A/N: It's time for the much anticipated ball! It's probably gonna to be a few chapters long so get ready...
As the Queen led Darcy and Jane closer towards what was to be the royal procession, Darcy began to wring her hands. The earrings and necklace weighed down on her and she fretted over Loki's reaction. Added to that, Jane wagered Darcy would earn up to three proposals tonight after her dances. The Queen had wagered five. The silly bet made Darcy dread the night even more. In truth, there was only one man she wanted a proposal from tonight and Darcy highly doubted she would earn a second one from him. Though she wouldn't put it past herself to spoil it all a second time. Still, a hidden part of Darcy argued that if such a wonderful occurrence were to happen, she would choose to stand and fight.
Yet, when they turned a corner and saw the King, Darcy wasn't so sure any more. Odin stood with a grim look on his face as he stared down his sons. They all held differing expressions laced with anger and were obviously at the end of a rather trying subject. A shiver ran through Darcy's spine. She was certain she didn't want to know what the topic was. Her fear disappeared when she looked at Loki.
Handsome as ever despite the pallor of his face, he wore an evergreen frockcoat and matching breeches. Gold buttons and elegant gold stitching lined the edges of the overcoat and echoed the even more elaborate embroidery on his light green waistcoat. When he caught sight of Darcy, Loki stiffened, opening his mouth before clamping it shut and setting his jaw. He bowed alongside Thor and kept his gaze away from Darcy. Despair settled in Darcy's chest.
Swallowing her melancholy, Darcy curtseyed deeply next to Jane and tried to keep her eyes from falling onto Loki. Her hands shook and she dug her nails into her palms to cease the sign of weakness.
"My dearest, you look simply radiant," Odin said, walking up and taking Frigga's hands in his. The grim expression evaporated and was replaced with a smile of deep affection. Darcy's fear ebbed slightly.
"Thank you," Frigga beamed.
"Jane, you are more radiant than the stars above," Thor swore sincerely, taking Jane's hand and kissing her knuckles. Darcy could see Jane practically melting and she had to admit, she was a little jealous. "Darcy, you look beautiful as well. Loki, do the ladies not look ravishing?"
"I simply do not understand the court's obsessions of caking blanc onto their faces," Loki shrugged, earning raised eyebrows from Thor and Odin.
"With kind words like that son, I am sure every woman in Asgard is fighting for your favour," Odin suggested drolly. As Thor snickered at the cryptic allusion, Loki sent a discontented glare towards the King.
"Now, I hope you men were not discussing matters that could ruin the evening," Frigga warned, looking between the Princes and the King with a condemning expression.
"Nothing that cannot wait until after the festivities are over," Odin conceded. He cleared his throat and looked at Loki in what could almost be called remorse. "Let us not let extraneous matters of the nation ruin our peace."
"If you insist," Loki shrugged, trying to smile but it came out as more of a grimace. Unable to stop herself, Darcy gave Loki what she hoped was a soothing smile. It was no longer her place to try and interpret the tumultuous relationship between the King and the second heir. Darcy had never liked the heavy hand Odin used when it came to Loki, though at times she thought she understood the reasoning behind it. Loki and Thor were such different creatures it seemed foolish to try and use the same tactics on both. Darcy had hoped the King would see that by now, even if the damage had already been wrought. Still, there were moments where she thought he was truly was trying to make amends and Darcy had told Loki to dwell more on the efforts than the blunders.
Her smile, and most likely her old advice, wasn't appreciated. At the sight of it, Loki clenched his jaw. Pangs of inadequacy stung her eyes Darcy turned away from the royal family. It wasn't as if she needed another example for how utterly ill equipped she was for court life. All she had to offer Loki were reassuring smiles. What good could that do when he had to face the leaders of nations? Even when they were on better terms, all Darcy could offer Loki was a listening ear and a few kind words of advice to make it through. She had no taste for the games that ruled the court. The higher the rank, the more complicated the game was sure to be. A woman like Sigyn could tell him how to defeat his foes but all Darcy could do was stroke his hair if he failed.
