Chapter 12
The next few weeks passed in a blur. To my own surprise, I found myself enjoying life in Asgard. My studies with Loki were going well—better than I had expected. I no longer needed his guidance to clear my mind before casting simple spells, and I had mastered basic magic: minor healing, summoning small flames, and simple illusions. Now, we were working on more intricate illusions, learning to craft and sustain them.
The only drawback to using my Seiðr was how quickly it exhausted me. Loki assured me it was normal—that even for him, it had taken centuries to build stamina. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder if my endurance was weaker because I wasn’t fully Æsir. But there was no use dwelling on something I couldn’t change.
Loki, on the other hand, delighted in showing off. He enjoyed having someone to share his magic with—someone who wasn’t afraid of it.
Today, however, was quiet. Too quiet.
Thor and Loki were occupied with matters of the realm, discussing how Asgard could help stabilize the growing unrest across the Nine Realms. With our trip to Alfheim fast approaching, they were also preparing for diplomatic talks. Loki had assured me this was just a routine visit, nothing delicate or tense—more of a long-overdue courtesy. Still, Odin had given them messages to deliver to the Elven King.
With everyone busy, I was left to my own devices.
For once, I didn’t mind the solitude. Court life was structured, full of obligations and expectations, so an unplanned day felt like a rare luxury. The weather was crisp, but the sky was bright and clear. Autumn had painted the landscape in warm golds and deep reds. I decided to make the most of the quiet and explore the palace gardens.
Stepping outside, I was immediately glad I’d chosen one of my warmer cloaks. The deep royal blue velvet was soft to the touch, with intricate patterns shaved into the fabric. White fur lined the edges, and a silver clasp held it in place. It complemented the pale blue dress I wore underneath, but more importantly, it shielded me from the cold.
A sharp wind cut through the air, biting at my cheeks. I pulled up my hood for warmth, tucking myself deeper into the cloak.
Last week, I had stumbled upon a book in the library about natural herbs and remedies. I had been pleasantly surprised to recognize some of the plants mentioned in the book while walking in the gardens. As I walked, I plucked a sprig of lavender, breathing in its calming scent.
Lost in thought, I rounded a corner—only to collide with something solid.
I nearly lost my footing, but before I could stumble backward, strong hands caught me, steadying me with ease. Startled, I looked up into a familiar Elven face.
Prince Muriel.
“Princess Aurora, are you alright?” he asked, his voice filled with concern. “I hope I did not hurt you.”
I took a deep breath, regaining my balance.
“I’m fine, Prince Muriel. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” I offered him a sheepish smile. “To be fair, you move as quietly as a cat—I never even heard you coming.”
A small smile tugged at his lips, as if he appreciated the comparison.
“I believe it is not that I move silently,” he replied, his tone teasing, “but rather that spending too much time around Thor has dulled your ability to hear anything else.”
I laughed. He wasn’t wrong. Thor was loud—so were the Warriors Three and most Asgardian soldiers, especially after a few drinks. It often made me wonder if Loki had once been like them before living in Alfheim. Over time, I had noticed how Elven nobility carried themselves with a quiet grace, and Loki’s mannerisms mirrored theirs more than those of his own people.
Muriel and Loki had more in common than either of them would probably admit.
“What brings you to the gardens today?” Muriel asked as we resumed walking.
“I wanted to explore the plants and creatures here,” I admitted. “It’s colder than I expected, but the gardens are beautiful. I love the way the leaves change in autumn—how everything turns gold and amber. It’s even more breathtaking in the sunlight.”
I glanced at him, sensing a quiet longing in his expression.
“Yes,” he agreed, his voice softer now. “Each season brings its own beauty. I came out here for the same reason. I have been away from home for a long time, and I often miss the forests of Alfheim.”
I hesitated. I had spoken with Muriel before, but always in polite, formal exchanges—never like this.
“Do you miss your homeland?” he asked suddenly. “Your family?”
It was a strange question. Asgardians rarely asked about Midgard—it simply didn’t matter to them. I had never lied outright about my past, but I had also never been pressed about it.
“I haven’t been away as long as you have,” I said carefully, “but yes. I miss the little things—the things you take for granted when you’re home. A friend you see every day. A favorite place you visit without thinking. When you have them, they don’t seem important. But once they’re gone, you realize how much they meant.”
Muriel seemed caught off guard by my answer, but he considered it thoughtfully.
“I understand,” he said after a pause. “When I was younger, I loved the forests of my homeland, but I took them for granted. They were simply there—unchanging, familiar. But after so much time away, I find myself longing for them.”
I nodded, studying his expression. “It must be hard to be separated from your family, too.” I hesitated before adding, “I know I miss my father greatly.”
