My Beta - Scarlet Kingston

Feast and a surprise

Caroline took her time in the bathroom. She was concerned about her new employees. This is how she thought of her personal guards and the servant elf she had received only a few hours ago. Addison also thought about her lost powers and how she missed them sometimes. She had lived with her special talents all her life. Good thing was that most of the time she would try to hide those from the people around her, so she had lived almost like an ordinary person. Almost.

There was a quiet knock on the door. Caroline turned towards it and said, "I am coming!"
She climbed out the bathtub and wrapped herself in a big white towel, which was a very interesting soft material, not quite like the ones on Earth. She then went to the door and pushed it open. There, several steps away stood Eira with another white towel in her hands. Her brows rose. "Oh! My lady already has a towel!"
Addison blinked. "Well… yes." The girl before her wore an expression saying that she really didn't know what to do at this moment. Caroline chuckled lightly. "It's alright. I can use this one for my hair. Thank you!" She made to take the cloth from Eira, but the girl was quicker than her and skillfully wrapped the towel round her head. Alright. Addison really had to set some rules, or just let herself get used to being assisted in everything. It was a true dilemma though. It did feel good to be assisted.

The preparations went quickly. Addison was dried, brushed, and dressed in no time. Eira made her a lovely hairstyle with Norse plaits held in a unique form behind her head and free well-arranged curls falling beautifully on her back.

..

Caroline, Eira, Ári, and Yngvarr were now walking towards the hall where the feast was currently taking place. Addison wanted to get to know her guards, so she was asking them questions about their life. At first they were reluctant to speak much, but then when they saw that their lady was ready to share stories from her Midgardian life they relaxed and started talking more. Ári seemed to be a very funny young man. In Midgardian standards he would be no more than twenty years old. He would tell silly stories about his family and encourage Yngvarr to tell some more about himself. Addison wore a big smile on her face while walking with Eira between them. It seemed that even the two men didn't know much about each other.

The party briefly walked past another set of guards who were silently marching in the opposite direction. The change in Ári and Yngvarr was immediate. They stopped talking and fell two steps behind Addison. Eira followed their example and Caroline was suddenly alone, walking through the long corridors of the palace with a tail of servants. She didn't like this in the slightest, but she could also understand that the etiquette was strict. She turned to try and look into their eyes, but Eira kept hers to her feet, while the guards had their hard gazes directed forward. Addison turned her back to them and sighed.

After several minutes they were at the feast hall. It was already full with attending Asgardian nobles. Frigga didn't seem to be there yet though. This relaxed both Addison and her elvish servant. Her guards went to their posts besides the walls to watch over her from a distance. Caroline was quickly welcomed by a group of eight ladies whose names she didn't know and she wasn't even sure she wanted to know, for they were quite snobbish and genuinely irritating. Yet they seemed to know many things about her. There even was a question: Is it true that you have given your guards days off? How did they even know? The comments about this were awful. It seemed that these women didn't see the men who were there to make sure they were safe as living souls, but as servants who lived and breathed just to serve them. Addison tried to ask them where they got their information but they never told her. Instead they would shower her with gossip about any Asgardian that would walk past them. Caroline tried several times to excuse herself from this unwanted company, but they would make a pout, voice their disappointment of her leaving so abruptly, and simply make a circle around her, so she couldn't even move. Eira also tried to help but she was roughly pushed away when Addison wasn't watching; she was already planning an adventurous escape from those ladies' clutch when she saw Frigga entering the feast hall.

Addison's eyes glittered and she smiled. The women traced the direction of her look and instantly went quiet. Caroline pushed herself between them and they actually made way for her. Relief was washing through her while approaching the beautiful queen. Frigga saw her and smiled warmly. "There you are. I hoped you would make it tonight. I left you with a lot of work didn't I," said the queen looking over to Eira and to her guards besides the wall.
Addison responded with an unsure smile, "It was quite an adventure. I hope I haven't broken too many rules tonight with Loki not wanting servants and guards, with giving them days off, and talking to them while walking through the corridors of the palace."
Frigga stroke her chin in thought and spoke, "Let us move to the table and we can talk about this." They started walking and the queen continued, "You, dear child, come from a very different culture. You come from a place where employers are friendly with employees, and this is all you know. I am not saying that it is completely bad to be in good terms with your guards and personal servant. It may even do you good since your heritage doesn't call out respect in them when they hear it at first. Yet they will serve you no matter what. But you have to know that guards and servants have their reputation between each other. You don't want yours to be seen as of lower level than the others."

