Sanfil awakened to the sound of commotion occurring outside. In a drowsy stupor, he observed his surroundings and realised he had fallen asleep within your chambers.

He immediately checked the time and saw that he was late for his scheduled meeting with Queen Frigga. He hurriedly exited your room and ordered all the guards he encountered to investigate the disturbance he had just heard in the distance.

It was an excuse to clear the path for when you were discreetly taken, but he was also curious as to what the unexpected noise was.

He ensured that no one, including his loyal officers, were aware of his actions. He did not wish to place them in a position of loyalty in the event that he was ever apprehended, and the probability of that happening was practically certain, but your safety was worth risking treason.

After stealthily sneaking to the lowest level of the palace and navigating through corridors that had not seen the light of day for centuries, he reached the location where he had instructed Queen Frigga to meet.

He removed the cobwebs from the door and unlocked it with an old iron key. Upon cautiously opening it, he immediately saw two pairs of eyes staring at him from the outside darkness.

"You are late!" Queen Frigga snapped. "Do we have a problem?" She quickly passed him and entered the building.

"No, we do not. But who is this?" Sanfil queried. Spying a male he had never seen before.

"This is Javier. A friend and loyal guard. He escorted Eden to Jotunheim and kept her safe."

Javier extended his arm in an offer to shake hands. "I am also in love with her." He boldly remarked.

Sanfil reached out and grasped his hand, not the least bit surprised by his declaration of love for you. "Good. I trust those who love our princess."

Javier momentarily met Frigga's eyes, but he quickly averted his gaze and Sanfil motioned for them to begin moving.

As Frigga followed slightly behind Sanfil, who led the way through the palace's lowest depths, she cast a curious glance at Javier. He understood the meaning of her questioning gaze and felt inclined to explain himself.

"Eden is aware of my affections, as is King Loki. I am working on my issues."

"As long as you know that she belongs to my son," She responded sternly, deciding to bury any further concerns to focus on the task ahead.

Sanfil peered around a corner and was glad to see that your chambers was still devoid of guards. He was pleasantly surprised that everything was running smoothly.

"Will King Hoyd not be around?" Javier whispered.

"He enjoys a bedtime tipple. I have purposefully increased its potency in the hopes that he will slumber more soundly. He should have drank it by now."

"Smart." Javier grinned, watching Sanfil dash ahead and grip the handle of your bedroom door.

As your father occasionally dozed off in the chair next to your bed, Sanfil took the precaution of silently peeking inside before entering. He was relieved to find the room empty this time.

He ushered Queen Frigga inside, followed closely by Javier, and like Frigga's initial reaction upon seeing you, Javier released a torrent of emotion as soon as he spotted you.

He sped towards your bedside and perched himself on the edge. As he studied your features, he tenderly ran his thumb along the curve of your cheek.

"Hello there beautiful. I have missed your face." You faintly heard his gentle voice.

Although Sanfil was aware that time was of the essence, he did not wish to interrupt the heartfelt reunion. Both Frigga and he felt inclined to grant him a brief moment alone with you.

"I have brought you a gift." Javier dug deep into his coat pocket and presented you with a red apple. It was the same kind you gave him every morning in Asgard.

He polished it using his sleeve then proceeded to take a large bite. Your ears pricked up at hearing the loud crunch of the crisp apple and the familiar scent of its sweetness filled your nostrils. 

"While you may not be able to chew, I'm hoping you can still taste." He held the lush apple against your lips, parting them slightly to allow the juice of it to run down your throat.

Surprisingly, your taste receptors came alive upon sampling it. It caused your finger to quiver, and Javier caught sight of it.

"She moved!" He bellowed, glimpsing back at Sanfil and Frigga.

Sanfil sighed. "The psyche has a peculiar way of fooling us. Most often, we see what we want to see."

He had given up hope of ever seeing you vibrant again. His optimistic outlook had completely collapsed.

Javier exhaled, doubting what he had just observed. "Perhaps you are right." He said lowly before rising to his feet and facing Sanfil and Frigga. "What should we do now?"