Luckily, the sounds of approaching footsteps broke the tense atmosphere. Rounding the corner was Heidrek and Angrboda, though Darcy hardly recognised them. Angroboda was wearing a delightful pastel pink and cream stripped dress, complete with panniers, a fan and a pouf coiffure. On the other hand, Heidrek wore a simple ensemble in navy blues and sported no beard. To Darcy's delight, he had been hiding a rather handsome jaw. He smirked as he looked at his cousin, no doubt finding her discomfort extremely amusing. When he turned to look at the royal party and set his eyes on Darcy, he grinned.
"The both of you look absolutely delightful," Frigga said, completely pleased with the transformations as the appropriate curtsies and bows were exchanged.
"I feel dreadful. I do not know how court ladies walk about in this," Angrboda moaned pitifully and gestured to her skirts.
"You will get used to it," Jane promised, emphasizing her point by wiggling slightly in her own blue dress.
"I hope my comments did not cause you to shorn your mane," Darcy teased and Heidrek chuckled, reaching up for his beard nervously. At remembering its absence, he settled with rubbing his chin.
"Heidrek tried to fashion himself a tidy style," Angroboda jumped at the chance to give him grief. "At the sight of it, he paled and had it all shaved off. Or so he tells me."
"You are handsome without it," Darcy assured, causing Heidrek to smile like a delighted child. "Though I admit I was a little fond of the beard."
"So was I. Be assured that I shall grow it out at my earliest convenience."
"Lesson learned my boy," Odin chuckled, reminding Darcy they had a rather large and important audience. Breaking his gaze on Darcy, Heidrek gave the Asgardian King a solemn nod. Darcy was ashamed at her indiscretion and caught Frigga sending her a sly glance. "You will have many lessons to learn as King. Though I will advise you now to keep the beard. Trim it occasionally but do not become too frivolous with it. Aids in giving one an air of authority."
"He shaved his beard years ago after a nasty candle incident. Complained for weeks afterward. Worried he looked like a naked sable. I assured him he looked more like a shaved wolf," Frigga mock whispered, making Odin chuckle.
"I can always count on you for a comforting word," Odin said sardonically and Frigga smirked. "Now that our party is complete, shall we join the festivities? I am itching to see what wonders our gardeners were able to perform in our ever cooling climate."
"I do love a beautiful garden," Frigga sighed in agreement.
Everyone lined up in the appropriate order, pairing off and waiting for the large doors before them to be opened. Odin and Frigga led the line, behind them stood Heidrek and Angrboda followed by Thor and Jane. Bringing up the rear was Loki and Darcy. Tugging on her skirts needlessly, Darcy tried to divert her attention away from Loki and his outstretched hand.
"Oh dear, cousin, I do not seem to be able to reach you with all the space between us," Heidrek goaded, needlessly reminding Angrboda of her panniers. Using her fan, she flicked at Heidrek's arm and he shouted out an exaggerated exclamation of pain.
"Hm, I think I am beginning to see the practicality of carrying a fan everywhere," Angrboda mused, earning snickers from the couples around her. The only pair that did not laugh was Loki and Darcy.
Realizing that she had no more excuse, Darcy laid her fingers gently on top of Loki's. At the touch, his hand twitched faintly as if fighting the urge to twine their fingers together. Darcy felt prickles run up her wrist. Swallowing past the newly formed lump in her throat, Darcy spared a glance at Loki, wondering if he felt any disconcerting sensations but caught him staring fixedly on her. Upon catching his gaze, Darcy found it rather difficult to drop her own.
"You are wearing the earrings," Loki stated quietly. His tone of voice and fixed stare gave away no emotion. Within Darcy, a hummingbird was suddenly fluttering, trying to escape the confines of her stomach. Coming up with an excuse proved useless and all Darcy could do was shrug pitifully.
"Do you want them back?" Darcy asked softly, hoping not to gain the attention of the still laughing couples. Her suggestion was obviously not one Loki expected. His eyes widened in surprise before a small smirk tugged at his lips. Just as delight plucked at his features, he cleared his throat and let a mask of indifference wash over him.
