Hi Everyone. It's time for FLUFFY CHEESE! If you dislike fluffy cheese...well...you're not going to like the next couple of chapters.
I'm giving these two the chance to catch up haha, but if you want me to just simply get on with the plot, I can do that to.
Let me know. So...yeah. This chapter is most definitely rated M.
Thor and Loki walked along the shaded paths behind the palace. They had just escaped another boring lesson on defense stances by Ullr. Loki was telling his brother all about the girl he had just met in the stables. Thor swung a stick about absentmindedly.
"She's my new best friend."
"I don't know Loki. I don't think you can have a girl for a best friend."
Loki stopped walking. "Why not? You're friends with Sif."
Thor turned around when he realized he was alone. "That's different. Sif fights and everything and she is only a friend. She's not my best friend."
Loki scowled. "Well maybe I don't want a best friend that fights."
The very notion confused Thor. "What do you want a best friend for then?"
Annika stared up at Loki with darkened eyes. Both were panting and covered in a fine sheen of sweat, but both were also still fully clothed. Loki lay alongside Annika with one arm on either side of her shoulders. His gaze was clouded and far away.
"Loki…" Annika whispered, "Where has my trickster prince gone?"
Loki sat up and ran a hand over his face. "I'm sorry Anni…"
Annika sat up and placed a gentle kiss on her prince's cheek.
"Do you not want this? It's all right if you don't."
Loki turned to her and laughed. "I've wanted nothing else for centuries. It's strange. I have ridden into countless battles without giving one thought to the fear of what might happen. Now I sit with the woman I have been hopelessly in love with for hundreds of years and I find myself overwhelmed with apprehension."
Annika blinked in surprise. "You're…in love with me?"
"Desperately," Loki whispered. He stared at his hands. "I understand if you do not feel the same."
Annika stood up and moved to the fire. "Loki, I fell in love with you the day you first shared your magic with me and I have loved you endlessly ever since. When I first felt your lips press against mine, I thought I had died and gone to Valhalla, but I never dared to hope that a prince of Asgard, even if he were my closest friend, could possibly find something to love in a simple kitchen hand. You were born to marry a princess, not some grubby little peasant who throws apples at her best friend's brother."
Loki stood up and swiftly moved towards Annika. Before she could utter another syllable, he captured her lips in his own and held her tightly against his leather clad body. Annika sighed into the kiss and slid her arms around Loki's neck.
Loki pulled back and gently slipped his fingers through Annika's hair, pulling out her braids.
"My darling Anni, anytime we have ever touched or anytime I have ever held you in my arms, all I wanted to do was press you to me and ravage you." Annika giggled softly, but Loki held a finger to her lips. "Not out of convenience or lust, but because I could not think of any words that would come close to expressing how much I truly love you."
Annika thought her heart might burst with happiness at her prince's words. She also felt like an idiot for not having an adequate response so she did what she always did when words failed her. She jumped up and wrapped her arms around Loki's neck. Instinctively, he hugged her tightly to his body.
His voice was low in her ear. "I think I could show you now how I feel." He lowered Annika back to her feet.
"No my love," Annika whispered, a new spark in her eyes, "Let me take care of you tonight."
Loki's eyes became playful and slow grin stretched across his lips, against which Annika eagerly pressed her own teasing smile. As Loki's tongue moved swiftly into Annika's mouth, she reach up and pushed Loki's heavy coat off his shoulders and to the floor with a satisfying thud. Annika slowly worked Loki backwards towards a high backed chair by the fire.
"Sit." Her voice was commanding and Loki found himself in complete obedience. Even in her gown, Annika managed to straddle Loki's lap and smiled as she pressed herself against Loki's arousal. He closed his eyes and groaned as Annika slowly ground her hips against him. When Loki opened his eyes again, he saw Annika undoing the ties to his golden armbands. With her eyes focused on his, she gently let the first band fall to the floor. Annika took Loki's hand in hers and massaged the palm with her thumbs. His mouth fell slightly open as Annika took each of his long fingers one by one into her mouth and wrapped her tongue around each one in turn, sucking gently as she slowly drew them out of her mouth. He shuddered beneath her, filling Annika with numbing electricity.
Annika repeated the same agonizing procedure with Loki's other hand, then leaned forward to kiss him once again. Loki wrapped his arms around his princess, threatening to devour her with his kisses. Her sighs and playful moans were driving him crazy. He didn't know how much more of her teasing he could tolerate. Loki felt Annika's fingers slip to his side and one by one he felt the hooks to his leather tunic unfasten, freeing his body from its constrictive design. Annika's lips tugged at his earlobe as he felt her teeth pull at it gently.
