Okay, so I brought this story back, cause I don't think I'm going to get around to editing the other version that I wanted. I've not been doing a lot of writing this break.


(Lynn)

He could've had any woman he wanted, but yet he had set his eyes upon me. After all that I had done to prevent this to happen, karma seemed to have a pretty good sense of humor. At least, that's what I thought. I steeled myself the last glance, the look of Loki and his dark emerald eyes. I could see the last remnants of his impossible blue eyes. His gaze was hard, as was his soul. He would be a hard man to love, but who said about loving him at all?

After over 200 years of his rule, he chooses now to mate. He had many consorts warm his bed at night thoroughly throughout his years, but now he wanted a more stable woman. He chose me, out of the millions in the entire world. He had to choose Earth; he had to choose this small band of women who were being sent to him as offerings. Apparently, whatever I had to appease to him was enough to get his attentions.

To say that I was flustered when he pointed a finger towards me, beckoning me to him, could have been a lie but I expected it. I tripped over my own feet, stumbling slightly before getting a grip. I approached him remorsefully, but he seemed none to disturbed by my gracefulness. My cheeks burned a dark crimson, which looked out of place on my pale round face, and my dark blond hair. My blue eyes stuck out the most, shining brighter than any other kind of blue. A mutation.

Most women were graced with dark hair and dark eyes. Their round, luscious lips smacking with every word spoken. As for myself, I was presented with thin small lips, straight nose, much too large for a normal face in my opinion, and almost small eyes. Yet the blue and the small amount of makeup that was forced upon me gave them a certain pop to them. In all, I wasn't the least attractive woman there, but there had been many that would be more appealing to the eye than me.

Loki didn't move, he didn't even change his gaze from mine. His emeralds were fixated on me, yet his expression was stoic. He wasn't giving anything away to his harsh gaze, and it took everything in me to not look away. I was practically trembling in his presence, but I knew it would be over soon enough. I would be alone, and then I would wait for him until our wedding day.

At least that's what I hoped. Of course he would be the sly one he is known for and sneak his way into my bed. I would not grace him with anything. If I had one last bit of choice, I would keep his touch at bay until we were married. I didn't even want to get married to him in the first place, so the thought was appalling.

My thoughts were taken from me when Loki finally juts his elbow in my direction, beckoning for me to take it. I gave him a skeptical look, hesitant in my moves, but I finally hooked my hand around the crook of his arm. He used his other hand to pat mine that had joined his, and he smiled ruefully at me before leading me away from the line of women behind me. They all had looks of awe, disgust, and horror. How could they be outmatched by some stick of a woman?

I was not at all that thin, with nice hour-glass curves, but yet I thought myself less curvaceous than most of the other women. They were the basic childbearing hips that I could possess. My mother had been less than thankful for her small ones, at least able to bear myself and my younger brother. My brother was not here, as he was back at home with our aunt.

Since the rebellions, my father had secretly been a part of them. In which, in the end of night, they had come for him. In the line of sight, they had killed my mother as well. They had excused my parent's death by giving me grace, sending me to my aunts until I was of age. At the time, it was a nice idea instead of being sent to an orphanage, but when I first moved in with the witch of a woman, I was ready to move out the second I got the chance.

My brother had been less than lucky, suffering a few more years than i had with her. I had promised to send him something if I returned safely. Though now the prospect of that happening seemed slim. Even if Loki would not catch me, surely he would reprimand me for doing as such. Helping others seemed to be frowned upon if it meant going out of each other's way. Loki was merciful, or I had been told. I had to keep my hopes up, since I would soon become his wife.

We shared no words as he marched through the steel hallways. It seemed so cold, and he was even more so with distance. I kept my gaze forward, looking around at the steel encasing of the hallway. Finding interest in the simplest bolt that held the walls together. How would I speak with him, how should I? He was the king of not only Earth, but many realms outside. Including Asgard, which was slowly crumbling under his persistence. His brother, as it had once been known, was fighting with just as much fire. Yet, Loki's ire towards his false brother was stronger and Thor was slowly losing to his brutality. I could only wish that I would not be treated the same way. I could only follow orders, keeping to myself, and only speak when spoken to. I would be the best-behaved woman I could be to the King.

