The sun breached the open draperies in your bedroom, announcing the arrival of a new day. However, there you were, fully dressed and completely alert as you lay in bed, having been awake with anticipation and slight unease at the impending breakfast with Loki.

Queen Frigga promised that she would be at your door as soon as her son, Loki, arrived, and that you could count on an early call because he was a morning person.

You'd get the jitters every time you heard footfalls outside your door, convinced that it was either Loki returning to his chambers, which were conveniently located across the hall from your own, or Frigga approaching to summon you to the breakfast hall.

However, as each set of footsteps passed your door, no knock was heard. At one time you actually peered out to see who walked the hallways, only to observe the morning guards switching shifts with the night patrol.

The sun had fully risen, and your stomach was churning, not from nervous knots but from hunger this time. You still hadn't been called upon and that puzzled you. Did Loki not turn up? Perhaps he was too engrossed in his wife's company within her chambers to notice the time passing.

Given how much time they spent apart, it made reasonable sense that he would crave alone time with Magritte. Though the very notion of it made you queasy. You were aware her sheets were familiar with other men and not just her husband. Did Loki know?

You sit up on your bed and huff, deciding to get up and just head to the breakfast hall yourself, hoping to at least find some food still remaining from yesterday. You were hoping that a small bite to eat would keep your hunger at bay until brunch. You were always so irritable when hungry. And the last thing you want when encountering Loki for the first time is to be perceived as grumpy. You knew initial impressions are invariably lasting.

Obviously, you hoped he wouldn't take a disliking to you; if the entire Odinson family liked you except for Loki, you'd feel devastated. Your intentions were to return to Asgard in the future and if he shunned you as much as Magritte, it would surely discourage you from visiting.

As you stood up and reviewed your appearance a final time in the mirror, you noticed markings on your skin that you'd previously overlooked. You turned to the side to get a closer peek at your arms and exclaimed when you noticed the deep purple bruises that had formed.

You examined yourself with perplexity while trying  to recall how you could have gotten the ugly bruises in the first place. When you finally remembered, a frown formed between your brows, feeling a growing rage as you recalled how Caspian's hands had dug firmly into your skin at your last unfortunate encounter. Now, the mere sight of his hand prints on you only roused the feelings of shame and disgust.

"This dress is completely unacceptable." A sigh escapes your lips as you slip out of your thin-strapped summer dress and searched through your limited collection of other light garments.

You chose a soft pink, long-sleeved dress to conceal your visible injuries. You did not wish for anyone to inquire about how you acquired such evident finger marks.

After dressing, you grab the lone red apple from your fruit bowl. It looked delicious, and your stomach had been urging you to consume it all morning, but you refrained.

You walked out of your room, apple in hand, and follow the same path you've taken every day since arriving into the palace. When you reach a crossroads, you see Javier, the guard who's become your friend. He was standing watch, but you could tell that he was constantly scanning the area for signs of your approach.

You stalk him stealthily, creeping, with the intention of ambushing him and hoping that todays attempt will be successful. Yet, no matter how many countless times you had tried before, he was always ready for you.

You crept up behind him, tiptoes engaged, but even with your discreet silence, he felt your presence long before you reached him, and he turned around, smirking as usual.

"Good morning Princess."

You sighed, and straightened up your posture. "Good morning Javier," you tossed up the red apple that you always kept for him, and he expertly caught it. "You are just too good in your guard duties, Javier, what is your secret to spotting me?"

"I'll never tell." He chukcled.

"Oh, that is mean, how am I to learn to be more stealthy if you do not impart your wisdom?"

He pondered your words, then conceded, "Well, since you'll soon be returning to Embrodi, I suppose I should reveal how I keep finding you."

You grinned.

"I can detect your sweet scent long before you turn down the hallway. Your aroma is intensely enticing and alerts others to your presence; perhaps a less potent perfume?" He thoughtfully suggested.

You frown, perplexed. "But I do not wear perfume." You raise your arm to your nose and sniff your own skin.  "It appears I am inherently fragrant, most likely because I am constantly surrounded by floral plants. I suppose these are the perks of being a Gaia. Or in this instance, a disadvantage."

"Oh!" He exclaimed in surprise, "Well then, I'm afraid I will always find you." You both laughed at his admission.

