A/N: I want to thank some of you guys for following me and my story and for so many favorites. Special thanks to those who have reviewed! I do feel really happy to have these great reviews, and I would love you even more if you guys added some helpful advice and any preferences you have for the story! And also, please keep in mind this is my first fanfic and I may not have perfected the art of writing yet, so apologies for any mistakes on my part. Thanks again and please review!

DISCLAIMER: I definitely don't own Marvel or Thor or Loki but if I did, I might die of happiness. I do own any of the ladies that appear including Alaina and Brianna!

And also, I decided that I would tell the story from Alaina's POV so that's why this chapter may seem different from the first two.

Chapter 3; The Royal Stables

I stepped out, into the warm mid-morning sunlight with Brianna at my side, both of us dressed in riding trousers, thin white blouses and soft leather jackets with sturdy boots for the horse-riding to come.

There is a large wooden structure at the edge of the clearing and a large stretch of dirt with flags lining the side that covered at least an acre along the back of the building. A group of ladies was crowded around the wooden structure, which I assumed to be the stables, in an excited manner as if waiting for something extraordinary to come out.

As we approached, the two princes came out, leading two steeds. Thor led a white and gray speckled horse with a white mane and gray tufts of fur at the hooves. The other horse was black with a long, silky mane and a white teardrop on its forehead and led by Loki. Each horse had saddles the colors of the man leading it.

Thor explained that we would be riding the horses, and for the first time, one of the two princes will go on with us to ensure our safety. "If you should want to go again, you may do so by yourself. Any ladies do not want to ride; you may have a seat on the benches with refreshments." Thor patted his horse. "This is Snowstep. Loki's is Midnight. The line starts here."

The ladies separated, after murmuring to each other about the unfairness of the activity. How boyish it was of them to have such high-born ladies ride horses! I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, even though I did agree with them. I was in no way able to complain, since I have been trained in the art of horse-riding since I was seven, but I could not disagree with the opinion that the sport was rather unlady-like.

I watched the large group of girls moving to the benches, including Brianna. Another much smaller group was headed for the horses and where Thor said to line up. I knew for certain that the women on the benches would most likely be going home, since the only logical reason the princes would arrange this event is to pick out the ladies that would not enjoy their hobby of riding. Then why was I headed for the line? Didn't I want to head home as soon as possible?

Maybe it was because I knew that in no circumstance would Loki ever let me go that easily. Maybe it was because I loved the feeling of wind blowing through my hair and couldn't wait another moment before experiencing it again. Maybe my subconscious mind really did want to marry one of the princes, but I headed for the line, standing at the very back idly while waiting for my turn.

When it finally arrived, I breathed out a sigh of annoyance. The horse available was Midnight, Loki's horse, which meant I would have to ride with the insufferable prince. Loki smirked at me and extended a hand towards me. I took it, and he hoisted me onto the saddle, coming up after me.

As soon as I was up, my annoyance faded, turning into fascination of Midnight and his gorgeous silky pelt. I leaned forward half to touch his mane, half to avoid the arm that came around my waist anyway. He pulled me backwards, into him and I turned to glare at him, only to find his face much closer than expected and only succeeding in getting my loose hair stuck in my mouth.

I reached up to pull out the hair and huffed. "Can we start moving or are you going to ogle me some more?"

Loki chuckled lowly and kicked the stirrups to get Midnight moving. We lurched forward and we started our slow circle around the stretch of dirt.

"So, how are you enjoying your stay my dear Lady Alaina?" The prince asked, leaning forward to speak into my ear. I pulled forward.

"Wonderful. Joyous. Fantastic. Anything you would expect me to say." I replied disdainfully, successfully turning to glare at him. "And why would you care, my dear joyful prince?"

"I care about the comforts of my guests." Loki answered, staring ahead as he pulled on the right side of the reigns to turn Midnight around. "And besides, any of you could become my bride any day. I find myself in the duty of questioning the comfort of my future wife. So don't flatter yourself."

