Loki awoke slowly the next morning, feeling slightly stiff but elated. He smiled as he looked down at Elva. At some point during the night they had moved so that he was now lying on his back with her lying against his side, pressed against him. Her head was lying on his chest, resting over his heart and her hand rested beside it. He smiled more when he saw the shape of her leg over his waist under the covers and he settled back to enjoy her warmth.

It was still early but he knew would have to wake her or she would be late. He sighed, enjoying the feel of her warm breath over his chest for a moment longer then he tightened his arms around her, gently running his fingers through her hair. "Elva," he murmured softly. "It's time to get up."

Elva stirred and slipped her arm around him, hugging him tightly. "Loki," she whispered softly. "I love you."

Loki smiled and kissed her head gently as she lifted it. "I love you too," he said softly, reaching up to caress her cheek as she looked into his eyes. "So much."

Elva smiled and leaned down, gently pressing her lips against his as she curved against him and tightened her leg around him. "Don't want to go," she sighed. "Can I take the day off and stay with you? I wouldn't mind another round."

Loki laughed and pulled her down against him. "Elva, I would go all day with you if I could but I'm afraid not even I have the energy for that." He kissed her head and smiled. "But tonight, you could come again." He grinned and held her close. "And again."

Elva blushed furiously and sat up, pushing against his chest lightly. "That's not fair Loki. You know you were the same as me." She gasped as she was pulled down into his arms once more.

"I know," Loki murmured softly. "I was just teasing." He smiled. "You were amazing last night."

Elva shook her head. "You were amazing," she said softly. "You were the one with experience and you did most of the work."

Loki laughed lightly. "Elva, I was amazed at what you did, it's rare for any woman to be able to do that to me. It just shows how attracted I am to you." He hugged her close then kissed her gently. "I loved every moment, and it was the best I've ever had."

Elva blushed furiously and smiled. "It was the first I've ever had, but, hopefully it will get better, though I can't imagine how." She kissed him softly then sighed and sat up. "I have to take a bath now," she said quietly, moving back to her knees and looking down at him.

Loki ran his eyes over her body and smiled. "Me too," he said softly. "Perhaps we could take one together?" He sat up and kissed her. "You could stay here and I'll organise the servant to draw one."

Elva smiled and nodded. "I would like that," she said softly. She moved and sat on the bed, drawing the covers around her. She giggled and looked Loki up and down as he stood. "I love your body," she said lightly before falling back on the bed and laughing. "That sounds terrible to me." She gasped as she felt Loki's lips press against her thigh. "No!" she wriggled. "Loki."

Loki chuckled. "Sorry Elva, I just love your body." His voice was soft and sexy and he leaned over her to kiss her gently. "Especially when it's under me." He stood and pulled on his pants and shirt before calling for his personal servant. He answered the door carefully, keeping Elva hidden from view as he ordered for a bath to be drawn.

Loki returned to Elva's side and sat down, taking her hand in his and playing with her fingers as he waited for the second knock. He lifted his head when some moments later he heard it. He sighed and kissed her cheek before walking to the door. He answered it then nodded before shaking his head and closing the door with a word of thanks.

"Bath time," he chuckled, holding his hand out to Elva as he walked towards the adjoining door to the bathroom. He smiled as she paused to pick up her underclothes then squeezed her hand gently when she slipped it into his. He opened the door to the bathroom and stepped through, pulling her with him.

Elva looked around then laughed lightly. "It suits you." She smiled and stepped closer. The room, tiled in rich, dark green, was warm and quite inviting. Gold ran through the tiles, creating intricate decorations and the mirror and furnishings were all black.

Loki chuckled. "That was the point." He slipped his arm around her shoulders then led her over to the bath. Set in the center of the room, steps led up to the black and gold tub. It was more than big enough for two and if you wanted, you could probably fit three in there, perhaps even four.

Loki took her clothes and set them on a counter before removing his shirt and pants and stepping over towards her. He swept her up into his arms and kissed her before gently placing her in the water.

Elva laughed and clung to Loki, pulling his head down so she could kiss him as she sank into the water. She was relieved at the heat. She had in truth been sore from the night before and the warmth was helping to ease her out, though she knew it would be a while before she adjusted to Loki and their physical relationship.

Loki chuckled and got in with her, pulling her to sit between his legs, her back against his chest. He rubbed her arms gently and smiled, kissing her cheek softly. "I love you Elva."

Elva smiled and relaxed against him. "I love you too," she said softly before rubbing his legs lightly. "I've never felt this way before and I feel so lucky to have you."

Loki smiled. "I feel lucky to just be with you. I can't believe you would love me, the outcast." He hugged her gently, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You've made me happier than I thought I would ever be again."

Elva sighed happily. "I'm glad," she whispered quietly before turning her head so that she could kiss him. She relaxed in his embrace for a while longer then they moved and bathed.

Loki caught her when she was wrapped in one of his thick, black towels and dipped her down to kiss her. "There is a masked ball on in two days. I wish you to come with me. Or, meet me there, either way." He pulled her back to her feet and watched her face carefully.

Elva paused and thought about it. "Ok," she said softly. "But I don't have anything to wear."

Loki smiled. "Talk to my mother, she knows about us. I'm sure she would be happy to help you out. I know she thinks of you as a friend."

Elva blushed but smiled and put her arms around Loki's neck. "Ok," she said softly. "I will do." She kissed him gently and smiled before stepping back to dress.

Loki helped her with her clothes once more and stood watching her leave after first making sure that the way was clear. He was glad he had shown her the secret passage he had long known of. It allowed her to come and go with little contact with anyone and led directly to the hall of the royal chambers. He had spells cast on it so that no strangers could come and go without detection but Elva was far from a stranger to him, and their romance was the light of his life.

He smiled and shut the door quietly before going to prepare for another long day of work on the Bifrost.