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"Good," I replied dryly, still keeping an eye on Kal and Váli.
"So, Thorsten…" Tyr began, adopting a more serious tone, "Your voyage into the unknown... When this war is over and we settle down, I want you to tell me all about it."
"I'd like that," I admitted, allowing my mind to wander to those moments of exploration and discovery. "I also hope that by then, I won't have to wear this damn crown anymore."
Tyr chuckled, looking me up and down. "Well, I must say, it does look good on you."
"Perhaps, but I can feel its weight," I replied, reaching up to touch the twisting branch-like metal circlet resting upon my brow.
"Can't be that heavy," Tyr teased, giving me a knowing look.
"Maybe not physically," I conceded. "But there's a lot riding on me now, and I know Kal's putting on a brave face for me. Butthe longer this crown stays on my head, the more his life is in danger."
"Try not to be as bleak as Váli," Tyr advised, his expression softening. "We Titans have always been accepting of new things and even new species. We're explorers, after all. That's why we couldn't resist using the Traveler's rune, despite knowing it was dangerous. When they thought you had died going through that portal, the kingdom wept for you. They believed you'd died doing what you loved, and they found solace in that. Now, not only did you return, but you came back with a loving family."
"Then why do they plot and scheme against Kal?" I asked, frustration evident in my voice.
"Because they're scared," Tyr admitted. "The royal family is scattered, and so few of you are accounted for. Kal is an unknown species - they just need time to adjust."
I sighed, hoping he was right.
"Excuse me," I said to Tyr, with a nod of acknowledgement from him, I took my leave of him and strode over to Kal just as Váli slipped away.
"Kal?" I questioned, noting the slight tremble in his stance. "Are you alright?"
"Of course," he replied, attempting to sound casual. His voice betrayed him.
I raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "What were you and Váli discussing? Did he say something to you?"
"N-no, nothing like that," Kal stammered, a weak smile playing on his lips. "He was just telling me about how dwarves used to exist here and a story about when you two met as kids."
"Ah, I remember that," I chuckled, recalling Váli's sensitive nature back then. "He was such an easy target for bullies; I couldn't help but protect him." The image of a young Váli, tears streaming down his cheeks, flooded my mind. But I couldn't ignore the tension still lingering around Kal. "You seemed quite shaken while talking to Váli, though. What's wrong?"
"Okay, I'll admit it," Kal sighed, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I was feeling a little jealous watching you talk to your former lover... Tyr, right?"
"Jealous?" I scoffed, trying to conceal my amusement. "My relationship with Tyr is ancient history. He's nothing more than a friend now. We grew up together, both nobles, so everyone wanted us to marry. But we never really kissed or did anything intimate. It took one attempt for us both to realize we weren't a good match."
As I spoke, I saw the tension in Kal's posture ease, replaced by a soft chuckle. "Well, that's a relief."
"Still worried?" I asked, observing the lingering unease in his eyes.
"Váli mentioned you might be expected to marry another titan," Kal admitted, shifting his weight. "I couldn't help but wonder if those nobles were introducing you to my... competition."
"Hardly," I snorted. "I already have a headache from dealing with them. Some aren't even focused on the war; they're more concerned about petty land disputes."
"Once we get to our room on the ship, I'll give you a massage," Kal offered, grinning mischievously. "Maybe that'll help with your headache."
"Sounds divine," I replied, smirking. I anticipated spending some quiet alone time with him, away from the constant chaos of nobles and their scheming.
"Good," Kal said, taking my hand in his.
KAL
We finally reached the royal suite onboard the ship. I couldn't help but marvel at its luxury - the high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, and the teal and gold banners emblazoned with the Esmian royal insignia. Soft, plush carpets covered the floor, and sumptuous, velvet drapeshung over the large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the ocean.
"Damn, Titans really know how to live it up," I muttered under my breath, more than impressed.
Thorsten chuckled as he carried Thor, while I cradled Loki in my arms. The twins had worn themselves out playing with their cousin Magnus, Radorgirn's youngest son. As we laid them down in their own room, watching them snuggle into their appropriately-sized bed, I couldn't help but think about the size of Thorsten's family. He was the youngest of fourteen siblings, which was insane to me.
