By the time I found myself on the streets of Asgard, the afternoon had already begun. Meaning I likely didn't have time to eat. Just to show its protest of the lack of proper meals, my stomach growled. No help for it- I'd have to wait until after the concert. As much as I'd like to procrastinate a while longer by ducking into a café, this was not the time to dawdle. Even if I did find a dress, I'd still have to walk all the way back to the palace.

Times like this I could use Loki's talent for teleporting, I mused enviously. Mid-stride, I was struck by a curious thought. Who's to say I don't? My gates aren't that much different, really. So why wouldn't I be able to create one to my bedroom just as easily as to Micharea? Just because I'd never tried, that didn't mean it wasn't possible. And since no one had told me I couldn't use my talent in Asgard, what was to stop me from attempting it now? Nothing, as far as I could see. Dress first, though.

I spotted a shop that looked like it might sell a gown like what I had in mind. The overhead sign read 'Lady Coryn's Best Dressed'. With a reluctant sigh, I crossed the street and stepped inside. The sound of jingling bells startled me, until I realized it was a signal to let the proprietor know a customer entered the shop. Sure enough, a huge woman of fair height appeared from the back of the shop. I hoped that her current ensemble wasn't indicative of the sort of thing she sold, definitely nothing I'd because caught dead wearing. Puffs and frills. Everywhere. And with her girth, they only served to make her look that much…fuller. As I admonished myself for having such unkind thoughts, she smiled at me. Her eyes widened, then she pressed a hand to her ample bosom.

"Lady Lilith," the woman exclaimed in obvious delight. Of course it had been too much to hope I wouldn't be recognized. "I'm so pleased to have you in my establishment! What can I assist you with today?"

I gritted my teeth and let the subject of 'Lady' go. If I stopped to correct everyone today, I'd have no time to get the damned dress. So instead of doing what I wanted to do- namely, to turn around and leave- I bent my mouth into what I hoped was a smile.

"The palace is hosting a concert this evening, and I'm afraid I've been remiss in purchasing a gown to wear. Left it to the last minute. I was wondering what you might have in your collection."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully as her gaze swept up and down my body. If she knew her profession well- and I was sure she did- the merchant could likely guess what size dress I'd wear just by looking. Thank the gods, since I hadn't a clue to help her sort it out. When the woman finished measuring me up, she seemed disappointed.

"I may have one or two gowns that would fit you, but I'm not sure they'd do for such a formal event."

"Can I see them, anyway- just in case?"

"Of course." The shopkeeper shuffled over to a rack along the back wall and pulled out two dresses for my inspection. "Here we are."

She was right; they'd never do. Even if they'd been the color I was looking for, the cut of them was a bit too…daring…to wear for a concert. I might have gone as far as to say they weren't fit to wear in public in general. To be less critical, I'd say they would certainly show off more skin than I was used to- even when I'd worn gowns. Pretty sure if I bent over in either of those, the whole audience would see the crack of my ass. I barely managed to hold in the giggle at that thought. It didn't help when I added, but then I wouldn't have to worry about what they thought of my musical performance, would I?

The woman must have seen the look on my face and shook her head.

"As I said, these likely weren't what you were looking for. I'm afraid I sold most of my formalwear merchandise earlier this week and haven't had the chance to restock from my regular designers yet."

"I am not surprised to hear so, and expect to hear the same from others before this afternoon is out. I hope this teaches me a lesson about procrastinating."

"Never you mind that. I'm sure somewhere out there is the right fit for the occasion."

The woman had more optimism than I did about my chances. And seeing as that was the case, I thought to ask her opinion where I should direct my search next. Surely among her friends and acquaintances were other shopkeepers and dressmakers. Far better to try that route instead of aimlessly picking random streets and hoping to find another shop. After she'd returned from restocking the gowns, I brought up my plan.

"Would you, by chance, know who might still have a selection that I could try next?"

As quickly as she drew breath, she rattled off the names of several other shops, obviously happy that she could at least say she'd given me that much help. I feared at first that she wouldn't stop with her list of suggestions. Gods, it seemed she knew half the city. So when she paused for breath, I cut in to stop her from imparting any more information.

"My thanks to you for the advice, Lady. I'm sure if I can't find a suitable dress in one of those establishments, I shan't find one in all of Asgard. But if I do intend to find it in time, I should be on my way."

"Yes, yes, of course. Do remember me should you need anything in the future. I'd love to have you back as a patron, Lady Lilith."

Yeah, I bet you would. I gave her a closed smile and hastened to the door. The woman waved at me cheerfully as I thanked her again and left. Is this what Thor and the rest of them deal with every day? Starting to think my anonymity wasn't as bad as it seemed to be. That sentiment only grew stronger with every shop I visited. Didn't matter if the proprietor was a man or woman, they all fawned over me like dogs gnawing on bones. In all but one or two places, the experience was very brief, as most had nothing to recommend to me for the concert. Even the few that did still didn't quite have what I pictured. All of them bade me return another time, trying to secure my business just as Lady Coryn had.

