Chapter Text
Asgard, a place that was beautiful to the eye, calm and peaceful. Like everyone within its walls. You weren’t particularly important to anyone. Atleast to the higher ups, you were just a small princess of a bloodline throughout the kingdom. The Azela’s. You grew up in the inner kingdom on very beautiful grounds, where flowers bloomed on what it seemed to be all year long. You also trained, the Azalas bloodline had passed their fighting genes down from generation to generation. Thus, the reason why you were so good at fighting. One of the best in your household. From a young age you had studied the arts. But once word had set out about the King’s second son's wrongdoings it started a major political conflict between the kingdom. Asgard is practically being split into two. Things like that didn’t particularly interest you though. It just wasn’t your cup of tea. To discuss such things you have no say in was pointless.
Over the years, since the political outbreak in Asgard you grew into hearing the conversations. It’s practically something that’s spoken regularly. It was frustrating for you though, it’s not that you didn’t have interests in what went on in the walls of the caste. It's the overwhelming rumors that frustrated you. Knowing the difference between fact and fiction.
One particular day you were passing through the kitchens to get yourself a snack. Beforehand your mother and father had told you to stay away from the dining hall. But as an adult yourself, you had not listened to them and listened to your stomach. You spotted one of the fridges and made your way over to it rummaging through it. As one of the maids flung the kitchen door open to the dinning hall you began to overhear conversations. One right beside the doors, guards talking. Royal guards seemed to look like, “We need more enforcement..” The guard muttered.. “We cannot always keep our eyes out when mischief decides to do his deeds.” Your eyes glanced over to the door for a split second as you grabbed a yogurt from the fridge. Curiosity had gotten the best of you, ‘I wonder what he was doing to get the guards to complain’ The mischief himself is always up to things. Always the rumors you heard at least. It always kept you curious about him, about what he actually did that was so wrong to everyone around you. You stayed standing there for a split second until you made eye contact with your own father. His eyes burning into yours. The man was tall, about 6’2 and had been in the royal military for years. Himself actually being in charge of it, which made sense on why the royal guards would even be there. You felt your heart drop to your stomach, you weren't supposed to be anywhere near here. Your initial reaction was to move, to get out of there so it seemed like a delusion. You began to backtrack your steps and make your way out of the large kitchen full of employees. As you ran you began shoving them out of your way. Once you found the door for the kitchen you slid around the corner and hit the tall man.
‘’Azela!’’ Your eyes grew wide as you began to look up at the man. ‘’I just need a yogur-’’ ‘’That's enough!’’ He interrupted you with fury in his eyes. You were tough, used to his discipline as he was a general. But it never failed to scare you and let you expose those emotions you tried to cover up. You gulped, your eyes scanning the area for any looks of escape. Your father let out a sigh, ‘’I told you to stay away from the dining hall. Only for a few hours’’ His voice had calmed with a more concerned tone. That has made you take a breath of relief, Thank god he has calmed… You thought while gripping the yogurt cup. ‘’Go to your younger sisters and watch them, please’’ Before you could even make a sarcastic remark he had turned with someone catching his attention. A smaller man had approached but he was definitely a lot buffer then even you. Your appearance wasn't masculen but you surely weren't paetec. Though your height was a different story. Your eyes met his gaze, one with curiosity on why he seemed so surprised to see you. You stiffened your stance, just in case it was someone important to the General, your father. ‘’General Von’’ Your father stood in a similar stance as you. Your assumption was true, he was important. Whoever this… General Von was. “You had left abruptly so I assumed it had something to do with your daughters.’’ You turned your head in defense. Were you really that awful that rumors had gone around? You rarely broke the rules, at least nobody knew when you did. You watched as your father stepped forward and General Von as well. But Von had stepped past your father and to you.
You took a heavy breath in, a worry overcoming you. What if this man wants to marry? Bleh.. He was way too old and from the looks of your father he wouldn't let that happen. Not in a thousand years. You watched as the man circled you, “Your father has talked about you..’’ His voice echoed. “About how strong you have gotten..” You kept your eyes fixed on your father and your chin high. This is exactly what you've been waiting for, for so long. To be a part of the kingdom. To be something.. All this training paid off. The man walked back in front of you, “I've wanted to visit with you but everytime I ask your always busy.’’ Busy. You echoed in your head as you looked past Von. “I assure you I have not been busy meeting with you. I was alway sent away’’ Your eyes fixed on your father. He tucked his chest in. Whenever he did that, that meant he was guilty. You watched him do it over the years you had been around. It pissed you off. After all this time he had been hiding this information? Of a man who wanted to discuss your talents? The man in front of you continued, ‘’Well..’’ He turned to meet eyes with your father noticing he was telling white lies as well. ‘’...I don't like to be lied to too’’ The old man's tone changed towards your father sending a chill down your spine.
