A big shout out to Shorty McGee, and Belco for being my first reviewers; I am so very happy to her that you enjoyed the first chapter. I hope you enjoy the second chapter as much. Please, please, please read and review. Happy and encouraging reviews are great and constructive criticisms are welcome. Nasty comments help no one: ) Marvel owns all except Darina. Much love to you all.

o.o.o.o

Loki awoke to the sound of bustling around him as memories of him collapsing unconscious in front of everyone flashed before his eyes. He groaned inside at the thought of showing himself in a weak state, and pinched the bridge of his nose as be slowly pulled himself up to a sitting position. As his eyes began to focus they took in the surroundings of something familiar and welcome; his chambers. As his eyes danced over his desk, his books, his belongings a sense of familiarity enveloped him. He was almost lost in this feeling when a gasp pulled him from his revere. Turning his head to the left, the emerald prince looked upon a young woman, on her knees mopping up spilt water from a jug. Looking up the now awake prince must have startled her, Loki thought. He watched her in complete silence, not blinking once for his focus was so strong. The brunette woman rose to her feet, taking with her the soaked towel she used to mop up the water and quickly made her way to the princes bathing area. Perhaps she didn't him after all, Loki pondered again, for her would have apologised for waking him, for spilling the water, for even being there. Who was she? He questioned in his mind. Slowly Darina glided back into the bedroom and locked eyes with the dark haired prince. "My apologies My Lord; I did not know you were awake. I had hoped to finish in here before you woke." She spoke, her voice almost as soft and sweet as an innocent child, though confidence edged the tone.

"Making a racket that, I somehow doubt you would have left unnoticed, woman" Loki spat, his voice dripping with venom, but Darina did not move, nor flinch like most did at the sound of his voice.

"My name is Darina" she replied, with almost as much venom.

"I beg your pardon? Did I ask for your name?" Replied Loki, taken aback by this woman's confidence and lack of respect. "You should show me respect and keep your tongue behind your teeth"

"Forgive me My Lord, but I have respect. I also have a name. Woman is derogatory and not something I find amusing at all"

"Are you aware of whom you speak to?"

"Fully my Lord"

"I could have you flogged for such insolence" Snapped the Prince.

"At least then I would be addressed to the crowd as Darina, not woman" the maid defied.

"You would risk punishment for the sake of your name?"

"I would. I may be a maid in the palace, My prince, but I deserve respect in my own right. I am not something that was dragged into this palace on the bottom of your shoe. My family have served yours for many millennia and up until now a mutual respect has been given." Darina spoke, cheeks flushed in annoyance and her brow furrowing. Loki took her in as she spoke her words. She was a plain woman, neither stunningly beautiful nor ugly. She had a beauty of her own, and a confidence and defiance that took him by surprise and intrigued the prince. It almost reminded him of himself before Odin; how he would demand respect from the king. Loki smirked when Darina insisted speaking and nodded. "May I leave or am I to be reprimanded for speaking out?"

"You may leave. In future, if you wish to say something... Don't"

"I am entitled to an opinion, My Lord"

"And I am entitled I removed your position from you as cast you from this palace unemployed" spoke Loki with much authority.

"Understood, my Lord" Darina bowed with much anger and gave the prince one last glance before she headed for the door.

"Oh, and Daria, try not to wake me tomorrow morn"

"As you wish My Lord"

A loud knock sounded on the doors to Loki's chambers and the emerald god price glanced up from his book from where he sat upon his bed. Ignoring the interruption he turned the page. The knocking persisted until Loki groaned in annoyance and snapped his book shut, pushing himself up from the bed and began to walk toward the door. Opening it slowly, Loki looked upon his golden haired brother and shook his head. "Sorry, I am afraid I am not available at the moment; too busy" Loki spoke with sarcasm and closed the door on Thor's face. As the prince made his way back to his bed, his chamber doors burst open behind him. "I'm sorry, can you not understand English?" Loki spoke, climbing back onto his bed, lacking the usual grace in his stride.

"Loki, do not be like this. I have come on behalf of father-"

"Oh, he didn't want to come himself?"

"- because he is in a meeting with the council; I am here to invite you to dine with us this evening"

"Sorry I won't be able to make it; being locked away in my room after all"

"We are offering you time away from your chambers brother, to eat and be merry"

"Be merry? Surrounded by you and Odin?"

"Father" Thor corrected

"Your father" Loki spat, picking up his book and threw it at the blonde god; Thor jumping in surprise at the sudden selection of literature hitting his chest. Thor shook his head in disappointment and bent down to grab the book and placed it on a table near the chamber doors.

