Asmund's study was never a place for him to escape or relax. Rather, he felt trapped every time he stepped into the room, like the four walls were closing in on him. Could one become claustrophobic for a career? He certainly thought so. The servants had recently redecorated at his request, painting the walls a light blue and de-cluttering the furniture, but a new setup couldn't possibly change how much he hated being there.

While the windows had been flung open in an attempt to let in the fresh air, the autumn weather was cooler than he expected and the chill bothered the prince, but he didn't feel like closing them. Shivering, he just paced, too many thoughts running through his mind.

Once the royal family returned early from Asgard, it was incredibly easy enough to quench the squall with the Jotunheim. Under Corey's strong leadership and decisive decision-making skills, the army kept the Frost Giants away from civilians, so there were no casualties. Some of the warriors had been injured, as did a few healers dispatched to help them, but everyone recovered quickly. This at least, Asmund was grateful for.

However, the small battle took place on the outskirts of the realm where many farmers lived and worked. Both the Jotuns and the Vanir completely trampled the fields, killing over three-quarters of their yearly harvest. The grain, the fruits, the vegetables, the cotton: all gone. Dead

The late evening light fell on a desk cluttered with papers, all proposing different solutions to their crisis. Agricultural production brought in almost all of Vanaheim's revenue. Without a bountiful harvest, famine could spread. A solution needed to be found as fast as possible. Frey continuously emphasized how much he disliked the idea of relying on Odin and their newfound alliance, leaving his eldest son to figure out the problem by himself.

Asmund sighed and ran a hand down his face. In the isolation of his study, he was able to drop all of his illusions for the first time in a few days, a small relief. He took a moment to run his finger across the marking on his wrist, smiling slightly when the gold and lilac swirls pulsated with warmth.

"Asmund?"

At Corey's voice, he quickly turned around, heart pounding as he threw up illusions once again. He leaned on the desk, hands gripping the edges, and shook his head. "I have a door. Try knocking on it once in a while."

Corey grinned and obnoxiously knocked three times before letting himself in. "Everyone's wondering where you are. You're missing all of the festivities, brother."

Maeve's homecoming was to be the biggest celebration Vanaheim had seen all year. Frey, well known across the realms for his hospitable reputation, always enjoyed throwing a party. Tonight would be no exception.

"I lost track of time, I suppose. I've been reviewing proposals all afternoon. I might turn into one soon," Asmund said, his gaze falling on the many papers scattered across his desk. "Has the ball already begun?"

"Oh, it's in full swing by now. In fact, Maeve and Loki are so popular that you can probably just sneak in at this point. No big court announcements. You always hated those, anyway." Corey grinned and crossed the room to the mirror, making sure that his navy cape fell nicely from his shoulders. "And you probably should spruce yourself up a bit. Just use magic and we can head down."

Even though Asmund didn't feel up to wasting magic on a simple clothes-changing spell, he knew that his brother would find it odd if he didn't. With a flick of his hand, his simple clothes morphing into a set of formal robes and a billowing golden cloak. He felt the energy drain from his core and swayed momentarily, but nodded at Corey with a smile.

"Shall we go?"

As soon as they entered the ballroom, maidens crowded both of the princes, flipping their hair and batting their eyelashes. With their vibrant gowns and high-pitched giggles, the women reminded Asmund of a group of exotic birds, pecking away to the point of being highly irritating. He slipped away while Corey began to tell a story of a past battle in Svartalfheim only to run straight into his father.

"And where do you think you're going, young man?" Frey asked with a big smile. Celebrations tended to put him in a good mood.

"To get a drink and find Maeve and Loki. We've barely talked since they got here this afternoon." Asmund tried to sidestep his father, who steered him back towards the crowd.

"Oh no you don't. See all of those ladies on the dance floor?" He waited to continue speaking until his son nodded. "Many come from noble families. They're rich and they're helpful for political gain. Many of them are astonishingly beautiful. These are the daughters of lords, generals, and members of my council. One of them could be your queen."

I already found her. "Is that so?"

"It is. I guarantee that you will not find a bride by sitting at the high table alone and sipping wine."

"I'll drink mead, then," Asmund quipped, his temper rising. "Thank you for the suggestion."

Frey grabbed his son by the wrist, a small movement that caught the attention of no one. His steely eyes met Asmund's dark blue ones. "You have a duty to Vanaheim. It would do you well to not forget who you are and the responsibilities that come along with it."

The Vanir king disappeared into the crowd without another word, cheerfully engaging diplomats as he passed them. His two-sidedness didn't surprise Asmund, but it did annoy him.

"You look like you're enjoying the festivities," a dry voice said from next to him. Loki smirked and sipped a flute of dark red wine, surveying the mass of guests before him.

"Clearly," Asmund replied, snagging a glass of his own from a servant as she walked by. "Rumor has it that you've been having fun breaking traditions on your little trip."

"Ah, that." Loki's eyes scanned the crowd for Maeve, his emerald irises brightening when he saw her dancing with Hemming. "Some things require breaking."

Asmund raised his drink. "I'll toast to that."

"Indeed." They clinked glasses and drank in silence for a moment. "I've not heard any news from Vanaheim since your family left Asgard. I assumed we'd get into it sooner or later in a more professional setting, but how are you faring with the aftermath?"

