Eyra bolted down the hallways of the palace. Frigga had quickly excused herself with a knowing smile after she had finished her story, and Eyra had immediately gone in search of Loki, feeling the burden of guilt on her shoulders lighten until it almost ceased to exist. She wasn't sure where to find the prince but decided that, even if he were not in his chambers now, he would eventually have to return to them. And so that is where she headed.
"Loki!" She called softly through the door while knocking on it lightly. "Loki, are you in there?" When no response came, she hesitantly tested the doorknob, finding it to be unlocked. With a smile, she slowly opened the door and stepped inside.
It was empty. Eyra stood there for a moment, unconsciously chewing her lower lip and debating what to do. It did not take her long, however, to decide that Loki would not be angry with her if she were to stay for just a few minutes to see if he came back. Shutting the door behind her, she casually strolled through the room and examined the many books and items he had collected over the years. She had never seen his room before, and she had to smile at how utterly perfect it was for him.
On the opposite side from which she had entered, there was no wall. There was simply a balcony which, she suspected, was lined with a magical barrier to protect the room from the elements. Flowers and other plants lined the railings, offering the perfect habitat for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. An elegant green and gold chaise lounge resided outside along with a small table which was covered with books and scraps of parchment. The view overlooking the realm was breathtaking, and Eyra could just picture Loki sitting there as the sun rose and set, reading and writing down whatever thoughts entered his mind. A small fireplace was surrounded by pieces of furniture which matched the lounge on the balcony. Across the room from that was a nook covered by emerald green silk curtains. Eyra pulled them aside to reveal a bed dressed in sheets and blankets of the same color. The ceiling in this one area of the room was made only of glass, affording the most lovely view of the sky.
Unable to resist, Eyra tentatively crawled onto the bed and laid on her back, gazing up as the clouds moved overhead. The bed was incredibly soft, seeming to embrace her small body, and the sight above her was so peaceful that it wasn't long before she drifted off into a comfortable sleep.
Loki ran a hand through his hair tiredly as he trudged up to his chambers. He was more frustrated than he would care to admit. The past few weeks had quite exhausted him emotionally, and he had been thrilled to think his problems at an end for the time being. Of course, he should have known that Eyra would second-guess what she was doing; that was exactly like her, especially in this situation. Still, it hurt him that she could not simply be content to be with him for now.
Oh, how he wanted for them to be together. He had suspected that she would fall for Thor quite quickly, given that he was much more what most maidens were interested in. He was strong, boisterous, and, apparently, quite handsome. Of course, Loki had also had several try to catch his eye, but it was clear the only things attracting them to him were his status and wealth. And so, though he had found himself falling quite hard for his brother's betrothed, he had resigned himself to the fact that they would always simply be good friends. After all, who would choose him over the heir to Asgard's throne?
Then, she had suddenly turned from him. He had been more bewildered than he had in his life. But, when she had confessed her reasons for doing so, his heart had soared. Kissing her had felt like a dream. Better than a dream, even. Though she was obviously quite inexperienced, the passion that he felt had made up for any skill she lacked. That night he had slept better than he could remember ever having done. For the first time in years, he felt truly happy. Until, of course, she had changed her mind once again.
And so, the youngest of Odin's sons fought continue what he had always done best: to maintain a mask of cool indifference. The only one who could see through it was his mother, but he had given up trying to hide anything from her long ago. He knew she cared for him and would only meddle when she felt she could help to bring to pass his happiness, so he didn't mind her ability to read him so well.
With a sigh, Loki entered his chambers and walked straight to his bed. When he drew open the curtains, however, he was startled to find it already occupied, and by the object of his musings mere moments ago no less. Eyra's delicate form lay curled up in the middle of his bed, hand tucked under one cheek and crimson hair splayed across a pillow. A tender smile graced Loki's lips as he gazed at her, beautiful and at peace in her dreams.
"Eyra," he spoke softly, crawling toward her and shaking her arm gently. "Eyra..."
She shifted slightly and let out an innocent moan that nonetheless sent Loki's heart racing. Her eyes opened just a crack, and her lips curved upward at the sight of him. "Loki?" She blinked blearily and stretched her limbs. "What are...what are you doing here?"
Loki laughed softly at her confused state. "In my bed? Funny, I was going to ask you the same thing."
Suddenly, Eyra sat bolt upright, remembering exactly how and why she had come to be there. "Oh, Loki," she breathed and threw her arms around his neck, her lips finding his immediately. He let out a small noise of surprise, but soon regained his senses and wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her into his lap. She slowly pulled away after a moment, but buried her face in his neck and held him close.
