Chapter 37

We were on the shore of Asgard's lake, at the base of the cliffs of Bilskinir. The lake was a black mirror; reflecting a gibbous moon on its surface. Gentle waves were flowing in; barely disturbing the wide expanse of water as they made shushing noises against the rocks. The rest of Asgard obeyed the admonishment and remained silent. I looked up, awed by the view of the cliffs looming over us, but it didn't last long. Thor opened the Aether and traced us through in a heartbeat.
We stepped out into a large, sea-blue, marble bathroom. There were grand columns everywhere, as if the ceiling was too heavy to be supported by mere walls. Artwork was spaced at intervals on the walls; each with its own spotlight. A counter with twin sinks stretched down one side a bit before giving up the fight and ending just short of a cream-colored chaise. The window behind the chaise was open, devoid of any glass, as were all the other windows I'd seen in Bilskinir. Baby blue curtains fluttered in the breeze. At the far end of the room was a white Jacuzzi bathtub with golden fixtures and turquoise tapestry curtains held back to either side of it. As I watched, the water started to pour into the tub.
"You need to bathe and relax so your mind can start to heal. If you're hungry when you're done, come out to the dining room and join us. But if you're too tired, you're welcome to sleep in the guest bedroom out here."Thor pointed back through a door behind him. "Okay?"
I nodded, and he kissed my forehead before turning to leave.
"Thor?"
"Yes?"He turned back to me with raised eyebrows.
"You just saved my life, didn't you?"
"Teharon did."He began to get that wounded look again. "He's in his rights to pursue a relationship with you now, even though he's already renounced the claim. God laws are pretty clear about a life for a life. If you wish it, I won't stand between you."
"Are you kidding me?"I thought back to what had been said in the cave. "Is that why you seemed so relieved when he told you that you didn't owe him? Is that secret god code for; Don't worry, I don't want your woman?"
"He never said he didn't want you, and I saw the way you looked at him."Thor didn't even try to hide his hurt.
"He's hot, and he basically felt me up from the inside."I made an unladylike snort. "Give a girl a break, would ya? I'm surrounded by sexy gods who, for some reason beyond me, seem to think I'm attractive too. I can't help lusting every now and then. I'm not dead."
"Is that Vervain code for; Don't worry, I don't want Teharon?"
"I guess it is."I shook my head and laughed at myself. "And he doesn't want me either, Thor. You need to relax."I'd just had Teharon inside my head, and I knew his feelings for me were platonic.
"Thank you,"he said and grinned. "I'll give relaxing a try sometime when you're not being possessed by a bloodthirsty Aztec."
"Don't thank me yet; you might wish I'd chosen Teharon before we're through."I chuckled.
"Vervain,"he filled my name with wonder. "There isn't a god out there who wouldn't trade places with me right now, no matter the cost."
"You know what, Thor?"I was equally bemused. "I don't get it. I've met a few goddesses now, and I know you could have a lot better than me. Is my magic really that appealing or are you all just tired of beautiful women?"
"You're a witch; you know the call of magic."Thor came to stand before me and slid his hands over my face. "Yours is like a siren's voice; singing of strength, all the more shocking for the fragile body it's housed in. Seducing with passion hot enough to burn a god and brand him for eternity. It lures with promises of love to outlast the stars and laughter to light the world. The magic inside you, the magic that is you, is more beautiful than any face I've ever seen."
My stunned silence turned into nervous twitching, culminating in me ruining the moment as I always did. "Most of the stars we see have already burned out. It just takes a really long time for their light to reach us."
I wanted to clap a hand over my mouth. Thor had just given me the most romantic speech of my entire life, and I was arguing over the lifespans of stars. I stared at him, hoping he wasn't about to take it all back. Sorry, never mind, I thought you were someone else, someone who wouldn't babble like an ass when given romantic flattery.
Surprisingly, Thor didn't get mad. He laughed; sweeping me up and around in a circle. "See what I mean, my little witch? I haven't had so much fun in centuries."
I paled as I heard the endearment, and he went still, studying me.
"Please don't call me that,"my whisper belonged to a lost little girl, not me. I hated it, and I hated the man who'd put the fear in my voice. "It's what he calls me."
"Huitzilopochtli?"Thor's jaw clenched.
I just nodded.
"I'll never say those words again."Thor pressed me against his chest; the rapid pounding of his heart filling my ear. "It's going to be all right now, darling. I promise you."
"Yes, I like that better."I snuggled against him. "Say it again."
"It's going to be all right."
"No, the darling part."I smiled against his chest.
"Oh."His laugh jostled my face. "Anything you want, darling."