Freya had been surprised to find a dry set of clothes waiting for her when she had returned to her room, and she wasted no time in changing in to them. She was glad that the dress was a dark blue, meaning that no one would be questioning her choice of colours, and it felt warm. Enjoying the feeling of soft wool against her flesh, she tied her hair back into a bun and then found a cup of hot wine on the table. She sipped it gratefully, savouring the warmth that flooded through her, before wondering what to do. Loki had explained that he would fetch her once he had changed, yet she was restless. With the rest of Asgard still to see, she wanted nothing more than to get out of the palace and explore, as she had no doubt that Odin would not allow her to remain here as a guest for long. She was also desperately trying to work out who in the university would have wanted to trap the God of Mischief, and she had drawn a blank so far. She could not even think if there were any other artefacts found at the same time which would undo the binding. Lord knew she had never intended to summon him, and the sooner she could release the Prince then the better. With nothing better to do, she took to pacing the room.
"You'll wear the soles to paper if you carry on." She looked up to find the Prince grinning as he leaned casually against the table. "Ready to continue?"
"So long as it doesn't involve any more waterfalls." She teased and he laughed.
"I give you my word that we shall stay on dry land." He promised, his hand resting just above his heart as he bowed his head slightly.
"Very well. Lead the way." Freya said as she placed the empty cup down and moved towards him. She was very surprised to find that Loki was surrounded by a slightly golden glow, and she reached out to meet air instead of an arm. He merely laughed.
"Meet me at the end of the corridor, second room on the right." He said before his image disappeared. Freya stared at the spot curiously, and looked around for some form of camera or projector, but after a minute of finding nothing, she shook her head and walked towards the door.
She was glad to find the corridor empty, and so she followed Loki's directions. Reaching a heavy oak door covered in intricate black and gold patterning, she let her fingers trace one of the spirals before knocking. Hearing the command for her to enter, she pushed it open and stepped inside.
"Hello again." He smiled, his back to her as he threw a black coat on. Freya could only look around in wonder, speechless as she saw the richness of the decorations. The walls were gold and covered in shields, weaponry and tapestries, while the furniture was of an even better quality compared to that in her room. There were gorgeous pieces of embroidered cloth draped on the bed and on the chairs, while the table held gold platters filled with food. It was every bit a room fit for royalty.
"Freya? Are you….?" He began, before seeing her expression. He smiled then, for he had been half-expecting such a reaction. "It's just a room."
"It's…" She managed to stutter before closing her eyes and shaking her head. "It's beautiful."
"Come on. There is still much to see." He told her as he stepped towards the door. Freya was quiet for a moment, before she turned to follow.
They walked in silence along the corridor before Loki came to a halt on a balcony. The sound of commands and the clang of metal blades filled the air, and Freya was a little hesitant for she had an idea where he had brought her. She stepped onto the balcony and then found her eyes drawn to a group of armed soldiers training with various weapons. She had never seen anything like it. They were all attacking and defending each other, with various insults being thrown and there was much laughter too. It was certainly impressive, but Freya knew that she would never want to be on the wrong side of these soldiers.
"So, as you may have gathered, this is the training arena." Loki explained.
"I did realise this." Freya pointed out. "I mean, it doesn't look like this is an attack on Asgard." The trickster smiled. "Why do they all have horns on their helmets?"
"What?"
"Horns on their helmets." She repeated, looking a little troubled.
"It's just part of the design. Everyone pretty much has horns. My helmet does." He shrugged, and Freya just groaned as she pinche the bridge of her nose. "What?"
"Do you know how many people I have corrected about Viking helmets? None of them have horns…"
"Well ours do." Loki stated. "You forget, we may have influenced your Vikings, but we are not them."
"I know." She sighed, turning to look back at the arena and then taking a step back as she spotted Thor practicing with a small group. "Do you mind if…?"
"Not at all." He said, before heading back onto the corridor.
They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the palace, with Loki pointing out certain things of interest and explaining the stories behind tapestries and frescoes. Freya listened attentively, thoroughly intrigued at the differences between the truth of Asgard and the legends she knew. She was curious about Asgard's history, and Loki seemed not to mind answering all of her questions. However, as they reached another corridor, Freya winced as her feet were hurting and she felt rather tired. She was not used to having so much adventure in one day, and she was beginning to struggle to keep up with the prince, even though he had slowed his pace especially for her.
"Shall I assume you have no wish to spend the evening surrounded by drunk Asgardians?" He asked as he waited for her by a door.
"I have no wish to spend the evening in a tavern." She told him, and he smiled.
"Nor a feast with Odin and Thor?" Freya paled and her heart raced, for she had no wish to spend her evening being scrutinised by the Allfather or threatened by the God of Thunder. "Very well. I shall ensure we have some food sent here." He told her as he looked around for something. "You wait inside." He gestured to the now open door before turning and stalking off somewhere. Freya just did as she was told and then collapsed into the nearest seat in the room.
