Free Yuletide Mischief by Dahlia Rose Page A

child on his lap while Lucy was feeding a toddler that sat on her lap. Vivi pressed her hand to her stomach knowing one day that would be her and Loki when they started a family. She couldn’t wait. The air around them was filled with revelry, so much so that Vivi could practically taste it.
    Without warning, the doors of the great hall blew open and snow flew in with it. It blew out the great hearth and everyone stopped to look. Vivi’s heart dropped when the snow queen, Madge, stepped inside, along with others behind her. It could only be her, as her face was almost porcelain in its beauty, but the eyes were cold as ice and somehow seemed empty. Her dress was such a light blue color that it could almost be called white. The sparkling diamonds that hung from her neck and ears reminded Vivi of ice sculptures.
    Odin stood and the silent room looked on. Everyone seemed to be holding one collective breath. Loki squeezed her hand reassuringly, but never took his eyes off Madge. When she looked at him, Vivi didn’t see lust or longing in his eyes, only rage. Madge walked in with her head held high. You could see she loved the fact that all eyes were on her. Her eyes traveled from Loki’s face to their joined hands. Madge curled her hands that were hanging at her sides. They were clenched so tightly her sharp nails drew blood and drops dripped from her hands.
    “The prodigal son gets a seat at the table while I, a queen, must sit with the lowlies?” she said haughtily.
    “You are no family of ours, Madge. You were invited as a guest to this realm,” Joko stood and extended her hand. “This was to broker peace. Take your seat or leave.”
    “I will do neither. I’m here to throw Odin’s invitation back in his face,” Madge snarled. “After thousands of years do you think one messenger would change anything between us?” She turned to Loki. “I can smell the mortality on her. You’ve sunk very low.”
    “As a matter-of-fact, I’ve actually crawled up from where I was with you since you were and are the lowest of the low,” Loki said mildly. “This is my wife.”
    Madge laughed. “You married a mortal? She is a fragile sack of meat. One flick of my hand and I can dispose—”
    “Are you threatening my wife?” Loki’s voice was like a roar as he stood. Vivi watched as little elves scurried to hide as the air crackled with energy. She seemed to have underestimated Loki’s power because the air crackled and gusts of wind were whipping at the faces of everyone in the room. The power was so immense it made the hair on her arms stand on end. “You may have a treaty with Odin, but not with me. I would have no problem killing you if you even think of looking in her direction once more.”
    “Calm yourself, Loki,” Odin said sternly before standing and facing Madge. “You were called here to broker peace. Is it or is it not your intention of doing so?”
    Madge lifted her head. “No, that is not my intention, not after the way my people and I were treated.”
    “Leave this realm then and never return,” Odin said loudly. “Those of the Frost Queen’s court who are tired of being cast away and treated poorly, you may seek asylum with us and if you swear your loyalty, then Asgard can be your home.”
    “None will join you,” Madge snapped. But even as the words left her mouth, some of her people came forward and knelt in front of the great table.
    “It seems you are wrong, Madge. Your people can’t stand you either,” Thor said, chuckling.
    “She does tend to stick in the craw,” Loki said.
    “This is an act of war!” she said loudly.
    “Mind what you ask for, Frost Queen.” Odin’s voice was deadly. “I almost did away with your people before. Complete annihilation is something I distaste, but if I must, I will do so.”
    Vivi had no doubt that Odin could wipe them out of existence if he wanted to. Desperation showed in Madge’s otherwise empty eyes, and she tried one more tactic. She rushed to