You hurriedly bid Javier farewell, eager to get to the breakfast room before the maids put away the leftover pastries from last night's supper. However, as you begin to depart, Javier calls you back.

"Eden!" he shouts. "Queen Frigga is not in the halls; it is vacant."

You knew something was amiss now, as usually Frigga was always found in the breakfast room, regardless if it was time for eating or not. She liked the open space and the fond memories that came to her mind of the countless family gatherings around the table.

"She is always there before me, and the hour is not particularly early. I find it odd that no one knocked on my door." You state. 

"Before I assumed my morning security position, I had heard from the guards that Queen Frigga and Odin were in the throne chamber. I am unaware of their conversation, but rumours indicate that something is afoot."

You frowned, and your expression of concern caused him to feel regretful. "I apologise, I should not have said anything. Perhaps I am mistaken."

"Let us hope that you are, Javier." You express with sorrow. "But, in all honesty, I had sensed something was not right as soon as I awoke in the early hours." You paused before adding, "Be vigilant and safe Javier."

Your sincerity warmed his heart.

"You too, Princess Eden."

Without any more pep in your step, you turn around to depart. You wander aimlessly from place to place, preoccupied with hypothetical situations that may be concerning Frigga. If a private meeting was taking place in the throne room, then you knew it was not a minor issue, but rather a sign of something more serious.

You stop abruptly when you hear loud noises and realise that your feet led you directly outside the throne room. The authoritative tones of King Odin and Queen Frigga were heard, engaged in serious discussion. You weren't the kind to eavesdrop, but when you overheard Frigga call your name in an anxious tone, you knew something wasn't right.

"It is not the same sickness as our crops, Eden said our grains declined due to man error. Our building on nearby lands disrupted their growth, and thankfully she came up with a remedy to cure our crops before they died, and found a solution so that the housing could stay. But Loki's letter states even the hardy elder tree is failing. And you know if an elder tree begins to die, all else that grows within its land follow suit. Something is terrible wrong Odin, and for our proud son to tell us, he must be fraught with worry." Frigga's quavering voice kept breaking as she spoke.

"Any decent leader would be concerned when a realms elder tree begins to perish. It has always been a sign that things worse are yet to come." Odin added.

Frigga sighed, "How long before vegetation is contaminated, before livestock is starved because of the lack of food. Before Jotunheim is cut off from all others because it is declared in a state of quarantine? You know as well as I do that other realms will choose to barricade themself rather than try to help, and that is even if it becomes confirmed that it is not a catching disease. They would rather jump to conclusion and allow those sickly to die horribly than attempt to offer any help." Panicking, Frigga began to pace, "Oh Odin, what can we do to help our son!"

You place your hand over your mouth to conceal a gasp of shock and are overcome with horror. You begin to retreat from the door, but a sudden rush of approaching feet causes you to freeze in place.

The door swung open and a distraught looking Frigga faced you, her eyes red rimmed from all the crying she had done this morning.

"Eden" Frigga said you name in surprise, not expecting to see you outside her door. She promptly tried to conceal the fact that she had been weeping and brushed away the evidence of her tears.

"I'm sorry, I completely forgot about our breakfast together." Frigga stated, "I was supposed to inform Thor to organise a later brunch, but my mind has been so disorganised since early morning." She appeared agitated.

"It's alright, Queen Frigga; royal duty can arise at any time. I understand. Please allow me to procure you and King Odin some soothing tea and perhaps a bite of something sweet."

Frigga immediately broke down upon hearing your kind words that relayed care, her face contorting as she began to weep again. You hurried forward and embraced her, allowing her to cry on your shoulder.

"There there, everything will be fine." You try to reassure her using your most soothing voice.

"Oh, Eden, pray for it to be so. Because my hope alone is insufficient."

Odin suddenly stood from his chair and gazed at you intently.

"Eden!" He bellowed.

Frigga, startled by his sudden sounding of your name, spun around to face him.

"Eden!" He exclaimed again.

Frigga grimaced due to her frustration. "Eden heard you the first time, Odin. No need to parrot her name aloud."

He shook his head while attempting to articulate the meaning to his outburst. "No, no, I mean it's Eden; she can assist Loki, her abilities can be utilised to determine what ails the ancient tree of Jotunheim. If she discovers what ails it, she may be able to prevent additional crops, vegetation, or wildlife from becoming ill! Her unique skill at talking to plants will be able to tell us if this is a troubling disease!"

