I apologize for how long it took me to update. It's been a really busy week for me, but I got some time this morning to update. I'll try to get the next chapter in before Sunday, because from Sunday afternoon to Friday evening, I will not be able to reach a computer. I'll be writing the chapter by hand and updating shortly after that. I hope this chapter suffices.

As always, I do not own anything except my OC.


Loki's emerald eyes surveyed the giddy party-goers, swirling around and sipping strong Asgardian drafts of alcohol. Some of the women were already tipsy, for the feast was simply a buffet. His mother loved to throw balls on a whim and they were already characterized by the elegant tables lined against the wall and overflowing with food. Frigga was a delightful and wise woman, but sometimes she felt lonely and insignificant in the castle. A well-timed ball or party gave her something to do every once in a while.

As the waltz gained speed, Loki examined the party with the eyes of the eternal wallflower. He rarely participated in the balls, only dancing with a female partner when his mother threatened him with a year of no magic. He no longer had to worry about that empty threat; he had learned every book by heart and her threat no longer held true. She loved her son too much to forbid him the only thing that kept him happy.

His gaze drifted back to the waltzing couples, lingering on a single one for far too long. He watched them carefully, examining Sera's face as she giggled something to Thor, who nodded. He felt a jitter in his stomach as he watched them interacting so easily. Jealous, am I? Loki asked himself inwardly. Not that he gets to dance with her first, as he has always been the first in everything... He refused to push further. That was a can of worms he had dealt with everyday of his waking life. This was not the time to play the part of the forgotten son.

The easy waltz tune ended and the dancing guests came to a halt. Their polite applause was interrupted in his ears by a sweet, musical laugh. Loki awoke from his thoughts as Thor and Sera came to his side. "Brother, your student..." he paused in laughter, "...is an excellent dancer." Thor glanced down to his companion, who had hooked her hand onto his lower arm for guidance. Her face was glowing from her waltz with the eldest prince.

"Oh, stop. You know that I stepped on your feet at least twelve times," Sera laughed, patting his arm with her free hand. Her gaze drifted to Loki and she immediately dropped her hold on Thor's arm, sheepishly taking a small step away from him.

Loki forced a smile, nodding. "I wasn't her dance teacher, simply her magic teacher," he replied, his eyes studying her face as she raised an eyebrow at him. Keeping the door of his mind locked extremely tight, he held his arm out to her. "Maybe I could change that."

Sera glanced up to Thor, almost seeming to ask for permission. He gestured her forward, bidding her goodbye as he bowed his head to her and swept away in search of another dance partner. Sera carefully took Loki's arm, allowing him to guide her to the dance floor. Loki caught his mother's eye, who smiled slowly. He felt suddenly nervous, completely uncharacteristic for him. He slowed, turning Sera gently to face him as he placed a hand on her waist, his other hand cupping around hers. He was suddenly aware of her free hand resting on his shoulder close to his neck. As the music started, a slower waltz than the one that had just escaped the strings of the orchestra, he felt her awkwardly start to lead. "Let me lead," he whispered, guiding her in the gentle three-step rhythm. She complied, becoming light in his hands. She stumbled slightly as he turned her, the edge of her shoe pressing against his boot. She blushed, the red accenting the pale shade of her face. Loki grinned. He pointedly stepped on the edge of her toe, hearing her breath catch. Sera glared up at him, but she was met only by his continuing grin.

Loki felt at ease here with her. He usually was very short with the women he danced with, keeping it professional with the girls who wished it to be more. Sera was different. Her inexperience with dancing gave her a flaw and he found that to be her most endearing aspect. Yes, she could do magic well – though at times she was lacking in thought toward what to do with it – and she was beautiful, but she had seemed unreal. Here, Sera was vulnerable. He liked it.