That was a lie. But I was curious to see how he would respond.
To my surprise, his answer was unguarded.
“My relationship with my family is… complicated,” he admitted. “I loved my mother dearly, but she passed long ago. My father and I… we are formal at best. So, when I was offered the ambassador role, I accepted without hesitation. It was not a difficult decision. I do not miss him.” He exhaled, glancing toward the trees. “But the forest—I miss it deeply. The ones in Alfheim are unlike any in Asgard.”
For the first time, he felt less like a polished diplomat and more like a person. And I found that I didn’t mind his company.
We reached the end of the garden, where a sunlit clearing held a small stone bench. The wind had stilled, leaving a rare moment of warmth. I sat down, letting the sunlight soak into my cloak. Muriel hesitated for a moment before lowering himself onto the bench beside me.
“As you know, I’ll be traveling to Alfheim soon,” I said, curiosity creeping into my voice. “Are its customs and courtly manners very different from Asgard’s?”
There was a small pause as he seemed to collect his thoughts.
"The court of my father is a treacherous one," he started. "He and my people pride themselves on ancient rules and traditions, making them very polite but also very rigid. While my people have the same vices as others, they do their utmost to maintain the appearance of being calm and collected. I hope you do not mind me if I warn you that it is of utmost importance to keep up appearances at my father’s court. Be overly polite and formal, and there should not be a problem.
"I should add..." He looked at me warily. "Please do not be offended when I say this. But try to be overly formal with both princes. Even simple friendly gestures like holding hands or touching someone’s arm are enough reason for speculation at my father’s court. For example, the only touching between a male and female at an Elven court should be if the male is escorting the female formally. A male may take a female’s hand and hold it while escorting her. Any other form of contact in public is deemed inappropriate.
"While they understand Asgard maintains a looser set of rules, they do love to gossip behind one’s back. Most of the time, Thor and even Loki are extra careful with what they do because they are princes. But there has been some quite nasty gossip about their familiarity with Lady Sif, to give you an example—just because Thor hugged her, or she would slap his arm. I would not like to see that happen to you."
I frowned. I knew Thor was a touchy person, but it was always polite and friendly, never inappropriate. If something that innocent was enough to set off the Elven court, I really had to watch myself.
"Thank you for your advice, Prince Muriel. This is exactly the kind of information I need to know before my travels. I hope you don’t mind another question, and if it’s too personal, I apologize. In that case, don’t feel obliged to answer. But why would you say your father’s court is treacherous? I understand what you just explained about the rules of conduct and the gossip, but I get the feeling that there must be more for you to use the word ‘treacherous.’"
He scanned my face for a moment.
"It seems you have a knack for picking up when people mean more with their words. You are right in your suspicions, and I will explain. But know that to do so, I must be very honest and broach a subject that is a sensitive one. I normally would not say anything, but I think this insight might help you when you are at my father’s court. Are you sure you want me to continue?"
I nodded, reassuring him he could continue.
"In the eyes of the people, my father is a loving king—deeply devoted to his late wife and his one son. At court, this is the public opinion, and they love him dearly for it. His devotion to my late mother is a source of great stories. But what most people do not know is that my father has many female bed partners. Not just now, but also when my mother was still alive. Not only does he treat them very poorly behind closed doors, but he also treated my mother—and sometimes even myself—with contempt.
"He sees himself as the most important man in his world, and other people should serve him as he pleases. He takes great lengths to keep his reputation intact and even encourages other high-ranking nobles to do the same. They only have to make sure to avoid gossip and maintain their reputation, and they are free to do as they please behind closed doors.
"There was an incident in my youth where a romance of mine became public knowledge. As you can imagine, there was a great scandal at court. I was severely punished but, in the end, forgiven as I was the prince. But when I tried to find out what happened to my bed partner, there was no trace of her. Even her parents claimed they did not know of her, and to this day, I do not know if she is alive or dead.
"This caused my alienation from my father and, in the end, was the reason I took the ambassador function. But as you see, this makes my father’s court treacherous. Where in Asgard, Thor beds another lady each week and boasts about it during dinner, even a hint of such a thing might cause someone to disappear in my father’s court."
I was amazed that Prince Muriel had confided this in me. I could feel sadness from him over the fate that had befallen the girl. I could feel that he felt deeply responsible for what had happened to her. For me to feel those emotions with such ease just emphasized the strength of them.
"Thank you for trusting me with this personal information," I said softly. "It gives me further insight into the Elven court and its darker sides. They’re scary and treacherous indeed. Although I’ve got to admit, I’m surprised you chose to tell me this. I can imagine it’s very personal for you and not something you’d share on such a short acquaintance like ours."
