Author's Note: Thanks for the follows, readers. Don't be too shy to review though XD
The tendrils of incense coiled at the edge of Volla's senses. She was deep in the abyss of meditation, observing the fragments of images that materialised and dispersed with equal haste. It was easy to feel frustrated when clarity was beyond her reach but her meditative state dampened any irritation that arose so that her concentration would not be broken. Still, it was difficult to see without Frigga's guidance and that left her with an anxiety that shadowed her wherever she went.
She was about to give up when something stirred within the abyss. Focusing on it was as futile as looking directly at an eye-floater so she instead relaxed and let the image form of its own accord. The image writhed and expanded, growing outward like an infection. Volla's stomach sank and dread seeped into her veins. Whatever it was, it was black and sharp and terrible and-
"You were not at your duties today."
The voice sounded distant but it was enough to break her out of her meditation. Volla's eyes snapped open and she inhaled sharply. Her consciousness slowly, slowly refocused until the shapes around her looked like the objects in her room and she felt she was in her own body again. Her heart jumped when she saw she was not alone.
"By the gods!" she exhaled, her hand to her chest, "What bestowed you the privilege to invade my privacy?"
Loki was sat on the edge of a low hanging table. He was leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, his fingers steepled, watching her.
"I noticed today that my wine cup was empty and there was no one to fill it," he said, his voice like ice.
"Well then I would advise you to find a replacement wine bearer for when I have the day off," Volla retorted.
Loki exhaled a short laugh, the corner of his mouth quirking up slightly. Volla noted the dark rings under his eyes. He was uncharacteristically dressed down in a plain black fitted top and loose trousers. It seemed that he was not himself today and Volla took satisfaction in the thought that she had something to do with it. She rose from the floor where she had sat and stretched her arms up over her head, feeling the bones in her stiff shoulders crack. Loki looked to the incense burning on the table and extinguished it with his fingers.
"Meditate often?" he asked, rubbing the ash from his hand.
"When I have the time," Volla said, "It's good for the soul."
"Uh huh." His tone was low and melodic. He stood and paced slowly before her, his brow furrowed. "Well perhaps you can help me interpret a vision I had this morning, since you have such experience."
"I can try."
He stopped in his stride and turned on his heels to look directly at her.
"I was wandering the halls of the palace when I saw you, handmaiden" he said, and she raised her eyebrows in response, "And you looked right at me, as if you were present in the very same vision. Now how could that be, I wonder?"
Volla surpressed a smile. That was actually a little accident. It happened sometimes, like walking into someone's chambers while they happened to be changing.
"I don't know," she shrugged, "Do you find yourself infatuated with me perhaps? Some of my more amorous dreams can be quite vivid."
He held her gaze, his emerald green eyes narrow with suspicion. Volla observed the sharp edges of his face with interest. She had always watched him from a distance during their pubescence. It was intriguing to see how the gangly-limbed boy had grown into the man that stood before her now.
"I suppose we should discuss the terms of our situation if you are to continue residing within the palace," he then said.
"Are you in a position to be making terms?"
"In the absence of Odin, Frigga and Thor yes, I make the terms. I may look like Odin to everyone else but you will honor Loki as your ruler."
Volla rolled her eyes. He technically had a point. Someone had to rule over Asgard and Loki was the only one with the entitlment to do so given the circumstances. She wondered if the people of Asgard would accept Loki as ruler if he had claimed the throne without deception. Would she?
"Firstly, if you make a request I deem unacceptable I will not grant it," he continued.
"Well that's no fun," Volla pouted.
"Secondly, you will respect my privacy. That means no lingering about my chambers or my mind."
Volla could promise neither of those things.
"Deal," she said with a smile, "And while we are making terms, I thought I would be honest with you and let you know I had become rather friendly with a palace guard recently and I very almost spoke your truth while casually conversing. It was a slip of the mind really but perhaps if I had more reason to be conscious of my words we could assure that it won't happen again."
Loki threw his eyes to the ceiling and released a long, deep sigh.
"What do you request?" he drawled in vexation.
"I would like to be spared from my duties for the rest of the week, thank you."
Loki's chest deflated with a huff.
"Too unreasonable?"
"I was actually just thinking I would need a replacement wine bearer," said Loki.
Volla, despite herself, let out a hearty laugh.
"One week, handmaiden," he promised her, "And I expect you to return to your duties thereafter."
"Of course!" Volla chimed, her eyes gleaming.
The prince of Asgard headed for the door but before he left he held back a moment and said, "If I catch so much of a glimmer of conspiracy or mutiny I will see to it that your bowels meet the end of a spear."
"No, you won't," Volla chuckled under her breath once he was gone from sight.
