AN: So, um here's chapter 9. I hope you like it! Suggestions are welcome!

Random thought of the day: I really want some nachos right now.

Chapter 9

I'd never been invited to a dinner before. Then again, I had lived in the woods most of my life. I had absolutely no idea what to do. So, I just sat on my bed, procrastinating getting ready. I was temporarily saved from my worries by the door slowly opening. In walked the maid, Ariana.

"Pardon me, miss, but I do believe dinner time is closing rather quickly and you do not seem ready," she said.

Normally, I would have shot back a remark that she should mind her own business but I was too tired to care. "Well, you have guessed correctly," I said, helplessly. Then, I realized that this maid had most likely lived at the palace longer than I have and could maybe give me some help. Reluctantly, I asked for it.

"Oh! Of course, madam! I had forgotten that you were not well acquainted with the living style here; it was rude of me not to ask. I will help you at once," she hurried.

Right away, she walked to my closet. She explained that I must wear something formal but not too fancy. As she looked through my clothes, that I had yet to look at yet, she pulled out a dress.

"This one should be the perfect choice, miss. Will you go try it on?" she asked, holding out the dress.

As I took it and walked to the bathroom to change, I studied the dress more carefully. It was long, floor-length, and a beautiful maroon color. It was strapless and fit tight around my chest, with a loose, silky train down the back. Silver gems were encrusted on a ribbon under my breasts and along the hem of the dress. It seemed the perfect fit for a dinner.

I walked out of the bathroom and saw Ariana looking through a row of shoes. As she heard me come out, she stood up. "You look very pretty, Miss Skylar. I believe I have found some shoes to go with that dress, as well." She held up a pair of silver heels that flaunted my feet well.

Quickly, she rushed to do my hair, which was a surprising feeling. I wasn't quite used to all the pulling and poofing, but I knew it would be worth it. In the end, my white hair had been pulled back into a high bun with a few loose, newly made curls around my face. Ariana added some makeup to my bland face and proclaimed I was done.

Slowly walking up to my full body length mirror, I looked. And I liked what I saw. I had seen my dress, I had seen my shoes, I had seen my hair, but together, that was something else. I could clearly see how my done-up hair and silver shoes complemented my dress. As for my face, I barely recognized myself. A light pink eye shadow had been added, along with a shiny lip-gloss. If someone else were looking at me, they might have called me beautiful, but I was too modest for that.

Turning around, I walked to Ariana and slowly enveloped her in a giant hug. "Thanks for everything. I would have never been able to achieve this without you."

"Any time, miss," Ariana smiled and walked out of the room.

Giving myself one last look in the mirror, I followed her out and walked to the dining room. When I walked in, everyone, including Odin, Frigga, Thor, Loki, Sif, and the Warriors Three, was already there. They were standing and talking, but they all looked up when I walked in the room. As I look around at the shocked stares, I saw Fandral's jaw literally drop. It got awkward fast, but I was saved by Loki, who rushed over and offered me his arm. I slowly grabbed it and we started walking to the table. As everyone else started moving, too, Loki whispered in my ear. "You look exquisite, darling." I flinched at the term. Not wanting to make a scene, I didn't respond. He led me to a chair near the end of the table, where Odin was, and sat down next to me. Odin started to talk.

"I am honored to be able to share this dinner with the girl that has caught Loki's attention," he started. I grimaced and Loki looked awkward. "I hope you enjoy your time here in the palace, Skylar."

"Thank you, Allfather. I'm sure I will," I smiled for good measure. Odin smiled back and summoned the servants. They came out, bringing tons of food with them. I was unable to keep my mouth closed at the sight of all the food. This was enough to feed me for weeks in the forest! I tried to eat like I wasn't starving, but I was, so I dug in.

"I see our little guest likes to eat as much as Volstagg does," Thor said, chuckling. I stopped eating and looked down, embarrassed. "Oh, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe we'll finally have someone who can best me and Volstagg." I laughed silently and continued to eat, though not as vigorously.

Conversation continued, as normal. Though, I wanted to be left out of it. Frigga asked me again to tell them my story and since everyone wanted me to, I did. At the end, they all looked compassionate and sad that I'd had to live that way but I told them it was no big deal. As dinner pressed on, I finished and listened to peoples conversations. I looked at Loki somewhat desperately and he understood that I wanted to leave.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you all, but Skylar has had a very long day, and I think it would be best to let her return to her chambers," my rescuer said.

"Of course! I do hope you enjoyed dinner. I hope to see you tomorrow for breakfast," Odin said, dismissing me.

Loki stood, helped me out of the chair and led me to my quarters. We stopped outside my door. He turned to me and held my hands. I fidgeted but he wouldn't let go.

"You looked beautiful tonight. And you were very respectful," Loki said.

"I tried. Wasn't as easy as it looked," I responded.

"You did well. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Sure!"

"Great! I've already got plans. Dress in something warm and cozy," Loki told me.

"I'll see if I have anything," I said. I smiled and he leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. Stunned, I couldn't answer.

"Goodnight, Skylar," Loki said. It wasn't until he had disappeared into his room that I realized how much I loved to hear him say my name.

Please review! For me? With a cherry on top?