Chapter 7:

Wilhelmina limped as fast as she could down the castle halls and through the garden. By the time she made it back to her home, she was exhausted.

The cuts on her arms and neck were already starting to heal, but the gash on her leg throbbed with pain.

She carefully sat herself down in front of her vanity and let her head fall into her arms. She was trying not to think about what had just happened.

Oh gods, he smelled amazing. She bit her lip as she remembered how cool his lips were against her flushed skin. He had practiced gentleness with her that she did not know he possessed. She was utterly embarrassed to admit that she wanted his hands on her again.

She shook her head. No, she would resist him. She had already come so far without compromising herself. She could not give in now.

The next morning she was horrified to discover small red marks on her neck. Her master had marked his territory plainly enough for the entire realm to see. It was wildly inappropriate, and she tried to swallow the pride that was building up inside her.

Xx

Loki was unenthusiastically heading towards the training fields for a sparring session with Thor. The man had been insisting on it for quite some time, and Loki feared that his brother would attack him randomly if he did not spar with him soon.

The sound of quickly approaching steps alerted him, but the voice halted his steps.

"Prince Loki!" He turned to see a guard walking up to him, a scroll in his hands.

"What is it?"

When the guard approached him, he bowed, extending the hand that held the scroll towards the prince. "The Allfather has requested your presence at a celebration this evening."

Loki sighed before taking the scroll. He opened it and read the words over quickly, his irritation growing.

"No." He shoved the scroll into the guard's chest. "I don't have time for that. Tell my father that I am booked for this evening."

The guard spoke cautiously. "He knew you would say that and he wanted me to tell you that this is a command and that either you show up or you will spend the night in the dark forest."

Loki paled slightly.

"Very well, tell my father I will make an appearance."

"Yes, your highness." He continued to stand before the royal son.

"Leave." The man scuttled away and Loki resumed his march towards the field.

This was an unfortunate turn of events. His plans for Wilhelmina would have to wait.

He could see his brother, Sif, and the warriors three in the distance as a new plan sprung up in his mind. Though it was not a plan he liked.

Xx

The knock that came at the door was so loud that Wilhelmina ran to the door to answer it. Much to her surprise, there was a rather uncomfortable looking royal guard holding a golden box.

"Is the Lady Wilhelmina present?"

"I am she."

The guard bowed his head and extended the box to her.

"His majesty sends his regards."

He didn't have to specify for Wilhelmina to know who had sent the box. Curiosity boiling over, she snatched the box with a quick thank you and ran to her chambers before her mother could ask any questions.

She had secured her door and rushed to her window ledge to open the box.

It was not small, but not heavy either. She shook the box to test it but heard nothing sliding around. She chewed on her lip as she stared at it. It was the first possible gift he had ever given her. It was strange; the prince didn't seem like the gift giving type.

She slowly pulled at the green satin ribbon tied around the box till it fell open. Her eyes became the size of saucers as she pulled out the neatly folded dress. She stood and shook the dress loose to see it fully. It was a soft green color and more beautiful than any of the gowns she currently owned. It was long and made of an almost sheer material with sleeves that would hang from the shoulders. The neckline was a bit low for her liking, but the solitary emerald jewel that hung from the collar was incredible. Wilhelmina was so mesmerized by the gift that she almost forgot about the small note that had been lying on top of it.

Setting the dress down carefully on her bed, she flipped the note open. She smiled to herself as she read the note; she could almost hear Loki saying the neatly written words:

I expect you to be wearing this dress when you arrive at my chambers tonight at our usual time. Do not be late.

Xx

Loki couldn't believe the nerve of the girl. She was late, and after he specifically told her not to be. He was beginning to wonder if bringing her along was a good idea when he heard the tell-tale sounds of someone working the magic on his chamber door.

When she burst into the room, she immediately ran over to him and bowed deeply. She had already begun her frantic excuses.

"A thousand apologies master for my lateness, but I couldn't get away from my mother! It was difficult to explain my attire and –"

"Enough." She immediately silenced herself.

Without warning, Loki kneeled down in front of her and lifted her dress.

"You have healed." He let his hand run from her knee to her ankle and back up, causing Wilhelmina to shiver at the contact.

He stood. "We must hurry, or else we will be later than we already are."

Wilhelmina gave him a curious look. "Where are we going?"

He gave her a weary look. "I will explain on the way."

Xx

They had walked for five minutes down a series of abandoned halls before he finally spoke. Before then, he had been stealing glances at her. It was a shame the halls were lit so dimly that he couldn't see her properly. What he could make out, he was impressed with. In fact, he couldn't stop looking at her.