It did not take too long for Loki to find a servant, and he smiled slightly as he turned to go back the way he came. He had rather enjoyed his tour around Asgard, and he had not realised just how much he had missed home these past few months. He had also liked showing Freya around, for she seemed to listen to him and trust him. He had not been able to resist the trick with the boat, but as the day had worn on he had seen her soften. She was no longer looking at him like royalty or as a god, but as a friend. He did not have many friends of his own, and certainly not one that wasn't also Thor's friend. Yet he knew the risks. Freya was a mortal, and her lifespan was so short compared to theirs, but that did not stop him from wanting to know more about her. It did not seem to stop her either.
"You are not attending the feast?" Loki turned to find his mother walking towards him.
"I am rather tired after recent events. I would rather not have to…"
"I understand." Frigga smiled slightly. "Has the girl worked out how to undo the spell?"
"Not yet, though I believe she may remember something in time."
"And you remember nothing?"
"Only that I was summoned, and then trapped as a cat…" Loki sighed. "What will happen if it cannot be undone?"
"That is for your father to decide." Frigga paused. "We shall speak tomorrow."
"Of course." He returned to his room and then smiled slightly as he found Freya asleep in the chair by the fire. Conjuring a blanket, he wrapped it around her before sitting on his bed and flicking through a book.
Food arrived half an hour later, and the knock on the door caused Freya to jump awake. She blinked a couple of times and then stretched, before flushing red as she saw him.
"I am so sorry! I did not mean to be so rude and fall asleep…. I was just so…"
"it has been rather an eventful day." He grinned. "You will be glad to know that food has arrived." Freya smiled slightly and felt her stomach rumble as the scent of cooked meat and vegetables filled her nostrils.
"Very glad." She got up and stretched a little more before taking a seat at the table. "How long was I asleep for?"
"Half an hour?" Loki guessed as he tucked in. "I was surprised not to find you inspecting everything in this room."
"I still wish to look around." She admitted. "But this is your room, and it would feel wrong to do so."
"You have my permission." He shrugged.
"Maybe once I've eaten." She said before tucking in herself. The pair ate quietly, but once full Freya was on her feet and tracing the carvings on the mantlepiece. Loki just stayed in his chair, watching as she did so.
"Are all humans so curious?" He asked as she turned to inspect the carvings on the bedposts, a look of glee on her face.
"Not all." She smiled. "Most of us are this curious as children, but it gets lost as they grow older. For me, I am only this curious when it comes to anything new… or old really." She shrugged. "I can't help seem to help it."
"And do all mortals know of Asgard?"
"I doubt it." She paused as her eyes fell on the view from the balcony. "The Norse myths are freely available, but not everyone chooses to read them. My sister only knows them from what I have told her. Unlike me, she got bored of the legends when she was younger…" Freya moved towards the balcony, her eyes resting on the different constellations, galaxies and nebula. "This is…"
"I know." Loki said as he walked over towards her. "I suppose you wish to know more?"
"Please." She said softly. "I know I have already asked so much of you, but if…"
"I do not mind." He smiled before handing her a blanket. "In case you get cold."
"Thank you." She wrapped it around her shoulders before letting him tell her about the stars.
They spent the rest of the evening talking like old friends, swapping stories and talking of their plans for the future. Freya had no wish to retire to bed, for she was still not convinced that this was not a dream, and she knew that her time on Asgard was limited. However, as one o'clock struck, she found herself struggling to keep her eyes open, and Loki was looking rather tired himself. Sighing, she realised she ought to go to her room, and so she let him take her there.
"I shall see you in the morning." He told her as they reached her door.
"Thank you." She smiled before yawning. "Good night sire. I hope you sleep well."
"Pleasant dreams Freya of Midgard." He wished before returning to his room.
The following morning found the pair standing in the Great Hall with Frigga and Odin looking concerned. Freya still had no idea how to undo the binding, and she knew her time was limited. Frigga had offered her a slight smile earlier, but it had not reassured her.
"I am told that you are no further forwards in finding a way to undo the binding." Odin stated, and Freya nodded.
"I am still working on it." Freya admitted.
"There is a way." Frigga began, and both Loki and Freya looked hopeful. "However, the cost is high."
"What is it?" Loki asked, suddenly wary.
"It is the same way to break any enchantment." The queen said, and Loki's face fell.
"No… She did not mean it. She does not deserve it." Loki protested.
"Yet she cannot stay here. She may appear innocent, but could be dangerous." Odin pointed out, while Freya looked insulted.
"However, we will not act rashly. If there is another way then we shall try that." Frigga assured them.
"You have one day." Odin told them. "If you cannot find a way to undo this, then Freya must die."
