There's NO way in this world that I can thank you enough for your kind words and encouragement.
Almost 300 reviews! I can't believe it! I have to pinch myself whenever I look at that number…Really, guys! You are too good to me. I have been having a sad time at home so your words are even more appreciated that you think.
So, as a way to thank you, I've decided to give you all a longer chapter…with a promise that the next one will come soon. Considering I've finished writing this at 4 in the morning, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
Toolazytologin: Hiii! Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm happy you look forward to it! Come back to review whenever you can! And again, thank you for such sweet words and support! YOU ROCK!
Cunning linguist: You, darling, are so very sweet! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Yes, I agree with the happy ending. I already have everything planned out…so you all just have to wait and see! Woohooo!
Stell: Really? Well, I always try to reply directly to everyone, so yay! Welcome! I do enjoy writing this story. Whenever I finish reading it, I do a little dance. I think I fangirl too much over my own story haha.
Sades: Thank you darling! I will keep on writing, then!
Taylor: Wow, you read all 10 in one sitting? Wooo…more to come soon! Thank you. =)
On-stolen-time: Thank you ever so much! Your kinds words keep me going!
Cherrytree327: Thank you so much! I'm so happy you like the pace and direction of this story. Yes, poor Kára has a few skeletons in her closet and it will be a few chapters into discovering all of them. I completely agree with you, Loki is deeply heartbroken and more sad than angry.
Erinweeks: I'm sooo sorry I take so long to update. I do hope you like this new chapter! Thank you!
Shannon: Yeees, Loki finally able to recognize something! Let's hope he doesn't take a step back.
Sarah: Oooh I'm just so happy you like my pre-Thor Loki. Hope you enjoy this chapter. It's longer, like you asked. I agree, smut for the sake of smut is not good. I was reading a really good story that devolved rapidly into it and I was very disappointed.
Excited reader: Darling, you are adorable! Thank you for reviewing most of the chapters. Thank you liking Kára so much! I give you guys a bit of a peek into Kára's dark past here but it's nothing but assumptions sooo…hope you will continue liking it and reviewing!
Jory: The feeeeels! I totally understand you. Thank you!
Debbie Lazarus: Well, let me know when you get them! I'm sure you'll do fantastic! Thank you, sweetie!
Leah: Thank you darling! Hope you will continue liking it and reviewing! Muah!
Anaya: Darling don't you worry! As always, thank you for a wonderful review! You made me cry! I can't believe I am your favorite. THANK YOU! This longer chapter is for you!
Mari: Thank you. You guys keep surprising me with your kind words. I feel overwhelmed. You are so very sweet! Hope you enjoy this new chapter.
Keira: I know! I almost wrote Kára addressing you. Thank you!
Guest: Thank you darling! Hope you can put your name in next time so that you know which reply is addressed to you. Thanks for your kind words! =)
Kylee: Hahah sweetie, you need to enable the private messaging in your account because I would love to send my reply privately. I just always seem to have so much to say! Thank your for pointing out I am missing a comma, which I am! HAHAHA you made me laugh so much with that comment about talking like da ghettos! My future sister in law would have said the same thing. OMG, google didn't pick that up! I'll let you in a little secret, I LOVE my thesaurus. *grins* I am actually scared about the amount of fangirling this chapter will have…nope! Don't read ahead! Just enjoy it! Hahah I thought of shrek too with that thing about the onion. And yes, I've looked into every interview Tom Hiddleston talks about Loki. His interpretation is the base for my own development of him…sooo, I hope I'm doing a good job! THANK YOU sweetie! You are absolutely WONDERFUL!
Guest: Heheh I won't pretend I don't enjoy making you guys suffer a little bit with all the tension building up. I'm a bit evil! THANK YOU!
Guest: Hope you like this next chapter! Thanks for your review!
Dani: Awww, I will! You will fangirl when I put all those tender feelings in him. I just know it!
Guest: Well, lovely, you prompted me into getting my butt back to work and here you go! Another chapter!
