's any less annoying.

I turn my eyes back to my bun, a scowl prominent.

"You know," He says casually between bites, "It tastes better than it looks."

"Polar Bears are beautiful, but are deadly at the same time," I state automatically.

He looks confused as he bites into something that squirts yellow juice. "Are they some sort of bilgesnipe on earth? You know, everything makes sense now. Why you're so odd."

"Odd?" I challenge, my fingers curling tightly around my knife.

"Yeah," He continues. "Speaking of which, how did you come about here anyways if you're from earth?"

I scowl down at my food. "There was an... incident with the people Prince Thor works with on Earth. He recognized me as Asgardian, and Loki claimed me his..." I shoot a look of distain down the table. "Relation."

Thorgrim lets out a snort. "Folly that. Calysa I think might just murder you for it."

"And that would just make your day, wouldn't it," I shoot back in a hiss. This dinner conversation is really beginning to be quite a bore.

"Maybe," He grins wickedly. "Maybe not. It depends on how entertaining you are."

Just for that comment I don't speak to him for the rest of the meal.

To much of Frigga and Sigyn's prompting, I finally eat a green vegetable that looked similar to cauliflower, and tasted like mashed beans. All together not terrible. I was thankful my corset was so tight, preventing me from eating too much to begin with.

All in all one could say I was a little too happy when Odin finally called the meal to a close, and servants bustled out to pick up the platters. I thought for sure everyone would go to bed - especially Thor who managed to consume two boars, not even considering the pheasants he pleased himself with as an opener - but to my surprise, they walked back into the ballroom, as music began to play. I realized what they were doing all too quickly.

This wasn't no feast. This was a wretched ball.

Feeling sick knowing I'd be expected to meet with officials, I quietly turn and make my way for the giant doors, hoping to sneak out and spare myself from embarrassment. Unfortunately, luck doesn't seem to be on my side as Frigga intercepts me.

"Darling!" She exclaims with a warm smile, pulling me in for a brief hug. "Come. I want to introduce you to some people."

I bite back a moan and offer her a smile instead. "Of course, your Highness," I say quietly, clasping my hands in front of me and walking beside her, knowing better than to try and argue with the Queen.

We stop in front of a group of people and I can tell from their attire that they're pretty important. Upon noticing us, the most beautiful lady smiles and acknowledges the Queen.

"Frigga," She says, and even her voice is beautiful. She turns to me. "And you must be Elsa."

Her honey caramel hair curls just the right way, and some of it is pinned up with gems on top of her head. Her dress flounces all her curves perfectly, and her complexion is as clear as porcelain. Her eyes are a beautiful violet, with flecks of green beneath. She absolutely takes my breath away.

"Elsa, this is Lady Freya," Frigga smiles generously. I incline my head as my mother told me to do all those centturies ago when she tried to teach me and Anna how to act around Nobles and other royalty. The memory brings a ping of pain, so I flush the thought out, and give her a small smile instead.

"A pleasure," I make sure to crinkle my eyes at the corners, to make the smile seem genuine.

"The pleasures mine," Freya purrs. "One of my daughters attends this court. Perhaps you two can be friends."

"Oh?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Freya smiles again. "Her name is Calysa."

I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing.

And not because my corset is too tight.

"Really," The smile on my face becomes more forced. "I'll have to make her proper acquantice. Where are you from?"

If she notices my abrupt change of topic, she doesn't mention it. "I'm the current Queen of Alfheim."

Well, I suppose you don't hear that sentence everyday.

I think back to my Grandfather's old fables and stories. I recall him believing in Nine Worlds. At the time I just listened politely to appease him as my parents had asked me too. He sounded crazy. Anna and I would mimic his tales to get a good laugh sometimes. He believed that there was an entire realm of fire, and another of darkness. I can't seem to recall Alfheim though, but thankfully, Freya notices and smiles kindly.

"How rude of me," She pardons herself. "I forgot that you are new to here. Alfheim is home to the light elves. It's pretty close. Vanaheim lies closest to Asgard, but Alfheim holds the closest ties."

Right. Elves. How is this the first person I've met so far, and she's already got my head spinning? "Well, I'm sure I will see more of you," Is my only response. "You'll have to excuse me. I require a drink."

Frigga stays and chats some more with Freya as I wander over to the tables lining the walls. Maids scurry behind them, warriors leaning over the counters, half already drunk, the others getting very close. They hoot and holler, their jests becoming abnoxiously clearer as I draw near to the far side where the non-alcoholic drinks stand.

I grab myself a glass of water, taking the moment to scan the crowd over the rim of my glass. With everyone up and about, it appears as thought the company has doubled in size. Just watching the couples sway on the dance floor makes me dizzy, so I hurriedly take another drink.

That's when I feel it.

I nearly send out a burst of frost as I feel a rustle near the hem of my skirt, but much to my annoyance, my powers hit Loki's invisible barrier, making frustration roll in my gut. I know I should be thankful, but it's weird not having something that I've relied on for centuries. I cast a quick gaze around once more, but Loki and Sigyn are no where to be seen.

With a sigh, I cast a sharp look to the ground. I nearly sputter out my water as two sets of blue eyes look up at me.

At my feet are two children, twins if I had to guess. I'd say they could be no older than five or six, but that would be in human years. For all I know, they could be the same age as me, but age differently because they're all Aesir and I'm... not.

The boy has wide blue eyes, and short blonde hair; chubby cheeks, and reaches no more than waist height. His sister is slightly shorter, her blue eyes smaller, and more intelligent, blonde hair bobbed short, wispy bangs falling in front of her eyes. Unlike her brother, her frame is small and petite, although she seems to contain the sae amount of energy as he does.