Frigga's pupils expanded and she now regarded you as if you were the final and only hope.

"Of course! Why did your wonderful skills slip from my mind! Oh, Eden, will you once again help Asgard by helping my son's realm. Will you aid Jotunheim this time?"

You stare in shock, this was a turn of events not expected, and since this situation and request to go to Jotunheim emerged out of nowhere, you were left speechless, unsure of what to say as shock rendered you in a state of disbelief.

"Please, root healer, Asgard will offer you anything you desire, and all that resides in my vault I give freely to Embrodi!" Sorrow and desperation was written all over Odin's face.

You found it difficult to form words as you began experiencing rapid breathing. "I, I... "

You feel Frigga's firm grip on your hands squeeze tighter, as her anguish heightened the longer you took to speak. You were drawn to the look of despair in her eyes; it helped you overcome your inhibitions and realise what you needed to say and do.

"I require no such payment, I offer my services to Jotunheim freely, and will help however way I can."

Before you knew it, Frigga had gripped you into a hug and held you tightly. "Thank you, Eden," she sobbed. "You don't know what this means to me."

"There is just one little— major— problem, which is my father." You draw back and peer at Frigga. "He expects me to be back in Embrodi in a few days time, and to be honest, I do not think he'd approve of me venturing to the harsh landscape of Jotunheim. He will not be unsympathetic to their plight, but the notion of risking his only daughter would sway him to decline should I ask for approval."

Frigga exhaled, feeling hopeless. "I assumed as much, and it takes a full day to travel to Jotunheim on days with favourable weather. It would leave you with no time to investigate prior to your return to Embrodi."

Odin slouched in his chair, utterly forlorn.

"Therefore, I believe it is best not to inform my father that I have left Asgard for Jotunheim."

Your unanticipated words drew Odin and Frigga's undivided attention to you. And now they gazed at you with bewildered expressions.

You look at Odin, "If you comprise a letter detailing that I require an extension of my stay in Asgard due to the complexity of the crops, he will not refuse. And that which he does not know cannot harm him." You smile mischievously before adding, "Just ensure that it is sealed with your crest, so that he does not question its authenticity."

Odin beamed with gratitude, "I have the ideal assistant to hold the wax, she is the best available and perfect for the task at hand."

You smiled.

However, Frigga looked at Odin with a sad expression before turning to you.

"I know you are an honest daughter, and deceiving your father is something you'd never usually do. So when I say we are eternally grateful for you Eden, please feel that it is from our heart." Frigga blinked through tears as she flattened your hand against her beating heart. A rare occurrence amongst individuals who do not share blood and you felt loved.

"No realm deserves such tradgedy, including Jotunheim." You say with sincerity.

"And my son doesn't deserve anymore heartache." Frigga whispers.

The look of grief in her eyes sent shivers down your spine; her concern for her son was gut-wrenching; and when the tears began to well up again and turn her eyes glassy, you were nearly rendered immobile.

"I suppose while you fashion a convincing letter, I will brush up on my jotnar language." Her face broke into a smile as a result of your remarks.

"Why am I not surprised to learn that you speak Jotun." She gently stroked her motherly palm across your cheek.

***

You hear a faint knock on your bedroom door as you pack your trunk once more, yet it was not to return home after your stay in Asgard, but to travel to Jotunheim.

"Come in," you holla.

The handle twisted and the door slowly opened, "May we enter?" Sif, Thor, and Fandral stood in the threshold with glum expressions, their eyes fixated on your open trunk.

"You don't need to ask, silly." You gesture your hand for them to come inside.

They entered timidly, and rather than having them awkwardly loiter while giving you despairing looks, you put them to work by assigning each one a packing-related task.

As you pace back to the wardrobe to retrieve the last of your clothes, Thor purposely placed himself in your way. "Eden, I just want to say how much I appreciate you going to Jotunheim to aid my brother. The truth of the matter is, no other realm would ever offer Jotunheim assistance. And whilst you have never met him or ventured much further than your own realm, here you are, prepared to brave the frost-lands."

As soon as Thor spoke, Sif and Fandral ceased what they were doing, however, the looks they displayed as they listened to Thor's heartfelt statement was as though you were heading into battle.

