A New Beginning

Chapter 35- Escape

Three days had passed and Thor hadn't returned. Noelle didn't understand what was going on. She wanted to see him again, yet she was hesitant for so many reasons.

She was also beginning to grow suspicious as to why she didn't seem to be allowed to leave her room and why she had no outside communication. It was as if she were a prisoner.

She sighed. It didn't matter. It wasn't as if she had the strength to escape even if she wanted to. Thor was her last hope– and the longer time went on without seeing him, the more hopeless she felt.

Finally, later in the afternoon, she had a visitor.

The guard outside her room opened the door and alerted her.

Frowning, Noelle managed to stand up. She didn't know who else would be here to see her besides Thor, and he usually wasn't one to have his presence announced by the guards.

To her shock it was actually Odin.

She hoped her trembling fingers didn't give away the fear that was probably written all over her face. Quickly, she bowed. "Your Highness."

Odin gave her a strange look that Noelle couldn't tell was disgust or confusion.

"I'm not the best at curtsying. It's easier to bow," she explained hurriedly. Perhaps that was why.

Odin only nodded then turned to the guard. "Leave us."

He leaned against the balcony of her window and gestured for her to join him. "Come."

Noelle took a deep breath, and went over hesitantly.

"You may be wondering why you have not been allowed to leave this place since the attack several days before," he began.

She only nodded, unsure of where he was going with this.

"I cannot let you leave just yet, Noelle Smith. You must stay a little longer until Malekith is destroyed."

Noelle didn't particularly care whether she had to stay longer on Asgard. She just wanted to get the Aether out of her and somewhere safe– away from Malekith. And more importantly she wanted to know if her cousins were safe.

"I understand. And I am so sorry for your loss, Your Highness." She realized she hadn't actually gotten the proper chance to give the Allfather her condolences.

Odin didn't acknowledge it though. "I hope you understand the gravity of the situation," was all he said.

Noelle was a little stumped that he didn't say anything. She certainly had the impression that Odin didn't particularly like her, but she hadn't thought he hated her this much. Keeping her here on Asgard longer likely wasn't because he was concerned about her life. No, he must have another motivation.

"I understand better than you think, Your Majesty," she said finally. "Malekith must not possess the Aether at any cost."

"You do understand," said Odin. He seemed pleased. "I also hope you understand the severity of the consequences that your interactions with my son may lead to."

Noelle was visibly taken aback. How had he known? Was she that easy to read? She only swallowed, and gave him the slightest of nods. It was not much of a response, but Odin seemed to perceive it as one.

"Good."

Then, without another word, he turned to leave her. Noelle watched his back as he left, her cheeks still hot with anger and embarrassment. Was that why he had come to speak with her? It certainly was not just to make her aware that she was a prisoner. That was evident in itself.