He found her angrily pacing around her chamber muttering darkly to herself. So intent was she on her trek around the living area, that she didn't notice him at first. She looked as if she'd been stopped while dressing for dinner. While her hair was swept up in its customary complicated braid, she wore only a shift and a corset with no outer gown. The ire that rolled off of her in waves was amusing coming from such a diminutive form.
By way of announcing his presence, Loki cleared his throat softly. She stopped mid-stride and let out a gasp of surprise.
"I missed you at dinner and wanted to check on you."
"Thank you, Loki. That was very kind of you. I… I apologize for not sending word that I wouldn't be in attendance. I assure you I'm quite fine." She glanced around the room, likely looking for a trace of her nosy handmaidens. "I hope you took your usual precautions to ensure nobody knows we're alone in my chambers?"
"After all our machinations together, do you doubt my ability to conceal my presence at will?" The question was rhetorical and she knew it, opting to reply only with pursed lips. He suppressed a laugh, knowing it would likely upset her further. "And you don't look 'quite fine,' little elf. You look murderous. What has happened?"
"A convoy from one of the noble families of Alfheim just arrived."
When she didn't immediately continue, he managed to make her smile with a ludicrous statement. "Damn their diplomatic intentions!"
"One of their number is a former… suitor of mine, an ignorant idiot named Torald."
"And you were so inflamed by the proximity of your former lover that you couldn't bear to dine with him in the presence of others?" The tone may have been joking, but he did wonder why an old flame had such an effect on her.
She snorted with derision before answering. "Please. That oaf couldn't find my cunny if he was trapped under my skirts for a week with a torch and a map!"
"Such coarse language tonight, little elf!"
"I bet you had no idea you wanted to marry such a tawdry woman." She smiled at her own quip, but he sensed she was still upset.
"And why has the oaf's presence offended you so?"
"I just… simply looking at him makes me angry. Makes me remember what an idiot I was to lift my skirts for such an unimaginative cad. And I would very much like to rest, but now I'm laced into this… this contraption," she indicated the corset, "and I would have to endure my handmaiden's inane chatter to be rid of it."
"Might I offer up my assistance?" He surprised himself by wanting to help calm her. As much as they'd interacted over the past few weeks, she'd always kept some semblance of a facade with him. But he rather liked this honest, acerbic version of Erna that few others glimpsed beneath the gentle smiles and demure words.
She thought upon his offer for a moment before replying. "You mustn't remove the laces completely or they'll know someone helped me." She pointed a finger in the direction of the servant's quarters adjacent to her own chambers.
With a wave of a hand, she heard the lock on that and the door leading into the corridor click into place. Another flick of his wrist loosened the stays of her corset. He watched on with amusement as she wriggled out of the offending garment and tossed it vehemently into a corner. Appreciatively, he noticed that her breasts now swung free under her shift at a much more natural angle. His soon-to-be-wife was comely.
"Don't wear it if it causes you so much vexation."
"If I stopped, I'd have to have all my gowns altered. Not to mention the fact that the whole court would assume I was with child before our wedding. It would cast a pall over our plans."
"I hadn't considered that." For Loki that was high praise. To come up with something his own considerable intellect hadn't thought of was rare. "But you'll have all new gowns made once we are wed. Feel free to eschew the hated corset then if it's your wish. As queen you have complete authority over your wardrobe."
"That's kind of you, Loki. Thank you."
She appeared calmer, but some sense his mother always called intuition told him the issue wasn't fully remedied. "So a reminder of a poor romantic choice coupled with an uncomfortable corset. That's the only reason for your black mood?"
Amber eyes searched his face, deciding how best to respond. "I'm frustrated."
"How so, little elf?"
She may not have eaten dinner, but she had called for mead to be brought to her room. It could be blamed for her loosened tongue. "Since coming to Asgard I've had to be the model of a perfect little lady. And it's… I find it sometimes difficult to find release."
His face registered uncharacteristic confusion, so she elaborated. "It's not seemly for a lady to visit a brothel as a way to alleviate tension." The double standards, more apparent here than in Alfheim, never ceased to rankle her. "And I'm finding my hand poor company of late. Torald's presence just reminded me of it more keenly."
Despite the deep blush coloring her cheeks, she stared at him boldly, defiantly, as if willing him to condemn her as a harlot. They stared at each other in silence, before she turned away and stalked over to the fireplace, turning her back to him. It startled her when his reply came from just inches behind her. She hadn't even heard him move.
"Might I offer up my assistance," he repeated.
"Loki, as flattering as that is in my current state, you know we can't risk a pregnancy right now. The time isn't right. I would be shunned if anyone even knew you were hereright now."
"I'm well aware of our… limitations." His hand slowly came around her waist and pulled her back against him. "Let me take care of you, Erna." The statement surprised even himself, especially because he meant it. He genuinely wanted to make her feel better.
