Chapter 16
The next morning, I woke with Loki already awake and looking at me.
"Good morning." He smiled, and I slowly stretched to wake myself up a bit. But his arms were still around me, making it difficult as I bumped against him with each move I made. I couldn’t help but notice the mischievous glint in his eyes, and I knew he was doing it on purpose.
“Loki, you know two can play that game, right? I would advise you not to start something you’re not prepared to finish,” I said as I glared at him.
I felt laughter bubble up in his chest, and I wasn’t able to keep a straight face. I joined him in laughter.
“Aurora, I know better than to underestimate you in anything,” he said when the laughter had died down again. “But just know that I’m trying very hard right now not to take you up on that offer, seeing as mischief is in my nature.”
His disheveled sleep look was way more charming than it had any right to be first thing in the morning. I just slapped his arm and pulled out of his grip. My mind went back to last night, and I remembered what I had to do today.
"How late do I need to be ready for the trial?" I asked Loki, and I could instantly feel my mood drop. I was not looking forward to this.
Loki looked over to the clock. "We need to be in the main hall in about an hour and a half," he said, and I could feel his mirth also die down. "If you don’t mind, I will collect you from your room and escort you to the main hall. There, you will stand with me and Thor as the trial starts. Your name will be called when you need to give your statement. There will be a slightly raised platform. Thor will escort you to the platform. We thought it best to show the crowd you have his allegiance too, and not just mine."
I nodded. "I guess Odin will ask me to give my testimony?"
"Yes, he will. He told you what to ask for?"
Again, I nodded. "Yes, he told me to ask for verification of my testimony by magic."
Loki flopped back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. "In the old days, that is what people would have asked for when they wanted the help from the Frost witches of Jotunheim. It will cause quite the uproar in the crowd, I’m sure. I’m also sure that the crowd will be a vast deal bigger today than it was yesterday. Everyone does like a good scandal, especially now that a princess’s word is questioned."
I could feel myself getting antsy. I knew I had to do this, but I wasn’t looking forward to being the center of attention in a big spectacle. I hoped the crowd and its feelings wouldn’t be very overwhelming. Though I had a bit of practice these last few days in the dining hall, big crowds still were not easy to navigate. I decided to put it out of my mind for now, as I would know soon enough.
Then there was one more thing that had been nagging in my mind. "Loki, is there a certain way I should dress? Does Yara know how to dress me for this kind of thing? I can imagine this being a very rare occasion."
Loki nodded and thought for a moment as he looked at me, a clear frown on his face. "I think it’s best to look as royal as possible. It’s good to remind the nobles of your background, making them sympathize with you over your status and not with Master Renfield. Although, I think it’s best that for today, you avoid anything remotely green."
I looked puzzled. Loki loved green and had complimented me before when I wore a green dress.
He seemed to get my line of thought and smiled. "You look lovely in green, Aurora. But we don’t want people to think about you being mine. It might cause more speculation, and we do not need that today."
Now I looked at him even more perplexed. "Do you mean that anytime I wear anything green, people think I’m yours? What am I, a color-labeled possession?"
Loki shook his head in laughter. "No, Aurora, you are not. The green in your dresses is not the same as my signature color, so it’s not a statement that we would be courting. But you know how people love to gossip and what they have been saying about us. They will use any excuse to prove themselves right. Today you will use your wardrobe to make a statement. We just want that statement to be that you are royal and not have them speculate on the different shades of green."
After a moment, he softly added, "Even if people would assume you were mine, or if you would ever wear my colors, know I would never see you as a possession. You are your own person and my best friend. I would never do something as stupid as not respect you."
I could feel he was very serious as he said this, and I couldn’t help the butterflies in my stomach. Did he just comment on me wearing his colors? No, he couldn’t mean anything by that, right? I knew he didn’t like me that way, so I did the only thing I could—deflect my uncertainty with humor.
I flopped over and put my head on his chest, wrapping my arms around him. “You know, I’m only friends with you because I just can’t help the fact that you make such a comfortable mattress.”
I grinned as I felt his chest shake with laughter beneath me.
“Aurora, I will let you get away with that comment only because we need to hurry and get ready. But remember my titles—if you continue to tease, I might just have to find a way to fight back.” His voice carried a mischievous edge.
I raised my hands in surrender. “I surrender,” I laughed. “Sif told me the kind of things you might do when pushed too far, and I really like my red hair.”
