"How do you like it?" Frigga smiled at me, striding into the chamber that was to be mine. Touching a hand to the ornate blanket that covered the bed, she threw second glance toward the fireplace and dresser. "I'm not sure if they've supplied the bathroom yet, we'll check on that before we leave—won't we, ladies?"

Two out of three of Frigga's handmaidens nodded. The third, Analisa, merely smiled at me. I pressed my lips together into a reluctant grin, recalling that the queen had assigned her to stay by my side for the time being.

The unrelenting knot in my chest loosening a bit. "I just can't stop thinking of my friends." I looked toward the bed, specifically, and thought of the cots that they'd all be sleeping on tonight. "It's like a weight in my chest."

"We care for the ones we love, and you love your friends," Frigga said, walking over and clasping my hands in both of hers. "Don't worry. We'll think of something to help them. And we'll do it together."

A tiny ball rose in my throat, and I looked upon the queen's kind expression. "Thank you."

"There's nothing to thank for. These are atrocities that should never have taken place to begin with," Frigga said. "And you're like a daughter to me, I wouldn't have a moment more of it with you. I'd have you join us at the Steps of Yggdrasil tonight, if I could."

I dimmed a little at the reminder. Now that the Solstice had passed and the festival was over, it was time to send off all the guests that had been residing in Asgard. As was customary throughout the history of the nine realms, each time an ever-lasting peace was declared, the celebration of the life of Yggdrasil was held—a ceremony of sorts, blessed by the royal family of Asgard.

In short terms, it was to be my first outing among the noble people of Asgard.

"Don't look so worried," Frigga added, smiling at my sudden demureness. "Loki will be there with you."

"That's not what worries me," I muttered, releasing her hand to stride toward the single sofa situated before the fireplace—unlike Loki's chamber, which had two. Over my shoulder, I saw the queen gesture to the handmaidens, watching as they scurried about through the chamber.

"Loki can't protect me from everything. Even if he could, he's already done so much for me—everything I have now is because of him," I went on, letting her take my hand as we sat. "I don't even know why he found me deserving of any of it."

Frigga grinned and then sat back against the couch, folding her hands over her lap. "Loki was never an easy boy to raise, Aila. As an adult, he can be insufferable at times—even to his mother," she chuckled. "He's perceptive to a fault. But do you know what he isn't?"

"What?"

"Impulsive," she said. "His perceptiveness has also made him careful and resolute. He thinks more than he acts, and that makes him more than capable of making difficult decisions—which is my favorite quality about him."

She went on, "If you knew his life and his mistakes as I do, you'd know that every decision he's ever made has been a terrifying one. Requiring a great amount of determination, even when he couldn't see the fault in his actions. He's the leader of his own story, he always has been." A pause. "I believe you were one such decision, my dear."

My brows rose a bit, and then sank. "Because he chose to involve himself with a slave," I said. "That's what everyone will say. They're already saying it."

Frigga's face fell a bit, but she nodded. "But my son was the first to see the potential in you—he was the first to pursue it. Call it curiosity, but it only had to go so far," she said. "You think the people of Asgard are so blind as to see this for anything but what it is?"

I furrowed a brow. "What do you mean?"

"The young prince of Asgard discovered the lost princess of Niflheim—a lost daughter of Yggdrasil." Frigga donned a devilish smile. "That is the story they are telling, and what they will remember."

It was a kind sentiment, but my heart sank in my chest at the unintended reminder. "What's going to happen if King Veris tries to take me back to Niflheim?"

A grave look came over her. "Nothing you need to think about, because we won't allow it to happen."

"The Allfather said he can't deny the king if he decides that."

"And he can't," she said, looking away. "The blood ties of family have more bearing than words or contracts enacted by Asgard—particularly where those ties concern a royal family of the nine realms."

I considered that a moment, a bit let down that Frigga had nothing else to say—no other reassurances to offer. I rubbed my hands together idly as I watched her stare into the flames, and then asked, "Is the king leaving Asgard tonight, with the others?"

"No." Frigga shook her head, shooting me a look.