His large hand splayed across her stomach, gently caressing her over the thin fabric of her shift, waiting for her answer. "I…" Her breathing had accelerated and the hitch in her voice was supremely gratifying. He'd barely touched her and already the effect was glorious. "Yes," she finally panted.
Keeping her flush against his chest, he gently pulled the knot at her neck, and slowly started loosening the ties of her slip. When he had enough clearance, he slipped one hand beneath the garment and palmed her breast. The answering moan she let out, had a direct conduit to his cock. He'd never liked his partners to keep silent and such noises always aroused him.
He made sure to keep his movements slow to start, partially to ensure she wouldn't be spooked and partially to tease her before exploring her body further. His deft fingers found her peaked nipple and started gently pinching and rolling it, eliciting even more wanton noises from his betrothed. As he teased and fondled her, he ran his lips along her neck.
When his lips found a particular spot just below her jawline, she let out a most expressive sound of pleasure. His cock already strained against his tight breeches, but he wanted this to be all about Erna. It wasn't like him to give so selflessly, but if anyone deserved it, it was his future queen. She was sacrificing much to ensure their plans went smoothly.
After several minutes, she finally gasped, "Please, Loki. More."
"As the lady commands," he whispered in her ear as he opened the lacing enough to slip the shift off of her shoulders. The thin white muslin fluttered to the ground, leaving her bare for him. Yes, his little fiancée was quitecomely.
His hand traced down her body as his mouth continued to explore her neck. By the time his fingers found the thatch of golden red hair at her groin, she was arching into his touch. The wet heat he found when his thin fingers probed her core surprised him. In such a short time she was so ready. Her words about using her own hand for such activities came back to him and he pictured her sprawled out on her bed pleasuring herself. It was a heady thought.
Feeling how slick she already was, he brought his other hand down to her sex. Two fingers of his left hand dipped into her while his right hand stayed busy with her already swollen clit. She writhed against his body and he found the contrast between her naked form and his own fully-clothed one to be quite pleasing.
"Faster, please," she panted. So Erna didn't always want delicate treatment, he mused as he filed the knowledge away for future reference.
Rather than reply with words, he quickened his pace, pumping three fingers in and out of her in time with the rapid circles he was rubbing on her clit. Little affirmations of pleasure such as yes, please, and Loki left her slackened mouth as her head lolled against his chest. "I'm about to… kiss me, please."
He met her upturned mouth with his own, never ceasing the movements with his hands. Almost immediately, she moaned into his mouth and he felt her clamp down on his fingers as the orgasm took her. When she started to pull away, he held her fast. "We can do better than just one, my lady."
She relaxed back into him with a contented sigh. He'd continued stroking her clit long past her orgasm, but at a much softer pace and pressure, knowing she was likely sensitive. His other hand, already soaked with evidence of her arousal, continued to alternate between gently tracing along her folds and dipping into her shallowly.
It took longer than the first time, but eventually she begged for a quicker pace and he was happy to oblige. He was able to coax two more orgasms out of her in this manner. After the third, she turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deep kiss. No, she was no inexperienced maid and it showed in the skill with which she kissed him.
When they pulled apart, she giggled and laid her head against his chest. "I'm flattered the king gave me such personal attention."
"Only for my little queen."
"I'm not your queen yet, Loki."
"A fact we will soon remedy." He noticed how slack her body had begun to feel and her lids were already drooping. Lifting her up in his arms, he carried her to the bed. It was only the work of moments to stow her beneath the covers and tuck them back around her. "Sleep now, little Erna."
Her hand shot out from beneath the coverlet and seized his wrist before he could move away. "Please stay with me."
It was likely courting disaster, but he remembered the locks on both doors and knew he could slip out unseen in the morning. Something about her pleading face, eyes already heavy with sleep, which made the decision for him. "As you wish," he replied.
With the benefit of his magic, he was down to his undertunic and leggings quickly. Without his leather jerkin and cloak to conceal it, she noticed his erection straining against the soft fabric and exclaimed with surprise. "Loki, if you need me to-"
He shushed her with a smile. "I'm fine, little one. Contrary to what louts like Torald may have told you, it's a condition that will go away on its own with me no worse for it." He climbed into bed beside her and lay on his back. "Tonight was about making you feel better."
Sliding over, she curled next to him and laid her head on his chest. It was a new experience for him. He'd never shared a bed in this manner, preferring to bed partners for his satisfaction and then retire to his own chambers. This, however, was not an unwelcome feeling. "Thank you." She placed a soft kiss on his cheek before returning to her position. "You made me feel better three times, your majesty. The king has magic fingers."
"The king has all sorts of magic that you'll be acquainted with once we're man and wife."
"It'll be a fine marriage all around then," she laughed.
"Yes, Erna, I think it will."