Loki just smiled. “I would never do such a thing again, first of all I like you just the way you are. Secondly with Sif and her hair, I learned a valuable lesson. I learned that a punishment must fit the crime. What I did to Sif was far more severe than she ever deserved.”
To be honest, I was glad to hear him say that.
Loki got up from the bed and walked over to my side. “I am going to leave now and get ready in my chambers. I will come to your door in about an hour and fifteen minutes. Remember, whatever you do at the trial, try to remain calm—and, if possible, look as bored as you can. People believe you have been a princess your whole life, and in their eyes, you should feel above everyone else. You know what the nobles are like. They desire someone to look up to. If you become angry or emotional, they will likely dismiss it as your human half showing through. Act calm, collected, and, above all, act superior. In these matters, there is a vast difference between a man and a woman. When a man is on trial and he becomes angry, he is seen as brave and a fighter. If a woman displays anger, she is labeled uncivilized and lowborn.”
He shook his head, sighing. “I swear, the women at court are snobbish, spoiled, and vain. I do not see how Thor can tolerate any of them.” With that, he gave a small wave and disappeared through the bookcase passage.
I couldn’t help but wonder about Loki’s words. I had never really considered his taste in women before. I knew Thor, Fandral, and even the rest of the Warriors Three had no shortage of female company. Sif had mentioned as much yesterday. But she had never said anything about Loki joining them. That thought lingered in my mind longer than I liked, and as soon as I caught myself wondering about it, I instantly reprimanded myself.
“I need to focus on other things now,” I muttered aloud, trying to push thoughts of Loki’s love life out of my head.
I called for Yara, grateful for the distraction. I had to be careful—my curiosity about Loki’s life couldn’t turn into something more. Our bond made us close, but that didn’t mean he saw me that way. For all I knew, he might prefer men. I felt a lot of emotions from Loki, but romantic love, desire, and lust were things I had never sensed from him.
Right then, Yara entered the room, and I let out a breath of relief. I told her what Loki had said about my appearance for the trial, and while she searched for the right outfit, I decided to take a bath to calm my nerves.
When I returned, a breathtaking dress lay on the bed. Midnight blue, it would look stunning against my red hair and pale skin. Yara helped me into it, and I noticed the neckline was a bit deeper than I was used to. The corset lining accentuated my chest and slimmed my waist even more, making the entire ensemble feel regal. Small stones were sparsely scattered across the fabric, glittering like tiny stars. The farther down the dress, the more stars there were, creating the illusion of a shimmering night sky.
Yara pinned my hair up into soft curls, letting a few loose strands frame my face. She added bracelets to my arms and placed my tiara on my head. As a finishing touch, she fastened my necklace around my neck, and I adjusted the stones to match my dress. When I stepped forward, I noticed the hem of the gown was longer than usual.
I glanced at Yara in confusion.
She smiled, moving to another part of the wardrobe. When she returned, she held out the most beautiful pair of shoes I had ever seen—high boots made of supple blue leather, laced up the front. They nearly reached my knees, boasting both a platform and a heel.
“Queen Frigga suggested them,” Yara said with a knowing smile. “She thought they would give you some height and emphasize your figure. She also said that a woman moves more majestically when wearing heels.”
She helped me sit, lifting my dress so she could lace the boots properly. With the corset, I could sit comfortably, but bending over or picking something up off the floor was out of the question.
Once the boots were fastened, she held out her hand to help me stand. I walked around the room, and the hem of the dress fell perfectly into place. Frigga had been right—the shoes were surprisingly comfortable, and I wasn’t afraid of tripping. More than that, they gave me an air of confidence and grace I didn’t normally possess.
As I turned to the mirror, a strange feeling settled over me. The dress was exquisite, undeniably regal, but it didn’t feel like me. I looked like a princess—an untouchable, glamorous figure—but it was a role I had to play. A role I had to perfect.
Today, I had to be a cold, snobby royal bitch if I wanted the masses to like me.
I took a deep breath and glanced at Yara.
She smiled warmly. “You look amazing, Aurora. It is difficult not to call you ‘Princess Aurora’ when you appear like this.”
I gave her a wry smile. “It’s an amazing dress, but I’d rather look like myself.” I sighed, and she nodded in sympathy. “But today, I have a reputation to uphold. So today, I will act like a princess. I will be bored, bitchy, and snobbish.”
