Chapter 13
Within moments the day had went from one of celebration to one of dread. Taking a deep breath, you reminded yourself of what Frigga had said of remaining confident, so staying calm you put on a false smile. "Warin, I wish I could say it is a pleasure to see you, but I do not wish to lie."
Warin's smile vanished immediately as he glared at you. "How dare you, you…" He snarled lowly out of earshot of your parents. Frigga had left your side to welcome them.
"Prince Warin, welcome to Asgard once more. So good of you to join us at this time of great celebration." Thor boomed slapping Warin across the back in an overly enthusiastic manner, sending the Alfheim prince hurling forward. "Forgive me, I seem to forget just how slight you Light Elves are, even more so for you as you are half Midgardian, I have never met one before I met your mother, I hear they are exceptionally, what's a good word, delicate." He stated with a devious smile. "And I the strongest Aesir around, I need to remind myself to be more gentle with you being so fragile."
Warin stepped back cautiously as you smile in delight at Thor's thinly veiled warning. "Indeed." Warin straightened himself up again. "So pray tell, why have we been brought back here so suddenly." He enquired trying to feign boredom.
"Your mother did not tell you? Well then, we cannot spoil the surprise, can we Sadhbh?" Thor grinned looking to you. You shook your head in answer. "Today is a very important day for Asgard, one of the most important in our year. We are delighted you could join us for it. Erlendr." Thor turned to your other brother who looked back at him in terror after his comment on their durability. "You have not said a word, how do you fair?"
"Very well, thank you." Erlendr answered quietly, not looking the Aesir in the eye.
"Wonderful, where is…ah Loki." Thor called to his brother, who was busy speaking with Gaufrid and Merida beside his parents. The raven haired prince looked over and on seeing both of your brothers quite close to you immediately made his excuses to the monarchs and came over.
"Warin, Erlendr, so good to see you again." He smiled widely. "We have a lot to celebrate this day, such a plentiful harvest this year among other things. Tell me how does Alfheim fare? Do your people miss your fair sister as much as our people adore her?"
The two brothers were clearly ill at ease with Thor's comment, but Loki's over friendliness terrified them altogether. They remained silent as Loki continued to smile.
"What say we go to that lovely terrace and have a small meal to tide us over for a while? The banquet is not for some time yet and as pleasurable as it is seeing the people of the realm, it is hunger inducing." You suggested, looking only at Thor and Loki.
"An excellent idea Sadhbh. Perhaps Warin and Erlendr may care to join us?" Loki offered scaring them more. They silently nodded, knowing that both sets of parents would be watching and indeed listening.
"And who knows, perhaps the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif may be training and may be able to join us also." You smiled eagerly.
"That would be great. They have gotten to know so much of you both from myself and indeed Sadhbh since you were last with us that they voiced their anticipation of your return on more than one occasion." Thor beamed widely at your brothers, the devious smile returning quickly.
"Oh wonderful, so it is decided then." You clapped your hands together excitedly and bounced on the spot. "If, of course, we are finished with our duties here?" You looked to Odin and Frigga for confirmation.
"Yes of course, off with you all." Odin dismissed waving his hand in your general direction, a small smile barely concealed as he spoke.
"Enjoy yourselves." Frigga smiled turning to talk to your mother again. "Oh Sadhbh?" You turned to look at the Allmother again. "I wish for you to meet with me in my quarters before tonight's banquet, we have much to discuss with Queen Merida." She added.
"Worry not Mother, we shall ensure she gets there safe and sound, won't we Loki?" Thor looked to his brother.
"Indeed, with not a hair out of place." Loki smiled in agreement. "Shall we?" He insisted in leading the way with you by his side. Thor followed close behind ensuring a barrier between your brothers and you.
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The late afternoon went by quickly with Loki and Thor acting as guards for you, ensuring your brothers never got close to you. Loki also ensured that they were unable to use their own seidr against you. Their abilities were nowhere near as strong as yours as they had never studied and practised as you had, your Midgardian heritage making it more difficult to wield it, even as a half Light Elf. As it turned out, Frigga was able to inform you that your ability to conjure illusions should not even have been possible due to being half of Midgard.
It turned out Warin and Erlendr had not even thought that their visit was in any way regarding your betrothal and they both were oblivious to the obvious in that regard.
The Warrior's Three and Sif did join you all after a short time. They were in cheerful form until they saw the Alfheim princes, then they tensed visibly, something that had not escaped the prince's notice. However they continued to talk as usual, with Sif taking it upon herself to remain within a foot of you as she glared incessantly at them.
"Sadhbh, Mother will want you now." Loki stated kindly as he looked to the clock that overlooked the terrace and training grounds.
"Oh dear." You jumped to your feet. "I had better make haste." Thor and Loki rise to their feet also to accompany you. "Please, that is not necessary." You insisted.
"But we promised that you would arrive safely, you would not wish for us to be untruthful to our mother." Thor argued.
