Loki was not an option. My parents made that clear from the first time they saw me watching him at a party.

I knew why they didn't like the idea. He was quiet, and usually kept himself separate from the crowd, yet women seemed to surround him as he got older. Of course, he was a prince, so that was expected, but he always seemed bored with them. Rumors surrounded that boredom: it was because he'd had them all.

Those rumors, and his mysterious magical abilities, were both big marks against him with my parents, prince or not. In their eyes, he was dangerous.

I took their warning to heart and kept my distance, though it didn't stop me from looking. Loki was beyond handsome. His face was somehow both sharp and soft. His eyes, when he smiled, were like relaxing pools. When he was angry, they were hard crystal.

I saw it all from afar, watching his interactions with others, or keeping an eye on him during royal announcements as he stood with his family.

That changed one year at the annual Palace ball. I was chatting with a friend when her eyes widened, and a voice behind me sent a shiver down to my toes.

"May I steal a moment?"

My friend bowed and hurried away, and Loki was before me.

The musicians began. Loki took my hand, pulled me into his arms, and started swaying. His eyes held mine as we moved across the floor. Half the song was over before he spoke.

"I see you at these balls all the time, yet you never approach me."

"You always have so many people around you, My Prince. I don't wish to intrude."

"Intrude? Your intrusion would be welcomed if it could make the crowd around me dispurse."

"I doubt that my presence would do that, My Prince."

"Call me Loki."

I hesitated.

"Please," he said.

"Yes, My Pr- Loki."

The name nearly caught in my throat, but he smiled.

"And you are Sylvi."

"You know my name, My Pri-."

I stopped myself, and he smiled.

"I've watched you. Inquired about you."

"You have?"

"You fascinate me. While other women flock to either me or my brother, you remain... aloof."

"I... I wouldn't say aloof."

"No?"

"No, just-"

"Completely uninterested, then?"

"No, just-"

"Ahh! So, you are interested."

I shook my head as he grinned. What was he doing to me?

"Not interested in getting caught up in competition over men I will never have a chance with."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"You may be right about Thor. He has a list of prospects. Since it is he who will likely be King, the list consists of ladies of the highest status."

I nodded. "As it should be."

"I, on the other hand," he said as he pulled me closer at the waist, "have no such list, and do not care to have one."

I stopped breathing. His eyes never wavered from mine.

"But if I did have a list, yours would be the only name on it."

I lowered my eyes.

"My Prince-"

"Loki."

"I believe if you gave it some thought you would see that I am not the one for you."

"And why is that?"

"I-"

I had no words. I couldn't tell the Prince of Asgard that my parents wouldn't approve of him. I couldn't mention the rumors being spread about him by his subjects.

"No objections, then?" His smile beamed.

"I'm not worthy of you, My Prince."

"Nonsense. In my eyes, you are the noblest woman in the room."

The music stopped and Loki stepped back, but held my hand.

"Perhaps you need convincing," he said. "The man you would not chase will chase you instead."

"My Prince-"

He laid a long finger to my lips.

"If I must insist again that you call me by name, I shall be very put out."

He removed his finger, and I took a breath. I was able to take my eyes from him long enough to glance around the room. All eyes were on us. I was going to be another rumor.

"I can't," I said.

"Must I make it a command?"

His eyes were dark pools. His lip was curled into a smirk.

"I insist," he said as he closed he gap between us, "that you call me by my name."

"If I agree, will you take a step back... for decency's sake? Everyone is watching."

"You should know I care little about what other's believe or say about me. But, for your sake, I do agree... if you will say it."

"Then I shall call you by your name, Loki."

He took a step back as he smiled, then he bowed and kissed my hand.

"You can expect to hear from me soon, my Sylvi."

The music began again, but Loki escorted me off the floor and left me with a bow. He didn't even glance back.

When we arrived home my parents demanded answers. What did he say to me? Why did I allow him so close?

The truth was that I enjoyed his proximity. This man I admired from afar for so long had come to me. He was interested in me.

Of course, I couldn't tell my parents that.

"I could hardly offend the Prince of Asgard by rejecting a dance in front of a room full of people," I said.

"He will use you," Father said.

"It was a dance."

"Did he not express further interest?"

"He won't follow through. He is the Prince. My station is nothing compared to his."

"A romp in the sack does not require a high station."

"Father!"

"Grow up, child! The rumors were already floating around the palace by the time we left."

I remembered everyone watching us. They were talking. Whispering. I was the mischievous Prince's new conquest. He wasn't bored with me... yet.

"This is silly," I said. "Prince Loki does not want me."

"Then he will not be offended if you no longer attend the royal balls."

"I've always attended the balls!"

"Then you've had your fill."

"Father-"

"End of discussion."

I glanced at my mother, but her hard face told me she agreed completely with her husband. I tried to reign in my temper to keep myself from stomping out of the room like a petulant child. Just when I felt I was about to fail, a knock came at the door. My father answered it, and I went to my room.

I lit a fire in the hearth to give myself just enough light to turn down my bed, but there was something on my pillow: a single red rose and a letter.

My Sylvi,

Here's to the chase of a woman worth pursuing.

Yours,

Loki