Facing the mirror, Shyael took in her appearance for the night. Her dress matched the deepest colors of wine, held up by gold lining over one shoulder. Her dark hair braided and wrapped loosely in a matching gold headband of gold and jewels.

Lady Frigg approached her from behind and looked over her shoulder, being careful not to make skin contact.

"You look beautiful,"

"Yes." Shyael agreed.

Indeed, she looked beyond desirable, but on the inside, she felt sick. Looking into the eyes of her own reflection, this would be the first time someone would be seeing her face. The first time she would look into someone's eyes and they would see hers. It made her feel vulnerable and that alone scared the hell out of her.

The queen escorted her through the palace and into the great hall where she would be spending the evening with Thor. Standing alone next to a table filled with the best-prepared dishes, the prince smiled catching sight of his bride.

For years they have only exchanged smart remarks on the battlefields and banter, each one trying to outdo the other. It was easier then, but now standing before her future husband it became the exact opposite.

Thor seemed to think the same. His usual cocky attitude had been traded in for this nervous little boy fiddling with this thumbs. Still, he tried to impress her with stories of wars and things he had accomplished.

"You look...quite stunning this evening." His voice stuttered. "And your dress is...fitting."

"Does the color choice please you?"

"Very much." Thor smiled.

They seated around the table and silently devoured their wonderful served meal. It was awkward, she waited for him to do something idiotic or express sarcasm. He did eat quite excessively though. Was he trying to eat the pork of re-choke it with his bare hands?

"I want to thank you," Thor spoke again, "For accepting my hand in marriage and rule by my side. I had my doubts."

"How could one refuse such a request?"

Thor smiled, pleased with her answer. Shyael's thoughts began to drift as she thought of what it would be like as Queen. Ruling and protecting Asgard would do well in her favor, but caring on the family line was another story. She never admired the thought of bearing children. To her, they were like a different species altogether.

After a wonderful dinner, Thor took her through the many halls of the palace showing her family paintings and discussing more of what he enjoyed. Shyael took the chance to tell a few wild tales of her own, getting a smile out of him as she tried to top his own.

Thor led her to the most peaceful parts of the palace, stopping at his favorite balcony at the highest tower. The view was breathtaking. All of Asgard was before them, the rainbow bridge glowed over the endless waters.

The prince propped his elbows on the edge of the stone and gazed up at the stars.

"This is my favorite spot of all. I love how you can see the outskirts of the waterfalls beyond the horizon." Thor's voice was soft as silk. "Sometimes I find myself sitting here all night."

"It is nice." Shyael agreed.

"You should see it at sunrise."

They stood together in silence for a long time, each enjoying the moment under the sky. From the corner of her eye, Shyael noticed that is gaze went from the bridge to her...for a long time. Feeling his eyes on her made things tense. For the first time, she was nervous and gambled the idea of meeting his gaze. It was like he was realizing she had her mask off for the very first time again.

"You stare as if you've never laid eyes on a Valkyrie before."

Thor shook his head, "I have not been lucky enough to be given such a gift. You are beautiful...and so strong."

The prince straightened his posture and took a step closer to her. Shyael swallowed hard as his hand slid around her waist, her heart jumped in her throat.

"I know you do not have love for me and can be quite the tyrant," Thor continued, "But understand I want nothing more than your happiness. Know that even as Queen you will have the freedom of your wings."

"Thank you." Shyael smiled for the first time that evening.

Without question, Thor moved in to kiss her. With his lips just inches away from her own she pulled back. At first, Thor assumed he had been too bold.

"What of my mnemokinesis?" She spoke softly, "If you were to make contact with my skin I could radicalize your brain."

"I am aware of your unique ability to see, fabricate, suppress and influence memories in any way does not frighten me."

"What if I erase your mind? Accidentally of course."

Thor hovered closely over her lips "It is a risk I am willing to make for my future queen."

Remaining in silence, Shyael allowed him to respond and softly pressed his lips against hers. His touch was warm and ever so gentle and it was safe to say he was still alive.

"Well, I still have all my thoughts intact."

"For now," Shyael smirked.

Thor kissed her again. This time placing his hand along her neck more firmly, deepening the connection, causing her mind to spiral out of control. Activating her ability, memories of his childhood flashed before her as did memories of her own. One's she thought had long been forgotten.

They were sitting together in a field of yellow and white flowers. Tira was crying as Shyael placed a crown of wildflowers on top of her sisters head. Whispering in her ear she spoke something. Tira wiped her tears and smiled, throwing her arms around her neck.

"You're not alone," was the words Shyael spoke, "I will always watch over you."

Thor pulled away to see a single tear roll down her cheek.

"You are crying?"

Shyael didn't even realize it until she wiped the side of her face. Feeling foolish she spun away from him and continued to wipe her face clean. "Forgive my weakness."

Thor chuckled, it was all too amusing for him. "You are apologizing for feeling something?"

Shyael nodded.

"What did you see?" He asked her.

"That does not matter, it is over now."

Thor took her hand and held it close against his chest. Shyael could feel his heart beating excitedly against the fabric of his robe. "I saw my younger self, laughing and chasing Loki around the throne room. He evaded me by turning into a snake."

"Charming."

"I also saw something else," Thor added, "Something that was not my own. It was a Midgardian, a soldier fighting a war of his own. Are you tending to this warrior?"

"I am,"' Shyael admitted, "Odin believes it would do us Valkyries some good to participate in matters of war. Although, Jote continues to corrupt my directions for this Midgardian."

"This Jote," Thor asked, "Is she a Valkyrie friend of yours?"

Shyael almost rolled her eyes, "She is crude and wants nothing more than my failure."

"Then I shall push nothing more than your prevail. The future queen of Asgard will hold victory!"

The evening was one of her better ones she had endured in a long while and the company of the prince was pleasant. Shyael walked back to her corridor, smiling the entire way and ignoring the constant looks from others.

No longer feeling stressed, she had decided to take her fate as it is and become Thor's queen and would thrive. The sun would shine on Asgard in her future. However, she did not love Thor...but something she hoped would change. If not, she could see herself tolerating him and even gaining a powerful bond in friendship.

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Author's Note.

I enjoyed writing this one. As this takes place before the events of THOR, his character was still young a quite arrogant. I wanted to show a more sensitive and sweet side of him.  To also allow readers to see that he wants her for more than just a beautiful trophy but an equal to better Asgard.