Yara laughed. “Aurora, I am so glad you chose me as your handmaiden. I cannot imagine anyone else having this much fun serving someone.”
Her words warmed my heart, but I was startled by a loud knock at the door. I glanced at the time. It had to be Loki.
I motioned for Yara to follow, steeling myself. I opened the door and was met with the sight of Loki, dressed in his formal attire. He looked stunning, and for a moment, I almost forgot my plan.
But nerves made me mischievous.
“Good morning, my prince,” I said in my best cold, snobby voice. “Did they send you here to officially escort me today?”
I lifted my chin and gazed at him with an expression of complete boredom—one I had seen the ladies of the court use countless times.
Loki did not miss a beat as he bowed gracefully and presented me with his arm. “Good morning, Princess,” he said in a regal tone but bored tone. “I have been tasked by my father to escort you today.”
I gave a small nod, took his arm, and we began our trek toward the great hall where Odin would be waiting, Yara following a few paces behind us.
As we walked in silence, I felt a small tingle at the back of my neck.
“Aurora, you look absolutely beautiful and royal today,” Loki murmured. “I know I told you to act like those spoiled nobles, but it is almost frightening how well you are pulling it off. You must be mindful around my brother while behaving like this, or he might propose on the spot.”
I knew he was joking—I could feel it. But I could also sense he was waiting to see if I would laugh. I wanted to, but I fought the urge. I would not let him win so easily.
“I am sorry to disappoint, Loki, but perhaps he would be a good match for me,” I replied. “He is a prince, after all, and I am a princess. Sif and I were talking about joining Thor and the Warriors Three when they go out into town one of these nights. So, who knows what might happen?”
Loki abruptly stopped in the corridor and looked at me with wide blue eyes. I felt his shock at my words, and it was plainly written on his face. I tugged at his arm, motioning that we needed to keep walking, and he quickly regained his composure.
“Loki, relax. I was joking about being a match for Thor. You were trying to tease me, so it was only fair that I retaliate.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him glance at me. “But you were not joking about joining them at the tavern?” he asked.
I wondered why that part mattered to him. “No, not about that. Sif has her eye on someone, and she will get no help from your brother or the Warriors Three.”
Loki sounded perplexed. “But I was under the impression she was interested in Thor.”
It should not have surprised me that he knew. Loki was nothing if not observant. “That is why I suggested we join them. It will give her a chance to get him away from the palace. I may have encouraged her to wear something more… evocative to get that oaf’s attention. He is far too comfortable seeing her as only a warrior and a fighting companion, not as a beautiful woman. But she needs an excuse to go and dress like that, so I offered to be that excuse.”
I felt a flicker of understanding and mischief from Loki. “That might actually be a spectacle worth witnessing—seeing my brother’s face when he realizes Sif is, in fact, a hot-blooded female.”
I smiled but quickly forced my expression back into my carefully crafted, icy demeanor. “Then you should join us the next time they go.”
I was surprised when I felt a hint of darkness from Loki. “I will not show my face there, Aurora. I am not like Thor. I care about my reputation, and my appearance is far too uncommon to go unnoticed in a place like that.”
I let out a small snort. “Well, it is too bad you do not know anyone who happens to be a master of illusions, someone capable of altering his appearance at will.”
I knew very well that he could change his form—he had shown me while teaching me the basics of illusion magic.
I felt his amusement at my words. “You are devious, Aurora. I might just take your suggestion. But let us make it a game. I will be at the tavern when you go, but I will be hidden under an illusion. Your task will be to find me. It will test your ability to sense magic in your surroundings. But be warned—I will not make it easy for you.”
I was intrigued. We had spoken about detecting magic before. I could sense it when it was used directly on me, but sensing it in my environment—especially when the caster tried to cloak its source—was much harder. We had reached the main hall, so I only had time for a short reply.
“Deal.”
I steeled myself, determined to appear calm and regal as we entered the hall. It seemed as if the entire palace had turned out—and most of the city as well. I spotted Master Renfield on one side of the room, looking smug, but I ignored him. The only ones missing were Odin and Frigga.
Loki guided me to where Thor stood, positioning me between them on the first steps of the staircase leading to the throne. A flicker of confusion passed over Master Renfield’s face as Thor pulled me into a friendly hug. As if he had not expected me to be close to anyone but Loki. Perhaps he had heard rumors of Loki bedding me and assumed the rest of his family would have nothing to do with me.