Our silence was cut off when Loki and I had approached a armed guard by a door. He stood straighter and saluted him with a cross of his fist over his heart. Loki ignored him and brushed past him as we exited through the door. Outside there was a helicopter waiting for us, running full speed. I covered my face and held down my hair with my free hand. But it was almost pointless. Most of my hair flew this way and that, and it grew more furious as we got closer to the behemoth.

Loki held out his arm for me to go in first. I followed his silent instruction and crawled in, trying to hold together some modesty while climbing in. Loki followed closely behind me and another guard outside closed the door. I scooted away towards the window and stared out the window, in awe of the outside city. I only ever saw the bottom, the dank streets and the crime. It was repulsive, but from the top it seemed like a utopia. The Steel City, it was renamed from the previous New York. Loki preferred a more stand out name than one such as that.

"My Lord, I would suggest putting on your seat belt and putting on the headphones," the man sitting in the cockpit shouted over the loud spinning of the chopper. Loki only nodded his head and picked up two of the headphones and handed one to me. I took it gently and placed it over my ears, and I sat back farther in my seat and buckled up. Loki did the same silently next to me and soon we were taking off from the ground.

I always hated take-offs, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I sat pensive, holding my gaze to look outside.

From the sky, the bleak clouds could be seen for miles, and the Steel City below shone from the harsh light that shimmered from the sun above anyway. It almost always rained everyday it seemed like. Below us, the city began to get smaller and smaller and as he pulled away fully, flying at full speed to wherever it was that we were going. I couldn't help but allow the small tear that had formed in my eye to fall, but it was only that one. I wouldn't allow myself to cry any longer, I was in the presence of King Loki, and my future husband.

I didn't know exactly where we were, considering I hadn't even seen the tops of my own city. This one, however, was more pristine and had a more gold-like glow that could be seen from miles away. It was an awe-inspiring sight, from the first glance. But I could instantly tell that I would have a hard time fitting in with all the glamor of this world. It would be my new home, I suspected, but I would still have to find a way to live with the higher forms of life if I was to be Loki's Queen. That prospect in itself was hard to wrap my head around.

When we had landed, Loki had taken my arm once again and we were led into the large ornate building. It was the highest one in the glimmering city, one that took a while to get my eyes to train ahead of me as not to trip. Loki's grip on me was gentle, yet possessive as we walked the halls. Many of the guards, who were more ornately dressed, presented hard looks or concentration and some showed respect who was wandering the halls. Some even going the extra mile to kneel completely to Loki, who merely ignored them as he led me through the halls.

I tried remembering where we had entered, but after turning hall after hall it became more of a chore for my mind to process. Maybe that's why he had done it this way, as to not get me accustomed so I wouldn't run away if I ever got the chance.

Then again, why would I? I would be living the life of any woman's dream. That and I would probably be tracked down, flagged as a fugitive. I wouldn't be able to be a part of any society at that point, and I might as well have begged for death instead. Living here and being Loki's wife would be a better life for me anyways.

Finally, we had reached a stop in front of large double doors. The intricate patterns on the walls were mindless swirls that were enticing to look at. They were certainly beautiful and were soft on the eyes despite the detail.

Through the double doors, which two guards pushed open with great effort, was an even more beautiful sight. Loki pushed me inside gently, placing his hand on the small of my back to urge me forward. I didn't even look back to gauge his reaction to my own awe. Inside, it was a gold-silver, with dark blue tapestries, and gray additions. All in hues that were soft, yet boastful. In the center of the room was a large, even larger than the largest bed I had ever seen, with a long see-threw blue curtain that wrapped around it. There were large, floor to ceiling windows, in the middle were a set of French doors that led out to an even larger balcony with seating and shrubbery.

On either side of the door were floor to ceiling bookcases, filled to the brim with many assortment of books. I could spend hours in here alone and be happy. If this is what life was going to be like day in and day out, I wouldn't mind it one bit.

I could see an archway that led into a long hallway that was sure to lead to the bathroom. That was probably as grand as the room. It was all nice, intricate, colorful and it was all mine. My room. My own room. I probably had a shocked expression, my jaw dropped, and my face flushed with the beauty of it all.

I have never had my own room, only one shared with my brother. My aunt had never graced me with much, and wanted to get rid of me the second she laid eyes on me. I held no regards for her either, and wished it had been her instead of my mother that got taken away and killed.