"Now, you take her." Sanfil asserted. "Carry her to the arranged transportation, taking care to avoid major roads. That pointy eared prick has spies everywhere."

Javier raised his eyebrows in surprise at the esteemed generals choice of words. Upon noticing Javier's shock, Sanfil remembered that he was in the presence of a queen and apologised immediately.

"Forgive me for my use of profanity, Queen Frigga."

"Oh, nonsense. He is certainly, as you say, a prick."

Javier choked on his own saliva. Hearing the Queen use a cuss word was an unexpected delight. It amused him immensely.

"Javier, please carry Eden while I retrieve a few items she may require." Frigga instructed. 

Javier proceeded to lift you from the bed, and Sanfil assisted by placing your limp arms around his neck to secure you in position. A small impact was heard, and when Sanfil gazed down, he observed a wooden figurine that had fallen from your body and landed on the floor. He examined it while holding it up.

"This work of art exhibits an uncanny resemblance to her features." He remarked. "The artist who created it has talent."

Javier glanced at it and smiled, recognising the artist immediately. "That would be my dear friend, Ovahh. He has a thing for hugs."

"That is why he has depicted them embracing?"

"Exactly."

Sanfil released a small laugh. "A Jotun who enjoys affection. How times are changing." His tone conveyed intrigue.

"May I remind you that it is also a Jotun who has won the heart of your princess." Frigga remarked.

"I stand by my word, Queen Frigga. How times have changed... and for the better." He added.

Frigga smiled, sensing no malice but only sincerity in his words.

After gathering a small quantity of your belongings, Frigga swiftly positioned herself by the door and awaited Sanfil's return to indicate that the coast was clear.

Sanfil swiftly re-entered the room and signalled for both to proceed. Javier carried you through the threshold, and the three sprinted back beneath the palace's deepest depth. Yet as they flew through the dark corridors, a loud explosion erupted from above, accompanied by the sounds of metal clashing.

"I have to go!" Sanfil yelled, afraid for his king.

"Wait!" Frigga pleaded. "What could it be?"

"I have no idea. But I must protect my king." He quickly turned around and retraced his steps back to the palace, leaving Queen Frigga and Javier alone in the shadows below.

"Come along, Javier. We must complete our mission." Frigga asserted.

She led the way, using a small amount of magic to illuminate the darkness. To her relief, she easily located the exit, and found her horse-drawn carriage still safely concealed behind shrubbery. However, upon entering the open air, she heard shrill, panicked screams, which filled her with sudden dread.

Javier, who was accustomed with the cries of battle, immediately recognised the sound. When Frigga observed his facial expression, it confirmed her worst suspicions. An attack was taking place.

"Do we help?" Javier's instincts as a soldier were urging him to combat.

"We cannot deal with that right now, Javier. We must finish our task at hand. Protecting Eden is imperative." She affirmed.

Javier nodded, tightening his firm grasp on you as he entered the carriage and deposited you in Frigga's arms. Once you were securely strapped in, he motioned for the horses to move, keeping to the back roads as Sanfil instructed.

As the carriage wheeled discretely away from the palace's perimeter, the deep voices of soldiers and the metallic swipe of swords grew louder. Yet this time, the air was also filled with ferocious roars that sounded like they originated from predatory beasts. 

Frigga gazed out the window and at last discovered the source of the turmoil. She stared intently at the devastation, shocked to see the Embrodi wall reduced to rubble and the palace now wide open and vulnerable to attack.

She uttered an audible gasp when she saw hordes upon hordes of blue bodies pouring forth and filling the palace gardens, all emitting shrill battle chants that instilled fear in all who heard them.

Her expression was one of sorrow as she continued to fixate on the view, even after it had become a distant blur.

"Loki..." She sighed. "What have you done?..."

***

Loki charged through the palace grounds with a loud growl, having used brute force and magic to destroy the fortifications that had kept him away from you for the past month.

