"Thor keep up, someone's going to see us," Loki shouted as he sprinted down the hall.
The two young children were exploring the forbidden wing of the palace.
"Loki, we aren't suppose to be here," Thor said in a harsh whisper.
"Oh for once brother, indulge me in a little mischief since you seem to be against my ideas of fun," Loki goaded as he continued down the hall.
Thor followed after his brother mumbling about how he could have fun.
They made to the end of the hall where they stood in front of a door with interact carving of vines and trees on the door.
Loki's small hand was wrapped around the door.
"Loki, don't, we are in so much trouble," Thor whispered as he watched as Loki pushed the door open.
What they saw shocked them into silence.
A young girl with black and white hair was seated on the floor playing with small dolls.
Her back was to the two princes as she continued to play with her dolls not sensing that they were there.
"Now we must braid your hair for the royal feast in the princes' honor," the girl's voice spoke softly as she started to braid the dolls' hair.
"I do not know of what feast you speak of," Loki said with a smirk on his lips.
The girl gasped and she turned around wildly.
"What are you doing here?" She spoke in a shocked voice.
Loki took a step towards the girl and offered his hand.
"I'm sorry if we frightened you, we were merely exploring," Loki said as he pulled the young girl up so she was standing.
"That still doesn't mean you should be here, the All-father will be furious if he finds out," the girl said in a frightful voice.
There was a silence before a booming voice rang out.
"You mean when, Serene," The All-father said as he appeared in the doorway.
Serene bowed her head in shame as the boys whipped around to see their father.
"All-father, I apologize I did not hear you enter," Serene said bowing her head.
"Father," the princes said as they bowed as well. "Boys, what have I said about this wing of the palace?" Odin asked his one eye trained on them.
"Father, I mean no respect but why were you hiding Serene, she's just another Aesir like us?" Thor asked, as he looked to Serene.
He gasped as her skin changed colors to that of the galaxy Asgard over looks.
The outer layers of her limbs were a dark blue while the rest reflected the red hews of Yggdrasil.
Loki sucked in s sharp breath when he felt the wave of energy.
"Boys, some people are meant to be left alone, others can thrive in others company," Odin said as he put a hand on Serene's shoulder.
Serene looked to Odin and pouted her lip.
"All-Father I think it would be beneficial if I spent some time with those of my age," Serene said as she tugged his hand.
Odin paused in his breathing to think about the decision he must make and the consequences, if any.
"Boys, you must swear to look after Serene, many beings in this universe would love to get their hands on her," Odin said in a stern voice.
Young Thor bent down on one knee with his right fist over his heart.
"I swear to protect Serene with my life," Thor said bowing his head.
There was a weight in the air as Serene looked to the dark prince.
Loki stared at the people in the room. What should I do, should I swear to protect her? Why waste your life on someone else, she means nothing. But if father is protecting her she must mean something, maybe she could help me escape Thor's shadow.
Loki dropped to one knee and placed his fist over his heart.
"I swear to protect Serene with my life," Loki said in a strong voice.
A buzz of magic swirled in the air as yellow tendrils struck out and enveloped the right arm of the young princes.
They gasped as a white and blue phoenix appeared on the inside of their wrist.
Protection runes surrounded their wrist in a bracelet formation.
"So shall it be," the All-father spoke and he walked out leaving the children in silence.