I cringed at the thought, but it only passed by in a heartbeat. Instead, I made my eyes wander throughout the room.

The hues of blues and grays were awe inspiring, and I could do nothing but gape. I approached the bed with uncertainty as I allowed the tips of my fingers to run over the smooth surface. Silk. Nothing but the best for the new Queen, I jeered. Oh how Loki was very quickly gaining my affections. But material goods were only a fraction of what was to come.

How much of my psych will I lose in this room? Or in this city? Would the people even accept me? I knew that they had no choice, but what would happen if Loki grew tired of me. What of me then? I was brooding on thoughts that aught naught linger in my mind. If only I could turn them off and just appreciate the room like any other woman that would be nice.

I was turning around in slow circles as I adored the room with as much apprehension as I could muster. It was false, and was quickly noticed by the King that still stood at the entry of the room. He seemed almost, hesitant? I couldn't place it, but it sent a quiver through my body. The King wants to see my approval? I stood dumbstruck as what to do. I swallowed thickly before I could even croak out a word. We hadn't exchanged one word ever; I have never heard his voice before. And He has not heard mine; I wonder what tales could be told of his voice. I heard it was silky, but sly like a snake. I only ever wished his words would never come to me as a lie. If I was to be his loyal wife, then he was to be loyal to me. My only arrogance I beheld within me.

He beat me to the punch by speaking up first, and boy did his voice sound as ever much it's been described as.

"I do wish the lady enjoys her quarters?" His voice was far too formal, yet fitting for the Realms King.

"I do greatly, thank you," it fell off my tongue before I could realize what I was saying. Being polite, especially to someone as intimidating as Loki, or my aunt, it was purely instinct. He seemed to enjoy the quick reply, and pleased at his gesture.

"Then I will heed a departure. I ask you to join me for last meal of the night, if the lady so wishes to join?" His face was a subtle hesitation, pleading almost. I fell for it.

"Of course my Lord," I spoke calmly, yet I could hear the high pitched ring to it. Uncertainty, damn.

"Then I shall have someone collect you later this evening. I will see you soon," he spoke almost curtly, glad that he had gotten some rise out of me. He was masking in his accomplishment and walked out of the room. His wrists flicked and the door slammed behind him.

He left me to my thoughts, which was a blessing. Now that I didn't have expectant or judgmental eyes, I could criticize as I pleased. Though there wasn't much, how could I? The whole carnivorous room engulfed me so easily. There would be so many places to hide in these "chambers", as he so called them, if I ever needed to. It was a small comforting thought.

But what from? I had the King of all Realms here asking for my hand in marriage. Sure we know almost nothing about each other. He hadn't even asked for my name!

The thought of marriage sent a chill down my spine. Marriage wasn't just about a legal document to wave in people faces so they won't be scorned for having sex, or even having children. No, marriage was about a mutual companionship between people who care about each other. Loki has yet to prove to me that he cares about me, and I have yet to prove that I care about him.

No, to me this was whoring me out. This was a way for my aunt to punish me, and if she had succeeded, which she had, and then she was giddier than I had been to see my father come home from long weeks at work. She was hoping that I would get chosen, on the off chance, she used to smite me for my awful looks, though hers were no better. Her auburn hair, crazed green eyes, thick lips with crooked yellow teeth showing, pale opaque skin with scars from a blemished imperfections, and a scrawny body that wreaked of malnourishment to attract the eyes of men.

Though she had been lucky on multiple occasions on getting a man to bed, but he was out the next morning without another word said. She would be pissy for days on end as she went through the emotional trauma of a man who was drunk and bedded her because he thought her beautiful through her drunken state. Of course, even drunk, they could tell that she was not very attractive anyways. The few were sour and some she could hear were unimpressed by her no-talent. She was a whore, and that's what she wanted me to become.

I scowled. Of course this is what she would want; this is probably what she had been planning, hoping that the King would ask for a wife. Though why he came to the bowels of the Steel City was beyond my knowledge. He could've had a more impressive noble woman who would be more than glad to take his hand if he offered. They would jump as high as he asked when he asked. I felt I could not offer the same, but I would be obedient, or so help my skin as I was charged back into the nasty claws of my aunt. Or worse, he would smite me on the spot.