I pressed my lips together. "So, he has reason to stay," I muttered.

The same graveness overtook her features. Glancing over her shoulder, Frigga returned her gaze to me with a steadying look. "My dear, we will not rely on Loki to come up with the solutions himself—we are all none too keen to give you up," she said, pulling a weak smile to her face. "But we will discuss it more later—for now, we both must prepare for the ceremony tonight."

Looking in the direction that Frigga had glanced, I realized the maids had drawn me a bath.

Discomfort wormed its way through my limbs. "Are you sure I should be there, tonight?"

Frigga's eyes gleamed as she looked at me. "For Loki's sake, you ought to be there."

The queen left me in my new chambers long enough with Analisa to prepare for the ceremony. The girl was quiet for most of the hours that passed, though perhaps she was trying to be considerate of my apparent nerves. I'd felt uncomfortable enough being pressed and pampered in preparation for the Solstice festival, this was an entirely different scenario. I'd be parading tonight as nothing and no one except myself.

By nightfall, the sky was filled with stars outside the palace windows. Sconces cast dim lights throughout the halls, and Analisa strode just beside me as I navigated through them. All the rooms seemed to be emptying slowly as the occupants coalesced to the docks. The guests themselves would begin leaving in the morning, as the ceremony was merely a symbolic gesture, but everyone seemed in a good mood—despite the festivities being over.

Everyone except me.

Wind billowed my hair as I sifted through the crowd, wrapping my cloak closely around my shoulders. It was cold outside and I was anxious, the two sensations creating a feedback loop that had me trembling.

I inhaled deeply, letting the breath cascade out of me—a bit more shakily than I'd intended.

"Are you alright, Miss Aila?" Analisa suddenly chirped.

My head snapped back at her, and only then did I realize just how tense my neck had gotten. I offered a reluctant grin. "Just Aila," I said. "Yes, I'm alright. Thank you."

With a curt smile and a nod, Analisa slowed her pace once more, disappearing behind me.

Turning my attention back to the path, the beauty of Asgard was only momentarily distracting—the architecture had always been breathtaking, and the bits of metal that adorned the smooth buildings gave them all an iridescent sparkle. The people were undoubtedly just as beautiful—in my view, the citizens of Asgard had never had any distinction between the upper and lower classes. All the people were elegant, all finely clothed and with eloquent manners. Here and now, they strode with confidence and carefree demeanors that I wished for a taste of.

A crowd that had gathered around the Stairs of Yggdrasil—which were a literal span of stairs, leading up to an opulent platform that overlooked the water. A small clearing had been made down the center of the crowd, the entire pathway lined with guards. Analisa and I carefully wound through the crowd until we were at the very front, and I had a full view of the grandeur of the sky. Thousands upon thousands of stars twinkled overhead.

"Beautiful…" I heard her murmur. But when I looked over, she was looking at the platform—which, in her defense, was truly a splendorous sight. The gold had been as finely carved as Odin's throne, and it almost seemed a shame for anyone to walk on top of it.

"Yes, it is," I agreed, startling her a bit. Her eyes shooting toward me, Analisa gave me a demure smile, then lowered her eyes to the ground.

Some deeply rooted instinct reared its head within me, stoked by a fire that had never been put out. "Please don't do that."

Her gaze shot up to me, eyes hooded nervously. "Do what?"

"Don't lower your eyes to me like that," I answered softly, sensing her anxiety. "Ever—please."

I'd thought the rule had only applied to slaves—yet still, I recognized the feeling I saw in her eyes. I could never imagine eliciting such a response from another person, and it pained me to consider ever being responsible for such a thing.

A bit confused at first, Analisa nodded slowly, the corners of her mouth turning upward. "Of course. My apologies."

"Nothing to apologize f—"

"Aila?" Another feminine voice interjected from behind me, the stark familiarity sending shivers down my spine mid-sentence. Analisa's stare turned confused for a moment as she watched me slowly turn, seeing a familiar pair of eyes staring back at me from the left.

Lilette.

