Frigga gives me a warm smile. "That is why I was looking for you, dear. You aren't intruding, don't worry." Sadness fills her eyes and face. "Loki was sentenced with life in prison," she says a little more quietly.

My eyes slide shut in relief as the pent-up breath I'd been holding escapes. "Oh, thank God," I breathe. Then my eyes snap open as I realize how unfeeling that sounded. "Oh, I mean, I'm not thankful he's been sentenced to prison," I hastily try to explain. "I mean, that's what was supposed to happen. The timeline is secure." I give an apologetic smile that is probably more of a wince than anything. "I'm sorry..."

The Queen just laughs, some of the sadness vanishing from her eyes. "I understand. Is there anything else you need to know?"

I think for a minute, then shake my head. "I don't believe so. Thank you, my queen."

Frigga smiles, then slips her arm in mine, pulling me into a leisurely walk. "Good. Now that we have that cleared up, there is another reason I was searching for you."

I raise my eyebrows questioningly. "Really?"

Frigga nods. "Yes. Remember, I told you that I would help you, and I intend to do that."

I smile, remembering quite well the day that she took a huge burden off of my shoulders.

"Well, I believe I have found a new home for you," she continues.

My eyes widen. "So soon? How...?"

Frigga chuckles. "I've had this in mind since I first met you, dear. I just needed to work out the details with the headmistress."

I frown, confused. "Headmistress?"

"Yes. I operate a young women's home just outside the palace for young ladies who are in need of formal training."

My eyebrows rise in surprise. Asgard has boarding schools...

"However, my women's home is not a normal one," the Queen goes on, giving me a conspiratorial smile. "My young women are those with special gifts that require special training, or who have...ah, shall we say, certain qualities that require special attention. I work directly with them, and they serve me here in the palace as my personal handmaidens. As a matter of fact, the young ladies that I just dismissed a moment ago are a few of the ones that live in my women's home."

I blink. "That's...amazing, my queen. But I...I don't think I qualify to live there, if what you say is true." Me, among enhanced Asgardians? Not in a million years.

Frigga shakes her head. "Nonsense, Victoria. You are a very special person. And the home is not only for specially gifted young women, but also for those who, because of their interests and abilities, would find it hard to fit in elsewhere. I provide these girls with a home and a place where they can grow in a nurturing environment, even if they are different from the rest of society." She smiles at me. "I believe that is exactly what you need right now, dear."

I stare at her, unable to speak. Once again, she's seen straight through me to the heart of the matter. And she's exactly right. I need a place where I can adjust without being looked down upon and ridiculed. I need a home again.

"Then...I accept your offer, my queen."

Queen Frigga spends much of the rest of the afternoon with me, explaining the purpose of the women's home in more detail, and also explaining what I will do as one of her handmaidens. She tells me that these women are much more than mere handmaidens; they are only given that title because Asgard has not given them another name—actually, most of Asgard does not know the purpose of the women's home run by the Queen. These women are in training to become nobles in Asgard's court—one has already taken her place as one of Orin's counselors, and another is nearly ready to become the royal head healer.

And with every new thing I learn about this special home for young women, the less qualified I feel to live there.

Nonetheless, Queen Frigga insists that I at least give it a try. And because of her confidence that this is the right place for me, I do my best to take it all in and learn as much as I can. Frigga tells me that I will move into the home tomorrow, being that it's already evening now, and I am grateful for that. It will give me a chance to adjust to the idea.

That night, after I've eaten, I sit on the edge of my huge bed, staring at my Apple Watch, iPhone, earbuds, and pocketknife. My last connections to Midgard, and my to my former life. Tears well up in my eyes, remembering my family and friends. Those that I loved and lost because of my own foolishness. "I'm so sorry," I whisper. "I...I know you can't hear me, but I truly am sorry for everything I've put you through. I wish I could come home." I bite my lip, trying to hold back the tears. "But...I made a decision. And now, I have to follow through with it." Tears spill over as I continue speaking to people I'll never see again. "I love you so much, Mom and Dad. You don't deserve this. I'm so sorry. James, Jaxon, I love you both. I wish I had been a better older sister to you. Nana and Pawpaw, I miss you too. I wish...I wish I could make this right..." My voice falters, and I break down completely, unable to hold back any longer.

