Loki awoke the next morning, feeling refreshed. He rolled over and smiled, memories of the night before flooding his mind. He stretched and yawned before sitting up and running his fingers through his hair, smirking as he remembered Elva's hands copying his action just hours before.

He was brought out of his flash backs by the familiar tap on the door and he smiled. "Come in," he called, his smile widening as Elva stepped into the room, dressed in an emerald green gown that hugged her figure to her hips then billowed down in light, flowing skirts. "I like that colour on you," he commented before chuckling lightly.

Elva smiled. "I thought you might," she said, laughing happily. "I rarely wear it, but today, I thought, why not?" She walked towards him, her steps light and accompanied by the faint rustle of velvet as her skirts flowed around her. She stopped by the bed and looked down into his bright green eyes, smiling in response as he beamed at her.

Loki sat up and pulled her down into his arms, chuckling as she squeaked in surprise. "Good morning Elva," he said brightly. "How are you?"

Elva smiled and nuzzled into his neck, her hand resting on his shoulder as she leaned lightly against him. "Fine thank you, how are you dear Loki?" she asked softly, pulling away to look into his eyes.

"Wonderful," he replied with a light chuckle. "I feel freer than I have in months." He leaned down and kissed her gently, enjoying the warmth of her lips against his. He rested his hand lightly on her waist as his other arm wrapped around her back to hold her up against him.

Elva giggled, feeling comfortable in his lap. "You're going to make me late," she complained lightly in between soft kisses. She smiled brightly and looked into his eyes, her own full of warmth and happiness. She kissed his nose and laughed at his bemused expression. "Come on, let me go."

Loki threw her back on the bed as she tried to get up and laughed before kissing her. "Never," he said in a deep, threatening voice, chuckling as her eyes widened. "Mine," he growled, nibbling her neck and leaning over her as she shuddered and closed her eyes, her hands resting gently on his chest.

"Loki," she panted softly. "Please, not now. I won't be able to leave if you don't stop."

"Fine by me," Loki chuckled. "Stay here with me all day, I don't mind. I'll keep you busy and pretend I was really sick to my mother. That will keep you free from having trouble from her over being away all day."

Elva laughed lightly. "No Loki." She pushed at his chest gently. ""I don't want to, not yet." She sighed and looked his eyes as he pulled away. "I'm sorry. Please try to understand."

Loki smiled. "I already understand," he said softly. "Don't worry, I won't push you." He kissed her gently then sat up, pulling her with him. He helped her to stand then got up. He laughed warmly as she turned away, avoiding seeing him without his trousers on. He rolled his eyes. "It's not like I'm naked Elva, and I'm sure you've seen a man undressed before."

Elva blushed brightly, turning when he had his trousers back on. "Actually, I haven't. And I had no intention of doing so for some time yet." She blushed more, her cheeks a deep red as she looked at the floor. "At least not until now. Now, I'm having second thoughts."

Loki grinned and walked towards her, pulling her close for another kiss. "All in good time sweet Elva, when you are ready. I can wait." He kissed her gently again then sighed. "Let's get these bandages done then you can go back to my mother."

Elva sighed. "Can we keep this between us? For a bit?" she asked softly. "I'm not sure what this is yet, and I don't want your mother worrying about me or you. I know she thinks highly of you and loves you dearly as her own."

Loki nodded. "I had no intention of making this public. I don't know where we're going and I would rather not be given bad news for stealing the virtue of one of the hand maidens of the Queen, as beautiful as she may be."

Elva blushed but smiled. "Thank you Loki," she said softly as she worked on putting on his bandages. She sighed. "This will get tricky soon, you are almost healed and then I will have no excuse to visit you."

Loki shook his head. "I'll just say that I desire your company as a friend. You are interesting to talk to and I enjoy the way you challenge me instead of letting me run wild. The other women I speak with, or used to, were boring and never questioned me. Something about being a prince, and the bad boy I think." He chuckled lightly and shook his head. You, are different. I like it."

Elva blushed and smiled brightly. "Shall I come to you later my Prince?" She giggled as he rolled his eyes and kissed his cheek softly.

"I shall be going to the library," he said softly. "Meet me there and then we'll see." He kissed her gently and smiled. "I look forward to seeing you again." He stole another kiss and watched as she slipped out of the door, a faint smile on his lips and his eyes bright.