The sea breeze gently brushed over the sand of the training ground, kicking up a thin layer of dust.
Asgard’s Imperial Guards and the Amazon warriors were engaged in intense wrestling in the center of the field, the sound of colliding muscles dull and powerful.
Arthas sat on the high Viewing Platform, his small legs dangling in the air.
Although his gaze was fixed on the field below, half of his mind was on Diana beside him.
“Sister, look at that big guy, he’s so clumsy.” “He definitely can’t beat that black-haired sister.” “Want to make a bet?
If you lose, you have to give me a kiss?” He turned his head and winked at Diana with a mischievous grin.
Diana’s cheeks flushed slightly at his bold words, and she gave him a reproachful glare.
“You little brat, what are you thinking about all day?” “That big guy is one of Asgard’s elite; how can you have so little faith in your own people?” “But…
since you’re delivering yourself to me, I won’t be polite.” “If you lose, no dessert for you tonight!” The two of them flirted as if no one else was around, the sweet atmosphere between them almost thick enough to pull into threads.
Just as Arthas was about to retort…
Suddenly, a chill shot up his spine.
It felt as if he were being watched by some unknown predator.
Immediately after, his right eyelid began to twitch uncontrollably.
“Huh?” Arthas subconsciously raised his hand and rubbed his right eye vigorously.
He muttered in confusion, “Why does it feel like…
someone is plotting against me?” “This feeling is exactly the same as when I was caught stealing Father’s wine in the Golden Palace!” He turned his head and looked around.
Aside from the warriors fighting fiercely, there was only Diana looking at him with a gentle smile.
He didn’t see any suspicious characters.
Nor did he feel any killing intent.
Forget it, whatever.
As long as his sister was by his side, he wasn’t afraid of any monsters or ghosts.
It was probably just a lack of sleep last night that made his eyelid twitch.
The priority now was to keep his sister happy, lest he really have no dessert tonight.
Arthas quickly threw that ominous premonition to the back of his mind.
He flashed a bright smile again and shook Diana’s hand.
“Sister, you’re cheating!” “I’m a child, I’m still growing; how can I not eat dessert?” “How about this?
If I lose, I’ll sing a song for you?” “An Asgardian war song!
It’s very energetic!” Just as the two were chatting happily…
The sky, which had already cleared, suddenly changed again.
But this time, there was no oppressive feeling of dark clouds.
Nor was there the thunderous roar of lightning.
In its place was a soft and brilliant radiance.
The light wasn’t blinding; instead, it carried a heart-warming power.
Like the warm spring sun, it pierced through the clouds and sprinkled over everyone’s hearts.
Then, a familiar rainbow pillar of light descended from the horizon once more.
This pillar was thinner than the one from Odin’s descent, but it was purer and more magnificent.
There were even faint petals fluttering around the pillar, and melodious music echoed.
Arthas stood up abruptly, that familiar aura making every cell in his body cheer.
His eyes widened as he watched where the pillar of light landed.
It was the location of the Great Hall’s square.
“Huh?” “This aura…” “It’s Mother?!” “Mother is here too?!” The surprise almost overflowed from his voice.
Diana was also drawn by this sudden turn of events.
She stood up and looked in that direction, somewhat surprised.
“Mother?” “You mean…
Asgard’s goddess queen, Her Majesty Frigga?” She could hardly believe it.
First the All-Father, Odin, and now even goddess queen Frigga had come in person?
How much did this couple dote on their youngest son?
To pick him up and take him home, they had actually mobilized the supreme rulers of Asgard?
This level of ceremony was simply too grand.
“It’s definitely Mother!” “I would never mistake that warm feeling!” Arthas couldn’t wait any longer.
He grabbed Diana’s hand and jumped straight down from the Viewing Platform.
“Quick!
Sister!” “Let’s go!” “I want to take you to meet the gentlest, most beautiful Mother in the world!” As he spoke, he pulled Diana toward the Great Hall’s square.
His hurried steps and happy back looked like a little bird returning to its nest.
As Diana was pulled along, a strange sense of nervousness suddenly welled up in her heart.
When she met Odin before, although she was a bit apprehensive, it was more out of awe for the God King.