Chapter 11 – Heated
It was well into mid day when Loki delivered Kára back at her ward. She thanked him once again and disappeared behind the veiled entrance, hurriedly. Along with her, his feelings of ridiculous jealousy dispersed into a vague discomfort.
They had not practiced. Kára had merely tried using the glove that fitted perfectly, to his immense satisfaction. At her request, he had promised he would leave everything the way he had produced it. Should she want to practice on her own, she had said, she wanted it just the way it was.
Running a hand through his hair, he attempted to set his mind right. She frustrated him in many, many ways. Their time together had been short and although Loki felt he had learned more from the lady than in the past, it left him dissatisfied.
She had talked for a long time, mainly about her family. She spoke highly of her sisters and her parents as any well bred lady would. The thing that defined it, however, had been the hidden devotion in her words.
It had been rewarding, all the information he acquired. She did not have a favorite color. Her favorite music was not the fabled symphonies of the hall of her father, but a more popular, merry tune. She loved children and considered herself one as well, even if she was well into the age of young adulthood. She was stubborn and aggressive with the things she believed in. She had denoted certain pride with an inability to accept help if the situation called for it. She was awfully homesick and more often than not, she felt morose about the prospect of staying longer in Asgard. Loki had learned that of all the things she missed the most were the many flowing rivers and creeks, the towering forests that Asgard seemed to lack, the fields of golden daffodils, the old man that told stories in the city square and a special kind of bird: a long tailed widowbird.
This was all just incidental information he had happened upon. All in all, Kára was a creature of the simplest bearings. Yet, she hid something. And it plagued him that she would not consent to tell him, even to his most subtle persuasion.
It was a fickle thing…the balance of his thoughts.
Loki always thought himself smarter than everyone. Well read and skilled beyond the usual measures, he excelled at most things he cared about. He had always had ambitious thoughts, driving him into success. What he did not know, he yearned to master. What confused him, he tried to make clear. And what eluded him, he would catch. It was only matter of time.
"Loki." A feminine voice called out suddenly. "There you are!"
He stopped, apparently distraught that he had not heard the first call. He walked out into the gardens, where his mother was extending a delicate hand out to him, his father by her side. It was odd to see Odin about in the gardens, but he could spare the time some days, when he felt particularly indulgent to his wife.
Loki loved his parents. It was a kind of love, he suspected, similar to Kára's for her family, but he had never voiced it aloud. It rooted deep inside him, depicting his every day actions into pleasing them. Even when he got into trouble, Frigga had always laughed at his little antics. Odin was more severe, as a king should be, but very deep inside, Loki knew he loved him. Perhaps he felt at times shunned out by the Allfather, but he tried to pay it little importance, using it instead as motivation. It was, after all, well known that Thor would inherit Asgard someday and his father dedicated everything into his instruction.
Loki tried not to be envious. He really did. The constant battle with himself was exhausting. The more he looked at Thor, though, the more he felt convinced he was not ready to be King.
But as he looked into his father's eyes, those weary eyes, he knew the time would come, perhaps sooner than he had originally thought.
"Mother." He addressed.
Frigga turned her cheek his way, expecting a kiss. When he kissed her cheek, she patted his own with a smile. "Your father would like a word with you."
"Loki." The Allfather's deep voice touched his soul in ways nobody could.
Odin Allfather loved his son. He had told him so on many occasions. As a child he was everything to Loki, everything a powerful warrior, a wise king could be. But all the cherished memories belonged to his childhood, where he would sit both his sons on his lap and tell them of the past, of the future. Never had Loki felt different. Never had he questioned his father when he would tell them of their duty, of their royal station, of the role they would carry on. Both were born to be kings. It had been that simple as a child.
Loki knew his brother felt it strongly too, the desire, the desperate need to prove himself. How can he be less that his father was? How could he be less than him to his mother, to the people of Asgard?