He looked me in the eyes and slowly, very gently, took my hand in his. This time, he held it with an open hand so I could pull away at any time.
"Princess Aurora, think of it as my way of apologizing for the horrible way I approached you with my concerns about Loki. Not only was the subject something I should have never broached with a friend of his, but I also know I physically hurt you when you tried to pull your hand away. It left me deeply troubled, and I told myself that if I would have a chance, I would try to earn your friendship to make up for it. Therefore, I want to give you as much insight as I can provide, even if the subject is personal and troubling for me."
He raised my hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on it before gently placing it back on my lap.
I just looked at him in amazement because I could feel the sincerity in his words as he said them. He indeed felt ashamed for what had happened and felt very vulnerable at the moment because of his confession.
I gave him a small smile. "As long as we’re both clear on my friendship with Loki and you promise not to interfere in any way or cause trouble for me or him, I’ll accept your apology."
I looked at him to see his reaction.
He was clearly relieved, and I saw an uncharacteristically large smile cross his face, making him even more handsome than a man had any right to be. I couldn’t help but like him more now that he was slowly dropping his ambassador mask. As long as he wouldn’t cause trouble between me and Loki, things would be fine. It surely couldn’t hurt to have more friends.
"You have my word, Princess Aurora," he responded.
Which made me smile. "In that case, would you do me the pleasure of calling me Aurora? It seems wrong for us to have spoken of such private things and remain all formal. They’re more subjects to be shared among friends, and I do hope we can be friends."
I felt a flash of surprise and then a surge of warmth from him as my words registered.
"It would be my honor, Aurora. I hope you will return the favor of using my name in return," he said kindly.
Before I could reply, there was a cold gust of wind, and I couldn’t help but shiver. Instantly, Muriel stood and offered me his arm.
"Would you allow me to walk you back to the palace?" he asked. "I think it would be wise to get you warmed before anyone could claim I made you freeze to death. I think the queen would actually demand my life and start a war if anything were to happen to you on my watch."
I laughed as I stood and took his arm. "If I do get sick, I’ll make sure not to blame you, so your life’s safe," I joked dramatically. "But I don’t think you’d be too far off. She loves her family very much, and from what I know, she’d protect and defend them with her life. I’m really grateful she feels so warmly toward me. And with her being the wonderful person she is, she does feel like a mother to me too."
It was close to lunchtime when we returned to the palace, and Muriel insisted on getting me something warm to eat. He joked that he needed to make sure he would not meet a premature demise, causing both of us to chuckle and catch the attention of a few fellow nobles trickling in for lunch. He escorted me to a small table in the dining hall before heading off to fetch the food. It wasn’t long before he returned, holding two steaming bowls of what seemed to be some kind of soup, accompanied by drinks.
“If you do not mind, I have taken the liberty of choosing an Elven dish,” he said, setting the bowl in front of me, along with a glass of what appeared to be wine. “I thought I would introduce you to my homeland’s cuisine, especially since you will be visiting soon. Also some wine, I thought, might help chase away the cold.”
I had not tried many alcoholic drinks in Asgard, having discovered early on that the alcohol content was rather high, considering I am only half Æsir. But one cup of wine shouldn’t be a problem. He watched me with anticipation as I picked up my spoon and carefully dipped it into the steaming soup. It took a few moments for the soup to cool on my spoon, as I wasn’t in a rush to burn my mouth. But once the soup hit my taste buds, my eyes widened in surprise. It was heavenly—rich, flavorful, and completely different from the heavy Asgardian dishes that often consisted of large chunks of meat.
I glanced at Muriel, smiling. “It’s delicious. If this is the way your people’s food tastes, I might need to bring a seamstress with me to let out my dresses. I may turn into Volstagg.” I grinned.
Muriel let out a laugh that was surprisingly uncharacteristic for him, but I liked the change in his demeanor now that we were friends.
“While I do not think it’s possible for you to resemble Volstagg, I can assure you that Elven food is very low on calories,” he replied between bites of his own soup. “So, you need not worry about that. Though I cannot imagine any change in you that would make you any less attractive. Some people are not just beautiful on the outside, but like you, they are made even more so by what lies within.”
I focused intently on my soup as his words settled in. My stomach twisted slightly, and I felt a blush creep across my cheeks. But just as I was processing his compliment, the loud sound of the dining hall’s doors opening interrupted us. I looked up and saw Loki and Thor walking in. Muriel noticed them too, and they spotted me, making their way toward our table. Loki’s eyebrow arched in surprise when he saw who I was sharing a meal with.