He raised his arm, the hand at her waist pushing her through as she went into the twirl he had designated. As she came in, his hand reconnected with her waist early, pulling her in. He gently adjusted the hand that he held at shoulder level, murmuring, "You try to lead, which is the only problem you have." Sera nodded silently. "Move in threes and let your partner lead. You'll step on his toes less." Her dark blue eyes connected with his and for a moment, his breath caught. He had not gotten a good look at her when she had been whisked away by Thor, but now she was up close and it was impossible not to notice the way her raven hair fell from the loose bun it had been put up in. It was impossibly not to see how prominent and strong her jawline was, how her dark eyes contrasted her pale skin and seemed to make the latter glow.

Loki shook his head slightly, causing her to cock her head questioningly. "Insect buzzing around my ear," he answered, the lie slipping easily off of his silver tongue. She seemed to accept his answer. Loki paused before leaning down to her ear. "I would like to compliment the maker of your dress, for they found the perfect colors to accent your eyes," he murmured hesitantly. A soft nod from his companion gave him reassurance that he had not crossed any lines with his polite comment.

As the dance ended, he found himself reluctant to lead her off the dance floor. However, he couldn't keep her to himself all night, no matter how much the idea appealed to him. They applauded the efforts of the small orchestra assembled in the corner and he led her back to the edge of the dance floor. She bowed to him gently as Fandral swept over, gesturing to her with his arm.

"May I have this dance, m'lady?" Fandral asked theatrically, grinning widely at her as his arm wiggled in anticipation.

"Of course!" Sera replied, taking his arm and allowing him to lead her back to where she and Loki had just shared a dance. As a quick-paced dance spread across the floor, Loki turned his back on the couples. She had left without so much as a backwards glance in his direction. He stalked to the food table, grabbing an apple from a tray. He took a bite of it as he returned to his usual post, leaning against it and surveying the room with a dark attitude.


Sera laughed as Fandral dipped her, leaving her breathless as she came back up. Fandral's breath smelled of alcohol and beef, but she could excuse the man for it. He was obviously already drunk after an hour, but some of the other guests were only just feeling the effects of their drinks. Once she was able to wiggle out of Fandral's grasp after the fourth dance, she stepped to the food table, grasping a glass of the alcohol she was sure was in every glass around the room. Taking a sip, she was surprised by the sweet burning that caressed her throat. Alcohol had never been something that she had been allowed to sample at home, but here in Asgard, alcohol seemed to be accepted for any adult age.

As she sipped at the burning liquid, she surveyed the room. Countless couples after the first hour of the ball were tipsy, or drunk at the worst, and some had even retired to the chairs instead of dancing. She found herself amused by the antics of Fandral as he tried to coax a young woman from her chair. He was barely able to convince her to stand before she would shake her head and sit back down. Chuckling, her eyes traveled to the pillars nearby. A dark figure stood away from the others, tall in his solitude. As she examined him, he turned his head, his bright eyes burning into her own. A small grin cocked his lips upward as he tilted his head slightly, his gaze darting toward the balcony. Sera nodded slowly as she caught his drift. He motioned to the balcony again when she didn't move from her spot by the table.

"Oh," Sera mouthed. She grasped her cup tightly and braced herself against the dancing crowds that moved around her, her lithe body worming into the holes they left in their wake. She made her way across the floor to the exit, feeling the cool rush of night air upon her skin as she stepped onto the vacant balcony. For a moment, she stood still, taking in the sudden change of scenery. The golden landscape of Asgard was dark, save for a few houses still lit far below the balcony upon which she now stood. Taking a few steps forward, she leaned heavily against the railing with a sigh.

"You seem out of breath," the familiar deep voice stated quietly. Sera turned, taking in the tall image of the youngest prince. Loki's eyes were focused on hers as he asked, "Did Fandral ask for one too many dances?"

Sera shrugged. "It gave me time to practice your tips," she answered, swirling the liquid in her glass. "I expected others to fill my dance card."

"Such as?" Loki pressed, his long legs carrying him to her side. He stooped, leaning his elbows upon the shining metal of the rail. His emerald eyes dropped, surveying her pale face. Her eyes had risen, catching and holding his gaze.

Sera smirked. "It isn't that hard to figure out, dear prince. I was in need of some more instruction."