And Loki loved his mother with the deepest affection. In all his memories, Frigga was the gentle soul who knew how to be a warrior, a friend, a fierce defender of her realm and her family. He remembered her as the woman who would care for them day and night, who would sacrifice time for herself in view of their comfort. She was a mother, simple as that. And most importantly, she was his mother. Taking it upon herself to provide the more mellow lectures, she educated them in empathy and goodness, while becoming herself an advocate for both her children and her husband when it needed be. A mediator of sorts, she would often establish communications between the members of her family, when there was such a disagreement when both stubborn parts refused to cooperate. She did it splendidly.
Beautiful, loved, glorious. And she loved his father so. With every breath in her being she did.
He desperately wanted to make her proud. He desperately wanted to uphold his father's name with dignity and honor. Their blood ran in his veins. How can he be any less? He could do no less than make them proud.
Thoughts like these convinced him that as much as he loved Thor and as much as he wanted him to see it himself, the older prince did not view this role as profoundly as Loki did.
"Father." He bowed respectfully.
Odin inspected his son with a critical eye. He looked deep into his eyes, assessing, evaluating. It was common of him to have taken that stance now that both his sons had grown. "It has come to my attention," he began, "that you have taken a pupil in the arts of war."
Loki cursed beneath his breath. Somehow, he did not think his father would be pleased. But he stood straight and faced him squarely, as honor compelled him to. "I have, father."
The Allfather nodded, casting his eyes downwards as he took a deep breath. "Is Kára pleased with this arrangement?"
"Yes, father." Loki bit back a sarcastic response. If she weren't pleased then why would she continue seeking his instruction?
Odin nodded again, a pensive look upon his face. "I have heard word that she has not been very welcome among the ladies of our society."
"I..." Loki cleared his throat because somehow that didn't surprise him. "I was not aware of that."
"Poor thing." Frigga mused. "To be so far from home and alone. Many sacrifices must be made for duty."
"She is not alone." Odin spoke. "Folkvar was adamant to let her be accompanied by handmaidens of her realm."
"Indeed." Loki stated. "I have seen them. She seems happy, father. I do not doubt that she feels disheartened at times, but she's determined to maintain her oath."
"Good, good." Odin touched his shoulder. "Your mother and I are grateful for your hospitality. We have raised you well."
The young prince looked at his mother, who had an encouraging smile on her face. He felt elated. It was the first time in many, many years where he had received praised on his own. And he craved more.
"Thank you, father." It had felt like forever, since he had let such a smile grace his lips. It was wide and honest, so unlike his usual self.
These were the moments when an unexpected realization dawned and there was nothing else to be said. Loki stood there with a silly grin on his face and his father's awkward pat on his shoulder.
"Very well, then. You may go." With that, the Allfather returned to his party of gods, trailing after him.
Loki did not feel discouraged by this. Looking at his mother, he noticed a cheeky smile and how her gentle eyes withheld secret knowledge. After all, she knew him better than anyone. "Be sure you and your brother behave."
He smiled back sheepishly. As he passed, he gave his mother a playful shove, which she returned with a tender pat on his back and waving hands that sent him on his way.
There was always a sense of peace and overwhelming ignorance when Loki entered the Archives.
The building itself had not been lost to Asgard's splendor. The long hall was built with marble floors, enhanced with darker mosaics running down its middle, impeccable to the last detail. The hall was place to the more public areas of study, where long and short tables were placed in considerable separation from each other, the little lamps and glowing orbs making the study more comfortable.
Smaller passages branched out from the center of the grand room, where towering shelves kept books safe, from the floor all the way to the high domed ceiling. Along each small passage, simple designed columns rose, aesthetically decorated by busts and small statues at their base.
It was peaceful because it was silent and still. The ignorance came from the abundant quantity of knowledge held there, in every nook, in every shelf. It seemed never-ending.
This had been a safe haven for him. Often times, he found himself hidden in a more private desk with books all around, keeping him company as his mind grew in age and knowledge. He preferred this relative solitude, he supposed. It was comforting that not many people attended the Archives regularly. Somehow, it made him feel more important, as if he had discovered a rare treasure and it belonged to him alone.
