CHAPTER TWO

[unrequited]

"Because what's worse than knowing you want something, besides knowing you can never have it?"

- James Patterson

Asgard, One Year Later

The three sons of Odin were walking back from the training grounds when Thor took the opportunity to tease his brothers.

"Kelda was looking quite beautiful this morning, was she not Balder?" the younger, blonde prince asked his brother innocently. "The two of you have been spending much time together as of late."

Balder knew his brother was fishing for information. It was true. He and Kelda always spent time together. They were best friends. He vowed to protect her from the moment Odin and Frigga became her guardians. They loved each other, although lately his feelings had begun to change, evolve.

When Balder caught a glimpse of the girl, he could not help but admire her. She was both the summer and the winter, not just in looks but also in her demeanor. Her hair appeared as though it was spun of pure gold, her eyes the same brilliant blue of Elysian lilies. Her tanned skin contrasted exquisitely with the cool tones of the elaborate, billowing gowns she wore. The golden girl was kind-hearted, warm, and welcoming to everyone, but Balder knew that if those she cared about were threatened or harmed, the world would face her icy wrath.

"She did look lovely today," Balder answered, indulging his brother. "And I do enjoy spending time with her."

The young God of Thunder grinned mischievously. People liked to think he was all brawn, but the young prince was actually rather observant in regards to those around him. "You know who else finds Kelda lovely? Loki."

Loki startled at the mention of his name. Out of the brothers, Loki was the more introverted one. Balder was the heir, charismatic and just. Thor was the warrior, brash and boisterous. While Loki... Loki was quiet and studious.

The dark-haired boy usually was sure of his words, having earned the nickname Silvertongue over the years because of his skills in persuasion. Thor knew that he had been correct in his guess that Loki held feelings for their parents' ward when the other boy fumbled out a response.

A light pink shaded Loki's cheeks. "W-Well, of course, she is lovely. If she acted like a troll, I would not associate with her."

Balder and Thor shared a look of amusement at their brother's expense.

"Exactly, Loki," Balder added, smirking at Thor. If Thor wanted to play coy, something he was not very good at, then two could play that game.

The blonde prince rolled his eyes. "What I am speaking of is how obviously taken with her the two of you are."

Balder made no attempts to deny the allegation. He knew his feelings. Loki, on the other hand, jumped to defend himself, despite how true Thor's words were.

"Kelda and I are merely friends, brother. Nothing more. I must have someone to spend time with when I tire of the two of you."

Thor scoffed at the deflection, but Balder simply smiled at his younger brother. "Having feelings for Kel is not something to be ashamed of, Loki. Feelings are not something to fear," the oldest of the three said with understanding.

Thor, with all his bravado, brushed off his older brother's wisdom as the three went their separate ways.

Before Loki went his own way, he met Balder's warm, chestnut-colored eyes and smiled back at him weakly. Thor might be too stubborn to speak of topics such as natural emotion, but Loki admired Balder for his ability to be simultaneously masculine and sensitive. A perfect balance, some said. If Kelda was the golden girl of the Asgardian Palace, then Balder was the golden boy. The older boy was born to lead, to rule.

For many reasons, Balder was an idol to Loki. He was everything that the younger boy wanted to be. However, as much as the dark-haired boy revered his brother, he could not deny the hints of envy that gnawed at him. Kelda and Balder would be a perfect match, he thought bitterly. Loki knew that if Kelda returned anyone's feelings, it was Balder she favored.

Not long after the conversation between the brothers, Loki and Kelda were practicing their magic in the garden. Loki was diligently scanning a text, eager to improve on his shapeshifting abilities. He was tired of just transforming into animals, now wanting to learn how to mimic the likeness of his own species.

The studious boy kept getting distracted though. His eyes were consistently drawn away from his reading to the blonde dancing around the garden, snow falling in a flurry around her only. His lips quirked up as he watched her throw her head back and hold her arms out, spinning amongst the snowflakes.