Before they came any closer, I heard Muriel’s soft whisper. “If you wish, I can leave before they get here.”
His words caught me off guard, and I shook my head. “I don’t want you to leave. If you keep your word and don’t cause problems when Loki is around, there is no reason for you to go. The only reason for you to leave is if you want to, or if you fear you might break the promise. Keep in mind, I will also speak with Loki and ask the same of him although I don’t think he would cause trouble.”
A sense of gratitude radiated from Muriel, but before he could respond, Thor and Loki had reached our table. Thor’s usual loud greeting filled the air.
“Aurora, Prince Muriel! What a surprise to find you here! My brother and I were just about to grab a plate of food. Do you mind if we join you?” Thor asked, always cheerful.
I smiled warmly. “Of course, I don’t mind. Please, join us.”
With a loud creak, Thor placed himself next to Muriel, and Loki slid into the seat beside me. I was relieved that Thor was here, as the tension at the table had become palpable with Loki and Muriel both silent. Thor, as usual, was oblivious to the atmosphere and simply carried on with his usual joviality.
“What is it you are eating?” Thor asked, eyeing my bowl of soup as though it were some foreign delicacy.
I decided to address the situation head-on. “Muriel introduced me to an Elven dish, to see if it agrees with me. Since I will be visiting the Elven realm soon, he thought I should try their cuisine.”
I could feel their surprise when I referred to Muriel by his first name. Even Muriel seemed taken aback, as if he had expected me to keep our friendship more private. Maybe he had anticipated that I would address him by his title in front of others?
Thor turned to Muriel. “It is kind of you, Prince Muriel, to look after Aurora this way. I imagine she has many questions about your people, and who better to ask than you?”
Muriel smiled warmly at the compliment. “Yes, she is quite curious, and I enjoy her company. I do not mind her questions at all. I would be honored if you would call me Muriel. We are among friends now, and it would be foolish to cling to titles.”
Thor laughed heartily and gave Muriel a friendly clap on the shoulder, nodding in agreement. I could feel Loki tense at the exchange, but I was pleasantly surprised that Muriel did not even flinch at Thor’s slap. What came next, however, was even more surprising.
“Would you and Loki care for some soup as well?” Muriel asked. “The kitchen prepares these Elven dishes especially for me, but I am sure there is enough to go around. I can fetch more if you would like. I noticed that Aurora practically inhaled her soup, and I suspect she would enjoy a second helping.”
A blush crept across my face, making Muriel smile in amusement. He was right; I loved the soup and really would like another bowl. Thor politely declined but said he would join Muriel so he could fetch some meat.
With that, Muriel’s gaze turned toward Loki. “Loki, would you care for some soup, or would you prefer some meat like your brother?”
If I thought Loki had been tense before, now he was utterly rigid. Though it was hard to tell from his posture, I could feel the tension in the air. I reached under the table and gently squeezed his hand. It seemed to ease him just a bit, drawing his focus back to Muriel’s question.
“If it would not be too much trouble, I would love a bowl,” Loki replied, his voice slightly hesitant. “Thank you, Muriel.”
Muriel nodded and, with Thor, stood up to fetch the food.
As soon as they left, I felt a soft tingle along my neck, followed by Loki’s voice. “What in the whole nine realms just happened?” he asked, confusion evident in his tone.
I squeezed his hand again and answered through our bond. “Muriel and I happened to run into each other in the garden earlier today. After some conversation, I found him genuinely apologetic about what happened in the training yard. He gave me valuable insights into the Elven courts, and when I had more questions, he shared some very personal things about himself, his father, and their relationship. All of it to help me understand the dangers of his father’s court. I could feel his emotions behind his words, and I am certain he was sincere. So, I proposed a friendship, with the clear rule that he must never cause any trouble between us again. I believe this is his way of keeping that promise. I can feel he is still tense around you, but I no longer sense the coldness when you are in his presence.”
Loki seemed more at ease now, and under the table, he took my hand in his.
"I know you, Aurora. I know you would never force someone. But if you were anyone else, I might suspect you of using magic to accomplish what you did today. I will never get my friendship with Muriel back the way it was, and, to be honest, I do not know if I would want that. But to be on a first-name basis again? I never imagined that happening in my lifetime."
The thought of using magic to make people like me—or each other—sent a shiver down my spine.
"Loki, you don’t think I might be using magic unconsciously, do you? Like with the books? I’d never want to take away someone’s free will. I don’t even know how my magic works or what I’m capable of."
His fingers traced small, calming patterns on the back of my hand.
"Do not worry, Aurora. You know I can sense your magic. If that were the case, I would see or feel its effects on Muriel—if not on myself."
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, and Loki could feel the relief wash over me.
