The shoot went especially smoothly. Alvin didn't need to change clothes, after all, and Hela's wedding dress showed off a variety of colors all on its own.
A few hours later, the exhausted photographer had Alvin hold Hela as they took the last set of pictures. Then he lay on the Bifrost like a dog that had just climaxed, letting out a contented sigh.
"Can I use some of these photos to promote my studio?"
Alvin had already declared his love in front of the whole world. He wasn't about to worry about this.
Hela, on the other hand, shook her head and rejected the photographer's request. "These belong to me," she said coldly.
The photographer sighed in disappointment and looked at Alvin, hoping he'd plead on his behalf...
Alvin smiled and waved his hand. "You have to respect Her Majesty's wishes. But I can make the call on this: find a couple of models and take a few more sets of pictures here.
"With the one-of-a-kind Bifrost in the Solar System as your backdrop, you'll make a name for yourself."
As he spoke, Alvin looked at Frigga, who stood by the entrance to the Bifrost control center. He held out his arm for Hela to link hers through it, then slowly walked toward Frigga and said softly, "If this is what you meant by walking with you for a while, then you've really been put through the wringer.
"I know jerks deserve to get what's coming to them, but right now I feel awful—for you, and for Fox..."
Hela glanced sideways at Alvin. "You're overthinking it. 'For a while' didn't mean this while. You'll find out soon enough.
"Fox and I talked it over. We'll have a surprise for you tonight. I hope you won't just be 'surprised'—you'd better