I sighed, this was a one way, or no way, and it would go his way. I breathed in heavily before I began exploring again. I tiptoed through the room, feeling that my presence within tainted the polished fixtures. Even the carpet, so white and luscious between my toes. I sighed at the feeling, but soon met a sleek tiled floor.

I had walked through the hallway, on passing I noticed many doors adorned with the same swirling pattern as the door on the way in. Behind them I was sure to find dresses that I was expected to wear.

I was in the bathroom now, looking at another largely adorned bathroom. The tiled flooring had a similar design as the doors, though a subtle look to them. Gold and silver, with a hint of blue I could catch even with my weak mortal eyes. There was a long vanity with a sink; obviously this was made for more than one person, but whatever. On the other side of me there was a large walk in shower, a wraparound seat made of the same tile as the flooring that reached up to the walls. The tub next to it was built into the wall, the tiles flowing into it like it was meant to be there. It was all ornate, and unreal.

It was the most luxurious bathroom I had ever laid eyes on, and felt dirty just standing here. Even with my shower early that morning when I rose, I decided I should take another to cleanse me of the entire dainty steel residue off my body.

I decided I would be thorough with my cleaning and use the bath. I slowly stepped forth, taking off my clothes and dispensing them on the floor. I looked at the knobs, they seemed almost foreign, but I must try to figure out the expensive knobs to start the bath. I started with one, which made water flow free through the nozzle and pour into the tub. I felt the water, it was searing hot, so I turned the other one and soon the water cooled enough but still warm for a relaxing comfortable feel.

I finished in a great length of time, yet when I stepped out and threw a towel over my body to walk out into the bedroom the clock read that it hadn't been that long at all. I assumed that we had reached here around 1, and I was sure that dinner would come at 6, though for now it was only 3. I had three hours to gather myself before I would meet with the King for dinner.

I was nervous now, though the warm water soothed down all my nerves at the time, taking with me a part of that home that I cared less about now. I was still overthinking all of my worry for what was to become of me.

Would I stay here in this room? Would I see Loki more than just for dinner? Would he come to me to share his bed, and then leave in haste? Would he want anything more? Surely he just wants to keep me to have his children, his heirs.

I shuddered at the thought once again and gripped my stomach. Funny, how he could put his royal seed into me and I would be carrying the future king. The small, helpless baby would reside inside of me. Would Loki even be a good father?

I shook my head, I must be going crazy. It was probably the elevation, considering I hadn't been up this high since, never. Why would I even consider this? Of course it will be bound to happen, and dare I might say I wouldn't mind having my children look like Loki.

Maybe I'll get lucky and not even be able to have children! Then Loki would just discard me, or just stand as the motherly figure to another whore who could have his children. At least I would still live in luxury, not have to have his kid, and take care of another. I've taken care of my little brother for so long that becoming a mother would be as natural breathing.

I puffed out my chest and decided to just let the towel fall off my figure before stepping back into the hallway to look through the closets.

As I had assumed, inside there were many ornate dresses, some fancier and intricate than others, but most with a universal theme. All were long, elegant ball gowns. I didn't know if Loki would want me to dance with him tonight, or make an audience with some of the higher nobles. I wished that it was the first thought, making an appearance to the nobles that my own home had despised would be quite an embarrassment. Joining the high life of luxury when only moments ago I was scrounging up as much food for my brother and me.

The rebel brigades had been less than plentiful on food, so sending out our only good resources was a sacrifice hard to make. The three of us had starved for many weeks as they stole our produce and breads. Yet as the last few moments I had with my mother, even when she knew they were coming, she continued sending it out. In hopes that my father would receive them and keep fighting for his family.

My father's rebellion years were shortly over, and he and my mother died in each other's arms. My brother and I got swooped away to live with my aunt until further notice. Which in our case was if my aunt wanted to get rid of us, though she got a lump sum of money for putting us in her care. She despised us and made our lives horrible, but she kept us just for the money.

I ran my fingers through the throngs of dresses, deciding that I would wear one of my favorites I could find. A dark blue sweeping, form fitted gown would work to accent whatever features Loki seemed to like about me. I hated my body, though not stick thin was round and curvy. Yet, I still had a little stomach that jutted out, and then suddenly dip down into my pantie line. It was unsightly to my own presumption, and I never wondered why a man never took a second glance at me.