The library itself had not changed at all. The Archives master kept volumes upon volumes in their utmost state. They were precocious to him as they were to Loki, whom he held in very high regard.
Where to begin?
It seemed impossible to be able to locate anything when the vastness of information knocked him about, especially when he wanted to find something very specific. His best venture, he concluded, was to seek out the elusive old man who took care of such treasures and ask him directly.
He was easy to find, even for someone to elusive as him. Loki knew him well.
Anundr had been master of the Archives for as long as he could remember. He served more as a mentor to him than anybody else and provided the rare comfort of his faith in him.
He was an old man, slightly slouched yet surprisingly resilient for someone his age. His bald head was often seen behind desks, followed by those critical, blue eyes, always on the lookout for any harm done to his precious books.
And that's how he found him, lecturing some unfortunate soul who had had the poor judgment to treat those tomes with less care than to any living children.
He coughed, wanting to divert the man's attention. As he turned, Loki greeted him with a good-natured smirk.
"Loki, my boy!" Anundr spared one last glare and lecture to the young man besides him then walked towards Loki with a springy step. "It has been some time since you've visited. Do you think you hold every enlightenment now?"
Loki smiled at those doubtful eyes. "No, sire. I've merely been occupied."
The old man raised his eyebrows but nodded understandingly. "Ah, I see." He raised a finger at him as he led them towards his desk. "Never forget: there is infinite knowledge and we must never cease to seek it."
He smiled, because he could never be anything other than a child in the master's presence. "Yes, sire." He took a deep breath. "In fact, that is the reason for my visit."
"Do not say more! The halls of study await you." Master Anundr waved his arm towards the great expanse of shelves as he took a seat.
"I was rather hoping you could do the honor of instructing me." His voice was formal. Anundr liked it best that way. Someone in rapt eagerness to know more.
"Well, of course. What is that plagues you?"
He suddenly felt ashamed. "The realm of the stars, I believe it is called."
Oh, how he disliked that look the old man was giving him. Anundr raised his eyebrows as he tipped his fingers together. He seemed stunned for a moment, before a cheeky smile began to form, emphasizing the lines of his face. "You mean, lady Kára's realm?"
Loki was a splendid liar, a wonderful deceiver and a skilled proficient of masking his emotions. For some reason, Anundr's knowing smile had reduced him to a blushing boy. Well, perhaps he wasn't blushing. It did feel that way, though. "Yes, I must confess myself curious. It is not often we have noble parties sent to work as commoners."
"I see you do not remember anything we taught you in your youth." Anundr shook his head, perhaps a bit disappointed. "Well, her realm is not the realm of the stars. It is the Realm of the Dying Stars."
"Dying Stars?" He furrowed his brows.
"Yes." The old man's expression was one reflecting how obvious his statement had been. "It is where stars go to die."
Loki seemed deep in thought so the master elaborated further. "When stars reach the end of their time, they descend towards the land and seek a place, somewhere private. Stars do not like to be seen, stars do no like to be touched or discovered. It is quite the event in Folkvar's kingdom. Nobody is allowed out of their homes for days."
"But how do they know?"
"Ah, well, it is quite obvious as they approach the land. The sky changes color, the weather becomes unpredictable, and at last an orb is seen descending, glowing in different colors, depending on the star's nature, of course."
"And that is the reason for their healing lands." Loki reasoned.
Anundr's eager eyes danced with a fire only teaching would fill him with. "Absolutely. It is a star's last will to save a life, so their essence impregnates the land and they simply fade." He put a finger to his lips. "I believe, if memory serves me right, the last one to die fell years ago, a few years after you were born. No other star has fallen since."
"I see."
"Now, if you'd like to know more I have a few volumes." His smile was kind and inviting.
"Yes, I believe I would like that very much."
Loki cursed for the tenth time.
He sat in a slightly secluded area of the Archives. The tall window behind him invited him to take part in more pleasurable activities, but he was caved in mountains of books.
