Fated Marks

The next morning I woke up really warm. The bed was harder than I remembered it being and I think it was moving. I reached over to hug Thor but I was slightly higher then the mattress. I opened my eyes and saw that somehow in the middle of the night I went from lying next to Thor to lying on top of him.

“Morning.” Thor greeted.

“Morning.” I said blushing slightly. “I’m sorry I’m probably crushing you right now.” I said trying to get off of him but Thor just held me in place.

“You’re as light as a feather love.” He said.

“You’re such a flirt.” I said kissing him.

“Mh.” He moaned. I broke the kiss to move off of him but instead He flipped us over so he was hovering over me while his arms supported him up. “I dreamed of this many times.”

“Really? And what were we doing in these dreams?” I asked tucking a lock of his hair behind his ear. Thor just smiled and kissed me.

I threaded my fingers through his hair and moved the other one up and down his back while kissing him. Before I knew it I had hooked one leg over his hip and Thor was rocking his groin against me.

I knew I said I wasn’t comfortable with doing anything since his mom would know what we were up to but fuck… I really missed him. Thor was the first one of my soulmates I got to second base with and other first things with… that was amazing the actual thing must be…

“Lady Hayley.” Someone called out through the door as they knocked.

“Uh.” I groaned at the same time Thor did.

“I was supposed to leave before they arrived.” He groaned hiding his face in my neck.

“Sorry.” I whispered as they knocked again. Thor rolled off of me and sat up. “You can hide in the bathroom.”

“No, they’ll go in there to prepare your bath.” Thor said looking for his clothes. “I’ll use the balcony.”

“What? Thor you’re not going to climb out from there.” I said.

“Who said anything about climbing?” He said with a smirk before pulling me into a kiss before letting go and swinging Mjolnir to fly out of the room.

“Lady Hayley?” Someone asked.

“Come in.” I said. “Hi.”

“Good morrow.” She said before curtsying. “I am here to help you dress and prepare for the day.”

“Oh you don’t have to.” I said.

“No milady it is the queen’s command.” She said.

“Well then, I’m Hayley.” I said offering my hand to shake her but instead she curtsied again.

“Astrid milady.” She said with her head bowed.

“Astrid you don’t have to curtsy or call me milady. Just Hayley is okay.” I said.

“It is not proper.” Astrid answered.

“Oh trust me it is.” I said.

“Would you like me to prepare a bath?” She asked.

“Yes please.” I said.

After some coaxing I finally got Astrid to lighten up a bit. Then we had a two-minute conversation where she tried to help me bathe and I firmly said no. Eventually she caved and I had to accept her help getting dressed since the outfit Frigga had left for me was a complex wrap dress with a corset back.

After getting dressed and letting Astrid play with my hair because she really wanted too. I ended with my hair loose in waves with two braids tied back. When I was finally deemed to be presentable she got started making the bed, which led to another argument that ended in Astrid staring me down.

Just as she was finishing up there was a knock at the door. I was about to go open it but she stared me down again.

“Prince Thor!” She exclaimed before curtsying.

“Is Hayley ready?” he asked.

“She is you highness.” She said.

“Thank you.” I said as she politely curtsied and left.

“Good morning.” He said leaning down to kiss me.

“Morning. How’d you sleep?” I asked.

“Very well, best night’s rest I’ve had in months.” He said offering me his arm. I took it and walked out of the room with him.

“Liar.” I said. “I was crushing you.”

“I found it very comforting to have you so close.” Thor said as we walked down the corridor.

“So what’s the plan for the day? Research in the library? Going to run tests?” I asked.

“I was thinking a tour the city.” Thor said.

“Uh… shouldn’t we be more focused on getting the energy parasite out of me?” I asked.

“Our healers and scholars are working to do that for now we wait.” Thor said.

“That’s the worst part.” I groaned.

I got dragged to breakfast where they literally had every breakfast food I could possibly imagine. After eating my fill Thor took me on a walk of the gardens before we headed out to the city.

In a lot of ways it was like cities back on Earth. People were busy and rushing off to get to where they wanted to be. Kids were out playing with weird balls made out of metal that defied gravity. Street performers used actual magic tricks to put on a show and merchants were selling their goods. It was amazing.

“When you showed up Earth you said Heimdall couldn’t see me, I though he could see everything?” I asked.

“Heimdall can see a great deal more than almost anyone but even his sight has its limits.” Thor said.

“I don’t remember being sent anywhere of the planet.” I said.

“That is because you weren’t completely off earth, I believe you were in between worlds. The Nine Realms travel within Yggdrasil, orbiting Midgard in much the way your planet orbits the sun. Every five thousand years the worlds align perfectly, we call this the Convergence.” Thor said taking my hand and then putting his hand next to it slanted before slowly turning it so they were perfectly overlapping. “During this time the boarders between worlds become blurred. It's possible you found one of these points. We are lucky that it remained open. Once the worlds pass out of alignment, the connection is lost.” He said before leaning over to kiss me.

“You’re really good at explaining things.” I said with a smile. “So the weird cave I ended up in wasn’t a dream it was an overlapping world?”