I took slow, deep breaths, fighting to stay calm. The crowd was much larger than I had anticipated, and it was difficult to push back their emotions, especially with all of their attention focused on me.
A loud bang silenced the murmuring as Odin and Frigga entered. Odin led Frigga to the top of the steps, kissed her hand gently, and released her before taking his seat on the throne. Then he struck his staff against the floor.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he bellowed in a deep voice. “We are here for the second day of the trial. Today, we shall uncover the truth behind the accusations made yesterday. Princess Aurora Williamsdóttir will take the stand to verify her written statement.”
Thor extended his arm, and I placed my hand on his as he led me to the raised platform at the center of the hall before Odin. I held my head high, ignoring everyone except the Allfather.
Thor stood beside me and bowed to his father. “My king, I present to you Princess Aurora Williamsdóttir.” With a small bow to me, he turned and took his place next to Loki once more.
I curtsied deeply before Odin. He motioned for me to rise, and I did so, keeping my expression poised and unreadable.
“Princess Aurora Williamsdóttir,” Odin intoned, his voice commanding the attention of all present. “We are here to uncover the truth regarding the dealings between you and Master Renfield. We have heard your written testimony, as well as Master Renfield’s, and there appears to be a discrepancy between them. This is the testimony you provided yesterday.”
With a flick of his hand, a servant stepped forward and handed me a scroll. “Please take a moment to read it and confirm whether it is an accurate account of the events as you remember them.”
“I would be glad to, my king.”
I unfolded the scroll and quickly scanned the pages. The text was the same one Loki had read to me the day before. I rolled it back up and met Odin’s gaze.
“My king, this is indeed the testimony I provided, and I stand by its truth.”
The servant once again stepped forward and took the scroll from me. He ascended the stairs and handed it to Odin, who accepted it and read its contents. In his deep, resonant voice, he declared, "I, too, confirm that the contents of this scroll are identical to those read aloud yesterday."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, but Odin continued unfazed.
"Princess, I must ask—why does your testimony differ so greatly from that of Master Renfield?" he inquired.
I kept my posture composed, my voice steady. "There can mean only one thing, my king, Master Renfield is deceitful and has lied—not only to the nobles in this court but to you, the Allfather himself."
A wave of whispers and exclamations erupted from the crowd behind me. Odin had to strike his staff against the floor several times to restore order.
"Princess, why should this court believe you over Master Renfield?" His voice was cold, sending a shiver down my spine. But I suppressed it, determined not to lose my carefully crafted, aloof demeanor. Even though Odin was truly terrifying like this.
Now came the most critical part—I had to phrase my reply carefully. "My king, not only am I a princess by blood, but I am also a high-ranking noble in your court. I would never dishonor you or this court by daring to lie before you. I am deeply mortified by the false accusations made by Master Renfield, whose deceitful words not only dishonor you and this court but also your son, the prince. Furthermore, they tarnish my reputation and that of my family. Therefore, I see no other option than to ensure I am fully cleared of any suspicion beyond a shadow of a doubt. I humbly request verification of my statement by magic."
If the crowd had been loud before, it was positively wild now. I forced myself not to flinch, not to turn and acknowledge the masses behind me. Their emotions pulsed through me like a storm, threatening to overwhelm my senses. I needed something to anchor myself in this madness. I chose to focus on Master Renfield and my hatred for him.
I turned my gaze to him and saw his face drain of color, his jaw slack with shock. It wasn’t my proudest moment, but I couldn’t help the rush of satisfaction that washed over me. His reaction bolstered my strength, helping me maintain my cold and unbothered façade.
Odin struck his staff once more, bringing the room back under control. After a moment, he gestured to an advisor, and they deliberated briefly. I took the opportunity to glance at Thor and Loki. Loki remained calm, but Thor looked utterly bewildered. Higher up, I spotted Frigga watching me with a concerned frown. It was clear neither Odin nor Loki had informed her of the plan.
After a few moments, the advisor stepped away, and Odin's voice rang out once more, filling the hall. "Princess Aurora Williamsdóttir, I have consulted my advisor, and we have reached a decision. As there is no way for us to contact the Frost Witches, and Master Renfield has cast suspicion upon the honor of my youngest son’s word, we see only one course of action."