For the first time, books had failed him. They had been useless. There was plenty of information on the realm's healing properties, its resources. There were very lengthy descriptions on the characteristics and uses of different plants and minerals, but there was nothing on the noble family ruling the land, except simple characterization and family trees.
Given the small amount of information, it seemed that was not as important as what could be gained from the land.
That is how Thor found him.
The older brother sighed as he looked at the evidently frustrated Loki, devouring book after book. He ought to enjoy himself more. He was too serious as of late. Thor cared for his brother. He loved him beyond belief and worried about this new change in him. It had not been long ago when they had played their last prank together. He missed those days. It seemed they veered in different directions now.
The austere attitude that had recently settled in his brother needed to be changed. It needed to turn into the old Loki. And that is exactly what he was going to do.
"Brother, what could you possibly be studying on a fine day such a this one?" His charming laugh brought Loki out of his reverie.
Still, he muttered. "Every day in Asgard is a fine day."
Thor was not easily deterred. "Come now, brother. The sun is about to set. Let us go a have a little fun, shall we?"
"Thor, I am busy." He sighed.
The blonde god slapped his back. "But Loki, it has been some time since we visited Olaf's merry place. I thought we could go tonight."
Loki raised his eyebrows. "Last time we did that, all the blame fell on me, remember?"
"That was a little misunderstanding." Thor shrugged it off. It was so very like Thor, to dismiss such things. Her never did it to cause harm, but perhaps he was a bit absorbed in his own fun to notice.
The dark haired prince ran a hand through his head. Sure, he had gone about to their celebrations before and has always enjoyed himself. It had been a long time since the last one. He missed his brother when they were just the two of them.
"We shall have fun like we used to! Everyone else is coming."
His heart fell out at that. Somehow, he had hoped it would just be the two brothers, like they used to go about their fun.
"Say yes, brother. We need you to invite Kára. We thought about inviting her, but she might prefer you."
It pleased him to hear Thor say that, but he did not understand the reason. "Why would she prefer to be invited by me?"
Thor looked crestfallen for a moment, oblivious to his brother's silent pleasure. "Well, she seems close to you. Word has it that you have trained together in the valley. People have seen you. I assumed you were friends and she would prefer your familiarity."
Loki felt compelled to contradict him. "She considers you her friends as well." He thought for a moment, looking into his brother's blue eyes. "Alright. I shall make an appearance."
Kára was bored.
Staring at the fire's tongues, she threw a piece of bread at its hearth. She reprimanded herself once again for rejecting her handmaidens' offer to accompany them to what could only be considered a night of freedom from the usual activities. They had chosen to explore the city at night. Much to her dismay, Kára had ushered them off, promising she would be just fine taking care of the ward.
It seemed she had nothing better to do. The vials were all stocked. She had no one to take care of and the night was only just starting. She supposed she could go explore by herself, but she did not fancy getting lost on her own. Loki would not always be there to guide her back.
And now she was bored. Completely and utterly bored. She threw another piece of bread at the fire like a petulant child. With her chin in her hand, she stared at the nearest wall, apparently lost in a daydream. It was short lived, however, as a bird suddenly flew in.
Kára shrieked in astonishment and covered her head with her arms. Her heart felt like pounding out of her chest as her frightened pulse took over. The fluttering stopped but the bird kept singing.
It sounded awfully familiar, too. She dared a peek from beneath her arms and sure enough, a bird sat on the ledge of the fireplace. It was small and beautiful and she felt her heart clench at the familiarity. It was a widow bird. What a coincidence that she had been thinking about them today and suddenly Asgard was providing her with one.
She dared not approach it. They were easily scared. Perhaps this one had gotten lost and in a panic had wandered into her ward. But the bird eyed her intently, too willingly.
She whistled softly and the small black-coated bird flew next to her. It really was beautiful. Its tail was long and curled. The black feathers seemed to shine and she marveled at how docile he was being, even attempting to peck her hand.
