I was going to post this last night, but I ended up getting quite distracted by sleeping, Tumblr, and making dinner... my mom was sick. I didn't really go through to fix any mistakes, so if there are any, please let me know! As always, I love to hear what you think, and I really do hope you enjoy this chapter! This part here is where I think things get good. At least to me. I enjoyed writing this much!


I dressed in a haze. I couldn't think of anything, nothing was running through my head. But then everything was in my head, it was just moving too fast, and there was too much for me to even think clearly. How could one man be so menacing, inflicting fear into someone unimportant? I only wished that our encounter had never happened, and I hadn't of been as stupid as to go see my brother, especially how the trip went. I would still be here, but Loki wouldn't hate me so.

The dress I wore was elegant, and fit me perfectly. It was the perfect offset to my sun kissed skin and blond hair. I maid-servant came in halfway through getting the dress on and she finished it up for me, and then went to do my hair. I sat in the chair in front of the vanity in the bathroom. Her ministrations gentle on my long straight hair, pulling it into an elegant twists forming into a bun. Some strands were left to fall to the side of my face in a side-part. I didn't even look at myself in the mirror, just rather said my thanks before I went to go wait near my bed.

I didn't look at anything else, I didn't even unpack, and instead I just sat there and thought. And though. And thought. I was trying relentlessly to empty my mind, I was a guest. For now. I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole, or just to go to the garden to think. I wanted peace, there was just so much unfamiliarity that I started to tremble. I took a deep shuddering breath as I composed myself. The maid-servant had left and I was alone to my own accord as I waited for the princes to come retrieve me. I didn't know why, the Queen I'm sure was showing her kindness, but I would've liked it if it was just the brawny one, or just a guard. I could've come by myself, but I supposed it wasn't custom for a woman to come to a party alone, unless you were a concubine. I was not that, not that at all.

There was a pounding on the door. With a squeaky voice, I summoned them in. Even after only just meeting the eldest prince, I knew it was him, and his brother was surely flanking him. They came in, both in full regalia, but a more elegance was presented in their outfits. Their armor gleamed importance, and I had to compose myself a second longer before I curtsied.

"Wow," my head was bowed, and I didn't know who spoke those whispered words, but they would forever be a mystery.

"I am ready," my voice was still high, but I cleared my throat when I straightened up. Thor was beaming as he approached me, bowing slightly himself before kissing my knuckles. I blushed, but my breath was hitched in my throat when I got a look at the younger, darker, prince. He showed indifference, feigning interest in my gown by racking my body with his sinister eyes. I blushed even deeper, and soon I found myself being hauled from my protective sanctuary.

"Brother, doesn't she look quite beautiful?" I blushed even further down my neck, but Loki merely scoffed quietly before grunting an agreement. I would take that as a compliment, maybe the only compliment I'll ever get.

"I do not know what to expect, could you enlighten me?" I asked as formally as I could, smiling a little to the older prince. It was the younger prince who answered, the sultry voice I was desperately trying to forget.

"Comes to no surprise. Your job is just to stand around until someone asks you to dance," he was still incredibly rude, and I just wanted to scowl to him. I didn't, and just kept myself composed as his older brother scolded him for me. Loki paid him no mind, and we walked the rest of the way in silence.

The palace was a lot larger on the inside than the outside made you think. Though I'd never really seen it so close up, and the glimpse I got would never do it justice, I remember gazing at it from the garden. I missed Del and Hank already. I missed my family, and most of all I missed my home. I may not have lived the greatest richest life, but I lived life to the richest. I was way out of my depth here, and I would no doubt make a fool of myself. And in turn, make a fool out of the Queen. I had to keep myself together, or this could all go wrong.

I could hear the soft tempo of music coming from a large dining hall in the distance. Thor and Loki were walking a few paces behind me as they led me closer to my greatest fears. I gulped silently as the large doors became larger and larger. My fears suddenly quaked me, and all I wanted to do was to go and just hide. I kept my head stilled and slowed my fast beating heart. And soon we were through the threshold, and I held my breath for a second or two as I took in the elegance that was the large dining hall.

