Loki sat on his throne, lost in profound thought and growing anxiety as he awaited the arrival of the guest sent by Frigga. From his mother's frantic letter, he learned that a person who may be able to assist him was en-route to his realm.
He was given no other information within the quick scribed note, and therefore had no idea who to anticipate. But he knew that no man could help him solve the problems facing his domain, and he believed that providing someone with warmth, food, and a private room would be an unnecessary burden during this trying time.
Nonetheless, he was unable to refuse his mother's offer of aid, and when the expected guest was significantly delayed, he sent Ovahh, his guard with the most experience tracking in heavy snow, to search for the missing person.
Now that more time had passed without Ovahh's return, Loki grew more concerned. Not only for the safety of the passengers but also for his guard, who was admittedly one of his only friends, though he would never confess it to Ovahh.
He slouched on his throne and spread his legs wide as his impatience mounted. However, the unexpected entrance of a breathless guard rushing through the palace doors, caused him to become alert.
Loki looked at his panicked face, "What is it?"
"My king, Ovahh has arrived with the guest."
Loki exhaled, relieved.
"Well then, bring them to me. The sooner we can determine that our visitor cannot assist, the quicker we can send him on his way."
"But my king, they seem to have already succumbed to the brain freeze. Perhaps they got caught in the storm?"
Loki regarded his guard with confusion, prompting the guard to explain further.
"The Asgardian visitor and Ovahh, they roll around in the snow like madmen"
Loki exhaled again, this time with exasperation. "I feared this would occur; no man can endure breathing in such cold air; it induces hallucinations. I sincerely hope they have not committed any dangerous acts while temporarily suffering from mental impairment."
He immediately descended from his throne and hurried towards the palace gardens, his heavy emerald cloak, which covered his immense Jotun frame, flowing in the breeze.
The sharp frost in the air caused him to momentarily shiver as he sprinted outside, and instinctively, he closed the regal fabric of his cloak to prevent the biting air from penetrating to his leathers.
While he quickly grew accustomed to the cold, he heard laughter, and not the expected sounds of raving people who had provisionally lost their mind. Upon listening more closely, he immediately recognised that the laughter seemed more feminine too. He furrowed his brows as he walked cautiously, unsure of the source of the merriment.
As he reached the bottom of the snow-covered steps, he noticed two distinct snow angel outlines imprinted in the snow, one much smaller and more daintier than the other. And just as he began to continue on his search for Ovahh, he instantly stopped when he heard the captivating sound of laugher again.
Interestingly, his heart began to beat wildly with excitement, and he was puzzled as to why. However, as he moved slowly towards the source of the intoxicating giggles, he noticed his pulse quicken to a pace he had only ever felt once before. The time he had bumped into a certain plant obsessed Gaia.
"They are just ahead, King Loki." Kavi, the guard who had alerted him of Ovahh's arrival, pointed towards the frozen water fountain.
Loki's gaze followed Kavi's pointing finger and he was startled to see a small figure in a cloak, hastily rolling snowballs. Now, based on the petite stature and the femininity of the laugh, it was evident that the Asgardian sent by Frigga was a woman.
The unidentified female immediately hurled a ball, and as Loki followed its trajectory, he saw it strike his loyal guard Ovahh in the face.
"Oh, Birdy, I will get you back for that cheap blow!" Ovahh warned, oblivious to the fact that his king was standing and observing their playful conduct.
"Birdy?" Loki murmured, "Who is birdy?"
He continued to watch as his loyal soldier scooped up a large pile of snow with the intent of launching it in retaliation at the woman.
"Ovahh, stop cheating! My hands are little, I can't make them as gigantic as you!"
Loki's breath caught in his throat as he instantly recognised the voice. Even if he tried, he could never forget the musical manner in which his beloved Eden spoke. It replayed in his mind countless times since your first meeting.
"Eden?" He whispered your name. "It can't be?"
Still in denial that it might not be you, he squinted his eyes and zeroed in on your slender frame. Yet as he watched you move, the breeze carried your scent in his direction, and he gasped when he inhaled your skin's unique and incomparable floral sweetness.
Now, it was undeniable that you were here, in Jotunheim, in front of him, and that you were real and not a fabrication of his imagination.