"Stand up my Love." Hearing her call him her love made Loki incredibly uncomfortable in his leather leggings. Annika slowly stood from Loki's lap and backed up towards the bed. With a single finger, she smiled and beckoned him over. Loki was all too eager to oblige.
"Take it off," she whispered. Loki shed his leather tunic, leaving his green, cotton shirt underneath. He closed the distance, towering over his princess as she leaned against the bedpost. She tugged playfully at the cotton.
"This too." Loki's smile nearly brought Annika to her knees as he swiftly discarded the flimsy fabric.
"Not going to shield your eyes darling?" Loki's voice was dark and thick, every word sending a numbing sensation through Annika's fingers. Annika drank in the image in front of her. Loki was slighter than the average Asgardian, but Annika marveled at how he looked to be carved of the same white marble as the Alfheim castle. Feeling she was touching a statue that should only ever be gazed upon, Annika carefully ran her fingers down Loki's chest and stomach, allowing each finger to trace its own path down the defined network of muscles. The prince's breath hitched as he braced himself against the bedpost. An evil grin swept across Annika's face as she brought her lips to Loki's chest. He groaned as she flicked her tongue against his nipple, feeling it harden between her teeth. She swirled her tongue across the tender flesh, then blew cool air against it, making her prince hiss at the contrasting sensations. Annika slowly kissed a path to the other side and repeated the process, taking great delight in the growling sounds coming from her prince. When Annika released Loki from her touch, she looked up and pulled him into a trusting kiss, which he melted into completely. Annika closed her eyes and moved her hand further down, tracing her fingers along his beltline and placing her palm firmly against his groin, rubbing his arousal and making it twitch in her hand.
"Oh Hel," Loki growled into Annika's mouth. She smiled and broke the kiss. Loki's eyes were dark and all consuming.
"I think my darling, tonight you might be the daemon."
"Well I'm sorry my love," Annika whispered, "For no one is coming to save you tonight…you're all mine." With that thought, Annika unfastened the top buttons of Loki's pants and slowly slid down the bedpost to her knees. Loki watched wide-eyed as Annika stared up at him, undoing the rest of the buttons with the intention of freeing him from his clothed prison.
"No," Loki ran his fingers through Annika's hair and looked at her lovingly, "My darling, you are to never kneel before anyone ever."
Annika's eyes were full of love, but her grin remained one of mischief.
"Are you sure your Highness?" She placed a long kiss against the fabric barrier.
Loki closed his eyes and took a deep, stabilizing breath. When he opened them, his eyes were dark and threatening.
"Get on the bed." His voice was low and like velvet. Annika stood back to her feet and got onto the bed without breaking Loki's gaze. She felt completely under his control. Loki crawled onto the bed and knelt at Annika's feet.
"Lie back." Annika leaned back, but braced herself against the pillows, leaving her focus on Loki. Loki lifted Annika's leg to his shoulder and placed a kiss on her ankle.
"Do you remember darling, that night in our clearing?"
Annika nodded impatiently as Loki continued to place his cool lips against her leg, slowly working his way up her calf.
"You said that you were not afraid of me."
Annika tilted her head back as her breaths turned ragged. Loki moved the fabric of Annika's dress higher and began to massage her thigh.
"I said that I could not be… afraid of you. I…knew too much." Annika gasped as Loki's kisses traveled closer and closer to her centre.
Her scent was intoxicating. Loki fought to keep control. He would win this game.
"And you were right Anni, but do you remember my promise to you?"
Annika panted with anticipation. "You said…that you would…make me…scream…"
Loki hummed happily against Annika's skin, sending tiny electric impulses to every limb.
"Well then…" Finally Loki's tongue flicked against Annika's swollen clit. She cried out at the delicious contact. Loki drew agonizing circles around the bundle of nerves, each one sending another gasp across Annika's lips. He slowly lapped between her folds and down to her entrance and back up.
Annika's scent was completely enthralling and each taste made Loki heady with want. Her skin felt like satin against his mouth. He grabbed her hips and drew her closer. Annika arched her back, electricity flooding through her hands at every lick of Loki's tongue. He grinned evilly at each intake of breath and each look of desperation. Annika gasped out his name in ecstasy, making Loki hum against her core. Annika had the blankets in a death grip as Loki drove his tongue into her entrance and curled it back and forth, holding her hips to contain her thrashing.
