Dungeon of Niflheim

Khione with a puffed up display glared fiercely at her father; she was disappointed by the fact that even now with her strength well in the A-rank she still couldn't reach his skin.

She turned to look at Frost who had been rather silent after his earlier outburst. Shivali's divine pressure had cowed him well, he saw no point in continuing a pointless endeavour. Only Khione could change the will of the Primordial Ice King.

"Frost right?" She asked in her usual brusque tone, her eyes scanning him from head to toe.

'At least he's not unbearable to look at.' She nodded with approval, finding Frost rather easy on the eyes. If only he was stronger and perhaps a little taller maybe she wouldn't be so against this little arranged marriage.

"That's correct, and you're Khione." Frost rose from his seat and walked towards her. She was a good deal taller than he was, so much so that he had to crane his neck upwards.

'Not a bad view.' He had a similar opinion to Khione, both finding each other easy on the eyes but nothing more.

"My idiot of father says we have to interact with one another for a while."

Frost glanced at Shivali who stood nervously at the side, wondering whether or not Khione would suddenly lash out. His daughter wasn't one to keep her promises when it came to him.

"I heard." He replied, reluctance clear in his voice.

"Tsk what do you have to be reluctant about, you get to spend time with a bombshell like myself." Frost's tone wasn't missed by Khione who immediately took offence.

"Agree to disagree." Frost no longer feared her in slightest, only a brute would take advantage of their strength when arguing in such a manner.

The two younglings exchanged heated gazes, neither willing to back down.

"Haaaa Frost I know that my daughter's personality is rather abrasive and that her vocabulary could use some refinement but that's just her exterior. Deep down she's kind, hardworking and fiercely loyal." Shivali attempted to defend his daughter only to receive a hate filled glare in reply, ordering him to shut his mouth.

"Come with me, we can start our exchange with a little exercise." Said Khione while cracking her knuckles and with a malicious grin plastered on her lips.

As long as it was under the pretence of sparring she could wail on him a little, let him know who's the boss during this brief relationship.

Before Frost could even reply to the clearly malicious idea Shivali spoke up. "Oh that's a great idea you can teach Frost the first level of our family's spear arts." The Primordial Ice king was all for a martial exchange knowing full well that despite the difference in strength both Frost and his daughter relished in battle.

Was there any better way for battle seeking individuals to get to know one another other than fighting.

"….You're letting him learn our family's spear arts?" Khione desperately wanted to continue giving her father the silent treatment, the most effective tool in her arsenal but his suggestion was just too shocking.

Even their most loyal guards and realm soldiers had to perform a great many meritorious deeds before they'd be allowed to learn the first level of their family's spear arts let alone the higher levels.

"Of course, not only is he practically family his compatibility with the ice element rivals your own and his weapon of choice is the glaive making him an ideal candidate." Shivali was very approving of Frost and wanted to give him a great many gifts after meeting him in person.

A cold flame oddity was nothing to the Great Primordial Ice King, his personal spear arts however were unique, powerful and a perfect first gift for a potential son in law.

Khione continued to stare at her father, and he smiled kindly in return.

'He's serious.' She quickly realised that her father wasn't kidding around and upon learning that she looked back at Frost, eyeing him up for a second time. 'Is his affinity really that good.' She couldn't see it.

Feeling himself being thoroughly examined Frost arched out his chest and smiled smugly. "See something you like." He said teasingly causing Khione to stutter.

"Hmph you wish."

"Hahahaha see you're getting along already."

"Huh?"

"Like hell we are!" Both Frost and Khione rapidly turned around to face Shivali, quickly denying such an impossibility.

Their actions only served to make the Primordial Ice King laugh louder.

Finding his laughter unbearable Khione turned her back and started to walk away. "Let's go pretty boy, the sooner we finish this the sooner I can say goodbye to your weak ass presence."

"Hmm a compliment alongside an insult, seems you did find something about me you like." Clearly his looks were quite acceptable in her eyes.

Khione stumbled in her steps, her face turning slightly pink out of embarrassment and shock. She wanted to quickly deny such a claim, but her innate honest nature prevented her from doing so. Frost was very handsome after all.

Instead she merely quickened her pace and refused to let Frost see the effects of his minor victory.

'Interesting' Alas Frost had become quite adept at reading the opposite sex, he picked up on her inexperience and subtly smiled. 'Khione's quite cute when she doesn't lash out with that mouth of hers.' He thought before following after her.

Shivali meanwhile observed their little interaction with glee. 'I knew they'd be a good match.' Not many men could boldly tease his daughter, especially when she outclassed them in strength.

He returned to his ice throne, readying himself to perform his regular duties as King when Khione who had reached halfway down the hallway loudly shouted.

"Don't think this is over old man, I'm telling my sisters and mothers all about how you bullied your youngest daughter and forced her into an unwanted marriage!" After that the ice doors to the throne room slammed shut, turning Shivali's glee into outright despair.

"Fuck!" The Primordial Ice King painfully cursed knowing full well the degree of torment his youngest daughter could bring down. She was the apple of not just his eyes but everyone in the family. It was a simple thing for her to turn his wives and children against him.

For a brief moment he even regretted his decision to arrange a marriage between her and Frost but ultimately he decided the consequences were justified. Thankfully at least Khione's mother already knew of this arrangement and supported him wholeheartedly. She wanted her little girl to have what she had, a loving partner that made life so much more enjoyable. As long as Shivali approved of Frost she would trust in his judgement.

The supposed bullying however was not permitted and knowing his daughter she could easily spin wonderous tales that painted him as an unforgiveable villain.

"Haaaaa." Shivali made peace with his upcoming torment. "We can return to the regular schedule now."

"As you wish your Majesty, an invisible guard materialised from behind the throne room and several minutes later multiple officials involved in the running of the realm entered and took their seats.

"We greet your Majesty, the honourable Primordial Ice King."

"Enough with the formalities ladies and gentlemen, we're already running behind as it is." Shivali waved his hands bringing a swift start to the proceedings.

Meanwhile Frost continued to silently follow behind Khione. He wanted to talk, ease the tense atmosphere between them but the air around her only grew more volatile and threatening the further they got from the throne room. Frost was certain that if he dared to tease her or even talk out of turn she wouldn't resist 'knocking' some sense into him.

So instead he amused himself by staring at her highly defined rear profile. The musculature of Khione's back, shoulders, thighs and even her ample rear were incredibly aesthetically pleasing. His gaze held heat, but lust was not the main component instead it was more akin to a respectful appreciation. Acknowledgement of the efforts required to upkeep such a powerful form.

Khione had long noticed his gaze, initially she wanted to take advantage of his lewd behaviour to dole out some punishment, but Frost seemed to know his limits. He viewed her more as a warrior than a woman at least that's how it felt to her.

Khione quickly found herself smiling, enjoying being appreciated in a manner that was not considered lustful, at least in the beginning.

'Really he's more focused on the shape of my muscles than my ass.' She internally complained, questioning her own beauty, believing it impossible that any man or even woman would be able to retain such focus as they walked behind her in her current attire.

As they continued to walk in silence, she became more and more aware of his measuring gaze. And every so often she'd even hear him mutter in praise, comparing her physique to his own and finding himself lacking.

By the time they reached their destination Khione was at her wits end, her personal confidence for the first time in her life taking a strong blow.

She even wondered if Frost was a eunuch but lacked the courage to ask such a provocative question. Despite her brash personality and personal strength she was still an innocent maiden whose only interactions with the opposite sex were with her father, brothers and the occasional soldier. All which never viewed in such a manner or at least if they did they'd quickly never be seen from again.

Shivali and her other family members were quite protective of their little girl after all.