My blond hair was short and choppy, a style I had used to make my aunt furious when she wanted it to be long like it had. My brother sported the same hairstyle, though his was longer and more girlie. He too, did it in spite of her.

After gliding on some lace underwear from a drawer and a push up strapless bra, I slipped into the form fitted dress. It seemed to fit me perfectly, and how he knew what size I was before he even met me was outrageous. Unless he was aiming for someone of my body type? How odd, though not very surprising.

I padded my way to the bathroom and looked through the draws, examining all that was in each. Finding a gold laced brush and comb, I matted through my hair. I finished soon, and then went to working on the little make-up I could find. He seemed to not enjoy much makeup on women, which I didn't mind. My unblemished face was a gift from my mother, having her smooth skin seemed to make me a little more appealing than I thought I was. A little dab of lipstick, some mascara and blush I was able to look somewhat presentable. I wasn't a master at makeup, but I was at least glad that my aunt kept a hefty supply hidden in her bathroom for me to experiment with. She unknowingly commented on my appearance once after I had applied some light pink lipstick and some concealer.

I never told her, but I think she knew. In hopes that I would turn into someone like her, that's what I at least hoped I would never come to be. In all, I was mostly glad that Loki had chosen me to be his bride; I could escape the likes of her.

Though now that I had left my brother behind, I felt almost guilty for saying that. Now he would have to fight her on his own, and I wasn't there to defend him whenever she got the urge to hit him. Or if one of her drugged friends came over and assaulted him. I would hate for him to get stuck out on the streets for most of the time, while coming back when the mediator would do an inspection so my aunt could continue getting money.

I bristled at the thought, but kept myself composed. Looking in the mirror, I looked almost malnourished in the dress, which even small itself, it seemed to be loosely fitting now over me. I trembled, a small tear leaving my face.

I was no more the orphan girl, with a small brother, living with her deranged aunt. I was now future Queen to a megalomaniac ruler who had forcibly taken this world. I choked a sob, and held myself together and then it resulted in me pushing down the bile that had risen in my throat. I had to stay strong, and keep myself composed for one dinner then I would be free to move about my room.

Maybe after I would just read for the entire night, then he would leave me alone to my own accords tomorrow to sleep. Then we would have dinner, and the cycle would start over again. Like I said, I could spend an eternity reading those books, for I had desired to read many I had learned over the past few years. Though only just now coming of age, most of my education had stopped and I was left to stay and learned to take care of a house. My aunt couldn't do anything for herself, and though she kept up good appearances, her house, especially her room, was a disaster.

There was a light tap on the door, and I steeled a glance back at the clock and sighed inwardly. It was now nearing 6, and dinner was about to be served like I had guessed.

I took one last look at my figure from the bathroom and rushed towards the door. I opened it to find a guard, the guard that had stood outside from before. A small smile seeped out and he nodded for me to follow. The walk wasn't that far, and after many turns down some hallways we approached another large vaulted ceiling, gold and silver to match the rest of what I had seen. It was a universal pattern throughout the whole empire. Standing before the window on the opposite side where I was standing was Loki.

The guard that led me here had bowed slightly to the both of us before leaving to our own accord. We still had yet to share a word, aside from a few menial questions, but I was more than content with staring at his figure. His lean, but lithe body was being covered by more natural clothing. He was wearing a dark green tunic and black trousers which hung off his hips loosely. Despite being a god that had just swept me away from my brother, he looked so devilishly handsome.

He stood as still as the steel city itself, gazing upon the darkening gold city below. This was their king, high above the clouds watching over them as a guardian angel. Except he was no angel, he was a murderer, but it seemed that most rulers were. The deaths that he had taken were a part of his regime, for him to be king; those lives must have been taken.

I pushed away those thoughts as I watched him slowly turn around. His face was passive as he gazed at me, just as he had the first time we had faced each other. I would never dare step out of line with this man, for I feared what he might do to me.

The man of hesitation I recalled before being left alone was gone, and now I was face to face with the King. He stepped closer, away from the glass wall, and made his way over to the chair closest to me. The corners of his lips curled, smiling politely as he offered me a seat. I walked towards him as he pulled out the chair and I sat down gracefully. I never had any real proper etiquette, but it seemed I was doing fine.

