Harmony felt hot.

And Harmony felt cold.

It took some time but she eventually came to. Cold sweat clung to her burning skin. Her chest felt heavy, it was an effort to breathe and she started to panic but reminded herself to breathe slowly. At first, her vision was hazy. It soon cleared after a few blinks and time to adjust to the light. The girl looked from side to side, with no idea of where she was or what had happened. All of a sudden, Loki was standing over her. "Harmony? Harmony, can you hear me?" he asked, sounding concerned, if not a little worried.

"Where am I?" she croaked weakly.

"You are in the healing room," came the voice of the All Father himself. "I am indebted to you, my dear. I believe you saved my life. This shall not be forgotten."

Harmony would have smiled, thanked him timidly but she was too weak, too drained. Her main focus was breathing steadily without causing herself any pain. "What happened?" she managed to say. Her memory was totally blank and nothing would return to her.

"You were struck by a Frost Giant. You've been unconscious for almost four days," Loki said softly. "Your ribs were broken, your lung punctured and your skull fractured. You're lucky to be alive. Our healers tended you as best they could and you shall make a full recovery. But for now, you must rest. There is only so much a mortal can handle."

Harmony nodded, relaxing at the news but could not help but ask, "Where is my master? What will I tell him?"

Loki looked back over his shoulder as Thor emerged as if from nowhere. The giant god stood over her and she swallowed nervously. Thor knelt down, speaking softly, "It's all right. You can return to your duties once you are fully recovered. I can take you to my chambers if you wish?"

Harmony nodded again; she would rather be there than where she was now. She summoned whatever energy she had and tried to push herself up, not expecting anyone to help her, though it brought her great pain, but then Thor pushed her down as gently as he could.

"I shall take you," he said. He then wrapped one arm under her middle while the other hooked under her knees. Harmony felt herself being lifted, being only half awake, the movement was enough to blur her vision momentarily. The girl gave a soft groan as her head rushed and she felt sick for a few painful seconds. She was totally weightless in Thor's arms. The god held her close but still gently; she was especially fragile. He let her rest her heavy head against his chest to bring herself some relief.

Harmony was only half conscious by the time Thor arrived at his chambers but she remembered being placed on his luxurious bed before slipping into sleep again. Thor decided not to leave her. In a matter of hours, his whole idea of mortals had changed. This girl was weak, fragile, innocent and helpless but yet she had saved Odin's life, risked her own life and shown great loyalty and bravery.

Thor remembered he had feared he was too late by the time he'd reached his slave. Her piercing scream had rung through the halls, as clear as cut glass. He had already been on his way in response to the call of the guards. If he had not been, Harmony would never have lived. There had been six Frost Giants in that group, and he killed them all. They had been no match for him at all.

After striking the mortal, one of them was about to step on her tiny body and crush her to death. Thor remembered he had felt anger and possessiveness coursing through his veins. She was his and he would not let those monsters touch her again. That one had died most brutally of them all. Thor had saved him until last, bringing him down the same way he had brought Harmony down, and crushed him the way he would have crushed Harmony.

The girl was lucky to have survived the blow she received. As well as the broken bones, the contact of Jotun skin against hers had caused even more damage. She had been so broken when Thor went to her after the six Frost Giants had been killed and lay dead around him. On a border between life and death, Harmony had been only just conscious and didn't remember anything.

Thor had not taken her to safety, one of the guards had, and he regretted that. He should have taken her himself but he'd gone to his father instead when she had needed him. But at least she had survived.

Thor sat by her side for a while, often checking she was having no difficulty in breathing while she slept. When he was certain she would be fine for a few moments, he summoned food and drink to his chamber and then swiftly returned to her side. The sleeping slave had not moved at all but Thor found himself fussing uselessly over her. All but a week ago, he had thought nothing of mortals. Puny, useless, pathetic creatures they were.

He stood corrected.

Harmony stirred slightly, her body shifting a little as she sighed and then stilled once more, a very quiet hum passing through her closed lips. Thor watched her like a hawk, like a hunter. But he found that watching her sleeping so innocently and quietly brought peace to his heart, calmed him. He saw her eyes moving beneath the lids and her fingers and feet twitched occasionally, and he knew she was dreaming. But what of, he could not be sure.