"And she will ensure you will not be such a thing. Your highness, may I escort you?" Sif offered.
"What a wonderful suggestion. That way, Loki, Thor and the Warrior's Three can entertain my brothers." You grinned. "I guess I shall see you all at the banquet." You waved as Sif followed you back indoors. Once inside you let your shoulder slump and sighed heavily.
"Are you alright your highness?" Sif asked in concern.
"Fine, I'm fine." You waved a hand dismissively. "I was just not prepared for their arrival today." You explained, walking toward the necessary stairwell to get to Frigga's rooms.
"Was their visit not pre-planned?"
"No, the Allmother only invited them last night and only informed me of such a few hours ago. They never even answered her as to whether or not they were accepting the invitation. We only knew they were coming when I saw Warin standing in front of me."
"You would not have thought you so ill prepared by your attitude in front of them." She commended.
"I spent near a thousand years fearing them in my old home. I will face Hela herself in the depths of Nilfheim before I will allow the same occur here." You swore.
"Why are they here so unexpectedly may I ask. The harvest banquet has been the same day for millennia, so that…oh." Sif had realised once she voiced her curiosity as to the second reason the day would hold such importance. "Your betrothal is to be announced, that is why the Allmother is seeking you now. Congratulations." She bowed dutifully.
"I cannot see what there is to congratulate to be honest." You laughed at the blatant look of confusion on her face. "I was brought here for the sole purpose of marrying one of the princes, to not fulfil such a role would have been more worthy of note than to fill it."
"Yes, I suppose you are right." Sif replied stiffly. "No wonder Thor seemed so happy on the terrace."
"Yes, I think he has realised his good fortunes." You joked watch as the warrior swallowed hard. "I assume he is paying homage to the Norn's for his good fortunes that he is not stuck with me." You stopped and smiled waiting to see if Sif realised your words. It took her a moment, but she did indeed halt and turn to look at you. "Yes, I have said the words you think I have."
"You are to marry Loki?" You nodded your answer. "But everyone was so sure that…"
"There is a saying my mother brought with her from Midgard, 'assumption is the mother of all mistakes'. I am to wed Loki, and the Allfather is going to announce it at dinner. Perhaps were you not so transfixed on Thor's joy, you would not have failed to see Loki's, something of far greater note." You grinned with a raised brow. Try as you might, you were not able to hide the small laugh that escaped you as you watched Sif trying to control her blush. "Don't worry, I will not reveal your feelings to anyone. But you really should do something with regards to that before the queen considers a different wife for him."
"It is not my place, I am not of the correct bloodlines." She insisted crestfallenly.
"Bloodlines are of the lowest importance. Look at my brothers, their bloodline, though it is of inter-realm status, is on paper a note worthy one, but their behaviour is anything but such."
"But Thor is to be King, his progeny must be of royal blood." Sif argued further, it hurt to see her heartache behind her stoic exterior.
"And they will, through him. Warin is to be king too you know?"
"That is a chilling thought." Sif commented with a shudder. She looked at you as she spoke again. "May I be as bold as to ask what changed Odin's mind? I heard myself that he thought you better suited to Thor."
"Sometimes there are powers at play that even the great Allfather cannot control." You replied cryptically. When you reached the Queen's quarters, you thanked the warrior for her assistance before heading inside.
Your mother and Frigga were speaking when you entered the room. As soon as Merida saw you, she rushed forward and embraced you tightly. "My beautiful daughter, I would barely recognise you. You look so happy." She wept.
"Thank you Mother, I have never been happier." You smiled holding her close. "Her Majesty has been so good to me, as have the Allfather and the Princes."
"She has fitted in well with our family. I cannot imagine what it would be like to not have her here after these few weeks." Frigga smiled. "How was your time on the terrace?"
"Quite lovely actually, the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif joined us." You answered politely. "May I ask why you called me here? The banquet is soon and I will be late if I have to get dressed."
"You can simply put on a dress in moments sweetheart." Your mother argued.
"And my hair?"
"Easily sorted, Anila?" Frigga called. The Queen's dress maid came forward and immediately set about doing your hair. "We called you here simply because your mother wanted to embrace you, but of course protocol would not have permitted it outside. I have been explaining Threyja to her, because of course, Midgard has not got such a thing."
"Nor does Asgard or Vanaheim." You pointed out.
"Yes, it is strictly of Alfheim. Though Jötunheim has something vaguely similar I believe, but more in the line of a basic 'life mates' manner." Frigga explained.
You simply held still as the maid worked, twisting your hair, pinning and braiding. "I am just so glad you are able to be so happy, you deserve it my dear sweet Sadhbh." She squeezed your hand as you smiled back, squeezing hers too.
"Now." Frigga clapped her hands together. "We need to get dressed."
