Not Going Anywhere

With a straight and ridged back, Cora sits in the Queen's lounging quarters. Her brown eyes look around the room, taking in the many found memories from over the years. “Cora.” Cora's eyes dart towards the voice and she smiles shyly seeing the Queen. Standing up Cora goes to curtsey, but Frigga wraps her arms around the younger woman. Tensing up, Cora momentarily forgets how to breathe, but the warmth from Frigga's body soothes her in the way only a mother's love can. Relaxing, Cora hugs Frigga and Frigga pulls away holding Cora out at arms length. “You look well,” Frigga comments and lets Cora go. Frigga sits down on the couch and Cora follows suit, sitting sideways so that she can see the Queen's face as they talk.

“Today is one of my better days,” Cora admits and Frigga nods her head, understanding her meaning.

“Your father is missed by many,” Frigga whispers, reaching out to grasps Cora's hand. “After the funeral you left so suddenly...”

“I couldn't bare the thought of going back home without Father. My Aunt was kind enough to take me in.”

“That is kind of her, but what of your land?”

Cora sighs softly and tucks a few strands of hair behind her hair, “I have hired men to rebuild the house and my father's servants are taking care of the land while I am away. I am now the owner and I thought it best to start fresh,” Cora explains and Frigga gives her hand a light squeeze.

“I am happy for you Cora. Your father's death was hard on everyone, but I can not began to imagine what it was like for you. Kellin was a friend, he did so much for myself and my husband...in the end he gave his life to save Loki.” Cora's eyes flash at the mere mention of Loki's name and Frigga notices. Pulling her hand from Cora's, Frigga claps her hands together. “I have called upon you for a reason...”

“Anything, my Queen,” Cora states and Frigga looks Cora right in her eyes.

“I do not know if you are aware, but the last four months have not been easy...for any of us. Loki has changed; he has so much hate and anger inside him. He blames himself for your father's death and...no one can change his mind. No one can get close enough to him, to even try,” Frigga starts off and Cora listens to her every word. “He is guilty and feels that he should have been the one to die. Finding out his true parentage did not help either, he was raised to believe that Jotunheim was where monsters were born and that they were beneath us.”

Cora is hurt to hear Frigga's words, but she in also confused, “My Queen...I do not understand. What am I to do?”

Frigga's bright eyes dim and she looks down at her hands, “Your disappearance after the funeral was the last thing, my son could handle.” Frigga's voice is angry, but also forgiving. “Loki has distanced himself from everyone, including myself,” Frigga admits sadly and Cora frowns slightly. “I love my son. I do not care that he is not blood, blood does not make a family...”

“My Queen?”

Frigga picks her head up and Cora's eyes widen seeing the anguish in the Queen's eyes, “Go to him. He has always listened to you. He came to you for everything did he not?” Frigga asks, her eyes daring Cora to lie. “I want my son back. No one, but himself sees Loki as a monster. Odin regrets not telling Loki sooner, but he has too much damn pride to admit it.” The fierceness behind Frigga's words makes Cora shiver. “Will you see him?”

Cora swallows the lump that has formed in her throat and she nods, “Loki is my friend and I do not wish any kind of harm on him. This self pity is childish. If he will receive me, I will do everything within my power to make him see the truth.”

“The truth?” Frigga questions and Cora's lips turn up into a hopeful smile.

“There are no such things as monsters,” she states and stands up.

Notes

Are you ready for the newest story in my little Loki series? I'm excited to work on it, all the stories have come out well and I have enjoyed writing each one.

Cora's outfit