"Somebody better be dying, Bhalar," Vidar growls. It will never cease to amaze me how quickly he changes in front of other people.

  I squeeze his hand; I feel bad for Bhalar. He has to deal with his highness's annoyed mood all the time. Vidar looks my way and I plead with him to give the poor creature a break. He gives me an annoyed look and I smile sweetly at him.

  Bhalar is still shrunken in the hall. "Lord Thor has requested a meeting with you, lord, when he returns from Midgard. He says there is a message from the realm of the wolves."

  "When is he coming back from Midgard?"

  "In the afternoon, lord."

  "Send Sigurd in my place. He will report back to me." Vidar pulls me, and I spring up to step next to him. We pass Bhalar, his head still cast down.

  "Uh, Lord. It sounded like it was important." Bhalar follows behind us at a safe distance.

  Vidar stops and turns. I squeeze his hand again, begging him to go easy on the messenger, but he continues glaring at the poor leprechaun.

  "I said send Sigurd. I will only leave if the realm is burning. You have your message, Bhalar."

  Bhalar trembles from Vidar's authoritative voice, but there is nothing I can do for him. Vidar turns and pulls me to the dining room for breakfast.

  We sit in our usual chair.

  "Will we ever sit in different chairs and eat like normal people?" I ask as I dip the bread in stew.

  It’s crazy how what started as a threat to force me to eat has turned into our thing.

  "No." He says before he opens his mouth as I feed him.

  "If the Goddess knew she not only gave you a soulmate, but a feeder too, I wonder what she'd say," I mutter, amused.

  He grins as I stuff my own mouth with the goodness.

  "She would be proud. She is quite the romantic, the Moon Goddess."

  I quip my eyebrow before I swallow. "You know her?"

  "I've met her." He corrects.

  "What is she like? Where does she live? Is she white everywhere? Is it true that the rainbow is her hair? What does her hair look like? Are her eyes white like snow?" So many questions race through my mind.

  "No, she isn't white everywhere."

  I look at him with an expectant look. "Well?"

  "She isn't a being like you and me." He says and I squint my face in confusion.

  He sighs. "She doesn't have eyes, or hair, she is...she is a creature unlike any that exist in the realms. She is a form."

  "Then how does she speak or see or hear us when we pray?"

  "Thalia."

  "I don't understand." I pout.

  "I'm hungry.".

  He diverts my attention and I roll my eyes as I break more bread for him.

  "Tell me everything," I say as I bring more food to his lips.

  He bites and I watch him take his time chewing. I wish I could chew for him and spit it in his mouth like a baby bird so he doesn't waste more time.

  He rolls his eyes after he swallows. "There isn't much to tell about her, but she is all-powerful. She's one of the few remaining Old Gods that haven't crossed over to the realm of the Old Gods.” He pauses, looking for more food. But I won’t give in till he tells me the rest.

  We stare at each other before he finally sighs and gives up.

  “She lives in a secluded part of this realm and only the ruler of the seven realms can request an audience with her. Or she may summon you, which is even more rare. My father took me and Thor when I was a child of twenty, and Thor was fifty. She wanted to give us her blessing and have a talk with father."

  I am amazed. It is easy to forget who Vidar is.

  "Stop thinking so hard, baby bird, daylights a wasting, and you promised me a portrait."

  I roll my eyes for the hundredth time today and he pinches my cheeks playfully.

  We finish eating and then walk to his garden.

  It feels like the sun is shining especially bright for us today. The garden's colors are more prominent, and everything feels so alive. Breathing air even feels like a new experience. It is a beautiful day.

  He tells me the cherries will bear fruit in the next five years and I can't wait to taste them.

  Apparently, they are life-changing, if my soul mate is to be believed.

  When I stand in front of the canvas, I struggle for a moment, deciding how to paint us. With the big painting of our story on hold at the moment since he came back, I want to make this one special too.

  I stew with the idea for this one, not landing on anything concrete. If it's a picture of us together, what should that look like?

  "Vidar, help please?"

  He sets down his book and rises from the bench, coming to stand beside me.

  "I am very inspired, but I just can't zero in on what it is I want us to look like. What do you think?"

  He taps his chin a few times. "How about you paint us in the future? What you want our future to look like."

  I am intrigued by the idea. "Tell me more."

  He holds me from behind and nestles his chin on my fluff of hair. "When you think one-hundred, three-hundred years from now, what do you want our life to be like? Children? Grand children? Do you want us to grow old in this castle?"

  I crane my neck to look at him. Those are very pregnant questions with long answers and many possibilities. As a human I've never thought a hundred years into the future, we don't live that long.

  "Hm, definitely a child, but one. How many do you want?"

  "With you? Even thirty." I feel him chuckle.

  "Oh goddess, thirty?"

  "I kid, my love. We'll have as many or as little as you want. But my father has twenty-three children so it’s very possible."

  "So, your father really had concubines while married to Freya?" I realize the question comes out accusatory, but I can't help it. Will Vidar have concubines at some point in our life and is that something I can accept?

  "It was an agreement between him and his wife, baby bird. And no, you are all I want, forever."

  My brows don't relax but I nod.