But now…
she was going to meet Arthas’s Mother?
The feeling was completely different.
Her heart rate quickened for no reason, and a thin layer of sweat even broke out on her palms.
Strange, why am I nervous?
It’s clearly just meeting an elder.
And I am the Princess of the Amazons, representing Paradise Island to welcome a guest.
But…
this feeling of going to meet…
that kind of feeling…
She bit her lip, unable to understand the source of this emotion.
She could only let Arthas pull her toward that unknown meeting.
When the two of them ran back to the Great Hall’s square, panting for breath.
The rainbow pillar of light had just dissipated.
In the center of the wide square, Odin and Hippolyta stood side by side, seemingly welcoming the new guest.
And opposite them.
An elegant woman in a pale blue gown and a silver crown stood there smiling.
Her face was dignified and beautiful, her temperament gentle and noble.
Even just standing there quietly, she radiated a maternal glow that made one want to be near her.
That was Asgard’s goddess queen, Frigga.
“Mama!!!” The moment Arthas saw that figure, his last bit of restraint was thrown to the winds.
He let go of Diana’s hand and charged forward like a small cannonball, diving straight into Frigga’s arms.
“Mama!
Why did you come!” “Did you miss me too?” “I knew Mama was the best!” He nuzzled against Frigga’s chest, his look of attachment and playfulness forming a sharp contrast with his perfunctory behavior toward Odin earlier.
In the distance, Odin, who had originally wanted to open his arms to welcome his son, silently lowered his hands, feeling an arrow to the heart.
Frigga knelt down and tightly hugged the youngest son she had been worrying about.
Her eyes were full of maternal love and indulgence.
She reached out, gently stroking Arthas’s hair, and carefully checked his face and arms.
“Oh, my little baby.” “Of course Mama missed you.” “I heard that not only did you awaken your divine power here, but you also did quite a few big things.” “How could Mama sit still at home?” “Let Mama see, are you hurt?
Have you gotten thinner?” “Hmm…
you seem to have gotten a little bit chubbier?” Her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze in March, instantly smoothing over all of Arthas’s restlessness.
“I’m not fat!” “That’s muscle!” “I’m a very powerful warrior now!” Arthas raised his small arms, trying to show off his non-existent biceps.
Frigga couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
She gently pinched Arthas’s little cheek and then stood up.
Her gaze moved past Arthas to Diana, who was standing a short distance away, looking somewhat ill at ease.
There was no scrutiny or fault-finding in that look.
Only a kind of…
satisfaction and fondness, as if she were looking at her own daughter-in-law.
“This…” “Must be the legendary Princess Diana, right?” Frigga spoke with a smile, her voice warm and friendly.
“Truly a beautiful young woman.” “No wonder our Little Arthas is so obsessed with you.” “He didn’t even care when his old father arrived, insisting on clinging to you.” This single sentence not only dissolved Diana’s tension but also teased the jealous Odin nearby.
It even subtly pointed out Arthas’s special feelings for Diana.
It was a masterclass in high emotional intelligence.
Diana’s face instantly turned red at Frigga’s praise.
She hurried forward and performed a salute according to Amazon etiquette.
“G-Greetings, Her Majesty the Queen.” “Welcome to Paradise Island.” “I am Diana.” “Your Highness Arthas…
actually missed His Majesty Odin very much too.” “He was just…
just joking with me earlier.” She explained somewhat stutteringly, trying to cover for Arthas.
That flustered and cute appearance made the smile in Frigga’s eyes even deeper.
“What a sensible and good child.” Frigga stepped forward and naturally took Diana’s hand.
She was as friendly as if she were treating her own junior.
“Don’t be so formal, just call me Aunt Frigga.” “I heard you’ve been taking care of Little Arthas these past few days.” “This child is mischievous; he must have caused you a lot of trouble, right?” “As his Mother, I really must thank you properly.” “It’s no trouble at all!” “Little Arthas is very good!” “And…
I like him very much too.” Diana waved her hands hurriedly, her blush deepening.
Being held by such a gentle elder, her nervousness had vanished.
But an even more subtle sense of shyness welled up, especially with the way Frigga looked at her.
That…
suggestive look.