"You three really need to stop with the pitying looks, I have you know, deep inside, beneath the nervousness, I am actually rather excited. I mean, I may even get to see a real Galanthus!" You exclaim.

Fandral regarded you with even more commiseration, "Oh, dear Eden, you need to brush up on your Jotun knowledge. They are called Frost Giants, not Galla- Galano—goofus... urgh" he huffed in irritation as he struggled to repeat your word, "I have no idea how to even say what you just said, but the correct term is Frost Giants. Best you get that right, those big fellows can get angry, fast."

You assumed he was just joking to lighten the mood, but the serious look he gave you confirmed he really thought you were referring to Jotun's when you mentioned the Galanthus flower.

Thor and Sif erupted into laughter, and you were unable to contain your own hilarity. Fandral, however, arched his brow, perplexed as to why everyone was chuckling.

"Fandral, you truly are all looks and no brains." Sif declared. "Eden was referring to the rare frost flower named Galanthus."

Fandral felt foolish after hearing her explanation as to the cause of the humour, but he soon laughed at himself and his idiocy.

"Well, thankfully, we live in a vain society, in which I live comfortably and fit in very well." Fandral argued, unfazed by the fact that Sif essentially labelled him an idiot, he cared more about his appearance anyhow.

"But you truly are courageous, Eden," Fandral continues. "I mean, the subzero temperatures, snowstorms, and the icy skin of the jotnar people are terrible enough. But now you venture into the unknown, not knowing if Jotunheim has a highly contagious, rapidly spreading disease. You could be potentially putting your life at peril."

"Shush Fandral!" Sif snapped. "You'll scare her!"

You chukcled, "I am not afraid Sif. The gods have written our time of death well before we were even born. Should my time be today or tomorrow, or in a thousand years, it would matter not where I am. For I would be destined to die either way."

"See, she is brave!" Fandral repeated.

"Wise too." Thor added.

"There is no question about it, we have another warrior in our midst." Sif smiled.

"A warrior?... Me?..." You grin. "I have to admit, I like the sound of warrior rather than a mere root healer."

All three of your companions stared at you in surprise, before Sif approached. "A warrior may save a few lives in their lifetime, but they surely end more than they save. You, Eden, have already prevented half of Asgard from dying of famine, and now your skills could put an end to a potential realm crippling disease. Who is to say that if this unknown pandemic spreads, it won't propagate to the rest of the realms as well? You are not merely a root healer or even a mere warrior," she said as she took your hand, "you are a saviour."

She embraced you and whispered, "Because of you, my child will have a chance at survival."

Upon hearing her words, you felt an immediate tingling throughout your body. You drew back and stared at Sif in disbelief, your gaze falling to her stomach and pausing there for a moment.

"He doesn't know yet." She spoke, prompting you to return your attention to her visage. You both observe Thor as he impatiently attempts to cut corners and collect the entire wardrobe's contents in his large arms.

"Both of you will be excellent parents, and your child will thrive. I will not allow whatever is occurring in Jotunheim to reach here, I promise." Sif's eyes begin to fill with tears, and before you become an emotion wreck, you give her a quick embrace before rushing off to assist Thor with his terrible packing techniques.

"Have you no winter clothes? You will freeze long before you reach Loki's palace." Thor said, noticing only sandals and summer dresses in your trunk.

"Well, I didn't anticipate a pit stop to the icy realm of Jotunheim." You exclaim.

Thor sighed, "This simply won't do." He rushed out of the room, and after a short time he reamerged carrying a heavy cloak with a fur trim. "This is for you Eden, I barely need such warmth as I don't venture to cold climates as much. I hope it keeps your warm."

"And I have snow boots you may have" Sif added.

"And I can offer you a kiss that will set your insides ablaze." Fandral puckered his lips.

You roll your eyes amused, and push away his face. "I think the cloak and boots are more than enough."

"Well, should you change your mind—" he grinned.

"—I won't." You declare. And all four of you laugh out loud once more as your trunk is snapped closed.

***

Now alone in your room and taking one last glance around the chamber, you felt a pang of melancholy. You did not know when you would see the magnificent room that Queen Frigga had chosen for you, or when you would set foot in Asgard again. However, prior to getting teary-eyed, you hurriedly exited the room. You were aware that you needed to depart as swiftly as tearing off a plaster to avoid prolonged discomfort.

While on your way to meet everyone waiting to see you off at the royal steps, you heard annoyed mutterings as you rounded the bend of the hallway.