"Loki please," Annika begged, shock after shock running through her muscles. Loki smiled and placed long, slow kisses in her most intimate spaces.
"Please what my princess?"
Annika sat up and kissed Loki hard, tasting herself on his devilish lips.
"Take me or I will scream."
Loki grinned and followed as Annika leaned back against the pillows. He continued to kiss her teasingly along her collarbone and across the neckline of her dress. After placing one last kiss to the top of her breast, Loki released himself and gently dragged his tip along Annika's folds.
"Loki," Annika cried out, "Stop tormenting me…please."
Loki leaned down and caught Annika's lips once again as he slowly entered her. It took her breath away. Her core went numb as she felt herself stretch around her prince. His slow pace was agonizing and he grinned knowing the torture he was putting her through.
Annika arched again, her breaths shallow. His laughter was low and full of grit.
"Say my name darling," he whispered. As Loki's name fell breathlessly off her tongue, he began rubbing circles against her clit, making Annika cry his name again.
"I love hearing my name on those sexy lips of yours."
Annika bit her lower lip playfully and tilted her head up to his.
"Come for me Loki," she whispered. In that moment, Loki came undone and thrust at a furious speed, sending Annika over the edge with a blissful scream. Loki followed and soon the two had collapsed into each other.
Loki woke up naked and alone in his bed. This would not be unusual had it not been for the events the previous evening. He ached in places he didn't know could ache and his lips were horrendously chapped. He licked them slowly in relief and turned his neck gingerly from side to side. The door connecting their rooms was open and next to it lay the crumpled pile of Annika's dress.
Loki blinked slowly and shook himself awake. He pulled a fresh pair of pants from his bag and slipped them on. His fingers were barely adept enough to do up the buttons. What has this woman done to me? Loki listened as the sound of shifting water hit his ears along with quiet, melodic humming. He followed the sound, only pausing to crack his back from time to time. Loki quietly pushed open the door to Annika's bathing room to find her neck deep in steaming water and bubbles. Her hair was tied on top of her head and she was singing to herself as she rubbed an oversized sponge along her soft legs.
"How are you not in agony?" Loki leaned up against the doorframe, watching his princess.
Annika giggled. "I was. That's why I ran a bath. Can you hand me that green bottle please?"
Loki smiled at her honesty and walked lazily to the vanity, grabbing the bottle. He knelt beside the tub and handed it to Annika. As she took the bottle from him, she placed a loving kiss on his lips in appreciation. When Annika took the top off, the scent of apples flooded Loki with comfort and familiarity. Annika poured a generous amount onto the sponge and rubbed the lather into her skin.
"Are you ready for today?" Annika asked as she leaned against the lip of the tub.
Loki rubbed his neck. "I'm taxing myself just getting out of bed."
Annika opened one eye. "It wasn't that strenuous last night was it?"
"Six times is enough darling."
Annika sighed. "It will never be enough."
Loki paused and simply watched his Annika finally his lay sleepily in the water. Eventually, Annika opened her eyes and searched for her robe. Instinctively, Loki found it sitting on a chair and handed it to her. He turned to leave and give her privacy.
"You don't have to leave Loki."
"On the contrary my love. Seeing you naked right now might actually kill me." With his most charming grin, Loki bowed out and closed the door behind him.
Loki was reviewing the trade documents one last time when Annika entered his room, packed bags in hand. She was wearing a dark blue tunic with grey riding cape attached. Loki tried to look casual, but couldn't help notice that both tunic and riding pants were delightfully form fitting. With a flick of his hand, the documents disappeared.
"Anni…" Loki swung his legs off the bed and approached her stealthily. He looked her up and down with his suspicious emerald eyes.
Seemingly reading his mind, Annika snaked her arms around his neck.
"It's always been for you," she whispered lowly. Loki growled happily and brought Annika's lips to his own.
"You know, one might accuse you of having a possessive nature Your Highness," Annika smirked.
Loki grinned mischievously, "And I have no intention of changing my darling."
Milkmane and the other senators waited patiently at the entrance to the meeting room as Loki and Annika were escorted down the hall.
"I don't like the way he looks at you," Loki mumbled.
"We just have the final trade papers to sign and then we will leave. Compose yourself until then Your Highness." Annika kept her voice low, but maintained formality.
Milkmane opened his arms to the pair as was his custom.
"My dear Lady Annika, if it is possible you look even more radiant than yesterday."