"No, it matters little to me what you choose to do with them. Sell them for all I care," Loki dismissed and Darcy turned her head, angry that his lack of concern affected her so deeply. The hummingbird in her stomach stopped flitting about and drooped in dejection. Letting out a slow breath, Darcy brought her attention back to the couples in front of them. They were still laughing and sharing jokes, though Darcy couldn't find the energy to care anymore.
Odin cleared his throat, indicating they needed to stop their playing. At the last minute, Darcy looked towards Loki only to find him quickly turning his head away from her. Before she could decipher the significance, she heard the creaking of doors and put on her best smile, knowing she wasn't ready to face the masses.
The royal family had outdone themselves this time. The Warriors Three, along with all the other guests, took in the gilded dance hall in awe. While the hall was always beautiful, hundreds of candles in the crystal chandeliers and surrounding candelabras illuminated the room with a heavenly glow. Marble columns lined the walls, rippling with colours of salmon, white and grey. They brought the eye up to the white oval dome, lined with gold stucco moulding and murals depicting glorious battles led by Borr and Odin. An intricate mural of Valhalla lay in the centre of the dome. Tonight in particular, they looked ethereal and Fandral thought he could see the occasional figure move in the light.
On the far side of the room, tall windows sat between the columns, looking out onto the gardens. White life sized statues of characters from various myths stood in front of the windows. On the other side of the room, tall mirrors sat between some of the columns in order to create a sense of symmetry. There were also three sets of doors. Two sets were open, one leading out into the gardens and another leading to the staircase where the main entrance and other rooms full of entertainment lay. One final large set of doors stood closed, waiting until the royal family was prepared to enter and officially start the celebration.
Everyone chattering in excitement and dressed in their best added to the beauty. Women in the brightest fabrics and most outrageous hairstyles accented the men in their finest fitting garments. The room was bursting with colour and Fandral took it all in with a grin. He was hoping to hit a few card tables before the night was over. Perhaps stroll in the gardens with a beautiful lady by his side. Although winter was fast approaching, the castle gardeners knew tricks to keep the gardens full of blooming flowers. Fandral had seen carts of them being shipped in from warmer climates and had hoped to appreciate the garlands and decorative flowerbeds before the chill killed them all.
Though at the moment, he'd settle with some champagne. Sif striding purposely towards him reminded him that they were here on a mission of love and not pleasure. His search for champagne was put to a premature end.
"Lady Sif! You are a vision of beauty!" Volstagg boomed and Sif smiled.
"Thank you," she preened and Fandral took a closer look at her. She wore a burgundy mantua dress. The fabric was damask woven with silver thread. While the dress was rather simple, particularly with the backdrop of the finest dresses in Asgard, Fandral thought it elegant and suited Sif. Of course, Fandral knew Sif cared little for the latest court fashions and was allowed that eccentricity as a member of longstanding aristocracy.
"Yes, you look quite the lady out of your armour," Fandral added and Sif raised an eyebrow.
"I suppose there is a compliment somewhere in there," said Sif, crossing her arms. "Though I suppose if I did not have to wade through your comments to find a compliment, I would fear you intend me to be your next conquest."
"I will never make that mistake again," Fandral assured, cringing at the memory. That was one battle scar he did not like to tell the tale of.
"Did your appointment with the Queen's coiffeur prove useful?" Hogun asked, not bothering with pleasantries. Sif's face dropped slightly and she let out a sigh.
"Yes, the Queen is growing even fonder of Darcy. She has lent her a priceless necklace to wear tonight. It is one of the Queen's favourites and matches the earrings Darcy wore, which were a gift from Loki. Though the Queen does not know that detail."
"All good news," Fandral stated, "does your bad news overshadow it?"
"Sigyn was in attendance and I know she is up to no good. You could practically see her trying to dig her claws into the Queen."
"But she is married now. Surely she will not ruin any of our plans," Volstagg said.
"She may be married but she is as power hungry as ever," Sif explained, lowering her voice so all three men had to lean in to hear. "I am just giving you a fair warning. If she works out our plan to play matchmakers, she may do all in her power to stop it. Her reasons could range from our plan ruining hers to simple spite. Word around court is, she is still sore about being married off to an elderly Count rather than the Prince."
"It should be a crime for such a pretty face to hide such a ruthless heart," Fandral lamented and Sif rolled her eyes.