"I only have one guard who will accompany Eden, we need a minimum of two. But as you can imagine, word of a potential epidemic in Jotunheim has already spread throughout the palace. And none of my guards are willing to take the risk," Odin was overheard speaking to another individual.

"Father, I told you, I will go, I have no fear of journeying to Jotunheim and Eden will be safe under my care." Thor declared.

"My son, Sif has specifically told me, and everyone that will listen that you cannot go. You have to remain in Asgard. Her reasons were not clear, but she is your queen, and we can't refute her wishes"

Thor sighed, "I have no idea what is up with Sif these days. She's is so protective of me, and extremely emotional."

From your understanding of the conversation exchanged, Odin was struggling to find you an escort. And because you were aware that Sif was with child, it made sense that she would try and keep Thor safely around her. She did not want to expose herself and her expectant child to the possibility of him bringing back a contagious disease. She was entirely correct.

You purposefully turned the corner with loud footsteps so that they would hear your approach. They immediately distanced themselves from one another to conceal the fact that they were whispering in secret.

"Well, I'm all ready to go." You announce with a smile.

"Yes, about that, Eden." Thor utters anxiously.

However, before he could deliver the disheartening news that you may not be able to assist Jotunheim after all due to a lack of willing guards, a familiar face suddenly appeared.

Your friend and morning appointed guard, Javier, rushed up to the king. He appeared winded as if he had been hurrying to make his introduction.

"My King, I hear you are in need of another guard to escort Princess Eden to Jotunheim. I volunteer  willingly." He was breathless from obvious running, but he bowed, and used his action to catch his breath.

Odin flashed a broad grin and tapped the guard lightly on the shoulder, a signal that prompted Javier to rise up sooner than expected.

"Wonderful!" Odin exclaimed triumphantly. "How high in the ranks are you, soldier?" He asks, assuming a senior officer title like captain or major.

"I am a rank one private, my king."

Odin hesitated, surprised that a novice soldier would volunteer for such a hazardous journey.

Thor sighed, discounting Javier's offer, "Father, perhaps I can try to persuade Sif again, I can plead my case so that she may allow me to go."

Thor had no confidence in an entry level guard to serve and protect you while on the harsh roads. Javier's face slumped as he recognised his prince's lack of confidence in him.

You abruptly interject, "I have complete faith in this soldier. I'm confident he'll deliver me directly to Jotunheim," you remark with a grin to Javier.

Thor and Odin regarded one another with uncertainty and scepticism. However, they had no other options.

"I will personally expedite your promotion to lieutenant if you deliver Eden to Loki without incident." Odin offered tersely.

Javier stood with his chest puffed out and a broad smirk on his face. "You have my word, my king." He attempted to respond with a robust voice, but the tone of his response revealed his squeaky excitement.

"Well, shall we make way, Javier?" You say as you lead the way to where Frigga awaits at the bottom of the steps, nervously twiddling her thumbs.

After a brief moment of saying your farewells to all those you have come to care for and love, Frigga deposited you in the carriage and carefully shut the door. However, she promptly leaned through the window to ensure she saw you fasten your seatbelt.

"Safety first and foremost Eden. Keep your belt fastened always as the journey ahead is bumpy."

"I promise, Mother." You said with a playful sardonic grin.

Hearing you refer to her as mother, even if it was merely a lighthearted remark, swelled her heart.

"My dear Eden, you give me hope that I will one day be able to call you my daughter."

"What is stopping you?" You blurt out inadvertently. And now, feeling foolish, a wave of apprehension swept over you.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing is stopping me." She smiled affectionately. "Safe travels my beloved daughter." She leaned in and kissed your cheek, and immediately the warm feelings you once got from your own mother's tender kiss flooded you, and you found yourself weeping.

The carriage had long since left Asgard, but the tender moment you shared with Frigga remained in your mind. Even hours after leaving, you could still picture the shimmering tears that rolled down Frigga's rosy cheeks.

While you relaxed inside the compartment, Javier and another guard named, Leon, who was a little more seasoned, took seats atop the carriage to direct the horses. At first, you stared out the window at the passing scenery, wondering what Jotunheim would be like. However, after a while, your eyes started to get tired, and you found yourself dozing off.

