CHAPTER 13

A reoccurring nightmare penetrated her beautiful dreams, thus making her rather tired and irritable due to lack of sleep from the previous night. It was about the raven-haired man again. She hadn't dreamt about him in a while, but she never forgot his face. It was always snowing. His skin was so pale that it blended in with the icy fluff that surrounded them. He'd squint his red eyes as the crow's feet forming around them and he scrunched his long crooked nose in disgust. He sneered at her as he stabbed her in the heart and said, "he will never be king."

As much as she attempted to make herself believe that it was only a dream, there was a small portion of curiosity that bubbled inside her. What did it mean? Her pendant vibrated against her collarbone and began to glow. She took it in her hand and whispered to it, "is this a warning?"

It glowed brighter and flickered for a few moments before it dulled.

Skurge stood in front of Eira's chamber door, hesitant. Why on the Nine Realms would Loki assign him such a task? It was hard enough for him to come up with a few lies, but to completely crush the heart of a young soul was too cruel. Tricks and lies were more of Loki's specialties. Nonetheless, it was his task. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door thrice.

Silence.

He cleared his throat and knocked again.

The door cracked open as Eira poked her head out. "Hello."

"Lady Eira, I'm Skurge," he bowed his head. "Odin has assigned me to be your advisor and personal guard."

Stunned, she gave him an odd look. "An advisor and personal guard? Seriously?"

"I - er, erm - yes," he sheepishly answered.

She stared at him for a while. "I'm sorry. I'm not sure of what to say."

He chuckled awkwardly and shrugged. "Honestly, I don't either."

She cracked a smile. "Well, is that all? Or did you come to help me with my hair?"

"I'm afraid I know nothing about styling hair, my lady."

Eira laughed as she invited him into her chambers. She was in a simple aline, blush pink dress with long sleeves. There were pink and white flowers on the vanity where she sat. She began to plait braid one side of her head and asked him how he'd be playing his role of advisor. Skurge explained that he would be more like a mentor, someone to teach her the customs and history of Asgard. Eira pulled her hair into a loose bun and planted the flowers in her braid - a thing she used to do when she was a little girl.

"The flowers look lovely in your hair," Skurge complimented.

"Thank you," she smiled. "I want to look my best when I meet my brother and mother. Will you escort me to them?"

"I'm afraid that I bring bad news," he twiddled his thumbs.

"What is it?" The heaviness in her chest made it difficult to breathe.

He sighed. "Your mother... she doesn't wish to see you."

Eira took a moment to digest what Skurge told her. She didn't wish to see her. Was she not a lost child? Any mother who lost their child would do anything to get them back, right? Unless she wasn't. Perhaps, just like the other orphaned children, she wasn't wanted. Her greatest fear had come true. That would mean Odin lied to her. He made her think that she was loved and wanted and how he searched for her, yet he couldn't figure out that she was on Earth the whole time? Her body began to shake as the rage boiled inside. A cold gust of wind hit the back of Skurge's neck, sending chills down his spine.

"Eira, what are you doing?" his voice trembled.

She looked at him with tears in her eyes. "I need to be alone now."

After Skurge left and a good cry, Eira washed her face before taking out the makeup she got from the market place in the city a few days ago. A man and a woman were selling "Lipstains" and "Eyestains" and so much more. The names were different, but the products were similar to the ones on Earth. She grabbed as many different colors as she could and Odin was kind enough to arrange the payments. Although she was over one hundred years old, she still enjoyed playing with her and makeup and dressing up in dresses and gowns.

Once she finished getting ready, Eira stepped out of the room and noticed three women standing right outside her door. They barely took notice of her presence while they giggled and gossiped. The blonde glanced at Eira and whispered something to the two brunettes. They laughed. As Eira turned to leave, the blonde spoke out.

"Are you Lady Eira?"

"I am," she replied suspiciously.

The blonde approached her and bowed. "I am Gyda. This is Luta and Arnora. We were Frigga's handmaids. Upon the request of the king, we are now yours."

"How generous of him, but I don't think it necessary," she replied. "Let him know how I appreciate the thought."

Gyda laughed. "The king warned us about your stubbornness, but I never considered you would be funny."

Without giving her a chance to argue, the women guided Eira to the gazebo that was in front of a performance stage as they continued their gossip. How a maid was pregnant, but they're sure it isn't hero husband's - you know, gossip. They escorted her to the soda and poured her a goblet of wine. Then, as they talked about Thor and Jane, Gyda filled a small plate with dried fruits, cheeses, and meats before handed it to Eira. There was a moment of silence as the women stared at her.

"You have quite impressive breasts, Lady Eira," Gyda gave her an odd look.

"Excuse me?" Her face heated up as she attempted to cover her chest.

"You definitely didn't get that trait from your mother," Luta giggled. "Freyja had such a pretty face. If only she had a bigger chest!"

"Please stop," she spoke softly, shaking in rage.

"Perhaps you got it from your father's side," Arnora chimed in.

"Stop it," She said more firmly.

The women gawked at her.

"My gods," Gyda dramatically gasped. "Perhaps she knows not of her father. Poor dear, I can't imagine not knowing who my own father is."

"That is enough, Gyda," Odin scolded as he approached them.

"My king," Gyda and the others bowed.

Odin stared intensely at Eira as she stared back. He turned back at the maids and motioned Gyda to approach him. When she walked over to him, he demanded that she apologize.

"Forgive me, your grace," she bowed.

"Not. To. Me," Odin snapped.

Gyda glanced at Eira and chewed her lip. "Forgive me, Lady Eira. I did not mean disrespect."

Eira glanced up at Odin, who was amused. Then she glanced back at Gyda, whose acting was substandard, similar to Soap Operas. Eira forced a smile and gave the maid a nod. Being petty never gets you anywhere. "All is forgiven, as long as it doesn't happen again."

"Well, then," Odin motioned for the maids to leave. "Off you go."