Chapter 10

Loki noticed that his little girl looked worried. "Lira, baby what's wrong?" He asked. "Daddy, you know that they don't like me." Lira said. Loki sighed, "It's because you are different. People hate things outside of their normal lives...but different in your case? Is something I love."

"Papa, how am I different?" Lira asked.

"You are more special then any of them." Loki said.

"But how papa? Tell me!" Lira begged.

"Because you were chosen." Loki said.

"Really papa you really think I am special?" Lira asked.

"Of course I do I am your father." Loki said.

"I know that daddy, but do you know who my real parents are?" Lira asked.

"No. Sweetheart, I don't." Loki said. He saw tears streaming down his daughter's cheeks. Loki sighed, "We were able to discover nothing."

"Why didn't they want me?" Lira asked. Loki pulled her close, "We do not know. We looked."

"No one loves me or wants me." Lira said through her tears. Loki gave her a slight squeeze, I do and that's why I took you."

"Really?" Lira asked.

"Yes." Loki said softly, "I could not leave you there baby." He said. Lira hugged her daddy, "I love you daddy." She said. Loki kissed her forehead tenderly, "I know. I know."

"Know what daddy?" Lira asked.

"That you love me." Loki said.

"Do you love me daddy?" Lira asked.

"Of course baby. Now lets find you a new friend." Loki said. Lira sniffed wiping her nose with the back of her arm, "Okay daddy!" Lira took her daddy's hand and they walked into royal stables.

"Greetings prince Loki, how my I help you?" Zander asked.

"Hello Zander, I am here with my daughter so she can pick out a new friend." Loki said.

"I have the perfect one for princess Lira. If you will follow me princess. You can meet your new friend." Zander said. Lira looked to her daddy for help, "Go on sweetheart, I will be right here. You can trust Zander for he is good and loyal." Loki said.

"Okay Daddy." Lira said and she took Zander's hand and he led inside the stables.

Loki smiled to himself as he watched his little girl go inside the stables with Zander. He couldn't believe that his daughter was already seven years old it seemed just like yesterday when she was five months old and he found her alone in an alley.

"Daddy! Lira called as she ran out of the stable a big smile on her face. Loki looked over and grinned, "What is it my princess?"

"Daddy! Daddy! Come here!" Lira called. Loki walks over to his daughter. Lira grinned clapping her hands, "Daddy they are all so pretty come see!" Loki chuckled, "Alright I'm coming!" They entered the stables together. Lira grabbed his hand pulling him to a stall with a young filly in it.

"I like her daddy." Lira said.

"You do?" He asked.

"Yes, she doesn't have many friends like me." Lira said.

"Well then." Loki said, "The two of you can be good friends for each other."

"Okay daddy." Lira said.

"What shall you name her?" Loki asked.

"Kyra." Lira said.

"Perfect." Loki said nodding.

"Thanks daddy." Lira said.

"You are most welcome baby girl." Loki said.

"Daddy, can I ride Kyra?" Lira asked.

"I don't know sweetheart. Loki said.

"Please daddy!" Lira begged. Loki thought for along while, "Okay baby girl, but please be careful."

"I will daddy, but will you watch me?" Lira asked.

"Of course sweetie." Loki said. He waved for a stable hand to come and saddle Kyra. A young boy nodded and ran to saddle the filly for his princess. Loki watched on with pride and his daughter rode her new filly. His girl was so big now.

It seemed like only yesterday when his baby girl was five months old and now she is seven years old and learning how to ride. After the ride Lira to her father and she gave him a big hug, "Thank you so much daddy." She said happily.

Loki hugs his daughter back, "You are welcome baby. Are you having a good birthday sweetheart?" He asked.

"Yes daddy, this has been the best birthday. I love you." Lira said.

"I love you too baby." Loki said and they walked back to the palace hand in hand.