A chill filled the garden from the unexpected winter weather. Kelda was unbothered. Despite the lightweight fabric of her dress and the capped sleeved leaving her arms exposed, she did not falter in her bliss. The flurry continued even as her movements ceased.

Kelda turned to Loki, catching his eyes. The green-eyed boy faltered when she caught him staring. She smiled sweetly as she approached him. "Loki," she started, speaking with conviction. "I want to expand my magic."

The blonde girl was exceptionally gifted when it came to her abilities. Since the discovery of her power years ago, she continued to grow stronger. However, Kelda always felt stunted, as if she was trying to practice her magic with one hand tied behind her back. Kelda had so much potential, but she had yet to wield it.

"I could always look into it, give you some lessons," he offered.

Kelda immediately began to laugh, making the younger boy narrow his eyes at her in irritation. "Oh, Loki," she started, shaking her head and trying to control her laughter. "That is very kind of you to offer, but you are a horrible teacher. Brilliant and gifted, yes, but patient, you are not."

Even if he wanted to refute her comments, he could not. They were too true for even the Silvertongue. Giving her some tips to improve was not worth risking their friendship over.

"What do you want me to do then?" he asked her, curiously.

"Well, I was hoping maybe you knew of someone else that could help me. I would ask Frigga but I do not wish to bother her."

Loki was sure that his mother would be fine assisting Kelda advance further in the craft but he was also sure that the blonde girl was unlikely to budge on not being a 'bother'. "All right then," he paused, thinking about what else he could do. "How about I ask around and try to find someone else to help you?"

Kelda's face lit up in excitement. Loki loved to see her so happy. He loved it even more that he was the one to put that smile on her face. Although, he did not want to get her hopes up for nothing. "I do not know if I will find anyone, let alone anyone qualified to teach the palace ward, but I will see what I can do."

The blonde girl launched herself at her friend, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Taken aback, the book fell from Loki's lap as he returned the gesture. His arms moved to circle her waist, enjoying the warmth of her embrace. "Thank you so much, Loki!"

"Anything for you, Kelda."

In the following days, Loki scoured Asgard for a suitable teacher to help Kelda. Frigga had taken it upon herself to teach the two of them when they were younger, but when they began to excel on their own, she had taken a step back. However, it seemed while Loki continued to advance in his independent studies, Kelda had hit an impasse.

Disguised as an average Asgardian commoner, Loki roamed the lower streets of the city, following up on possible tutors. He had already searched for suitable options among the nobility but found them all to be power-hungry and too eager to gain favor with the King.

That left him to search in secrecy.

A hand suddenly brushed his, catching his attention. When Loki turned, he caught sight of a girl about his age, walking away. She turned back to him and beckoned him to follow, her wild, ebony curls fanning out around her. Cautiously, the young prince followed the girl into an alley.

When he turned the corner, the alley was empty. Goosebumps raised on his arms as he sharply turned to face the mouth of the alley. The girl gave him a mischievous grin. "Hello, my prince," her warm voice greeted.

Loki, in his disguise, narrowed his eyes at her. How could she possibly know who he is? His magic was meant to ensure that no one would recognize him. However, he had only been practicing changing his likeness for a short while. He might not have been as proficient at it as he believed.

"You must be confused. Your magic is powerful, yes, but you have much to learn. With more practice, perhaps you will fool even those who can see the unseen," she said cryptically. "When you grow up in Nornheim, magic is a part of everything. Here though, it is the opposite. Magic is uncommon, so when it is present, it stands out. You, my prince, your magic is very... potent."

"Who are you?" Loki asked accusingly.

The dark-skinned girl curtsied deeply. "Apologies, your highness. I am Karnilla."

"And you're a witch?"

She laughed lightly, "I prefer sorceress or enchantress, but yes."

Seeing no point to his disguise anymore, Loki allowed it to fade, standing in front of her as his thirteen-year-old self. "And why did you lead me to this alley?" he asked her, becoming frustrated. It was rare that someone held an advantage over him, held more knowledge.

"I sensed that you had a great task weighing on you, and I wanted to offer my assistance. If you would allow me, perhaps I could assist Lady Kelda with her magical studies."