“Precisely.” He said smiling.

“If there isn’t a way to get this Aether out of me what’s going to happen to me?” I asked making his smile falter.

“I’ll find a way Hayley.” Thor said determined.

“Your dad said…” I started.

“My father doesn’t know everything.” Thor said not letting me finish.

“Don’t let him hear you say that.” Frigga said coming over to us.

“Mother.” Thor greeted.

“Hello.” I said awkwardly.

“I trust you both slept well.” She said.

“Yes ma’am.” I said.

“We slept that’s all we did.” Thor quickly added.

Suddenly there was a loud bell ringing from the palace.

“The prisons.” Frigga said

“Loki.” Thor said quickly looking ready to fly off before stopping when he looked at me.

“Go I will look after her.” Frigga said and Thor nodded before flying off. “Come now child, we must return to the palace at once.”

“Right.” I said following after her.

“How have you been faring since the last time we met?” Frigga asked.

“We’ve met before?” I asked.

“Yes of course you were a lot younger than you are now.” Frigga said.

“You mean when Amora turned me into a two year old. I knew you seemed familiar from somewhere. I’m sorry I really don’t remember much from that incident.” I said.

“No it is understandable. Magic can be quite troublesome.” She said.

“I’ve been good. Thank you for your help and for the gifts you’ve sent me before.” I said.

“It was my pleasure.” Frigga said as we finally made it to the palace.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask. “It’s probably a sore subject.”

“What troubles you?” Frigga asked.

“Has Thor ever mentioned my older brother?” I asked.

“He’s mentioned you have had a hard life and he may have come up.” Frigga answered.

“You and Thor, despite what Loki’s done, no matter how much he’s hurt you, you two still care about him, Why?” I asked.

“A mothers love is unconditional. Loki may not be my son by blood but he is in everything else that matters and that’s how my son feels as well.” Frigga answered. “Loki always felt like he did not belong. He was a sensitive child. I taught him magic as a way to bond with him the way Thor bonded with his father through his lessons. He felt that meant Thor was Odin’s favorite. He was misguided but I know there is still good in him and that is what Thor holds onto, why he refuses to give up on his brother.”

“His optimism is one of the reasons I fell for him.” I said.

“Is there more to your question?” She asked.

“My mom and brother were inseparable. She used to say I was her pride but Hadrian he was her joy. I always thought she felt that way because he was the oldest and they had more time together to bond. I prided myself on the fact that I was different and better than them but lately the things I’ve done they’re starting to weigh on me.” I said.

“You believe your brother can be redeemed?” She asked.

“Oh gods no. Hadrian is by far the worst person ever. Just when you think he can’t sink any lower he does. What bothers me is the fact that I can’t even bring myself to think about that possibility. I look at Thor and how hopeful he is and I just feel… unworthy.” I said. “He’s light, I’m dark.”

“Where there is light there is dark. Since my son has found you I have seen him mature and become the man his father and I always hoped he’d become. Gone is that self-obsessed boastful oaf. I see a considerate, patient and kind man who would do anything to protect what he loves. That is thanks to you.” Frigga said. “You two balance each other. At some point in life we face trials where we must make difficult decisions and sacrifices Thor more than anyone will have to face those trials more often than not as King. I am glad he will have you by his side when his time comes.”

“Let’s hope by then this Aether will be out of me.” I said.

“Of course.” Frigga said putting a hand on my shoulder and leading me down a corridor where we ran into Odin giving orders to some of the guards.

“Send a squadron to the weapons vault, defend it at all costs. Seal the dungeon.” Odin ordered.

“Odin.” Frigga said getting his attention.

“Frigga.” Odin said masking his worry. “Go!” he shouted to the guards. “It's a skirmish, nothing to fear.” He said trying to ease her worry.

“You've never been a very good liar.” Frigga said. I noticed another group of warriors led by a woman with long black hair wearing armor. That was probably Lady Sif. She gave me a quick look before running with everyone else.

“Take her to you chambers, I'll come for you when it's safe.” Odin said.

“You take care.” Frigga said.

“Despite all I have survived, my queen still worries over me.” Odin said with a smile.

“It's only because I worry over you that you have survived.” Frigga retorted before putting an arm around me and leading me away.

“Listen to me now, I need you to do everything I ask and no questions.” She whispered.

“Yes, ma'am.” I said.

“We’re going to my quarters. Once we get in there you are going to hide in the wardrobe. No matter what happens you are not to come out.” Frigga said.

“What about you?” I asked.

“Remember our talk. The coming days will be challenging and my son will need you.” She said as we walked inside her room. She led me to her wardrobe and pulled out a dagger before ushering me inside.

“I can’t let you do this.” I said.

“You must. A queen’s duty is to her people. I have lived a long and full life. Don’t dishonor me, don’t let my sacrifice be in vain.” She said before closing the doors. I saw a light and then heard footsteps. I tried opening the door but it wouldn’t budge.

Crap I can’t let this happen. I tried kicking at the door but it wouldn’t even make a thud. I struggled for a while but nothing worked, I’m guessing she either jammed the doors or put some sort of spell on them. So I settled for pressing my ear to the door and waiting to hear anything. Until finally I did.