His gaze met with yours again, “We have looked into your combat skills. I want you to be apart of the kingdoms guards.’’ He smiled, “Well.. do something similar. We can discuss further if you're interested though.’’ From the anger you just had skewed straight to happiness a small smile came over you, “Of course! I mean, Yessir. Ive-’’ “General Von, I'm not sure if she is fit for any position’’ Your father interrupted, you took a step from your stance garring around the man. “You have no say in what I do.’’ Your voice bit through the hallway getting a look from both your father and Von. Von let out a laugh lifting his hands as well, ‘’I like her already.. She's similar to you General.’’ He spoke to your father. You could see the anger within him on how you probably humiliated him. Though usually you would feel pity you didn't. He had lied to you, possibly for months or even years. When you could've had a position that was greater than being a useless princess that sat around all day. It made your stomach turn in loops, was he jealous? Were you just stronger than he was and he wanted to be in your position. Your fists tightened into balls at your sides as you watched your father. Avon had noticed the unbelievable anger within the hallway. The mean stares that you and your father were giving. “Well, there’s a meeting tomorrow evening. We will send you some attire and I expect you to be there by 5 alcock.” He smiled and nodded to you. As he took his leave he walked by you, “Don't tell anyone, but for a princess you're pretty badass” He winked and began walking again. Any other day it would’ve made it but right now your anger that filed within you was more prominent, more focused on wanting to scold your father.
As soon as there was no trace of General Von you took the first words, “What’s wrong with you! What’s your problem? Why did you lie to me! Deceived me?” You watched as he tried to talk but you continued ,“I’m an adult! I can make my own decisions. I mean shit! I’ve been training for years! Years! I deserve this. I’m not going to be some princess that sits around and does nothing!” You heard your voice echo through the long hallway. Your heart pumping fast from the screaming. You were expecting a scream back in a fight, like the ones you’ve always had but he had come back soft. A surprising soft. “ Azela, I just don’t want you to end up like your mother… I don’t want another one dead… Your younger sisters. They need you” You took a gulp, “They do..” Your voice is calmer than previous. “But father, I’m going to take this opportunity. My sisters can live without me for a while, I will be alive and take visits.” You huffed silently. “Just.. Don’t lie to me” You nodded your head, “I won’t let you deceive me again”
After your small fight, or perhaps a big one, with your father you had both attended to your duties and you took care of your younger siblings for the evening. After informing them that you’d be leaving the next day you had taken a leave to rest for the day. Letting a maid take care of them. Of course it was well needed for the day that comes ahead of you. You were clueless on what they would send you to wear and what you were going to do. It made sleeping even worse for you. Quite a struggle. You rolled around in bed trying to find some type of comfort, you were nervous. Way too nervous that you felt a ball in your stomach. This has been what you’ve been waiting for all your life. The hours of work, the training, the sweat and tears. All leading up to something. You stared at the brick wall for a while that was beside your bed. If someone had asked you about how many cracks were in it you could have listed the high number. It was practically carved into your head from how many times you traced the cracks with your eyes. Are they going to ask me questions? What if they make me a maid? Oh my god… Your mind spiraled on almost anything that could happen. Mostly being the most ridiculous and out of atmosphere things. You would have laughed them off if they weren't so real for you at the moment. Eventually your body passed out from the prior training you did that morning until the next morning had reached you.