Caroline was cursing herself for being so ignorant of this. "Oh ,no! I feel so embarrassed. And I have embarrassed Ári and Yngvarr too."
The queen smiled. "You are a good woman, Caroline. I believe with time you will become the best mistress they will ever have. You care for them so much, you even know their names."

The rest of the feast went smoothly. Addison asked Frigga about the women who entrapped her earlier and she explained that those were the gossipers of the Asgardian court. Even though their actions were usually beyond reason, they weren't a completely dangerous company, for their love for talking about others was usually harmless. They were rich women, wives of men with a lot of power. It could actually have been prestigious to be in their group if it wasn't for their hobby of talking too much about others.

The same night Caroline got to meet many Asgardians who seemed a lot nicer company, although most of the people she spoke to had come to her with their prejudices like Heimdall had done earlier that day. Yet Addison was sure she had made some very good acquaintances. It turned out that there were Asgardians who genuinely liked Midgardians, for they had been anonymously on Earth in some period of their life and had been met with much hospitality when they didn't have anywhere to go.

Currently Addison was standing on the balcony, propped on the gloriously carved wide parapet. She wasn't alone. Her guards had also come out. Eira was standing beside her and they were talking. Caroline wanted to know more about the elvish girl. So she would ask random questions about her life and listen to her answers while looking up at the stars. The night had fallen over Asgard, and its enchanted sky welcomed her hungry gaze. Nearby nebulas were devouring her, newfound constellations would make her smile. But she was searching for a certain one. Loki's constellation.

While Eira's sweet voice would tingle in her ears Addison would gaze at the starry oblivion. After half an hour she was certain that she wasn't looking in the right direction. This is why she decided to go to the other side of the large balcony where she would be able to see some more of the sky. Eira followed her having the tightening feeling that her lady wasn't listening to her at all. The girl was wondering why she would bother asking about her life if she wasn't interested in it. Yet Eira didn't question her lady's reasons and kept telling her 103 year old story.

Addison was watching, and calculating, and using all her knowledge of Loki. There was no constellation in the form of his helmet, or a S for his serpent symbol, not even an L or M for Loki and Mischief. Suddenly her eyebrows rose. But of course. A very wide starry formation was smirking down to her. Was it possible that Loki's constellation was his impish smile? Caroline broke into laughter abruptly cutting Eira's story. The elvish girl furrowed her brows and looked away, trying to swallow the forming tears. When Addison's laughter stopped she turned to the silent Eira and instantly knew she had let the girl think her story was unheard. She made a step towards the elf and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Eira dear, you come from a wonderful loving family. You have always been there for each other. Supporting. Encouraging. It is shame you haven't seen them for years now. I believe you miss your 3 brothers and your sister. I hope too that they and your parents are alright." Addison embraced the girl and held her tightly while speaking, "I already know that Amora has given you hard time here and I want to compensate for that. Not that I was doing great while staring up in the sky instead of giving you any hint that I was listening to you with attention. Please don't hold it up to me." She broke the hug and with a warm smile she looked at Eira's big watery eyes.

The young elf didn't know how to react. When Caroline embraced her she stiffened, but after a few seconds she let herself return the embrace and almost felt warmed. She still minded that this was her mistress and that there were people around. No one gave out they had noticed something, but Eira was still cautious. All she could do was to nervously smile back to Addison and hope that this was going to be a way better lady-servant relation.