"Do not destroy Eden's garden!" He commanded his men when they approached too close to the pink orchids you had once spoken of and clearly adored.

His men advanced, making sure to lead away from your cherished plants, with the directive to defend themselves if necessary but not to commit murder. The plan was to use fear and intimidation to gain entry, with the use of weapons as a last resort.

However, despite being outmatched in strength, Embrodi soldiers were resilient and unyielding; they did not tremble in their boots easily and fought to protect the royal family. Weapons were soon employed, and their loud clangour reverberated through the air.

Loki and his Jotun army were able to drive the soldiers back and approach the palace's entrance. The Embrodi army, however, promptly formed a defence shield, acting as a living barricade to prevent anyone from entering the palace.

Loki slowed his frantic pace forward, and regarded them all with a sneering scowl.

"I admire your courage. I really do. Embrodi's truly are as strong as they say—"

"And we have defeated men like you before!" A riled up guard interrupted.

Loki let out a small laugh as he fixed his gaze on the officer who had boldly dared to speak up, and after resuming a more serious expression, he confidently proclaimed.

"There are no men like me." 

Loki's combined army of Jotun and Docat let forth a chorus of hearty laughter.

"Isn't that so, gentlemen?" He bellowed and spun around to confront the swarms of blue bodies. "We are of Jotunheim! Beings who thrive in the most inhospitable lands. Nothing can tear down an alpha!"

Hearing the deafening applause of the numerous Docats and Jotuns, whose stomping footfalls not only shook the bones of the opposing army, but their courageous spirits as well, the Embrodi men began to doubt their abilities.

Loki could now sense the scent of fear in the air, and was glad that his tactic of intimidation was working. He calmly advanced a few paces, hoping the instilled fear would cause them to retreat. However, he became enraged when none of the Embrodi men broke their defensive chain despite their growing apprehension of his vastly superior Jotun army.

"Do you really wish to be disfigured this night!" Loki screamed, furious that nobody had backed down.

The men tightened their chain, determined to repel whomever came near at any cost.

Loki sighed; this was not how he had hoped it would go, but he had no other choice. He lifted his hand and signalled for the Docats to proceed forward, knowing they would do the least amount of damage as their skin was not harmful.

Finn, the guard who had previously assisted Loki, abruptly intervened and pleaded. "Please, King Loki. Do not initiate conflict. While there are no men like you and your Jotun army, similarly, there are none like us. Embrodi loyalty is unrivalled, and our hearts are strong. We will hurt you if we must."

"If you take me to my queen, none of this will occur." Loki declared.

"We recognise that you care about our princess, but we have orders to keep you out."

"Care?!" Loki spat. His cool demeanour fading fast. "Why is my unconditional devotion reduced to mere care?" He paused in wait for an answer, yet received none. "What happened to applying the Embrodi motto, Thou shall not judge?" He peered at all the eyes that stared at him intently. "You paint me as a cold-hearted monster. Is it so inconceivable to you that I may actually love your princess? Adore your princess; worship your princess!"

Loki fought to keep the tears from falling, yet the men were aware of his struggle. His glassy eyes could not conceal his inner turmoil.

"While your lives may be a colourful rainbow, my whole world is painted black. Darkening with each passing second that Eden and I are apart. Can you not see? I cannot live without her!" His emotional anger poured forth. Angry that the plight that shadows his heart was so easily ignored because he was a Jotun.

"Damn your orders to Hellheim! I am here to take my queen home!" He bellowed.

Loki rushed forward, a portion of him unconcerned with whether or not anyone moved; he was too fired up.

Finn stepped forward with his eyes tightly closed, terrified of being burned by Jotun skin, but he had faith that Loki wouldn't harm him since he was indebted for his prior help.

Loki halted abruptly, stopping mere inches from Finn. His chest rose and fell as he heaved with rage; and his blue hand hovered in close proximity to Finn's face.