"I hope you don’t mind my friendship with Muriel?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.
"Not at all," he said without hesitation. "I would never dream of limiting your friendships just because I have a history with someone."
He meant every word, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of him. Of course, that pride bled through our bond, and I could practically see him blush.
"I told Muriel I’d make sure you wouldn’t cause trouble between him and me," I admitted. "I feel like I don’t need to ask you, but for full transparency, I want you to know I said that. Even though, if you had been against my friendship with Muriel, I would’ve put you first."
A wave of emotion passed between us. Loki was honored that I would choose him over Muriel, but I was just relieved I didn’t have to make that choice.
A sudden clatter snapped me out of my thoughts as a bowl of soup was placed in front of me. I had been so caught up in talking to Loki through our connection that I hadn’t even noticed Thor and Muriel returning with the food.
Once we were all seated again, Loki restarted the conversation.
"It seems that during our travels to Alfheim, the Warriors Three and Sif will be accompanying us. Normally, we use the Bifrost for such journeys," he said, glancing at Thor before turning back to me. "But they suggested leaving a few days early and traveling on horseback instead. The trip would take about three days, and they want to hunt, camp, and enjoy themselves. Sif even suggested you might appreciate the experience—you would see much more of our lands that way."
Thor looked up from his plate with wide, hopeful eyes. "Please, Aurora, come with us. It will be our first adventure together! And who knows? Maybe we will have grand stories to tell afterward."
I couldn’t help but grin. The idea of getting out of the palace for a while was tempting. But I had a few concerns, so I turned to Loki.
"Please don’t laugh, but I’ve got a few questions."
Loki smirked. "Aurora, the day your inquisitive mind runs out of questions will likely be the day you enter Valhalla—only to start questioning everything there."
Even Muriel chuckled at that.
"Okay," I said, shaking my head with a smile. "First, I don’t know what the weather in Alfheim is like, but won’t sleeping outside be really cold?"
"That is why we have blankets," Loki answered smoothly. "And if needed, I can spell them with warming wards."
I nodded. "Second, I don’t know how to ride a horse. I don’t even have one. Do you think I could borrow one from the stables?"
Loki grinned, as if he’d already planned for this.
"We have time before we leave. Starting tomorrow, I will teach you how to ride. And a princess does not borrow a horse—she owns one. We will get you your own."
I opened my mouth to protest, worried I wouldn’t learn fast enough, but Loki cut me off before I could even voice my fears.
"Even if you do not learn in time, you can always ride with me—or anyone else in our group. You will not be a burden, and we would love to have you with us."
He knew exactly what to say, and I couldn’t help but smile. There were no more excuses.
"In that case, I’d love to go on this adventure with you both."
Loki smiled, and Thor let out something close to a celebratory howl.
Muriel was the next to speak. "I do not want to interfere, but if you have not considered it, she will need riding outfit—spelled against the cold. Alfheim’s weather is milder but still cold at night this time of year, and she is more affected by temperature."
Loki nodded. "Thank you, Muriel. I had not thought of that. I will let my mother know, and she will make the necessary arrangements."
Muriel inclined his head slightly before adding, "If you would like, Aurora, I could also speak with the Queen about new dresses for your time at my father’s court. He secretly despises the overly elaborate Asgardian fashion. I believe you would charm him if you wore something more Elven in design. Not that there is anything wrong with Asgardian dresses, but as you may recall from our talk, he is stuck in his ways—and his superiority complex. He would see it as a compliment, and for a man as vain as my father, a little flattery goes a long way."
I grinned at Muriel’s cleverness. "Thank you, Muriel. I’d love any help you can offer. If I speak with the Queen before you do, I’ll be sure to ask her about getting a few new dresses and enlisting your help in designing them."
That earned me a smile from him.
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, finishing our meal, until Muriel excused himself. He had things to attend to and wished us luck with our preparations.
Thor left a short while later, off to spar with Sif and the Warriors Three, leaving just me and Loki.
"So," I said, turning to him. "Any idea what we can do this afternoon? Of course, if you don’t have anything planned," I added quickly.
Loki smirked. "Well," he drawled, "I did promise a certain princess that I would get her a horse. And as it happens, there is a horse merchant at the stables today, showing his wares. I thought we might see if there is an animal among them that catches your eye."
I was instantly excited. The short time I’d spent on a horse with Loki had been exhilarating, and I admired the grace and power of those magnificent creatures. I felt almost as giddy as Thor could be at times.
"Really?" I exclaimed. "Can we go now?" I reached for my cloak, draped over the chair beside me.