You awoke to the sting of the cold on your face, as the carriage had become filled by the sharp winds. You shiver, and realise that even with your fur lined cloak that was gifted to you by Thor, the biting temperatures of Jotunheim still managed to invade your skin.

You were so intent on warming your body by massaging your arms, that you failed to notice that the carriage had stopped moving. You only became aware when you heard dissatisfied noises outside. You immediately peer out the window, expecting to see Jotunheim's imposing palace.

However, when you glanced outside, the first thing that startled you was the searing cold against your skin. It was taking your breath away, but once the freezing temperatures rendered your face numb, you were able to focus on the scene in front of you. To your confusion, you didn't see a palace, or even the palace garden; instead, all you could see was the white of the snow that covered everything in sight.

You turned to your left after hearing additional irate sounds and saw Javier and Leon digging in the snow around the wheel. The roads had long since disappeared beneath a blanket of snow, and their bodies, despite being covered in warm furs and armour, shivered when exposed to the frigid wind that occasionally blew in their direction.

"It's impossible Javier, the temperatures have dropped dramatically within the last hour and it's frozen the snow around the wheel. If we stick around much longer, it will be us that freezes next!"

Javier sighs, "What do you expect us to do, our mission was to deliver Princess Eden to king Loki and we have yet to complete our task!"

You heard Leon huff in irritation as you continued to listen in on their conversion.

"The task at hand is not worth dying in such a brutal domain! If you don't want to turn around and walk with me, you are welcome to remain here and freeze!" Leon stood up, and as he began to walk off he noticed your head poking out of the window. He realised you heard his cowardice declaration and averted his gaze to the floor.

Javier, upon noticing you, stood up to speak with you directly. "We are stranded princess, this carriage will not move without the help of fire to melt the thick layers of ice." He looked worried.

"It's getting colder, Javier" Leon firmly reminded while frantically stroking his shoulders to generate some heat.

"I know we are suppose to deliver you to King Loki, but with no way of moving the carriage, and it being too hazardous to venture on foot further inward, our only option is to trek back. We can retrace our steps in hopes the weather is better in that direction."

Javier appeared disappointed that he would not be able to fulfil his pledge to bring you to the Jotun king. 

"We will freeze to death at this rate! Enough talking and let's move!" An impatient and terrified Leon yelled.

You promptly leave the carriage, and as soon as your feet sunk into the thick snow; even with Sif's winter boots, it was like plunging bare feet into a bucket of ice.

"Thank the Gods, she's listening to us!" Leon stated, having anticipated opposition to the notion of leaving.

"I will not depart so easily, Leon. I promised Queen Frigga that I would try my best to help Jotunheim. I will not quit trying because of a slight blip."

He gazed at you wide eyed, "A slight blip! Do you see those clouds rolling over?" He pointed up to the sky with a fearful look. "I estimate that we have between two or three hours before they reach us, and once they do, the current cold will feel like a mild summer day in comparison to the subzero temperatures that will instantaneously freeze all of our blood! This is Jotunheim, a frigid and desolate land, and it is true that only Jotuns can survive such a lethal climate."

You couldn't deny that his speech instilled fear in you. However, you couldn't give up, not without trying all other options first.

"Don't you have a flare gun? Something to alert Jotunheim of our location."

They both shake their heads.

"Hmm, well for future reference, let us make it a point to always pack such a useful tool, deal?"

"Should we survive this ordeal, I promise to add flare guns to Asgards army inventory!" Leon asserted. "Now can we make way already?"

"We will make way once I melt the ice off the wheel, I will get this carriage moving again." You declare.

Javier looked at you with confusion, whilst Leon regarded you as though you were a woman succumbed to madness.

"Has frostbite breached your brain already?" Leon accused mockingly. "Women!" He scoffed. "Such fickle creatures."

Javier shot him a scornful look and sternly reminded him that he was in the presence of a royal. "Remember who you speak with, Leon!"

Leon once again averted his gaze, ashamed of his sour ways.

"It's alright, Javier. Being afraid for your life can make you irritable. Why don't you both go inside the carriage and keep warm. I have a neat trick that may help us out of our dire situation."

Again, their puzzled stares continued.

With a smirk, you opened your hand. A flame appeared in your palm as you relaxed your breathing and concentrated.

The men gasped, "You have magic?"