The dress really did suit her. It fell about her body loosely and the contrast of the green against her sun-kissed skin was striking. Her brown hair fell carefree around her shoulders. Even in his peripheral vision, she was stunning. Her face however, was the picture of trepidation.

He cleared his throat. "My father has summoned me to a celebration." The look on Wilhelmina's face worsened.

"He has yet to say what we are celebrating; though I am sure he will make an announcement once everyone has arrived."

Wilhelmina had begun fumbling with her hands. She spoke quietly. "Everyone?"

"There will be a few people from court present, the advisors, and the royal family of course….."

She slowed to a stop, her heart now hammering painfully in her chest.

Loki turned when he realized he was walking alone. "What's wrong?"

"I…"

Loki sighed loudly. "We have no time for this. Come now."

Wilhelmina looked up at him. Her apprehension was quickly turning into desperation.

"I can't go in there! I've never been to court. I've never been to any royal celebration. And your family…."

He stepped closer to her and lowered his voice as he spoke. "Believe me when I say that, if my father hadn't demanded my attendance, we would still be in my chambers."

She could hear the smile in his voice. "I would much rather spend an evening with you than the court jesters."

Wilhelmina looked up at him. Loki gave her a small smile and held out his arm. "I will keep you by my side the entire time."

She believed him, and returned his smile before slipping her arm around his.

When they finally reached the huge doors of the banquet hall, Loki gave her a pointed look before gesturing to the guards to open the doors. She tightened her grip on the prince's arm as they entered the room.

She had no idea there were so many people in court. "A few people"…please. The room was swimming with people; all dressed in elegant outfits, sipping wine and picking from the many plates of food placed around the room. She could hear the sound of music being played closer to the raised platform where she could clearly make out the royal family. Odin was perched at the center of a long table that faced the crowd. The queen, as graceful as ever, sat at his left and the mighty Thor lounged leisurely at his father's right. There was a mountain of a man with waves of red hair leaning against the table to talk with the prince. He carried a plate piled incredibly high with food. An empty chair rested at Thor's right.

Wilhelmina's eyes went everywhere in the short time they lingered by the door. As soon as Loki moved them through the crowd toward the platform, she could feel eyes on her. She forced herself to look into the faces of the party guests. The looks they gave her ranged from curiosity to immediate distrust. The looks given to Loki (though many ignored him completely) were much worse. They shied away from him, sneered at him, turned up their noses.

From what she could gather from the whispers, most were surprised he had even bothered to show up to the party at all, and with a woman no less.

She wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. Instead, she moved closer to her master who never once faltered in his regal stance. She knew he noticed the stares and heard the whispers, but he wouldn't let them know it. She was comforted by his confidence.

Wilhelmina must have been holding her breath for a long time, because when they finally made it out of the crowd and in front of the platform, she exhaled loudly, causing Loki to smile down at her.

"I'm afraid I shall torture you further: I must introduce you to my parents."

She had expected this of course. She took a deep breath and nodded her head.

Loki walked them right up the platform edge where Odin and Frigga were already looking down at their son and his escort.

"Father, mother." he greeted the king and queen with a shallow bow of his head.

"You are late son. I was afraid you would miss the party." It was Frigga that spoke, but her eyes had yet to leave the woman at her son's side.

"The lady Wilhelmina and I were held up. But we would not miss the festivities."

"Lady Wilhelmina?" the queen wasn't trying to hide the smile that spread across her face.

Loki tugged at her arm after she remained silent for too long.

She bowed awkwardly. "Ye-yes your highness."

"You must forgive my surprise. It has been many centuries since our son has brought a woman with him to any gathering. I am pleased you were both able to make it."

"It is my pleasure your grace, thank you."

She could feel Loki tense at his mother's words. When she looked at him, she almost laughed at the slight blush that graced his features.

Odin had remained silent throughout the entire conversation, and Thor and the giant man had been watching the two intensely.

Suddenly, Thor turned in his chair to speak to one of the many guards standing behind the royal family.

"You there, bring an extra chair to place beside my brother's!"

Frigga smiled at her eldest. "A good idea Thor; come sit you two."

Loki immediately steered Wilhelmina towards his usual seat.

She finally released a small laugh and turned to her master. "You are lovely when you blush."

He hissed at her, "Silence", but she could see the slight upturn of his lips. He took her hand to guide her up the side of the stage.

Thor and Frigga were beside themselves when they saw Loki pull out the chair the guard provided to allow the woman to sit. When the prince was finally seated, Thor clapped a massive hand on his brother's shoulder, causing the younger man to wince.

The amount of people that were now staring at the couple was steadily growing. Here was their dark prince with a very young woman seated at the royal table. Wilhelmina was quickly becoming the talk of the entire party.

She was an immediate sensation.