When Thalia entered the bone palace, she saw a large hall supported by enormous pillars. Pillars that she recognized as femurs of a leg. However, she had no idea what beings possessed a femur of that magnitude.
"They are Jotun bones, just like Lady Hræsvelgr." Godwyn explained with a smile. "Jotuns represent destructive forces of nature; their forms vary from humanoid to animalistic beings."
Thalia remembered the enormous black bird and nodded, she couldn't help but marvel at divine nature. Anything involving the divine was extraordinary; beings capable of fighting gods were no different.
When Thalia was about to speak, she saw Godwyn bowing and his voice couldn't be more respectful. "My queen, it is a joy to see you again."
Following Godwyn's gaze, Thalia saw at the end of the corridor white steps that rose to a platform, where a pale bone throne could be seen. However, who sat on the throne was who truly caught attention.
A beautiful woman around thirty years old, short, straight white hair, her skin was extremely pale, but especially healthy. Her eyes were a crimson red, yet they were cold and emotionless. She wore a black and complicated dress that hugged her body tightly.
"You are the first to be happy to see me again, Godwyn." The goddess's voice was cold, yet it was a comfortable cold. There was a delicate smile on her lips stained by dark lipstick.
"Don't compare me to other men, who wouldn't want to see again a goddess whose beauty is as great as Freya." Godwyn said with a laugh and spared no praise. If there was one thing he learned in three lives, it was that women loved compliments.
"Seriously? But you say that to all the women you meet." Hela said in a cold tone, but her lips curved into a smile showed that she was pleased with the compliment. There wasn't even a man who praised her for her beauty.
Those who dared, she tortured their souls for their insolent comments. She liked to be praised, but she didn't allow them to feel lust for her, especially the sinners and old men who entered Helheim.
Before the trap before him, Godwyn was not nervous and replied with sincerity. "I always tell the truth."
Hela rolled her eyes and turned her gaze to the girl next to Godwyn. The Greek origin in the girl could be hidden from others, but she who could see souls, she saw that the child was a Greek demigoddess. Feeling the extraordinary origin of the girl, a curious look appeared on the goddess's face.
"You really kidnapped that paranoid guy's daughter!" Hela exclaimed in surprise, discovering the girl's origin. A peculiar look appeared on her face, especially seeing Godwyn's innocent face.
"Kidnapping is a strong word, I just invited her and she came." Godwyn seemed offended by Hela's words and said in an exaggerated and theatrical tone.
Hela couldn't help but be amused by Godwyn's acting. She really liked this child who didn't fear her or even treat her like an emotionless and cold monster.
"Hello, Queen Hela." Thalia bowed to Hela and greeted her with a respectful look. She knew from Godwyn that Hela was a rare just goddess, just like her uncle, Hades. She presumed it was a characteristic of the gods of the underworld.
"What a beautiful child, I hope death doesn't come early for you, princess." Hela praised Thalia and blessed the girl.
Thalia only felt a cold wind pass through her and felt that the world around her was more friendly. Even the terrible cold she felt seemed to diminish at that moment.
"It took me months to earn your blessing, but you give it to her on the first meeting. What an unfair world." Godwyn said in a sad tone, looking at Hela with a touch of resentment. How long did he need to get Hela's blessing? Months!
"Don't act like a girl abandoned by a man." Hela said in an amused tone as she rose from the throne. Thalia and Godwyn could see that the goddess of the dead was tall, five meters tall.
"I received your letter." Hela said in a serious tone, making the fun and light atmosphere disappear instantly. "I can invite all eight rulers, but keep in mind that the resentment between them is not so easily overcome."
Godwyn showed no unexpected expression. Although all the rulers of the Nine Realms knew that Odin's policy was to make everyone fight among themselves while he watched everything, they still continued to fight without hesitation.
The reason was simple: besides preserving their own throne and feeding their egos, they needed to fight. If they didn't, their enemies would gain space to prosper in peace.
