Guardian

Chapter 56

(Liv's POV):
Thor had insisted on bringing me back to Asgard, certain that his father would accept me as a subject considering my ancestry. I was less certain, however, considering he had previously thrown me into the dungeons and then I helped his son commit treason. Still, I finally agreed to go with him with the promise that he would smuggle me out of my cell if that was where I ended up. He had many powerful friends on Asgard and even though the majority of them had helped us escape and would most likely get locked up with me, he had such confidence that everything was going to be alright that I found myself almost believing him.

So that was how I ended up nervously pacing outside of the throne room, waiting for Thor to finish speaking to Odin so that I could have my turn. I was thankful that he went first, knowing that if he was to receive punishment for our actions, then I would know to flee before he had his guards take me back down to the dungeons.

But when the large golden doors opened, Thor seemed rather hopeful and gave me a reassuring smile. I was told by one of the guards posted at the entrance that I could go in and I took a deep breath before taking uncertain steps towards to the towering golden throne upon which sat the Allfather. As soon as I was at the base, I sunk into the formal bow that Thor had taught me before we went to meet with Odin.

"You may rise, Liv," Odin spoke and I did as he said, trying to keep my legs from shaking. "Do you realize what you have done since arriving on Asgard? After convincing my son to use our healers to help you, you brought a dangerous weapon into our realm, putting many Asgardian lives at risk, then had my son break you out of your cell so that you could help him commit treason."

"I understand, Your Majesty, but you must understand that what we did we did in order to prevent more Asgardian lives from being lost-"

Odin cut me off with a raised hand, "I do not need to hear your excuses, what Thor did was the right thing to do despite my believing that it was too dangerous. I did not call you here to defend yourself, I have called you here to offer you a home."

"A home?"

"Those chambers that Thor gave you upon your arrival are yours to keep and you may train to be a part of my army, to carry on the legacy of the Valkyrie."

I could not believe what Odin was saying, it seemed incredibly out of character for him given my past experiences. But then again, he had softened up around Frigga, so perhaps he was finally letting himself show that side of him around others. And it gave me a way to stop running, to finally settle down. In the place that Loki had once called home. A place that I knew would constantly remind me of him.

My hopes fell at that thought and I finally gave Odin my answer, "I thank you for your generous offer, Allfather, but please do not be offended if I cannot accept it. Might I have a few days to think it over and experience what life on Asgard is like before making my decision?"

A strange look passed through Odin's eye, but I could not figure out what it was he was thinking. At this point, I was merely praying that I had not offended him by hesitating to accept his offer. But I was not sure that I could live in the very palace that Loki had grown up, knowing that I had been the one who had failed to save him.

"You may take your time in deciding, but I do hope you chose to remain here. I can imagine how difficult it must be to be a powered individual on Midgard and hiding will be more difficult now due to recent events. But I will not try to sway you one way or another," Odin finally gave his response before dismissing me.

I gave him a final bow and then left the throne room, having a guard lead me to my chambers. I had yet to have the chance to memorize the layout of the castle and the last thing I needed was to get lost on my first day here with Odin's permission. I was afraid if I were to embarrass myself too much then he would reconsider his offer.