Loki could feel a rise in his chest, a feeling of desire. He cleared his throat, dropping her gaze. "Then why not now? The party is still in full swing," he murmured softly, holding out his hand. As she eyed him, his open palm was covered in a soft, warm glow. He grinned as a small, serpentine shard of ice began to wriggle upon his hand, slipping between his fingers and falling to the ground. It slid off into the crowd, her eyes following the head of the ice serpent. As it disappeared between the feet of the party-goers, Loki could feel her eyes returning to him.

"I didn't mean instruction in dance, my prince," she replied coolly. She extended her own hand, pushing his away. "I meant instruction in the art of illusion. You are a master and I intend to learn past what you have already taught me."

Loki raised an eyebrow. "I was under the impression I was already teaching you all that I knew," he answered with suspicion. "What else would I be able to teach you?"

"I want to know how to revive someone, how to heal, how to keep from being injured. I know attacks. I know how to stop a man's heart. I need to know how to help someone in battle if I am ever needed," she uttered, stepping closer to him. "If you cannot teach me that, I will have to go elsewhere."

Loki raised both eyebrows incredulously. "Such a drive, my dear," he breathed, chuckling as he hooked his right index finger under her chin. He tilted her head back to get a better view of her face. "Fine. If you wish it, I must obey. We wouldn't want my father banishing either of us for not complying with his orders." He dropped her chin, stepping away from her and angling himself toward the party. "However, there is one thing I require from you first..."

"And what would that be?" Sera inquired, suspicion rising in her tone.

"I require to know the reason you become so afraid the moment that Jotunn messenger came to see my father." Loki's body remained fully turned toward the party still raging inside.

Sera scrambled for an answer. "Does not everyone fear the Jotunns? If I did not fear him, that would show that I have an alliance with them, which I do not," she answered slowly.

"Fair enough. Tomorrow, I shall meet you at your quarters. Be ready by sunrise." He stepped forward, vanishing from sight into the bright crowd. Sera shook her head, taking another longing glance at the horizon before she followed. Sera found herself unwilling to participate in the rest of the party. She excused herself, bowing to Frigga and Odin as they passed her, and swept down the hallways toward her quarters. As she entered, she peeled her flowing gown off of her, feeling immediately dirty. Her gown dumped on the floor, she entered the bathroom, turning the faucets to full flow. Tossing her undergarments into the bedroom, she leaped into the water, turning off the faucets as she dipped under the water.

As she surfaced, she could feel the uncomfortable makeup melting off of her face. Taking her hair out of its wet bun, she felt the dripping locks slap against her back. Finding the soap that Anna had brought her earlier that day, she scrubbed herself raw. Slipping under the soapy water once more, she found herself shining with cleanliness. Leaning back against the edge of the tub, she closed her eyes. Sera found herself thinking of her companion that night, the one who had been the most gentle with her. Loki had complimented her on her dress as well as her eyes and had spent most of the night staring at her. What was wrong with him? He was acting like he had never seen her before.

As she soaked in the warm water, she came to the realization that Loki had been giving her the same attention that night that she had seen him give to Lady Sif from afar. Was she in the youngest prince's favor? Shaking her head, she pressed her index fingers to her temples and massaged them. Don't think about it, Sera. Focus. You have to figure out how to do this. Her head dropped back against the edge of the tub, feeling her fatigue begin to bear down upon her. Sera barely felt herself get out of the tub and step into the bedroom. She was barely conscious as she pulled herself into the bed that was so cold against her bare skin. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Outside, a cold wind brushed a piece of parchment onto the balcony.

As Sera slept, an invisible hand scrawled, "You have thirty days, or I will do it myself. – Laufey".


Introducing the main conflict as of this chapter! I thought of it the other day while I was sitting in the doctor's office, and it seems like a perfect idea to tie into the ending I'm planning. I hope this chapter was good enough for you guys, because it's probably going to be the last for at least a week. I'll update as soon as I get home. Reviews are welcomed!