Asmund's shoulders slumped. He took another drink of wine, hoping the alcohol would energize him a bit. "Worse than I wish," he admitted. "Most of our harvest was destroyed."

"The harvest was destroyed?" Maeve asked, aghast. Both men turned in surprise, not having heard her approach.

"The fields were trampled and frozen," Asmund explained. Carefully balancing his glass, he embraced his youngest sibling, the contact sending a brief second of pure, undiluted happiness through him, although it was slightly tainted with concern. Overall, though, he was happy that someone was happy. "We're at a loss, sadly."

"I could try to help. My magic might be able to save some of the fields, if not all of them. We'll be here for a few days, anyway."

Hope stirred in Asmund's chest, but he pushed it away. "I can't ask you to do that."

"You didn't ask. I volunteered. There's a massive difference there." The princess winked. Then, she stole Loki's flute and took a sip before handing it back to her amused husband. "I mean, yes, it will probably be exhausting, but we're allies. Besides, it's more than that. Vanaheim is my home. I can't watch it suffer."

"If you're sure," Asmund said slowly, nodding in approval with her plan. "I can have a set of guards escort you tomorrow."

"Fantastic! Anything I can do to help!" Maeve smiled, then got on her tiptoes to kiss Loki on the cheek. He smiled softly down at her. Asmund couldn't help envying how easy the couple had it, couldn't help thinking how wonderful it must be to be able to publicly show your affections to the one you love. "Care to dance, my prince?"

"If by dancing you mean getting swarmed by people we don't know who want to wish us well in our marriage as we try to sway in time to the music, then, of course, flower, let's dance." Chuckling, Loki offered her his arm and she took it with a bright, endearing smile.

"Maeve?" She turned to Asmund, who sighed in gratitude and said, "Thank you."

"Do you know how you can thank me? Enjoy yourself tonight."

The couple walked away, leaving Asmund alone with a wistful smile. He wouldn't enjoy himself right away. But later, after the celebration died down, he would duck out of the ballroom to 'retire' for the night, and in his bedroom, she would be there, waiting just as they planned. He would greet her with a soft kiss and they'd talk for hours about absolutely everything. Eventually, they'd doze off, him most likely resting on her.

Those hidden seconds of his life were what made Asmund feel truly alive.

He most certainly would enjoy himself tonight.

Just as Loki predicted, the crowd ambushed them with congratulations. Both received the praise of the people well, recalling the importance of their status throughout the realms. Maeve didn't recognize most of the individuals they talked to, but when she saw an old woman hobbling towards them with a cane, the princess didn't hesitate to throw her arms around the lady with such force that she actually almost knocked her over.

"I'm sorry!" Maeve apologized, scarlet coating her cheeks. Looking back, maybe refusing to wear any major face makeup tonight was a bad idea. "I'm just so excited to see you! You never answer my letters! I've missed you!"

"And I you. And I you," the old woman said in a croaky voice. Her gray hair hovered between curly and frizzy, black and white. When she smiled, her eyes did, too, crinkling at the edges. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your extremely tall, dark, and handsome husband?"

Maeve's blush deepened as Loki threw his head back and laughed loudly at the compliment. "I like her already."

"Well, Loki, this is Hilda. She taught me magic when I was very young, along with my mother," Maeve explained, still embarrassed by her old mentor's forwardness. All the same, though, her bold attitude felt familiar. Like home.

Ever the gentleman, Loki kissed Hilda's hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Hilda. My wife is very advanced in her magical abilities. You should be proud."

"I am very proud! I'm more proud of her marriage prospects than her plant hobby, though!"

This time, Loki roared with laughter as Maeve felt the strange urge to giggle and scream at the same time. "Hilda!"

"You know me, Princess. I only speak the truth." She took one of Maeve's hands and one of Loki's, holding them close together. "I came here tonight to tell you something. There are many blessings in your future, my darlings. Many unexpected blessings, many tragedies turned into serendipitous occasions."

Maeve's already content spirits rose even higher. "Really?"

Hilda came from the House of Bjørn, a family full to the brim with Seers. Any Vanir could see visions, but the Bjørnsons and Bjørndottirs were particularly talented in reading the future. Even though she had been around longer than most people in her home realm, Maeve trusted Hilda and her sight for what was to come.

"Yes. There will be many tribulations, but I see happiness in your future. Joy that will change your world in more ways than one, let me assure you."

Loki's forehead creased, confused by the old woman's words, but Maeve nodded and gripped her hand tightly once more before letting go.

"Thank you for that," she said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "That makes me very excited for our future together."

"You two have the makings of a powerful yet loving couple. Don't waste that opportunity, I beg of you. Never underestimate what a pair fighting on the same side can accomplish."

Loki bowed and kissed the Seer's hand again. "We won't. It was lovely meeting you, Lady Hilda." He then led Maeve out onto the dance floor and immediately spun her. Once they were out of earshot, he whispered, "What in the nine realms was she even talking about?"

Maeve laughed lightly. "No idea, but it was true. She's always right."

"I suppose we have blessings in the future, then."

"Thank goodness." She laid her head on his chest and swayed to the orchestral music, humming along under her breath.

New chapter! Let me know what you think!