"So you will not come?" He asked, looking almost childlike as though Loki had just taken his favourite toy. Loki snorted and rose from his bed and began walking to his wash room.

"What else do I have to do with my time, though; I suppose I will be escorted?" Loki inquired, boredom lacing his voice as he turned the tap on his bath.

"Yes. I can escort you or the guards can." Thor replied, watching as his young brother poured scent into the running water and noted how he still looked ill and thin. Though, he wasn't surprised; Loki would hardly look better overnight. As Loki removed his shirt, standing only in his breeches, the blonde god's eyes roamed over the emerald green gods back. Raised scars decorated his shoulder blades and Thor was positive that several bite marks laced his skin. "Goodness, Loki, what happened to you?" Loki turned and regarded the other with emotionless eyes, his thoughts drifting back to his fall from the Bifrost and his… training… no… torture in the hands of Thanos.

"Are you still here?" Loki snapped, anger and sorrow all at once overwhelming him and Thor was positive that unshed tears glazed over his eyes. Informing Loki that he would be back in one hour, not pursuing what happened to his brother; Thor left in haste and closed the large doors belonging to Loki's chambers. Loki, suddenly feeling somewhat self-conscious turned to look into the mirror in his bathing room and allowed his eyes to roam over his torso and what he could see of his back. "If only they knew…" Loki muttered, before scowling at himself and began untying his breeches, looking forward to a nice warm bath.

The youngest Prince of Asgard followed the god of thunder down the beautifully decorated and architectured walls and corridors of the palace. Loki allowed himself a moment to take in the sight, that deep down, he missed though he would never admit it. To admit that he missed the palace was to admit that he had feelings and fond memories of the place and that, he couldn't face that fact after his true parentage was revealed; that he lived a life of lies. As though sensing the presence of Odin, Loki began to slow his pace. The doors to the feasting chamber suddenly came into view and the dark haired prince felt betrayal and disgust gush from his heart into his being. All the while, Thor remained positively quiet, smiling at palace workers that passed by and nodded to guards here and there. It was an uncommon sight to behold; Odinson silent as the grave. Loki felt a sarcastic comment bubbling up inside of him, though it took all his might to hold it back; he did not want to waste his breath conversing with his brother- no, his… what was he to him? Loki pondered to himself bitterly.

The grand doors were opened and the princes were ushered in by a happy Frigga; eyes constantly locked on to Loki as they walked to the table. Loki groaned inwardly as his eyes locked upon the people sat at the table; Odin, Sif, Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg. Why on earth were they here, he ponded. As soon as they reached the table, Frigga sat by her husband and watched as Thor led Loki to a seat and took one himself. Reaching for a goblet of wine, Loki scanned the table and rolled his eyes then took a great gulp of the wine; at least, if he were drunk it would be more bearable, pondered the prince. "How are you faring now, my son?" Frigga inquired of the mischief maker and he in turn ignored her until Thor nudged him harshly. Hissing at the pain on his sore, thin arm, Loki glared at Thor then looked to the woman he called mother.

"I do apologise, I thought you were speaking to Thor" Loki replied sarcastically and the queen of the realm cast a unamused glance.

"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit Loki" She responded and reached for her own goblet, all the while the table remained silent.

"Lowest, probably, but no less effective" Loki watched as Frigga smirked and shook her head and he felt a warmth grow inside of him once more. "If you are referring to my collapsing last night, then I am positively brilliant; I mean, everyone collapses when they are feeling great don't they?" The sarcasm came back with a vengeance, dripping from every word that left his mouth.

"Enough; we are here to dine…" Odin spoke up, looking around the table. Not a moment later did plates and goblets clink and chatter fill the hall. All the while the emerald green god picked at his food and stared into nothingness; his mind adrift to everything that had happened over the last few years. An hour had passed and the prince began to feel suffocated; being surrounded by all the people he did not wish to be around. Agitated, Loki moved in his seat wanting to be able to just get up and leave as he did in his past, but he knew that Odin would not allow it without and escort, and Thor was not likely to want to leave any time soon. Deep in thought, the god of mischief considered escape routes, though he knew most would be futile until a slight smirk appeared on his face, though no one noticed. Loki began to sway, feigning dizziness and pulled a face. Thor glanced to his side, noticing the change in movement.

"Are you well, brother?" he asked, reaching out a hand to steady the rocking body. Loki was laughing inside as he used his trickery to make his skin appear grey and Frigga and Odin both gasped at the sight. "Shall I take you to the healing chambers?"

"Mine will suffice" Croaked Loki, surprising himself at his ability to feign sickness so well.