My lips parted, anxiety skyrocketing as I stood rooted in place. A bit wan and deadpan, she stared at me from the depths of her hood. "It is Aila, isn't it?" she asked, though I doubted she didn't know that already.

I watched as she lowered the covering off her head, looking rather downtrodden—not half as thrilled as I was to be there, and that was saying something.

I nodded, and the look of discomfort grew in her features. If I didn't know any better, I might have said that the look that crossed her face was almost—hurt.

"You…you don't have to be like that around me," she said after a moment.

I swallowed thickly. "Like what?"

"Afraid," she said softly.

My brows rose. Analisa must have felt my trepidation, and she stepped close enough to be right at my shoulder—her presence steadying me as I stared at the princess.

"I'm not afraid," I insisted breathlessly, trying to force myself to look away or say something else. Yet I could do nothing but stand and stare, pinned by the weight of Lilette's nervous appraisal.

"I swear, I don't mean you any harm," she said, glancing pointedly toward Analisa. "Please believe me."

My heart raced, but I forcibly tore my eyes away from her, back to the platform. That was all I could muster to say or do, until the realization struck me that she might not be alone—she was here for the same reason we all were. A pointed glance in her direction, and I checked the surroundings for King Veris, loosening a breath at his absence. At the same time, I found Lilette's eyes still watching me closely.

I looked away.

"I think you're very brave," she said quietly, leaning forward in the corner of my vision. Again, I swallowed thickly, merely throwing a glance in her direction. "Some of the council members are staying in Asgard—my father among them. I'll be staying as well, and…I was hoping I could come and talk to you."

My brows pinched together, and I threw her a reluctant look. "Talk to me?"

Lilette pressed her lips together. "I know what you're doing, and I'd like to help you."

"What do you think I'm doing?"

"You want the crown," she said. "I can help you get it."

My brows popped up, incredulity coating my features as I shook my head. "I don't want your crown, Lilette. I'm not fit to be a queen of Niflheim."

"You can be, and I can help you."

"Why?" I muttered, my voice growing heavier with suspicion. "Why would you want that for me?"

"I have my reasons," she said, a strange look crossing her features. "Maybe I don't want it for myself."

Anger will enrage the calm, embolden the timid… Loki's voice echoed in the recesses of my thoughts. I straightened up a little, letting it fill me. "Then why wish it on me?"

"Well, it's not a burden that I'm trying to hand off." She shook her head. "But now isn't the time to discuss it. You're our father's daughter, as free to make this decision as I am—but there are some things you ought to know. What he's planning before you get the chance to decide—because he knows you will." Lilette shifted uncomfortably, while I wondered what she meant by any of this. "I've heard him talking about it."

Distrust ran like blood in my veins as I stared at her, wondering what she could possibly mean. None of this was making any sense. "If we can't discuss this now, why are you here?"

"Because now is the only time that you haven't been surrounded by the queen, or one of the princes." So, only in the lack of their presence did she feel comfortable trying to manipulate me? I parted my lips to speak, but she interrupted again, "Please—I only ask that you hear what I have to say."

I stared at her a moment more, then rolled my eyes back to the platform. "Fine. You can visit me tomorrow."

Obviously, the others would be hearing all about this. There wasn't a chance I'd trust Lilette's word over the counsel of the queen, of Loki, and even Thor. I made my decisions with them.

Relief seemed to flutter through her, her entire stance relaxing a bit beside me. "Thank you," Lilette said, turning toward the platform—evidently planning on remaining where she was. "I, uh…think the procession has already started, closer to the palace."

Through the voices bustling and discussing miscellaneous matters around us, I offered her a slinking look, wondering if she was trying to make small talk with me. "It's late, so you're probably right."

A pause of silence. "Are you excited to see your prince?" Lilette muttered, though there was no sign of disdain in her voice.

"He's not 'my' anything," the words flew out of my mouth—noting she hadn't specified which one—and my chest sank a bit in the process.

Another pause. "He should be, for all that he's done." Her voice fell to a whisper. "The magnitude couldn't be understated…"

I furrowed a brow. "What are you talking about?"

