Fandral discussed the cooling weather with two rather breathtaking ladies. Although the air was crisp and verged on bitter, it was a refreshing change to the stifling interior of the tavern where Sif and Hogun were enjoying drink and food. The only one missing from their merry troop was Volstagg, though he was often late regaling his children with a bedtime story. So, Fandral thought nothing of it and kept flirting with the beauties before him.
They continued to coyly giggle at his unabashed compliments and insinuations. It was music to Fandral's ears. He leaned in close to assure them that their eyes glimmered more exquisitely than the stars in the sky when a hearty laugh distracted him. Looking away, he saw Volstagg walking towards the tavern with Loki at his side. At the sight, Fandral's kind words withered in his throat and his eyebrows rose to his hairline. Even stranger, Loki appeared in good spirits, not at all annoyed with Volstagg's presence. In fact, he even was holding back a chuckle.
Gently kissing the knuckles of his now forgotten beauties, Fandral prematurely ended their conversation. He didn't even bother looking at the pouts the women shared as they watched him walk towards the approaching men.
"Perhaps I will take your advice, if only to sate my curiosity," Loki said and Volstagg grinned.
"On…the feverfew?"
"Of course," Loki confirmed after a moment, taking time to remember the feverfew over whatever else had preoccupied his mind. Clearing his throat, Loki looked over and finally noticed Fandral approaching. "And now I must bid you goodnight."
Loki smiled sincerely at Volstagg and after a nod in Fandral's direction, continued on his journey. With wide eyes and absolute confusion, Fandral watched him leave. Once he was out of earshot, Fandral turned towards Volstagg, who simply grinned.
"What was that?" asked Fandral.
"Oh?" intoned Volstagg, trying to shrug off the interaction as nothing out of the ordinary. "Loki and I occasionally exchange pleasantries."
"Since when?"
"Recently. He is amused by the antics of my children."
"I suppose they are capable of warming the heart of anyone," Fandral had to admit. Young Alaric, Leif and Flosi were all chubby cheeked and sunshine on a spring day. They were quite amusing as a group, often trying to have adventures of their own to rival their father's stories. Yet, Fandral wasn't convinced that Loki was too amused by them as to seek Volstagg out for more conversations. Even as a child, Loki wasn't too fond of other children. "What advice does he intend to take to heart?"
"He has gotten terrible headaches of late and I suggested a feverfew tea Hildegund always makes for me."
"Is that all?"
"Yes," Volstagg assured. He cleared his throat and grunted a noncommittal sound when Fandral's unamused expression demanded a better explanation. "Uh, there may have been some other things I…alluded to."
"Such as?"
"I told him how when first courting Hildegund, her father was not fond of me and she questioned whether we were a suitable match. After persistence and various displays of my undying love, we were happily married."
"Volstagg, are you still petitioning this romance between him and Darcy?" Fandral hissed, looking around to make sure no one was listening. Grabbing Volstagg by the elbow, he steered them towards a more dimly lit area. Given the public location and lack of patience, he decided to focus on the more pressing matter of Volstagg's perseverance and not the fact that the story was false.
"Petitioning is a…strong word. Mere nudging. More of a suggestion of a suggestion."
"So, he has admitted to you an intended courtship with Darcy?"
"Not in so many words," admitted Volstagg. When Fandral let out a frustrated groan and made to leave, Volstagg continued swiftly in desperation. "But something most interesting occurred during our talk. I asked him if he knew of Jane and Thor joining Darcy during her dinner with Meili and he said he did. He was amused at the idea! When I suggested that it would be an advantageous match, he said 'perhaps' and smiled to himself. Isn't that most excellent?"
"What does that prove? That he is over their dalliance?" Fandral scoffed.
"No! I think it is quite the contrary. He looked rather smug about the whole situation. Not at all threatened or glum. It must mean he intends to win Darcy back."
"You have no way of knowing that!" Fandral insisted. He was about to suggest that Loki's change in attitude could have easily come from his acceptance of his betrothal but the hopeful look on Volstagg's face stopped him. Obviously Volstagg was convinced and that meant he wasn't going to back down anytime soon. Letting out a soft sigh, Fandral relented. "Come, tell Sif and Hogun so we may get their insight before I make up my mind."
"That is the least I can ask!" cheered Volstagg, walking with a skip in his step into the tavern. Even if Fandral wouldn't admit it, he was a little hopeful as well.
