Freya had been of the belief that it had just been a dream by the time she woke the following morning, for there was no sign that he had been there. Everything had been just as it was when she had gone to sleep, except for one vase. Eir had done her best to keep the gifts from well-wishers away from the medical centre, but a few bouquets had crept in. Hilda usually made sure that they were fresh and out of the way, but Freya had padded from her bed and stared at the lilac jug filled with a mixture of yellow and purple tulips. Though they were her favourite flower, Freya had been very confused, for she knew that tulips never bloomed naturally this late in the year. They also had not been there last night, but no matter how hard she looked, there was no sign of a note or a card as to who they had come from.

"Yes Freya. They are flowers." Astrid pointed out helpfully as she wandered in.

"I know they are. It's not as if I haven't seen flowers before." Freya retorted.

"Then why are you so interested in those ones?"

"Because they are tulips."

"Gold star!" Astrid grinned, but Freya was in no mood for her sibling's antics that day. "I thought you liked tulips?"

"I do."

"Then what's the issue?"

"Tulips bloom in spring." Astrid frowned a little at that.

"Are you sure they're not Asgardian tulips? I mean, it is entirely possible that they have similar flowers to us but they bloom at different times to us?"

"I suppose…" Freya mused, though she was not entirely convinced. "Have you come to rescue me?"

"Sadly not, though I am sure you will be out of here soon." Astrid assured her as they sat by the window. "I heard you had a visitor last night?"

"Huh?" Freya's heart raced as she remembered the lullaby, and she wondered if Astrid knew something. "Who do you mean?"

"A certain person who you used to have a crush on before you found a handsome prince."

"Oh…" She hesitated. "Yes, Stark did pop in. Eir was not happy when she saw him."

"I can imagine." Astrid paused. "Did you ask if Rogers is going to pop in before I go?"

"I didn't get the chance." Astrid pouted, while Freya chuckled. "I promise that I'll ask next time I see him."

"Honestly Freya, what's the point of working with an Avenger if you won't do me just the one favour?" Astrid teased, and Freya knew that she was going to miss her company when Astrid went home.


Loki sighed as he sent yet another email. The list of jobs was never-ending, and he was growing rather fed up of all the tedious meetings and messages. He had no idea how anyone had the patience to deal with this sort of thing, and though he had been able to delegate some of these duties when he had been disguised as Odin, he did not have the luxury this time. The only good thing was that he had been able to avoid leaving his chambers for the past few days, for it seemed that everyone wanted to make their opinions known. The news of what he had done had spread across New Asgard quicker than wildfire, and many of his people were angry that he had risked their new home for the sake of a woman, and a mortal one no less! Others were not happy at the fact that he had dismissed her, and a few had forgotten who they were speaking to. Hilda, Ragnar, and a few others had all made their thoughts known, and though Loki knew that they were trying to protect their friend, he was unwilling to put up with it. He may have regretted dismissing the consultant, especially considering how much more work it had caused him, but it did not mean that he was going to let them forget who they were speaking to.

He had therefore taken to his chambers, attending meetings virtually and responding to emails. Food was delivered to his door, and he wanted for very little. It was not the most ideal of situations, but it would do until things settled down. At the very least he intended on staying put until Freya's family had returned home, for he was not sure he could cope with another tongue-lashing. Her mother had already given him quite a piece of her mind, and he had quickly realised where Freya had gotten her temper from. He knew he should not have to put up with it, especially as he was a Prince and a God, but part of him knew that he deserved it. After all, he had treated Freya pretty poorly over the last few weeks, and it was partially his fault that she had been wounded. The fact that he had also saved her life… Well, it seemed that this was not enough to soothe Mrs Wilkes' anger.

As he sent yet another message, Loki frowned as he heard footsteps outside his door. Lunch was not due for another hour, and Thor was the only visitor who had stopped by recently. However, he knew his brother should be with Stark today, and his curiosity got the better of him. He got to his feet and wandered over to the door, just as his visitor knocked.

"Yes?" Loki asked as he opened it, somewhat surprised to see a young woman stood there. It was remarkable how similar and yet different the Wilkes' sisters were, for though Astrid had the same facial structure as Freya, her hair was straight and her stature was much like her father. Loki also knew that Astrid was far more confrontational than her sister, and he half considered closing the door.

"I wondered if I could speak with you?" She asked plainly.

"What do you possibly wish to say? Your parents have made it rather clear…" He trailed off as she stepped forwards, for there was no anger in her eyes. Instead she looked rather hopeful, and he hoped that she was not a messenger for Freya, for he had no wish to be dealing with such things today.

"I wanted to thank you." She told him, and he was surprised to discover that she was not lying. Rarely had he been thanked for his actions, and he was especially confused that these words were coming from Astrid considering she undoubtedly knew everything that had happened between Freya and himself.

"What?" He blinked, for he had been expecting her to lash out and yell at him for what he had done.

"For saving my sister."