"I am a Gaia, I deal primarily with nature. But during my time in Asgard, Queen Frigga taught me this one act of magic. I questioned when such would come in use, but she was insistent that it was always beneficial. And behold, the ever knowledgeable and wise queen, was right." You knelt near the wheel and directed your flame at the ice, and immediately the heat caused the ice to begin dissolving.

Javier and Leon promptly began digging away the snow as you continued to hold your flame against the ice, and soon enough, the wheel became free and began to function normally once more. You promptly put right the other wheels before hopping back into the carriage compartment, whereupon the guards hurriedly took off.

Due to Leon and Javier's overly cautious steering and sluggish pace, the ice began to reform. You immediately pushed yourself back out of the window and shouted at them.

"Go faster! The quicker the pace the less chance of ice forming, and any that does will be shattered on the ground below. So get moving slackers!"

Javier was worried about the rough ride, fearing for your safety, but Leon smirked at your request to go faster, and gladly took heed of your advice. He seized and snapped the reins, causing the horses to neigh and accelerate their gallops.

You fell backward due to the velocity of the sudden force and hit your head. It took a moment for your stupor to dissipate, but as soon as it did, you buckled up, recalling Frigga's wise safety advice.

Just as you fastened your belt, securing you safely in position, the carriage abruptly veered off course, becoming unbalanced as a wheel on your side completely detached. The bottom of the carriage collided with the icy ground, causing you to scream as the floor of the compartment disintegrated beneath you, revealing the sharp ice below.

Your belt was the only thing that prevented you from falling and being managed, and although the ordeal was brief as Javier masterfully slowed the horses to a stop, it could have ended your life in an instant.

Javier leapt to the ground and threw open the carriage door. He saw you looking dishevelled and pale, with your knees curled tightly against your body to avoid the gaping hole in the floor. He stared at you in panicked shock, "Eden, are you alright?"

"That was a close one," you nervously chuckle.

You begin to move, but Javier promptly orders you to stop.

"Let me help you, Eden, don't move a muscle." For a young guard, he managed to pluck you out of the carriage with ease and held you close.

"You were so brave, Eden." He whispered into your ear. "Any other would be trembling after this terrible near death experience."

"Don't let my calm visage fool you, my heart is still racing."

He tightened his hold on you, providing you comfort and warmth from your shocking ordeal.

Leon jumped down, and with judging eyes, glared at Javier who had an intimate grip on you.

"Perhaps we should assess the damage instead of cosying up with the damsel in distress." Leon mocked sarcastically.

You drew back out of Javiers embrace, which prompted him to help Leon look around the whole of the carriage.

As you stood in the cold, the winds picking up speed, you heard Leon angrily kick at the irreparable   wheel. "Well, we are done for! Three bodies will be found by tomorrow, frozen in the wastelands that is Jotunheim!"

You stared at him sadly, and saw his deep worry and frustration.

"I'm sorry, I should have listened to you and just walked back." You admit.

"Yes! Yes you should have! Now my wife will be a widow, and my child without a father! I will die here, far from my home."

Your heart grieved since you didn't know he had a family; had you known, you might have left when it was first suggested. You breathed nervously, feeling ashamed and restraining the urge to cry. 

"Calm yourself Leon, we agreed to the dangers when we volunteered for this position." Javier reminded.

"Volunteered?" Leon scoffed. "I was paid hefty coin  on completion of this task, but had I known this would be my end, I'd have refused. I find it incomprehensible how you willingly volunteered for this role, what was in it for you?" He quizzed.

Javier gazed at you and smiled. And Leon instantly knew why he volunteered.

"You can't be serious!" He exclaimed, "You have fallen for a princess, and the only royal born princess too. You do know she is marked don't you? The darn elf prince has laid claim to her. You better back away now before he feels challenged!" Leon warns.

You glare are Leon as anger bubbled up inside you, "I am not claimed by anyone, I alone choose my future, and the elf prince has no part in it!"

With each step, you hear the crunch of snow beneath your feet as you retreat from their proximity feeling enraged.

"Where are you going?" Javier calls out, beginning to follow in your tracks.

"Stay there Javier, I wish to be alone while I go in search for help."

"I'm not letting you get lost!" He walked faster, trying to catch up to you, but his heavy armour weighed him down and he was too slow. Soon your figure faded into the blizzards whiteness, and all he could do was call out in hopes you would follow his voice back.