"It seems strange, Jane, that Meili would invite you and Thor so last minute," Darcy said. The three of them sat in a carriage on their way to Meili's family home. When Jane and Thor appeared suddenly to join her at the front of the palace, Darcy had been flabbergasted. The ride thus far had been rather silent, with Darcy unable to take her eyes off of Jane and Thor who sat across from her. Jane appeared unaware of Darcy's stare but Thor was pointedly avoiding it. His hands clenched and unclenched, which Darcy thought was suspect behaviour. One thing was certain: Jane was behind this.
"Perhaps he forgot to send out his first invitation?" Jane offered innocently. She did not flinch at Darcy's narrowed eyes though Thor looked as if he wanted to. If she weren't so suspicious, she'd be amused at having the large and mighty Thor practically cowering before her. "Besides it is better that we are joining. We can help distract the other guests so you and Meili get better acquainted."
"I can get better acquainted without your help," Darcy insisted.
"What if you wanted to run away with him to a separate room?" said Jane and Darcy's mouth dropped open at the audacity.
"What?" Thor barked out, startling the two ladies. They stared at him, wondering if he suddenly had an objection to tête-à-têtes that he and Jane so fondly enjoyed. Clearing his throat, he offered a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes but continued sincerely. "Darcy, you are more than welcome to run off with whatever man you wish. I mean, run off to separate rooms, that is. If it will truly make you happy. And…whoever you are with, happy. But it is better if you tell someone. A friend perhaps."
Confusion hung thick in the carriage. Thor smiled but as the silence continued, it drooped into a frown. After a moment, he began to squirm under the gazes. Jane was pouting slightly with a furrowed brow, which she often did in deep concentration. Darcy began to glance upwards, trying to decipher Thor's meaning. The heir knew more than he was letting on. But what he knew more about, Darcy wasn't at all certain of. Something in her gut told her it wasn't good.
Only the sound of the horses' hooves and snorts were heard. It seemed to be amplified by the lack of conversation and the pondering that was occurring. Darcy opened her mouth to reply but snapped it shut.
"Thank you?" Darcy eventually said.
"We only want what is best for you," Thor insisted and this time, Jane nodded enthusiastically.
"So it is only fair that we attend this dinner. Your future depends on it," said Jane. Thor cleared his throat, lips in a thin grim line. Their concern only continued to highlight how dire her situation had become and guilt roiled uneasily in Darcy's gut. With a sigh, she turned to look outside the window.
She knew how important it was for her to secure a marriage and yet she was still playing with fire. Just before Darcy was ready to leave for her carriage, she received an urgent message from Loki. Assuming it was grave news, she ran to find him only to meet him in a dark hall. When she asked him what his concerns were, he pulled her close for a passionate kiss.
What had been worse- worse than a kiss so out in the open- was that Darcy enjoyed it. She didn't struggle and instead, melted beneath his lips. Only when she thought she heard footsteps did she break away. In her frustration, Darcy left him, huffing in anger and muttering any curse she could think to throw his way. In her wake, Loki only chuckled. Smugly, he wished her a wonderful dinner and hoped she wouldn't grow too bored.
These secret kisses had to end but Darcy wasn't sure she had the strength to. Not when she only just won Loki back so recently. Yet, she was about to have dinner with a man she was hoping would propose. Surely if Jane knew all the sordid details, she would chew off Darcy's ear.
As wonderful and kind as Meili was, he didn't excite Darcy like Loki. The Prince awoke something inside of her that no other man had. Something carnal and almost foreign that made her feel as if she could battle a hundred trained men. If only she could battle Odin. He was the one that actually mattered. Though, truth be damned, she was beginning to not care anymore if someone caught them. That was what scared her most.
Before she could slump further into self-loathing, the carriage arrived. Thor jumped out first and helped the two ladies down. The house was large and oozed of pomp and esteemed wealth. The exterior was white and flanked with perfectly kept topiaries and in the fading light, large shadows were cast. The inside halls were golden gild and extravagance with marble lined the floors. Even though fires were probably lit in each room, the were was still a coldness that permeated the house. It did not, in Darcy's opinion, suit Meili's personality. For some reason, she saw him living in a much cosier home with a bit more mess lying around.
A tall footman led them into the drawing room, where Meili and his other guests were waiting. They were quickly introduced to Meili's sisters, Agnetha and Marta as well as Agnetha's husband Torvald. Overall, they were dour faced, though did break into a forced smile at the presence of the Prince and Princess. Despite that, Darcy felt their gazes bore into her with judgement. Darcy's breath caught in her throat and her chest tightened painfully at the unspoken accusations hanging in the air. Obviously, Meili's family followed the fashions of the court to perfection and right now, the fashion was to hate her.