At once, he focused his attention on you, staring in amazement as you rolled snow between your palms. The longer he observed you, the more he struggled to take a breath, his heart pounding so violently against his chest that he was certain he would fracture a rib.
"I show no mercy in battle! It is Jotunheim verses Embrodi!" Ovahh chuckled, still deeply engaged in a snow battle with you.
"Embrodi?" Loki marvelled, "Eden is from Embrodi," he grinned.
It makes sense, he thought. How could he not have noticed that you were the epitome of an attractive Embrodi? He confirmed that the rumours about Embrodi women were true by discreetly observing your goddess-like proportions. They genuinely resembled the most beautiful ancient deity.
Loki was so taken aback by your presence in Jotunheim that he couldn't help but stare at you in a state of stupor. And although his body may have appeared like a stiff tree trunk, rooted to the spot, the butterflies he felt inside him, danced wildly.
Kavi, on the other hand, was not so eager to remain still and silent, he was enraged that Ovahh hadn't recognised his king's presence, and he was quick to announce his arrival.
"King Loki of Jotunheim stands before you; cease your antics and show proper respect."
Loki was immediately angered; he had been relishing simply observing you and was going to use the time he spent being inconspicuous to plan a perfect reuniting response. Now, however, he had no time as he was unexpectedly announced.
Ovahh swiftly tossed aside the massive snowball and emerged from his fortified position, prompting you to do the same.
You glanced across and noticed two Jotuns, but your attention was immediately drawn to one more than the other. The individual who, coincidentally, was gazing intently at you.
As your eyes met his, you felt a familiar fluttering inside of you. You were so taken aback by the realistic sensation that you glanced down, expecting to see actual butterflies perched on your chest.
When you looked back up, you were surprised to see that the Jotun, who you presume to be King Loki based on his regal appearance, was still staring directly at you, his body unmoving. And when you saw his lips curve into a small smile, goosebumps erupted all over your entire body, and lo and behold, the butterflies you felt began to have a rambunctious ball.
You reflexively grab at your vibrating chest and scream internally for the flutters to cease their infuriating movements. However, to your astonishment, as you attempt to quell the sensation his smile induced, your observing Jotun finally moved, imitating your action by placing his own palm flat against his chest.
Immediately you wondered, was he feeling the same intense flutterings as you?
Loki couldn't stop gazing at you the entire time, and despite his attempts to remain emotionless as he evaluated your reaction to his Jotun form, he couldn't hide his joy at seeing you, resulting in a small smile to escape his lips. It was witnessing your next move that piqued his interest; you clutched your bosom, and instinctively, he did the same.
Immediately he wondered, were you feeling the same intense flutterings as him?
Ovahh, upon realising that his king was present and had likely witnessed him acting in an unjotun-like manner, spoke up immediately and felt compelled to explain himself. "My king, I, um-"
You shifted your gaze away from King Loki and observed Ovahh's growing anxiety as he attempted to explain his casual behaviour. You were worried that it might be frowned upon in Jotunheim to act so off guard. You felt inclined to at least try to alleviate Ovahh's nervousness, as it was technically you who persuaded him to play in the snow instead of immediately reporting back to the palace.
"I apologise, King Loki, but it was entirely my error that Ovahh did not hastily report our arrival. My persistent pleading convinced him to consent to a frolic in the snow; he was merely attempting to be a gracious host."
Loki listened to every syllable you sang, his heart blooming not just from hearing you repeat his name, but also because you tried to take the blame off of Ovahh. He had perceived your kindness from your first meeting, and your actions at this moment only served to confirm his initial feelings.
No longer able to conceal the emotions he felt from appearing on his face, Loki smiled affectionately.
The apple of your cheeks turned rosey when you saw the Kings expression shift to one of admiration, and perhaps even a trace of enamour? But you could not be certain, and you did not wish to make a bold assumption that his feelings were similar to yours.
There was something about him that you simply could not identify. His crimson eyes were so enticing, and his lips were so tantalising, and as you stared at him attentively, the aura he exuded was so very familiar. It caused vigorous shivers to rush up and down your spine, triggering your entire body to momentarily vibrate.
Just as Loki was about to relieve Ovahh's mounting worry and ease both of your concerns that he wasn't angry for the slow report back to the palace, he saw you shiver violently and became irate.
