His Dove (Loki Laufeyson)

Part 57 (Book)

I was certain by now that the pages encased in my grip had been enchanted in some way, the regular sized journal containing more and more pages as I flipped through. I should've been done with it by now, if it were truly the size it showed, but there were likely thousands more pages.

My mother had a good friend named Aurboda, a Jotun woman. My mother was the reason Freyr met his late wife, Gerd, as Aurboda was the young giant's mother. Aurboda came to live in the isle, and she even confided in my mother a story.

A story of a prince from a separate realm who had impregnated her during a season long affair. She had the baby and begged the father to take it, take it from Jotunheim and raise it on his realm or give it to someone else who would. She told him what would happen to the infant, but he still refused. Being that the infant was far too small for a normal Jotun, the others forced her to leave it as sacrifice. She had Gerd centuries later and referred to her as her 'second daughter', forcing me, and at the time my mother, to believe the first child was also a girl.

Based on all descriptions, and the timeline, I knew there were few options. Freyr was a possibility, but it was unlikely given that Aurboda encouraged Gerd to marry him.

The other option? Odin. Odin did have brothers, but based on the timeline I was almost sure these events would've taken place after their deaths.

Suddenly, this book seemed so forbidden, as if I had to stop reading that instant. I wasn't sure what in my mind was telling me such things, but I quickly snapped the book shut and hid it behind other books on Loki's shelf. Just as I placed the last book in front of it, a knock came on the door, making me visibly jump.

"Yes? Who is it?"

"It's Frida, lady Eirdottir. The Allfather and king Freyr request your presence."

I cleared my throat, "I'll be out momentarily, thank you."

I quickly fixed my dress and hair before I walked out, allowing Frida to guide me to the small hall. Freyr and Odin both sat at a single table together with Frigga sitting beside Odin, while everyone else sat elsewhere. I approached the kings' table with caution, curtsying as I reached it.

"Have you made a decision, child?" Freyr spoke rather than Odin, the first time I had interacted with him. His voice held an annoyance that could only be described as already knowing my answer, but he was asking nonetheless.

"I wish to decline both offers, your highnesses." I replied formally, making sure to keep my chin tilted ever so slightly upwards, refusing to allow my voice to waver.

Odin inclined his head regally, Frigga smiled. "As you wish, dear girl. You may go back to your chambers." Frigga said before either of the men could speak.

"Thank you, my queen." I responded pleasantly, curtsying once more before walking out of the room. As soon as I hit the hallway, Loki grabbed me by my hips, pulling me against him.

"We've one more meeting; it should end quickly." He hummed against my ear as I smiled. "Have you eaten?"

Well, that ruined it. I shook my head, knowing I wouldn't be able to slip a lie past the mischief god, making him frown.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I just got caught up in my book."

Loki raised an eyebrow at that, but nodded. "You must tell me about it this evening. Stories don't usually captivate you so much. Go eat." He commanded, before kissing my temple. "See you soon, dove."

I knew if I went back to Loki's room, I'd be back in his bed reading within seconds, entranced by the journal once more. So I went straight to the lounge, quickly walking over to the food table and making a plate.