The chatter was the first thing I could really hear above the music. Asgardians were littered all around the hall, all dressed to the Nines, and suddenly I felt so small and insignificant compared to all the riches that surrounded me. I could feel myself slinking back, trying to back up out of the hall, but the feel of slender fingers splaying on my lower back pushed me further in. I knew it was Loki, and he must be getting great joy out of this. The princes led me towards the stage where four chairs rested, two of them already occupied by the King and Queen. The Queen instantly stood up and approached us. I bowed to them both before the Queen enveloped me in a tight hug.

"Tonight, you have no worries of class. You are an equal amongst us," the Queen whispered so only I could hear. I could only nod, her love overpowering. She pulled back and smiled, caressing my cheek. "You look lovely, this dress suits you well."

"Thank you," was all I could say. Then the king approached me, and was he a sight to see. He was large and bulky; Thor was definitely the apple of his father's eye. I bowed slightly to him, and then rose as he sized me up.

"My wife says you have great skills," the King spoke. His voice was deep, and if he was speaking any other way, I would think he was threatening me. This is probably where Loki learned this from; it scared me and reminded me of our short encounter.

"Yes, my King. I'm very grateful of her," I smiled as strongly as I could. The King pondered for a second, and the smiled, laughing jovially.

"Quite the beauty, I must say. Don't you think boys?" He laughed, and clapped my shoulders. "You are indeed a guest for the night, and tomorrow you head into the real work. My wife's garden will be needing some tender care from the onslaught of summer."

"Of course, my King," I smiled. Thor and his father continued their laugh and went on to talk about other things. I mingled around the Queen as I followed her around like a lost puppy trying to find someone to speak to. The only other person that was free, that I knew already, was Loki. I wasn't going to speak with him, only if he approached me.

"My Queen, the gardens are doing quite well. Upon your request I have everything set up for the new coming," a woman approached the Queen, she was speaking in hushed tones but I could hear her clearly.

"Thank you. You must meet her," the Queen turned to me, and the woman who was speaking with her followed her gaze. The woman was old and frail, but her narrowed eyes and tight bun showed she meant business. I knew not to cross her, but then again I would cross anyone here. The Queen exchanged our names, her's was an unmistakable Herin.

"I see, and your talents are supposedly legendary?" The woman asked, coming closer to read me better. She too took my hands in her own and turned it this way and that, and then let them drop to my sides. "Delicate fingers, I hope that you don't mind roughing them up."

"I have no doubt. I've worked with many kinds of plants in my past," I smiled kindly, the woman only smirked.

"Prepare," was all she said before walking away.

"She is a nice woman, she just needs to warm up to you," the Queen gently took my arm and squeezed. To you maybe.

"I'm sure in time," was all I whispered, but the Queen did not comment further. Instead she went back to talking to other nobles while I just stood around, gazing at all the beautiful architecture. I was so wrapped up in gazing, I hadn't realized that someone had approached us and was talking to me. The Queen nudged me and I realized that the large figure looming over me was none other than Loki. He was positively beaming, so this couldn't be good.

"My Lady, I was just asking for a dance?" Loki held out his hand, his face free of any malice, instead he looked carefree and very much his immortal age.

"Uhhh," I couldn't form any words, but I mindlessly put my hands in his. In the future, more than likely tonight, I would slap myself silly for doing that. But his hand felt extremely nice wrapped around mine. He tugged me along, pulling me towards the center of the dance floor for all to see.

He wrapped his arm around my waist, and placed my hand on his shoulder and the other still resting inside his large slender long fingered hand. Why did this feel right?

"I do have to say, you do look quite ravishing," Loki smirked and I blushed the deepest shade of red.

"Th-thank you," I stuttered, trying helplessly to gain my lost footing.

"Don't do anything, just allow me to lead," he dipped his head down to my ear and spoke, and his grip around my waist tightened, as well as his in my hand. I did as he asked as best I could, I tripped but his firm grip kept me standing and finding my feet better than I have ever. I wasn't the best dancer, but he made me graceful. I felt a bit mussed up, and I trembled. How could this man lead me around like this after his words he shared with me in the bathroom? Maybe this was my punishment, surely wasn't the worst one in the world, but I was expecting something so much worse.

