A/N: new chappie! enjoy!


Chapter 7: Healing Loki

Loki stared up at the ceiling of his chamber, lying on his back with Zara curled up against him under his good arm, her head on his chest and his wounded arm wrapped in a bandage and stretched out on the bed. His mind wouldn't let him sleep as soundly as Zara appeared to be sleeping, so he let his thoughts meditate on what he'd read in all his books.

He'd found a few things that might work to heal his arm, but the majority of them required a second sorcerer. That train of thought took him to the night before, when Zara had tried to find that second sorcerer for him and failed. Then he burned with jealousy. Of all the people to go to for help, she'd gone to Thor, giving him the opportunity to hold her as he flew her to the destination she'd specified, wherever that had been. He had no doubt that she cared for him, but the thought of losing her to Thor turned his stomach.

He did love his brother, but since Odin favored him so much he always felt as though he had to fight to keep what was his, or Odin would snatch it away to give it to the favored son…or Thor would just take it for himself and Loki couldn't argue. His light grip on Zara's arm tightened only slightly before he took in a deep breath to calm himself. It seemed his past relations were catching up with him, and he didn't want Zara to end up like some of the women he knew before, though he doubted she could fight off Thor's charms if he tried to win her over.

His thoughts were broken when Zara stirred, making him look down at her in wonder as she gave a small noise between a groan and a sigh. She shifted her head, still resting on his chest and looked up at him with a tired smile, making him smile back.

"Hello, darling," he murmured, lifting his hand to stroke her hair a bit awkwardly as his arm laid under her neck. "What woke you?"

"I heard you thinking," she smiled sweetly, making him give a chuckle before he lifted his injured arm to stroke her cheek. She gasped and took his hand in hers, whispering, "No, Loki. You can't use your arm. You'll only weaken yourself."

"I doubt a small movement such as stroking your soft skin would weaken me, dear," he smirked, pulling his hand gently from hers to resume stroking her face, his smirk widening before he tucked his face under hers to murmur into her ear, "However, you may become weak if I stoke your skin. Am I right, my pet?"

Zara said nothing as she blushed then gave a surprised squeak when she felt his lips and teeth nip at her ear before he spoke again.

"There is something of importance I wish to tell you," he murmured. He knew he shouldn't, but he had to test her. His doubts were getting the better of him, and he wouldn't sleep unless he knew. There was no other way to find her true feelings…but to trick her. "If I am unable to find a cure for this—"

"Loki, don't say such things," she interrupted in a whisper, pulling away to look into his eyes but said nothing more when she noticed the irritation in them.

"Do not interrupt again, Zara," he ordered firmly and she nodded mutely, making him nod in satisfaction with a smirk of pride. "Now, as I was saying, if I am unable to find a cure for this, I want you well taken care of after I pass. Much as I hate the thought of this…Thor will take care of you. Perhaps…you may even come to feel for him as you feel for me. He can be an imbecile at times, but he will surely protect and care for you."

She was silent as she stared at him with wide eyes, his own scanning over her face before he gave a nod, permitting her to speak.

"No," she replied, just above a whisper, making him raise a brow at her, but he said nothing. "Even if you did die, you cannot simply hand me over to your brother as if I am nothing more than an object to be passed on. As for my feelings, I tell you now that I will not be so easily swayed. You… I care for you, my prince. I don't know what else to say other than that. As you say…I am yours."

Loki smiled, almost warmly, making her frown in wonder before he nodded. That gave him his answer, and knowing she wasn't a very good liar, he knew she was telling the truth. Her true feelings lay with him, and it put his heart at rest to know it now.

"Very well, darling," he smiled, making her frown deepen. "My doubts were getting the better of me. I have a reputation with women that I am not proud of. They all eventually end up with my brother."

"I will not, Loki," she murmured, pressing a kiss to his chin. "If I did, it would be a terrible trade. I've seen the way he eats."

Loki laughed, almost heartily as she gave a small giggle and settled her head against his chest again, hearing his heart thump against her cheek.

"You are a treasure, Sweet Zara," he murmured into her hair before kissing her head and hugging her closer with his good arm. "My treasure."