"I wouldn't dare," I turned towards the front as we come to a stop in front of the line. Less ladies than before were in the line since some seemed to have gotten squeamish from the ride and went to have a seat. I gracefully swung myself off the black horse and landed lightly on my feet before Loki could offer his help.

Admittedly, I did enjoy the feeling of riding the horse, so I got back in line to ride again. Once I reached the front, I mounted Midnight again with grace. I looked back at Loki. "How fast may I go?"

Loki smirked. "As fast as wanted, milady,"

I nodded and turned forward before kicking the stirrups and leaning into the saddle to increase my speed. I grinned at the feeling of the wind around me, and let loose my hair to feel it coursing through the strands. I reached the end of the dirt stretch in no time at all, and I carefully turned Midnight around again to speed back.

When I arrived, Loki took the reins and helped me down the saddle. "With riding like that, we should have a race! Or maybe even a horse trick show."

Thor overheard and clapped Loki on his shoulder. "That's grand idea!" The elder prince turned and boomed his voice at the other ladies. "Anyone wanting to have a show of their horse-riding abilities come on up! We'll have a tournament!"

I smiled at the prospect and eagerly waited in the ever shorter line. Before long, the only ladies left were me, Lady Helen, and Lady Clarisse. Helen quickly got squeamish after so much riding, and it was just me and Clarisse.

One look at her and I could already say I disliked her. Her riding outfit was stitched with sparkly gold thread and her hair done in a high updo. She wore far too much makeup, but looked grudgingly pretty. Her smile was poison, since it was so venomously directed at her only competitor; me.

I mounted Midnight and she mounted Snowstep. Thor was holding a flag. "Ready, set go!"

I kicked the stirrups, digging my heels into the hide of the black horse. I could feel the wind racing through my hair, loving the feeling of freedom and grace. I looked to my side to find Clarisse still hanging on to my speed and I smiled. I do love a challenge. We turn at the end and spur our horses into an even faster gallop, so fast I lean down as far as possible to avoid getting knocked off by wind.

We reached the finish line at nearly the same time, and Thor suggested a trick showing instead. We agreed before arranging who should go first.

Clarisse goes, and manages to hang on one side of the horse, stand on its back and sit on it backwards. When I mounted Midnight, I patted his pelt and whispered encouragement in his ear.

As he starts a trot, I slowly ease my way up out of my saddle and stand on one foot with the other grasped by my hands and held behind me. I heard the cheers and smiled before dropping down, hooking my feet in the stirrup and letting one hand go the face the crowd. Not even waiting for the applause, I stand back onto the horse before backing up the neck and pushing off to a handstand on the saddle. I land and slide down the horse's back so I am sitting nearly on Midnight's tail. I pushed forward into a somersault, landing neatly with my legs wrapped around Midnight's neck and my arms in the air as a showy pose. Finally, we reached the finish line and I dismounted, smiling proudly.

That was the best I had ever done and I was certainly proud of myself for that.

Clarisse looked like a put out baby with pouty lips and a scrunched nose.

I was claimed the winner and everyone were treated to a cake that was made on a moment's request. I could feel Loki watching me while I ate my piece of cake and I looked at him slyly while sensually pulling the spoon out of my clamped mouth. He smirked and turned away after shaking his head in humor.

I laughed. I had just made the prince feel shy. Surely he wouldn't keep me around then?

"Alaina, that was fantastic!" Brianna exclaimed, patting my shoulder. "I've never seen anyone ride like that before,"

I shrugged modestly. "I've had practice."

Thor announced that tomorrow, there would be a cutting out of ladies. Brianna looked excited.

"Perhaps he will cut me out so I may return to my beau?" Brianna asked.

"Perhaps. Although I would certainly miss you a lot." I replied. "I'm sort of tired out. I'm going to head back to my room. Have some fun without me."

I headed back to the grand room and greeted Elys. She helped me into a nightgown to allow me to take a nap more comfortably.

I woke up several times, and almost always saw a figure in green and black by the fireplace or on the balcony, watching me. Who was it? I fell back into unconsciousness.