There was something different, though. The contrasting color of the shoulders of its wings was not yellow or red as they usually were. It was a bright green, shining with a glow that she now noticed, seemed to emanate from its contour, outlining its figure with a soft light.
Before she had time to scrutinize it further, the bird curled upon itself and vanished into a ball of light that dissipated slowly until it was completely gone.
Kára smiled in understanding. She knew now who had sent the bird. The green had given it away. She ought to have known, the minute she was reminded of his eyes.
Smoothing the wrinkled of her labor gown, she stood and walked outside.
As certain as she had been, he was there, standing in her courtyard, imposing, impeccable in his black leather.
"I should've known it was you." She greeted him.
Loki smiled, a rare smile. "I thought you might appreciate the gesture."
She raised her eyebrows. "That you gave me fair warning or that you remembered I miss the widow birds?"
"Both."
She laughed. "Thank you. Both were very much appreciated."
And they stood silently, facing each other in serene contemplation. She looked shy and embarrassed for a reason, while he seemed thoughtful and expectant.
"Was there something you needed?" Kára asked.
Loki nodded and cleared his throat. "Yes. I come on behalf of my brother and company. We have an outing planned and we would like to invite you."
"What sort of outing?"
He was closer now and he laughed. "You just love to ruin surprises, don't you?"
Kára didn't know whether to be offended or to accept his comment as teasing. She wanted to go, very much. She was grateful they had thought about including her and she felt honored that Loki himself had come fetch her. She could lie to herself, but she was immensely pleased that he was back here, on her courtyard. A simple sort of satisfaction, but a very good one.
"Come, Kára. Do not be so morose. It would be good for you to explore the amusement we have to offer."
She quirked her mouth in apparent thought and eyed him doubtfully.
"My brother is waiting and we still have to meet him. Do it for a friend, at least."
She was quickly convinced, of course. "What should I wear?"
Loki raised an eyebrow. This seemed an incredibly petty question; coming from the person he least suspected it from. She swatted his arm, knowing how ridiculous she sounded. He laughed and pushed her towards her quarters. "Just wear whatever plain gown you have."
"Plain? Really, Loki…what sort of night have you got planned?"
"Trust me. You will have fun."
With a last push, she was off to her quarters to change, mentally making a choice of a plain gray gown she had. Its fabric was a rough and common but she supposed it would not matter. She only hoped her trust in him would not be ill received.
Kára sincerely could not remember the last time she had had this much fun.
Thor and Loki had led the way into the city, towards a partially hidden tavern of sorts. People crowded here and there, dancing, eating, laughing. It was a public ball.
It seemed everyone was well known as her company was quickly welcomed. As soon as they crossed the threshold, everyone changed. Thor was not nearly as loud as the music, or the cheers and screams of people. Instead her company grasped hands and attempted to pass by the crowds. Sif had a tight lock on her hand and she led her behind Thor.
More than surprised and with a wondrous laugh, she turned to Loki. He was not noticing her extended hand. She did not mind, though. He was laughing. It was the first time she had seen him laugh so sincerely, so openly. He was greeted by a few and rushed on by others but he was smiling and cheering with everyone, ducking as a servant passed drinks around and twirling the occasional girl who would dance in his direction.
The night wore on and she was dragged here and there, making introductions less than dancing. Formal ball protocols did not apply here and she had been whisked off to dance more than thrice already, even through her protests. There was nobody she knew here so she merely enjoyed it. It did not matter she did not know the steps or that she thought herself clumsy. She jumped and moved her feet with little care as she laughed.
Sometime during the evening, she noticed everyone had charged off into different areas. Thor joined the warriors by the wine while Sif was quickly led away to dance. Volstagg had not detached himself from the banquet table all night. She did not see Loki anywhere, so with the help of a very nice man, she found a spot to sit and simply watched.
It was a merry ambience and she was reminded of the lesser balls back home. The music itself was festive and joyful, quick and thumping, with hundreds of feet matching its pace as they hit the floor.