"Does she know you are here?" He asked as he peered down the corridor, somewhat relieved to find it empty. He instantly ushered her inside, and Astrid looked around curiously before standing in the middle of the room.

"No." Astrid stated. "She would kill me if she knew."

"Then why…?"

"Because no one will have said it, but I need you to know that we are all grateful for what you did." She paused. "And I know it has caused you no end of grief. I do not claim to even understand your reasons, but then you are the God of Chaos." He could not argue with that.

"Does she know it was me?" He asked after a moment, and Astrid gave a wry smile.

"From the moment she woke." Loki was not too surprised at this fact. "Freya has told me everything, and we both know she would have died had you not..."

"It was her wish to live." He pointed out, for it was somewhat true. He had been under the influence of the sceptre at the time, but he knew that even had he not been enchanted, he would have done the same thing. He liked Freya, and he had no wish for her to die, even if the cost was high.

"Even so, thank you." Astrid said, before turning to leave. "I won't take up any more of your time."

"Yet you still wish to say something." He pointed out, for it was plain to see in her eyes. Astrid hesitated, then bowed her head.

"It is not my place to do so, for this is something that the pair of you need to resolve." She paused. "But I do know that she regrets her actions…"

"You are quite right." Loki warned. "It is not your place."

"But she likes her flowers." Astrid pointed out as she opened the door. "Although if you want to get away unnoticed, I would suggest sunflowers next time."


The best part of a month had passed by the time Eir finally gave the word for her release. Freya had already attempted to escape several times, and she was weighing up climbing out of the window when the healer had given her the good news. Freya had not hesitated to pack up her things and then enlisted an apprentice's help to give her a hand back to her room. She could not wait to see her pet, and she was rather looking forward to some normality for once. She still had no idea if she had her job or not, but she knew she would be able to track down Thor a bit more easily now that she was not confined to a hospital bed. She was also determined to find Loki at the earliest opportunity, for there was much to be said, and she wanted to at least apologise for the position she had put him in. She had no doubt that he had suffered because of her actions, and she wanted to try and make amends before she figured out her future.

"Go careful Freya. I am sure you don't want to be back here any time soon." The Goddess said as the consultant made sure that she had everything.

"I'm certain you don't want that either." Freya smiled as she grabbed the handle of her suitcase. "Thank you for everything. I know I haven't been the easiest of patients…"

"You have been far better behaved than some." Eir shrugged as she held the door open for her. "Enjoy the fresh air, but don't overdo it."

"I'll do my best." She smiled, for she was rather excited at the prospect of fresh air and a change of scenery.

A minute later found the pair stepping outside and Freya grinned as she felt the cool breeze ruffle through her hair. She had no idea what she had been expecting either, for New Asgard showed no signs of having been attacked. She had no doubt that some form of magic would have been involved, but she was not complaining, for she knew that magic had saved her life. Freya frowned at that thought, for she had not seen the person responsible yet, and she was not entirely sure how she would react when their paths finally crossed.

"Freya! Have you finally managed to escape?"

"Hello Ragnar!" She greeted as the weaver hurried across to meet her.

"She has been released." The apprentice corrected.

"Then I will see her safely from here." The apprentice seemed relieved at this, for they handed the box of flowers to the weaver before hurrying back inside. Freya just rolled her eyes, before falling into step with her friend.

"Thank you." She smiled. "I believe I've been a thorn in their side for the past week or so."

"I still don't understand why they have kept you for so long, although I am glad that you won't be missing the celebrations."

"Celebrations?" She asked, having noticed quite a few people moving about. Most waved at her as they walked, but quite a few either glared or ignored her, and she had no doubt that this was because of her actions with the sceptre. After all, she had nearly cost them their home, and she felt incredibly guilty.

"It's Samhain." He told her, and Freya realised she had lost all track of the days.

"Oh…" She paused. "What time will they start?"

"Around seven." He told her as they reached the palace. Her eyes lingered on the entrance to the gardens, for she had no wish to face them, but Ragnar merely smiled and brought her to the front of the hotel. He did his best to keep her distracted as they made their way to her room, and Freya was looking forward to sitting down with a cup of tea. She also wanted a hot bath, and then she could figure out what to wear…

"Hello!" Freya had barely noticed that her bedroom door was open, but she grinned as Hilda instantly enveloped her with a hug.

"Did you know I was coming home?" The Midgardian asked, and the seamstress nodded.

"Something was mentioned of it last night…" Ragnar admitted as he set the flowers down. Freya then looked around her room, for it was not how she had left it, and she blinked as she realised that it had been tidied. Not only that, but flowers seemed to cover every surface, and there was a pile of gifts on the coffee table.

"What on…?" She asked, while Ragnar sat her down and Hilda flicked the kettle on.

"Eir would not let these into your room, so we have kept them here." The consultant was speechless, and her eyes brimmed with tears as she realised just how much she had been missed.