Soon after this Caroline decided that she had spoken with enough nobles for the time being and that it was also late enough for her to retire for the night. On the way back to Loki's quarters she was walking silently, thinking over Frigga's advice about her treatment towards her guards and servant. She had to learn to be nice to them only in private and especially refrain from talking freely with her guards when there were other people around. She had also noticed Eira's worried looking around when she had embraced her. Still the girl seemed to need a hug at that very moment. Another thing was, Addison partly knew how the young elf felt. Caroline also missed her family. They had moved to New Zealand two years ago. She had visited them only two times for a week each since then. They would otherwise keep in touch with phone calls and video talks, but being apart was still difficult. Her parents had insisted for her to go with them but she had preferred to stay in New York where she had good life, flourishing career, and people who knew about her powers and didn't mind them in the slightest. She could remember trying to tell her mother she was special when she was ten years old. Her mother had sweetly told her that those things were only in her imagination. And of course when mommy saw a vase floating in thin air she simply fainted, not remembering anything or refusing to when she woke up several hours later. Caroline had been so scared back then that this was her first and last attempt to speak or show her powers to anybody. Until Tony found her.

While Addison was absorbed in her thoughts Eira was having a great debate in her head. She had hoped the queen would take her as her servant. And she had dearly hoped so, for Frigga was very kind to her. Also, to be the queen's or king's servant was the most prestigious position she could take. Yet the queen never showed her affection like Addison had done tonight. The elvish girl knew Frigga wouldn't keep her forever. The queen never showed any intention on doing so. She could have given her to any Asgardian noble, yet Frigga decided to give her to an 83 years younger Midgardian woman who's only significance (or so she thought) was in her being the prince of Mischief's beloved. Eira flinched slightly by the thought of him. They knew each other from when Loki and her previous mistress had something like an affair. She could remember their relationship which was based only on carnal affections. She didn't know if she had to be concerned for her new mistress. Loki seemed scary even when he smiled. He would look more like a snake showing its teeth and not a good humored person like his brother was.

Ári was walking alongside with Yngvarr behind his lady and her servant. His chocolate eyes were currently looking in the back of a particular white-haired little elf. Eira in fact was as tall as Addison, but looked younger even with her 103 years of life. Ári had noticed her from the moment she had come to the palace, but never did he have the opportunity to speak to her. He had been very excited to go to the library with her alone when Caroline had sent them for paper and a pen. The young Asgardian had tried to speak with her, but Eira was shy enough to sparkle even more his curiosity for her. Many a times this night had Ári desired for a moment when he would speak to her again, but such an opportunity never came.

After walking along in silence for a while through the long corridors of the palace, the party finally reached Loki's chambers. Caroline could understand now why he would prefer to teleport to different places and not walk to them. It could take quite a while. She turned to her guards and knowing there was no one around she let herself smile to them. "Thank you for being in service tonight gentlemen. Your shift will soon be over. Take good rest until tomorrow."
They bowed their heads and Yngvarr spoke, "There is no need to thank us my lady. This is what our job is."
Caroline turned to him. "I know, but I appreciate your work and sometimes you will hear me voicing it. For now, goodnight Yngvarr, Ári." She flashed them a light smile and went into Loki's quarters leaving the two guards standing on the sides of the entrance gate.

Now Addison needed to deal with Eira and hope that when Loki comes back the next morning he would already know about the changes. She tried to imagine his displeased frown and his asking: What is going on here? She smirked. Damn. Was he hot when angry.

