Hela noticed that Rhodes was acting a bit peculiar.
"What's wrong? Do you have something on your mind?" she asked.
Rhodes nodded and replied, "Have you noticed the way Odin and the other gods of Asgard have been treating you lately?"
Hela didn't expect Rhodes to bring up this topic, but since they had shared everything, she didn't deny it and nodded.
"It seems like they want to undermine you and take control of the legion you command."
Hela's face contorted in dismay upon hearing Rhodes' words.
"What are you planning to do? Will you just let this continue?" Rhodes inquired.
"I don't know," Hela responded with a helpless shake of her head. Rhodes could see in her eyes that she was aware of the situation but was struggling to accept it.
Rhodes continued, "You realize this won't resolve anything, right? Eventually, they might demote you, even push you out of Asgard altogether. Everything you've worked so hard for will vanish."
Hela had already suspected this outcome, but she was reluctant to face the reality.
She sighed with melancholy, but remained silent.
Rhodes understood that Hela had a soft spot for her father, God King Odin. It pained her to imagine a future where her relationship with him would be strained or broken.
Hela said, "Rhodes, let's not talk about this."
Rhodes hesitated, knowing that avoiding the issue wouldn't change the inevitable. He didn't want to see Hela turn into a ruthless figure, consumed by power.
But Hela's heart was still divided. She couldn't make up her mind to confront her father.
Rhodes tried once more, "Hela, I can't stand seeing you suffer like this. If it continues, you'll get hurt. I don't want to strain your relationship with God King Odin, but you need to understand the situation. There might be a clash between you and Odin sooner or later."
Hela had her own thoughts about this, but she couldn't muster the resolve.
She held Rhodes' hand and said, "Rod, I know you're worried about me getting hurt. You and my father are the only ones who've truly cared for me. You don't want to see me hurt."
"But I can't bring myself to make a decision. He's my father. Whether he's defeated in battle or imprisoned, I can't bear to witness it. Do you know? Lately, I've had dreams of him dying or being locked away, with a look of disappointment in his eyes. I can't face that."
Hela's voice trembled as she spoke of her inner turmoil.
Rhodes fell into silence. It appeared that Hela still hoped to maintain a positive relationship with God King Odin, despite the growing conflict.
Rhodes stood up, and Hela tightened her grip on her clothing.
"I'm sorry, Rhodes. I'm feeling tired. I need some rest."
Rhodes understood that she wanted to end the conversation. He respected her choice.
As Rhodes turned to leave, Hela called out, "Rhod."
Rhodes looked back, and Hela's demeanor had shifted from the imposing Goddess of Death to that of a troubled young girl.
"Thank you," she said with sincerity.
Rhodes nodded and replied, "It's the least I can do."
After Rhodes left, Hela slumped to the ground, burying her head in her hands. She questioned whether her choices were right or wrong, fearing she had driven Rhodes away.
In the days that followed, Hela and Rhodes didn't meet due to this incident. Hela regretted not reaching out to apologize.
But now she didn't know how to make amends, how to ask for forgiveness from Rhodes.
Time passed, and a few days later, Hela received news that Rhodes was about to embark on another expedition.
The Frost Giants on Jotunheim seemed to be making moves again, prompting God King Odin to send Rhodes, who had proven to be a reliable military leader.
Rhodes had assembled his elite force, the Hall of Valor, comprising over 6,000 well-trained warriors ready for action.
Rhodes couldn't help but glance back, as if he was waiting for someone to arrive, but the Rainbow Bridge had already appeared, signifying their departure.
He sighed and began to walk forward, ready to cross the bridge.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Rhod."
Rhodes turned to see Hela rushing towards the Rainbow Bridge with a dozen guards following her.
Heimdall, the guardian of the Bifrost, tried to intervene. "Princess Hela, you weren't assigned to this expedition."
Hela's expression remained cold as she replied, "I know. I just wanted to exchange a few words and leave."
Seeing Hela's determination, Heimdall stepped aside.
Rhodes looked at Hela's weary face and teased, "Haven't been getting enough rest? You look like you've lost weight."
Hela forced a smile and responded, "Just take care on your journey and return safely."
They exchanged a few words of farewell, with Hela still wearing a strained smile.
Then, Rhodes and his army began their expedition, leaving Hela behind.