Loki thought about it for a moment. This stranger approached him on the streets, knowing who he was and what he was trying to do. She could pose a danger to Kelda, as the young prince knew nothing about the girl from Nornheim. Yet, she had displayed her aptitude for magic simply by seeing through his own. He could not deny her skill.

Hesitantly, he decided to allow her a single lesson, to test her true capabilities while he observed. If she proved to be a threat, she would be dealt with as such and that would be the end of it. However, if her lesson was a success, then she could continue to help Kelda.

"Perhaps, a single lesson will suffice for now," he agreed shortly, still untrusting. Yet, Karnilla simply nodded, a gentle smile spreading from cheek to cheek.

"Of course, my prince."

Kelda was in the training yard, spinning a spear around when Loki arrived back at the palace with Karnilla trailing behind him. The blonde perked up as her friend approached her, paying little attention to his guest.

Loki could not help but grin as well. She just had that effect on him.

Gone were her pretty, flowing gowns; she had traded them in for light armor. Her arms were still exposed, but a sturdy, silver chest plate cover her torso with matching wrist cuffs and boots. Her skirts were replaced with pants made of durable fabric, the fibers meant to resist a variety of hazards. She looked ready for battle, yet none of it distracted from her enchanting beauty.

Even at fourteen, the young ward was quickly gaining notoriety for her appearance as well as her personal strength and gentle nature. There was no doubt in the minds of the people that she was Freyja's daughter, at least to those old enough to remember the Valkyrie general.

"I feel like I have not seen you in days!" she exclaimed in a teasing tone. "Where have you been?"

Loki scoffed, "I told you I was going to try to find you a teacher. Did you doubt my sincerity?"

"Of course not," she replied. Finally, she acknowledged the girl standing behind him, "Are you going to introduce me Loki?"

Loki seemed to suddenly remember their audience. "Ah, yes. Kelda, this is Karnilla of Nornheim. Karnilla, this is Lady Kelda Freyjadottir." Karnilla curtsied toward Kelda who quickly waved at her to stop.

"Oh, that is not necessary. Loki loves his formalities, but I find them tiresome," Kelda joked. "Please, just call me Kelda. And there is no need to curtsy."

"As you wish," Karnilla answered.

"I must say, Loki is a hard person to please. You must really be something if he thought to bring you to me. I was definitely expecting someone, well, older." Realizing how that sounded, Kelda backtracked nervously. "Not that, you being young is an issue because it is not. I just was not expecting someone so young to be skilled enough to impress this one," the blonde gestured to Loki.

Karnilla smiled brightly at the young ward, the enchantress' violet eyes sparkling in the midday sun. "It is my pleasure to be of assistance, Kelda."

The older blonde girl returned the smile, "Well, I guess we should begin then." Turning to Loki, she gently pushed him in the direction of the palace. "That means it is time for you to go."

Loki was taken aback. "What? Oh, no. I am going to preside over your lesson. Just to ensure that Karnilla is a skilled enough tutor." In actuality, the young prince was still apprehensive about this strange girl. He was not comfortable with the prospect of leaving Kelda alone with someone who could hold unknown, nefarious intentions toward the blonde.

"There is no need for you to stay. I love you but you will only interfere," she teased. However, her choice of words stunned Loki. He was not stupid enough to believe she meant them romantically, but they made his heart flutter all the same.

"But, what if she—?"

"What if she, what? You do not believe I can handle myself? I am offended," she continued to joke. Her light laughter ceased as she rested her hands on his shoulders. "Honestly though, I am fine. Do not worry so much." Her finger prodded at the wrinkle between his furrowed brows, causing the dark-haired prince to relax a little.

Loki nodded in agreement, listening to her request and stalking off to the library. That left the two girls to begin their lesson.

Karnilla quickly determined that Kelda would never experience the full magical range of Loki or herself. The blonde's abilities were strictly centered on winter storms thanks to Odin's blessing. Although, the violet-eyed girl did manage to teach the blonde a few simple spells in the few hours they spent together.

