Chapter 1: Why can't just stay in the library?

Loki POV

"Brother!" I heard Thor boom from the hallway. The oaf didn't even know where the library was to talk to me face to face.

"In here, brother," I shouted back to get his attention. Maybe he might have enough brain cells to follow my voice to the correct room. I heard his footsteps getting louder so I shut my book on the nine realms with an audible snap and laid the book gently on my lap.

"Ah, there you are," Thor said walking up to me, "what is this room?"

"Please telling me you're kidding," I said not believing my ears.

"Father wants us in the throne room to talk-"

"You mean talk to you, I just stand in the room, in the corner while father talks about the coronation. No...wait your coronation," I interrupted.

"Loki, you have as much chance as I do for getting-"

"Don't. Even. Start. Why can't I just stay in the library?" I muttered bitterly.

"Just come on," Thor ordered grabbing my arm roughly and dragging me out of the library. My book dropped with a thud on the floor. I rolled my eyes and went along with Thor's tugging.

Grace POV

I finished washing the last greasy pan and looked down at my hands. They were red and raw from all the scrubbing and the harsh soap that I had to use. I sighed and dried my hand on the nearest rough white towel.

"Grace!" EYDÍS, one of the housemaids called, "I was told to pass on word. The library needs cleaned up."

"The...the library?" I replied uncertainly. Of all my years working in the palace with my love of books, I had never been in the library.

"Yes. Now!" she ordered. I snapped out of my haze, straightened my skirts, fixed my fiery red hair back in a tight braided bun and made my way briskly to the library.

On my way in the long, similar gold corridors of the Asgardian palace I saw maids and butlers carrying jugs full and empty of alcohol, some were rushing with towels to probably wipe up whatever the warriors had spilt and some had fine linen and silk gowns in the brightest colours and prettiest styles that made any girl wish she was a princess.

After passing more maids and butlers with food and drink I figured the evening's feast (meant to be evening meal) had begun. I had only just finished cleaning the dishes and pans from the previous night's. I gave a sigh of relief as I reached the doors to the library and pushed.

As the large, grand doors swung open my breath hitched. I walked in to find myself surrounded by rows and rows of books. All in pristine condition apart from being coated in a thin layer of dust - which I had to sweep away.

I didn't waste any time for I thought that the sooner I finished, the longer I could fool the others I was still working and not delving into the stories contained in the leather bound pages of the library.

The royal family had every kind of book possible there. History, geography, stories of the nine realms, stories of battles and magic. I read through the various titles as I swept wondering to myself how I could have been so naive of thinking how many books there actually were! I blame my father for the obsession. He used to get me a new book every time he had a chance. My mother disapproved - naturally. He left for Valhalla too soon. I wiped the tear that had begun to trickle down my cheek with haste and continued with my task.

After reading the titles and humming to myself as I went, the job passed quicker than expected so I went to the "tales of magic" section and nestled myself in a corner next to the window. It was where I used to sit in my own house when I read before I was ordered by my mother to go and work at the palace.

I made myself comfortable and slowly drifted into the story...

I hadn't realised how much time had passed until the light had started to dim considerably through the window. I drew my attention back to the book, determined to finish the chapter before I was scolded by cook for wasting time. I read hastily desperate to put my mind at rest at an exciting part in the story.

"Why can't I just stay in the library?" I sighed finishing the chapter, still unsatisfied.

"What do you think you're doing?" an accusing deep voice broke through the silence. I lifted my head so quickly it almost gave me whiplash and slammed the book shut in my hands.

"Well...I..erm.."

Author's Note:

I know, Cliffhanger but you can probably guess who it is. This is my first fanfic! I finally learnt how to publish stuff, hooray! Please comments and reviews are most welcome constructive or not. I will update if the response is good.

Yours faithfully,

Little Miss Sherlock