Internally, I laughed. Odin had just acknowledged the seed of doubt that had been placed on Loki. I knew enough to recognize that this would end badly for Master Renfield if his deception was exposed. Disgracing a Williamsdóttir was one thing, but lying in a way that shamed an Odinson was an entirely different matter. He truly hadn’t thought this through.
But outwardly, I remained composed, my expression unreadable as I listened to Odin's verdict.
"I will grant your request. To put to rest any and all doubts, I will perform the act of magical verification myself."
A fresh wave of shock rippled through the crowd.
"Princess Aurora, do you consent to me, King Odin Borson, Allfather of Asgard, being the one to perform this verification? I will witness the truth of what happened that day, and you will be judged accordingly. Be warned—any attempt at deception will be impossible, and any resistance will be met with utmost pain."
I sank into another deep curtsy as I responded. "My king, it would be my honor to reveal the truth and restore the validity of my word and the honor of my family."
Odin gave a single nod before turning to Thor. "Prince Thor, escort the princess so she may kneel before me."
Thor bowed to his father and strode toward me. I placed my hand on his arm as he guided me down the small steps of the platform and then up toward Odin’s throne. Upon reaching it, I knelt on the cold marble floor, lowering my head in a sign of respect. Thor bowed before his father and then returned to stand beside Loki.
A few seconds passed before I felt Odin’s hand settle on my shoulder, prompting me to look up. He placed his hands on either side of my temples and, in a voice only I could hear, instructed me to meet his gaze.
The familiar tingle of magic coursed through me as I stared into his single eye. Again, he spoke softly, asking me to recall the day in question. I obeyed, letting my mind drift back to the moment I left my room to see Shadow. It was an odd sensation—my memories unfolding like a moving picture, playing out with stark clarity.
I forced myself to remain still, ignoring the ache in my knees from the unyielding marble. I relived the fury of discovering Renfield harming Shadow, the horror of watching him stab the creature after Shadow had shielded me from his whip. The anguish and helplessness of hearing Shadow’s tortured screams as he fled. I held nothing back, and from what I sensed, Odin was not only seeing my memories but also feeling my emotions. I felt them echo within him.
When we reached the moment I first touched Shadow’s wounded body, I saw Odin flinch. A surge of remembered pain coursed through me and rebounded off Odin. I barely managed to stay upright as the vision played out—the moment Shadow’s wounds closed, the sight of Loki running toward me just as I collapsed. The final memory faded, and Odin shut his eye, removing his hands from my temples.
I fought with everything I had to keep from collapsing like a marionette with severed strings. The hall was deathly silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air. I gripped my hands in my dress to still their trembling, forcing myself to remain poised.
Odin’s voice shattered the silence. "Princess Aurora Williamsdóttir, I have witnessed your memories of that day. You have cooperated fully. Therefore, I ask my son, Prince Thor, to escort you back to your place, as I will now question Master Renfield."
Within moments, Thor was at my side. I placed my hand in his, barely concealing the slight tremble as he helped me to my feet. I tried to move gracefully, but my legs ached from the cold marble, making my steps stiff. As we descended the steps, I felt Thor’s grip tighten slightly, offering silent support. He ensured I didn’t falter, and I was grateful for it.
I reached my place between Loki and Thor once more, expecting Thor to release me, but he didn’t. Instead, he linked his arm through mine, covering my hand with his other. To the crowd, it looked like a simple friendly gesture, but it provided a steadying anchor. He wasn’t as oblivious as Loki had made him out to be—he must have felt the shaking of my hand when I placed it on his.
Beside me, I sensed Loki’s concern, but I dared not use the link to reassure him. Not here. Not now. I feared I wouldn’t be able to maintain my carefully composed façade if I did.
It was Odin’s bouldering voice that shook me back into focus.
“I ask Master Renfield to be escorted to the dais.”
The smug-looking man who had stood there at the beginning of the trial had now changed into a very nervous one.
“Master Renfield,” Odin started. “I have witnessed the memories of Princess Aurora Wiliamsdóttir. In all fairness, I would like to offer you the same option for magical verification. If you accept, I will look at your memories of the day to see if they match your statement. You are free to decline if you wish, but in that case, I will render my verdict based on the princess’s memories alone. What is your answer?”
Master Renfield looked very displeased, and for a moment, he seemed to be getting quite angry. But I could feel him getting his emotions under control.