Finn slowly opened his eyes, feeling a cold sensation near his bare cheek. He peered upwards, his heart pounding, and stared at the red eyes that looked down at him. Though Loki towered over him, he was surprised to discover that his crimson eyes were filled not with anger but with pain and suffering.

"I don't want to hurt you, Finn." Loki murmured solemnly.

"You are wrong, king Loki. We worry for our princess as much as you do. We do not lead colourful lives while our future queen lay dormant. Eden is an Embrodi, this is her home." Finn attempted to speak rationally while remaining deathly still so as not to inadvertently brush against Loki's extended, and lethal hand.

Loki's whole body sagged in dejection and his hand fell to his side. Much to the relief of Finn.

"She once told me that her home is within my arms."

Finn heard the sincerity and honesty in Loki's words, and it wounded his empathetic heart because it reminded him of his own love, Anya. He was overcome with compassion and courage, and something within him told him that Loki posed no threat. That being in his embrace was truly what you would desire.

He stepped aside, startling the line of soldiers who steadfastly maintained the barrier. And even though he was not a combatant of sufficient rank to command, he addressed them with confidence despite the fact that he lacked the authority to do so.

"Let him pass! Allow King Loki to enter the palace, and I will assume full responsibility. He must be heard by King Hoyd."

Initially, the soldiers regarded one another with scepticism, hesitant to break the chain and disobey their king's order. But Finn immediately reminded them of Caspian and how he intentionally instilled fear, looked down on them, and assumed control over the palace in order to exploit the king's weakened heart.

"Do we really want that elf, whom we all despise, to take away our princess?" He appealed.

Finn's words cut deep into Loki's heart, and the shocked mutters of the Docats and Jotuns behind him became louder in response to this new information.

"What do you mean take her away? Away where?" Loki questioned.

Before Finn could answer, another guard spoke up.

"I myself detest Alfheim! Our skies grow darker with each visit that elf makes to Embrodi. He is a bad omen and should not be allowed to take our princess." The guard abruptly disengaged his arms, severing the chain of defence. And as one began separating, so did the others, until eventually all had split.

Loki stood astonished, completely taken aback by the Embrodi soldiers.

"Thank you, Finnion." He said with integrity before addressing all the men who had now dispersed to enable him to pass safely. "I promise you all, Eden will never set foot in Alfheim!"

"Be aware, King Loki," Finn warned. "Although those here have permitted you to pass. The men ambushing you near the royal quarters will fight to the death to defend their ruler. Please do not severely harm them."

"My aim was never to hurt anyone, Finn."

Finn's expression was one of shock. "Were you not going to harm us?"

"My Queen is Embrodi, I will never hurt her people."

Finn continued to observe in stunned silence as Loki walked ahead and passed through the middle of the guards who had vacated his path to enable him safe entry.

As Loki approached the regal suite, he was again met by a barrier of soldiers guarding the entrance to King Hoyd. He halted, maintaining a considerable distance between himself and the guards.

"Inform King Hoyd of my desire to speak amicably"

"We have been ordered to combat if you approach, King Loki." A soldier spoke with greater severity than Finn. Clearly, this was a more seasoned soldier.

Loki sighed; he had no more patience to expend convincing the officers with additional speeches.

"Then so be it." As he raised his hand and signalled a few Docats to advance, the guards stiffened their posture, brandishing spears and swords in a defensive stance.

The Docats, which were twice as large as the soldiers, quickly disarmed them and rendered the majority incapacitated. Though admittedly, it took considerable effort to do so. The Embrodi soldiers fought with great valiance and passion.

Loki emerged from behind his Docat's and glared at the original guard who had denied him entry.

"Now, I ask you once more: please inform your king that I wish to speak with him."

Despite having a bloody nose, the guard stood tall. He narrowed his eyes into a fiery gaze and again declined. "My loyalty is unwavering. I will never urge my king to back down. So just kill me."

"Kill you?" Loki rolled his eyes. "It appears that Embrodi's also possess a flair for the dramatics. A trait not yet disclosed by Eden." He laughed amusedly, which only served to confuse the guard. Seeing a humorous Jotun while engaged in direct conflict was unexpected.