  "By the way, why don't his other kids stay in this realm like you and the others?"

  He stiffens at my questions. I hadn't thought it was deep but maybe I don't know as much about the Empire as I thought.

  "That is father's decision, my queen," he says and I get the sense that the conversation is over.

  Strange.

  Vidar keeps nothing from me anymore. Even if it's difficult or a secret, he will tell me something when I ask him directly. Maybe not all is rosy in the Empire of Odin.

  I make a note to look in the library for answers. I know he keeps many journals that talk about his family in there. I’m bound to find something about Odin's extended family.

  Vidar returns to the bench, and he takes his book, and dives back in.

  I turn and look at the blank canvas. Inspiration slipping in and out of my mind. I know what I want to paint but I just don't know how to deliver it.

  The People Of The Sun

  Vidar

  My queen and I step into my father's palace, our people in tow. It is a week before the rites and the first day of the preparations. We will spend all week apart and I am not enthused about that.I am going to have to double my efforts to prevent myself from disregarding the pre-union customs and going to her. The only comfort is that she will be immortalized when this is over.

  Immortalization is rarely done, but since she is human and bound to live only a hundred years, she will need it. A few measly decades are not enough time with her. I need fifty thousand more years with her.

  Aunt Hela will perform the ceremony with Freya. I wish I could see my queen’s face when she meets my aunt. I would like to be a bee in that room. I know she will be overjoyed.

  Gary purrs in her hands. The snag has slept for most of the afternoon. Maybe Thalia was right, he has been spoiled. It's not just Thalia and myself who tend to his every whim, the whole castle has taken a liking to the thing. Petting him and giving him his favorite snacks at his beckoning.

  "Your majesty, Lord Vidar and Queen Thalia for your audience." Jowel bellows as we approach.

  Thalia nears me and takes my hand. Her hands are slightly moist and trembling. But there is no need for her to be nervous. Father is probably more excited than her to meet the woman who almost undid me. I squeeze her hand and give her a reassuring smile.

  We walk in and find father on his throne with Freya at his side. My siblings are sitting in their chairs on the sides. I try to stifle my annoyance at why they felt the necessity to be here. It’s too much of a crowd and they will make Thalia feel overwhelmed.

  We bow to father and Freya.

  They rise and we join them.

  "Word of mouth does not do you justice, my child." Father comes closer, Freya in tow and I let go of Thalia’s trembling hand.

  Father is spotting a wide, warm smile as he opens his arms for her. She approaches tentatively, but steadies herself and takes his embrace.

  "I see this son of mine made everything right. I am glad you found your way back to each other. You are welcome to this family, Thalia." He holds her by her shoulders, looking at her in fondness.

  Freya embraces her next and whispers something I can’t hear.

  "You are beautiful." Freya smiles at her and Thalia bows her head to both of them.

  "I hear you've already met my other children." Father looks around the room. They all near us and I take Thalia's hand.

  "Oh, come on, brother, we won't nibble on her," Hodur says.

  "Speak for yourself," Thor murmurs with a mischievous smile.

  Thalia tenses next to me and I turn my ire to my brothers who are being idiotic. But they just laugh.

  "Don't scare her. She'll think we really eat humans," Freya reprimands.

  "She knows we are playing, mother," Hodur says.

  "Queen Thalia." Vila pulls my soulmate in her embrace, and Thalia visibly relaxes. Vila looks at her after she's pulled away. "You look even more radiant. How is that possible?" She smiles and Thalia smiles back.

  Baldur, Hodur and Thor all kiss her hand, and they roll their eyes at me because I won’t let go of her hand. When the pleasantries are out of the way, father speaks.

  "The feast won't eat itself."

  “Father, you are just eager for that wild deer Hodur brought yesterday.” Thor taunts

  We all chuckle.

  “Careful...” father warns and even Freya tries to hide her amusement.

  We head to the grand hall, and we sit for the meal.

  "So, Thalia, where in Midgard do you hail?" Freya asks.

  "The village of wondering valleys, goddess."

  "Ah, aren't they the descendants of the people of the sun?"

  Thalia nods. "Direct descendants, yes."

  "Which house is your lineage?"

  "The house of Shari."

  Father nods, remembering. Shari was an honorable chief; I was still a young boy during the time of his leadership.

  "Ah, I remember him. Strong and honorable chief, your ancestor. But a quick temper and very prideful." Father comments with a small grin.

  Freya chuckles, looking at her soulmate. "Are you thinking about the Court of Fifty?"

  Thalia furrows her brows. She must not have gotten to the history books about her lineage and her history.

  "Oh yes, I neglect to remember you were born yesterday, child." Freya grins at Thalia.

  "The Court of Fifty was the court made of all fifty chiefs of the strongest tribes in your realm. They ruled until...well, until they didn't." Father explains with a shrug.

  The Court of Fifty alliance was disbanded when my father decided to consolidate all the realms to himself after the chaos and power struggles that had ensued, almost destroying the realm.

  "He means until he laid waste to half the court." Baldur offers and her eyes widen.

  "Baldur..." I warn, glaring at my brother.