His blinding stupor, which had been fixated on your beautiful facial features broke at that moment, and now he focused on examining your appearance more closely. Instant concern overwhelmed him, and his contempt for Ovahh grew.
While Loki didn't take offence to Ovahh's decision to entertain you with a snow fight, now he noticed that you were standing knee-deep in the snow, clad only in a thin dress, a hooded cloak, and Asgardian leather boots—not exactly the best protection against jotunheims snowy climate. He was frustrated with Ovahh for not taking better care of you.
He finally turned away from you in order to glare at Ovahh. "Has the storm altered your state of mind, Ovahh? A fragile woman with only one layer of apparel was permitted to freeze in the snow. Your approval of such activities without ensuring that the person you are guarding is adequately protected from the frost, could have been her demise!" Loki's worry for you rendered him irritable.
Ovahh took a closer look at you and realised that Loki was correct; you were not even wearing the fur cloak he provided. Now he comprehended that you must have gave away all the extra clothing he had given you to your guards, in order to keep them warm. He felt ashamed, and even more remorseful when he observed ice forming on the points of your leather boots, they were not even frostproof, and your toes were likely frozen.
"I'm sorry my king, I, I should have exercised better judgment," Ovahh replied.
Again, you felt compelled to speak up. "Please, King Loki, do not reprimand Ovahh; I was the naive one. In fact, Ovahh had provided additional provisions, but my guards were on the verge of hypothermia and still had an arduous journey back to Asgard. I gave away my own furs in secret. Please do not punish him; he has been nothing but helpful and kind, and my guards and I would have surely perished in the storm without his assistance."
Loki's heart ached as the notion that you could have met your demise in Jotunheim, was too gut-wrenching to imagine. Now, he was extremely appreciative of Ovahh's quest to retrieve you from the storm.
"Then I extend my deepest gratitude to you, Ovahh, for keeping my precious guest safe and rescuing her from the perilous dangers of our climate," Loki nodded to Ovahh, surprising him with such high praise before adding, "Should I have lost her...I..." Loki spoke quietly, and Ovahh immediately began scrutinising his kings words.
Loki quickly regained from his gloomy disposition and turned to you, "Perhaps I can provide you with more suitable attire before you begin playing in the gardens again, Eden. And then maybe I could join you in your battle of snow; my abilities are unmatched." He smiled.
His mention of your name startled you, but you reasoned that Frigga may have mentioned you in her letter. Before you could reply to his considerate offer of warm clothes, his familiar grin began to cause a disturbance within you once again, and you cursed your body for reacting to something as inconsequential as a smile.
The sudden sound of Ovahh loudly gasping caused you to stare at him in confusion.
"Eden!... This is Eden?" He exclaimed with a stunned expression.
You realised that you've become so accustomed to the nickname Ovahh gave you, that you've never actually disclosed your identity, and perhaps that was the reason for his sudden surprise.
"My apologises Ovahh, I have become so used to being referred to as Birdy, that I did not properly introduce myself."
Ovahh's eyes darted to Loki and he looked at him in astonishment. However, Loki merely grinned broadly upon observing Ovahh, finally putting a face to the name.
You decide to give both Loki and Ovahh a complete introduction.
"I am Eden, princess of Embrodi, and a Gaia. I have come here to offer my services to Jotunheim without expecting anything in return, as I simply wish to assist my neighbouring realm."
Ovahh's mouth was agape; he couldn't believe he had been conversing with the mysterious Eden, the girl his king had been raving about for nearly two weeks. The damsel who plagued his dreams due to his king's repeated use of your name. You were indeed real, and you were now here.
You waited for Ovahh to say something in response to your introduction, but he only displayed a strange expression, which oddly rendered him speechless, and you didn't understand why.
You frustratedly turn to Loki instead.
"I appreciate any garments you wish to spare King Loki, additionally, I cordially invite you to a challenging snowball fight. But be warned, my hands may be dainty, but my aim is precise." You greeted him with a smile.
Loki felt a warmth extend throughout his body as you spoke to him with conviction and sincerity, undaunted by his Jotun form. He was anxious to disclose his other Asgardian identity, which he hoped you would recall, but he was also eager to see your reaction.
He observed a small satchel concealed beneath your cloak and immediately recognised its contents.
