Chapter 2
Beth made the long walk to the other side of the palace. It wasn't too long of a walk, but the minutes dragged like hours. All she could think of was what he might have to tell her.
"Probably some terrible news," She thought. "I'm probably being punished for spilling the wine last week…"
As Beth neared the Great Hall, her hands trembled and her mouth went dry. She had never been in trouble before.
When she arrived, she showed her letter to the guard at the double doors, and he let her in without a word. She tip toed in; it felt appropriate to remain as quiet as possible, since the Great Hall itself was eerily silent. Loki was seated at the table facing away from the door. It appeared as if he didn't even know she had entered.
The double doors behind her shut with what felt like a deafening bang, making Beth jump out of her skin as the sound echoed through the enormous hall. Loki was unphased and didn't move an inch.
Her flats made a slight clacking noise on the marble floor as she approached the table. Loki was reading something, and when she entered his field of vision, he finally acknowledged her. She gave a tentative curtsey and tried to remain still, despite her trembling.
"I see you have received my letter." Loki set down his reading material. "I would have liked to discuss this matter with you yesterday, but you slipped away so quickly after dinner."
Beth gathered up every bit of courage she could muster, wringing her hands and fiddling with her apron. "My apologies, your Highness. How may I be of service to you this day?"
Her voice betrayed her. It sounded shaky and timid when she had tried so hard to sound confident and self-assured.
"I am in need of an attendant. As I'm sure you know, my last one was let go."
"But I already serve Lord Fredrick…" Beth squeaked, not thinking about the haste of her reply. Loki raised his eyebrows.
"I beg your pardon?" He said in a low, aggressive tone. He was unnerving without even trying. Beth became flustered.
"…your Highness," she quickly added, looking at her shoes. "What I meant to say…I mean that—"
"Look at me when you speak." His tone was so calm it was daunting. He paused, looking at her expectantly, waiting for her to finish.
Beth found Loki's eyes and held his gaze cautiously, but her words were gone. His lips turned upward ever so slightly, clearly amused by her timidity.
"From this day forward you will be my personal attendant. Lord Fredrick will be notified of your absence. At this time I would like you to return to your chamber to pack your things. You will be relocating to a room next door to mine." Loki stood up. "You may be excused, and move quickly."
Beth felt paralyzed. She had heard stories about how Prince Loki went through a different maid every week, usually because he scared them away.
Her fear melted into anger. She had been very happy with her life up until this point, and now it felt like everything was ruined. She hadn't moved or spoken a response yet. Loki stood in front of her, towering over her. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned in closer.
"Are we clear?"
Beth said nothing, not sure that she even could if she wanted to, afraid that she would say something stupid in her indignation. Loki slightly raised his voice.
"I said, are we clear?"
Beth's face reddened and she looked at the floor. Loki became suddenly impatient and took a few steps in her direction, slowly closing the space between them. She watched his feet until they were inches from hers. He raised a hand and placed his pointer finger under her chin, slowly but firmly tilting her face to meet his.
"I will not put up with your discourtesy," he breathed, inches from her face. "You will respect me as your superior or be penalized for your defiance." He lowered his touch from her chin but didn't break eye contact. Beth narrowed her eyes slightly, knowing she shouldn't dare say what she was really thinking.
"Yes, your Highness." She said shortly, and gave a contemptuous curtsey. She shocked herself with her newfound audacity. Beth hadn't felt this heated over something in a long time, if ever. Life with Fredrick was simple and easy, and she genuinely cared for the jovial old man. She turned on one heel and paraded away.
She gasped when she was suddenly jerked back by her upper arm. Loki's large hand had reached out and closed in a tight grip just above her elbow, yanking her back.
"Does it please you to incite such anger in me?" he growled. He was so close that Beth could feel the heat radiating from him. "You do not want me to grow impatient waiting for your compliance, little one. If you know what is best for you, you will not provoke me again." Loki's eyes searched her face for a brief moment, and a dark smile slowly spread across his face while tightening his grip on her.
"On second thought," he laughed. "I won't let you off the hook so easily. It will be such fun to break you."