A knock at the door made them both frown in wonder as they looked to each other. He didn't reply as the room slowly filled with dim candlelight and they looked to the door. Who would knock at this time of night?

"Loki, it's your mother," came Frigga's voice, making him sigh as his head fell back onto the pillow, Zara shifting in the bed to grab the robe that matched her gown and pull it on. "Thor told me what happened, my son. Open the door."

"That insufferable prat!" Loki growled as Zara made her way to the door and opened it, letting Frigga swoop in and hurry toward the bed where Loki tried sitting up but winced in pain.

"Loki, I wish you would stop trying to move," Zara sighed as Frigga sat next to him, gently taking his bandaged wrapped arm to unwind the gauze. Zara made her way around the bed to climb onto it again, sitting beside him as they watched Frigga work.

"Why did you not come to me?" she sighed as Loki lifted an arm to let Zara tuck herself under it, his hand gripping her shoulder.

"I knew it would distress you, mother," he confessed. "I would have found a way to cure it on my own."

"You know there is no other way but to have another sorcerer or sorceress heal you," Frigga nearly snapped, and when the bandage was completely undone, she sighed, painfully at the sight of the still fresh wound. She pulled her sleeves back and gave a slight glare to her son as she took his hand on one of hers then looked to Zara. "This will be painful for him. I'll need you to keep him still."

Zara nodded and shifted out from under his arm to sit back on her feet, placing her hands on his shoulders to keep his back pressed against the headboard.

"I've imagined you in this position many times, but not in this context," Loki smirked up at her, making her blush five shade of red before glancing at Frigga.

"Your mother is sitting right there, Loki!" Zara hissed.

He gave a mischievous smirk before growling in pain when Frigga's hand hovered above his wound and Zara kept her hands firm on his shoulders as his head thrashed from side to side, gritting his teeth. Zara's heart clenched at seeing him in so much pain, making her turn her attention to what Frigga was doing. Tendrils of gold came up from the wound and into Frigga's hand as the wound slowly healed.

"Nearly done," Frigga reported and Loki writhed in pain, biting his lip to keep from screaming from the pain. Zara held back a sob before leaning forward to press kisses to his cheek, not knowing any other way to try soothing him until Frigga was finished. "Finished."

Frigga lowered her hand as Zara pulled away, looking to his arm as Loki leaned his head back, trying to catch his breath. Frigga stood as Zara sat back before Frigga reached out and slapped the back of his head.

"Ah! Mother—?!"

"That was for keeping your injury a secret from me," Frigga explained as Loki rubbed the back of his head, then she flicked his neck, making him jump and rub the spot, staring up at her with wide eyes. "And that is for making Zara keep your secret as well. Thor told me everything. I should not have had to hear it from him, Loki."

He sighed before nodding and glancing to Zara who was trying very hard not to giggle. She looked to his arm, her eyes widening in awe as she reached for his hand to pull it closer, smoothing her hand over the now flawless skin.

"Thank goodness," she smiled before throwing her arms around Loki who shared a glance and a smile with Frigga as she stood from the bed and Loki wrapped both his arms around Zara, hugging her close.

"Thank you, mother," Loki smiled as Zara pulled back to snuggle against him, making him chuckle at her as he kept both arms around her, looking up at Frigga who smiled down at them. "I did not wish to distress you."

"Well, it's just a good thing Thor cannot lie as well as you can, Loki, or you may have been on your deathbed," Frigga replied, leaning over to kiss his head. "I haven't told your father, but he will expect you at the banquet tomorrow evening."

"I will attend," he nodded and Frigga looked to Zara with a warm smile.

"Thank you for your help, Zara," she nodded. "And for encouraging Thor to reveal the truth."

Loki frowned at Frigga before looking to Zara who looked avoided eye contact with him. Frigga smirked as she made her way to the door.

"Good night, you two," she called before slipping out of the door and shutting it behind her, not waiting for a 'good night' from either one of them.

"You little imp!" Loki chirped, making Zara look up at him with wide eyes. "You conspired with my brother! Is nothing sacred?!"

