Chapter Nine

Ellie stared at her reflection in the mirror and lightly touched the ringlet of brown curl on her shoulder, watching as the image did the same.

She could hardly believe that the beautiful girl reflected in the mirror was her. The girl was flawless, a stark contrast to her usual perceived self. What wonders magic and make up could do! It managed to cover up the usual dark circles under her eyes and the freckles that usually splayed across her face.

And somehow, it made her face glow. Ellie was stunned.

Ellie knew that she looked different from the other female aesirs on Asgard but she never ever thought herself to be beautiful. At most, with her half human/Asian/Aesir parentage, she was perhaps considered exotic or pretty, even. But never beautiful.

Now, as she looked upon the girl wearing the white sleeveless gown with lace trimmings, she let herself hope. Maybe just for tonight, she would be able to pull it off.

Loki walked in his usual regal glory to find his beloved gazing into the mirror and he could not help but marvel at her beauty from afar. The time to make their grand entrance to the ball planned in honour of their relationship was due soon but Loki could spare a few minutes.

He did not make his presence known but instead, set his gaze upon Ellie, observing her. He was at a loss for words at her exemplary beauty which greatly surpassed his expectations for that night. Ellie being dressed in a flattering white laced garment truly made her seem like the angel she was.

Having learned from Ellie about Midgardian weddings and customs, Loki wondered if this was what she would look like walking down the aisle towards him – a true vision in white. However, he shook his head to clear his thoughts of matrimony.

Isn't it too soon to be thinking of such matters? Loki wondered, slightly concerned. But he reached into his heart and realised, No, it wasn't.

A small smile lit up his face as the conversation he had about Ellie with his parents came flooding back into his mind.

"I can explain," stated Loki, calmly as he watched Ellie's silhouette disappear from his view. His heart was racing even though his face said otherwise.

However, before he was able to say anything else, Odin looked at Loki with his one good eye and raised his hand which was not holding Gungnir to stop him midway.

Tensing his shoulders, Loki placed both of his hands on the small of his back, preparing himself for a lecture from his father. What else was to be expected? After all, he was not Thor.

Loki's eyes flickered over to his mothers' and he raised a thin brow as if to convey sarcastically, yes, mother?

Frigga shook her head with a gentle smile, undeterred by Loki's cynical attitude and gestured for him to listen to Odin instead.

For her sake, he did.

And Loki did not regret his decision one bit.

"There is no need for an explanation, my son," said Odin stoically. "Heimdall has already informed me of your relationship with Lady Casimir."

Initially, Loki said nothing but when he realised that his father was waiting for a form of response from him, he managed a small nod and it became the catalyst for the good flow of conversation which proceeded.

"I must say that I am most…"said Odin, pausing slightly to think of an appropriate word, "pleased."

It was not the most heartening of phrases but coming from Odin – the man who only ever showered Thor with compliments, it was worth a dime. Unsure if he heard Odin right, Loki's eyes shot open and he strained his ears to listen vividly to the rest of Odin's speech.

"Both Frigga and Heimdall have acquiesced that Galadriel has brought about a positive change within you and I must extend my gratitude towards her for bringing forth a type of maturity in you."

"And you believe them?" challenged Loki with a small defiant glint in his eyes when he was finally able to speak.

Unfazed by his attitude, Odin replied slowly but firmly, "Heimdall sees all and he has been watching over both you and Thor since you were both born. I see no reason to doubt his words. As for your mother, although she is soft on you, I find myself agreeing with her words. You are no longer just a mischief maker. Now, you think with precision before you act and that, my son, is a quality which is most befitting for a wise king."

Loki stared at Odin, surprised. Not only was his father readily accepting the prospect of Ellie as his daughter in law, Odin was also indirectly telling him that he was just as capable of ascending to the throne as Thor was. It was surreal. Perhaps, there was hope after all and maybe, just maybe, he stood a chance against his oaf of a brother.

His eyes gazed upon his mother's in disbelief as if to ask her if Odin was being himself because there was no way that all the words coming out from his father were true. He must have a motive behind his actions.

But yet, as if to dispel Loki's sceptic thoughts, Odin continued, "There is no doubt in my mind that you were born to be a king, my son. You have the aptitude for greatness and I know that Galadriel will help you in your journey to achieve that."

"T-thank y-you, father. For once, I am truly at a loss for words," confessed Loki awkwardly. It was such a rare sight to see the Silvertongue without a coherent response and an even rarer sight to see Loki on the receiving end of Odin's pride.

Odin smiled but his wrinkled face made it seem more like a grimace instead. However Loki knew better and it was enough to make his heart soar.

"Yes, Loki. Your father and I are both greatly pleased about the courtship between you and the lovely Galadriel and we want nothing more than to see you both joined in matrimony," said Frigga with a bright smile as she took hold of one of Loki's hand with one of hers whilst the other one was holding onto the arm of Odin's.

"Isn't it a little early to be talking about marriage, mother?" refuted Loki even though his heart screamed otherwise.

Frigga smiled a knowing smile at him. "There are no limits when it comes to love, my son. Never be afraid to do something if you feel strongly about. Of course, if you feel marriage to be too soon, I am content to wait a few more years."

"Of course," acquiesced Loki.

Just as Loki was about to dismiss himself from the presence of his parents, Odin opened his mouth to speak once more. A tired but exuberant smile etched onto his face. "One last thing, Loki. Your mother and I feel that it is only appropriate for the news of your relationship with Galadriel to be shared with the rest of Asgard. After all, since Sir Lancelot is undoubtedly the best general and commander of our battalion, we think it most befitting to honour his daughter in a grand and elaborate affair."