"I see that you are carrying your book of plants again; I recall that its title was: my noted observations on botanical research and floral matter. Have you made any fresh discoveries since the Asgardian ball?" As he observed your countenance transform into one of perplexity and confusion, he smiled.
You examined his familiar grin while your mind whirred in bewilderment after he repeated the title of your personal book. Only those close to you knew about it, leaving you to ponder, how could he have possibly known?
You turned to Ovahh, who still stood near the huge ball of snow that he had fully intended to hurl at you. The strange expression that he'd sported earlier had now lifted, however, he was grinning broadly. Your sixth sense informed you that they shared a secret that only they knew, leaving you in the dark.
They both enjoyed your animated facial expressions as you flitted your gaze between them both, and racked your brain.
Loki decided to assist you further and provided you with additional hints to help you determine who he was.
"Have you spotted a Galanthus flower yet?" He grinned wider.
You crease your brow and begin to slowly repeat his words, "Galanthus flow—" Your eyes widened in realisation before you could finish; your face a picture of disbelief at finally figuring out why his smile was so familiar.
"It's you!...You are him, the mysterious raven haired man from the ball!" You knew it was rude to point, but you couldn't help it. Your arm and finger was firmly raised.
Your reaction, though utterly surprised, was devoid of malice, and Loki disguised his huge relief behind a sweet chuckle, before allowing his powerful Jotun form to fade away and reveal his Asgardian self.
He mimicked your action; raising his arm and pointing humorously in your direction, and you both now stood across from one another, in violation of regal rules against impolite pointing, as this major revelation was unveiled.
As you gazed upon your mysterious stranger once more, your grin grew larger and larger, and seeing you give him such a sincere look prompted Loki to approach you instinctively. You both advanced at the same rate, and when you met in the middle, you both stopped in front of each other.
He took both of your hands in his to affirm that what he was seeing was definitely real, and to his surprise, you were solid and not an apparition. Even more surprising was the fact that you permitted him to do so without protest.
You both looked into each other's eyes, and he confessed from the depths of his heart without a seconds hesitation, "I've thought of you often, Eden."
Ovahh's brows raised, he'd never believe his king would be so bold. But he had jumped right in and confessed that you had been on his mind. He wondered if he'd reveal the true extent of it though, that you had never left his thoughts, and that you had such an effect on him that it plagued him to no end, even distracting him from his kingly duties.
Hearing Loki's unexpected assertion gave you the confidence to reveal your own truths.
"You may think me brazen for saying this, but I must confess, you have crossed my mind a great deal of times too."
Loki could hardly contain himself, hearing that you thought of him too made his whole body tremble.
"Are you cold, my king?" You had a look of concern on your face at feeling the steady shakes in his hands.
Loki stuttered a breath, pondering if you were aware of the feelings you stirred inside him when you referred to him as your king. He nervously swallowed before speaking. "It is not the cold that causes my body to tremor; your contact ignites electrical charges within me."
Feeling bashful, you blush and lower your head to hide your reddening cheeks. But you felt his hand reach under your chin and raise your head so that you could once more meet his gaze.
"I wish to look at you Eden, please, don't shy away from me."
Hearing your name spoken in his seductively low voice while staring into each other's eyes created a new sensation for you. This time, it wasn't butterflies you felt in your chest, but a pleasant tingling that surged through your lower body. You were momentarily stupefied by its delight, wondering what such a pleasure could be.
After taking a breath to calm your obvious desire for him, you spoke softly.
"Since I didn't know that you were in fact, Loki, I've been wondering who you are, and I've even considered the possibility that I had imagined our entire encounter."
Now that he was in front of you, you realise that your previous suspicion that he was not real was absurd.
Loki was overjoyed to learn that the thought of him had taken residence in your mind during your time apart, and likely as much as you were in his. But also that you, too, questioned whether or not the encounter was genuine.
"So it wasn't just me who doubted that our chance meeting was real?" He smiled, excitement coursing through him. "I'm real, your real, we are both real, and quite unbelievably, you are here in Jotunheim." Loki remarked, still in disbelief.
"I've been in Asgard practically since the ball, and I've been searching for you, hoping to cross paths with you once more."
