As Erik walked through the grand corridors of the palace, Hela, Wanda, and Cindy walking alongside him, he ran a hand through his hair, his mind occupied with thoughts of Odin's strange, almost peaceful smile before death.
'He knew something... perhaps, Hela becoming my wife had something to do with it.'
While Erik still had some unanswered questions from Odin, he chose to address the more urgent problem first. That is, to declare his victory on Asgard and stop their useless resistance.
"I'll declare my victory in the most dramatic way possible," Erik continued. "I'll announce to the entire realm that Odin is dead… and display his severed head for all of Asgard to witness."
Hela perked up at that, her expression sharpening with intrigue.
Cindy winced. "That's… dark."
Well, it needs to be so. Odin is going to serve his army at least until he defeats Thanos. After that, he might revive him as well. Revive the real him.
Hela, on the other hand, grinned. "A fine idea. Public execution is always effective in crushing resistance." Then, her eyes gleamed. "And who better to deliver the final blow than his own daughter?"
Erik raised a brow at her. "You want to behead him?"
Hela nodded, twirling a black sword in her fingers. "Poetic, isn't it?"
Erik shrugged. "Fine by me." His interest in Odin's head was purely strategic. Whether he personally did so or not was of little importance.
With that matter settled, Erik turned to the group. "You guys go ahead and prepare. I need to speak with Frigga first. Alone."
As Erik left, Hela turned to Wanda and Cindy, her smirk unwavering. "So, tell me. Are you his main wife?" She directed the question at Wanda before turning to Cindy. "And you? His consort?"
Cindy giggled, shaking her head. "We aren't officially married yet. But if you're asking in terms of hierarchy…" She smiled. "There is none. Erik loves us all equally, Hela."
Hela tilted her head. "I suppose that must be true… for now. Since you both seem equally useless."
Wanda's smile didn't falter, but her eyes darkened. "Hela, in case you haven't noticed—Erik is only accepting you because of external pressure."
Hela's smirk twitched.
Wanda stepped forward, her voice dropping to a cold whisper. "And let me remind you of something—you're nothing but a tool to him. Perhaps, just as you were to your father."
Hela's sword materialized in an instant, its edge kissing Wanda's throat. "Careful, witch. I've skinned gods for lesser insults."
Scarlet mist flared at Wanda's fingertips, "Oh, yeah. I was wondering as well, what kind of title would I gain if I killed the so-called Goddess of Death..."
Cindy, sensing disaster, quickly placed herself between the two. "Guys, guys! Stop it! We don't need to be fighting among ourselves right now. There are more important things to deal with."
She looked at Hela, her tone softening slightly. "I know what you're doing. Stop it." Then, turning to Wanda, she added, "And Wanda, don't fall for it. You know she's trying to get a reaction out of you."
Hela scoffed but stepped back, fighting the two wasn't her intention anyway. She twirled her sword before making it vanish.
Wanda sighed and dismissed her magic, though her glare remained.
Cindy let out a relieved breath. "Okay, good. Let's not kill each other, yeah?"
Meanwhile, Erik arrived at Loki's prison chamber. The God of Mischief stood before the transparent wall, his piercing gaze locking onto Erik the moment he entered.
Loki stepped forward, pressing his palms against the barrier. "Welcome back, brother-in-law." His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Erik smirked. "Thanks for the warm welcome." His expression sobered as he looked past Loki, meeting Frigga's eyes. "I need to speak with your mother. Alone."
For the first time, Loki's playful mask cracked. His usual wit faded into something raw, something defensive. "No, you're not taking her anywhere."
Frigga stepped forward, her hand resting gently on Loki's shoulder. "It's alright, Loki," she said softly, her voice steady despite the tears glistening in her eyes. "Let me speak with him."
Loki hesitated, his gaze darting between his mother and Erik. "Mother, you don't owe him anything. He's the reason—"
"I know," Frigga interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. "But sometimes, even enemies must talk. Trust me."
Reluctantly, Loki stepped back, his jaw clenched as he glared at Erik. "If you harm her—"
"I won't," Erik said simply, his golden eyes meeting Loki's. "You have my word."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
A few minutes later, Frigga was seen sobbing, tears were pouring out of her eyes uncontrollably... but they were tears of gratitude.
"Thank you," she whispered between her sobs.
He had just shared the reason he attacked Asgard, the reason he killed this large number of Asgardians, and his plans for the future of Asgard. He also told her that Hela might become his wife in the future, though he was not sure at the moment.
Erik lowered his gaze. "You have no reason to thank me. If anything, I should be apologizing."
He exhaled. "I've done Asgard wrong. For my own selfish reasons." His fingers clenched. "I needed Odinforce and the resources this kingdom had. And for that, I took everything. For the greater good."
He added the last line trying to sound like something he absolutely hated. But these kinds of words work for people like Frigga.
"The things I did might make you hate me forever. But…" His voice firmed. "I will make this right. But there is something I want to ask of you. Do you by any chance already know that this would happen?"
Frigga nodded as she wiped her tears by dabbing the soft napkin. Then she sighed.
"Yao told us."
Erik narrowed his eyes, "Yao?"
"You know her as well. By the name of Ancient One."
"Ancient One... hm..."
Well. Well. Well.
The meddling hag once again.
But this left Erik thinking.
'That secretive hag, willingly discloses their futures to someone. '
He didn't know her purpose, but he was going to teach her a lesson for interfering.
===================
Thanks for reading!
Read 20 chapters ahead on pat reaon!
https://www.patr eon.com/Marveller