Chapter three:

Silva felt tired, she could not keep her eyes open any longer. If only she could rest for moment, to drift into deep sleep…No, she had to keep awake, needed to keep awake for Laena. Her expression softened as she stared down at her sister. Laena's pale blue eyes that looked lifeless stared back at Silva, the terrified expression on her face made Silva hate herself for being unable to save her sister before. All Silva wanted was a chance, any chance to bring Laena back. She would do anything for her sister…The realization shocked Silva; She was never favored by Laena, actually Laena always tended to ignore her older sister yet Silva never felt closer to her sister than right now.

'My lady?' A small, stout maid walked up to Silva.

Silva's eyes snapped open; she seemed to register her surroundings for the first time since her arrival. The reception chamber was grand; heavily furnished with lavish draping and tables topped with ivory. The wide windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling revealed the night skied Asgard with its glimmering, towering buildings.

'Lady, Please!' The stout maid tugged at Silva's torn sleeve.

'Let me be' Silva snapped back at her, jerking her arm away.

The maid eyed her fearfully, 'Please, The king will be here any minute now, I was instructed to prepare you for his audience'

'No, I'll meet the king as I am'

Silva noticed the maid's disapproving look that her eyes fell down to examine her attire; her corseted top was stained and destroyed, her skirts torn and poking everywhere. Come to think of it, Silva would enjoy a bath and fresh clothes but she couldn't bring herself to leave Laena alone.

The maid started towards her again and Silva raised a finger, aiming at the terrified maid.

'I said leave' Silva stated curtly, her blue eyes turning into cold slits.

Gathering up enough power, Silva was about to blow the maid out of the chambers when a deep, icy voice interrupted her.

'Is there a problem, Ladies?'

A tall looking man, stood in the dark side of the room, shadows danced around his face that Silva couldn't see him clearly. The maid had a panicked expression on her face but was silenced by the man.

'Leave us, Mitta' He ordered crisply, his deep voiced seemed to wrap itself around Silva.

After a few clumsy curtsies from Mitta, she finally exited the chamber. Silva sat quietly on the cool marble floor, eyeing the man curiously.

'Who goes there?' Her voice sounded as cold as before.

'Do you really want to know?' She could feel the smile in his words and she didn't like being laughed at.

Silva quickly got up; pulling her chin upwards in false bravado, she was slightly shaken with fear.

'Show yourself' She demanded angrily.

A low chuckle escaped the man's lips, 'As you wish'

As soon as he stepped into the light Silva had an intake of breath. The man looked powerful, broad-shouldered, with a wide chest and exceedingly tall. Her gaze shifted to his almost pale, white skin, his thin lips slightly lopsided into a smile. He had dark midnight hair sleekly brushed back ending curled at the nape of his neck. As soon as their eyes locked together then Silva felt her knees turn wobbly. Such eyes, such pale emerald eyes that shone, they seemed to pierce Silva's essence. She didn't know what to make of him. He wore normal Asgardian attire; dark green top with dark pants and long, leather boots.

His eyes made Silva uncomfortable as they took her in. He was still smiling that lopsided smile.

'Tell me what makes you so unique' His voice seemed to caress her, yet it took her completely off guard.

'What do you mean, sir?'

He locked hands behind his back and started to circle Silva. He was wise enough not to come closer to her and her sister.

'You've beaten up the royal guard like they were a bunch of little children' His eyes flickered up to hers, 'Now tell me how a girl of your petite frame could do such a thing?'

Silva could feel the growing tension in her body, she had no idea at how to reply; should she tell the man that she had magical abilities and that she could control elements? No, she thought, I don't even know the man.

'Just instincts, sir' She hoped he would believe her ridiculous answer…hopefully.

He looked he up and down with an amused expression as he leaned against the wall, his arms crossed across his wide chest.

'What kind of instincts?' He locked gazes with Silva, as if challenging her to look away first.

Silva narrowed her eyes at him, why is she subjecting herself to questioning. She doesn't need to explain herself to this man…this mysteriously handsome man.

*o*O*o*

This tiny little girl was amusing Loki, her sudden change of moods brought a smile to his face. It felt like a long time since he last had a good laugh. Her effort at trying to act brave was hilarious. He could see her uncontrollable shaking body beneath her ruined white gown. Loki had to admit that she was beautiful; rosy cheeks, red full-lips, blue eyes and hair as white as snow trailing down her back. She seemed to shimmer in the darkness.

Her brow furrowed in confusion as if she's thinking deeply about something.

'Why should I explain myself to you? I demand to see King Loki' she said irritably.

Again Loki felt that surge of excitement at someone addressing him as king and especially by this snow-like beauty. Yet it surprised him that the girl hadn't recognized him. Although Loki wasn't as popular among Asgardians as Thor but he was still quiet known for him sorcery.

Loki tilted his head to the side and eyed the girl curiously, 'Why do you want to meet the king?'

'To thank him, of course' the girl stared at back at Loki steadily.

Surprise flickered over Loki but he hid it well with a smile, 'Why?'

'If it wasn't for his highness, I would've been in Johtenheim now' she looked down to her twined hand as heat started to creep up her cheeks.

Loki felt overwhelmed with emotions that he couldn't understand. This stranger had not 'met' him yet but she was willing to thank him for such a small thing that was his duty. He could tell how grateful and thankful she sounded…why couldn't everyone be like her? Loki wondered whether the All-Father could feel this girl's sincerity towards him?

He pushed against the wall and circled the girl again, this time studying her closely. Her face looked tired and exhausted, her clothes seemed stained and clung to her body. Loki wondered how he could repay her for letting him experience such feelings.

'What is your name?' he asked levelly

'Silva, sir' her reply came so quickly that her eyes widened at Loki.

'Are you tired, Silva?'

He watched her expression turn from relief to concern, her gaze fell down to something on the ground. Loki's gaze rested on Silva for a few moments before following hers to the frozen body.

'Can you help her?' Her voice sounded shaky.

Loki wanted nothing more than to help her.

'I can try' Loki took a few steps towards Silva, 'But only when you rest'

'I can't-' She started but with a small incantation conjured by Loki, Silva's eyes instantly shut and she started to fall slowly, only to be caught by Loki. He had an arm around her shoulders and another below her legs. He gathered her up to his chest and swiftly walked out of the reception chamber.

*o*O*o*

After ordering the guards to take good care of Silva's sister, Loki had carried Silva's sleeping body to one of the empty chambers. He quietly placed her tender body on the bed and pulled the covers over her. She looked so peaceful; her red lips slightly parted and her snowy hair pooled on the pillows.

Loki found it hard to tear his gaze away from her peaceful state; he forced himself out of the room. On his way out, he met the stout maid, Mitta.

'Make sure there is breakfast ready for the Lady Silva when she wakes up. She'll need a bath and new robes' Loki ordered the maid with such passion that he couldn't recognize his voice.

The maid curtsied, 'Yes, your highness'

'I need her to be ready by noon' He called over his back as he headed to the clutches of his cold, lonely chambers.