Loki had been watching her for a while. She had not been lying when she had said she lacked practice in dancing, but she had quickly caught on and soon enough, she was dancing the night away with strangers, men and women alike who formed circles and couples, everyone entwined due to the lack of space.
And now she was resting, clapping merrily as her flushed cheeks lightened her face. Her forehead and neck shimmered with a thin veil of perspiration. She fanned herself as someone offered her a drink. The man in question leaned towards her, talking closer to her ear, trying to make himself heard above the ruckus.
Loki waved his hand, now deeply annoyed. A cup went flying about, hitting him square on the chest, red wine splattered all over him. Embarrassed, he walked away to Kára's slight confusion and disappointment.
He walked behind the throngs of people, never once leaving her form from his sight. It seemed fitting, in remembrance of the time they met, that he asked her to dance. She could not deny him now. She could not excuse herself now with empty justifications.
He was right behind her now and she oblivious to his presence. She kept her merry claps and knee movements in rhythm with the music. He was so close now. If he talked, she would be able to hear him, even through the noise.
"Dance with me."
She turned to face him abruptly and if he had not moved, he was sure their faces would have collided. She had stopped her movements and was looking at him with the most dumbfounded expression on her face.
His hand was extended and his other placed his cup of wine on the table next to her. He smiled easily today, she noticed. It was quite a lovely change. His eyes were smiling too, a little glazed, and it was hard to resist the urge to say yes, or just take his hand.
"You've seen me dance, Loki. I don't…"
But she was cut off just as quickly as she had started her excuses, for Loki had taken her hand and pulled her flush against him. "Indeed, I saw you dance, which is why there's no reason why you should not dance with me."
She wanted to protest but couldn't, because there was no manner in which she could explain that with him it would be very different. Very different it would be to dance with someone who made her heart seem to stop its functioning, someone whose touches were not as innocent as those of a merely fun dance.
He knew of his effect on her. How could he not? She was too innocent, too naïve. It was so easy to confuse her little mind with a touch here or a word there. And in all honesty, he loved it.
It was a small prince to pay for the thoughts she had provoked in his mind and what she had caused in him. To be reduced to wondering if she was real enough. To question her secrets and to have her plague his mind when she had been less than desirable. It had all been so simple, before she came along.
At times he enjoyed her, at times he hated her. And he hated her now, because she was the indirect reason why he could not go back to Freyja. He hated her now because he was feeling deliciously heated by the wine and contact and he would not have a nude body to return to.
And now he had her little body pressed against him, her small fists pushing at his chest as her wide eyes danced on his face with slight fear. Her resistance was eliciting exquisite shivers down his legs, but she was effectively trapped between him and the ever-growing crowd of dancers.
She felt trapped. The air was much too thick. She felt she couldn't breathe. He was much too close and it terrified her. Because he was a prince, a full grown male with strength unmatched by hers.
His emerald eyes looked dangerous in the firelight. They held mirth and darkness. He said no words, but slowly ran a hand around her waist. Her dress was too rough, too thick to entice him and yet he felt tempted to press on. His poor judgment was the last thing on his mind as he moved his hand slightly downwards and pushed her lower abdomen against his.
He was touching her and she saw her own mind cloud in embarrassment and ignorance. Kára was confounded by the feelings arising in her chest. Small tremors shook her body, uncontrollable, unwanted. She was prey and he was predator. Everything was terrifyingly new and she felt compelled to reject it.
He dropped his head at her neck and breathed in her smell. He was close but not close enough. And he failed to see her stoic eyes planted firmly on his frame or the way she kept pushing him to let go. He did not see her close her eyes in silent anguish as he pressed her harder against him. Because she was reading this wrong and she had never been close to a man before.
He did not see anything, because he was too preoccupied with her mouth that seemed so deliciously full as she bit her lip, the wine she had been drinking having marked a slight stain on them.
And he was close.
He was so close…
Oh! Btw, if anyone needs more visualization for the Archives, I think it looks like the Trinity College Library...but simpler,more aligned with Asgard's architecture.
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