Loki chuckled. "Oh, Aurora, it is refreshing to see someone so delighted by something as simple as viewing a horse." He laughed as he stood, plucking my cloak from the chair and draping it over my shoulders. With practiced ease, he fastened the clasp.
As we strolled through the now calmer palace corridors, he made a show of waving his hand. A shimmer of magic flickered in the air, and in an instant, a cloak settled over his own shoulders.
"This will be something we practice during your lessons before we depart," he remarked as we continued walking. "I imagine that when traveling with five men, you might appreciate the ability to clothe yourself with a flick of the wrist. Although, I am quite certain none of us would object to assisting you—given that you will be without your maid."
I blinked a few times, meeting his mischievous gaze, determined not to blush. He loved teasing me, and he knew exactly which buttons to push.
"Only if you promise to also teach me that magical shower trick you did in the yard," I countered, keeping my tone casual. "Because if you think me needing help dressing is a problem for you men, I don’t even want to imagine what would happen if I needed help washing my back."
Loki erupted into deep, roaring laughter. If I had thought Muriel looked handsome while laughing earlier, it was nothing compared to Loki when he was truly carefree. His laughter was rich and unrestrained, his whole face alight with amusement.
He nearly hiccupped before managing to reply. "I agree. We should not torment Fandral with such images. He struggles enough to restrain himself around you as it is."
He grinned, and I arched a brow at him.
"It is only because Sif threatened to dismember a certain part of him should he make you uncomfortable that he has managed to keep his distance this long."
My eyes widened at the revelation, and I burst into laughter along with him.
"I guess I owe Sif a major thank-you tonight," I chuckled. "If these last few days are him keeping his distance, I don’t even want to know what his normal flirting looks like."
Loki nodded, smirking. "I, for one, am grateful that Fandral’s affections are reserved solely for women. I cannot fathom what it would be like if he pursued me as well. A poor woman is surely doomed if he sets his sights upon her—yet, you would be astonished by how many welcome it."
The mental image of Fandral flirting with Loki was so absurd I had to stop walking. I doubled over, laughing so hard I could barely breathe.
"I’d actually love to see Fandral try his charms on you," I said between gasps, wiping my eyes. "I don’t know what’d be funnier—your face if he did that, or whatever tricks you’d pull to get him off your back."
Loki chuckled. "Let us simply hope we never find out," he said, grinning. "For I would sooner make his life a living hell with my tricks than fall for his charms."
As we reached the inner courtyard, Loki led me toward the back of the stables, where a large crowd bustled around. In a spacious paddock, rows upon rows of horses stood proudly on display.
Loki explained that I should not only admire a horse’s appearance but also observe its temperament—touch it, speak to it, see how it reacted to me. With that, he excused himself to find the merchant, motioning for me to explore on my own.
The sight was breathtaking—each horse was meticulously groomed, their coats gleaming in the sunlight. Their saddles were adorned with intricate designs, befitting creatures of such beauty.
I spotted a stunning chestnut mare, but as I approached, she shied away, nervous and unsettled. Remembering Loki’s advice about looking beyond appearances, I moved on.
Many of the horses were not only beautiful but friendly as well. I made mental notes of a few I liked, intending to discuss them with Loki later. But as I wandered further, something caught my eye.
Near the back of the paddock stood a breathtaking stallion.
He was enormous—easily towering above the others. His coat was an impeccable, inky black, with not a single imperfection. His long, wavy mane cascaded nearly to the ground, shimmering like liquid midnight. There was something regal about him, something powerful and untamed.
Unlike the others, he wasn’t saddled. He stood apart, placed deliberately at a distance from the rest. The moment my gaze landed on him, I felt an inexplicable pull. He was watching me, his dark eyes sharp and intelligent, as if he were studying me just as much as I was studying him.
I took a step closer, stopping a meter away. Neither of us moved. A curious flicker passed through his gaze, and then, slowly, he lowered his head, stretching his nose toward me, nostrils flaring as if testing my scent.
Taking it as an invitation, I stepped closer. His ears were alert but relaxed, his posture open. Slowly, I raised my hand, letting him sniff my fingers before pressing my palm to his velvety nose.
A wave of calm rolled off him. As I stroked his sleek coat, he leaned into me, nudging closer, silently demanding more attention.
A warm smile touched my lips as I ran my fingers through his silky mane. There was something about him—something different. I could feel it in the way he moved, the way he responded to my touch.
A sound behind me made me turn.
Loki was approaching, his expression unreadable. The horse flicked his ears toward him, acknowledging his presence, but didn’t pull away. Instead, he pressed his head against my shoulder, insisting I return my focus to him.
I chuckled, indulging him, my fingers threading through his thick mane.