"I will take you there now" Thor spoke with urgency and placed one of Loki's arms around his shoulder, pulling him to his feet. Loki feigned his sickness to the point that he almost believed it and watched as the people around the table blurred out of view as Thor led him away.

0.0.0

After Thor had returned the young prince and returned to the festivities, Loki sprawled out on his bed and smiled in victory. If feigning illness kept him away from Odin and the others, then that was what he would do. Folding his hands behind his head, he glanced up at his ceiling and traces his eyes over the familiar patterns that decorated it. So consumed in this was the prince that he neglected to notice (very unlike himself) a person standing in the room, watching with a sceptical eye. Moments had passes until finally that person cleared their throat. Loki startled slightly and lifted his head, his brow furrowing. Standing at the bottom of his bed was Darina, holding a large bowl of fruit. Both remained still for a few seconds, staring at each other as though they were having a contest, until the female broke the silence. "Queen Frigga informed me that you left the feasting table early due to being Ill and asked me to bring this bowl of fruit, should you find yourself hungry"

"Well, put it down then. I don't expect she told you to stand there all the while holding it." Loki responded, rolling his eyes, and then led back down on the bed ignoring the woman in the room. Darina frowned and did as she was told, placing the bowl on a nearby table.

"Anything else I can do for you, my lord?"

"No" Loki responded and expected the woman to leave in an instant, but there was no movement. The prince sat up on the bed, back against the headboard and arms crossed, focusing his attention in the maid. "Yes?"

"You are not ill" she simply stated; a lack of amusement displayed on her face.

"How do you know what I am and what I'm not?" Loki snapped, his tone deepening, menacing.

"Because I know a sickening spell when I see one" she stated and watched as the grey complexion upon Loki's face slowly faded back to original colour. Loki raised an eyebrow and leant forward slightly toward her.

"And how would you know?"

"You are not the only one to know magic in this palace, My Lord" She responded, clenching and unclenching her fists.

"Where did you learn?" he questioned, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"I didn't. I was born with it" she replied calmly.

"If you hold such talents as you claim, why have your reduced yourself to nothing more than a palace maid; why not a teacher - someone of use?"

"Because my lord, were I to become 'someone of use' in would turn out just like you and lack respect for those who work beneath you. I would rather live a slave, so to speak, and to have respect and love of the people around me, than to live a life of luxury and have nothing at all. Better to serve than become the person you hate" she voiced, the passion in her voice bouncing off every word she spoke.

"You hate me?" the dark haired prince inquired, raising an eyebrow and smirked with such mischief in his eyes, but also a hint of…. Dismay was it? She pondered as she looked him over.

"I'm not overly fond of your views"

"Indeed" Loki mused and moved himself from his bed and toward the woman. Darina took a step back, unsure of what he was going to do. Loki raised a hand toward her to place it on her cheek but felt an unfamiliar sinking in his stomach when she flinched, as though expecting to be hit. Loki instantly pulled back his arm and looked upon her with confusion. Darina took another step back and watched the prince with unsure eyes. Loki stared into her eyes, as though looking into her soul, and the power she had behind them and the magic she so confessed to being born with were evident. She was truthful and outspoken; something he both admired and found a similarity with himself. "You think me a woman beater?" He asked then suddenly, his temporary soft expression hardening as he looked from his hand to the woman and back.

"You do not have the best reputation, my lord, for lacking violence"

"HAVE ANY OF MY SUPPOSED REPUTATIONS INCLUDE ME BEATING A WOMAN?" Loki shouted and watched as the woman cowered, backing away into the wall behind her. "I may be many things, Darina, but I have never lifted a finger to a woman, nor do I plan to" Darina nodded in understanding, keeping her mouth shut and Loki felt a little shame creeping inside him as he noticed how the usually outspoken women remained silent; he had frightened her. "Darina..."

"If that is all, my lord, I shall be leave now" she said quickly and rushed past the prince to the chamber doors. Loki did nothing except watch the woman rush from the room in haste. As soon as the doors closed, Loki let out a sigh of sorrow and shook his head, thankful that no one was around to notice this. Darina rushed through the corridors and past Thor, lady Sif and the warriors three as the exited the feasting hall, and all noticed her pale complexion and redeeming eyes; evidence that she had been crying.

"Your brother has been at it again..." Volstagg commented as his eyes followed the maid down the corridor and out of sight.

"I think he's afraid" Thor spoke gently.

"Loki, afraid…" Sif snorted incredulously, "What could HE possible he afraid of?" Lady Sif rolled her eyes. "I don't recall him ever having a scared moment"

"Afraid of experiencing emotions; sentiment, happiness, love, gratitude..."