With a swift wave of his hand, Loki brought the guard toppling down, hitting the ground with a thud as he succumbed to unconsciousness.

Bear peered at Loki. "A simple wave, and they sleep? Could you not have done that before you sent us to disarm them? It would have prevented my split lip!"

Loki placed a comforting hand on Bear's shoulder. "Since we have been inactive for the past four weeks, idle within Embrodi lands, I figured you would appreciate the exercise." Loki grinned with evident humour. Yet, his attention was diverted by a noisy rustling on the other side of the door. He swiftly pressed his ear to it and heard King Hoyd's familiar voice.

Loki knocked softly on the door, requesting that King Hoyd open it. However, after several attempts with no response or action, Ovahh became frustrated and impatient.

"Why don't you just bust through the door? I know you have the ability to do so. You destroyed their stone wall for Valhalla's sake!" Ovahh expressed frustration.

"I am attempting the composed approach first." Loki responded with calmness. Though on the inside, his tolerance waned as well.

"Hm."  Ovahh was not convinced. "I have a feeling your composure will fade soon enough."

Loki pounded on the door even harder, and this time the sudden, loud yells from inside could be heard.

"Leave! Leave this palace right this minute and I will not initiate a war!" King Hoyd shouted.

Loki growled in irritation, "I wish to see my queen!"

Ovahh flashed Loki a sideways glance, a smirk on his lips at witnessing Loki's method of composure disintegrate so quickly.

Loki sensed Ovahh's gloating gaze probing him. "If you say I told you so, I swear to you I will.."

The booming voice of King Hoyd interrupted Loki.

"Your queen Magritte, resides in Asgard! "Depart immediately, before I sound the war sirens!"

"My Queen is Eden! And you waged war on my heart the moment you took her from me! I want her back!"

"You cannot have my daughter!"

"She belongs to me!" Loki screamed and pummelled his fists violently on the door, wrath emanating from every part of him.

Upon impact with his Jotun strength, the wood splintered right down the centre, and King Hoyd recoiled in fear.

With one more forceful blow from Loki's powerful fist, the door shattered into countless shards. He promptly entered the royal room with a determined stride, his eyes focusing on King Hoyd, who was guarded by a group of his soldiers.

"I have been patient with you in hopes that you will recognise my devotion to your daughter. However, it has come to light that you have permitted Caspian to see her while denying me access. Did you leave him alone with her?"

With every step that Loki took, King Hoyd was pushed further back by his soldiers, who attempted to maintain a large distance between their king and Loki.

Loki became aggravated with the silence.

"Tell me!" He screamed.

Upon seeing the fiery crimson eyes of an emotionally charged Jotun, King Hoyd quavered. "Y..yes. He won't harm her."

"You're a fool!" Loki hissed. "He is a predator, a malicious elf who will stop at nothing to obtain what he desires, and what he desires is Eden!" Loki surveyed him with evident contempt. "Did he whisper sweet nothings in your ear, pretending to care for your weakening heart by offering to take sole responsibility for your daughter..Hm?"

King Hoyd thought about Loki's words, contemplating all that had transpired over the weeks. However, the fact that he believed he had lost his only daughter had rendered his mind fragile and susceptible to manipulation.

"He said he is finding a cure. I have to let him take her. I have no choice." He rambled, his psych frazzled.

"He will never take her! No one will ever take her from me again!" Loki roared.

A distant horn suddenly blared, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and listen to the sounds of war being declared.

Ovahh became furious, convinced that it was King Hoyd that unexpectedly activated the war sirens. "It defies logic that Eden is descended from your loins. She would never be so reckless to sound the alarm!"

"I.. I didn't.." King Hoyd warily said with confusion.