It made her feel as if she were being seen right through.
“Alright, alright.” “Since everyone is here.” Odin finally found an opportunity to interject.
He stepped forward, trying to reclaim some of his presence as the God King.
“Frigga, don’t just focus on chatting.” “We came here for serious business.” He gave Frigga a look that contained complex messages like ‘plan in progress,’ ‘everything’s going smoothly,’ and ‘praise me quickly.’ Frigga understood perfectly.
She looked at Hippolyta beside her, and the two exchanged a similarly profound look.
That rapport was like two ‘parents’ who had long since colluded.
“Yes.” “Business first.” Frigga nodded with a smile.
Then she knelt down again, looking at Arthas’s small, puzzled face.
“Mama…” Arthas pulled on the hem of Frigga’s skirt.
He asked in confusion, “What is this’serious business’ you’re talking about?” “Is it time for us to go back?” Frigga put a finger gently to her lips.
She made a mysterious gesture.
“Shh—” “That’s a secret.” “I can’t tell you yet.” “But…” She intentionally left him in suspense, her eyes sweeping back and forth between Arthas and Diana.
She smiled with great meaning.
“Wait until tonight.” “When the moon rises.” “You’ll know then.” “It will definitely be…
a big surprise that you’ll never forget for the rest of your life.” “Eh?” “How can it be like this!” “I have to wait until tonight?” Arthas pouted in dissatisfaction.
He hated this kind of suspense the most.
And looking at the expressions of these adults, he felt it wasn’t just a simple surprise.
That feeling of a chill on his back returned.
Especially Sister Hippolyta; she was smiling exactly like a fox that had stolen a chicken.
And Father, what was with that’son, you’ve hit the jackpot’ expression?
Even Mother, who was usually the gentlest, was now smiling so…
so unsettlingly.
“Alright.” “Since it’s a surprise, it’s only interesting if it’s saved for last.” Hippolyta stepped forward, interrupting Arthas’s wild thoughts.
“The task now is to properly prepare for tonight’s banquet.” “Diana.” She turned to look at her daughter.
“Don’t just stand there.” “Quickly take Arthas to rest and change clothes.” “Tonight is an important occasion.” “As the two protagonists, you must dress up beautifully.” “Especially you, Diana.” “Go and change into that…
special gown I prepared for you.” “Protagonists?” “Special gown?” Diana was also a bit confused.
Why did everyone feel so strange today?
But since it was her Mother’s command, she couldn’t object.
She could only nod.
“I understand, Mother.” Then she took Arthas’s hand.
“Let’s go, Little Arthas.” “Let’s go change clothes.” Even she didn’t know what this surprise was.
Watching the backs of the two children leaving hand in hand.
The three God King-level parents, who had been maintaining their dignified images…
Finally couldn’t help but look at each other and smile.
That smile was full of the satisfaction of a’successful scheme.’ “It seems.” Odin stroked his beard, looking very smug.
“Tonight’s drinks must be enjoyed to our hearts’ content.” “Queen Hippolyta.” “Regarding the list of betrothal gifts, I think we should go over it properly.” “Asgard has come with sincerity this time.” “We will definitely not let Diana be wronged.” “His Majesty Odin is too polite.” Hippolyta was also beaming with pride.
“As long as the children are well.” “Betrothal gifts and such are secondary.” “However…” “Since you’ve said so, I won’t be polite.” “I see that Asgardian specialty, Uru metal…” “Seems quite suitable for forging weapons?” The two God Kings walked toward the Great Hall while discussing extremely high-end topics.
Leaving Frigga standing there alone.
Watching the backs of Arthas and Diana as they grew further away.
A trace of gentle expectation flowed in her eyes.
“Being young is so good.” She sighed softly.
“Back then, Odin and I didn’t marry for love…” “Forget it, let’s not mention those old stories.” “As long as Little Arthas can be happy.” “As his Mother, I ask for nothing else.” She smiled slightly, a smile like a blooming lily, but she felt a slight discomfort in her heart.
Then she turned and followed the two in front.
Tonight on Paradise Island.
It was destined to be a sleepless night full of love, surprises, and perhaps a little bit of shock.
And the curtain on all of this had only just been pulled back a corner.