"Why?" Inquired Fandral the dashing, smoothing his perfectly shaped moustache with his thumb and index finger.

"They haven't exactly served him well in the past, and we all had a part to play in that; no one deny it, for you know it's true. Mother said that she hoped by allowing Darina to serve Loki as his maid that she might soften him because of her positive demeanour and her innocence. I suppose Loki has found it uncomfortable and has snapped; possibly why the poor girl was weeping. He is surrounded by a hard shell; unfeeling and angry…" Thor explained, sorrow filling his eyes and heart as he looked to his friends.

"I don't suppose we will ever see the old Loki again; before everything happened" Hogun quipped as they all began to walk once more toward the sparring arena.

"I doubt it. I think he is too damaged to return to the person he was" Said Volstagg.

"Perhaps, though I will never give up on him" Thor almost whispered as they all past the chamber doors belonging to Loki.

"Deep down, I don't think he would want you to give up on him. Despite everything, when I saw him yesterday after you brought him back from the dungeons, seeing his thing and malnourished form, I swore I saw admission of his guilt and a longing to be forgiven in his eyes. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light, but im with Thor; I won't give up on him either. He was a good friend to us in the past, regardless of his trickery and silver tongue" Fandral added, glancing back over his should as he spoke to the guarded door.

The night seemed to drag on and on and the prince clothed in green desired nothing more than to be let free from the confines of his room to walk the gardens and the library. One thing had not changed, and would not; his love for his books. Frigga had kindly restocked his bookcase with new books, Loki had noticed as he got up from his bed, dressed in nought but his breeches as he approached the fresh literature. His slender fingers danced over each spine, taking in the subject matters and humming his disapproval as he passed each book that did not take his fancy. It was obvious that not one of these books would be on magic; Odin would have seen to that. Despite being in his bedroom, he was still a prisoner; a prisoner with a reputation in using magic. And so, Odin would not offer Loki the opportunity to learn more of it. And so he was supplied with history texts, romance novels (a touch from his mother), herbology and midgardian texts. Flailing his arms in boredom Loki grinned and made his way to the door and opened it. Instantly the guards outside jolted in surprise and turned toward the prince, crossing their spears in front of the door to prevent him from leaving. "I wondered if you might escort me to the library" Loki spoke and sneered as he recognised the look of nervousness and fear in one of the guard's expressions. The prince was taken by surprise however when he was told no.

"I am sorry Prince Loki, but under the command of the King, you are not allowed to leave the confines of your chambers unless escorted by either the King himself or by Prince Thor."

"Then will you go to the library and fetch a few books for me; none I possess impress me"

"Again my Prince, I apologise, but the King has ordered that no book is to be brought to your chambers without the Kings approval. The King is currently asleep with most of the kingdom by now. I doubt he would be most happy were I to wake him" Said the guard sheepishly as Loki's eyes darkened in anger.

"Why does that not surprise me…" Loki snapped and slammed the door shut in resentment.

"Restless are we?" A voice suddenly sounded behind him, near his window and Loki's brow furrowed as he slowly turned around. Frigga stood, shimmering; clearly an apparition as she had not passed the guards into his room. "Are you feeling better my son?" She inquired, walking toward him with a beautiful, loving smile on her face. Loki merely shrugged his shoulders and moved to his wardrobe, opening the door and removed his dressing gown and pulled it on quickly before his mother could set her eyes on his scars.

"You know, I may as well have stayed in the dungeons…" Loki quipped, turning around to look at the blonde goddess he called mother. "My situation remains the same; I cannot leave this room."

"Must you look upon it so negatively?"

"Is there a positive side to being locked away in a room? I almost am the relic that Odin took me for. Why not lock me away in the weapons vault" countered Loki, crossing his arms as though he were protecting his chest. Frigga shook her head and gave a sad smile.

"I could not see you in the dungeons another day, physically and emotionally, Loki." She stated, taking a few more steps away toward her youngest son. Loki grunted, his eyes betraying him as they shone, threatening tears to brim over his lower eyelid. "oh my darling son…" Frigga spoke, raising a hand to rest on Loki's cheek. Loki leant into it though he could not feel her skin upon his. "Please, try to sleep. I will come and see you tomorrow"

"Will the great Odin allow it?" he asked bitterly.

"He has no choice; I am his wife and you are my son" Frigga declared, a smirk displaying on her face; an expression Loki recognised as his own. "Your father is waking; I must go now. Until tomorrow, my darling…." The emerald green god watched as his mother faded away into sparks of gold.

"Until tomorrow" Loki repeated, nodding with much sorrow as he stared out of his window to the moonlit realm of Asgard. "I must leave this place…."