Loki's pupils widened in realisation, "Of course! You are the root healer who prevented famine in Asgard!" Loki now understood why Frigga had pressured him to visit Asgard with her countless letters. She must have adored you and desired for you both to meet.
"This is so surreal, yet genuinely incredible." You confess.
"It really is, Eden." His eyes were full of adoration.
You both seemed to stop time as you focussed on each other, and it was clear that he was experiencing the same range of feelings that you were. It was apparent from the way he looked at you, held you, and smiled at you, it confirmed your suspicions that this relationship was more than just platonic. You felt it the first time you met, but now that you've connected again, those feelings were even stronger.
"It is still so surprising to learn that you are the king of Jotunheim, and queen Frigga's son, and the son of Odin!" You grin from ear to ear. "My time with your parents was wonderful, I adore them so very much, and even Thor in his silly ways, became like a brother to me." The expression of joy on your face reflected the happiness that you felt.
Loki, lit up with glee; he did not believe it was possible for you to be more flawless. However, the fact that you relished your time in Asgard and got along well with his mother and other loved members of his family elevated your perfection in his eyes. He had never felt happier than right at this moment.
"Oh, Eden, I'm so glad I have found you!" He exclaimed.
"Well, technically I found you." You correct, and the sounds of both of your sweet and excited chuckles collide, your joy being so contagious that even Ovahh could not stop grinning as he observed your reunion.
"Well, my king, this is a surprise indeed, who would had thought it, I go off in search of a guest sent by Queen Frigga and I come back with a princess, an elite royal." Ovahh said amusedly.
Loki brightened as he expressed more appreciation towards Ovahh, but your mood abruptly deteriorated as soon as you heard the word "elite," a term you've come to detest because it's regularly used by a certain lady you despise. Now, with Magritte firmly planted in your thoughts, so came with it the devastating realisation.
With deliberate actions, you slowly disengage your hands from Loki's and back away, creating distance between you. Loki creased his brow in response to your rapid change in demeanour.
"What's wrong, Eden?"
He moved closer to you, but with each step he advanced, you retreat. You dissolve away all the infatuated emotions that were once visible on your face, and suppress your romantic feelings for him completely; burying them in whichever part of your body reaches the deepest depth.
You speak robotically. "I believe that congratulations are in order."
Loki looked at you confused.
"Your wedding to...to, Lady Magritte." You found yourself glancing elsewhere because looking at him caused the recently buried grave of emotions to try and claw their way out.
"Eden, I..."
"—From the bottom of my heart, I wish you every bit of happiness King Loki. Once again, congratulations on your wedding to Magritte."
It was devastating, unbearable even, to only now realise that the mysterious stranger who had captured your heart and occupied your thoughts for the past two weeks was married, joined in matrimony to... Magritte.
If it wasn't impossible to walk home, and if Jotunheim wasn't in need of your help. You think at this moment you would attempt the arduous trek back to Embrodi by foot if you could.
Loki was a forbidden passion, an unattainable love, and the tremendous sadness and anger that you felt, were both fueled by the love that was out of your reach. You were furious with the gods for allowing you to meet someone who flutters your heart like no other, only for him to have already caused the flutters in another woman, his wife, Magritte.
"Eden, look at me please," he pleaded, stepping forward again, but you continued your retreat back, preferring to focus on the beautiful pearlescent snow than his equally impressive features.
"I should like to go to my quarters now if that's alright, I suddenly feel the cold a lot more." Your once jovial tone was now flat as the warmth you felt when first seeing him, drained completely from your body the more you pictured Loki and Magritte together.
Flashes of an extravagant wedding, the exchange of rings, and their first romantic night as man and wife tormented your mind, and your heart ached.
Loki sighed; the icy demeanour you now exuded was not you at all, but he grasped why you abruptly became distant. The scourge of his existence, Magritte, has once again marred his life.
"I will escort you to your private chambers." His tone now saddened.
"There is no need to distract you from your kingly duties; Ovahh ought to accompany me."
Loki frowned, his heart breaking as the enormity of your refusal hit him like a hammer blow. Was he not even permitted to walk beside you? His heart pained.