“Lady Azela'' You groaned from the tiredness. You were used to waking up early, but that was when you had decent sleep the night before. “Lady Azela” The maid repeated, slightly shaking your shoulder. Your eyes flung open, “I'm awake! I'm awake-'' You sighed and sat up from your bed watching the maid take a step back from you. “Your attire has arrived” Your attention turned to what she was holding. It was some folded clothing. You took a sharp sigh and stood, “Hand it to me” The maid looked unsure for a second before she handed it to you. You laid the clothing on your unmade bed seeing what it was. You sighed, “A dress- Of course’’ It's not that you didn't hate wearing dresses. I mean you were a princess but it annoyed you. How am I supposed to wear a dress to a meeting with guards and military men? Aren't I supposed to be one. You felt the presence of the maid behind you. “Yes?” You questioned her. “Lady, it's supposed to be dinner. From what I overheard you have other attire there” You shrugged with your back still to her. “Well alrighty then…” You sighed with relief. Thank god. You waited for her to leave, yet after an uncomfortable moment she still didn't. Your eyes are wondering over the light grey dress.. Almost blue. It had sparkles in the chest area with sleeves to complement it. It was truly beautiful and definitely screamed royalty. More of a richer taste than the taste of your own family. You turned knowing why she was still there. The maid was an older woman, someone who was a motherly figure to you. “Juda'' You smiled, “I'm so excited..” She gave you a warm smile back and stepped around you to hold up the dress. “It's truly stunning Azela. Now I only woke you up a few hours early.. Let's get you ready’’ You couldn't help but smile again.
While she fixed your dress and put heavy amounts of jewelry on you, you talked about how excited you were. “I’ve been waiting all my life for this. The training I've done…” She slipped gloves that reached your elbows over both of your hands. The color matching your dress. You moved your hands around to look at it. “The material is beyond amazing..” It felt better than silk, lighter and way less sweaty. Your eyes darted to the door before there was even a knock, then a knock came. “Enter-” Juda sighed, she hated when you would do that. Your reflexes had been like that since a young age, knowing when people approached, certain reflexes or face tributes. A hidden talent persay. You were currently standing in the middle of your room with your arms out as Juda fixed the wrinkles and creases on the skirt of the dress. “Father..” Your father had walked in with a Tuxedo on. You felt a slight confusion but before you could ask he answered, “My daughter, I'm included in this meeting naturally. So I thought I could take you” His eyes wandered over the dress. “You look amazing” You turned slightly, “Juda, I'm fine now” You gave her your best comforting smile. You stepped towards your father, “Well Thank you” You lifted your gloved arms wrapping it around his. “We should be on our way then” You could see his face filled with relief. You weren't the type to hold grudges even though he had lied to you. But now you are on your way to making your life better. As you made your way down stairs your father had stopped, “I have a present for you” You watched as he entered a closed room and came out with two swords. The cases that enclosed the swords were a light floral pink. It was your mothers. You felt tears steam in your eyes, “No… I couldn't.. You know-” Your arms shook as he handed it to you. “No, Your mother wanted you to have these.” Your father gave you a warm hug. “She was skilled, very skilled and so are you” Keeping the hug you felt warm tears hit your cheeks.
Your mothers swords, one of the only things she kept behind. Your mother was a fierce warrior for the kingdom of Asgard and ought in many small wars. She sadly passed away, The only thing that had made their way back to your household was these swords. The swords she fought with. You remember the soft smile she gave you the small lessons she would give you as a child and preteen years. Now gone. You felt your hands shake as your father let go of you. “Here, your mother used to wear it like this.” He grabbed them and stepped behind you attaching them with a criss cross on the back of your dress. The tall figure stepped around you, “Beautiful..” You could see small tears piercing the sides of his eyes. “Well we must get going, We will be late” Your father proclaimed looking away from you. And you were off headed to the Castle. Your new job awaits you at the grand event, with the power of your mother.
The ride to the castle of Asgard was anxiety inducing. If you thought last night was rough for your intrusive thoughts.. today was something else. To be met with General Von again for this dinner party. A meeting as he stated. Who else would be there? What if you weren't accepted? The thought passed your mind about your father sitting beside you. He wanted to keep you away from this opportunity. But why? You shifted uncomfortably in your seat from the swords on the back of your dress. They weren't the most comfortable while sitting. A small huff came from your lips. You were obviously too forgiving.. But again, he was your father. He meant well. Last night while your thoughts went wild, you had thought about what he may have been protecting you from. And from the looks of this morning, he just wanted to keep you safe. Something he couldn’t do with your mother. You began to fiddle your hands while looking out of the opening of the transport shuttle. The words repeating in your head, ‘I don’t want to lose someone again’ The memory of your mother was quite shallow but from the stories your father told, very occasionally, he would tell you about how fierce she was. Eager to work and fight for the kingdom. “Father..” You turned to meet his face, “I apologize--for screaming at you last evening” You watched a small smile take his face. Something genuine. Which of course made you smile back. “All is well, daughter, I think your words are true. You need to make your own decisions.”