“My King, I must object to this most unusual form of verification,” Master Renfield said in a loud voice. “There is a reason this type of magic has not been used in centuries. It is not right for the princess to force the use of magic on anyone. How do we know that she did not change her memories using magic herself? She is, after all, gifted with Seiðr , and I am no—”
In an instant, Odin was standing as he bellowed, “You dare question the powers of your king? You suggest that a half-mortal who is not fully trained in the ways of Seiðr is somehow more proficient in magic than the Allfather himself?”
Master Renfield now visibly shook as he realized the impact of his words, but Odin continued.
“I, the Allfather, see everything. There is nothing that anyone can hide from me when I look into their minds.” He seemed to calm a bit as he continued. “I vow to you that if you agree to this verification, I will see the whole truth and nothing else.” He let this sink in before adding, “Now, I demand your answer. Will you allow me to see your version of the truth?”
I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Master Renfield as silence fell over the court and people waited for his reply. He was doomed if he did and doomed if he didn’t. But he had brought this on himself. Still, the man on the dais seemed to shrink to half his former size. His shoulders sagged, and his head hung low.
“I decline the offer of magical verification,” was all Renfield could say before the buzz in the court erupted again.
I felt Thor gently squeeze my hand as he softly whispered, “I never doubted your honor, Aurora, and I’m happy to see it restored.”
I also felt Loki gently take my hand and squeeze it. My hand was folded in the layers of fabric of my skirt, so the gesture had been out of view from the crowd. As I looked at him, he gave me a small smile and a wink before reclaiming his calm look and focusing back on Renfield.
The crowd was still unruly and loud. Odin had to bang his staff several times to bring the room to order.
“People of Asgard,” he said as he stood from his throne. “I have witnessed Princess Aurora Wiliamsdóttir’s memories of the event. I am happy to announce that they are identical to how she described them in her statement. Furthermore, the refusal of Master Renfield to verify his memories has been seen by the court of Asgard as an admission of his lies. I will now take time to deliberate with my advisors. Tomorrow, we will reconvene for the sentencing. Guards, I demand you take this man to the dungeons and ensure he is well enough to receive his punishment tomorrow.”
With that, the guards closed in on Renfield, who collapsed into a sniveling pile of misery as he was dragged off. Odin left the room with his advisors, and Frigga walked down the steps to the three of us. As soon as she reached us, she embraced me in a warm hug.
“My dear, I’m sorry you had to relive that horrible day,” she said as she pulled back to look at me. “I saw, as soon as Odin made the connection, that he not only connected to your memories but also your emotions. I can only imagine the pain you must have felt that day since I saw Odin flinch in public when you relived them.”
“That is why she is shaking,” Loki exclaimed angrily, and I turned to face him. “You had to relive the pain again.”
I nodded but noticed Thor looking at us, and I realized he didn’t know about my empathic abilities. He had only heard the official version of the story the court had received. Loki and Frigga seemed to realize their mistake too. While Loki always complained about Thor being stupid, he really wasn’t, and I could see him studying me carefully.
“Aurora, what is this pain they refer to?” he asked gently, his voice surprisingly soft compared to his usual loud manner.
It was Frigga who intervened. “My son, may I ask you to postpone your line of questioning? I would like to invite the three of you to a private lunch in my room. I feel we would be better off continuing this conversation there.”
Thor had no choice but to accept his mother’s invitation. She told him and Loki to go ahead and arrange the lunch while she and I would make our way back more slowly, as I was still visibly shaking. Loki understood this was a subterfuge so we could talk, but Thor took his job most seriously, assuring us that lunch would be ready upon our arrival before he and Loki disappeared into the crowd.
Frigga led me to a side door so we could walk through the smaller, quieter corridors back to her room.
“My dear, I am sorry that I gave away your secret. I know my eldest son—he will not rest before he has at least part of the truth.”
I knew her slip hadn’t been intentional, and even I had forgotten Thor didn’t know.
“There is no blame. It was a mistake, and to be honest, I’m glad that I won’t have to lie to Thor after this. He’s a good man, and I don’t like lying to him, even by omission. If I’m honest, I’d rather he know the whole truth about me—even the Fenrir part. But I don’t want to discredit you and Odin. You know your son best. Do you think I should tell him everything, or just about my empathy?”