There was the slightest hint of melancholy when she turned her head slightly in my direction. "Love is a funny thing, sister. We all express it in different ways, some in lackluster quality," she said. I wasn't sure how I felt about her addressing me as a sibling, but I said nothing as her saddened eyes flickered up to meet mine. "You're lucky. Your prince does nothing but elevate you—it's the highest quality of love."

Though the pavilion was far from quiet, there was a moment of silence between us.

Cheers and claps broke out demonstrably, and Lilette offered me a demure grin before she looked in the direction of the noise. Slowly but surely, I tore my attention away from her, my chest both lightened with her words, and heavy by the implication of the way she delivered them.

Somewhere up the path, the royal procession had to have been arriving—judging by the clamor—and I searched the crowd of silhouetted figures until a familiar one stood out. Several, at that.

Striding up the center of the path, Loki and Thor walked on either side of the Allfather and Allmother. The crowd cheered, and there was music coming from somewhere among the buildings, though I couldn't quite place the source. Gentle and formidable at the same time, the tune bore a haunting strength that mimicked the power of the royal family—glowing in the wisdom and strength that blessed them all respectively.

To an extent, I muttered inwardly as I looked at Odin.

They walked in perfect succession, forming a line as they climbed the steps of the platform. The unrelenting wind continued to whip at all of us, carrying the edges of Loki's uniform—which otherwise worshipped his lean frame.

Warmth filled my heart at the sight of him at the far end of the platform, as far from me as he could have possibly been. And for a moment, I forgot all about Lilette and everyone else, watching as they strode to the end of the platform and stood before the railings. Turning one by one, Loki's eyes scanned the crowd, stopping when he found mine.

Unease suddenly sparked in my chest.

There was something of a blank look donning his features, not at all what I'd become accustomed to. Not a hint of a smile as he peered down at me, fiery sconces casting light against his features. He didn't blink once as the crowds cheered.

I raised my hands to clap with them, appreciating the splendor of the royal family—trying to ignore the anxiety that ran a clawed finger down the inside of my chest.

Why was he looking at me like that?

When the procession calmed, Loki's face remained unchanged as he turned back toward the railing, following Odin's example. The family raised their chins up to the sky at once, gazing up in the direction that Odin lifted his staff. Tendrils of fluttering magic engulfed the tip of the staff, glowing in an assortment of colors—not unlike the bifrost—before a similar spark of color erupted in the sky, turning and undulating over itself. Odin lowered the staff to the ground, sending a loud thud that echoed between the buildings, the magic and color coursing down to the water in a glittering display of light.

At first, it was nothing but a nebulous cloud of magic that had no form. Seconds after it reached the water in the distance, I began to realize the gargantuan shape that it was beginning to take—the tree of Yggdrasil, massive and radiant, expanding like a glittering, monumental fixture against the starstruck sky.

I might've expected the crowd to cheer, but everyone seemed just as awed by the sparkling display as I was, and several impressed sighs sounded throughout the area.

The sconces seemed to dim throughout the city, allowing the magic to cast its light upon us in an ambient glow. Everyone stood still as the Allfather's voice rumbled through the air, speaking in the ancient language of the gods,

On this day, the nine realms are as one. On this night, we honor those who offered their lives. On this hour, we celebrate the future.

I looked down at Loki, his form silhouetted by the splendid glow of Yggdrasil. From where I stood, I could only see the edges of his profile—his regal features lit up as he stared into the sky.

At the end of the Allfather's chant, the entirety of the tree shuddered with several thrums of magic that ran from its roots to the ends of the branches—which grew and extended over our heads. The luminescent streaks sent light down to the city, shaming even the brightest stars that glimmered beyond them in the sky.

Whatever fears I'd been carrying were stunted in that moment, numbed by awe. And considering the number of people that had gathered in the docks, the silence that settled between us was beyond anything I'd ever experienced. Almost unifying.

In all the years I'd lived on Asgard, all the traditions I'd witnessed and even heard about—this was undoubtedly the most beautiful.

A sudden movement caught my attention from below, Loki's shadow turning as he turned and looked back in my direction.