While you fight fiercely with another kingdom, the third kingdom could develop peacefully, how could this not attract hatred from other kingdoms? Therefore, the Nine Realms waged incessant wars, not only for power, but to prevent anyone else from developing in peace.
"I know, but I can resolve their disputes, at least while the war against the All-Father is ongoing." Godwyn spoke in a calm tone, there was confidence in his tone. Which didn't surprise Hela.
From what she knew, Godwyn was a famous warrior among the Nine Realms, always helping those who wanted to be helped and fighting for those who had no strength. The boy's reputation was truly great. Everyone seemed to respect the honorable little demigod.
"I hope so, because I alone am too weak to go against the All-Father." Hela spoke in a calm tone, she didn't feel ashamed to call herself weak. This was not a reason for shame, but a reason to improve.
Unfortunately, it wasn't that she was weak, but that the enemy was too strong.
"You are wrong, dear daughter." The male voice sounded in the bone throne room. A man appeared from behind one of the pillars. Black hair, green eyes, and a provocative smile on his lips.
"Lord Father." Hela greeted her father with a respectful look. If anyone saw their exchange of greetings, they would be surprised, as it was common knowledge that Hela hated Loki, who even tortured him.
But Godwyn knew better than anyone that it was all a masterful staging between Loki and his Sons and Daughter.
Remembering his second mission, Godwyn sighed. Months of hard work and negotiations were just a facade for both beings before him. At the same time, he suspected that the Norns were also involved in this conspiracy.
"I just returned from Jotunheim, I spoke with King Bergelmer in Utgard (The fortress of the Jotuns in Jotunheim), he is on our side in this war." Loki said with a smile, although his treacherous nature made this smile seem malicious.
"We have two of the Nine Realms." Godwyn nodded and spoke in a calm tone. "Vanaheim will join us, we will put Freyr on the Throne of the King of Vanaheim and dethrone Njord."
"I agree, Njord is too indecisive, he still thinks he can maintain neutrality at this moment, what a foolish man." Hela said in a cold tone. She didn't like Njord, the god of the seas still thought he could remain neutral in a war that could decide the fate of the pantheon.
"I always liked Freyr, the boy will be a good king for Vanaheim." Loki didn't object and agreed. Njord would have to leave the throne for Vanaheim to declare war on Asgard.
The fate of Njord, the King of Vanaheim, was decided in an instant.
"Any news from the King of Muspelheim?" Godwyn asked, looking at Loki with a worried look. Of all the rulers, Surtur was the most powerful and was destined to destroy Asgard. But, contrary to expectations, the fire giant was a true pacifist. This brought great headaches to Loki and Godwyn.
"He still refuses to leave his world of fire." Loki said with an equally worried tone. Surtur was essential to break the Wall that surrounded the Golden City of Asgard. Without the fire giant, things would get complicated.
"We can use something he likes and force him to fight." As soon as these words sounded, the eyes of Hela, Loki, and Godwyn focused on Thalia.
"That's a good idea…" Loki stroked his chin and showed a satisfied look. "As expected of the daughter of the King of Olympus, Like father, like daughter."
Thalia rolled her eyes at Loki's words. She wasn't cruel because she was Zeus's daughter, but because she was herself!
"However, this could make the Fire Giant our enemy after Ragnarok." Hela said with a worried tone. They were talking about Surtur, the Fire Jotun, one of the oldest beings in the Norse Pantheon.
"That's a problem for the next King of the Pantheon, not ours." Godwyn said, making Hela and Loki look at him with deep gazes.
Whether Hela or Loki, Godwyn was abdicating his right to the Throne of the Norse Pantheon. This was absolutely surprising. After all, they always thought that Godwyn wanted to dethrone Odin to become King.
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Read my other books:
Game Of Thrones: The God-Emperor of Planetos (500,000 words written).
Percy Jackson: Godwyn the Golden.