I slowly woke up to the sound of the birds singing. Sighing I dragged myself from my bed, feeling the bruises on my arms. Sitting at the vanity Mirror, I brought out my leather bound book as I turned it to a marked page. Muttering the spell I watched as the bruises faded. They were still there but no one could see them. Sadly, I was yet to master actual healing spells. Putting on one of my newly found green dresses, I draped the hanging piece over my shoulder. It was emerald green silk, embroidered with silver. Walking down the halls, I made it to the great hall. Entering through the big wooden doors I was greeted by a bunch of sorry hung over men. Smiling to myself I made my way over to my seat. As soon as I sat down I found my fruit and juice in front of me. Digging in I didn't even bother to look up as I felt the whole table shake. "Princess Maria" He started as I finally looked up to see the big sorry look on Thor's face. "Yes, Thor?" I questioned with a stern face, which quickly melted as I saw him wince at the harsh tone of my voice. "I would like to bestow my deepest apologies for my behaviour last night. I was very wrong in my actions and hope you may find it in your heart to forgive me" he said taking my hand as lightly as he could. I found myself looking towards Loki as if for an answer for what I should do. He nodded and smiled as I took a deep breath.
"I forgive you Thor. I know that last night you were merry and those actions were not your own. But you must learn to be more gentle as I bruise easily". I said as I placed my hand over my arm to reveal the bruises. Thor then looked even more shamed. "Princess Maria, I promise you I will be gentler" He said as I covered them back up again.
"Thank you Thor, but if I ask to spar with you... You will not go easy on me." I said with a smile as he smiled back in glee. "But of course Princess" he said with his booming chuckle as he left and I found Loki by my side. "I believe myself and your brother will get on just fine2 she said with a soft smile, although Loki did not seem as pleased. "What is wrong?" I asked as he finally looked at me. Something was troubling him.
"How much do you like Thor? Do you find him handsome, charming?" Loki pressured me with as I simply sighed. "Do not think for one second I could ever go off gallivanting with that brute of a brother. He cares not for his lady but for his admires and muscles. I doubt he has two brain cells to rub together…or know what brain cells even are" I said as my both laughed and I could tell Loki was slightly more at ease. He placed a hand on my cheek and kissed me forehead. "Thank you for the reassurance" he said as he got up and left. Finishing breakfast, I was excused from my lessons today so I decided to check out the gardens a little more intently. Realising this dress was not very practical, I went back to my room and put on my short white cotton dress and brown sandals. Walking around I went over the bridge that Loki took me over when we first met. I was walking around when I found the most beautiful water spring. Walking over to the edge I dipped my hand in the water, it was wonderful. The water was crystal clear. Slipping off my sandals and dress I sunk into the water. No one was around and it was just too much to resist.
I had only been in the water a few moments when I heard someone calling my name. Loki? "I'm over here dear!" I called sinking lower into the water. He walked over and stopped when he found my dress hung over a branch. He perked an eye brow and smirked as he walked over and sat by the edge of the water. "You really are making this difficult for me" He said now lying on the edge of the pool as we were face to face. "I don't know what you're talking about" I said innocently as I pushed away from the edge and sunk down into the water with a devilish smile. I saw him stand up and parts of his armour fade as he dived in. Sadly, he got to keep his shorts as I finally re-surfaced. He was reluctant to join me. When he finally did, I found us very close to each other. "Each day I spend with you, makes me more certain of this marriage" he said holding me close. "Well that's good then, because my certainty of this also grows" I said smiling as we both leaned in for a kiss. Although it was rudely interrupted. "Loki!...Loki!...L." It was Thor. He stood dumbstruck at the edge of the pool as I quickly clicked my fingers, in hope to summon a swimming costume. Instead I accidently got my cotton dress; which was no help at all. I panicked and tried to cover me self best I could as Loki muttered a spell and I was wearing a green swimming costume and my dress was on the side, drying. After a few moments I finally calmed down and got out. Thor could not apologise enough. But this time it was for Loki to forgive. This was not going to be as easy. Walking back to the castle, I avoided eye contact with Thor and kept close to Loki. Thor had simply come down to see if we were to join him and some others on a hunting trip. I told Loki he could go if he wished and I would stay behind. But Loki seemed fix on of he was going so was I. Going to my room I made my third change of the day as I put on my white shirt, black leather pants and belt. Tying up my hair I even got out my dagger, bow and arrows. Tying up my hair I heard a knock at the door. I looked around to see Loki stood in the doorway with a very proud look on his face. "What? You didn't think I was one of those helpless pansy princesses that stood and looked pretty did you? I can do that, but I can also shoot an arrow off some ones head from at least 50 ft" I said with a wink as we went to join the others at the stables. Loki was gentlemen enough to make sure I mounted my horse okay before mounting his own. Smiling we made our way out into the woods as we took it in turns showing off our skills. But without a doubt, Thor had us all beat. Loki simply enjoyed watching and being observant. Getting a few dear and rabbits I watched eagerly as we got to the gutting of the animal. I really wanted to help, but this was my only white shirt. "Magic does have its perks…" Loki whispered into my ear as my eyes lit up. Of course! I got out my dagger and started gutting a deer I got an arrow right between the eyes. The other men were impressed by my enthusiasm into cutting the beast.
We found ourselves sitting around a fire, eating the meat we caught. I had to admit I missed the meat instead of all the fruit I had been eating. After the feast of meat, the fire reduced to embers and everyone huddled down to sleep. I lay down and felt Loki drape his cloak over us. "Goodnight my prince" I said as my eyes grew heavy and I fell asleep.
"goodnight my princess" he said, kissing my head before falling asleep himself.