As he continued to call her by her rightful title, Hel began to feel almost uncomfortable. The idea of Hermod calling her such a thing was all too surreal. They had practically grown up together, though not exactly in the same circles most of the time. Still, she and the son of Odin were not far apart in age. She felt a certain amount of vindication that he now bowed to her, and on Frigg's behalf no less. At the same time she felt it was utterly preposterous. She had always known him as Hermod, he knowing her as Hel. When had that changed?
Yet it was interesting to note that he was according her more respect than even Frigg demanded. It was extremely rare that anyone referred to that queen by titles. Score one for the wicked, ugly child of Loki.
She drew her attention back to what Hermod was saying. "You may extend my condolences to Asgard. A child is never easy to lose to another realm." Hel wanted to add that if he had any doubt, he could ask Loki how it felt, but it was a bitter, unfair comment and she kept it to herself.
Her hand gripped the side of her throne a little tighter as he spoke of Light and Dark. One could not exist without the other, it was a simple conclusion. She herself contained both in one body. Yet everyone knew well Frigg's favoritism. She couldn't help but wonder how Hodr was fairing in all this, alone and in the dark, and all the blame and guilt he must be burdened with. For the details of Baldr's death were not unknown to her. Death was her business.
What was not her business was how Asgard faired. They had made it clear what they thought of her, and now they sent someone to beg for her help. And they couldn't even do so themselves, but had to send the young messenger to her in their stead. Perhaps they thought she would be more receptive to someone her age, or maybe they knew that the sight of any one of many of the others would get them absolutely no where. Truth be told, had Frigg herself approached Helheim's gate, Hel would likely have refused her admittance.
She felt absolutely no sympathy for the grief of the rulers of Asgard.
Finally, they got to the moment she had been expecting from the onset. Frigg wanted Baldr back. Hel was still young, far too young to have this sort of responsibility, forced to learn all on her own how to be a good and proper ruler. Yet one thing was clear- the decision was to be hers. There were no orders or demands from the Alfather, and she couldn't help but wonder why that was. She suddenly realized, for the first time, that her realm was truly her own, and beyond the control of Asgard.
She turned to look at the man in question seated beside her, knowing he was just as tensely awaiting her answer as his brother was. Directing her gaze back to Hermod, she responded, not with an answer, but with a question of her own.
"Did Frigg give any indication why she thought I would be reciprocal to such a suggestion? Surely she must know the rules of life and death."