Chapter 2:

So sorry this chapter took so long! Thank you Loki'sLady, nevvy, FlorenceBlue, and Jackie Jinx for reviewing. I love feedback!

Mila's chin rested in her palm as she leaned over the banister and observed the festivities happening below her. This ball was moving rather slowly and didn't seem anywhere near coming to an end. Several people had left and returned to their respected realms or went to explore the kingdom. For some reason her father had stretched the importance of this ball in particular, but he never mentioned why or for what occasion. It seemed like any other ball to Mila. Unless there was some sort of hidden agenda King Hamett wasn't telling her about, she didn't know.

Her eyes tediously stared at her father, who spent the night merrily drinking by Odin's side as though they were two friends separated for eternity until now. Her brother was standing in a corner towards her right with his arm draped around a woman. Mila tried not to shake her head at the thought of him retiring to bed with her afterwards.

If only her mother were here...

She'd know how to keep him in line. It didn't help that King Hamett kept vases of her favorite flowers around nearly every corner of the palace. Peach colored roses. Her mother would always try and tend to them herself if they ever shriveled. Mila was so distracted with her thoughts that she didn't notice someone appear next to her.

"Your brother seems to be enjoying himself" he said

Mila blinked in surprised when she saw who it as then sighed. "As one should at their own party" she answered, stepping away from the banister.

He didn't move and looked below him as he continued to speak. "However, you don't seem to be" he said it as though it were a fact. Mila stopped and could practically feel his head turn to her back. "Why is that?" he asked observantly

The hem of her gown twirled as she turned around. "Forgive me, but I'm not particularly comfortable sharing with a man who won't tell me his name" Mila replied, her hands resting on her hips.

"Oh no, but you'll dance with this stranger" he said slyly, stepping towards her in two long strides. His green eyes held little to no expression. She couldn't tell what he was thinking.

"I've danced with many strangers tonight" Mila told him. "Some of which who barely uttered a word to me, but they've told me their names" she added guardedly

He took another step forward, causing Mila to step back before she even realized she had. He noticed this and looked amused. "Fair enough" he said simply.

She wasn't intimidated. Not completely. Being in such close proximity with a stranger like him certainly made her feel uncomfortable, but she wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing so. "And I hope my mood tonight has in no way altered your experience of my father's festivities, my lord" she said.

"Oh far from it" he responded, stepping back. "I came to say goodbye"

"You're leaving?" she asked

"It would appear so" he replied, then bowed without breaking eye contact. "Farewell, Princess Mila" he said.

Mila saw it in his eyes and the way he addressed her. He relished in the fact that he knew her name, but she didn't know his. And she hated it. Mila bowed to him too. "Goodbye" was all she said to him.

Without as much as a second glance he walked away. He didn't pause nor did he stop. Mila watched him stride down the steps and disappear outside the ballroom doors. She could've asked someone for his name, but that would've been exactly what he wanted.

"Your Highness?" one of her servants called softly. Mila turned her head to look over her shoulder. Felicia stared at the ground as she spoke. "I don't mean to interrupt you, Princess, but the Allfather has asked for your audience"

Mila exhaled through her nose. "He asks, but I can't help but feel it is more so a request" she murmured to herself, but followed. The Allfather and his son were in the library with her father. Mila stepped inside as Felicia quickly bowed and dashed out before anyone realized it.

"Mila..." her father started to say as he approached her, putting a hand on her shoulder and then gestured to the Asgardians. "The Allfather and I were just speaking and he has generously invited us to visit Asgard" he explained with a smile.

She looked from her father and then to Thor. "I believe an invitation had already been given to me from Thor when we were speaking earlier" she explained

Odin chuckled proudly. "Excellent!" he announced "Then we certainly hope that you shall visit soon" he said

"We must go, father. It wouldn't be wise to be wary before battle" Thor told him.

Mila raised an eyebrow curiously. "Battle?" she asked

Thor looked at her and smiled. "Yes, princess. It would appear that not all nine realms are always so peaceful" he said "However, I shall expect you to come and visit me after I've returned" he added, taking her hand in his.

"You seem so sure of yourself" she said, as he raised her hand to his lips.

"Your Highness, I have yet to lose" he said, pretending as though she had offended him. Thor kissed the top of her hand. "I thank you again for inviting me to your kingdom and it was an honor being in the presence of someone so beautiful" he replied.