We danced for a long while, my nerves picking up as all I could think about was the everything that ran through my head. I didn't want it to be like this, I wanted my time here to be peaceful. Not any of these nerves, I wanted to be comfortable, but how could I when this man, now currently holding me in a very intimate hold, was making a joke of my existence.

"You are thinking of my punishment," it was a statement of fact, and he was more than right. "You've just met me, and probably have much in mind for what I have planned. Do not allow those thoughts to taint your life here. It will only cause you more problems."

"How can you say stuff like that and not have me overthink," I spat through my teeth. He clenched my side, making me wince, but he loosened his grip and gently rubbed the spot that probably has a bruise now.

"Because, I can, and I will continue," I could hear the smirk in his voice, but our faces were turned away from each other. He turned his head so his breath tickled my neck, but I was too afraid to actually look into his face. His gaze could melt the soul of any creature.

"You warrant so much hate? To those lesser? What have I ever done, aside from being of low birth, cause for so much hatred in your soul?" As I spoke these words, his dance became tenser as his body coiled.

"You speak as if you have experienced this already," his voice was soft, and it frightened me more than his menacing one.

"Being of low birth puts me in a bad light no matter where I go," I answered honestly. I have never truly been ridiculed, because my existence is needed for the rich, but that didn't mean I was exposed to the silent hatred of nobles.

"Funny you seem to act as if you belong in this world, my world," Loki nibbled on my ear. I froze now, my feet no longer moving and Loki had to lift me up and place my feet on top of his so we could continue our dance.

"I could never imagine myself in your world, I have no need to. I would rather live for myself than for others," I spat, and tried pulling away but Loki held me close. His lips found my ear and his low sultry voice began whispering in his menacing tone once again.

"You aggravate me, you will not like me as an enemy,"

"I never asked, just seems to happen to people at the wrong time. I'm willing to forget, if you are willing to forgive me of my misfortune, my prince." The last part of the sentence had him reeling, and I could feel him getting angrier and angrier.

"Do not patronize me, it will not end well,"

"You seem to continue talking, but as far as I see is others around us staring. You don't usually do this, so why do I have to fear you'll do anything at all?"

"Because they see the lie. They are blinded by what happens to those who cross me, and you'll be no different to the rest,"

"You'd threaten those lesser than you for fun? And do what exactly?"

"You'll have to wait and see. Your clever mouth will not let me spill my secrets,"

"You can't do anything, there are guards everywhere. You cannot do anything without someone finding out,"

"Oh, you have yet to learn about me,"

"Why do I want to know? As far as I see, you are a spoiled prince who'd rather spend his time patronizing me than actually do something for the betterment of the kingdom," I tried slinking away from him, but his grip was too tight, and it got tighter as our conversation continued.

"You seem well worth my time," he pulled his head back and turned it so I couldn't help but gaze at him. From up close, and as much as we were touching, he was incredibly tall, slim, but well-toned and fit. He was like an Adonis god I've read from a time or two, I couldn't remember which book it was that I saw that from.

"I keep being a disappointment, who's to say you'll bored and just end me?" He laughed, a good natured laugh. If others had been around they would know why he was laughing, but those outside would think I had said something funny.

"You assume the worst? You're no more important than a goat for slaughter, but I don't believe death would suit you well," he laughed again, but I was not laughing, merely becoming weak in the knees again. "You must carry yourself ill. How could you ever be the great gardener who produced such wonderful blooms for those nobles?"

"I didn't have a megalomaniac prince who tortures maids and servants," I hissed. He dipped me, very low, so low that my head was almost touching the ground. He nipped my neck.

"You wound me. But nevertheless this dance will do you enough damage," and he dropped me. Around us, people gazed on, but instead of looking to Loki with scolds, they did to me. I couldn't hear the whispers, but I suppose it was bad. I turned white; I didn't redden like I thought I would. This was far more, and now I just realized what he had just done. I was in full view, Loki had taken me to the middle where all could view me.