"My prince, I was worried about you," she murmured, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face into the crook of his neck. "I didn't want you to…"

Loki frowned when she trailed off before hugging her closer and murmuring into her ear, "I was teasing you, Sweet Zara. I'm not truly upset."

She shuddered slightly against him before he raised his now healed hand to her face to grip her chin and lift her gaze to his to look into her eyes before leaning forward to press his lips to hers. Her eyes fluttered shut as he kissed her passionately, his hands slipping down to wrap themselves around her waist.

She gave a squeak of surprise on his lips when he gripped her waist and easily lifted her so that she was straddling him, still engaged in their kiss as he smoothed his hands over her back, cursing the nightdress that kept his fingers from feeling her skin. They slowly broke the kiss to breathe and he stared at her, silently asking if he could go further but not daring to say the words. He didn't want to frighten her.

"Your concern touches me," he whispered, taking one of her hands and placing it over his heart, their gazes locked. "It touches me here."

Zara swallowed as she nodded before slipping her hands to his neck, her fingertips in his hair. He groaned and leaned his head back to feel more of her fingers in his hair, closing his eyes and she obliged by hesitantly beginning to thread her fingers through his raven hair.

"Like this?" she hoped, uncertain of herself and he gave a chuckle as he looked into her eyes, his hands sliding to her waist.

"Yes, darling," he smirked, pulling her closer. "Just like that."

She smiled as her eyes fell to his mouth and she leaned toward him, pressing her lips to his. This time, the kiss started out slow, deep and sensual. One of his hands slid up her back as the other wrapped around her waist to pull her as close as possible. She gasped into his mouth when she was suddenly on her back and he was pressed against her by gravity, his mouth pulling away to trail kisses down her neck.

"L-Loki…" she sputtered, her heart racing in panic as her hands moved to his shoulders but his lips still trailed over her neck, his hands gripping her waist to keep her in place. "Loki, wait… Please, Loki, stop!"

He froze and shoved himself up to look at her. Guilt instantly filled his heart as he realized how pale she looked, her blue eyes wide with fear as she breathed heavily. He could practically hear her heart thumping in her chest.

"Zara," he breathed, lifting a hand to gently stroke her cheek. "Darling, I wasn't thinking. Don't look at me like that, my dear. I didn't mean to frighten you. Please forgive me."

"No…" she breathed, trying to catch her breath. "No, I'm…I'm sorry, Loki. I have no right to refuse you—"

"Don't you dare say that," he nearly growled, making her stare up at him in wonder. "After what that brute did to you, I would have been shocked if you didn't resist me. I will not force myself on you. I would not do that."

"I…I know," she shuddered, lowering her gaze as her hands remained on his shoulders. "But…after everything you've done for me—"

"You owe me nothing," he assured her, drawing her gaze back to him. "Only a cad would take advantage of a woman in such a way. A prince is no cad."

"No, of course not, but—"

"No, Zara. There is no room for argument here."

"By all the gods! Would you let me finish a thought just once?!" she snapped, placing a hand over his mouth as he stared down at her in surprise. "I should not refuse you because you are a Prince of Asgard and after everything you've done for me it would only be right that I do something for you in return. A prince may not be a cad but I'm sure there is only so much he can take and only so long he can wait for a woman to come around and let him bed her."

She lowered her hand as he stared down at her in wide-eyed shock and awe.

"Forgive me, but it was the only way I could get my thoughts out without your interruptions," she murmured, looking away from him, her hands on his shoulders again.

"Sweet Zara," he smirked, drawing her attention back to him. "I would wait as long as you asked. What you suffered is no small incident. I realize this. You. Owe. Me. Nothing."

Zara took in a shaky breath before nodding that she understood and Loki leaned down to gently kiss her cheek, lingering for a moment before shifting off of her and lying on his back with a sigh. She chewed on her lower lip before shifting to snuggle against him, making him smirk as he wrapped both arms around her.

"It feels wonderful to finally hold you with both arms again," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead and hugging her close.

"It's wonderful to feel both your arms around me, as well," she smiled, snuggling her cheek to his chest as she wrapped her arms around him then lifted her chin to look up at him as she asked, "May I help Edric in the gardens tomorrow?"

