chapter 3

You arrived in an observatory like room still holding on to Thor's left arm while Nat was on his right. You smiled in awe, taking in your new surroundings. 

'Maybe it wouldn't be too bad being forced to stay in this realm,' you thought, only to be brought back to the present by a deep monotone voice. 

"Welcome home, my prince," the tall, dark-skinned man responded, watching the three of you. His armor shining as the sunlight reflected off the bridge behind him. His piercing golden eyes are watching intently staring into the sky behind you. 

"Ah Heimdall, dear friend. May I introduce Lady Natasha Romanoff, And Lady (Y/n) (Y/l)? They are here for the Contest." Thor smiled as he clasped the man on his back. 

"Welcome to Asgard," he gave a curt nod to both women before turning towards Thor. "All-Father has requested to see you. I suggest not making him wait," Heimdall said with an air of authority; Thor simply nodded and motioned for you and Nat to follow. 

"Why does your father want you to see him?" (Y/n) asked once out of Heimdall's hearing range. 

"It's formal for all maidens to meet the All-Father as soon as they arrive. You and Lady Natasha will also meet mother. But, you are not allowed to meet or see Loki until the ball that starts the competition." 

Thor explained as a young woman dressed similarly to Thor came riding across the bridge, holding the reins of two white horses. 

"Ah, Sif, I should have known father would send you to greet us" Thor smiled but frowned when he saw there were only two horses. 

"Thor All-father is becoming impatient," she warned; she looked at the women beside her friend. "Do either of you know how to ride?" She asked as gently as possible. 

"I do, though I haven't ridden a horse in years" (Y/n) answered. Nat just rolled her eyes growing more and more irritable. 

Sif hands you the reins to one of the horses, and you skillfully pull yourself upon the smooth saddle. Thor mounts the 2nd horse beside you, followed by Nat sitting behind him. Soon you and your companions were off towards the palace. 

Loki's pov

I was having tea with Mother when a guard came to her study, and crudely interrupted us. 

"My Queen, the All-father, has requested you to join him in the throne room. The maidens from Midgard have arrived." I smiled at my mother. 

"It seems our conversation will have to wait. Odin requires you. I shall be in the library organizing one of the events." Both Frigga and I stood. Shared a quick hug and cheek kiss before splitting ways. 

Normal pov

Meanwhile, back at the entrance to the throne room:

A guard went in to tell Odin he had visitors. He opened both of the beautiful golden doors. Thor led you both through. You looked at Natasha; she didn't look nervous at all. You were sure you seemed as nervous as you felt. As soon as you got into the room, Thor bowed to his father. You tried to curtsy but almost fell on your face. Natasha also tried to curtsy; she did a little better than you but not much. "Rise," Odin commanded. 

"Father, this is Lady Natasha and Lady (Y/n) Of Midgard," Thor announced formally. As he said each of your names, he motioned towards each of you. Odin's face hardened at the mention of Midgard. He glared at each of you as Thor introduced you.   

"Why are they here early! The contest doesn't start for another two weeks! If you were going to bring maidens early, you should have brought some who weren't Midgardians!" Odin spat Midgardians out as if it were toxic.

"I thought they would like to see the realm seeing as they didn't know Asgard existed until I went to Midgard," Thor replied, completely ignoring how rude his father had been. Natasha glared at Odin. Frigga arrived. "Hello, you must be Lady Natasha and Lady (Y/n). It's an honor to meet you." Frigga smiled kindly. You smiled back. "The honor is all ours," you replied. 

"Enough!" Odin bellowed. "The Midgardians may stay," Odin said as if he was doing you a huge favor. "If you didn't want us here, then why did you invite us!" Nat snapped. "Do not speak to me that way, Midgardian! You are below me! Tradition dictates that a maiden from each realm is to be invited!" Natasha scoffed. "Alright, why don't you take Lady Natasha and Lady (Y/n) to the chambers that they've been assigned to stay in during the contest," Frigga suggests. "That is a great idea, Frigga," Odin says kinder than before, Thor takes them away!" Odin commands just as unkindly as before. Thor nods his head. "Yes, father."

"Come on, you two." Thor leads you out of the throne room.

(Y/n) Nat and Thor walk in silence as he takes you both to the guest wing, where you both will share a room. 

"Thor, is your father always that...venomous?" Nat spits out irritated. 

"Father has a strong dislike for Midgardians since I fell for Jane and refused the throne," Thor explained as he waited for you both to settle in. "But for now, just respect him and avoid him as much as possible." You both nod in agreement.

"So before dinner, what would you like to see first?" Thor asked kindly. 

"I would like to go to the stables. Can you have someone show me the way? (Y/n) asked, knowing Nat would probably follow to keep you out of trouble. 

" A splendid idea Lady (Y/n). I shall notify one of the" Thor started to say until you interrupted 

"Just give us which way to go. I'm sure we can find it" you smile softly, changing into a pair of riding jeans and a forest green tank top. 

Thor had given you the directions, biding you to be careful before leaving to attend to some princely duties. You and Nat had been walking for about 20 minutes, and suddenly you heard the horses. 

A mile-wide grin spread across your face as you ran the last few yards to see the horses. 

"Nat come on," you shout as you enter the stables going up and petting the first horse you see. 

It was a beautiful, jet black stallion. He whinnied, nudging your hand. 

(Y/n) saw Nat enter timidly walking over to join you. 

Raising an eyebrow, you watched as one of the horses tried to nip her red hair. 

"Ahh!" Natasha exclaimed, jumping back, accidentally letting you see her fear of horses. 

You burst out laughing; Natasha glares threatening at you. 

"If you tell anyone I will personally cut your tongue out," she spoke, emphasizing the venom of her words. You went silent, nodding, then watched her leave. 

The black stallion nudged your face gently, wanting attention, so you began stroking his neck and mane.

"What do you think you're doing here?!" A smooth yet authoritative voice spoke out, startling not only you but the horses as well.