Part one:
Cali was always promised to be someone great. Her mother always told her there would never be anyone like Cali; as strong and intelligent as this young woman. Growing up, Cali would go to sleep listening to her mother telling tales of warriors and monarchs who ended wars. She was always fascinated with greatness, with being the one who held every and all power.
Loki was a man of deceit and lies; a man who cherished pain and lived within the effects of his boredom. He loved to play tricks and inflict deception, yet he also relished in the pure, strong sensations of life. Among the lengthy portion of his young life, Loki had accomplished many gruesome, hypocrite things. He was not humbled by the consequences -no- in fact, he'd been fueled by the repercussions of his actions. He was pained by the hatred that came from his "cry for help" or his "attention seeking" duties. He blamed the fact that he was a second born, adopted son who always fed off the remains of his older brother.
Yet the thing that fused them together was not their thirst for power or their undeniable love for reconnaissance. What blended them together was the lack of any of those things. Despite their infatuation with power and dominance, both of them did not hold those in their hands.
Before they knew each other, they were strangers. Living on the same planet, yet worlds apart, they were total and utter strangers. Until Cali was invited to the New Year's ball as a guest of prestige. Her family was one of power and wealth within the Asgardian community. Her father was the officer in charge of the Royal Bank and her mother trained new Valkyries. They'd always attended these events as guests, but this time, something felt different.
Cali and her parents had arrived in a golden chariot, white horses pulling the carriage to the main doors of the castle. Asgard loved to decorate for special occasions, hence the castle was covered in glittering candles and translucent hangings. Even from the chariot, Cali could see the interior of the main hall was gold, shining with candlelight, exploding with wealth. As she exited, she could hear the soft violins and the low cello seeping from somewhere inside.
She stood on the precipice of the stairs as they glistened with moonlight. Looking up at the never-ending castle, she took a breath. These walls were her home, yet now, walking into a hall she'd been to so many times before, felt like she was walking into a trap.
"Cali!" her mother called, her head of blonde curls bouncing as she made her way up, her hand gripping her husband's bicep. Cali's father, always the elegant and quiet man, was clad in a dust black suit. He'd chosen to be simple, whereas her mother chose to wear a crimson dress with gold accessories. She'd also forced Cali into a tight-fitted green gown, even though the girl had precisely said she hated green.
Now there she stood, clad in vibrant dark green with silver earrings and a thin silver choker around her neck. She'd protested against the dress, as it showed off her curves and left her back bare. The only reason her mother had found to persuade Cali was that the neckline was just below the neck. As if that was supposed to excuse everything else.
Cali climbed the steps of the castle, her gown flowing behind her as she entered the hall and stood behind her parents.
"I want you to smile," her mother said, flipping a strand of blonde hair behind her ears. Cali smoothed her chocolate brown locks, which she'd inherited from her father. She'd also taken his caramel eyes and his tanned skinned, yet she'd inherited her mother's chin and those darn scorning eyebrows. She had the colors of a foreigner, as her father was from Vanaheim, yet she had the facial structure of a pure blood royal, like her mother.
"Don't forget to curtsey and please, address everyone by their proper titles," her mother added.
"I think Cali is old enough for you to stop telling her these things every time," her father interrupted. Cali smiled secretly. She'd always loved when her father would defend her. Her mother, trainer of Valkyries, was however never happy about those.
They advanced through the hallway that people had created to let them through, eyes and ears at their mercy. Cali stood straight behind her parents, following quietly in their footsteps. The low hum of the cello and the sweet chirp of the violin accompanied their every step, the polished linoleum floor echoing from their shoes.
At the very end of the eternal hallway, the King sat proud and smiling on his golden throne. He shone in an all-gold plated suit of armor, his spear in his right hand, his golden eyepatch glistening in the candlelight. The Allfather, the eternal king of Asgard, rose as the trio approached, opening his arms in a near-touch embrace.
Beside him was Frigga, the beautiful and everlasting queen. She was dressed in soft blue with glittering jewels in her hair. She shone like the brightest star in the sky, her smile illuminating the darkest of hearts. She was the symbol of purity and motherhood, of strength and patience. Just a step beneath her was the king-to-be, Thor. He was smiling goofily, blonde hair awry, wearing a silver clad suit of armor with his bright red cape hanging off one shoulder. And standing a couple of respectable feet away from Thor was Sif in a beautiful silver gown, her midnight hair in a low bun at the base of her neck.