"I admit I am glad she never married Loki. We might have more troubles now than we could ever be prepared for," Hogun pointed out and the rest nodded. In some ways, Sigyn seemed to be the perfect match for Loki. They were both rather callous and ambitious underneath their perfected etiquette. Sigyn had the unnerving talent of shooting a man down with a single sentence and its cruel underlying meaning was only grasped days after it was uttered. She had somehow given Fandral what seemed to be a simple no after a night of flirting, only for him to later realise she had subtly insulted his mother.
Fandral had been rather sad at first when he learned of Sigyn's betrayal. Despite Sigyn's cruel words, she was a court favourite. Always ready with a kind word for the King whenever he was near and constantly taking tea with the Queen. It was only after Sigyn's fall from grace did the court began to discuss her follies, such as her sharp tongue and cruel nature, which was once overlooked. Though, it now seemed she was being invited back into social circles.
"I shall do my best to keep her away from Darcy and the Prince," Hogun decided.
"I shall as well," Sif nodded. "I just hope we can prevent Sigyn's words from reaching Darcy."
"Has she said anything to hurt her?" Volstagg asked, looking all the world like he would challenge Sigyn to a duel if she had sullied Darcy's honour. The ludicrous image made Fandral smile.
"Not yet but I have a feeling she recognised the earrings Darcy wore. If she learns of Darcy and Loki's past, she could very well ruin everything by whispering it to the whole court."
"Would it be a terrible thing if others knew? Perhaps they would also feel it to be a suitable match?" Volstagg suggested hopefully.
"Or they might gossip so much that it looses all appeal to Darcy and Loki," Hogun suggested and Fandral begrudgingly agreed.
"Let us tread as close as we can to the original plan. Fandral, you talk with Loki. Volstagg, try to guide Darcy towards the Prince as much as possible. Distract the suitors that Hariasa sends her way. Hogun and I will do our best to prevent Sigyn's plan from hatching, whatever it may be," Sif ordered and for once Fandral didn't argue. It seemed his pleasure would have to wait again tonight. He hoped Darcy and Loki had a huge wedding celebration full of unattached women so moved by the love, they swooned rather easily into Fandral's arms.
Just as Fandral was wondering if he could convince Loki to join in a game with him, two large doors opened to reveal the King and Queen of Asgard, embodying the grace and stature that came from years on the throne. The crowd's attention shifted and they watched the procession with unconcealed delight. Ladies began whispering about the Queen's attire and men commented on the health of their King.
When Fandral caught sight of Heidrek and Angrboda, his eyebrows shot up to his hairline. They cleaned up quite nicely and Fandral felt pink was a rather fetching shade on the Jotun woman. Following the Jotun royals was Thor and Jane, then, Darcy and Loki.
The first thought that Fandral had when he caught sight of Darcy and Loki was that their outfits complemented each other's. The second was that, overall, it achieved a rather enchanting effect. He briefly wondered if it was their purpose but knew that was a silly thought. It seemed the couple were more in tune to each other than they cared to admit.
As Sif wandered slowly through the hall, she feigned wonder at the room in order to search for Sigyn without rising suspicion. Sometimes, aristocratic members of the court had a sharper eye than a soldier in battle and she didn't want anyone to put two and two together if she was caught to be actively seeking Sigyn for most of the night. It wouldn't be likely that what was concluded was at all true but Sif had learned long ago it was better to not be on others tongues for any reason. Still, she had to admit, wandering around a room full of court regulars was much more interesting now she had an aim other than avoid scandalmongers or dripping wax.
Just as Sif caught sight of a familiar and inordinately dressed wig, the closed doors opened to reveal the Odin and Frigga. The crowd jostled and shifted around her in attempts to get a better view. Sif used it as an opportunity to move even closer to Sigyn, until they were just a few individuals apart.
By now, the couples in the procession spread out into a semicircle behind Odin and Frigga. Sif smiled to herself when she saw Angrboda standing uncomfortably in a large pink and cream dress. She heard Freyja had insisted the Jotun get dressed with her today and the change in attire didn't surprise her. Freyja was rather persistent for a slip of a thing. A beardless Heidrek was a bit of a shock though.