"Why, hello," I finally manage to stutter. "Who are you?"

"I'm Asta," The girl replies formally, while her brother simply shouts, "Nilos!"

I can't help but laugh as I bend down so I'm eye level with them. "Well, Asta and Nilos, It's a pleasure to meet you. What are you doing here?"

Asta shrugs. "Hiding from our brother. He can be a bully and we don't want to listen to him."

"Yeah," Nilos agrees. "He wants us to go to bed early. But that's not fair."

"Oh, it certainly isn't," I smile. Anna and I used to do the same thing at balls, only it was our father we hid from. "My name's Elsa, by the way."

"That's a very pretty name," Asta smiles. I've decided that she must be the most adorable child ever, her brother following closely. But unlike his sister who's adorable because she tries so hard to act like a grown-up, Nilos is adorable due to the fact that he's just so childish.

"Thank you," I smile. "So, do you two live at the court as well?"

Nilos nods. "Yeah. Our papa is very important to the King. So the King lets papa have us live with him."

"So maybe we can hang out more," I smile genuinly. All those horrid courtiers - including Calysa and her minions - would be so much more bearable if I got to hang out with these two adorable munchkins.

"Finally! I found you two!"

Our little bubble of joy is popped by an all too familiar voice. I turn in agony to Thorgrim, but to my surprise, it appears as though he doesn't see me at first. Instead he grabs Asta's and Nilos' hands roughly.

"Dad told you two to get to bed!" He whisper shouts at the two twins who squeal and try to rip their hands from his grip. My eyes go wide with realization. They're Thorgrim's siblings. "You should be hit."

"Fine we'll go to bed if you don't tell papa!" Asta whines, tugging on her arm. "Now. Let. Me. Go!"

I watch as Thorgrim rolls his copper eyes, before releasing th two children. Asta and Nilos quickly speed off into the crowd, and I have the distinct feeling that the last place that they'll go to will be their beds.

I watch Thorgrim with some amusement as he sighs while running a hand through his dark locks, causing them to stick up in every which direction. He turns to me and shakes his head tiredly.

"Sorry about that. They can be quite the troublemakers sometimes," He gives me a rueful smile. Once again I'm put out by the civility of his tone, and I can only stare at him.

"What are you doing?" I narrow my eyes finally. He looks put out for a moment, before confusion creeps onto his features.

"Pardon?"

"What's your play?" I reiterate. "I hate you and you hate me, so why are you all of a sudden acting so civil?"

He actually has the gall to laugh.

"Why shouldn't we?" He chuckles. "With you in our classes now we'll have to get a long at some-"

"Classes?" I cut him off, startled. What are you referring to?"

He looks at me shocked. "You don't know yet? Your apprenticeship with the Queen only takes place in the afternoons every other day. But every morning you'll be required to attend classes with the rest of us courtiers to learn about more acedemic matters."

The news hits me like a brick wall. Classes? With the other courtiers? My stomach drops in dread. I knew I would've had to learn more about this world at some point, but I had been rather hoping that Frigga could've just taught me duing our lessons. To have to take class with Calysa and Thorgrim each morning? I can already see the frozen statues in the courtyard.

I had zoned out to the point, that I didn't realize that Thorgrim had started talking again. "... taught by a variety or instructors, including the Princes once a week."

Great. That means I'll have to deal with Loki on top of everything.

"What classes are there?" I finally manage. Thorgrim shrugs.

"Pretty easy stuff. History is Lord Tyr, but only because Prince Thor insisted on weaponery himself. Lady Medlyn is arithmetic, and Prince Loki teaches two classes - Literature and the manipulation of Energy. They rotate depending on the week."

I swear that ever since I decided to hack into SHIELD's server, the world has been out to get me. First, I get kicked off of my home planet, and now I'm told that I have to attend classes with kids I hate, and Loki as my teacher for certain ones. Why don't they just kill me now?

"Maybe there's been a mistake," I say hopefully. "I'll check with Lady Frigga and maybe-"

"That won't be necessary."

I freeze, my hopes plummeting. Why is it everyone I hate seems to end up conversing with me? Seriously. I turn to Loki, distaste written clear upon my features. His are full of mirth, and I get the distinct feeling he sadistically likes my discomfort. Then I'm reminded that this is the same man who tried to invade Earth a couple of years ago. Definitely sadistic.

"My liege," Thorgrim inclines his head, while I simultaneously scoff, "What do you want?"

Loki smirks, incling his head to indicate Thorgrim may straighten out, before turning his attention back to me. "Nothing but some fun."

My senses immediately prickle, as I stare at him cautiously. They don't call him the God of Mischief for nothing. And unfortunately forme, it would appear as though he's not quite sober either. Great.

"Go away or I'll call Sigyn," I hiss. The detached woman might not be my best option, as I discreetly scdan the crowd in vani for her, but she's the only one I've got.

He simply smirks. Then much to my amazement, he complies. Although not without a mysterious gleam in his eyes that makes my stomach twist in fear. As he disappears, so does my energy. I blink and yawn at the same time, in a very unladylike manner.

"I think I shall retire," I murmer sleepily to Thorgrim.

"Goodnight, Lady Elsa," He inclines his head slightly at me. I scoff.

"Nothing's changed between us," I roll my eyes. "I still hate you."

"Then at least allow me to accompany you to your chambers," He chuckles, grabbing my arm and lacing it through his. I'm so tired that I don't complain, instead leaning heavily upon him. I barely notice when we leave the throng of people, weave through the halls, and end at my bedroom door. I open it, and go to step inside.

"See you in tomorrow's classes," He tells me. "And for the record, Elsa," I look up blearily. "I still hate you too."

I chuckle slightly, before shutting the door, and collapsing on my bed.