Frigga contemplated this for a moment. “My son is an honorable man who values his friends. I think if he learns the truth and understands that it was Odin and me who suggested the subterfuge to keep you safe, he will not hold it against you. He is one of the few people who does not fear Fenrir. He loves his brother, and the wolf is an extension of his brother. I believe we should tell him the truth. He would never place himself above the rest of his family, and he will surely keep your secret.”
“Thank you,” I said as a weight lifted from my shoulders. “Can I ask you to help me tell my story? I think it will be better coming from you and Loki. Then I will tell him about what really happened with Shadow and answer any questions he might have.”
Frigga agreed, and I was glad to have her help. I still worried about losing my friendship with Thor. I hoped he wouldn’t end it when he found out I had lied to him. As we entered Frigga’s room, we saw a fully set table with Thor and Loki waiting for us.
Frigga motioned for me to sit between her and Loki, and as we started filling our plates, Loki waved a magical barrier in place to keep our conversation private. Thor was mostly quiet as Loki and Frigga retold the story of how I came to Asgard and how I had been here for the last two years. When he learned that I wasn’t a princess, he looked shocked.
“Father made her a princess when she was not by blood?” He said in a surprised voice. I could remember Loki reacting almost as shocked when he had heard back then.
Loki continued the story by telling what happened with Fenrir and what they found out when Lady Eir examined me.
Again, he looked at me with disbelief. “So her magic has the potential to be more powerful then Loki’s.” he said and he looked at me with big eyes as I just sat there and nodded.
After my whole origin story had been told he was silent for a moment. But then he focused on me. “But what about the pain my mother mentioned before.” He asked.
I told him about me being and empath. That my power was stronger when I touching someone. I told him about the severity of Shadows wounds that Master Renfield had caused. I told him that Shadow couldn’t be helped by Muriel and that he would die. I told him how I healed the horse fully with my magic and explained that meant touching Shadow and feeling all his pain.
Thor just sat there and shook his head. “And that’s why father nearly flinched today when he relived the pain you felt.”
I nodded. “To my defense I didn’t know he would feel my pain. He knew the full unedited truth about what happened before I asked him to verify my memories. So, I didn’t hurt him on purpose.”
Thor nodded. “And you all swear this is the absolute and whole truth.” He asked the three of us. “There is nothing left out I might find out later?”
The three of us swore him almost simultaneous that this was the case.
Thor just nodded and he turned to me. “Aurora in this case I feel nothing has changed. While I’m sorry I was not informed sooner, I know this was not you’re doing. This I will take up with my father. In my eyes, you are a princess. My father has declared it so and he has the power to make you one. As for your magic and abilities, I know you are a kind person and I have faith in my brother’s teachings. Your secrets are safe with me and I will protect them as the rest of my family does. You have my word on this.” He places his fist over his heart and gave me a small bow.
I couldn’t help but tear up. “Thank you Thor this means a lot to me.” I said as I placed my hand on his arm. “ I was afraid that you might think less of me when you found out. I would have hated losing your respect and friendship.”
He gave me a warm smile. “Aurora I know I have my faults as any man does. But I do not turn my back on family or friends.” With that he finally started to eat his food and I was glad to have the whole thing sorted.
After lunch Loki asked what my plans were for the rest of the day. Now that I had some time to relax during the lunch I felt energized again.
“I really think I would like to see Shadow. I haven’t seen him since this whole thing happened. I want to see how he’s doing.” I admitted.
Loki smiled. “I actually think that is a good idea.” He agreed. “Do you think you are up for a little riding lesson? We could see how Shadow reacts to you after the whole ordeal. If he is not ready yet I could give you a lesson on another horse.”
I smiled and nodded fervently. Thor told me he would come by the stables later to see how I was doing. He told me how he had heard so much about Shadow he wanted to see him for himself. I thanked Frigga for the lunch and left to change my dress. Frigga told me my riding clothes had been finished and delivered to Yara. She added that she would love to hear if I had any feedback on the design. She made me curious when she let slip that she designed them herself. The main focus being on comfort and function. So I would be comfortable on our trip to Alfheim. I nearly jumped out of my seat to get dressed. This making Frigga and Loki laugh. We agreed that Loki would stay with Frigga for a moment so I could change. He told me to come get him when I was ready and I nearly ran towards my own room exited to see what Frigga had designed for me.