  "But your ancestor ruled with honor and he was a strong leader. You should be proud,” Father reassures her.

  “Yes, he stood steadfast for his people and he led with the grace and wisdom of ten rulers,” Thor adds.

  She nods, pride reflecting off her.

  After the dinner, we are separated. That last goodbye was hard as I kissed mine for the last time until we will see each other in a week. She gave Gary to me since she won’t have time to tend to him with all the classes and everything she has to go through.

  Anticipation fills my bones as I settle for the night, knowing she will start her preparations immediately.

  Immortalization

  Thalia

  I sit anxious, waiting for the goddesses.After all the preparations my body has gone through the past five days, and all the teachings about what this new life means for me, I now get to meet Hela for the immortalization ceremony. And I am beyond nervous.

  Not to mention not being able to see Vidar has left me feeling more anxious. I miss him very much. He would have soothed me with his steady touch.

  Freya and the other elders have taken turns counselling me on this new journey, and the ways of the celestials. But it did nothing to ease my feelings of not feeling worthy of deserving the position I now find myself in.

  The Moon Goddess should have given this to someone stronger and more in tune with the culture of the celestials. But it is me, and although I am nervous, I will try my best to be a worthy soulmate for Vidar.

  I take in a shaky breath when the door to the room I have been staying in opens.

  I can't see who it is. As part of the ceremony, I have to stay covered under a large covering so outside forces don't 'contaminate' me and can only come out of it when I have a ceremony. One of the many ceremonies in preparation for the immortalization.

  I haven't eaten anything either. I survive on a cup of a concoction the goddess Freya makes me herself and gives to me. It sustains me all day and I haven't been hungry or thirsty.

  The footsteps of the person who entered the room are light, but confident. They are followed by more footsteps and my heart hammers in my chest.

  Two bodies come to my side and the covering is removed. Before me stands a woman whose features are so striking, I gawk at them.

  She has hair as white as snow and skin even more melanated than mine, so rich. Her eyes are a sharp grey and her lips dripping in blood red lip paint.

  Dressed in purple ceremonial robes, her long nails are also the color of snow.

  I lower my eyes when I realize I have been staring.

  "Thalia, dear, meet the goddess Hela." Freya gestures to the glorious creature beside her.

  My mouth drops to the mat I'm sitting on before I look up to the smiling face of the goddess Hela. I feel a bit lightheaded. She looks glorious.

  So, this is the goddess I have sent all my prayers to.

  She extends her hand. "Come, dear child, we have much to do." Her voice is smooth and ethereal.

  She chuckles lightly when I hesitate. But I reach for her hand, and let her pull me up.

  Has she really heard my prayers?

  Has she really been looking out for me all my life?

  I walk between her and Freya, doing my best to remember what I have been taught about the proceedings and how today will be choreographed.

  A high priestess walks before us in a white ceremonial gown. I am the simplest dressed, wearing a simple robe.

  We walk to the other part of the castle and enter a large room, like a hall or a temple. In the middle is what looks like a pool, filled with a black liquid thicker than water.

  The priestess stops and we stop behind her. More women fill the room wearing the ceremonial gowns, donning runes on their faces and all exposed flesh.

  I try to focus on my breathing, and remember what I must do.

  The priestess turns to get a cup from one of the women. Freya and Hela remove my robe and I am left naked as the day I was born.

  I chance a look, and Freya gives me a kind smile.

  Two priestesses near us with pens for drawing the runes. Freya and Hela take one each and draw the runes on my body. On each breast, my stomach, back, neck, face. Behind my ears down my thighs and feet. Every inch of me is being covered in runes.

  They mutter words in a foreign language, a chant of some sort or a prayer. When my eyes scan the other priestesses, their heads are now bowed.

  When Freya and Hela are finished, they step back.

  It is my lone journey now to immortality.

  Taking a deep breath, I step forward and the priestesses start chanting in the foreign tongue. The runes on my body start glowing.

  One foot steps in front of the other and I walk towards the pool.

  I step in and meet a stair. I walk down and the water covers my body more and more as I descend. I take a large gulp of air before I walk under the water. I am not supposed to swim.

  My lungs start burning, but I continue walking, not changing my pace. I feel the runes warm on my skin as the cold water caresses my body.

  My feet come in contact with another step, and I step on it.

  I am out of the water on the second step and draw a large gulp of air. Pausing for a second before I continue.

  They are still chanting as I walk to the altar. My destination—the golden chalice—atop a small, lone pedestal. The altar has a pedestal and a chalice atop it, then the Statues of the Old Gods surrounding the alter positioned to look down upon it.

  I get a glance of my body covered in black, with the runes shining through.

  When I am finally in front of the chalice, the chanting stops. I take a breath to calm myself.

  I am really doing this.

  I hadn't really thought much about this ceremony. To me it was just a rite so I can be one with my soul mate. I hadn't considered the ramifications of it.

  I will be immortal. I will outlive my family.

  My family.

  I am pulled out of my thoughts by the booming voice of goddess Hela.

  "You are in the presence of Ymir and all the Old Gods. You have been chosen to receive this gift of immortality. Now drink, child, and let the Old Gods weigh you."