"Am I to gather that you have come to a decision?" Loki asked, heart pounding.
Eyra gazed into his eyes and gave him a nervous, but determined smile. "We'll figure something out," she repeated his words from that morning. "I don't know what, but something."
The radiant look on Loki's face could have acted as a beacon for all the nine realms.
Despite the fact that they knew they would be looked for, Loki and Eyra elected to remain in Loki's chambers for the rest of the day. It had been weeks since they had truly gotten to talk, and neither of them particularly wanted to have to pretend to be indifferent toward the other just yet. And so they sat out on the balcony, snuggled together on the lounge, and watched as the sun set and the stars appeared overhead. Eyra was curled up against his side with her head resting on his chest while his arms were wrapped loosely around her, and his fingers danced across her side and back, tracing patterns over the gown she was wearing.
"I heard your brothers are staying for a few days longer," Loki remarked. Eyra broke into a bright smile.
"Yes! It was your mother who invited them. I am incredibly happy about it."
He entwined their fingers together gently. "I am too. Their presence over the past couple of days has been good for you."
"Oh really?" Eyra looked up at him with a tinkling laugh. "How would you know?"
"Just because you weren't speaking to me doesn't mean I don't know you well enough to know how you are feeling," he teased, kissing her nose lightly and adoring the way it crinkled ever so slightly in response. Then he spoke more seriously. "The color has been returning to your cheeks, and you have smiled more than I have seen you do in nearly a month. I've been worried for you, Darling."
Eyra hummed contentedly and played absently with the fabric of his shirt. "I've missed having you call me that."
"Well, good because I intend to do it quite often," he chuckled. They sat in silence for a few moments after that, gazing up at the stars before Eyra spoke again.
"Have you ever been to Midgard?"
Loki nodded. "Long ago, though I daresay their society has evolved greatly since I last visited. Why do you ask?"
"I've always found it fascinating. They live such short lives, and yet it seems to me that their lives are still much fuller than that of an aesir. I would love to visit there one day."
"Then you shall!" Loki promised. "Have you read all those books I sent you?"
Eyra smiled. "Yes, and they definitely served to heighten my interest in Midgardian culture. I need to pick up a few more books from there. I just finished the last batch."
"What do you think of Shakepeare?" Loki asked.
"Oh, he's wonderful!" Eyra expressed. "I had never read any of his works until you sent them to me, and his writings are beautiful!"
Loki beamed. "I agree! Many here think the midgardians beneath us in every way, but I truly believe we do not give them enough credit. One day, when all of this has blown over, I will take you there with me," he vowed.
Eyra smiled widely and sat up, pressing her lips to his briefly. "That would be incredible. There is so much I would love to do there!" She then sighed as she realized how late it was getting. "I wish I could stay here with you forever, but I fear it may not look good if I do not return to my own chambers tonight."
He groaned and pulled her against his chest, pouting playfully. "Must you go?"
"I'm afraid so," Eyra sighed regretfully. "But we shall find some time together on the morrow. Will that be acceptable?"
Loki sighed and released her, standing up himself and walking her to the door. "I suppose it will suffice," he smiled at her affectionately and gave her a chaste kiss. "Until tomorrow then, my darling Juliet."
She bit her lip shyly and wrapped her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his one more time before exiting the room, careful to avoid being seen by anyone. Loki watched her until she was completely out of sight, and as she hurried back to her own chambers, she hummed cheerfully, a wider smile gracing her face than had in nigh a decade.
A/N: There, a bit of a fluffy chapter to make up for recent drama. :) Also I wrote this while listening to Tom Hiddleston reading poetry, and it is great for inspiration! Just his voice, oh my gosh. It's like a river of chocolate! *Shivers* Anyway, I hope you enjoyed chapter 12! I can't believe we are already this far in! Woohoo!
chyanne200: I agree! As the oldest in my family, I have always wished I had an older brother, and I can never help but give at least one to my heroine. :)
Deductions-of-Sherlolly: Oh my gosh I love it! Team EyKi is a thing, and Frigga is the leader! Haha your reviews always make me smile, so thank you so much!
Dappledwing: Well, you inspired me, in case you didn't notice! I knew I wanted to have Shakespeare in here somewhere, especially since my pre-Thor Loki is loosely based off of Hiddles, but you gave me the perfect way to do it, so thank you, thank you, thank you!
Okumura Ichigo: I got this review like two seconds before I was about to post this chapter! That was close! ;) I am so glad that you are enjoying it! I agree, I love Loki and Eyra, but I may be just a tad biased. I think you may be rather surprised at what I have in store for them, but I guess we will see! Haha thank you so much for your review! :)