I'm awake long into the night, grieving.

The first thing I'm aware of is being moved. I frown, and curl up into a ball, pulling my blankets more snugly around me. Then I hear someone's soft voice calling, but I don't know what the person is saying. After a moment, all is quiet again, and I begin to drift back into slumber. Then I feel something grasp my shoulder. In an instant, I bolt upright, swiping at whatever had laid hold of me in a lightning-fast movement. My eyes immediately register bright light, and the frightened face of a young maid only a few inches away. I jump back in surprise, as does she.

"I'm so sorry, my lady! I didn't know—"

I shake my head, holding up my hand. "No, no, it's my fault. I'm sorry." My voice is gravelly from deep sleep, and I rub my eyes, trying to wake myself up fully. "I should have told you that I don't respond well to being shaken awake." I give her an apologetic smile.

She returns it with a brief smile of her own, then looks down at her feet and clasps her hands in front of herself. "Your breakfast is on your desk, and Queen Frigga will see you when you are ready."

"Oh, right. Thank you," I say. I climb out of the bed and head to the changing screen, slipping out of my nightgown and into a comfortable but lovely Asgardian dress. I have no idea if the dress suits my rank in Asgardian culture—if I even have a rank—but I have a feeling Frigga is the one who picked it out for me, so I'm not concerned. I quickly eat my breakfast while the maid makes my bed, and I ask her a couple of questions about Asgardian customs while she does so. She answers readily, apparently already knowing that I did not grow up in Asgard. Thank you, Queen Frigga. Once I'm finished, I thank the young maid profusely and gather my few belongings.

"Lady Malye will be here any—" the maid begins, but is cut off by the sound of a sharp knock on the door. I sigh, giving the maid one last smile.

"Well, I guess that's her. Thank you again for all you've done for me."

The maid gives a rather uncertain smile in return. "Of course, my lady," she says. I turn to the door with a rueful shake of my head, though a fond smile is tugging at my lips. I can't get her to quit calling me that.

I leave the room with a quiet but authoritative Malye once more. Looking over at her, I remember the kinder side she's shown twice when I surprised her by nearly knocking her to the floor-or vice versa-and I can't help but wonder what she's hiding beneath that mask of high born self-confidence and pride. After a moment's consideration, I decide to address the problem. "Malye," I begin, and she glances at me. "What have I done to make you so cold toward me?" I ask, genuinely concerned. Malye's eyes widen, and she stares at me.

"Wha—I-I don't...I don't know what you mean," she barely manages to get out, shocked.

"Well, you kind of give me the cold shoulder every time I try to talk to you, and I don't understand why. Is it because I was raised on Midgard?"

Having recovered slightly, Malye frowns at me. "Well, it's not my fault that you Midgardians have such strange customs and mannerisms," she says briskly in a defensive tone. I try not to let that offend me, instead smirking slightly.

"But I'm not Midgardian."

Another flash of shock in her eyes. "But you...surely you are. You're so...brash."

I furrow my brows, trying to decide whether I should be offended, or laugh. "Brash?" I shake my head, huffing a lugh. "Well, I can't really argue with that. I apologize if you find it offensive...it's actually not because I was raised on Midgard, though. It's because I was raised in America."

Malye gives me a confused look, but I see the spark of curiosity in her eyes. "Where is America? I have never heard of such a place."

"It's on Midgard. It's the third largest country on Earth, and the most powerful one." I can't help the pride in my voice as I speak of the country I was born and raised in. We've slowed our walk considerably by now, and I'm pleased to see that Malye is no longer being near-hostile. She is hesitant, but is actually showing interest in what I have to say. It's a step in the right direction.

As we continue through the halls of stone, I explain my "brashness" to Malye. America is the most individualistic-minded nation on the face of the planet, and we-they-tend to be loud and outgoing, which leads to them seeming obnoxious and rude to other, more "sophisticated" countries. Or planets, in Asgard's case. "Americans don't take crap. If Loki had brushed up on Midgardian history, he would have known to attack a less resistant country." I smirk, then look over at Malye as we step into another Asgardian elevator. She looks almost horrified. I frown. "What's wrong?"

