A/N - Just wanted to thank everyone for their reviews, it's great knowing people enjoying reading this fan fiction!
Jane's cheeks burned red as her mind looked back over the past hour, she was still coming to terms with the kiss they had shared and how this would change their friendship.
...
Flash Back.
'I apologizing for interrupting Prince Thor but the All-Father requests your presence at once,' called the low, harsh voice of a guard.
Thor had turned towards him and shared a look of confusion with the guard. Odin could not have picked a worst time to part the two of them but his word was the law. Therefore Thor made his regret clear to Jane before asking the guard to escort her back safely to the guest room. This must have been serious, Thor wouldn't have left her unless it was truly urgent.
The walk had been long and awkward as not a word was said between them til they arrived outside the correct door.
'Your room, Lady Jane.' He had spoken before turning his back on her and moving towards the main section of the palace.
Jane's feet had automatically taken her inside the room before stopping in front of the large floor to ceiling, golden framed mirror next to the en-suite bathroom. Her eyes wandered over her reflection still unable to recognize the glamorized version of herself staring back.
That person isn't me, I haven't earned any of this luxury.
It wasn't that she hated being this way but felt, having not accomplished anything that would have deemed this appropriate, she was unworthy.
...
She laid un-moving under the king sized duvet, gazing upward at the ceiling. The clouds had cleared away to reveal hundreds of glowing constellations and it was the last thing she remembered before falling asleep beneath the stars.
The sun was barely above the horizon when Asgard began to buzz with life, people preparing themselves for the day and unfortunately Jane was one of them. Moments ago a maid had arrived to wake her as well as prep her for the day ahead. She had been summoned to the throne room for an audience with the All-Father.
Her transformation wasn't as bold as before, it was easier to see the person beneath the jewels and makeup. Today she wore a long, flowing golden dress that moved with such grace that she was almost convinced she was the graceful one.
Obviously pleased with her work the maid bowed and led the way to the throne room. At first the nervousness started as a small, cold stone in her chest but before long it had spread and could be felt weighting down her shoulders. She had never been this timid or self-conscious on earth but then again she hadn't been a mortal among gods back then.
The maids footsteps stopped and she gazed up from her sandals to find herself before a set of two large doors with guards positioned either side. At the request of the maid they were given entry.
It was unusual for the All-father to summon Loki, especially at the crack of dawn, he couldn't begin to imagine what his father would need of him at this ungodly hour. He dressed promptly before setting off towards the throne room which was the other side of the royal quarters.
He passed by both Thor and his parents rooms before arriving at the throne room doors where the guards bowed deeply and opened them allowing him entrance. He was immediately taken back by the argument happening between Thor and their father.
'This is completely unnecessary! Any of the other commanders could easily accomplish this mission-'
'QUIET … Enough of this rebellion Thor, I grow tired of this behavior.' The All-father stopped speaking as Loki strolled further into hall before stopping beside Thor.
'Father, Thor' He nodded at them each in turn. 'As much as I love these little family moments between us,' his voice dripped with sarcasm 'I must request that this be swift if I am not to die of boredom.'
'You will stay as long as you're ordered to by your King, I will not stand for anymore of this from either of you.' Odin moved to tower over them, knowing he could still be intimidating to his children.
'Thor, you will be leaving immediately for Vanaheim. That is an order. I will not repeat myself again.'
'And Loki, you will be lending Jane Foster your knowledge of all things in the nine realms. You will teach her as much as she desires in the next few weeks while Thor is occupied.'
Loki's blood boiled with rage.
'I refuse. She is a mere mortal, how could she even begin to comprehend our realms. She is unworthy of such knowledge!' Loki replied against his better judgement as he could feel Odin's power rolling off of him in waves.
'I do not care what you think of the midgardians, we have an agreement with them to share our wisdom and that is what I am ordering you to do.'
The doors to the great hall creaked open causing the three of them to turn in surprise.
'Lady Jane Foster.' The maid announced before bowing and taking her leave.
Loki's heart flipped in his chest but this time he was prepared. He turned his gaze quickly away from her.
Jane's chest tightened in fear. Odin's eye looked upon her.
'Step forward Jane Foster.' He called.
She trembled slightly as she made her way to Thors side, away from both Odin and Loki's powerful influence, Jane was thankful for the protective aura he gave off.
She knew the All-Father meant her no harm but the same could not be said for Loki, he had been unpredictable since she arrived and thought it best to avoid his attention.
'I presume you enjoyed the feast we held for you last night. No other mortal has before joined our table and may never again do so. But that is not the reason you are here this morning,' he paused and glanced looked towards his second son.
'I have appointed Loki to assist you in your studies and will expect you to work hard in the coming weeks.' Jane swallowed deeply, unsure how to react to the All-Father's words.
'You both will receive bangles. Jane, yours will allow your mind to read and understand any language within Asgard as well as enable you to summon Loki, in case he decides to disobey my order.' Jane turned to look see Loki's reaction.
He stood coldly, unmoved by the All-Father, Jane could not decipher his reaction and so looked up towards Thor instead.
He was easy to read, never shielding his emotions away, tension creased his brow and Mjolnir was clenched tightly in his hand.
'Thor, you have some time before you leave today. Spend it as you wish but be prepared to leave by noon. That is all.' And having said all he wanted to Odin tapped his spear against the floor sending a shock wave of sound and magic.
A thin emerald bangle materialized and fastened around her wrist. Her other hand grasp it and tugged in disbelief. It couldn't be removed.
Before things could become any more complicated Thor placed a hand on her arm, they bowed deeply before he led her back through the hall and into the corridor.
Thor is leaving?!
'What's going on? Where are you going?' She asked.
'I am sorry but I have been ordered to lead a mission on Vanaheim. Nothing too troublesome so do not worry but it could take a week or more. Will you be okay here with Loki?' He frown.
It was clearly bothering him and Jane couldn't help but fret about being left on Asgard by herself.
'I'll be fine here,' she replied smiled in hope of being more convincing. 'just make sure you come back in one piece.'
Jane tried to pass it off as a joke but couldn't stop feeling anxious about this mission.
A week alone with Loki Odinson, what could possibly go wrong ...
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, alot more Loki/Jane interaction in the next chapter!