“I promise I won't let you down” You took in a nervous breath turning to the approaching castle in the distance. Such a quick ride.. You felt your heart pounding now. Control yourself Azela. You told yourself as a warm hand hit your exposed shoulders. “It will all be fine” You took a reassuring gulp. The ride was quick. Too quick for your liking. You watched as your father stepped out and opened the door for you. Whilst you stepped out you fixed your dress and readjusted your swords. There were tons of people at the entrance of the castle. My god, it is beautiful. Your eyes traced its tall appearance.. The thought of being inside this building excited you. What if you were to see the king, the princes, maybe the queen herself. Any of them would be an honor. Your eyes met with your fathers beside you, “Ready?” He asked as he let a hand out to help you out of the seat. You politely lifted your hand to his and lifted yourself out of the fairly uncomfortable seat. The weather was surprisingly colder than it usually would be. It left chills on your legs. Once you adjusted your dress and settled a bit your father brought his arm intertwined with yours to guide you within Asgard’s castle walls. You took in a deep breath as you approached the open entrance. With many different people entering. Your eyes scanned the area, seeing how it was mostly military men. But the women with them were more extravagant than ever. You looked down at your dress to compare. Well you seemed to fit in quite nicely. You looked just the same as the others. Maybe besides the dagger strapped to the back of your dress. As you walked in you were greeted by a man and a small reception area. Then after checking in you walked in a grand hall with the highest of ceilings and gold architecture everywhere. Compared to your housing this was grand. Your eyes widened a bit as you looked around, still letting your father guide you through the busy crowds of people.
It was like you were caught in a dream. Why haven't you been here sooner? It was like this was your destiny always meant for you. You sighed under your breath and the small relief. A lifelong dream finally coming true. After all these years…
After your small fantasy you were interrupted by a now familiar voice. You turned your head to see who it was. General Von. You blinked for a second realizing he had a drink to give to you. Some alcohol of some sort. After moving your arm out of your fathers grasp you extravagantly took it out of General Vons hand, raising it ever so slightly as a thank you and taking a sip. “Great to see you're interested.” He said contently, “The meeting will start shortly so relax some more” You felt yourself take another sip of the drink in your hand as your father greeted himself as well. You definitely needed to relax. Your anxiety was probably showing to the whole world. With a small smile you replied, “I deeply appreciate the drink. Thank you, I will” You’ve gotten this far there's no point in admitting you're nervous. Maybe you're just stubborn? You lifted the glass to your lips taking in the smell, rose’. It was enjoyable. After a moment you looked back to General Von seeing his weird expression. “How may I help you?” You furrowed your brows in confusion at his stare. “The dagger” He stated, “Your mothers?” You felt a chill from his mentioning of it. You had completely ignored the fact that it was there. Suddenly your eyes scanned around the room to see nobody else weaponized. “Uh, yes it was a late present...” You smiled trying to wave away the fact that you were wearing weapons when nobody else was. Almost like breaking a dress code.
“Well you look stunning this evening,” Von smiled and took his bow to leave the conversation. As you did as well to allow him. After he did, you turned to your father who was talking to another man. You knew nobody here, and relied on your father. How pathetic..
Thankfully after only about twenty minutes of feeling awkward everyone was called to attend meetings. But it wasn’t like you had thought. Instead of one big meeting people are split into groups. You eyed the man who grabbed everyone's attention. He was currently standing higher than most and calling lists of names. There were too many people in this room to count. You couldn’t imagine how long these groups are going to be divided up. After a while of waiting your name eventually got called, getting you to stop zoning out. You looked around for a second before moving to where you needed to go. Of course with some assistance because you weren't paying attention. Tssk, of course. After a few big cooradores and some twists and turns you were led to an even bigger room. Heavens! How big is this place? Bigger than you could imagine. You tried to vision what the rest of this castle looked like. How the casle people lived. Even if you were a princess yourself—you never lived in conditions like this and probably never would. As you walked you could hear your heels clicking and echoing off the walls. It felt like the room went on forever but you were eventually met with a couple familiar faces.. and oh my.. You were nervous.