Mila subtly glanced at the table next to her as she felt her cheeks grow warm. Thor brushed his hand against her cheek as though to reassure her. She glanced up at him and his blue eyes held hers for a moment until he said goodbye.

The ball didn't last very long after that. Eventually everyone had departed and the ballroom was empty. Mila was in her chambers and had changed into her nightgown. The servants were currently cleaning the ballroom. She sat in front of the mirror and brushed out her curls until it was nothing more than a black curtain pushed over one shoulder. Mila reached for the book that was sitting on her bedside table before climbing into bed. She was so exhausted she hardly noticed Felicia walk in and begin to adjust the pillows around her.

"There you are, my Lady. I hope you're comfortable, you've had a long night I'm sure" Felicia said

Mila slowly flipped through the page in her book. "No more than usual" she answered, without looking up from her book. "Actually, we were graced by the presence of the Allfather and his son tonight. You know of Thor" she said, quickly glancing at her servant.

"Oh, indeed, your Highness" Felicia said softly

"Thor has personally invited me to come to Asgard" she said, as her eyes wandered over the lines of words on the page.

"Flattering. He's quite handsome, is he not? If it's not too bold of me to say" Felicia replied anxiously.

Mila brushed her fingers on the page and sighed. "He's a fine man" she agreed, though she was talking more to herself than to Felicia. "He's what any woman would dream of marrying"

Felicia walked over to the dresser and began to fix the vase of peach colored roses. "He would make a smart match for you" she said

Mila turned to look at her. "That is too bold" she said

She immediately pursed her lips and bowed her head. "Apologies, your Highness. It was not my place to say" Felicia said quickly and began to walk out the doors.

Mila closed her book and watched her go. "My father didn't say anything to you before you came here, did he?" Mila asked suspiciously. She stopped in her tracks. Her father had definitely been acting strange tonight and she was almost positive it had something to do with the Allfather's arrival. "Answer me" she said firmly.

She turned her head to face her. "No, Princess" she answered.

Mila eyed her carefully. "You're not lying to me, are you?" she asked

"No, Princess" Felicia repeated.

"If I were to use my gift, would it show me that you're telling the truth?" she asked seriously

"Of course, Princess" Felicia responded, standing still by the door.

Mila eyed her carefully and waited for some kind indication that she was lying, but saw nothing. And tonight, she was far too tired to use her gift. Mila opened the book she had in her lap again before answering. "Leave me be" she said coolly and Felicia quickly shuffled out the door like a small mouse.

She continued to read about the culture and traditions of Nornheim until the words looked at though they were swimming off the page...

O-0-o

"Good morning, sister" Ezra said as he passed her the next morning.

Mila shut the door behind her and followed her brother. He was clearly still tired and his hair was an utter mess. Ezra obviously told the maids not to bother. He must've woken up mere seconds ago. Mila, however, was dressed in an appropriate gown for the coming day.

"Have you a long night, brother?" she asked.

He gave her a look. Knowing fully well she already knew the answer. "A very pleasant one, mind you" he said, and then held his hand out. "Use your gift, see for yourself" he teased

Mila knew better, but it had been so long since she used her power. She was tempted. Of course she wouldn't see anything she didn't want to. Mila put her hand in his and concentrated until her power took control and she saw the party last night through her brother's eyes.

The dancing, the wine, the laughs; it all seemed much more enjoyable than it did to her. Various women stood around him and flirted. There was one woman with short hair under his arm and it didn't take long before he led her away up the stairs.

Mila took control of her power once more and pulled her hand away before opening her eyes. "I should've taken your word for it" Mila laughed with a shake of her head. She walked ahead of him.

"That was quick, wouldn't like to hear my conversations?" he jested, following behind her.

"I'd rather not care to know, brother" she replied back with a roll of her eyes. Ezra laughed and caught up to her pace as they passed the armory. He ran outside to start his morning training as Mila entered the dining room where she found her father speaking seriously with one of his messengers. Hamett dismissed him and the messenger bowed once before walking away. He ran a hand through his hair anxiously and tried to mask the troubled look on his face as he walked towards her. "What's happened?" she asked

He smiled at her. "Nothing that can't wait" he answered

"You seem troubled, Father" she said

King Hamett chuckled, but Mila didn't. "Not at all, actually I've just received news from the Allfather that the battle in Nornheim is almost won and Thor may be returning to Asgard sooner than expected" he explained

She blinked. "Already? We only spoke with him just yesterday" Mila said

Hamett chuckled again. "Yes. Amazing, is it not? We leave for Asgard tomorrow. I anticipate Thor will be there before our arrival" he said proudly as though Thor was his own son. He glanced at the clock behind her. "I must attend an urgent meeting with the council, but I shall see you tonight for dinner" he added, kissing her forehead.