Annika nodded and smiled. "It is simply this wonderful Alfheim air that has served me so well Senator."
Milkmane laughed heartily. "Prince Loki, you look tired. Does our atmosphere not appeal?"
Loki scowled as Annika jumped in. "His highness has a great deal more on his mind than his political advisor. With both sons away from Asgard, I'm sure you can appreciate that Prince Loki wishes to return to relieve the AllFather of the extra burden."
Milkmane's lips pulled tight. "Yes, of course." He gestured to the room. "Shall we?"
Annika again nodded and allowed the senator to escort her to her seat.
The final deliberations went longer than expected with some of the elder senators attempting a final sway on the silver mines, but Annika and Loki held firm. When the final documents were drafted and readied for signature, Annika noticed a darkness in her prince. His patience was paper thin and his need to be away from the obnoxious senator was at an all time high. Finally, the documents were signed and each party had got what they came for.
After all the thanks were given and meaningless gestures were made, Milkmane insisted on escorting the two Asgardians to the gate where their horses stood waiting.
"Alfheim will seem a slightly duller place without your light Lady Annika," Milkmane bowed and placed a kiss on Annika's hand.
Annika smiled politely. "I'm sure our paths will cross again in the future Senator."
"Prince Loki." Loki turned at the sound of his name to see King Alfar warily making his way into the courtyard, followed by a troupe of physicians.
"Oh get off of me you lot. I wish to speak with you for a moment before you take your leave."
Loki bowed low. "Of course your Majesty." Loki followed the king, but not before throwing a warning glance towards the tall, blond senator. If Milkmane noticed, he said nothing.
Loki spent longer than he would have like discussing banalities with the Alfheim king, but glued his most diplomatic smile to his face anyway. King Alfar was like most nobles of his age, reminiscing of a time when he and Odin were younger men and more fit for battle. While Loki continued to nod politely and feign amusement, he couldn't help noticing that Milkmane and Annika were not where they had been left.
"…but here I am prattling on about days long since passed where you my boy have many important days in your future to which I am sure you are eager to return."
Loki smiled and bowed. "Thank you, your Majesty. Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta." The king grinned happily at Loki's command of the language. As soon as the king was out of vision, Loki turned and cast himself invisible.
"Could you not stay? Even for a little while longer?"
Annika kept her voice light. "I am sorry Senator, but I am needed back home. I must present our new agreement to the AllFather and my mother does tend to worry excessively when I am away for any length of time."
Milkmane smiled, but there was a darkness in his eyes that made Annika feel uneasy. As the pair wandered along an open aired hallway, Milkmane turned and guided Annika to a pillar. He placed a hand on one side, preventing an easy exit for the political advisor.
"Annika, you are as kind as you beautiful. Your light would shine nowhere brighter than here in Alfheim."
Loki watched the impertinent scene, feeling rage building within him, but he remained still. Annika showed no fear in her eyes, not even when Milkmane placed his other hand on the pillar, effectively trapping the Asgardian against his body.
His voice was low in her ear as he spoke. "I know there is more to you and Loki than simply a political relationship. He is a trickster my dear and cannot be trusted. Stay with me and I will make you very…very…happy."
Loki went to move, but was surprised to see a smile cross Annika's features.
"Tell me Senator. Do you have children?"
Milkmane was breathing in her scent, but pulled back with a chuckle. "No, I do not."
A sharp sound of metal leaving leather caught Loki's ears and he grinned at his tricky princess.
"Well Senator, if you ever want that to change, you will never speak ill of my prince again…and you will let me leave this instant."
Milkmane stared down at the dagger aiming for a place no man, Elven or Asgardian, wished to be threatened. He raised his hands slowly and backed away. Annika sheathed her knife. She nodded politely and made her way back to the horses.
Annika sat atop Ori and scanned the scenery for her prince. She smirked when she saw Loki striding across the courtyard from where she had just been. He returned her look with a smirk of his own as he mounted Sleipnir.
As soon as the pair had cleared the city walls, Loki rode up next to Annika.
"You saw all that, didn't you?"
Loki smiled and reached for Annika's bare hand with his gloved one. He kissed it gently.
"I love you."
Annika giggled and then furrowed her brow as Loki changed direction with Ori following eagerly.
"Loki, are we not going back to Asgard?"
Loki's grin was wide.
"Not just yet." He kicked Sleipnir into a gallop. Annika smiled at the new adventure. Ori was all too happy to run to catch up.