The halls of Utgard Palace were in an uproar. News of the missing guest of honor spread swiftly, faster than my monthly wages disappearing into oblivion, though I wasn't even sure where they used.
The servants whispered in hushed tones, hiding their words as they shared scattered gossip. Even some high-ranking officials appeared restless, pacing back and forth with confused expressions, distressed by King Loki's decision to abandon royal duties in pursuit of the man's whereabouts.
I, a lowly maid, was busy hauling dirty laundry, walking calmly through the palace's chaos. I couldn't help it, I couldn't hide my delight at the disorder around me.
Step by step, I carried the mound of dirty clothes to its destination. Ahead, though my vision was obscured by the towering pile in my arms, I could still hear two maids gossiping about the palace events.
"What's really going on? I heard the wolf girl caused a ruckus in the throne room earlier," one whispered, her voice barely audible to her companion.
"Yeah, I heard that too. They say she even tossed one of the king's guards with ease," the other replied, her tone equally hushed.
"They say it's because her lover went missing due to our king's actions. Do you think it's true?"
"I don't know, but that's the story going around," she murmured.
"Heeh." The first maid grinned slyly. "That man must mean a lot to her, for the wolf girl to threaten King Loki like that. I wonder just how amazing he is for her to go that far?"
"No idea, but he must be quite the catch. Besides, he's said to be very handsome. I saw him once during a tour with Princess Linnie."
"Heeey, why didn't you tell me that before?" The maid playfully bumped her shoulder against her friend's, and the two laughed, shifting their gossip to lighter topics.
I passed them with my head down, feigning ignorance while hiding the sharp curve of my lips.
Near the main hall, the palace officials were embroiled in heated debate, their voices booming, heedless of who might overhear.
"We have to do something! How can we let a royal guest vanish just like that?!" one of them bellowed.
"And what exactly do you suggest? The king caused this! If word gets out, our reputation will be ruined!" another retorted, clearly agitated.
I strolled past them with unhurried steps, the heavy laundry basket in tow. Their panic was my small entertainment. Once again, I couldn't suppress the glee creeping into my heart. My grin grew wider, sharper.
They knew nothing. None of them had a clue about my true identity—not even Loki. To everyone here, I was just a faceless servant.
The tatty maid's dress I wore was the perfect disguise to spy on Utgard. My ears were always ready to catch the softest whispers in the air, my eyes sharp enough to capture every silhouette, every movement in the palace.
Yes... I was the spy. A warrior and trusted agent of Odin. A mere pawn, ensuring the success of Odin's grand plan.
"They're all fools," I muttered, hiding my smug grin.
Until now, no one realized the chaos was my doing. I had deliberately sabotaged Loki's teleportation magic to ensure Fenrir's lover would disappear. I knew it would throw the palace into turmoil.
"Such a shame," I said, shrugging. "He's handsome and kind. Honestly, if I could, I'd have taken him to Asgard as my husband. But alas, he chose Fenrir over anyone else."
I halted, an absurd thought flashing through my mind. "Wait... does he even know that the girl he's with is Fenrir? I seem to recall she introduced herself as Fenrys."
Shaking my head, I dismissed the notion. "No, that's impossible. But if it were true..."
"Ah, never mind. I should focus." I resumed walking after wrestling with my thoughts.
Truthfully, I wouldn't have had to go to such lengths if not for Fenrir. A few days ago, I accidentally bumped into her. I thought everything would be fine—but I was wrong.
"I don't like your scent," she had said, narrowing her eyes and glaring at me with suspicion.
My heart pounded at her words. I quickly walked past her, head lowered. Yet that wolf's piercing golden eyes remained fixed on me.
Since then, unease had gnawed at me. That girl was far sharper than the rumors suggested. It wasn't good. If my identity were uncovered, everything would fall apart.
That's why I needed to distract everyone, especially Fenrir. It was all to buy time, until my sisters and Thor could act. Biting my lip, I steeled myself. This was all for the mission... for Asgard's glory.
At the end of the hallway, I spotted a familiar figure. She walked slowly, seemingly unaware of my presence. Her wavy hair shimmered like silk, her scent filling the air.
I chuckled silently, my lips curling into a mischievous smile. Gently setting down my basket, I crept up behind her and hugged her from behind, running my hands over her body with a soft, teasing breath.
She jolted, almost breaking free. "Hey, what the—"
"Relax, Emma, it's just me," I whispered, burying my face against her back and inhaling the sweet fragrance of her hair. My hands glided over her form, savoring the moment before the palace's clamor beckoned again.
Emma huffed, wriggling in my hold. "You... idiot! Why do you always do this to me? Why not someone else?"
I released her with a small laugh, loosening my shoulders as I faced her. "Sorry, sorry. I just missed you. You know you're the cutest girl in the world."
"Stop it," she mumbled, her tone softening. "I'm busy working right now."
Smiling faintly, I retrieved my basket and walked alongside her. "Come on, we can't look too relaxed in front of others. Besides, I can't tease you properly in the room."
"Please... let me work in peace," she said with a weary voice.
"Nope."
"Haaah." Emma sighed in defeat. "All I want is to work quietly, earn a lot of money, and retire comfortably. But instead, I keep running into trouble everywhere I go."
Her grumbling only made me laugh harder. This bear of a girl was utterly adorable when she complained about life.
I smiled softly, speaking in my mind. Don't worry, Emma. You're the one person I'll make sure to take to Asgard with me when this is over. I promise to keep you safe and treat you like a queen.
We walked together, chatting about everything and nothing. My cheerful laughter mixed with Emma's frustrated sighs, a small escape amidst the chaos.