The King motioned for one of the servants to go fetch our meal, and in a few seconds large platters were brought out to us. Under them was an array of meats, fish, and vegetables. All cooked to perfection, but of course nothing less for the King.

"Did you enjoy your bath?" His voice broke the silence; one I was hoping would stay for at least a little bit longer. I wanted to eat, not talk, but I would not go against my pleasing of this man for something as my stomach. I had gone longer without food, I could handle a few minutes of conversation.

"Yes, I did, my Lord," I spoke softly. The room was too big, and my voice echoed off the walls, even with it being so small. I felt so small.

"Good," was his only reply, and he seemed to have gone back to his meal, done with conversation.

It was quiet for the rest of the meal, which I was happy for, but I only picked at my plate for the better part of twenty minutes before I finally decided to just put the fork down. I was in no mood now to eat all of it; I knew I would be sick from eating it all.

"Are you finished already?" Loki asked, his brows furrowed in confusion. I blushed, not exactly wanting to share of my unfortunate luck of having no food recently.

"Yes my Lord," I replied almost robotically. Loki seemed to be irritated by my answer, so I had to think of something quick before he would snap at me. I didn't want that to happen on our first night at dinner. "It's all too much, really, sir, I'm quite full." Was my polite reply.

His mood didn't seem to rise after that and I waited another five minutes before he was finished eating and called for the servants to clear off the table. I stayed silent the whole while, looking down at my lap or gazing up quickly at the servants who were taking away my plate. I wanted to give them my thanks for such a gesture, but I knew that that was their job.

I kept my hands folded in my lap, trying to keep my posture straight and yet I couldn't help the look of sadness that crossed my features. I couldn't help but be this way, and I feel like I had messed everything up. I thought that being silent would make things better, but it seemed to have made things worse. And the one time I spoke, it seemed to irritate him, which was not good. How could I ever be a good wife if we can't even have a normal friendly conversation?

My thoughts were interrupted when I felt a large hand cover over my shoulder. I peered up to find that the king was gazing at me intently. His features had softened since I last saw them in irritation. At least that was a good thing, and I only smiled up at him.

"Come with me," he said in almost a whisper. I only nodded my head, and took his hand that he offered for me. We walked out of the large dining area and through the large golden ornate doors. We turned down many hallways while Loki had my hand tucked in the crook of his arm while he walked. I couldn't see his face to gauge his expression, but I figured it was one of determination.

In front of us I can see another floor to ceiling window with a set of French doors that leads out onto a balcony. When we are out there I can see that it matches mine almost perfectly. It's a bit chillier here than it was back at home, and I try to wrap myself as best I can with my only free hand. I step closer towards Loki without even realizing. He gazes down at me, his body freezing up with the contact and I instantly back away, dropping both of my hands from him. I cast my eyes down for only a second before I stare around the large balcony. This one had much more stone and silver, with small figurines that sat on the edge of the stone railing. There were lawn chairs and tables placed about in no particular order. In the dimming light, I could see that the colors were green and silver, such a great combination. Bold dark colors with the strike of silver, it seemed to be a theme all throughout the whole palace. Funny to call this a palace when it really reminds me of really old, really tall office buildings I had seen in school before the war. Yet this one was up to date with all the gold fixtures one could find.

My eyes found Loki's figure again, he was staring out over the stone railings, his hands resting on them. He had his head hung for a bit before rising and sighing loudly. I walked over towards him and stood in front of the railings, keeping myself a little away from Loki.

"Are you afraid of me?" he asked, though I was not surprised.

"You're my King, we must be a little afraid of you," I gave him my honest reply. Of course we hated him more than feared him, but I guess the most hatred came from our fear. Loki scoffed.

"I thought that you would be just like everyone else on that desolate steel city," Loki laughed humorlessly.

"We're not all the same," came my small voice. Loki turned slightly to gaze down at me, our height difference was astounding.

"You seemed far too out of place there," he replied, looking out upon the city once again. I didn't comment more and just stared out with him.

Out below us I could see how high up we really were. The Steel City never got this high up, most of the building only reaching half this height. The streets below I could hardly see, if it weren't for the tiny specs of light. Somehow, though, I could breathe normally. I thought that being up this high would hinder my ability; it must be Loki's magic. Loki was a well-known sorcerer by all, and most feared what he could do to a single person or even a group.