Clenching her jaw, Darcy forced her tears back and curtseyed gracefully, greeting them all with a pleasant smile. The two sisters were dressed exquisitely. Their forms were a little plumper but they shared Meili's comely and pleasant features. Torvald was tall, lanky and severe in contrast.
"Miss Lewis, we have heard much about you," Agnetha stated in a cold and accusing tone. Throat tightening, Darcy sought the best way to reply but was cut off.
"Lady Lewis is quite invaluable to Jane," said Thor suddenly, catching everyone off guard. There was warning in his voice but he continued with a tight smile. "Which of course makes her invaluable to me."
"How…fortunate," Agnetha bit out, trying very hard to not sneer. It marred her pretty features. Clearing his throat, Meili let out a nervous laugh and finished the round of introductions.
Next came Meili's close friends: Sigurd, Viktor and Marius. They ranged in pleasantness which was much more than could be said for the family members. Sigurd was stern yet offered Darcy an attempt at a smile that turned out to be more of a grimace. Still, she appreciated the gesture.
Marius had mischief shining in his eyes and sweet dimples but an overall reserved facade. With a beaming smile that rivaled Meili's, Viktor was by far the most welcoming. Stepping forward, he bowed and took Darcy's hand in his and bestowed a kiss.
"It is a pleasure to meet you at last. I speak for all of us when I say we have all been curious of the woman that stole what little wit Meili had left," Viktor said and laughter trickled throughout the room. Breathing came a little easier for Darcy as some of the tension eased. The last occupant spoke up, reminding everyone of her presence with a voice that suggested she had not felt any of the anxiety. Although Freya did not have her ever present spaniel with her this night, she was still cheerful as ever and boldly kissed Darcy and Jane on their cheeks.
A friendly face was always found with Freyja and Darcy felt herself relax a little at another ally's presence. Her eyes finally found Meili's again. He smiled, eyes filled with affection and relief. A pang of guilt hit her when Loki's whispers fluttered through her mind. It seemed the theme of her night was to stifle most of what she felt. At this rate, she wasn't sure how long she could ignore the desire to either cry or run out.
When Darcy finally reached her door that night, relief flooded her. It spread through her body and exhausted her. As she opened her door, she called out for Milly but broke off after two steps. Sitting comfortably on her settee and reading a book was Loki. At her surprise, he smiled and shut his book with a snap. She kept opening and closing her mouth yet no words came out. Instead, she took a deep breath and closed the door behind her before fixing Loki with a narrowed glare.
"Good dinner?" Loki asked innocently. He was filled with smugness and while she was certain that there was no way for him to know how terrible the night had actually gone, it still irritated her. Did he think she would just fall into his arms if he waited in her room? She ignored the little whisper that said yes and tried to let self-righteousness seep through her.
"No, actually. Is that what you wanted to hear?" snapped Darcy and Loki's features fell a little. When he took time to see how agitated she was, he stood up. He made a move to step towards her but thought better of it.
"What happened?" Loki asked softly. As quickly as it came, Darcy's anger dissipated to leave hollow pain. Her shoulders slumped and she let her reticule fall to the floor. The tears that had been waiting to slip all night finally did.
"They hated me," Darcy sobbed. "H-his family absolutely hated me. They think I'm after his fortune. That…that I'm a lowly-"
"Then they are idiots," spat Loki, an angry sneer on his face. "Do not listen to their opinions. That family is ridiculous and you are all the better for ridding yourself of them."
"Am I? It is obvious that I am slowly becoming a p-pariah in this court. Meili is kind and cares for me. How much b-better can I hope for?" Darcy tried her best to stifle her sobs and it worked to some success. Stepping forward, Loki offered her a handkerchief. It was plain with the simplest of lace on the edges but no other discerning features. Taking it, she smeared it with her tears and wiped her nose.
Loki's arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a tight hug. She dug her face into his chest, welcoming the warmth and protection. His familiar scent tickled her nose and she took a deep breath. For just a moment, all her troubles ceased to matter.
"I will fix this. I promise you," Loki said.
"There is nothing you can do," sighed Darcy. Even if Loki could slip in some good words for her in court, there would always be a cloud following her of judgement and distrust. She couldn't make a comeback with a giggle and a smirk like Sigyn. These weren't her people. She never belonged and never would.