Then, without warning, everything changed.
The stallion’s entire posture shifted—his ears flattened, his muscles coiled, and with a deliberate motion, he stepped in front of me as if shielding me from something unseen. A wave of tension rippled through his powerful frame, and though his aggression was not aimed at me, I could feel the hostility rolling off him.
Loki noticed instantly. His sharp gaze flicked between me and the stallion, assessing whether he needed to intervene.
Before he could act, a voice rang out.
"My Prince!"
A man strode toward us, his tone urgent. The moment the horse heard him, his agitation intensified. His stance grew rigid, his breath coming faster.
"My Prince, there you are!" The man finally reached Loki, casting a glance toward me.
"I wished to warn you," he said, slightly winded. "This stallion is not yet broken. He is a devil of a beast. While I am certain I can tame him in time, for now, he is unpredictable—prone to violence."
It was clear that he didn’t want to get any closer to the horse, and the stallion seemed to share the sentiment. I softly scratched behind the stallion’s ears before stepping away, walking toward where Loki and the man stood.
“Master Renfield, please allow me to introduce Princess Aurora,” Loki said smoothly.
Master Renfield bowed deeply, practically groveling. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Princess.”
I nodded in acknowledgment. For some reason, an odd feeling crept over me as I stood near the man. A shiver ran down my spine.
“Princess, may I take the liberty of showing you some exquisite and gentle horses?” Master Renfield continued. “The prince informed me you have no previous riding experience, and I know a lovely chestnut mare that would suit you perfectly, if I may say so myself.”
He gestured toward the skittish chestnut mare I had seen earlier.
“I’m sorry, Master Renfield,” I said with a polite but forced smile. “She is lovely, but I don’t think she is what I’m looking for in a horse. She made it quite clear that she did not enjoy my company.”
As I spoke, I glanced back at the black stallion. He was still watching me with those intelligent eyes, his gaze unwavering. From the corner of my vision, I caught the way Master Renfield’s expression twisted slightly. I could feel the disdain rolling off him—it was clear that he did not appreciate me challenging his expertise.
I turned my focus to Loki.” Loki, I don’t know why, but this guy is giving me the creeps. There’s something weird about Master Renfield.” I let him feel what I was experiencing through our bond.
Loki’s reply was nearly instant. “I do not envy your ability, Aurora. What I could gather through our bond is enough to make my hair stand on end. Shall we leave? We do not have to buy a horse from him. There are other tradesmen in town we can visit.”
I looked back at the stallion. “I do want to leave. But I have this connection with the black stallion. Please don’t think I’m crazy, but I really feel like he’s the one I want.
Loki arched a brow, glancing at the horse once more.
“Are you certain?” he asked. “He is a magnificent creature, no doubt, but he appears rather agitated. You heard Master Renfield—he is not fully trained.”
“I’m as sure as I can be,” I replied. “He was calm before Master Renfield arrived. I felt an actual connection with him. It was only when Master Renfield approached that he became agitated. Even then, I could tell he was not hostile toward me—it was more like he wanted to protect me from Master Renfield.”
Loki smirked and turned back to the merchant. “I believe what the princess is trying to say is that, much like herself, she prefers a bit of temperament in her horse. Since I wish to make her happy, and I am sure you do as well, let us see to it that she gets what she desires.”
It was almost nauseating to watch Master Renfield grovel before Loki in agreement.
“I have made up my mind,” I announced, glancing between them. “I would like him.”
I pointed toward the black stallion behind me, but the waves of anger rolling off Master Renfield were palpable. His voice, however, remained as slick as ever.
“My Princess, as I said, that horse is far too dangerous and unsuited to your needs. I am certain he will be perfect once properly broken, but in his current state, I fear he is unsuitable for sale. Moreover, he is one of my most prized specimens—a rather costly stallion for a Midgardian princess such as yourself.”
I had to force myself not to react. More than anything, I had to resist the urge to set his coat on fire. Clearly, he knew exactly who I was—or had at least heard tales of my origins. I understood perfectly well what he meant by Midgardian princess. Frigga’s words echoed in my mind, reminding me how the Æsir often looked down on mere mortals.
“Well, in that case, I believe we are done here,” I said coldly. “It would have been nice to have my own horse for when we travel to Alfheim to continue my studies in Seiðr .”
At that, Master Renfield’s eyes widened slightly, the realization of his mistake dawning upon him.
“But I don’t think I can do business with someone who would insult the Prince of Asgard while he attempts to bestow a gift,” I continued smoothly. “Clearly, you believe there is a limit to his generosity—that he couldn’t afford such a horse.”
I waved a dismissive hand toward him and reached for Loki’s arm, turning away.