Cringing inwardly as he knows how much Ellie will detest the idea, he plastered a façade of composure and asked, "Of course, what exactly do you have in mind?"

"We were hoping to hold a ball in celebration of your courtship with Ellie two nights from now. It will be an elaborate affair but only moderately so. Nobles and their families will be invited, along with our close friends, of course. What say you, Loki?" inquired Frigga.

"If you wish, mother," conceded Loki as he did not want either of his parents to change their mind.

Even though he came off as reluctant, deep down in his heart, Loki was secretly excited to let the nine realms know that Ellie was his. She was everything he could ever ask for and more. She was –

Loki's reminiscence was abruptly interrupted by the sound of Ellie's pleasant voice.

"Loki, you're here!" squealed Ellie in joy.

The sound of his name coming out of her lips never failed to send pleasant thrills down his spine and it undoubtedly pleased him greatly to see her excitement upon seeing him.

Ellie's eyes raked up and down Loki's form, taking him in. He wore his usual gold and green armour but adorned upon his head was a horned helmet which she knew he only wore on special occasions.

She felt her heart thud dangerously against her chest and butterflies welled up in her stomach at the mere sight of Loki in all his glory. He was so breathtakingly handsome that her knees became a little weak from the flurry of emotions overwhelming her.

Thankfully, she did not fall as Loki had reached her just in time to embrace her in his arms.

"You are a sight to behold, my love," murmured Loki as he breathed her in, placing his hands on her waist.

He examined her face before gazing into her eyes.

"You covered up your freckles," noted Loki with a slight tinge of disappointment.

Ellie looked down at her feet. "Yeah, I didn't want people staring at my abnormality tonight."

Lifting her chin with his fingers, Loki gave her a tender smile. "They are a part of you, Ellie. It does not make you different, it makes you unique. There is no need for you to cover them up."

"I – I don't know."

"It is ultimately up to you, my love. But I think you look beautiful regardless of anything, a few spots on your face will irrefutably not alter my affections towards you and I am certain that the members of court will love you just the same," assured Loki sincerely, placing a tendril of her brown hair behind her ear. What was most endearing about Ellie was perhaps, her humility. And that trait itself, if possible, made Loki love her more.

Ellie searched Loki's eyes for any hint of lie but when she found none, she conceded. Closing her eyes for a few seconds and muttering an enchantment under her breath, Loki watched attentively as spot after spot began to splay across Ellie's face. When the spell was complete, her nose bridge and her cheeks were dusted with multiple light freckles.

"How do I look?" asked Ellie softly.

"Absolutely ravishing," complimented Loki right before he captured her lips with his own.

As he was about to deepen their kiss, a light knock resounded throughout the room, causing him to pull away to look to the door.

"Yes?" called out Loki, slightly annoyed.

A meek servant's voice echoed throughout the room from the opposite end of the door, "Sorry for the interruption, sire. But your mother sent me to call for you. She said to tell you and Lady Casimir that you are both needed in the grand hall at once as the ball is about to begin."

"Damn," cursed Loki under his breath, making Ellie chuckle at the human word he used. "Tell my mother we are on our way!"

"Of course, my prince," said the voice as the sound of footsteps padding away could be heard.

"Thank you!" shouted Ellie at the servant who was probably long gone by now as she remembered her manners. Loki shook his head at her considerate action but smiled nonetheless.

Annoyance forgotten, Loki placed a chaste kiss on her lips before he walked towards the door and held it open for Ellie to exit. "After you, my lady."

"Why thank you, kind sir," replied Ellie in a teasing tone as she curtseyed slightly, waiting for Loki in the corridor.

Loki smirked in response but otherwise, did not say anything. Instead, he held out his arm for Ellie to link hers with his and flashed an affectionate smile. "Are you ready?"

Ellie laughed lightly and shook her head, "Not one bit. And yourself?"

"A wise king is always ready, my love," smirked Loki from the corner of his eye, making Ellie cough in objection.

He raised an eyebrow in mock hurt before a large grin overtook his face.

"You're right, Ellie. To be honest, I think I might wet myself from the overwhelming nerves I'm feeling right now," whispered Loki as he leaned down right next Ellie's ear as if he was about to tell her a huge secret.

Upon hearing his statement, Ellie threw her head back in laughter right before she lightly smacked Loki's shoulder. "You're so full of shit, Loki."

"But ah, you forget, Ellie. I'm your 'full of shit'," countered Loki, making her laugh even harder at his failed use of the term 'full of shit'. It was amusing but endearing at the same time as she was deeply touched by his inclusion of her in almost every sentence he spoke.

"That you are, slave," chirped Ellie with a smirk before turned her head back towards the front. They were nearing the doors to the grand hall and she had to take a few breaths to calm her heart.

"Fret not, Ellie. I'll be by your side the whole time," assured Loki as he squeezed her hand tightly.

"Thank you, Loki," said Ellie as her eyes flickered over to his once more. "Don't let go of me."

"I don't intend to," answered Loki smoothly and he meant every word.

Right as the large doors began to open; Loki took a deep breath and asked Ellie again, "Are you ready?"

This time, Ellie's eyes looked down to their entwined hands first before she gave him a genuine smile. "Yes, I think I am now."

Author's note

Hey guys! Two updates in one day:P Hehe I just felt like writing so bam, here's another chapter! A major thank you to anyone who reviewed the last chapter :) I really appreciate it. Every follow, review, favourite truly warms my heart. Words can't express how grateful I am for all of you!

Please do leave some feedback for this :)

Till next time,

Gabby