Heart pounding, footing and breathing unsteady, mind reeling.
The chase was on.
Loki had given you a head start of about 20 seconds, before you disappeared behind a large, seemingly never ending hedge cut into intricate patterns and designs.
The beauty of the gardens was almost enough to distract you from the task at hand; hiding from him. Don't let him find you.
Nearing a collection of marble statues, you decided this was your best bet for now, as you were all too familiar with the ferocity the prince would be hurtling himself at in order to find you. He was always so competitive. A trait he had retained since childhood.
Before you allowed yourself sink back into a false sense of security, the boy, or should you say 'man' created a distinctive sound of heavy leather boots stomping aggressively against the gravel as he neared you.
His implied foul mood made your stomach o involuntary flips and your legs began to shake.
"Aria, I know you're out here somewhere~" he sang, cruelly. Completely revelling in your terror.
He knew you hated being hunted down like an animal, so he made it his mission to do so on every possible occasion.
You gripped your mouth firmly, a meagre attempt to interrupt your chattering teeth, which would almost definitely give away your sacred position. That was the last thing you wanted.
Loki always found joy in the pain and suffering of others, yours in particular, which you would be eternally grateful for…if not for despising his guts at this moment in time.
Luckily, as you finally regained the capability to move your shaking limbs, you bravely decided to peek around the smooth edge of the stone figure that had been concealing you for the past few agonizing minutes, seeing the back of Loki's head disappearing behind the hedge that you had just hurtled around.
Taking this as a sign from the gods that you should take your leave, you gathered your skirts into your shaky palms, putting one foot in front of the other, you were ready to propel yourself from the floor with an almighty speed when a firm hand held your arm in a vice like grip.
He heaved a heavy breath along the column of your throat before letting out a breathy chuckle.
You ceased to breathe.
"Caught you, little lamb."