I didn't belong, and they would soon find out. I would have to hide before they realized that I was merely a gardener amongst those who were of more noble blood. I was the outcast, and now they all knew who I looked like. Loki knew this, and now this I knew to be my punishment. He's right, I don't know him well enough, and all that talk was to distract me from the real problem. I was done for, and there was no turning back now. I had received my punishment, and this was ongoing. I would be forever known for this, and I hated myself now more than ever for ever agreeing to come here.

I didn't look at anyone; instead I carried myself as best I could out of the hall. I walked with some semblance of pride, but as soon as I was out of view I ran as fast as my feet could take me. I didn't turn around, I didn't mind the guards that looked at me strangely, I didn't even have the care to hold the tears until I made it to my room before I slammed the door behind me. I crumbled to the floor, crying and holding onto myself. I couldn't feel anything, but then I could feel everything.

I sobbed, my cries probably echoing off the halls outside, so I stood up and headed into the bathroom. I stumbled and ripped off the dress. I tried taking care, but there was a snag, so I threw it on the ground with more force than necessary. I ripped all the pins that were hanging my hair and then I slumped to the floor again. I crawled to the bath, I could use a bath. I turned the knobs and hot water poured into the bath.

I sat in, almost splashing water out of the tub as I sat down. It was too hot, but it was better than what I was feeling inside right now. He did it, he was able to do that to me, in front of all those people. He had broken me, and for once, I never wanted to be fixed again. How could one man do such a thing? What made him, in his heart, to do such a thing just because I embarrassed him in front of his mother?! All because I ran into him! It didn't add up, and his cruelty was unmistakably the worst pain I have ever felt. I would never dream of crossing him again, not after what he had done for something as simple as what I had done. I wondered what would've happened if it was much worse, or if it had been someone else, or if he'd been the one to deliberately run into me to have his fun. But he didn't even know me, or recognize me when it happened. How would he know that he'd go on a trip, and happen to come across the garden I worked so hard on?

I was wrapped around myself, holding me close, and hoping that the water will wash away everything that I felt. I dipped myself lower in the tub and allowed the water to wash over me. I stayed in there for such a long time; the water had turned into a bitter cold. I was shivering, so I decided to get out, dry off then just slip into bed with the towel still wrapped around me.


(Loki – Third Person)

He could see her walk with some pride left in her step. It wasn't much; he had wounded what little pride she had to begin with. She would run as soon as she was out of sight, and cry herself to sleep tonight. She deserved it, maybe not as harsh as he had been, and the delicate planning. She's sharp though, and she had quickly figured it out. He hoped to see that now familiar blush, but instead, she had turned a ghostly pale. Almost as pale as himself.

He had ignored the others still staring my way as he walked towards his brother. Thor had not seen what went on, but his mother had. She was stalking towards him, tight lipped and trying to seem a little bit happy as she passed by other guests. It wasn't until she made it over to them did her scowl return full force. Loki was in it this time, and not only had his transgressions of tonight irked her, it was the fact that he continuously tortured her, even on the way here.

"Loki," his name was a hiss, and if he had not been used to it already, then he would have flinched away. Odin came over too, his face beat red as he gazed disapprovingly down at his youngest son. "How dare you?" Her voice was still a whisper.

"Son, that is no way to treat a woman," his father scolded, his one eye filled with such scorn.

"She is merely a worker, meant to be treated as such. I don't understand why she was allowed her when she's not even of noble blood,"

"She was a guest, and I had invited her. Had it been of your dates, who would be lesser than you, would you treat her the same?"

"No, because I would never have someone so low," Loki spat and walked off. He was having none of that, and he didn't even pause when his mother called for him to return. Loki went off to his room, he would be alone for the night, no more Thor, no more scorn, he would just be to his thoughts, and relishing in the fact that he would once more continue his torture of the young maiden.