You saw his dejection, just as he probably saw yours. But you knew that it was best to stick to strict professionalism for the duration of your stay in Jotunheim. As a married king and an unmarried princess, it did not appear good for either of you to be in close proximity in private. You did not wish for rumours to spread. Moreover, to calm your raging heart, you needed to keep a distance; you had to abandon the once-vibrant notions of being together. You had to accept the fact that he would never be your future.
As Loki looked towards Ovahh and signalled him to proceed with you inside the palace, he was overwhelmed with a mixture of envy and rejection.
He was green with envy because Ovahh was able to walk you to your chambers, and witness your reaction to seeing inside the palace for the first time. But also because he could freely talk to you without experiencing the agonising yearning.
Ovahh not only witnessed, but felt his kings sorrow, yet he did as ordered, and assumed a position by your side.
"Follow me, Birdy." Ovahh instructed quietly and started to walk, but his king's abrupt tone caused him to stop.
"You are to address our guest by her royal titles!" Loki's voice was commanding, as his envy turned into bitter jealousy.
You would normally protest to the usage of such titles when you liked someone, and Ovahh was someone you considered a friend, but by Loki's curt tone that had the air of fury, you thought it best not to argue.
Ovahh was taken aback by Loki's sudden strained disposition towards him; and he discerned that it was no longer just sadness but also rage that his king felt. He speculated that it was because Loki was forced to accept that his reunion with you, would not be the smouldering beginning of a love story that he had repeatedly envisioned since meeting you.
Feeling pity for his king, Ovahh silently nodded and continued to walk in the direction of the palace. You, following close behind.
"Your king demands a verbal response prior to dismissal!" Loki shouted.
The tension increased when Loki's Asgardian form transformed into Jotun as soon as he completed his sentence. And Ovahh, now gazing into the same crimson eyes that they shared, spoke loudly and clearly, obeying his ruler's commands, but this time in his native Jotun tongue.
"I will address princess Eden with her royal titles from now on, your highness." Ovahh bowed low, and while in a bent position, unwittingly let slip more words. "I am not to blame for her rejection of you."
Ovahh glanced up as soon as he realised his error, and saw the deep hurt behind Loki's eyes. But Loki rudely dismissed him with a firm gesture of his hand before he could offer an apology.
Even though you felt the air filled with animosity, you couldn't simply leave the presence of a king without formally showing respect. So before you left Loki's proximity, you dutifully curtsied as you would any other royal monarch. As you lowered yourself, Loki furrowed his brow, clenching his fist to curb his desire to immediately stop your action. He viewed you as his queen, and no queen of his bows to anyone, including him.
He refrained from touching you, respecting your wish for divided boundaries despite his discomfort with the concept. As you arose, and before you walked off to join Ovahh, Loki spoke while looking directly at you. "I'm never above you, never below you, but always beside you. At no time do you ever need to bow down to me, Eden."
Your pained heart twitched, and you knew without a doubt, that you, being in Jotunheim and around Loki, was going to be extremely challenging, and tough on your heart and mind. You gave him a small nod before joining Ovahh, and Loki used all his willpower to resist the temptation to turn around and observe your departure.
"Are they gone?" He asked Kavi, a guard who had observed the entire exchange.
As soon as Kavi saw you and Ovahh enter the palace and disappear from view, he responded. "They have entered the royal palace, my king."
Loki's knees sank into the snow as soon as he heard his guards response.
"My king!" Kavi darted towards him, but Loki, unwilling to be around anyone at the moment, waved him off.
"Leave me Kavi, I wish to be alone."
He was physically well, but his mind and emotions required care. And Kavi could see that none could cure his leaders afflictions. Only the love and acceptance of you could completely rid him of the mounting darkness and despair, that Loki was descending into.
Kavi reluctantly left, leaving Loki alone with his raw feelings. This was not how Loki envisioned your reunion, and he now realises how naive he was to believe that it would blossom into mutual love. You were not going to rush into his arms and live happily ever after; that was just a fantasy, and this was the painful reality.
He berated himself for foolishly marrying Magritte again, thinking that things might have turned out differently today if he had objected when all of his senses told him to stop. Maybe his meeting with you would have went in a more positive direction, exploring the mutual feelings shared. And maybe, just maybe, he would have ended up with a queen who actually loved him.
He shed a tear as he envisioned the future he so desperately desired, and it hurt even more when he realised it would never come to pass. He was not your future.