Sif was in a foul mood. Fully armed and clearly determined to bash Thor's head in, she stormed about, ready for a fight. However, before Solomon could respond, her anger visibly deflated like a pricked balloon. She waved her hand dejectedly.
"Forget it," she said. "I'm leaving."
"Don't worry," Solomon said, raising an eyebrow. "Your status is unshakable. It's acknowledged by both the All-Father and the Queen of Heaven—"
"This time is different," Sif interrupted impatiently, shaking her head. "Thor is serious this time. It's not like before."
"What are you so worried about? At most, it'll last a hundred years. Mortals don't live longer than that anyway."
"Wait a hundred years? Do you think Thor won't fall for someone else in a century? This isn't the first time!" Sif whimpered, lowering her head like a drenched puppy. "I've fought alongside him, been his right hand... What did I do wrong?"
Solomon widened his eyes, glancing around to ensure no one else was present. Knowing Sif's temper, she might beat anyone who witnessed her in this state until they swore to keep silent.
"Care to join me for some tea?" the mage suggested. "I've got time to listen and maybe figure out what went wrong. Don't look at me like that. I may only have had one relationship, but Earth has a deep understanding of these matters—or at least the morning fortune-telling shows do."
Sif sniffled, her emotional storm seemingly passing. She hesitated briefly, clearly tempted to draw her sword and threaten Solomon. But his offer intrigued her enough to accept. After all, Solomon claimed his one romance was a great success, which might provide the insights she desperately needed.
"Tea and cookies, perhaps?" he added.
"Alright."
"So, about Thor's past…" Solomon began.
"That time doesn't count!" Sif interrupted, struggling to believe her own words. "That was a seductress using spells! A witch who charms men! Thor was just under her spell temporarily…"
"Fine, fine," Solomon relented. "Next one, then. Honestly, listing Thor's past flames seems pointless. The problem might lie with you—maybe Thor prefers fragile girls who aren't warriors. Considering his pattern of choices, you always seem to be outside his preferred range."
"I can't do it," Sif declared, stuffing an entire cookie into her mouth. "I was trained in courtly manners, but they're useless on the battlefield! You want me to abandon the status I earned in war? Never! I have to prove I'm as good as Thor, if not better…"
"And then what?" Solomon interjected. "You've already been chosen by the All-Father and the Queen. A relationship isn't a contest—you don't need to win or lose. Maybe you should be upfront with Thor. If he doesn't accept, you can distance yourself. Once he takes the throne, he'll be stuck. The queen's position is yours. Why not learn from Queen Frigga, managing the palace with poise? Earth has a saying: 'Men conquer the world, and women conquer men.' No need to glare—I live by that principle at home. Just being honest. Or perhaps you could outshine Thor entirely, achieving feats that even he couldn't ignore. That might finally draw his attention."
Sif remained silent, methodically munching on cookies. Finally, she picked up her teacup, downed its contents, and let out a long exhale.
"I've decided!" she announced.
"What have you decided?"
"To ditch that blind fool!" she declared. "You're right—being queen is my destiny. Mortal lives are short. I can wait. But first, I'll find Thor and slap him. He needs to know what he's giving up!"
"Excellent," Solomon said, showing no remorse for his meddling. "Go show Thor your resolve!"
"What about you? Need anything from me?" Sif asked, wiping her mouth. "I hate owing people favors."
"Actually, yes. Hear me out…"
"You knew I'd be in trouble when you found me?" Jane Foster's demeanor now was exactly what Solomon had described—soft and delicate. The mage was right: Thor didn't favor women who could fight, drink, and wrestle. Jane felt utterly content, enjoying a beautiful lakeside view with her lover by her side.
"Heimdall can't see you anymore," Thor said. "That means you're no longer on Earth."
"How is that possible?"
"I believe you're both here and not here," Thor explained. "The Nine Realms orbit the World Tree just as Earth orbits the sun. Every 5,000 years, these realms align in what we call the 'Convergence.' During this time, the boundaries between worlds blur. You've likely stumbled into a convergence point. Fortunately, it hasn't closed yet. Once the worlds drift apart, the link will be severed."
"I like your explanation… But what will happen to me?"
"I'll find a way to save you, Jane."
"Your father said…"
"My father isn't omniscient."
"Don't let him hear you say that," said Queen Frigga, appearing silently. Unlike Odin's stern disapproval of Jane, Frigga welcomed all of Thor's partners, except for the enchantress locked in the dungeon. She even seemed proud of Thor's ability to attract so many women, finding it hard not to feel a touch of maternal pride.
"Jane Foster, this is Frigga, Queen of Asgard and my mother."
Jane immediately let go of Thor's hand, her face flushing. Odin's fiery disapproval was one thing, but Frigga's kind demeanor left her feeling utterly unprepared for this meeting.
"Hello…" she managed.
"You didn't tell me you'd run amok in the palace," Sif complained. She deeply regretted agreeing to Solomon's request. Letting him snoop around the Asgardian royal quarters was a terrible idea. This place was off-limits to most.
Finally, Solomon stopped in front of a pillar. "This is the spot," he said, patting it. "We'll wait here."
"Wait for who?"
"Thor," Solomon said with a smile. "Don't move. I'm casting an invisibility spell. Thor will pass by here. We just need to wait quietly."
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