I had woken up far too early, but I guess it was more normal than I thought. All my body craved was to continue to laze around in bed and just get back all the sleep that I missed out on. This place was so much more different, and last night I didn't even take the time to get a good look around the place. My sheets felt of silk, and I was cozy. I felt warm, a good warmth, though now as I was slowly waking up, my body began to feel the chills. I didn't know if it was from the cool breeze coming from outside, or if it was because I was still in my towel.

I sat up, leaning my back against the headboard and gazed around the room. My eyes trailed over the room, drooping when my gaze would become unfocused. I needed to wake myself up, and the only way to do that, was to warm up again in the bathroom.

I huffed as I got up, wrapping the towel around me tighter as I slipped into the bathroom. The water was still up to the top in the tub, so I quickly emptied it and let a new bath run to wash me of all my troubles from the night before. The first bath did nothing to soothe me, and now I was paying for it. I assumed that someone would come for me, or guards would know where I should go. Right now though, it was still far too early, and I could spend an extra few minutes warming up in the tub.

I felt the water better than I had last night, but then again everything was such a blur that I had a hard time remembering everything. Loki had done something awful to me, and when I walk out of this bedroom, and then I'll face it in full force. I didn't know how the people would react, if they would at all. Or if the other servants will treat me differently, or worse. I dreaded leaving this room, but there is no point in just staying inside. I have a duty, and the Queen came and got me herself she wanted me. I would not disappoint her, even if it did cost me much of my sanity. I would be tending to her gardens, for how long, I didn't know.

I stepped out of the bath and retrieved another towel and wrapped it around me. I dried myself off and went into the closet in search of something to wear. I still had my crate with my gardening clothes, so I started in there. I picked out one of them, a simple one, and then went about to fixing my hair. I knew it shouldn't be wet, but I was expecting a very hot day. I would just wash it out tonight when I returned.

My hair I decided to put up, the elastic holding it in place. When I felt presentable, and gaining as much courage, I headed back out in the main room. There a maid-servant was standing by a tray of food. It was quite early, or at least I thought.

"The Queen wishes you her best. She understands your tardiness, and sends you this. She apologizes for her sons actions towards you," it sounded forced. "Would you like anything else?"

"Where do I go to start working," I stepped over to the tray and sat down next to it on the bed.

"I am to take you there," came her short answer. We sat in a sort of awkward silence, so I finished up what little food I could eat and wiped myself off before nodding my head for her to lead the way.

We walked in a good tensions free silence as I followed her closely behind. My eyes kept on scanning the halls for any prying eyes, but found none. Maybe they didn't care? The palace, like it felt last night, was huge. The ceilings were incredibly high that you could hardly see the top, and the walls and floors were covered in gold. I wondered what the rest of the palace looked like, and so to avoid anybody, I would go look around for a bit. I would stay in the shadows, and hope that I won't get caught. I wasn't even sure if I would be allowed to do that.

The Queen had seen what Loki did, but I wasn't sure if she had. Obviously she had, but someone might've told her too. I almost didn't want to find out, I was too afraid, and embarrassed to confront to her about Loki. She knew him better than anyone, and it seemed as if her word was final. Loki went around her as I had suffered greatly last night. It wasn't from sheer embarrassment, but the whole situation was just wrong. I really didn't belong there, and he made to show it with a full house. I paled again.

Most of them were nobles, so they wouldn't be just hanging around her. At least, not at this hour. The maid-servant continued down the halls, confident in her step, but bowing her head as guards walked passed it. They paid us no mind; they knew we were allowed there. I noticed how our surroundings were turning into more worn areas, but yet they were kept tidy. I associated this as the servant's hall. There were many doors that I'm sure led to different parts in the palace. I would have to check those out too, if I could.

"You go through this door. I hope you remember where you came from. This is where you will be coming and going from, for now. I depart from you here," the maid just walked off without acknowledging me in the slightest.

I walked up to the door, turned the handle and walked outside. The bright light shone with such intensity it took a minute for me to adjust. I held up my hand to block out as much light as possible, but it still took me a bit to get accustomed. I walked further outside, and realized that it must have been almost noon it seemed. My heart thudded in my chest for a quick second, and looking around I didn't see anyone. I shrugged and walked further out.