Harmony glanced up at the towering Frost Giant, swallowing a scream as she trembled violently. Her little heart raced inside her, so hard that she was sure it would leave bruising. It was sickening to her ears. Her body reacted without command, purely by instinct, and she stumbled a few steps. But this wasn't right. She had not walked any steps before. Why was she stepping back now?

Harmony's body screamed for her to run; she didn't know why she hadn't already. The Frost Giant was flanked by its comrades. There were too many for Harmony to waste time counting them. The one at the front, presumably the leader, glared down at her through vicious, fierce red eyes, and in that moment, Harmony knew they would kill her without a thought.

That was when her legs finally reacted as she wanted to them to.

The Frost Giants sprung after her. Harmony knew she could not outrun them, but she had stealth, agility and a small body on her side; she could manoeuvre around corners and change directions abruptly, whereas they could not. As she ran, Harmony wondered why she was not calling out for help.

Don't waste breath by calling out, a helpful voice in her head told her.

With any luck she'd find someone, or perhaps someone would find her.

Sweat was starting to leak through on her forehead, trying its best to cool her temperature. The fire in her blood was no help to that, it kept her going though. In honesty, Harmony was surprised at how fast she was running. She'd not been caught yet, and she wanted to keep it that way. Her calves were burning, her chest heaving, and she knew this couldn't be kept up forever.

And suddenly she was on the floor, rolling as if she'd been hurled down a hill but she was mostly unscathed. Flipping onto her back, Harmony expected to see the Frost Giants standing over her but they were at the end of the corridor and coming at her. Fast. The girl had no time to get to her feet, nor did she have the energy.

Suddenly their leader let out a booming roar. Harmony screamed in fright and shock, jerking her head back and hitting it against the wall. Her vision swam. She felt sick. Blood warmed her broken flesh and hair. She looked up, wincing and rapidly blinking. The Frost Giant was standing over her, his arm raised ready to crush her and bring her young life to a painful end. Squeezing her eyes shut, Harmony waited to die.

"Harmony!"

Everything happened so quickly and yet as if in slow motion.

Harmony's eyes reopened in just enough time to see a blurred figure collide furiously with her chosen killer. The Jotun was killed almost instantly. The others turned their attentions from the mortal girl to the mighty god, the one they feared the most.

Harmony found herself almost unable to look. It was too brutal for her eyes but she found herself allowing her arm to lower from her face. Meanwhile her head was pounding and she was growing weaker and weaker.

The last Frost Giant fell.

The corners of Harmony's vision blurred with blackness despite how hard she tried to remain in that world. Thor stood over her. She was unhurt. She was safe.

Harmony opened her eyes slowly, a deep melancholic ache spreading though her, as the horrible truth of reality dawned upon her. Her body hurt all over; and it was as if a slab of stone had been placed atop her chest. Harmony wanted to cry.

"Harmony," Thor's soft voice spoke from beside her.

Suddenly startled, though it didn't look like it, she turned her head on the pillow. The god was sat by her bedside, which took her rather aback. Why would he be wasting any time or concern on her?

"You were dreaming," Thor told her. "What of?"

Harmony shook her head, feeling the tears come to her eyes, and then she looked away. It then occurred to her that she might be punished for not addressing the prince, but he did nothing.

"Nothing will hurt you now. You are safe," he reassured her, as she looked back at him.

"Why didn't I run? I should have run," Harmony found herself whispering. She looked up at the ceiling, her tone almost scolding at herself.

"There would have been nothing you could have done," Thor said. If it had been anyone else, he would have thought less of them for not fighting or running away but the little girl was just that, and she was mortal too. Not even the bravest, strongest mortal would have a chance against a group of Frost Giants. "If I had not found you in time, you would have been killed, no matter what you tried."

"You saved me?" Harmony gasped.

"Yes," Thor nodded. "Did you expect me to have left you to die?"

"No, not that, I just didn't know it was you who saved me," Harmony replied. "Thank you, sire."

"Only cowards would attack a defenceless girl," he growled out, looking to the side.

Harmony didn't answer. Instead she bit her lip nervously, looking away.

"Forgive me," Thor said, and Harmony sharpened her eyes in surprise. "I should leave you to rest."