Cali's attention riveted to the King's right, as she made her way closer to him. The prince with dark hair sat casually, his knees spread, dark green leathers spilling over his seat. His emerald eyes were glued on her, watching as she slithered closer and closer to the throne. Cali shivered uncomfortably. He was frowning, his features concerned almost, as he watched her. His mouth was pulled in a scorn, twitching as if he wanted to scream.
"Welcome, friends!" Odin hollered, his voice booming through the hall. "And happy new year!"
"Happy new year, my king!" Cali's mother answered.
"You look beautiful, Rona," Frigga said, smiling smoothly. "As do you, Ragnar." Her parents bowed before their king, as did Cali, feeling the eyes of a particular prince on her. She couldn't help but noticed he'd changed in just so little time. She'd always seen him, from afar, as being the kid brother of Thor. Yet now, sitting casually with his legs spread, he looked like a man and not a child.
"Lady Cali Ragnadottir!" The king stepped down his throne, embracing the girl in his warm arms. Cali politely returned the embrace, smiling warmly, her cheeks red. The king had never given her this much attention before. "You are a lovely sight, my darling," he said lowly, only for her to hear. "I'm sorry to ask this of you quite late, but I would absolutely love to see you sitting beside my son for the diner."
Cali's eyes went round, finding her mother's face, who was raising her brows and silently urging her daughter to agree with the king.
"Of course, my king," Cali breathed, unable to contain her tumbling heart. She looked up and smiled at Thor, feeling her cheeks heating as he returned a warm and polite smile.
"That will surely please Loki," Odin answered, putting his hand on the small of the brunette's back. Cali frowned, her heart coming to a stop, hands tightening in fists. She watched as Odin turned to the dark-haired prince, motioning for him to come closer.
Loki stood, his brows still pulled in a scorn. He marched down the steps, green long coat flapping with every hard step he took. A feeling of utter terror overtook the brunette as she watched with widened eyes, the prince boring his stare deep within hers, as if searching her soul.
He came to stand beside her, offering his arm, which she took begrudgingly. She felt so little beside him; his impressive height not helping to the feeling she was living. He was not the prince she wanted to be escorted by, and he was surely not the man she wanted to be seated next to.
"Don't look so glum," he whispered, bending down so his mouth was over her ear. "I didn't want this either." He tugged her along as they followed the royal couple and Cali's parents. She was practically gaping, her eyes staring at nothing, her feet going along as if mechanical.
He was the adopted second son! He was not the king-to-be or a prince with honor. Everyone knew how selfish and mischievous he was. The whole realm knew the essence of Loki, and how he was just a man out for revenge and attention. He was not a man for Cali. She would have preferred to accompany Thor, to show the king and the queen that she could and would be a well-groomed and powerful queen.
However, taking a peek behind her confirmed her doubts. Thor was walking behind them with a broad smile on his lips, his arm the anchor for Sif's hand.
"Stop looking jealous," Loki gritted between his teeth. She didn't answer, instead opting to stare in front of her with a deep frown.
The four couples entered the main banquet hall, swerving between gaping counsel men and gasping ladies. Everyone had eyes for the last two pairs waltzing in. Women were whispering about Cali's dress and how lovely she looked, her and Loki both clad in dark green. The girl began to understand why her mother had practically forced the young woman into a green dress.
This ball was supposed to be a good night; a night where Cali could talk to Thor or converse with some well-placed women in the crowd. Yet now she would be dutifully stuck with the prince of mischief.
They all sat facing the rest of the guests. The king was in the middle, with his wife to his left and Thor to his right. Sif was sat beside her knight, with Loki following suit and finally Cali, at the edge of the table. Cali's parents were seated on the queen's left.
Cali felt isolated and betrayed. She'd been given to the least favored son, to sit on the edge of the table, right next to the stairs. Things were really not adding up. Why wasn't she sitting with her parents?
"What's the matter, my lady?" Loki asked in a mocking tone. "Not used to not being the center of attention?" She scowled at him, feeling like she could stab him right then and there and not even blink.
"The matter is I am stuck talking to you as my parents are sat too far," she grumbled, leaning away from the table as the first meal was being served; soup.
Loki huffed, his glistening emerald eyes adorning a malicious look. "Daddy's little girl, huh?" His voice was low, eyeing her carefully, calculating.