This was the Queens garden. So beautiful and immaculate, it was filled with many exotic plants, insects crawling and flittering about. It was an absolute haven for gardeners, and I felt completely at ease. I turned my head and found that there was a nursery, so I walked in there. In here, I saw the lady I had met the night before, so I slowly approached her. She turned her gaze, and huffed. She was not pleased to see me, especially not this late.

"I hope you had a good sleep," I didn't say anything, I would just allow her to talk. "Well, don't just stand there. You have work you need to do."

"Um,"

"What?" She hissed, turning to me fully and stopping her work. "Do you need me to hold your hand?"

"No, ma'am. You haven't given me anything to do," I shifted uncomfortably on my feet.

"Well, you can start by watering. Checking the soil, and looking for anything that should need picking. The Queen would like some flowers in her room for later," the woman turned again to go back to her work. I didn't know what flowers she was talking about, so I just stood there, I was too afraid to speak. My voice might come out as a squeak. She sighed heavily. "This tardiness will not happen again. I do not like to repeat. Take care of the flowers for today. Don't worry about picking, that's not your job. Now get to it!"

"Yes, ma'am," I bowed slightly before scuttling off.


The work was not hard at all, but today was only the first day. I also had a very late start. Apparently when I woke up, I needed to be here. I could've sworn that it was still dark outside, but it seemed that I lived on the other side of the palace where it is mostly shaded. I would make a mental note to find something to wake me up on time.

I worked for most of the day until the sun began to set in the distance. I noticed that most of the other workers paid no mind of the others. They kept to themselves as they worked only sharing words or two when they needed to exchange. I kept to myself, not really speaking to the others as I watered and potted. I felt like I was still working for Del, which brought a small smile to my lips. I missed them, and it's only be a little while. It's a bit disheartening that I won't be going back to them. Instead, I'll be working here full time.

It was worth it in the end, I was able to help support my parents, and I was moving up in the world. My brother would be proud, at least I hoped. I wanted to see him, and I should ask the Queen how I could get time off, or if I ever did. I'm sure they did some form of rotation; they must have enough workers for that.

I hadn't thought of Loki all day, and he never did show up again. I didn't think he'd be so brash as to do it in broad daylight, but then again he had no problem doing it last night. I felt a little worried that he wasn't finished with me, but he'd already issued his punishment for me. He wanted me to feel embarrassed, like he had in front of his mother, and he succeeded for the most part. If it was someone else, it might've been different, but my head couldn't wrap around that. Loki, from what I know, is unpredictable. From others, they could say the same. I never associated myself with gossip, but right now, I just wanted to hear the inside sources of his character. He was quite interesting, despite all his malice.

I wanted to forget him, and maybe I could. With time. Loki would forever be known to me as the monster that almost ruined my happiness. Even if it was me just being a simple gardener. I enjoyed my work, and obviously he needed a new hobby. I felt I wasn't really worth his time, and he was just joking with me last night. I would never be that important, at least not in the eyes of a prince. Even if he was the second born prince, he was still held in much higher regard than me.

Herin then approached me while I was finishing up my duties outside. I bowed my head slightly to her before I looked at the basket of flowers in her hands. She looked around, noticing my work, but made no comment. I guess no comment is better than receiving complaints. She handed me the basket, and made sure it was balanced nicely in my arms.

"You will take these to the Queen chambers," she stated simply, and then walked away. I was dumbfounded. I didn't like this woman, she didn't help at all. I didn't even know where her chambers were, and I started to panic. So I decided I would do the best I could, and I walked over to the place I entered. Inside, it was much cooler, the thick golden walls acting as insulation. I walked with some form of purpose, but I knew I would need to ask a guard for help. For some odd reason, walking through here now, I suddenly didn't feel so safe and protected anymore.

I looked around, keeping my eyes open, especially when I passed the shadows. I kept on walking for a while longer before I started my search of some guards, but there were none around. I started to panic again because I didn't even know where I was anymore, and I didn't want to keep walking. I turned around in circles, not really finding my original direction. My heart pounded in my chest, until I heard something move. It got closer and closer, but I could hear the feet soundly. I turned, and saw the shocked expression of Loki before it turned into a sinister smirk.