"Of course, sweet Zara," he smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I've kept you long enough. I'm certain he is losing his mind over all the work he's been forced to do alone. I have a few things to take care of myself. I would enjoy interrogating the raiders if they haven't finished the job. We will both busy tomorrow, it seems."

"So it would seem," she smiled, kissing his chin before snuggling closer still to him. "We should get some sleep then, do you not agree, my prince?"

"I do, my darling," he sighed. "Good night, Zara."

"Good night, Loki."


The Next Morning...

Loki stood in the tactical chamber with Odin, Thor, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three. They were all around the table with a large map of Asgard, Odin standing at the head of the long table, Thor and Loki to his right, the others on his left.

"You are certain of this, Thor?" Odin questioned.

"They all say the same thing, father," Thor replied. "The man Loki killed was the leader. The only man who made these plans and gave the order for these raids."

"They could all be lying to protect the true leader who may still be in the cells," Loki suggested, trying to ignore Odin's glare.

"You would say that to save your own skin," Sif nearly snarled, drawing all eyes to her as she glared at Loki. "Thor told you we needed all of them alive, and you managed to kill the one person we truly needed alive!"

"You know not the reason for it, Sif!" Thor snapped back, making Loki look to him with wide eyes.

"Then explain it to me!" Sif snapped back.

"It is not your concern, Lady Sif," Odin cut in, drawing everyone's attention to him. "The matter has been brought to me and I have passed judgment on it. The concern now is how we find out what they were trying to achieve."

"Let me question them," Loki offered. "I will know right away if they are lying and extract the truth from them."

He waited, ignoring Sif's glare and only focusing on Odin as the Allfather thought deeply, glancing down at the table. After what seemed like an eternity, Odin finally nodded his approval.

"Thor, go with him," Odin ordered, making Loki's confident smirk fall. To him, that simple order was more proof that Odin had no faith in him.

"Yes, father," Thor nodded as Loki turned to march out of the room and Thor quickly followed him as Loki shoved the doors open and marched down the hall.

"I am quite capable of performing an interrogation on my own," Loki ground out through gritted teeth. "I do not need you with me to hold my hand as if I were a child!"

"I'm sure father only wants to be sure things go smoothly, Loki," Thor guessed, trying to settle his temper. "Or perhaps he wishes me there for your safety? To ensure they do not attack you at once."

"Admit it, Thor, if it were you going to question these men he wouldn't have sent me to be your shadow," Loki nearly snarled.

"He may have," Thor argued. "These raiders are rather aggressive, after all. You saw that when we brought them in."

"While we're on the subject…" Loki retorted, stopping and whirling on his brother with a glare as Thor stared at him in wide-eyed wonder. "You had no right to tell Sif that there was more to my reason for killing that man! You are fortunate that father had the last word on it before I throttled you myself! That is Zara's secret, and the only reason you are aware of it is because father told you as explanation as to why I was not punished. Mark me, brother, if you speak about it to anyone else I will—!"

"I'm sorry, Loki," Thor cut in, making Loki stare at him in wide-eyed surprise. "You're right. I should not have said anything. Forgive me, brother?"

Loki remained unmoving and staring at Thor in shock and awe before remembering himself and straightening with a slight nod.

"Yes, well…you're forgiven," he finally replied. "But don't let it happen again, and Zara can never know that you know of it. She swore me to secrecy and I'm certain she did not want the whole of Asgard royalty to know about it, even if you are my brother."

"Of course," Thor nodded before Loki turned and marched down the hall to head toward the dungeon, Thor hurrying after him.


Meanwhile...

"I'm glad to have you back, dear," Edric smiled to Zara as they stood on opposite ends of a bush in the shape of a rearing eight-legged horse. "Not seeing your delightful face every day was starting to bring my spirits down."

"How sweet of you to say, Edric," Zara smiled brightly, clipping the sculpted bush. "But I'm sure nothing could bring your spirits down too much."

"How is Prince Loki fairing, dear?" Edric asked, also clipping the stray branches on the bush. "I heard he had a severe wound on his arm."