Ovahh caught sight of Loki smirking sinisterly. "That is not the sound of Embrodi horns, Ovahh. But that of Alfheim." He laughs darkly, relishing the fact that he will soon meet Caspian face to face. "It seems it didn't take long before Caspian's spies alerted him of my forced entry. I'm glad my extravagant entrance made a significant enough impression."

King Hoyd stared at Loki in shock. "Y-you hoped that he would come, that he would start a feud?"

"Not a feud, dear king. But a war!" Loki's grin extended wide. "The day I discovered that his hands were responsible for the bruises on my Eden's delicate skin, I made a secret vow. A promise to reciprocate the favour by awarding him his very own mark."

King Hoyd exhibited an expression of ignorance. This accusation was unknown to him, and he chose not to accept it.

"You lie! I.. I would know if he was hurting her!"

Sanfil, who remained silent while safeguarding his king, restrained his anger upon learning that Caspian had physically injured you. He desired to cuss him out but had to conceal his true emotions so that no one would suspect him when they discovered that you were no longer in the palace.

Loki was not interested in wasting time arguing. He required your closeness. Impatient to see you again.

"Take me to Eden, King Hoyd."

"No!"

Loki narrowed his gaze. "My politeness has been misunderstood on your part. That was not a request, but rather an order."

King Hoyd broke away from his soldiers who guarded him and positioned himself within the hallway that led down to your room.

"I have changed my mind. No one will take Eden! Not Caspian, neither you. I will permit you to visit on occasion and under strict supervision, but she stays in Embrodi." He declared, offering a bargain with strict terms.

"Too late! I attempted to be courteous. Now I possess what is mine." Loki sped past him and strutted along the long corridor, your scent leading the way, while Ovahh fought off the few guards who pursued him.

"You are making a grave mistake, Loki." King Hoyd closely followed behind him. "I can join forces with Alfheim, and together we will defeat you."

Loki stopped dead in his tracks, smoothly chuckling at King Hoyds bold declaration. The sound of his ominous laugh shook King Hoyd, and a sudden feeling of dread shivered up his spine.

Loki gripped the handle of your door but paused to glance back at King Hoyd. "I find it incredibly amusing that you believe you are capable of conquering me."

"Not all your subjects follow you. They do not trust you enough to engage in an all-out conflict. As a young king who was reared in Asgard. You have not yet won their allegiance. Alfheim and Embrodi combined will triumph over Jotunheim."

Loki's lips formed an expansive smile. "My people have just been rescued from the brink of a savage disease by a non-Jotun they now consider their queen. They have already sworn fealty to Eden. If they do not fight for me, they will most certainly fight for her."

Loki cast a gaze behind King Hoyd, who then turned to see what he was staring at. He gasped when he saw the entire corridor filled with red eyes; black eyes, both Jotun and Docat's, all validating Loki's declaration.

"I have love on my side, and in my heart, King Hoyd... and true love always prevails."

King Hoyd observed with disdain as Loki opened the door and entered your room, leaving his sight. However, the quiet was quickly broken when he heard the most agonising wailing. It caused him to dash towards your room in pure terror, his heart thumping violently against his ribcage as thoughts of your passing exploded in his mind.

As your father entered your room, he saw Loki madly scrambling around in search of you, his face stained with wet tears.

"Where is she!!" Loki screamed.

King Hoyd clutched his heart, his body collapsing against the wall as the realisation that you were not safely in your chamber threw his mind and heart into a frenzy of distress.

Loki's turmoil rose even more as he observed King Hoyd's sincere reaction. He raced towards him and carefully seated him in a chair, lowering his voice to a faint murmur so as not to aggravate his weak heart condition.

"Where is Eden?"

His wary eyes met Loki's. "I .. I don't know. She... she was here.... asleep." He panted, trying to catch his breath.

A loud explosion was heard originating from outside the room, causing all those who occupied the corridor to be strewn in all directions. Loki dashed to the doorway, coughing and spluttering as he inhaled grit and smoke. As the haze began to clear, he saw Caspian emerge and immediately locked eyes with him.

"You!" They each snarled in unison. Both wearing the same threatening expression.