She turned to him as he began to walk away. "I suppose they have no interest in having me there" she said

He sighed. "Mila..." he began to say.

"Father, as princess of Vanaheim don't you believe I should be accompanying you to these meetings?" she asked

"As princess? Yes, I do. However, this is not one of those times, Mila" he responded

Not a princess's place was what he meant. "It never is" she pointed out, as he began to walk out. Mila followed him. "Please. I don't mean to sound like a child, Father, but don't you believe I can be useful to the council? I've had experience"

"Experience which you are not allowed to speak of since you became a princess" he added sharply. "Mila, we've discussed this many times. It is not your place" he explained.

"And as king of Vanaheim, you can change the rules but you don't. After everything you've taught me, you know I am of more use than just a prized heir!" she said. Mila stopped in her tracks. "Mother would agree with me"

He stopped too. King Hamett didn't enjoy it anymore than she did when the subject of her mother arose. But Mila knew she was right. Hamett turned to his daughter. "Your mother isn't here, Mila" he told her. "This is strictly for your own protection. Aunt Larissa would say the same" he said.

Mila shook her head and looked away. She could care less about what her Aunt Larissa thought, it didn't matter to her. Mila knew she could be useful, perhaps more so than her brother but she didn't say. It would be disrespectful.

Her father placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are too clever for your own good" he admitted with a slight smile.

Mila didn't smile. "Perhaps I take after mother" she said. He didn't say anything and she didn't give him time to answer. "Do not expect me for dinner" she told him and walked away.

O-0-o

She sat in the library that night. When she wanted to be alone it was the one place she knew would be empty. Mila plucked one of the peach roses out of the vase and stared into the elegant mantelpiece as the fire crackled silently. It was so quiet she almost didn't hear her brother walk inside. She turned to him as he walked towards her.

"Why did I know I'd find you in here?" he said as he sat down next to her.

Mila rolled her eyes. "Because if I'm not anywhere else, I'm here" she replied, making him chuckle. She began to pluck the petals off the rose and watched them float slowly down onto the carpet. "Do you remember our life before we became royals?" she asked

Ezra shrugged. "Not entirely, no. Why would I? This life is much more satisfying" he said, folding his hands behind his head.

She sighed. "For you, perhaps" Mila told him, placing the rose back in vase. "Father used to train us everyday in archery, you remember none of that? We would be out in the field and he would tell us stories of grandfather. Then Uncle died and he became king. Now I feel like nothing more than a prized trophy" she said

Ezra shook his head and laughed. "All this moping all because you want to embed a dagger into someone's heart" he mocked

She hit his arm. "Oh, you know what I meant!" she snapped "What good was all the training we did if it's not being put to use?"

"I remember talking to a woman at the ball yesterday. Oh, what was her name? She was from Asgard...uh...Sif!" he recalled "I'm sure you would've been envious of her"

"I did speak with her. Envious would be an understatement" Mila told him, reaching for one of the many books that were lying on the table. "I'm sure Father spoke to you about our anticipated visit to Asgard after the meeting" she added, opening the book in her lap.

"He did. Father told me you became acquainted with Thor Odinson. Good man; I look forward to seeing him and his brother again" he said

Mila looked up and frowned. "Brother? What brother?" she asked in confusion.

"Thor's brother, of course. You didn't meet him?" he asked

"No, I haven't. I only met Thor, I wasn't aware he had a brother" she replied.

Ezra gave her a look and crossed his arms. "Well, perhaps you should spend less time moping and more time mingling" he advised, patting her knee. "It'll be an interesting visit to Asgard for you, won't it? Well, at least I know of one good thing that came out of the ball" he said as he stood up.

"And what would that be?" she asked curiously, watching him walk away.

Ezra glanced over his shoulder and gave her a smug look. "Thor couldn't take his eyes off you, could he?"

End of chapter 2. This chapter was actually shorter, but I'm working on the next one. Next chapter she goes to Asgard! What do you think will happen when she meets Loki? ;) Any theories? I love feedback!