"He is doing much better," Zara smiled. "He can use his arm far more now than he could yesterday. He was rather excited when Odin called for his presence in the tactical chamber."

"Glad to hear that, my dear," Edric nodded. "I'm sure you were very worried."

"You have no idea," she murmured before something caught her ear.

"It is ridiculous!" she heard Sif shout, no doubt at the Warriors Three that followed her marching pace into the garden. "How could the Allfather be so lenient on Loki after he killed the leader of the raiding party?! No matter his reasons, he was told to bring them all in alive!"

"Sif, you heard Odin," Fandral reminded her as Zara remained still and quiet. "It's none of our concern. I'm sure it was a very good reason, but it's nothing we need to know about."

"I cannot believe he allowed Loki to go question the men himself," Sif snarled, sitting on a bench facing Zara and Edric as they worked. "How is he to know Loki will tell him the truth?"

"That is why Odin sent Thor with him," Hogun chimed in.

"Yes, Thor is a terrible liar," Volstagg laughed, sitting with Sif. "Even if Loki tried to lie to Odin, Thor would give it away without even saying a word."

"Edric! Is that you over there?" Fandral suddenly called, making Zara's heart skip in nervousness.

"Yes, my lord Fandral," Edric called, stepping around the bush as Zara lowered the clippers in her hands.

"And who is this lovely lady with you?" Fandral asked, quickly smoothing a hand through his hair to be sure it looked good as Sif rolled her eyes at him and Volstagg laughed as Hogun stood silent and stone faced.

"This is my assistant, Zara," Edric smiled, gently placing a hand on her shoulder and she hesitantly turned to the group, setting her clippers aside.

"My, you are a stunning creature, aren't you?" Fandral smirked, strolling toward her and she swallowed in anxiety.

"Fandral, do you not recognize her?" Volstagg called, stopping him and the blonde turned to him with a frown of wonder. "That is Loki's woman."

He turned back to Zara who met his frown with innocence as he took another step closer, now examining her.

"Forgive my stare," he requested, making her give a small frown before she fidgeted on her feet. "I cannot admit to myself that I missed such a gorgeous thing like yourself. Prince Loki is very lucky to have gotten a hold of you first."

Zara gave a small smile before nodding, "Thank you, my lord Fandral."

"I suppose you will tell Loki everything you have heard us speak behind his back," Sif muttered, leaning forward on her knees and wringing her hands in front of her.

"Forgive me, Lady Sif, but I would not presume to gossip whether it be to Prince Loki or anyone else," Zara replied, nodding respectfully. "I am sure the Prince is aware of your feelings toward him, whatever they may be."

"Sometimes he knows almost as much as Heimdall!" Volstagg laughed heartily, and Zara couldn't help but give a giggle, his laughter being contagious. "Come, young one! Sit with us for a time. Perhaps you can enlighten us on a few things."

"Oh, I don't think—"

"Go along, dear," Edric smiled, patting her arm and making her look to him with wide eyes. "We are nearly done. I can finish what's left."

"Excellent!" Fandral grinned, grabbing Zara's wrist to pull her toward the group, making her stumble behind him before he sat her down next to Sif, sitting on the other side of her. "Give us your opinion on this, dear."

"M-My opinion?" Zara sputtered, feeling her heart start to race in panic. "On what, exactly?"

"Leave the girl alone, Fandral," Sif scolded. "She just told us she's no gossip."

"Tell us about yourself, Zara," Volstagg chimed in, making her look to him before looking to her lap in thought, wringing her fingers in front of her.

"There isn't much to tell," she replied, keeping her gaze on her hands. "I have no family…my parents died when I was rather young and I enjoy nature."

"How did you end up here?" Hogun asked, making her look up at him with wide eyes before lowering her gaze back to her hands, which she clenched until her knuckles turned white.

"I…I was—"

"Excuse me?"

The group looked up to see Deirdra, the red-headed servant, heading toward them, meekly.