"I beg your pardon?" She decided to keep her manners. Being filthy mouthed would only give him what he wanted. She dabbed your spoon into the soup, making a grimace at the texture. Loki reached out and placed cold fingers onto her wrist, sending little jolts to sizzle on the flesh.
"Has no one told you?" he asked, and when she turned to face him, he wasn't looking at her like she was a meal anymore. He was truly concerned.
"Told me what?" she asked, frowning deeper the more his expression stayed glued to his face. "That you're a royal rat?" She kept her voice down, yet the minute the words left her mouth, Loki's face dropped.
Cali tried to ignore his fingers still pressed on her wrist. Eating her soup, she looked around the banquet hall, smiling at familiar faces, until Loki's harsh grasp brought her attention back to him. "I won't be talked to like that," he grumbled. "I am your prince and your…" he trailed off, letting go of Cali's wrist like it disgusted him.
"What?" she asked, her tone sour and venomous. "You're not my future king, Loki. You're just going to be a prince. That's all you'll ever be." She didn't even hate herself for her words. She was truly hurt and deceived that her parents didn't even blink an eye at the idea of their daughter accompanying the dark-haired prince. They had given her to Loki for the night, without any back thought, when there were plenty other men and women who were much better than Loki.
"If I'm so repugnant," he growled, leaning close so his mouth was brushing her ear, "why has your mother agreed to permanently seal the deal?"
The words dug deep, stinging in every nook and cranny that hurt. The young woman turned her head slowly, dark orbs wide, until she was staring at her damn mother. That woman was laughing loudly, exposing her beautiful teeth, playing in her golden locks, while her daughter was stuck with the horrible and tyrannical prince.
"What are you saying?" she mumbled, her heart tumbling in her chest, her stomach feeling like she'd ingested liquid fire.
Loki smiled, tilting his head to the side. "Well, why don't you ask your dear mother," he breathed, tracing his index along Cali's throat.
She stood up abruptly in a clamor of utensils and chair, her eyes still focused on her mother. Cali gathered her gown in her hands, walking slowly behind the row of royals, feeling like her world was on fire. "Mother," she rasped, ignoring the feeling of a particular pair of green eyes on her back. "Mother, I beg your pardon." Rona looked up at her daughter, frowning, excusing herself to the queen.
"Yes?"
"A word?" Cali felt like her throat was closing, air being rare and tasteful whenever she took a rugged breath.
Rona stood, her face expressing annoyance and not concern at the look on her daughter's face. Cali led her mother down the steps and into the corridor that led to the bedrooms. She leaned against the wall, the darkness of the hallway hiding the deep red color of her cheeks.
"Is it true?" she asked, the darkness echoing her fear.
Her mother sighed. "Is what true?"
Cali fidgeted. She'd never imagined anything like this before. Her mother had always been a cold and distant mother, yet she'd always cared for Cali's future. She'd always ensured that Cali had everything; the best education, the best fighting skills, the best books, even down to the best maids. Despite her recluse, Rona was a mother who had ensured that Cali could live out a life of power and fulfillment.
"Is it true that you permanently sealed the deal for Loki and I?" Cali used the same words as the prince, a sour feeling rising in her throat. She watched her mother's expression fall, her eyes turn nostalgic, her hands reaching out for her daughter, who swatted them away. "How could you?" Cali was close to tears, angry and disgusted by her mother. Would Rona have ever asked her own daughter who she really wanted to seal the deal with?
"Cali, let's talk about this somewhere else," Rona whispered, grasping her daughter by the shoulders.
"No!" Cali protested, almost pushing her mother away, tears brimming her caramel orbs. "Were you ever going to tell me, or did I have to find out by his mouth?"
"This is the best suitor we could ever hope for," her mother reciprocated, frowning deeply, the anger evident in her strained features.
"You gave me the unwanted son!" Cali almost yelled. "I don't want him!"
"Enough, Cali Ragnadottir!" Rona brought her hand upon the brunette's cheek, lightly slapping her daughter to bring her back to her senses. Cali gasped, cupping her now pink cheek. Deception was written all over the young woman's features; eyes red with tears and brows pulled up to crease her forehead. "You will walk back in there and you will behave."
Rona grabbed her daughter by the bicep, hauling her against her body. She brought her mouth to the young woman's ear. "And you will marry Loki."