"Lost?" His smirk grew when I couldn't word anything.

"I- I-"

"The Queens chambers are on the other side of the palace," he spoke nonchalantly. I didn't know what game he was playing at, but I didn't like it. I kept my face placid as I spoke now.

"Would you mind leading me there," Loki stopped for a second before nodding his head and walking the other way.

I was a bit miffed, because of all that happened last night; he didn't seem to care at all. He certainly remembered me, how could he not? He's seen me at least a few times more than I'd like him to, but I couldn't decipher if he was indifferent, or he really didn't care. I showed him the same sort of feelings, outward, but on the inside I couldn't make up my emotion between seething or confused. Not a good combination, but I made no move about it. Loki wouldn't share it, not with me.

The walk seemed to go on for ages, and many times I thought he was just misleading me. I worried that he was just going to continue to torture me, but when we made it to a pair of very large gold double doors, I sighed in relief. Loki rapped on the door a few times before the Queen came to answer. She smiled at me, but narrowed her eyes at Loki, who merely ignored her. His eyes were trained on me, instead and the basket of flowers in my hands.

"Oh darling! Have you enjoyed your first day?" The Queen stepped to the side to allow me entrance. It felt wrong, doing this, I didn't know if the Queen normally did this, or if it was just with me. Loki nodded his head, and just walked away without a word. The Queen was still eyeing him uncertainly.

"I have, my Queen," I was still holding the basket, and the Queen motioned for me to set it down on a table somewhere near us. The room was opulent, spacious, and definitely fit for the Royals. I was awestruck at how beautiful it looked, and I instantly felt out of place. It was empty, aside from a few maids that were rustling about to clean up.

"Do not mind my son. He has had trouble fitting in, and finds your presence hard to swallow. He cares not for the maids or servants, and sees them all beneath him. I fear he will never learn. But do not mind him, his choices last night will not go unpunished," the Queen had lost her serious tone for a lighter one. She smiled and approached me, looking me over.

"It was what I deserved. I had embarrassed him," I commented carefully.

"Nonsense, Loki doesn't have a care in the world. You did nothing wrong. I was the one that embarrassed him, but it's a mother's job to allow him to see his errors. A man is no more virtuous if he does not know his own weaknesses," the Queen started speaking with other maids quickly before turning to me again.

"Loki is quite mysterious; he must have much time to think,"

"Indeed he does. If you have any more trouble with him, do not hesitate to approach me," the Queen smiled, and I felt my heart lifting. All day I hadn't realized how sad or distraught I was until I was in the grace of the Queen. With her, she could stand as my mother away from home. "Now, these flowers look wonderful."

"Yes, I had not seen the whole garden, I was watering and potting for most of the day. I enjoyed it much, there is peace," I smiled, gazing at the flowers I had brought up. I wonder if she'd like flowers brought to her every day.

"The gardens are always open to you," the Queen lifted the basket up and set it down nearer the bed, and then smiled to herself. "Now, your duties are done for the day. You may retire to your chambers."

"Yes, my Queen," I answered automatically.

"As well as for dinner tonight, something will be brought to you," the Queen spoke up as I bowed and headed towards the door. I bowed again, murmuring my thanks and left.

As I exited, I felt as if someone was watching me, but when I turned my head there was no one there. I guessed it was Loki, he was known for his expertise in magic. I hoped he had no plans to threaten me again in my chambers, I wished he would just leave me alone now.

Back in my chambers, which were easy to find funny enough, I felt protected and safe. Here, in my rooms, I was free to do as I wished. And I only wished to take a bath again. Wasting water was not my thing, in fact, I was completely against it. But after the past two days, I needed a good wash. The water was still the Luke warm that I was now coming to love, and I went about cleaning my clothes. I noticed, by the crack in my closet door, that my clothes had been taken care of and the crate had been placed in the corner out of view.