In the faint ambiance of the magic, I could barely make out his eyes reaching across the space to meet mine, as steady and emotionless as they were before.

I wasn't sure how to return the gaze, so I held it instead, letting the cold air carry between us as we looked upon one another.

Frigga, who had been standing just beside him, turned and regarded her son. Throwing me a glance over her shoulder, I barely caught the smile on her lips as she turned back to him. Loki's eyes fluttered toward hers, like he was seeking comfort, and some indiscernible exchange took place as she gave him a subtle nod.

Loki's first step was slow, his expression taut as he stepped away from the railing. The second was a bit more confident, and all the crowd turned in the Prince's direction as he slowly strode to the center of the platform.

Behind him, the Queen lightly tapped the Allfather on the shoulder. There was a moment's worth of reluctance before Odin turned, his eyes falling on me without a second's hesitation, and then his eyes softened as he, too, turned toward his son. Thor followed suit shortly after, all the family now facing the people, the Yggdrasil tree continuing to glow behind them.

Loki slowed at the center of the platform, almost facing me, and turned halfway to the water as he raised a hand to the sky. From where I stood, I could sense the familiar rush of seidr rising in his body, his eyes fixed upward. Fingers stretched up to the streams of magic that pulsed overhead, the entire crowd—myself included—watching as a thread of magic streamed down from one of the branches, coalescing around the Prince's fingers.

"What's happening?" I whispered to Analisa. "Is this part of the procession?"

"No…" she muttered, looking equally confused as she watched the Prince work. "I don't know what this is…"

What was he doing?

Frigga seemed unperturbed by the display, as did the Allfather. Even as the hum of magic began to fill the air, the tang of it buzzed against my skin like an electrical current. When I glanced at Thor, even he wore the most serious expression I'd ever seen upon the man, staring at his brother as the magic twisted and turned in Loki's hand.

His fingers, which had been relaxed at first, began to tense as the last of the magic dripped into his hand. Glowing like a star at the center of his palm, Loki's expression hardened as he kept a focused stare on the throbbing magic.

My blood froze in my veins when that icy look slowly turned in my direction, softening by infinitesimal degrees.

Murmurs had already begun around me, but they were all drowned out as I stared back at him, taken by fear and anxiety and worry. I couldn't tell the difference between them anymore.

Balancing in his right hand, Loki kept the magic steady as his left hand slowly rose in my direction.

My eyes widened, several others turning to see what had caught the Prince's attention.

One look at the eyes set upon me and I shook my head briskly at him, wanting to shrink and disappear into the crowd.

Instead of relenting, his fingers opening slightly to me—an indicator.

Come to me.

I turned to Analisa—as though she could have been a source of comfort or guidance—but I shouldn't have been surprised to see the dumbfounded expression she wore as she looked at me.

What in the nine realms was happening!?

Everyone was watching, now. Waiting to see what would happen. Waiting to see if I would join him.

My throat constricted, beads of sweat building along my forehead, even amidst the coldness in the air. My mouth opened and closed several times, and I gawked for a moment more before finally mustering the strength to force one foot in front of the other.

And then another.

And another.

Until finally, I took my first step onto the Steps of Yggdrasil, walking toward Loki with a thousand eyes on me, staring from the darkness of the city around us.

Slowly, I raised my trembling hand to his, slating it against his skin—which was warm. The heat of the magic was blaring in his other hand, and among the tresses of my awareness of the situation, I wondered how Loki managed to hold it without being burned.

"Do you know the history of the tree of Yggdrasil?" he spoke softly, his voice reverberating smoothly through the air—deep and smooth, like silk against my nerves.

I looked at Loki, seeing the gentility in his eyes that matched his tone, like we were the only ones there.

"The ash tree," he went on, drawing my hand to his chest, speaking as though he and I were the only ones there. "Yggdrasil supports the birth, growth, death, and rebirth of all life—of which, no other souls in all the nine realms know more of than you and I."

My throat constricted as my fingers budged against his uniform, and I could barely hear the pounding of his heart inside its cage.

It was pounding just as hard as mine.