“Stand down, creature. You may still survive this.” Frigga said.

“I have survived worse, woman.” Someone else said. Oh boy that’s not good.

“Who are you?” Frigga asked.

“I am Malekith, and I would have what it is mine.” Malekith said and I heard footsteps and a struggle. “You have taken something, child. Give it back…Witch! Where is the Aether?”

Oh fuck, he’s after the thing inside of me. I thought the Dark elves were dead. Odin was sure of it. Damn Thor was right, his dad really didn’t know everything.

“I'll never tell.” Frigga said.

“No, No I’m in here!” I shouted. There was no way I was going to let he die because of me.

“I believe you.” Malekith said. I heard something fall.

“No!!!” Thor shouted and then there was a crackling of lightning. I pushed the doors and they opened. I ran out and saw Odin holding Frigga’s body and Thor standing behind them.

No, No this couldn’t be happening. Why?

I stood there before falling to my knees crying.

Thor eventually walked over to me and pulled me into his arms. I held him as he quietly cried. I couldn’t say anything. I couldn’t even look him in the eye. Guards came in and they took Frigga’s body away. Odin didn’t even look in my direction and I couldn’t blame him. I deserved it.

“Hayley.” Thor said.

“This is my fault.” I said.

“Hayley, it is no one’s fault but Malekith’s. Look at me.” Thor said. “Love, please. Look at me.” Thor said resting his forehead against mine.

I hesitantly opened my eyes to look at his red-rimmed eyes.

“You are not to blame for any of this. Mother would have given her life to protect her home and those she cared about regardless of whether or no the Aether was inside of you. She knew there was more at stake and did what she thought was right.” Thor said.

“It doesn’t make it right.” I said.

“Malekith will pay for what he’s done.” Thor said.

We held onto each other while lying on his bed until one of the guards came to get us for the funeral.

Everyone in Asgard gathered by the shores and watched as Frigga’s body was put on a boat and set off away from the shore.

Once the boat was far away enough one of the archers shot off a flaming arrow and set the body on fire.

It continued to float away until it reached the edge of the waterfall and I thought it was going to fall but then odin knocked his staff onto the ground and the boat continued to float in mid air.

Then the ashes of the body lifted into the air and the boat sank. Everyone released glowing orbs up to the stars.

I took Thor’s hand and he gently squeezed it. I could feel his sorrow and heartache from his mark.

It wasn’t until all the lights faded away that everyone started leaving. Thor just stared out into space lost in thought. Eventually he finally had enough and we went back to the palace. We laid in bed not speaking just holding onto each other.

Every time I closed my eyes I couldn’t help but hear his voice saying the same thing over and over again.

You’re a curse Calliope. Everywhere you go, death and destruction follow you.

Maybe Hadrian was right, Everywhere I go bad things happen. I looked over at Thor and saw that he was finally asleep. I slipped out of bed and went for a walk. If it was easy to get lost during the day it was even easier in the middle of the night.

I ended up wandering into one of the gardens I walked closer to take in the view when I saw Odin was sitting down. I turned around and started walking away when he said something.

“Trouble sleeping?” He asked.

“I’ve always had trouble sleeping. I’m sorry, I’m sure you want to be alone.” I said.

“Stay.” He said. I turned around walked a bit closer but kept my distance.

“Frigga would take Thor and Loki out here during the summer when they were children. She’d read them stories, or tell them about the stars.” Odin said.

“She was a good person. Kind. I’m sorry for your loss.” I said.

“She’s in Valhalla now. She died a warrior’s death.” Odin said. “She was fond of you.”

“And I her.” I said. “She was very maternal and wise.”

“Her sacrifice was not in vain. We know the dark elves are alive now and we know what they want.” Odin said.

“They want the Aether.” I said. “There still isn’t a way to get out of me is there?”

“No there isn’t.” Odin said.

“And there isn’t going to be.” I said.

“If there is, we’re not likely to find it in time.” Odin said. I had to appreciate his honesty.

“If Malekith get’s it then it’s the end for everyone.” I said.

“He took us by surprise once, it won’t happen again.” He said.

“Except he already knows where I am. He’s going to come back eventually and when that happens a sacrifice is going to have to be made.” I said.

“All of our warriors live knowing they may have to give their lives protecting the nine realms.” Odin said. “They welcome death when their time comes.”

“I wasn’t talking about them.” I said “The Aether’s killing me and if Malekith gets it then a lot more people are going to die, here and everywhere else. If it comes down to it, get it out of me and destroy it or hide it which ever as long as he doesn’t get it.”

“It’s sheer luck you’re still alive and any attempts to remove the Aether will likely kill you. Thor would never allow it.” Odin said.

“Thor isn’t king. One life or the lives of everyone in the entire universe, its no contest. I’m just a mortal. In the grand scheme of things my life doesn’t amount to much.” I said.

“I’m starting to see what my wife saw in you.” Odin said.

“Maybe it’s better if you don’t.” I said before walking back to my room.