Chapter 4: Surprise

Once I entered the kitchen, all eyes were on me. Conversation stopped, and the only sound I could hear was the door whooshing shut behind me. I swallowed hard, before lifting my head up, and walked confidently to my friend Josephine. The other servants' stares burned holes in the back of my head. Do they know what I've done? I wondered fearfully .I stood in front of my (only) friend, with questions in my mind.

"Who is it today?" I half whispered, afraid my voice would cause me more attention. Josephine stared at me for a minute, before an all knowing smirk appeared on her face. She turned for a second to grab the silver tray with delicious smelling food on it, and handed it to me. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't eaten that morning. Thanks a lot Loki. I grumbled in my head.

"Lucky you," Josephine smiled, putting her hands on her hips. Lucky? What does she mean by that? I frowned, trying to make sense of her answer.

"You got a royale." I almost dropped the tray at the word "royale". Did I hear her correctly? A royale? Which one? I wondered, mentally going through the list of royales I knew that lived, or were staying at the palace. Josephine seemed to know the question growing in my mind. Her lips stretched even wider, so wide I thought they would split. "What?" I asked, afraid and curious of her answer.

"My dearest Althaia, she started, putting her hands behind her back. "Today you have the honor of serving the handsome, strong, and ever brave, Thor." Josephine finished, laying her hand over her heart and swooned to the side. My eyes widened. Thor? The prince of Asgard? Known for his many victories in battle, including on Midgard, and of course, beauty? I swallowed and glanced around at the jealous stares of the other servants. Including Josephine. That explains the sudden silence when I walked in the room. I thought, referring to earlier.

Aren't you excited!?" She squealed jumping up and down. Excited? I thought. Of course I found Thor attractive, but didn't like him as much as all the other women in the palace did, or go obsessed fangirl everytime his name was mentioned. So, excited? No. Confused and surprised? Yes.

I gave Josephine a small smile so I wouldn't ruin it for her. She didn't seem to notice my lack of enthusiasm. "You sure are moving up." She said, grabbing my shoulders. I just nodded and continued smiling.

Then after a moment she leaned back and sighed, a frown on her face. "What's wrong?" I asked, putting the tray on a nearby table and put my hand on her shoulder, worry on my face. "It's just that, I wish it was me who was called to serve Thor. Though I am happy for you." Josephine sighed again, looking at the ground. I gazed at her sadly. She practically worships him. I thought, biting my lip. An idea hit me.

"Hey how about we trade?" I asked, hoping it would cheer her up. Her head snapped up. "You would do that?" Give up the chance to wait on Asgard's finest?" Her eyes were wide in disbelief.

I rolled my eyes at her infatuation but smiled softly. "Of course. You're my best friend. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you." I said sincerely. Josephine stared at me for a long moment with a contemplating look on her face. I thought she would be happy and squish me in one of her death hugs. But she surprised me. She took a deep breath and uttered a sigh of defeat.

I couldn't do that. What kind of friend would I be to take this kind of opportunity from you? You deserve it. You work harder than most of the servants here, including me." She said with a sad smile. "Really Josephine it's no big- I was cut off by Josephine waving her hands. "No, no. I don't want to hear another word about this." She stated firmly.

A sly smile played on her lips. "Well at least, not until after you deliver his food. Then I want all the juicy details." She said. I laughed and picked up the platter from the table. She noticed that and flapped her arms, shooing me away. "Well you better get going. Don't want to keep him waiting." She teased. I scoffed, and turned to leave.

"Have fun!" she called after me. "But not too much fun." I could practically hear the wink in her voice.