"Eira, is there anything you would want to tell me," came Caroline's calm voice. The girl blinked, her heart sinking in her stomach. What would her lady mean with that? Was she in trouble?
Addison saw the worry in the elf's blue pools and tilted her head. "Do not fret dear. I am only asking for something that you might want or need to speak about. This night I was particularly rude towards you."
Eira shook her head, relief washing through her. "No, no my lady! You are always very kind. I know very different levels of rudeness and your treatment of me can only be called kindness and not rudeness."
Caroline gave her a warm smile. "Alright then. I shall give you-…" She turned on her heels and walked to her wardrobe to pull out a sleeping nightgown and some unused underwear. She walked to the elvish girl and handed the clothes to her. "Here. This is for tonight. Tomorrow we should get you to the tailors to make you some clothes."
"I-… I cannot accept them."
Caroline rose her eyebrows. "Oh? Why?"
"They belong to my lady."
"Didn't you say that I had the right to give you whatever your belongings should be?"
"Yes, yes! But those are too fine. I am just an ordinary-…"
"And I want you to have nice clothes. And besides, I have seen servants dressed just as fine as their masters and mistresses. Now take those and don't oppose me for such things except if you know something that I don't. Then you must tell me."
Eira took the clothes and curtsied. "Yes my lady."
"You can go to your room now. Goodnight Eira."
"If my lady needs me-…" She paused.
Caroline smiled. "Yes. I will call you."
"Goodnight my lady."

..

The morning sun was shining through the slightly opened curtain of one of the large windows, splashing warm colours in the silent bedroom. Caroline half-asleep, half-awake was having dreams about her new responsibility, her guards and servant. She would have awkward conversations with some of them, then they would disappear and others would stand on their place. It was all blurry and very light. But that was because the sun was shining in her eyes already. She blinked fully awakened now.

A very familiar dark voice captured her ears. "You have broken many rules since I was gone-… for a couple of hours."
Addison sat up in her bed and looked around. Loki was nowhere to see. She grumbled thinking he was only contacting her mentally when she felt his presence. She turned to the other side again and there he stood. Tall, dark, and oh Norns! He sure looked hot when angry.
"Why hello Loki!" Her still sleepy look stopped at his fiery emeralds.
He narrowed his eyes menacingly and harshly said, "You will dispose of them right now!"
She recoiled a little biting her lower lip. "I am afraid I can't do such a thing."
"No? And why is that?" He wasn't shouting but his voice threatened for future increases in volume, showing his irritation. His eyes were sparkling dangerously, jaw clenched, muscles tensed, posture tall and proud. He was gorgeous. Suddenly a smile crooked his lips and as much as he tried to hold them together he failed miserably and started laughing with a hand on his stomach.

Addison, still sitting in the large bed, was now looking at him with wide eyes. "Why are you laughing?"
"By the Norns Carró! I am trying to be imposing and all you think about is sex." He kept chuckling while striding to her. She furrowed her brows and lifted her hands in front her.
"Wait what? It isn't exactly sex that was on my mind and you know that!"
He reached the bed and leaned forward putting his hands on the bed on the sides of her thighs saying with innocent expression, "No? But you think me very attractive at that very moment."
She looked away from him not able to hold his enticing gaze. He reached to her chin with a slender finger and turned her head back to him purring lowly, "Look at me." She did, feeling her heart picking its pace and her cheeks flushing. He smiled. "Do you see now why I cannot prank you properly? I simply can't bring myself to be serious enough. I am not mad about the new servants, but I wanted to seem so, for you were so worried about my reaction. I could not help but try." He started distributing light kisses to her jaw while saying, "Nonetheless, my attempt failed to your seductive mind." When his lips descended on her neck she sighed, a sweet sound to his ears. She reached to his shoulder and grabbed at his leather attire pulling him forward into the bed.

Light like an eagle in flight he pushed her backwards and covered her with his strong body. The look in his eyes before he kissed her was simply predatory. The fingers of one hand tangled in her wild curls while the other one slid to her breast and gently squeezed. Her breathing started coming with gasps when suddenly Loki broke the kiss and lifted himself from her. Still panting and visibly aroused he said, "Before I forget everything and ravish you, I firstly want to take you to a place I hope you will like."

Addison lifted herself on her elbows. Her lips were still reddened from the kiss, her cheeks flushed from the excitement between her thighs. Oh, did she look ravishing. She raised an eyebrow at him. "And where that place would be?"
He smirked and whispered, "Close your eyes. It's a surprise."

Next chapters reveal why Loki is so careful not to spend too much intimate time with Caroline. What did you think about this chapter mi dears? I love your reviews!