Broken

Hi guys! Thanks for reading so far :) This is my first fanfiction after a 3 year hiatus and it feels good to be back! Thanks to jayjay0815, utterlybewitched, sleepyhallow02 and viol6tta for being the first few reviewers of this story! XD I'll try to update regularly (how fast depends on how well recieved this story is XD) so support me if you want more! I'm open to any feedback or ideas you have. Please leave a review! Hope you enjoy this new chapter ^^ *peace out*

*I don't own anyone but my OC*

Chapter 2:

Does my lady not wish to dance with this fine gentleman?" a voice as smooth as silk interrupted as Aster was about to open her mouth.

She turned around only to lay eyes on one of the most beautiful beings she had ever set eyes on. He was tall, a head taller than her, dressed in fine Asgardian garb. He wore a long black coat decorated with green, and a black tunic. Both pieces of clothing were highlighted with gold. Gold braces sat on his forearms and a gold shoulder guard rested on his right shoulder. Judging from the way he dressed, he was either royal or came from the more reputable noble families. Somehow she felt that he looked familiar.

She froze for a second, taking in his sudden appearance. Her eyes came to rest on his face. High check bones, defined nose, his lips spread in a smirk. Her eyes met his intense green ones. They were steely, with a tiny hint of mischief. Somehow his smile seemed sinister and the look in his eyes sent shivers down her back.

"I'm afraid that is not the case. I worry my poor dancing skills would put this gentleman to shame." she replied rather politely.

Being the God of Mischief and Lies, Loki knew that instinctively that was not the case and that she could dance perfectly well. His lip curled.

"On the contrary I had the impression it is your dancing skills that would put this gentleman to shame. Those shoes look exquisite. I'd keep them that way if I were you. I hope no one trudges on them." If one had not carefully deciphered his words carefully, they would not have picked up the intended insults or the fact that it was directed at the gentleman who unfortunately had no talent for dancing. She knew he was hinting at her lie, using her words to imply that she looked down on the gentleman's ability. "Perhaps you feel it beneath yourself to dance with him?"

"I apologize that is not what I meant. I merely do not wish to disrupt this wonderful dance." She narrowed her eyes, straining to maintain her polite smile. Her mother's voice echoed again and again in her head: You represent our family. Act and look like a proper lady.

"The night is young and it seems like a pity to not participate in the festivities. I would be delighted to dance with you." Aster smiled sweetly and took the gentleman's hand. It looked like the dance was inevitable.

"I think you are a worthy partner. Though I wouldn't deign to dance with anyone else if they ever get the urge to trudge some feet later." she added, flashing a sweet smile. After all, two could play the game. Evidently, the gentleman had not picked up the true meaning in Loki's words and appeared a little confused at their word play. He just took her hand with a smile and led her to the dance floor.

Aster's subtle insult did not miss Loki's ears. He felt his blood boil with rage. The girl had obviously picked up his insults and thrown them back at him in his own words. He was a prince of Asgard, the God of Lies and Mischief, destroyer of Midgard. No one had the audacity to speak to him that way, much less insult him. He had always been proud of his silvertongue, playing people to his will with his smooth words. His eyes narrowed, focused on the girl in question. The wheels in his mind started spinning, he was not about to let her off just yet.

Aster swore she could feel someone staring daggers at her as she swayed and twirled with the music. She had not meant to lose control of herself and insult that man, who was obviously trying to put her in a spot. She took deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

After one song, Aster felt she could not take it any longer and excused herself, heading for the nearest chair. She regreted her implusiveness as she massaged her throbbing feet. Deciding that she had spent enough time socializing, Aster got to her feet and headed for the double wooden doors. As she made her way through the crowd, she heard a someone call her name.

"Aster! Is that you? I haven't seen you in a while!" Thor boomed as he weaved his way towards her. She felt her lips turn up in her first genuine smile. "My prince, it has been a while. How have you been?" She was surprised he actually remembered her from all those years back when they were children.

"Since when have you learnt to be so polite? You refused to call me by anything but my name." he grinned. "But-"

"And I insist it remain that way." Aster laughed. He hadn't changed. Still the loud and boisterous Thor she knew. "May I tempt you with a drink? For old times sake."

"Of course." She agreed immediately. Thor got 2 mugs of beer and they sat down at the table. "How have you been? " she asked taking a drink from her mug. "I've been well I guess." He shrugged. " I've been busy lately trying to bring order to the 9 realms."

"Yes I've heard. It must be tough. But I don't think it's too much for you, I mean you seem the perfect sized solution for that problem. " She heard his deep booming laugh at that. They spent time catching up with each other and she was pleased to realize that Thor had found a lover in Midgard. "You should introduce her to me some day! I look forward to meeting her."

Just then, something struck her. "Oh! Where's Loki? How has he been?" She asked, realizing the dark haired prince was not beside his brother like he always was in the past.

Thor's face darkened. "What's wrong? What happened to him?" Aster asked, alarmed. Just as Thor about to answer, Loki interrupted him.

"Gossiping about me? Perhaps you would like to consult with those meddlesome women you hate so much." Thor shut up rightaway.

He then turned to her with a smirk on his face."How are those shoes now?" Aster froze. The man she insulted earlier was Loki? His mannerism and vibe were so different that she could not believe it was him. Her eyes widened with shock.

"You've met Aster earlier? Why didn't you tell me she was here?" Thor asked.

"You seem to imply that I know her." "Loki, don't you remember? Aster was our companion when we were children."

Loki's eyes were cold and distant. "I have no impression of her." His past was but a lie. Useless, fleeting memories that served no purpose. Thus, he erased them from his mind, just as he had forsaken his life as Loki Odinson.

"But no matter, perhaps we should take time to get reacquainted. May I?" He held out his hand to her. Aster hesitated for a moment before she put her hand in his.

"Make sure you escort her properly." Thor warned, noticing Loki's sinister smirk. "Always the concerned one, aren't you, brother?" he hissed. Noticing the tension, Aster squeezed Thor's arm reassuringly. "I'll be back."

Loki led Aster out of the noisy hall, towards the large fountain outside. There suroundings were quiet other then distant chatter and the soft trickling of water.

"I apologize for my rudeness earlier, my prince." Aster was first to break the silence. He sneered at her. "Oh? So polite now that you know my identity? What a fickle creature. Those smooth words may have charmed my brother but they do not work with me. Save your empty words."

Aster was taken aback. "I was rude to you and I would have apologised all the same, whether you were a prince or a begger."

Loki threw back his head and laughed. It was ridiculous,listening to her words. Status was everything. "Trying to be noble? We both know that is not the case. All I hear are lies, flattery, gossip and spite in these halls, people trying to latch on your back to reach the top. Thor will believe anything from a pretty face and I must admit you are more creative than the others. But do us all a favour and drop that pretty little pretence of yours."

Now Aster was truely angry. "Firstly, I actually meant that apology, but now I'm having second thoughts. Secondly, I don't make up stories so you should go and blame yourself for your poor memory. And lastly, I agree there is no shortage of bootlickers, but if that is what you think of ALL the people around you, you must truely be a lonely person. I'm not going to apologise anymore. Excuse me, my prince." With that, she turned and left him standing alone in the courtyard.

*Sorry for the long wait but this chapter was a struggle. It's hard to write the conversations X( I hope they don't seem out of character*