Mischievous

Chapter Five

        I peeked my head outside to find the hall empty. Not a soul was passing to or fro, not even a servant. My memory would assist me in finding the throne room once more, I just had to hope that all the people who gathered for the feast last night would do the same for breakfast. That was, assuming they ate breakfast. They could just have the ability to go days without food, but the tales I'd heard convinced me otherwise. No one could eat in the same magnitude Thor was told to. I doubted any of the gods could rival him in that.

        My flats made a sort of pitter-patter noise as I retraced my footsteps. Normally, I'd be silent, but I didn't think I had any foes in the castle, at least, not yet. Apart from my ignorance in lying about my family situation to the Prince of Asgard, I hadn't made much of a name for myself. Though, I had to wonder how many rumors were already floating around due to my unexpected arrival. Most of the people who lived here had no care for the Midgardians who spent their days foolishly bombing one another and sending themselves into full-fledged wars. Their only reason being some flawed logic based on stereotypes. I couldn't even begin to imagine what they thought of me. I'd barely spoken last night.

        As I neared the throne room, I could barely begin to make out bits and pieces of conversations.  Breakfast was certainly not being held there. No, the room that had been so full of life the evening prior was now but an empty hall, not even Odin sat upon his throne. I followed the sound until it had become a roar, reminiscent of the festivities I had been forced to be a part of. This was a different part of the palace. In fact, based upon the map I'd created in my mind, I was back on the second floor, though on the complete opposite side from where I'd begun my journey.

        There were no doors between me and the hundreds of Asgardians who chatted and ate, oblivious to the world around them. What appeared to be a Great Hall had only a golden arch as an entrance, and I was thankful that it allowed me to make my way into the room without grabbing the attention of everyone in it. It helped that the Queen wasn't escorting me this time as well.

        Funnily enough, not a single person seemed to take notice of me. I slipped in, filled a plate with as much food as I thought I could eat without getting sick, and plopped myself down in a corner. The shadows covered me well enough, giving me a discrete cover from the infrequent passerby. No one was bothering me with tales of glory or trying to interrogate me for my reason for being here; Not like I really knew what that was anyway. It was nice. I was alone, which, for me, had become custom over the years. In all honesty, I'm afraid it would take an awful lot of work to get me in a position where socializing felt natural. All I'd done during my time on Earth was mock people and piss them off. That's not exactly the way to make friends.

        I stayed hidden in my corner until people began to file out. Slowly at first, but soon enough, whole groups were leaving, getting ready for the day ahead. I crept out from the gloom that had shrouded me in disguise. My plate was set down on a vacant table, and I was about to leave and figure out what trouble I could get myself into when a voice boomed from behind me. These folks could learn a thing or two about inside voices.

        "What's this? My honored guest is trying to sneak out without even a thank you to show her gratitude." I turned to find the Allfather sitting alongside Frigga and Thor, their table smaller than the rest and in the back of the room. "I don't believe we had the chance to speak at the feast either. You're not a fan of all the people, are you?"

        "I'm afraid not, your majesty." Bowing on one knee, I waited for him to nod, allowing me to stand back up. "Though I don't suppose I've ever been much of a people person. I apologize if you find my personality offensive."

        I didn't really need to add the last part, but the part of me that longs to frustrate people couldn't help but see if the comment would get on his nerves. It might have been a bad idea to get on the King's bad side, especially since he was the one who asked me to come here, though I had a feeling that his wife would step in if I were on the verge of being thrown out. She'd managed to get Loki three days of rest before his trial, and he was a war criminal. I'd be safe as long as she was in the room.

        The thought made me wonder where Loki was since he evidently wasn't seated with the rest of his family. Perhaps, once I was out of this unwanted social confrontation, I could find him. Oddly enough, he'd been one of the nicest people to me apart from his mother. And that was saying a lot as he'd almost destroyed New York the day before.

        "I assure you, as of the time being, I have no reason to find any part of you offensive. That may change if you continue to be so imprudent with what you say." I bit my lip, trying to look sorry. Frigga and Thor were totally falling for it. Odin seemed weary, but thankfully he wasn't distrusting just yet. He sighed. "If you would really like to leave, I do not believe I have any reason to stop you. Go, but know that I will wish to speak with you again tonight. We're having a ball in Thor's honor."

        "You know, I was wondering if there was a way for me to. . . not go to that? It has nothing to do with you, of course. I just wasn't planning on coming in the first place, before you cordially invited me for a conversation."

        "I'm afraid that is not an option. If need be, I can have Thor stop by your chambers and make sure you get there on time."

        "No, no, I'm sure I can get there by myself. It's in the throne room, right. I passed by there this morning. I know where it is."

        The corners of his mouth tightened into a smile. "Oh, I do not doubt your memory, so think of it as a token of my hospitality. I am sure Thor would have no problem stopping by and making sure you enjoy the festivities along with the rest of us."

       Thor nodded, surprisingly quiet. I wondered if it had to do with what I'd said last night. I'd have to remember to apologize to him and his friends, no matter how much it pained me to do so.

        "Then I guess I'll see you tonight." I forced a grin. "It's been a pleasure making your acquaintance, your majesty." Another bow.

        "You as well, Winter Edwards."

        The way he said my name sent shivers down my back. Was I going to be sent back tonight? Uh, I really should have watched my tongue. Worried over what was in store, I hurriedly made my way out of the great hall. Please tell me this place had a library.