Before Harmony could protest, Thor had got to his feet and started towards the door; though she wouldn't have actually asked for him. She would have only silently wished for him. Slumping back into the bed, Harmony stared up at the ceiling. She wanted to cry again, with only another added reason. Her lips pressed together in a thin, painful line, and then she sighed, tears glistening in her dark doe eyes.

She wanted to be able to get up; she wanted to be able to walk and run; she wanted Thor with her; she wanted!

She then scolded herself for being unlike her usual self. Harmony never asked for anything; now it seemed she was asking for everything. It was nothing like her to be greedy and want so many things at once. Things like being able to walk and health were taken so much for granted.

The girl blinked and a tear slid down her cheek. She didn't want to be alone, not now. She couldn't even turn over to get into a comfortable position to try and sleep, and could no longer force herself to choke back a watery sob.

"Oh, do be quiet," a sneering female voice said.

Harmony startled and looked up frantically, with a whimper and sniffle. Out of the shadows of the corner of the room, a woman slinked towards her. From a second's glance, Harmony could read much about her. This woman struck her as arrogant, vain and obnoxious, though she was extraordinarily beautiful. Somehow it all disappeared to Harmony; she was probably ugly on the inside.

"W-Who… Who are you?" the girl trembled.

"You should have found that out before you decided to run to your master and tell him all about the Frost Giants," the woman spat.

Harmony was tempted to call for help, but she found herself completely frozen as if she'd been turned to ice. Swallowing uneasily, she prayed that she would be all right; it didn't look like she was getting any help this time.

"The Frost Giants found and killed, and the All Father still lives," the stranger seemed to muse, and with a sudden dread of realisation, Harmony worked out who she was in the presence of. "And all because a worthless human couldn't keep her filthy mouth shut."

The slave girl lost the ability to speak; her mouth and throat were dry. Like with everyone, Harmony found she could not hold this woman's gaze and her eyes often darted across the floor. Irritatingly, she knew what she would have said if she'd had the courage and ability to do so.

"And now, if the Frost Giants do not kill me the All Father will," the other growled, slowly but surely making her way closer to the bed, where Harmony helplessly lay.

"What business did an inferior creature like you have with me? What right did you have to interfere in my affairs? You know nothing of me or what I have endured and you think you can destroy my chance of vengeance. You are sadly mistaken, human."

"Who are you?" Harmony repeated in a slightly steadier voice.

"I am Astrid," the stranger breathed, leaning closer to the mortal. "And I am your nightmare."

Five days later, Harmony was able to stand and walk again. She was giddy and unsteady like a newborn lamb but it made her happier than words could describe. Her idle days had been a torture to her, on top of that Astrid's warning made her more anxious every day. Odin was going to reward her and probably ask her what she knew… and Harmony would have to lie.

On the evening of the fifth day, Thor told her that a ceremony would be held in her honour. Harmony was not looking forward to it. She would have rather gone unnoticed but she could hardly say no. However, Thor seemed to sense her reluctance.

"You do not wish for this?" he asked, surprised. "You do not wish for your actions to be recognised?"

In truth, Harmony bowed her head a little and shook it from side to side, with an unpleasant pang of guilt in her tummy.

"Why not?" Thor questioned.

Harmony swallowed, hating these kinds of questions, one that required more than a silent gesture or a simple single word. "I, er, I'm not very comfortable around people. I'm too shy. But, of course, I will if it pleases my lord."

"The realm owes you a debt; I shall not make you attend if you do not wish," Thor said.

"Thank you," she replied shyly with a small smile.

"But know that my father will want to ask you about what you know."

Harmony's smile faded. "I know very little, my lord. I'm sorry. I don't know who was talking or anything," she started to babble but cut herself off before she could say anymore; it could well dig a hole for her.

"Nevertheless, my father will wish to hear your words," Thor said, turning to leave.

"My lord?" Harmony called before she could stop herself.

Ugh, why did she do that?

Thor turned back, "Yes, Harmony?"

"No, it's not my place to ask questions," she hung her head and took a small step back.

"You have started," the god shrugged, implying his answer to her statement.

"Is it enjoyable for you?" Harmony asked weakly. "Killing?"

