Frey

Frey had spent the whole morning preparing the feast for Serena's arrival. He would name her Vanir in two hours, and then his sister could finally rest.

-„Lady Serena and Lady Freya" His former servant, the one he'd asked to be Serena's handmaiden bowed quickly as she met Frey in the big hall. She was followed by the two women she had announced, and Frey took a moment to watch how well Serena fit into the new surrounding with the proper dress. Freya was beautiful as always, and she smiled friendly at him.

-„My dear niece." Frey took Serena's hand and guided her to the front. A group of people joined them, standing in a half circle around Frey, Freya and Serena. Frey had invited a few Vanir nobles as witnesses.

-„People of Vanaheimr. Today, I, Lord Frey welcome a new member to the royal family. Freya Yslannasdottir's child has finally found ist way home and it's my duty to present you Lady Serena Freyasdottir. From this day, she will be no longer a Midgardian, but a Vanir."

Frey's voice sounded through the wide hall. The girl's cheeks slightly blushed, but she looked happy. From now on, she officially wasn't a bastard anymore. Frey was sure she didn't realize she would have been a Princess now, the heir of the throne if Vanaheimr hadn't lost the war years ago.

-„Lady Serena Freyasdottir of Vanaheimr, do you consent to your new title?" Her green eyes looked up to him.

-„I do."

-„And do you accept me as your Lord, as I am the rightful ruler of the realm?"

This part left a bitter taste on his tongue. He would have been the rightful King, but now Odin expected him to be happy about his fate to be the Lord of the realm. Serena curtsied as the handmaiden had probably taught her before, graceful as her mother. „I do."

-„Then be welcomed, my dear niece."

Frey finished and took Nertha's sword, the knife Serena had given to Freya a few hours ago for the ceremony. He laid it carefully in her hands and said: „It is now rightfully yours, my lady. Serena took it and curtsied in front of the crowd again. This time, they all bent down before her. The ceremony was done.

Serena

Serena tipped impatiently with her fingertips on the table. One hour. One hour to wait again until Loki was finally brought before the Allfather. Frey's ceremony had been quite unspectacular after all, she had been more nervous than necessary. It was hard to understand how much this new title seemed to change her for everyone. The whispers had stopped, replaced by respectful bows. Freya's harried look was gone, relief and happiness on her face. The only thing Frey liked was his little speech and the demonstration of his authority, but he was kind of nice after all.

One hour. They said she should rest, but it was the last thing she wanted to do. So she decided to sit next to a wide window arc with a amazing view on Asgard. Two chair were arranged around the golden table, but not many people passed by as she sat there and waited. Her handmaiden, Yara, stood behind her even though Serena offered her to sit down in front of her.

„Beautiful, isn't it?" A deep male voice said, and Serena turned around.
A tall, muscular man with tan, weatherbeaten skin and black eyes smiled at her politely.

Suddenly, Serena felt a change of Yara's emotions. The woman was uncomfortable. Serena decided to be on guard.

-„Yes, it is incredible." She smiled back to him.

-„Nothing compared to Midgard, I guess." He answered and took the chair in front of her.

Serena looked up to Yara, who was clearly disliking him.

-„My dear, would you let me and Lady Serena speak alone?" the man asked her, noticing Serena's look. His stare at her was cold and threatening, and Serena couldn't help but pity her handmaiden. She had done nothing wrong after all.

-„I'm sorry, may I ask who you are?" Serena asked while Yara bowed and went away. Before she left, Yara sent a worried look to Serena. This was definitely wierd. But she was curious what this man had to say.

-„Just a curious citizen of Asgard, my lady. My name is Alek."

-„Curious because of me?"

-„You're the beautiful daughter of our beloved goddess Freya. I think it's fascinating how you're half Midgardian and Vanir. Who's your father by the way?" He sounded mildly interested.

-„My father was unknown to me and he was killed years ago." Serena answered briefly. It wasn't something she wanted to discuss with a stranger.

-„Must be hard for you. Who killed him?" Alek was asking a lot of questions and Serena began to suspect there was a reason he wanted those information from her. She had to be careful what to say in front of those people she barely knew.

-„Lady Freya's husband."

-„Njörd? Njörd killed your father? I didn't know he was this cruel." Alek looked impressed and Serena wondered if she had already said to much.

He saw the look on her face and laughed, but it wasn't a humorous laugh. The sound of it spent shivers down her spine. „Don't worry, Lady Serena, I won't tell him. We don't want him to be angry at you, don't we?"

This Alek was getting unpleasant and Serena spoke up.

„Alek, I don't know what you want from me. If Njörd is your friend, then I'm truly sorry for you, but it's none of your business what's between him and his wife Freya. I didn't choose to be born, so leave me alone, Alek." Serena stood up and wanted to go away, her cheeks burned hot. She was truly angry at this man with the evil stare and the wierd questions."

He grabbed her wrist quickly before she could react.

„Njörd only wanted revenge, he only wanted his honor back. And you child, are constantly reminding him of his harlot wife" he spoke quietly, but every word dripped of despise.

„I understand that. What Freya did was wrong. But killing my father, my parents – this is more than just wrong. I'm sorry for what Freya did to him, but he should get over it, because hurting my family doesn't change what happened. Now let go of me."

Serena tried to stay calm. She began focusing on her powers to hurt him, but then he simply let go of her wrist.

„Lady Serena. You seem to have at least more grit than your mother." He said casually, like nothing happened.

„I'm happy you befriended her so quickly." A voice interrupted them. Frey.

He was walking towards them, his face hostile and tensed. He was followed by Yara, who was keeping Frey's fast pace.

Serena's mind began to process. „Njörd." She exclaimed and the man smiled his terribly cold smile.

-„I wondered how long it would take you to see it, little Lady."

-„Remember that the little Lady is out of your reach here. She's official protected by our laws and if you hurt her, you'll die." Frey threatened and nodded towards Serena.

-„Mylady, the Allfather is ready to see you"

Next chapter is Loki's trial. I just thought Njörd had to make an appearance before :D

Thanks for your support ;)

Cuddles to all of you! (I just learned the word "cuddles", thought this was the perfect occasion to use it ;))
xoxo & Liebe Grüße!