"The Allfather has asked for Lady Sif and the Warriors Three to report to the tactical chamber," she reported, causing Volstagg, Sif and Fandral to stand. They said their goodbyes to Zara who nodded with a small smile to each of them, but remained sitting on the bench as Deirdra approached her. "Lady Zara, Prince Loki has asked for you in his chambers."

"Oh, thank you Deirdra," Zara smiled, standing. "Was there anything else?"

"He only asked that if he is not there yet, you are to wait for him," Deirdra replied.

"Thank you," Zara nodded again, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It seems you have become the messenger of the palace, haven't you?"

Deirdra giggled before nodding and replying, "It would appear so. I don't mind it."

Zara smiled before passing her to head into palace and head toward Loki's chamber. She had a feeling she would be hearing all about what had happened that morning, and she had a feeling Loki would not be in a very good mood.

She made her way down the hall of the palace toward Loki's chamber, unable to help but wonder what would be waiting for her. After hearing from Sif and the Warriors Three that the man that Loki had killed – the man that had hurt her – was said to be the leader of the raiders, she knew Odin would probably scold Loki, no matter his intentions. Then again, if Loki and Thor went to the dungeon to question the men again, maybe they had lied about the man's identity to protect the true leader? She wasn't sure, and there was no telling what kind of mood Loki would be in.

When she neared the door of Loki's chamber, her steps faltered as she heard a crash from within. She stared wide eyes at the door when she heard the angry growl that followed before she nearly ran toward the door. She shoved it open and hurried inside to see Loki swiping the pile of books and papers that had been on his table to the floor with another angry growl before he slammed his fists on its surface.

"Damn that arrogant fool!" he snarled, shoving off the table and whirling around as Zara let the door close behind her. He marched toward her as if she'd been there the entire time and snarled on his way toward her, "I should have been the one to tell father who the true leader was! It was my neck on the line! Not his!"

"You found the true leader?" Zara nodded, unmoving from her place as Loki paced in front of her, angrily.

"Yes, and my brother, as usual, has taken all the glory for himself and told father that he was the one that found him!" Loki growled, still pacing.

"My lord," she called, meekly as she took a step closer, but he still paced. "Is it possible he said the both of you found the true leader?"

"That is what he said," Loki snapped before stopping and turning to her. "But he did nothing! He only stood to the side in his own little world! He did nothing to help me question them!"

Zara gave a nod of understanding as he turned back to pacing and she looked around the room, finally noticing that it looked as though a whirlwind had blown through it. And in fact, a whirlwind had blown through it. Its name was Loki. She said nothing as he continued to pace, stepping toward the left of the room where the books and papers were scattered on the floor next to the table and she began picking up the books. Loki froze in his place when he saw her kneel to gather a few books in her arms then watched her head toward the bookcase to put the books away.

"What are you doing?" he questioned, now facing her as he stared and she looked over her shoulder at him before looking back to the bookcase.

"Straightening up," she replied, placing the book on the shelf before turning to gather more books. "You've made quite the mess in your anger, Loki."

"That's what the servants are for," he nearly snapped, marching toward her as she froze and looked to him as she stood with a book in her hand. He stopped in front of her, taking the book and setting it on the table to replace it with his hand. "You are no mere servant, Zara. You're my mistress. You need not clean up after me. That is not why I called you here."

"Then why did you call for me?" she wondered, having a seat in the closest chair as he still held her hand and remained standing in front of her. "Surely it wasn't just to rant and rave about your brother and his stupidity."

"Something far more festive, I'm afraid," he smirked at her choice of words and she frowned at him in wonder. "There is to be a grand banquet tonight at my mother's request. She wishes to have it in my honor, to celebrate my quick recovery. Granted, at her own hand, but we've chosen to omit that fact."

"And you are to attend?" Zara guessed.

"I have no choice," Loki confirmed. "You will be by my side, will you not?"

"Of course, my prince," she nodded, giving his fingers an affectionate squeeze as he still held her hand. "I cannot allow you to die of boredom, or another woman to catch your eye and take my place. A shapely dancer could easily snatch you away from me."