The fact that Heidrek was fond of Darcy didn't surprise Sif. Knowing Heidrek's rise to power started from the mud of farmlands, it seemed natural he preferred women with a more humble background. But now, Sif worried over how deep his fondness truly was. Jane didn't seem to fret over the details when she discussed matters days ago. The Warriors Three also didn't think it was something to dwell on but Sif decided to keep an eye on the Jotun King just in case.
With a low curtsy, Frigga left Odin at the centre of the opening and joined the semicircle behind him. Excitement rippled through the room as the Asgardians waited for the words of their King. Commanding the crowds with just a nod, Odin let the whisperings cease completely before speaking.
"Some once believed war is the only path to glory. I hope in these times of peace, something new can be forged in its place. Tonight, we celebrate with those we once saw as enemies. Now, I implore you to embrace them as brothers. Times are changing. I believe even more new alliances will be made. Not only among leaders of nations but between the common folk. Remember, strength must not always be proven by brute might.
"In observation of our new alliances, we intend to start the dances with an allemande," Odin waited as whispers started up again. Some were scandalized at the change, others sounded exhilarated. Their reactions made Sif roll her eyes. The court was due for some changes, as much as some members despised the notion. Upon the King clearing his throat, the crowds quietened slightly but not completely. Odin did not to wait for the crowds to settle down this time and he spoke in a minutely louder voice.
"Now, now, I understand, change can be frightening. Learning the latest dance steps scare me at times too," Odin berated as a trickle of laughter broke out. "But it is in the face of fear that our true selves are discovered. When we celebrate tonight, I hope to remember those that have fallen. Both Asgard and Jotunheim have lost brave soldiers. Let their deaths not be in vain. Together, both nations will surge towards a brighter future."
His solemn nod and sweep of the arm introducing Loki and Darcy, informed the crowds that his speech was over. Polite claps and a few cheers rung out as Loki and Darcy made their way to the centre of the circle. Even more whispers were uttered this time. Sif made out questions ranging from whom was on the arm of the second Prince to whose delightful idea it was to have them wearing matching outfits.
"She is rather common looking, do you not agree?" a woman questioned haughtily. Sif followed the voice and turned to see Ran snickering next to Sigyn. Ran was a pretty strawberry blonde who was known to have started a few fashion trends. While Sif never bothered to remember what they were, the news had done nothing to settle Ran's ego.
She and Sigyn were close friends since childhood. Sif remembered tormenting them with a frog she found by a creek after they had teased her about her shorn hair. The memory warmed her heart though she knew the two of them would create unforeseen chaos if left unchecked. Within both the Asgardian court and the court of love Sif had found herself treading through.
Damage had already been done. Sif could see it. Some of the women around Ran and Sigyn begin to nod in agreement though a few looked as if they wished to disagree. No one actually objected. Some of Sigyn's plot became clear to Sif and it made her blood boil. It was times like these that Sif wished these sorts of battles were won by might and not deviousness.
Knowing this particular skirmish was lost to her, Sif brought her attention back to Darcy. The allemande had begun and there were already marked differences from their demonstration in Fandral's drawing room.
Darcy was the embodiment of concentration. Fear in missing a step made her movements calculated and almost perfect. There was nothing of the yearning that first drenched their dancing. It was an act for the court but Sif could see Loki's reserve breaking every so often. She noticed how a smile tugged at his lips occasionally, breaking through his façade more than once when he looked down on Darcy. His face softened and amusement shone in his eyes. They were only fleeting moments but anyone keeping a close eye on Loki could see them. Unfortunately, as Sif shifted her eyes towards the cold gaze of Sigyn, she knew she wasn't the only one who noticed.
End Notes
Ran: a Norse sea goddess. She tried to snag men who wandered out to sea in a net.
Other interesting info: The Wurzburg Residence and its Imperial Hall is gorgeous and what I based the ballroom to look like. If that sort of thing interests you.
Sif avoiding wax is actually something that people had to do in balls. Women feared wax dripping on their hair and ruining their clothes, so did their best to avoid standing under the chandeliers. Fun fact.