"Aila," he muttered again, my name like honey on his lips. "Asgard is home to the gods of Yggdrasil."

Nothing I didn't already know—but my eyes were fixed on his now, and I was listening intently. There was no hesitation in Loki's expression, no hint that he sensed the enormity of the eyes that were watching us from the shadows. The blankness in his face blotted my own, and it was then that I realized the seidr passing through his skin onto mine—the most intimate form of touch between magicians. It was comforting, caressing me—chasing away the fears that gripped me tight.

"Don't be afraid," he suddenly whispered, the magic dulled out so that only I could hear.

"What…" I began, testing the sound—ensuring only he could hear my quiet voice. "What's happening?"

He grinned ever so slightly as he peered down at me, some memory dancing across his eyes. A moment passed when he said nothing, and then he spoke. "Something to honor us both," he said. "What we thought we'd never share."

My brows furrowed as I looked up at him, slowly shaking my head. "What are you talking about?"

Loki's hand slowly left mine, inching toward my face. The light of the magic cast shadows across us both, his hand brushing back tresses of hair that loosened with the breeze. "You never did declare yourself to anyone, did you?"

My brows pinched. "What?"

His eyes never left me. Not for one moment as Loki slowly descended in front of me, down onto one knee. There might have been gasps along the crowd, but everything around the sight of him was nothing but dull noise. My heart pounded, emotions swirling inside me as comprehension began to dawn.

His gaze turned to the magic in his hand, brow set furiously as it undulated one last time, settling in the crystalline form of a ring. Loki's fingers barely flexed as plucked it gently from the air, holding it before me.

The light, which had been swirling around us and above our heads, was now untouched by the breeze that mercifully kept me from toppling over with heat. The magic was now traveling through the ring in elegant, glowing whorls of color.

"Forged from the heart of the life-tree…" Loki muttered, then looked up at me. My mouth was agape as he held the ring between his fingers. "This light will never go out."

My eyes flickered toward Frigga briefly—toward her gentle smile—as I remembered her words from earlier that day.

The young prince of Asgard discovered the lost princess of Niflheim—a lost daughter of Yggdrasil, she'd said.

—and then, he gifted her a ring, forged from the heart of the life-tree.

Loki's voice closed the story inside my mind, and all my thoughts drew blank.

"Aila?" his real voice beckoned me back, and I blinked several times—like coming out of a stupor.

For a moment, I peered down at his expectant face.

He was waiting for an answer.

Slowly, I drew my eyes toward the ring he held between his fingers—the one forged from magic. The very thing that had brought us together. His hand was hot as I enclosed it with mine gently, barely brushing against his skin. I half expected it to disappear, for none of this to be real—but as I raised my hand to the top of his, the jewel still blazed with the heat of the magic he'd used to create it.

It slipped perfectly around my finger.

Not a word was spoken between us, but a dull roar of celebration broke out all around—one that neither of us had seemed to take much notice of. I hadn't quite shaken the shock of it all as Loki rose to his feet, emerald eyes fixed on mine. There was no hint in his expression that suggested he was paying our onlookers any attention, both his hands drawing to either side of my neck. A gentle tug had me drawing toward him, and his breath on my mouth was the last thing I felt before his lips slated over mine. Soft, warm.

Again, and again.

Just the two of us—just as it always had been.

Jesus Christ, I think I'm getting too cheesy for my own good. I'm sorry lol.

On a serious note, though... I was driving around some cliffside areas late last night envisioning this scene (part of my brainstorming process), and I just...I had a moment where I got super emotional. Throughout that drive, I was remembering your guys' enthusiasm for the story, and it just made me so emotional. There was a point where I thought this book wouldn't be finished, but you guys revived it. I'm humbled by your support and endlessly grateful, it was the reason I was able to go out and have an amazing escapist night last night, lost in my fantasies, that I might not have had if I hadn't continued writing this. I don't know how to describe the feeling, so just...thank you. Really, really, thank you.

Anywho, I'm super tired... It's 1 AM. I'm sorry, I'm way too cheesy. I'm just going to go to sleep now. I'll see you all next time, have an amazing day tomorrow!