"Darling, I don't ever want to hear you say anything like that again," he said firmly, making her frown slightly at him but her eyes widened in wonder when he stepped closer and knelt in front of her. "You are truly the most beautiful woman I've ever met, Zara. No wanton dancer could compare to your lovely innocence, believe me. They may interest my brother, but not I."

Zara swallowed hard as she felt her cheeks and ears flare in a blush, casting her eyes down to their hands as they sat in her lap.

"Now, find something gorgeous to wear for the banquet," he smirked. "I wish to be the envy of every man in that room when I step in with you on my arm."

"I may need some help," she admitted, still not looking at him.

"Then you shall have a handmaiden," he replied simply, making Zara shoot her wide, blue gaze at him in surprise. "Who was that servant girl I sent to call you here?"

"D-Deirdra," she replied. "But, I don't think I'll need—"

"Do you like her?" Loki asked her, meeting her gaze.

"Yes, I do, but—"

"Then I shall send her here to help you choose a suitable dress," he nodded, finally standing and pulling her to her feet with him as she still stared wide eyes at him. "Wait for me here before the banquet. I'll come for you and you shall take your seat on my knee throughout dinner."

"Yes, my prince," she nodded, looking back at their hands before her gaze fell on the arm that had been wounded yesterday. She pulled one of her hands from his to touch his forearm, murmuring, "Does your arm hurt at all? I know it's healed but…"

"No, it doesn't hurt any longer," he smiled down at her, lifting his now free hand to gently grasp her chin and bring her gaze back to his. "It was somewhat sore last night, but it passed. Now, let me go find that girl and send her here. I shall return soon."

He shifted his hand to hold her chin firmly with his thumb on one side and his long fingers on the other, his other hand wrapping around her waist to pull her close. He leaned toward her but stopped an inch away from her lips, his eyes roaming over her face before landing on her lips again.

"Part your lips, darling," he whispered, sensually. "Tempt me to kiss you. Ask me without words."

Zara met his eyes and instead of parting her lips, she lightly chewed on the lower one, making him frown down at her in wonder.

"No," she breathed, making his eyes narrow and his frown deepened.

"No?" he echoed, incredulously, lowering his hand from her face. "Are you disobeying me?"

She kept her gaze locked with his, but said nothing as he looked over her, his eyes piercing through to her soul.

"And now you'll not answer me?" he questioned, slight irritation lacing his tone. He backed her against the table's edge in an instant, making her give a gasp as her eyes widened at him, but he said nothing for a moment as he gripped her waist and lifted her enough to sit her on the table, their gazes never wavering from the others'. "Are you purposely trying my patience? Answer me."

"I…I'm sorry," she whispered meekly, still staring up at him. "I didn't mean to anger you, Loki—"

"So, it was curiosity at what I would do?" he guessed as she swallowed hard. "Well…now you know. And now you know it is not the reaction you want, yes?"

"I didn't say that," she breathed, making him arch a brow at her and her eyes widened at herself before she looked away, a blush spreading over her face.

"No…" he smirked, leaning closer to press his lips against her ear and whisper, "You didn't say that, did you, darling? I'll make note of this, so that when you come to me, ready for me to ravish you, I shall do it properly…and just the way you like it."

Zara gave a small gasp when she felt his tongue trace the shell of her ear before he nibbled on her earlobe then pulled away to smirk down at her, taking her chin in his hand again the way he'd held it before.

"Will you obey me?" he wondered, and she only nodded. "Good. Part your lips."

This time, she obeyed and parted her lips, making his smirk widen before he leaned closer and pressed his mouth to hers, instantly snaking his tongue between her lips, making her moan as he kissed her, passionately. A moment later he pulled away, licking his lips as he met her gaze, her lips still parted and now somewhat swollen.

"And with that, my darling, I must go," he murmured. "I look forward to seeing which dress you choose for the banquet."

He pulled her off the table and set her back on her feet, still holding onto her for a moment before pressing another lingering kiss to her cheek and swiftly turning to head toward the door. Zara stared at him as he left, leaning back against the table to steady her weak legs, trying to catch her breath. Slight jealousy cropped up in her at the fact that he was so calm and collected, as if nothing had happened.


A/N: reviews?