Chapter 17

Blader finds his happy place; conjuring a huge bouquet of red roses, he returns to Astrid. "I must apologize, my Love. I know being in my presence must be overwhelming. Soon we will be married and you will forget about anything else." The crazed prince boast with a sheepish expression on his face before handing her the large bouquet. Astrid suddenly decides to take a different approach. "Balder... Would you be so kind as to tell me where I am?" She ask hoping this tactic will get him talking.

"Of course!" The brunette takes her by the hand an leads her out onto the balcony. "Welcome to Vanaheim! Your new home. You will be queen of all you see before you." He boast yet again while possessively taking her by the arm. "I think we should marry at sunset. It will be beautiful, don't you think?"

"Sunset is much better than sunrise... Perhaps you would also be so kind as to tell me why you have taken such an interest in me?" She ask keeping her act going while also taking a page from Loki's playbook.

The arrogant and extremely spoiled prince gets excited about their interaction. "Oh, I have been watching my family for centuries; though they have ceased to mourn me. My brothers have many women, so why would they miss one? You are lovely and bright, just like me. Don't you think wed make a great couple?" The mad man doesn't wait for an answer. "Our children will be breathing."

The sorceress fight the urge to grab something sharp to cut into his clearly tiny manhood. "I see..." Astrid replies before the bright, colorful light of the Bifrost fills the chamber before revealing Loki and Alayna.