In the horizon, I could see other golden arched buildings that swooped into the skyline, not nearly as tall as Loki's palace, but it was damn near it. The golden architecture was strangely reminiscent of the designs of Asgard.

Asgard was of no mystery to Earth anymore; in fact it was placed as an actual study in school. I had enjoyed learning about the immortals culture. The Realm Eternal. It was told to be a beautiful place, holding the most exotic creatures, tall statues of wars past, and a culture so rich that it seeped into the halls and ever crevice of the immaculate scenery. I longed to see it, but I guess that Loki had brought some of it here with him. He seemed almost homesick and desired that his kingdom here on Earth be the same as it was for him as a child.

"What's Asgard like?" I blurted, without even realizing it had come out of my mouth. I clamped a hand over my lips, and looked over at him in worry. He seemed less than phased by my outburst, and he began speaking.

"It is a glorious place. The architecture is that of wonder, the scenery of plant life twisting into that of technological advanced buildings. The people were as eternal as that of stories from ancient pass. It is truly a sight to behold," he spoke of wonder, and it made me think if he truly did love it there. It seemed as if Earth wasn't even his intention to take over, that he just wanted the people to love him on his home. But I had a hunch that they hadn't, and he had every reason to make home somewhere else.

"You seem to have brought it here with you. Homesick maybe? But it's still beautiful, and you can call Earth every bit of home as Asgard had once felt," I didn't know what kind of sentiment I was feeling for him, but I almost pitied him. Almost.

"Such kind words coming from someone whose race has been set up to slaughter. You could go run screaming here, and yet you stand still and in fright as if I was to hurt you," Loki tensed up, his face screwing into torture, as if battling a war in his own head. I wanted to reach out to touch his arm, but I held back. I didn't know if he wanted to be touched, so I kept my hands to myself.

"You've been our ruler for almost 200 years, you can't possibly still be thinking of those beginning times? Even people in the Steel City have forgotten most of it," I spoke the truth. In all honesty, we could've been better without him, but he's been able to give opportunities to those of misfortune. Of course my own could not be helped, the rebellion forces still held onto a pretty good grudge.

"They forget because they have more pressing matters to attend to. You all cannot possibly be naïve enough to forget the war?" Loki turned to me now, pain clearly written on his face.

"We remember those days as dark and shadowed. There is more than one way to tell a story," I reminded him of something that my mother used to tell me. My father had been against the war, but my mother saw it as an opportunity. My parents, yin and yang.

"You really believe that?" Loki's eyes were like green orbs, shining in the fading light of the city. Yet, here they were, pleading for an answer from me of something as ridiculous as a war that has been long gone.

"Yes," I answered curtly, I didn't want to be rude, but I was tired of this conversation. Loki seemed pretty adamant on not continuing either, and just rested himself against the railing once again staring out upon the city.

Night was upon us soon, and I could feel the chills run up my back. I shivered, rubbing my arms when the stone became too cold to the touch. Loki didn't seem at all disturbed by the cold, but he seemed to know of my distraught.

"Come inside, it's getting a bit chilly," Loki held out his hand for me to take, and I did without hesitation. I had no reason I should really be scared of this man, in all he was really still just a man.

Back inside it was all warm and toasty compared to what it felt like outside. My limbs slowly started to regain feeling, and having Loki's long fingers intertwined with mine felt strangely of a relief. The walls began to look familiar as we made our way back to my rooms, but we took a sudden turn when my door came into view. Loki pulled me quicker down the hall until another door could be seen; this door was wooden but tarnished to a shine. I didn't get time to examine the engravings as Loki pulled me inside.

It was an enormous library, the same floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with books. A fireplace sat in the corner burning and crackling, sending off a warm glow in the room. The set of couches and chairs were set about the room, a group of them sitting around the fire in no particular order.

Loki let go of my hand and wandered over to a few bookshelves, running his fingers over the bindings. He seemed lost in thought as he observed the books on the shelves, his face changing every so often as a new thought would pop into his head. He was a really beautiful specimen to look upon. I felt a blush rise in my cheeks when our gaze locked, but from embarrassment or from the heat from the fireplace, I couldn't tell.