I stepped out of the bath, cringing at the frigid cold that I was welcome with when I stepped out. I wrapped a towel around me and scuttled into the closet for something comfortable to wear. It's been many hours since the night before, and even though I know I should still feel awful, I don't. I was expecting a much worse reaction to the night's previous events. However, that never came, and now I felt better.

I chose a very simple, comfortable dress that fell to my ankles. Its light pink color reminded me of my time at Del's. She used to say that the pink looked best on me, and so I used to wear it often. With it well-worn, it made it even more comfortable. And it still smelled like home, and of the gardens I've been tending to for years. It felt nice to wear, and I could feel my heart soar. This could've been worse, but now it wasn't. I was finding my place, even after only one day. I might have my complications with some people, but other than that, I was actually enjoying myself.


(Loki – Third Person)

He found himself following the little thing all the way back to her chambers. She only turned around once, but that still made him turn into the darkness more than he usually had to. It was almost like she could just sense him. It scared him to some degree, but she never found him.

It also made him wonder what made his mother like her so much more than the others. She had taken an instant liking on her immediately, without even meeting her. It was all she could comment about while they were away on their trip. Pointless trip. Loki was good at hiding his emotions, and his few slip-ups were the cause of her. Granted, all of his ire should not have been directed at the girl, but there was little he could do to get back at his mother. He had no desire to, it was better to have just let it go, and take out some of his anger on the girl.

He tried not thinking of her, she was nothing to him. He had more pressing matters, and it had to be enacted soon or he would be getting the short end of the stick. There was rumor of a coronation, he wasn't present for the one important meeting, and he'd missed it. He thought it planned that his mother takes both him and his brother out on the trip while his father discussed important delegations. He tried to make a copy of himself to listen in, but he couldn't get the hearing part of it working somehow. He assumed it was because of Odin's magic, protecting the meeting.

Something important was coming, and he knew it had to do something with the coronation. It would either be him or Thor that would be chosen, and he automatically thought that Thor would be the one. The perfect child. He knew he would never be chosen, but the least he could do, was to make a lasting impression. Maybe, if he was smart, he could do something that would make the council rethink their decisions. Maybe, he would get lucky, for once. Maybe, he'd be the one to be crowned King of Asgard. Maybe, he could prove to everyone that he was a worthy child of Odin.

He couldn't have a simple gardener to get in the way of what he wanted. No matter how tempting she was, he would worry about her later. For now, he had plans to enact, and they all involved the old coops that had so many grudges against him. He was forming a plan, one that could possibly outshine Thor. He hoped, that maybe, he would be seen in the better light for once. Despite not being the brawny, thick headed warrior, he could be seen as more than the trickster. He would be loved and cherished, by not only his father or mother, but by the whole kingdom, and they would bow before him willingly.

He didn't have much time though. If the council reaches a decision before he can do anything, then all is lost. He wouldn't know what to do with himself if he didn't get it, they would push him to the side as they always did. As much as Thor claims he loves him, there was always his arrogance that showed through his character. He despised it, and as much as he could care less about him, Loki actually cared for his brother. But he knew, deep down, that he wasn't ready for the throne. Neither was he, and he wouldn't take the throne by force, but if he had to, he would think of something else to postpone Thor's coronation. That's if plan A didn't work.

He could not fail though. Failure is not an option and this point. So without furthering his thoughts, he turned on his heel, away from her door and marched down the hallway. He was acting soon, taking his chance, and hoping for the best. With his plans in mind, he would forget the girl who probably sat thinking about what Loki would do next as he would go about his plans. She could never know, though. She would, and should, never find out.

Just maybe, he could do this. Just maybe.


Hope you guys enjoyed this! I've said this in earlier chapters, but I think I've proven to be able to post while also being incredibly busy. I have gotten word from my parents that we are hopefully going to be fully moved in by next week, so we'll be seriously packing as much as we can and taking things over to the new house. I write this on Word, so if I get time, I'll write. But it'll be for my sequel, so don't expect another update for this for quite some time... sorry... Well, I hope you guys have a great rest of your week, and weekend!