"I hate it when you cry," huffed Loki, sounding a little bit like a spoiled child denied what he wanted. It made Darcy laugh. At the sound, Loki's grip loosened and he led her to sit next to him on the settee. He still kept her within reach, one arm was slung around her shoulder and a hand resting on her leg.
"It was such a…disappointment," Darcy sniffled, wiping the last of the tears from her eyes. "The only thing I enjoyed was Jane and Thor coming to my rescue and saying a kind word for me. When Jane told Meili's sisters to consider my beauty routine, they looked like they had swallowed lemons."
"So the evening was not entirely terrible?"
"No, I suppose not. Viktor, one of Meili's friends, seemed rather taken with me."
"Viktor? Hmm…oh yes, I know him. Dark hair and pointed beard?" Loki asked, rubbing his chin in thought. Nodding, Darcy leaned into his hold and laid her head in the crook of his neck. His arms wrapped tighter around her and she began to stroke a circle on his chest. "He is a terrible flirt. Don't listen to him."
"I'll try not to swoon next time I see him," Darcy snorted. "Thor was acting so strange this evening, too. He was jumpy in the carriage. Hardly said anything during dinner and on the ride back, he kept suggesting that I had other prospects so should ignore Meili completely from this point on."
"Even I cannot say I understand all of Thor's thoughts though it seems we agree on something for once. I am telling you, you are better rid of that family than to meddle further. Gunnar's wife is a bigger fanatic than my father when it comes to bloodlines. She certainly passed it on to her daughters."
"Now why did anyone not bother to tell me that? And how did Meili turn out so kind?"
"It is a mystery," Loki said airily. They fell into a comfortable silence and their minds wandered. The thought that Meili's parents weren't at the dinner because of Darcy hit her. Meili had told her they were simply visiting an aunt but now she understood they were making their distaste of the match known.
"Why are you here?" Darcy asked, looking up and hoping for a distraction of where her thoughts would soon take her. "I assume it wasn't to comfort me."
"No, though having you fall into my arms was my goal for the night," smirked Loki, not flinching when she berated him by lightly tapping his shoulder.
"I am sure you gave Milly a fright. Where is she?"
"I told your maid that you would ring for her when she was required. Is she still good at keeping her mouth shut?"
"She only keeps her mouth shut because she is frightened of you. I think she's convinced you will hex her if she looks at you the wrong way," said Darcy. The far too pleased look on Loki's face made her wary. "Don't you dare Loki. I like her far too much to have to search out for a new maid all because you decided to waggle your fingers at her and chant gibberish."
"Only thinking of ways to entertain myself in the coming winter months," shrugged Loki. "The real reason for my waiting though, other than frightening the maids, was to give you this."
Sliding back, Loki dug into his overcoat pocket to retrieve a small item. Building suspense, he kept it held tight in his palm for a moment before revealing a small porcelain figure of a giraffe. It was darling and Darcy adored it. She took the animal into her hand and studied the delicately painted spots.
"Another to add to your collection. Or rather, Esther's now?" Loki asked and Darcy nodded, surprised that he remembered. When Darcy was a little girl, she collected small porcelain figures of various animals. Not a very good collector at the time, Darcy had only amassed a few simple figures but it was later taken on by Esther who had enough figures now to fill a menagerie. She's mentioned it to Loki during one of their firsts conversations and thought he wasn't even listening. Obviously, she was wrong.
"Loki…I don't know what to say."
"There is no need to. Just remember, all the other horses laughed at the giraffe for his strange neck but he got the last laugh when he was able to reach more food."
"Did the giraffe tell you that?" Darcy asked dryly. "You know this…does not mean that anything between us-"
"I saw it in town today and only thought of you. This has nothing to do with winning you or trying to get under your skirts. In fact, I find it insulting that you would sully a lovely childhood memory-" Loki was abruptly cut off when Darcy pulled him forward for a kiss. The action caught him unawares and at first, he didn't react. Darcy caught his bottom lip gently between hers and nipped affectionately. When she pulled away, she watched Loki let out a shaky breath. Swallowing past a lump in his throat, he opened his eyes and looked completely enamoured. Darcy's body felt lighter.
"I love it. Thank you," Darcy assured him, coyly examining the figure. Clearing his throat, Loki shook off the moment and grinned. "Now leave before tongues start to wag."
"Let them," he declared, pulling Darcy back in for another kiss.