Chapter 1

Beth had grown up in the palace and could barely remember a time when things had been any different. Asgard was her home. She served as a maid to one of Odin's advisors. She was fairly content with her life, and enjoyed working in the palace. Every day was very similar to the last, but that was ok. Routine was comforting to her.

This particular day, dinner time was like any other. Beth was serving Lord Fredrick his dinner in the dining hall. He regularly ate dinner with Odin, so they could discuss matters regarding the kingdom. Frigga, who was sitting on the opposite side of the table, was listening to Thor tell her about his adventures of that day and where he and Sif had been. Thor was very animated and used large hand gestures, occasionally talking with his mouth full. Frigga was listening to every word, nodding and smiling.

Loki sat on the other side of Thor. He was the only one at the table not locked in deep conversation with someone else. Beth watched him pick at his food out of the corner of her eye, but quickly looked away. She didn't want to be caught staring.

She made a trip back to the kitchen and grabbed a pitcher, carrying it out to the dining room and began to fill Fredrick's goblet. He and Odin and some of the other royal council members were laughing about something, and he barely noticed her presence. He was a large man and had a deep, guttural belly laugh that was almost contagious. Fredrick was always very happy and loved to eat and tell stories; whether or not they were true she would never know.

As Beth was pouring, she felt eyes on herself. Using her peripheral vision, she was almost positive it was Loki's gaze that was burning holes right through her. She willed herself not to look, but did against her better judgement.

His black hair was pulled back out of his face like normal. He looked so young, almost baby faced, except for his eyes. His brows were furrowed. And her gut was right, he was looking directly at her. One corner of his mouth slowly pulled up into an eerie half smile when he met her gaze. Beth regretted making eye contact immediately. His ominous stare traveled down the length of her dress, observing every curve through the thin, breezy material. His eyes met hers again with a lustful wink. It felt so invasive, even though all he did was look her over.

Beth's heart dropped into her stomach. Quickly turning away, she tried to busy herself with empty plates. But it was too late, as if he had already seen into her innermost thoughts.

No one else at the table had noticed this fleeting exchange between the two. She forced herself to focus on attending to Lord Fredrick. She had been his personal attendant for a few years now, and he was very kind. She enjoyed serving his meals and tending to him.

For the rest of the dinner, Beth stared at her feet, afraid to look up. Being timid and shy was a curse, and uncomfortable interaction such as this gave her more anxiety than it should.

Nothing more happened that evening. But then if it had, she wouldn't have known, since she refused to look up from the floor. Beth returned to her chambers as soon as she was excused.

The next morning, she was sure that she had imagined the whole nonsense that was last night. A good night sleep had made her feel much better. In fact, there was probably nothing to worry about at all.

I shouldn't be so sensitive. She scolded herself.

Beth noticed a letter sticking underneath her door. It had a green wax seal. She opened it slowly, feeling anxious.

All the color drained from her face and her limbs felt weak.

"It is hereby decreed that the presence of the royal attendant known by the name of Elizabeth Marie Walter is requested before His Highness Prince Loki of Asgard. Failure to comply to the wishes of His Highness will result in permanent termination from the palace."