It took no more than a second for Master Renfield to scramble in front of us, blocking our path. He bowed so low he nearly toppled over.
“My most humble apologies, Your Royal Highnesses. I never intended to suggest—nor to insult.”
I did not believe a word of it. He had not meant to insult Loki, but he had most certainly meant to insult me.
Loki remained silent, but I could feel his amusement through our bond. He was thoroughly enjoying the scene I was creating.
I regarded Master Renfield as if he were beneath me, offering no reply. When I attempted to step around him, he stubbornly held his ground.
“I am sure the prince and I can come to an understanding,” he stammered. “I see now that I was mistaken and humbly ask for your forgiveness. I would be more than willing to part with that magnificent animal. As I said, he is my most prized possession. Not only beautiful but of great value—especially if you were ever interested in breeding him.”
Loki finally spoke. “While I see truth in your words, I cannot help but feel that this entire ordeal has lessened the stallion’s appeal to the princess.”
I jumped in before Master Renfield could recover.
“Not just this stallion, but all of your horses,” I stated. “This experience has been ruined for me. I find it strange that, moments ago, this horse was deemed untamed, unrideable, and of a devilish character, yet now he is suddenly valuable. I would rather see what other sellers have to offer.”
I turned to Loki. “There must be other merchants we can inquire after, right?” I asked, feigning innocence.
Loki took my cue seamlessly. “Yes, of course. Though, I might have an even better idea. Why not wait until we arrive in Alfheim? Their horses are truly magnificent—perhaps even better suited to you.”
Master Renfield’s face drained of color. His eyes nearly bulged from their sockets as he scrambled for words.
“My Prince, I am sure that will not be necessary. If the princess would grant me a moment of your time, I am certain we can come to a satisfactory arrangement.”
I did not spare him another glance. Instead, I turned to Loki, who took my hand and placed a light kiss on my fingers before gesturing toward the stables. I winked at him and walked away without a single word to Master Renfield. But before I left, I sent a thought through our bond.
“I hope you make his life as difficult as possible while negotiating.”
Loki’s response was immediate. “Your wish is my command.”
And I could feel his delight at the challenge.
It was about ten minutes later when I spotted Loki strolling toward the stables, a triumphant grin on his face. I was sitting on a small bench in a quiet corner, enjoying the warmth of the sun. As he reached me, he took a seat beside me.
“You know,” he said with a smirk, “you can be quite evil. I am actually quite impressed.”
I huffed. “I’m sorry, but the guy’s a total asshat. You know he insulted me first.”
Loki laughed and pulled me into a side hug, rubbing my arm gently.
“It was a compliment, Aurora,” he said, still grinning. “I had so much fun watching that unfold. And, for the record, not only did I secure the stallion for you, but I also got him for a third of the price—with the most expensive and comfortable riding gear thrown in. So it is final. He is yours.” He smirked. “And best of all, you get to name him. Unless, of course, you prefer to continue calling him ‘devil,’ as Master Renfield has been doing?”
I grinned back. “I get to name him?” I glanced over the fields toward that magnificent animal.
“You know what? I think I do have a name for him. But I don’t know if it sounds weird or childish. I really have no idea how people in Asgard name their horses.”
Loki gave me a look that clearly said I should stop making excuses and just tell him the name.
“Okay… it’s just that he’s so dark, I thought I’d call him Shadow,” I said, glancing at him.
Loki seemed to consider it for a moment before smiling. “I think Shadow suits him. It’s a fine name and nothing to be ashamed about. Now, shall we find my mother so we can get you a proper riding attire?”
We made our way through the castle, and Frigga promised to have suitable riding attire made for me. She asked if I preferred to ride sidesaddle or not. I agreed with Loki that it was better to ride normally. Fortunately, she didn’t mind and admitted that sidesaddle was a pain if you needed to ride for long distances.
I also mentioned Muriel’s suggestion for a few new Elven-style dresses. While she was surprised it came from him, she agreed with the idea and promised to enlist his help in creating a new wardrobe for time in Alfheim. Loki and I spent the rest of the evening dining and talking with Frigga, and it was late by the time we finally made our way back to our rooms.
“Tomorrow morning, I have another meeting with my father, but I thought we could meet for lunch around midday and then practice some magic? There are a few new things we need to learn before the trip,” Loki said, leaning in the doorway of my room.
“Sounds like a plan,” I agreed.
We wished each other goodnight, and I stepped into my room. Too tired to study Old Norse like I usually did before bed, I indulged in a glorious warm bath instead. Excitement bubbled within me for the days ahead—I couldn’t wait for my riding clothes so I could spend more time training and riding with Shadow.