One was a spell to change her appearance. This did not mean she could appear as other people or change into animals as Loki did. She could merely alter her clothing or hairstyle choices. Kelda doubted the importance of such a skill, but Karnilla reassured her that in times of battle, it would be helpful to change into your armor as quickly as possible.

The next spell was one to summon a weapon of her choosing. Kelda's weapon of choice had always been a spear and she was highly proficient with one. With this spell, Kelda did not question its importance. However, it took longer to get the hang of it. Once she did, it was no ordinary spear that appeared, not like the one she had been practicing with earlier. Instead, the spear that appeared had a silver handle that matched her armor and the blade appeared to be made of crystal. Upon closer inspection, Kelda realized that it was not crystal, but clear and brilliantly shined ice.

The last few spells that the two had dabbled with before wrapping up dealt with enhancing her winter abilities.

Kelda was impressed with Karnilla's teaching abilities. The girl was reserved, but the blonde had little doubts that the more time they spent together, the more comfortable the dark-skinned girl would become. Karnilla also proved to be very patient with the blonde, something that Kelda had known would be a necessary quality as sometimes she was a bit of a slow learner.

Side by side, the two girls entered the castle. "Where are you staying?" Kelda asked the younger girl.

The light atmosphere between them suddenly became a little tense. "Oh, well, I-I have been moving from place to place as of late," Karnilla answered nervously.

Kelda frowned. The poor girl had nowhere to go. "Well, that just will not do," the blonde stated. "I will let the handmaids know to prepare a room for you. I cannot have my new tutor wandering around the lower town."

"Does that mean you will have me? As your teacher, I mean."

Kelda smiled at her brightly. "Of course!" Karnilla returned the smile. Like Loki, she could not deny how infectious the blonde's positivity was. "I reckon that the two of us will become great friends."

"As do I," Karnilla agreed. Despite the fact that Kelda was just being her kind self when she said it, Karnilla knew her words to be true. The two would have a fierce friendship in the years to come.

Asgard, Many Years Later

Every Asgardian of importance was present in the throne room. Odin sat before them all as Frigga stood dutifully to his left. The rest of the family took their rightful places. Balder, Thor, and Loki stood to Odin's right, in that order. In the front row of those who had been gathered, Kelda waited anxiously to hear what news the Allfather had for them. She was accompanied by Karnilla, Lady Sif, and the Warriors Three, all loyal allies to the Asgardian royals. The rest of the Asgardian nobility, as well as representatives of some of the other Nine Realms filtered into the palace behind them.

"Why do you believe Odin has called upon us?" Karnilla asked Kelda curiously.

The blonde shook her head, "I am not sure. I had no prior knowledge of this announcement."

"And if anyone here were to know, it would be Kelda," Fandrall joked, making Sif roll her eyes.

"Please," Sif started. "Just because she is the king's ward does not mean she can read his mind."

Kelda nodded in agreement, "It is true. I don't believe even Balder knows what is going on."

Sif smirked at the blonde that she had grown close to in recent years. "If he had, would he not have told you? He tells you everything. You two have always been practically attached at the hip."

"We have not," Kelda denied. Not realizing that Karnilla had gone silent next to her.

Throughout the years, Karnilla and Kelda's friendship blossomed into a true bond. However, Karnilla did not just grow close to Kelda, but the others as well. She was friends with Sif and the Warriors Three just as much as the blonde ward was. Loki had come to trust her as time passed, and she was highly aware of his feelings toward her best friend. Although, out of them all, Thor was easily the most accepting of her. Even more so after she taught him how to change into his armor as she once taught Kelda.

Balder, though, seemed to take to the girl.

He valued her counsel and advice, especially when it came to Kelda. Karnilla appreciated Balder's fairness as well as his charismatic nature. While the rest of her friends had taken their time warming up to her, initially seeing her as an outsider amongst their group, Balder never saw her as an outsider.