"It certainly is easy," Thor began with. For some reason, whatever it was it was unexplained to him, he found himself reluctant to admit his answer to his slave. Quickly remembering who he was, he answered, "And it is enjoyable. There is nothing sweeter than bringing a foe to their pitiful ends."

Harmony glanced into his eyes for a second, and she saw that he meant it. And it frightened her.

Thor then left to sort out the new arrangements for the ceremony, and Harmony tried to remind herself that Thor was no monster; he was going to change things for her, and that was kind of him. Harmony brought herself to do some of the easier chores that she could manage without hurting herself but made herself rest as the evening progressed. She curled up, with a few winces, in her bundle of blankets and comfortably drifted to sleep once she'd found a painless sleeping position.

When Thor arrived back at his chambers and saw the girl sleeping in her pathetic excuse for a bed, he wanted to move her onto his bed but he feared she was too delicate for him to grasp her, or even touch her. She looked peaceful anyway; he tried to convince himself she was perfectly fine.

The next morning, the ceremony was held. As she worked, a tiny part of Harmony wished she had decided to go but she reminded herself how nervous and uncomfortable she'd be. She continued with her morning chores, stronger than the day before. The floors were only a little dirty; Harmony decided they would be fine for a couple more days and she'd be even stronger then. Laying down her cloth, the girl let herself fall onto Thor's bed, her back slouched.

Pointlessly, she looked around the room, and with a sigh, her body went limp and she flopped back into the soft, yet firm mattress. Her dark eyes fluttered shut and a sudden wave of tiredness swept over her, but with a groan, Harmony pushed herself back up. It was not her job to be lazy and rest.

A knock sounded at the door. Her heart clenched as she startled like a doe. Padding across the floor with her poorly constructed shoes, Harmony timidly pulled open the heavy door. Two guards in Asgardian armour stood boldly outside. "The Prince has summoned you."

Harmony nodded shyly and followed after them, having to lengthen her strides considerably to keep up with them. She was taken to a small hall. Odin was sat grandly upon a throne, set upon some steps. His wife, Frigga, and two sons were standing on these steps, gazing down at the arrival of the guards and slave. The Queen gracefully descended as if she was floating and came to stand before Harmony, who had her shy gaze lowered. Suddenly Frigga took her hands into her own, and the girl looked up with a gasp. The goddess laughed a soft, musical laugh. "It's all right, young one. There's nothing to fear."

Harmony was not expecting to be reassured by her words but she found she calmed almost instantly; her heartbeat slowed, the blood stopped pulsing in her ears, she even stopped her nervous fidgeting and stilled perfectly. Frigga moved to her side and placed a strong, yet gentle arm around her delicate shoulders. The queen pulled Harmony closer to the throne, and Harmony felt her nerves slowly come back to her.

"My life is indebted to you," Odin spoke calmly. "You showed bravery unchallenged and that you are loyal beyond doubt. I mean nothing to you; I am not your friend, your family or anyone important to you, and yet you saved me, risking your own life in the process. It wounds me knowing you nearly lost your life for mine."

Harmony managed a small smile.

"If it were not for the Binding Law, I would free you but doing so would cost you your life. However," Odin continued. "I am willing to grant you anything you wish that I am able. What do you wish for?"

There was nothing Harmony could think of. She realised that she was pretty fine as it was. Thor was not cruel to her; he did not beat her or anything. She was warm at night and had food to eat. "There is nothing," she said, her voice small. "I am happy as I am, your majesty."

"Very well, but my offer is always open to you, my dear," the All Father smiled down upon the young mortal.

"Thank you, sire," Harmony bowed her head.

"But now onto more serious matters. Do you know who was behind this plot?" he asked her.

"I don't know who specifically, but it was a man and a woman and I think the woman had magic or something. They said Heimdall was blind. I thought he could see everything," she said.

"That is one of his many gifts," Frigga nodded. "Whoever was behind this holds great power that must not be underestimated."

"I agree," Odin said. "The breach in our defences has not yet been found but when it is, it shall be sealed. Meanwhile, our efforts to find the culprits must be doubled."

"Is there anything else you can remember?" the Queen asked Harmony.

"No, you're majesty," the girl lied. If she gave much more away, Astrid would be found.

If that happened… Harmony shuddered at the thought.

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