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"Signe," I said, cutting her off before she could ask another question, "do you think they'll consider me a Sage too? You know, since I entered Innangard and returned?"
"Of course!" she exclaimed. "Everyone's talking about you. Did you learn anything there?"
"Actually, I learned that dwarves are smaller and more stout with long beards," I replied. "And that my father and I are Midgardians."
"Midgardians?" Signe pondered, her brow furrowing. "I've never heard of them before."
"Neither had I," I admitted, stretching my stiff muscles. "But now I really want to see Utangard with my own eyes...eye… Thorsten's descriptions just don't do it justice."
"His Majesty won't be happy about you being on your feet with remnants of the poison still in your body," Signe warned.
"Then don't tell him," I countered, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. "Besides, you're my servant - I'll take full responsibility. Just say I forced you, which I'm doing now."
Signe sighed but gave in. She fetched some comfortable clothing for me to wear and explained that she'd personally tailored my new clothes so they'd fit properly. "A king's consort can't walk about looking disheveled," she said, showing me a beautiful teal and gold tunic and loose pants with shoes that were beautifully handmade. The fabric was soft and smooth to the touch, and the gold embroidery shimmered as it caught the light.
"Alright, Signe" I said, my voice quivering slightly. "I need help undressing." I could feel my cheeks heating up as I stood there, already half-naked in front of a woman. It wasn't something I was used to or comfortable with.
"Of course," Signe replied gently, stepping closer and carefully assisting me with the remaining clothes. "There's nothing for you to be embarrassed about."
"Easy for you to say," I muttered under my breath, feeling self-conscious as she helped me into the tunic. "This is all so... strange. Having someone take care of me like this, waiting on me."
"You're now the consort to the King," Signe explained patiently, her hands deftly adjusting the fabric until it fit perfectly. "This is the treatment you can expect from now on. When the war is over, many more servants and guards will be eager to serve you. Right now, I'm just one servant. The Keep is probably teeming with more eager to see their new King's beautifully blushing consort." Her lips curved into a small smile as my face turned an even darker shade of red.
"Thanks for that," I grumbled, feeling exposed and vulnerable despite the luxurious clothing. With Signe following close behind, I headed outside onto the deck of the ship. The fresh air felt invigorating, but no matter how much she tried to reassure me, I didn't think I'd ever get used to being pampered like this.
A part of me almost didn't want to trust letting my guard down because I remembered how things were back in old New York when I lived in the Titan palace. I recalled the resentment the servants had for me and how it even led to me inadvertently calling for the death of an innocent woman while the real culprit was smiling in my face the entire time. The thought of going through that same experience, of not being able to trust those around me, sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't think I had the stomach for any more backstabbing.
"Are you alright, Your Highness?" Signe asked, a note of concern in her voice as she noticed my sudden shift in mood.
"Fine," I lied, trying to shake off the dark thoughts. "Just need some time to adjust."
"Take all the time you need," she reassured me, her eyes warm and understanding. "I'm here to serve you and make sure you're comfortable."
"Thank you," I whispered, grateful for her support despite my lingering fears.
As we approached the docks of Hrungnir Keep, I couldn't help but gawk at the sight before me. Titan nobles, dressed in the finest garments and adorned with shimmering jewels, lined the harbor, their eager faces a mix of curiosity and anticipation. It appeared that word had spread about Thorsten's new title.
"Word travels fast here," Signe commented, following my line of sight. "We managed to restore communications with the Keep a few days ago. They all know that Thorsten is now the new king."
"Great," I muttered, my stomach twisting into knots. "Do they also know that their new king is mated to a human? Do they know about our children?"
Signe nodded. "Yes, the nobles at the Keep know that the king is mated to a beautiful human" – she grinned at me teasingly – "and two adorable children. I had the pleasure of meeting Thor and Loki and playing with them. They're just as big as Titan children their age, so they should get along well with the other kids there."
I tried not to grimace, but I couldn't help feeling worried. "And what if they don't accept us?"
"Your Highness" – Signe placed her hand on my shoulder gently – "we titans can look intimidating, but we are natural born explorers who treasure knowledge and new things. If you carry yourself like you don't belong at the king's side, then they will treat you as such. Your uncertainty will breed their fear. Trust Thorsten, trust us titans."
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, forcing a smile. She was right. I'd endured far worse than judgmental looks from nobles for the man I loved. Thorsten was stuck with me until the sun melted, and then he'd be stuck with me in darkness. Heaven help anyone who tried to get in the way of that.
"Okay, I'll trust you," I agreed, feeling a bit more at ease thanks to Signe's encouragement. I allowed myself to relax and take in the scenery of the ocean and the mountains in the distance. Parts of the Keep already looked mighty and majestic, and I couldn't help but be impressed. The air here was so fresh; it didn't smell full of pollutants and smoke like Old New York. Sahara wasn't polluted either, but the place reeked of fish.
With my nerves somewhat calmed, I decided to head to the infirmary to check on my father. William was sitting up in bed when I arrived, his face pale but his eyes bright. "How are you feeling?" I asked him, trying not to sound too worried.
"Better," he reassured me with a weak smile. "The doctor says the worst is behind me now."
"Thank heavens," I breathed, relief washing over me. The doctor, however, didn't look quite as relieved as she turned her attention to me.
"Your Highness, you should be in bed yourself," she scolded. "You're still testing positive for traces of the poison."