It was why she caught feelings for him, despite knowing better. She made a conscious effort to rid herself of these feelings with no luck. However, it did not mean anything. The violet-eyed woman knew of her friends' love for each other, and she would not get in the way of that. She could not. If she did, she would not be able to forgive herself.

Now, she knew exactly how Loki felt.

A hush fell over the crowd as Odin stood to address the congregation. "Thank you all for coming today for this momentous occasion. For years, Asgard has remained strong and prosperous in the Nine Realms. And it shall remain so in the years to come. Balder, my son and heir, please step forward." Balder stepped forward so he was standing before his father, facing the king. "Lady Kelda, daughter of my dear friend and ally, Freyja, please come forward."

Kelda startled at the request, unsure what this announcement had to do with her. Balder turned to look at her over his shoulder and winked. Did he know what this was about? Kelda thought. Despite her mental questioning, the reassuring action calmed her nerves as she approached the Allfather and stood to Balder's left.

"In the years since my dear friend Freyja's death, I have come to see Kelda as a daughter of my own. She has grown side by side with my children. She is kind, just, and strong-willed. The people of Asgard love her. Therefore, I have concluded that Asgard will continue to thrive if she is to officially become a member of the family. Today, I announce the betrothal of Balder, God of Light, and Kelda, Goddess of Winter Storms, future King and Queen of Asgard!"

Kelda felt her heart skip a beat. Never would she have expected this when she entered the throne room that day, yet here she was. The crowds roaring applause and cheers were enough to make the blonde goddess go deaf.

She turned to Balder who was smiling brightly and returned his grin. The blonde believed herself to be living in a dream. She knew that marrying Balder had always been a possibility, but as the years had come and gone with no mention of it, she began to believe that the rumors had been wrong.

Kelda felt pure, unadulterated joy. She remembered how her heart would flutter every time she saw the golden prince when they were younger. Now, as he leaned his forehead against her own in a loving embrace, she could allow herself to feel every emotion she had suppressed in fear that he would end up with someone else.

Balder was equally ecstatic. Since they were teenagers, he found his feelings for the beautiful blonde growing stronger. He wanted nothing more than her happiness and was ever thankful to be a part of her life.

He had not known the exact motivation for the announcement when they had been called to the throne room. However, he had been hoping for such a decree. The crown prince was not let down.

Despite the newly engaged couple's happiness, there were few who were less than ecstatic about the Allfather's words.

Karnilla was happy for her friends, truly, or at least, she wanted to be happy for them. The violet-eyed girl could not help the ache in her chest though, as if all the air had been sucked out of her lungs. She wanted nothing more than to run to her room, curl into a ball, and cry, but she could not. Instead, she had to put on a brave face and smile so wide it hurt. She had to pretend as if nothing was wrong. It was her own fault anyway. The enchantress knew better than to fall for someone she could never have.

Loki was devastated, although he would never admit it. Under the deep devastation he felt though, darker emotions lurked. Emotions he had never allowed himself to feel until just then. He cared deeply for Kelda, he loved her. He also loved Balder. The older prince had always looked out for him through the years.

Yet when the intense anger and jealousy began to leak to the surface, he was not sure what to do with himself. It was as if once the emotions had surfaced, they could not be pushed aside. The God of Mischief knew he could not let them control him.

The golden couple exited the throne room, Loki's eyes trailing after them. As he did so, he caught sight of someone else whose joy seemed equally as disingenuous as his own did.

Karnilla's gaze also followed the couple, her eyes filled with a longing Loki could relate to. He had known for a while now that the witch held feelings for his older brother. Her eagerness to assist him in any way made it quite obvious. However, he never had use for such knowledge until now.

A mischievous smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth. Perhaps, all was not lost... yet.

It has been so long since I updated this, but I have been overcome with inspiration for my Marvel series!

I saw Endgame and it was amazing, hands down. If anyone wants to talk about it, feel free to PM me, but refrain from posting any spoilers in the comments. If I see any, I will get rid of the comments.

Expect an update for Prodigy in the next day or so. I really want to get going with this series and at the very least finish Phase one soon. I have many things planned.