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You took a deep breathe and waited for the door to the banquet hall to be opened. Beside you Frigga smiled as she looked at what you had chosen to wear. "You look beautiful Sadhbh." She stated.
"I will always pale in comparison to you." You commented back.
Frigga laughed. "I think the only one who would ever agree to that is Odin."
"Then we have a problem, because it appears the realm is blind."
Frigga laughed harder. "I am glad to see your confidence has remained, even with your brothers' arrival."
"This is my home; I will not live in fear here. Thor and Loki were amazing at keeping them at bay earlier."
"My boys bicker over the most ridiculous things, but they will always stand together when they need to." Her pride obvious. A guard gave a nod that it was time for you both to enter. "Ready." You nodded, too terrified to even try and speak. "This is the first night of the rest of your life Sadhbh, after this, you will be officially of this house."
"Is that not the day of the marriage?"
"No, that is only the final piece. When Odin officiates it, nothing will stop it."
"Not even my brothers?"
"They would not dare. Thor and Loki would annihilate them where they stand." Frigga snarled. "And their father and I would condone it fully."
The door opened and the irate look left Frigga's face and she smiled gracefully as she took your hand with hers and led you through the hall.
The room stared as you walked through, gasping and awing at you. Your dress was midnight blue at the top and the further down your body it fell, the lighter the colour became. Your hair was beautifully tied off your face, but loose at the back. Looking to the top of the hall, your saw your brothers glaring at you, your father looking at you with a bored expression on his face, your mother staring in awe, Odin nodding in approval, Thor with a large beaming smile elbowing Loki, and Loki. Loki was staring with his mouth open, his adoration blatant on his face. You kept your eyes on him the whole way smiling bashfully at his reaction to you. You arrived at the table and sat between the princes again.
"Sadhbh, you are the envy of every woman in the room." Thor complimented. "And later, you brother will be the envy of every man." Loki smiled back proudly at his brother.
"Thank you Thor." You looked over and noticed Sif near by. "Lady Sif looks well this evening also, does she not?"
Thor looked to his friend. "Sif always looks well regardless of whether she is covered in mud and dust or at such events as this." He smiled, looking at her for a moment.
Studying his reaction carefully, you looked to Loki, who seemed to realise what was going on. He looked from his brother to their friend and finally to you with his brows raised. "I did not see that coming." He commented to you under his breath. You simply nodded your head, your lips gripped tightly between your teeth. "I assume the feeling is mutual?" Another nod. "I also assume we are going to have to pretty much do everything for them?" You gave an apologetic look and nodded again. Loki sighed and nodded to signify he would help.
The meal was pleasurable, you spoke with both princes at length, thrilled to see that after the competitiveness had subsided, it was quite fun to be in both their company simultaneously, as the bickering was still present, but in a more humorous manner. When you were finished eating some sorbet, Odin rose to his feet and clapped Gungnir off the ground once. The entire room silenced immediately.
"Great citizens of Asgard, we are lucky to be here today with bountiful plates of food and drink, signifying another great year and harvest on our realm." He began; murmurs of agreement met his words. "We are also fortunate to not have war currently with any realm, and that the Nine Realms are relatively peaceful. As of late it has been known to all that Asgard has been strengthening her ties with some of the realms, for which our harvest is essential, as agricultural produce is one of our most profitable trading goods. The most noticeable partner we have been working with is Alfheim, as you can see beside me; we have welcomed their king, Gaufrid and his family once more. And for the past few months we have had the honour to host his daughter, the Princess Sadhbh of Alfheim." Odin indicated to you, you blushed slightly. "As she is set to marry one of my sons, and become of Asgard. A decision that I, and indeed my advisors have been taking very deep consideration of for many weeks. However, it was revealed to me last night, that the princess, though half of Midgard, has stronger links to her Ljósálfar lineage than should be possible, and has formed a threyja, luckily with one of my sons." You noticed a terrifying glare from your father, aimed directly at you. You kept your head down as Loki took your hand under the table to try and comfort you. With one look from his brother, Thor then used his large body to shield you from your fathers view. Odin continued as though he had not noticed. "I would not have believed it possible, were I not to have seen it with my own eye. Usually only Light Elves of pure Ljósálfar bloodlines are capable of such, yet the same is said of their abilities with powerful seidr, which the fair princess is also proficient." He smiled over to you as he spoke. "I should explain, as clearly there are a few confused to what I just said. Threyja is a trait that only occurs in Light Elves, there is no translation for the word. It is more of a concept. It essentially means that Princess Sadhbh is tied to my son in every possible way of love, faithfully and everlastingly. She can never love another, want another, take another. He is effectively the closest thing possible to a soul mate to her, if you believe such things. Thankfully, it is clear my son returns the princess's affections, so it is with great pride that I announce the betrothal, and the soon to be marriage of my second son, Prince Loki, to Princess Sadhbh of Alfheim." Loki declared as the hall erupted in cheers, with Thor's the loudest of them all.