"But… I…" She paused, before she felt something jump onto the sofa beside her. Freya turned and then instantly hugged the creature closely to her, smiling as the cat purred. "Hello Sif! I've missed you!"

"She's missed you too." Hilda assured her as she handed her a cup of tea. "Now, we don't want to outstay our welcome. If you want us to leave you to it then you need only say the word…"

"Would you stay?" Freya asked as she let Sif curl up in her lap, for she was feeling more than a little overwhelmed. "Just there's a lot to go through and…"

"Of course." Ragnar smiled. "We'll stay for as long as you need."

"Did you wish to attend the feast this evening?" Hilda asked, and Freya hesitated, for she was not sure that she was quite ready to face Loki in public. She was not even sure that she would be welcome considering what she had done, but then again…

"I am not sure if it is wise." The consultant sighed.

"Nonsense!" Ragnar dismissed.

"But I don't know if I can stay in New Asgard and I have no wish to…" She explained.

"I will go and make sure it is okay." Hilda volunteered. "Is there anything else you would like? Any special requests from the kitchens?"

"Just your company." Freya said, and Hilda smiled before disappearing.


The trio spent most of the afternoon talking and sorting through the various cards and gifts, before Ragnar had made his excuses. Hilda had then pottered around the room while Freya enjoyed her first bath since the attack. The hot water was very welcome, and Freya let out a contented sigh as she washed away all the dirt and grime, for it was helping to soothe her thoughts. Only once the water had started to go cold did she get out, and she could not help but stare at the newest addition to her collection of scars. This one sat above her stab wound, and she wondered how long it would take to fade. The one thing she certainly knew was that she did not want any more, and she was glad that it could be hidden easily. Wrapping a towel around her, she then went back into the living area and frowned as she saw a new dress sitting at the end of the bed. This one was Asgardian in style, and was of a beautiful rust colour with burgundy and golden leaves intertwined around the sleeves and waist. She did not hesitate to put it on, and she smiled at how soft it was against her skin. Hilda then set about sorting out her hair and makeup, all the while reassuring her that she would be welcome, and by quarter to seven, the pair were ready for the feast.

"You both look lovely." Ragnar commented as he came to escort them. "I should say that you are welcome to leave at any point this evening Freya. You just say the word and I'll make sure you get back here safely."

"Thank you." The Midgardian flashed him a smile, for she could feel her nerves kicking in. The last feast she had attended had not gone well, and she was unsure if she would be able to cope with being sat so close to the Prince. She was desperate to talk to him, and yet she knew she would have to try and find the right moment. Freya also knew that she should talk to Thor, and though she did not wish to push herself too far, she needed answers.

By the time they reached the Great Hall, Freya was seriously questioning her decision, and she was fighting the urge to run back to her room. She had seen a few more Asgardians glaring at her as they walked, but Hilda had simply reassured her that she was one of them. She was at least grateful that Ragnar would be sat by her for the majority of the evening, and Freya knew that she would not be able to last the whole night. She was already feeling tired from the day's events, and she was not sure how long she would be able to cope being stared at. She was in dire need of a sit down by the time they reached their seats, and then Freya frowned even more, for she knew that she should not be sat at the top table considering her employment status. However, before she could say anything, Thor walked into the hall, and her eyes lingered on the Prince beside him. It was the first time she had seen him since the attack, and he looked even more handsome than she remembered. He wore a black tunic trimmed with gold and green, and he had swept his hair back. She felt her heart race, for she knew just how much she owed him, and yet her courage was failing her. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but one look at him and she was speechless.

The feast began shortly thereafter, and Freya listened as the people sat around her spoke of inconsequential things. Though her visitors had tried to keep her abreast of all the latest gossip, she had no doubt that there was much that she had missed, and she was somewhat content to simply listen to them. She felt more of an outsider than ever tonight, and she fiddled with the cuff of her sleeve as she tried to work out how quickly she could leave without offending anyone. The Prince had ignored her so far, which suited her, and she had focused on the people she was sat next to. Thankfully they had not been so annoyed with her, and they had been content to leave her be. A few had asked questions of her, and she had politely answered them, although she could feel her anxiety rising. Her heart was racing and she was having great trouble controlling her breathing, while she also felt rather warm. She picked at her food, for her appetite was gone, and she tried to get Ragnar's attention, for she knew that she would not be able to fend off the oncoming panic attack for very long.

She was really struggling by the time dessert was brought out, and with Ragnar nowhere to be seen, she could see only one option available to her. She knew she would never make it to the exit, and so she slipped out to the balcony, already praying that the memories would leave her be. The cold night air hit her first, and she gasped as she leaned on the railings for support. Her head was swimming with numerous thoughts, and she could feel the tears falling down her cheeks. She had been fighting this feeling for such a long time, and she was ever so tired from the battle. The memories of the attack flooded her mind, and it was all she could do to breathe. Sinking to her knees, Freya felt her defenses break, and she cried for the first time in weeks.