She shakes her head, some of her former disdain returning. "You are brave. Or foolish. One does not speak of the former prince in such a manner."

"Oh." I cough. "Sorry...I'm not used to speaking to or about royalty. America does not have a royal family."

Malye's eyes widen, and I can tell that she is about to ask why. But just then, the elevator opens up on another level of the palace, and there is Frigga, waiting for me with several young women that I vaguely recognize from yesterday. Malye's expression immediately returns to the stoic and slightly arrogant one she was wearing when she fetched me earlier, and I can't help the pang of disappointment. I had rather enjoyed our conversation. But it's time to be a formal Asgardian again, I chide myself, straightening my posture and putting on a confident mask of my own.

Frigga smiles warmly. "Good morning, Victoria. Did you sleep well?"

Malye and I both step out of the elevator, and sink into curtsies. "Yes, my queen. Thank you," I reply. It's not a lie-I slept very well, once I was finally able to.

"Rise," the Queen says. "I would like for you to meet a few of the young women in my care."

I stand as Frigga turns to the young women next to her. I look at them as well, noticing immediately their carefully neutral faces. "Victoria, this is Astra Flosidottir." Frigga places her hand on the back of one of the shorter ladies of the group, who only looks to be around 17 or 18 years old. Her light brown hair is in two braids that are laying over her shoulders, and she gives me a slightly impish smile as she bows her head in greeting. I return the gesture, a grin tugging at my own lips.

"Liv Eriksdottir." A young woman with green eyes and curled blonde hair gives me a friendly smile, and we exchange what seems to be the typical Asgrdian greeting-except when speaking to those above one's rank, of course. The friendliness and lack of judgement in her gaze instantly makes me feel more relaxed, and I return her smile and nod.

"Fluir Isadottir." A woman of mixed race with ice blue eyes and maturity in her gaze gives me a warm smile, though I instantly sense a tough demeanor about her. Her dark hair is pulled back in a beautiful updo that I can't hope to replicate, and we bow our heads to each other.

"You've already met Eira Ivardottir." The dark-eyed young woman I met a few days ago nods to me, smiling sweetly. But somehow, I feel a coldness in her gaze. Almost a threat. Nonetheless, I return her smile and nod genuinely. I don't want to cause trouble, and I'd rather make friends than foes.

"Andromeda Corinth." A slightly shorter young woman with wavy, chocolate brown hair and dark brown eyes gives me a confident smile. I return it, and we bow our heads to each other in mutual respect.

"And Zora Aurore." A dark-skinned woman with beautiful golden eyes gives me an almost motherly smile, even though she looks to be only a couple of years older than me. Her features are slightly different from that of the other women, and she wears a braided-cord necklace carrying a stone that matches her eyes, but one thing convinces me beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is no average Asgardian: a beautiful set of dark wings are folded on her back. I try not to stare in amazement, but apparently it doesn't work, because I notice that she and the other girls are trying to hide grins. I blush slightly and bow my head, which she returns with grace. I make a mental note to ask her where she is from later. I know for certain that I never saw any such person in any of the Marvel movies, and it fascinates me.

"Noma Raynordottir and Leyja Erlingdottir are currently busy, but they will join us later," Frigga continues. "But for now, would you like to see your new home?"

My eyes light up, and I smile. "Yes, my queen."

Frigga returns my eager smile. "Very well. Liv, will you take Victoria to the home? The rest of you, come with me." Frigga turns to the side, most of the young women following her as she gives me an encouraging nod. The woman with green eyes steps forward and gives me another friendly smile.

"Shall we?"

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading!

Anyway, I'm sure you noticed the additions of several new characters! All of them will play a major part in Vikki's life going forward. And just to clarify in case I didn't make it clear, the timeline is secure. Vikki didn't ruin it. Any other questions you may have about the timeline or how these young women will fit into the timeline without ruining it should be answered as we go forward. But if you have any questions, please feel free to comment them. I will do my best to answer them!

Signing off, AuthorsDream.