Loki paced then, around the whole room, and then stopped. His gaze caught mine again as he walked towards me slowly, hesitantly. What would this man be so worried about? Surely after being in rule for so long that he would be used to all the stress, but it seemed that all the weight was bearing him down.

"Do you know why I chose you?" He asked his face contemplative. I was unsure if it was rhetorical or I was actually supposed to answer.

"No," I croaked, my voice lowering into a whisper. Loki's face turned into one of irritation, but it didn't last before he was cooling his features.

"I chose you because you didn't seem fit to be there. You seemed as if you did not want to be there," Loki started, his gaze finding somewhere on the ground, studying with great care.

"I didn't really, my aunt was more than happy though," I commented, trying to gauge his reaction.

"Yet you are not fighting me," Loki gritted through his teeth. I was unsure on what he was asking me though, and I stood there puzzled. Then it donned on me what he was stating.

"You are my King, I find no reason to fight," I stated simply, trying furiously to calm my overbearing nerves.

"Don't fool yourself! You cannot lie here!" Loki bellowed, taking a few steps closer to me. I didn't move, that's what he would want me to do.

"I'm not lying," my words seemed to have no effect on him at all.

"Surely the greatest lie of them all," Loki spat, turning around sharply and pacing again. I sighed heavily before I approached him, and without second thought I grabbed him by the arms and forced him to look at me.

"Look, this is not how I want ANY relationship to start. Sure your methods of choosing a wife were not ideal, not for either of us, but you're the King and I'm just a loyal follower to your rule. Please, see my reasoning and don't think of my words as lies," I spoke calmly, but stern enough that he knew of the truth.

Loki seemed stunned for a bit before he regained himself and he practically fell to the ground if it weren't that I was standing there. I gave him the reassurance before I let him fall onto one of the chairs near us. Loki rubbed his temples, his face concentrating on the battle within. I pulled away, desiring to give him his space, but he merely pulled on my hand again and pulled me in front of him on my knees. He didn't look up to me when he spoke.

"What is your name?" his voice was trying hard to hide the quiver, but I could hear it as clear as day.

"Lynn," I gave his hand a squeeze.

"I am Loki, and I do hope that you will enjoy yourself here," he looked up finally, and I had to hold back a laugh as he told me his name. His features contorted into confusion. "What is it?"

"I know who you are," I spoke softly, a small smile reaching my lips.

"But of course, but I thought it proper to speak my name to you anyways," he seemed surprised by my outburst.

"I meant no harm! I wasn't expecting it," in truth I expected him not to carry on after. Yet he surprised me and pulled me down to sit next to him. He held onto my hand, and looked into my eyes as he read my every expression.

We talked for hours it seemed, until the light from the fire was slowly fading out of view. Loki listened to all my answers thoroughly, commented, and asked about my personal life. It started out with my parents, then to my birth and my brother, to their death. The transport from my old home to my aunts, and my time in school up till when I was being ushered out of the house to stand in line with the rest of the women. It seemed that he too felt that my aunt's attributes were none to boast about, and almost seemed to pity me. He pitied my brother and made a promise to help him in any way he could, of course he could not live with us, my time with him was over for that. I would be allowed to visit him from time to time, but there were no concrete promises concerning that.

As we continued our conversation out into the hallway, more or less him speaking as I held onto his arm for support as my body slowly descended into sleep. He didn't speak anything against this, knowing that we were one day going to wed, it seemed appropriate in all ways. Even as he half carried me to my door, I could feel some tension rising. I didn't know the normal rules that he followed concerning any public displays of affection, but it seemed that he had felt it too.

He leaned in slow towards my face until I could feel his breath on my cheek. A heavenly smell I might want to add, and I almost had the thought to back away, why he would ever find me attractive enough to be his wife was still a question I had running through my mind. Yet, here I was, standing in front of my door to my room like some high school girl getting back from a great date with an interesting boy, standing on my toes as he leaned forward and brushed his lips over mine softly.

He seemed hesitant, basically asking me for permission when I finally reached in the rest of the way and kissed him back. He cupped my face with the hand that was not holding mine, and with some eagerness seemed to return the kiss full on. I wrapped my free hand around his neck and pulled him towards me. It was a heady concoction of passion and love, but more than that an unspoken understanding of each other. And I never wanted it to end.