I'd about given up when I resolved to go to one last shop. The previous shopkeeper had been reluctant to name it, but had no other alternative when he'd heard I'd already come from the shops of his preferred cronies. Seemed this one was not as well-established, nor did it have a great name to back its designs. I cared little for either, and so wasn't bothered to try my luck there. Not surprisingly, the street where the shop was located was further off the main thoroughfare than most. I might have missed it entirely if I hadn't been looking, since it boasted no sign or advertisement of what was for sale inside. The windows were dark and I wondered if it was closed for the day. Let's hope not.

Crossing my fingers, I tried the door. It gave at my touch, swinging inward. I stepped over the thresh hold and glanced around. No sign of anyone, but I saw something that mattered far more at the moment. Dresses, gowns- every manner of women's clothes that I could imagine. Encouraged by the array before me, I ventured further into the room. Only after the door closed behind me did I see the shop's owner, who was curled up in a chair with a worn book. She glanced up, blinking as if unsure she believed I was truly there.

"May I help you," she asked, setting the book aside.

"I sure hope so," I remarked wryly. "I really need a dress for this evening, and so far I have come up empty-handed."

"A dress you say. Have you tried Lady Coryn's?"

"About six or seven shops ago. And even if her wares hadn't been picked over, I doubt I would have wanted anything from that place. Besides, from what I can see, I should have begun my search here and saved myself quite the headache."

"I'd be happy to help," the woman said with a wan smile. Then she continued, "But I feel I should warn you that it's not considered fashionable for Ladies of Asgard to patronize my shop."

I knew only too well how it felt to be excluded and considered second-best, and found myself taking a liking to the Lady for having the guts not to give up. She sounded as though she could use someone to help bolster that courage, though.

"Well, it's a good thing I've never cared to belong to that crowd, since a requirement appears to be a lack of common sense and intelligence."

Her mouth twitched with the urge to smile, but she kept it from cracking her professional demeanor. I was not deterred, and tried again to spark her humor.

"My name's Lilith," I offered, not sure if she'd recognized me. "I'd be pleased if you used it. Ask anyone who knows me- 'Lady' is not among the adjectives or titles that I aspire to embody. So- can I browse about in the hope you've got something that will get me out of my impending formalwear crisis?"

That did break her composure, and the woman let out a quiet laugh.

"I'd heard about you…" she almost said 'Lady', but caught herself in time. "-Lilith, but had credited it all as rumor."

"Not entirely. But I'm sure even with this one proven true, plenty others remain without an answer either way. Sometimes I think Asgard runs on conjecture and storytelling. I'm afraid this is the only one I can assist with today, though, or I'll have nothing to wear to this concert tonight."

"Quite all right. Did you have a particular color in mind? That might help get us started."

"Green or black- or both. Something in that general palette."

Her hand stilled on the rack of dresses to her right, a peculiar expression on her face. I wondered if it had anything to do with those 'rumors' she claimed to have heard. Even though nothing was going on between me and the God of Mischief, I wouldn't be surprised if people said otherwise. Never in the open if they had a healthy respect for their own safety- but in hushed whispers I could see how they would misconstrue our friendship for something else.

Something you're wont to do from time to time, a cheeky voice in my head whispered.

Oh do shut up, I hissed back.

Make me.

Since I didn't have time to argue with myself on the matter, I let it go. That and the shopkeeper's sharp look gave me the impression she thought my sudden distractedness strange. Rumors indeed. If I kept this up, I'd provide new grist for the mill that I was losing my mind. I cleared my throat self-consciously.

"So, uh, do you have anything that might fit what I'm looking for?"

"A few, I think. Why don't I pull them out and you can try them on in the dressing room?"

"Wonderful. That's further than I've gotten all day."

"It's there in the corner- next to the shawls and coats. I'll be over with the first one in just a minute."

I entered the tiny, enclosed room and disrobed, discarding my tunic and leggings on a stool. The boots I left on, not wanting to bother with the hassle of unlacing and lacing them up again. The woman passed a dress through the curtain separating my room from the rest of the store. Probably could have done this out there where I had more room- not like anyone else is here to see me. Still, the risk that some other last minute shopper would arrive deterred me from leaving the sanctuary of my closet-sized room.

Might as well get on with this, I thought as I held up the dress. The color was a little too bright at first glance; I pulled it over my head, anyway. Better if it wasn't quite right than to have no dress at all. Smoothing the fabric so it hung correctly, my eyes sought the mirror on the back wall to have a look. Not bad, I admitted. We'll call this a 'maybe' until I've seen the others. As I turned this way and that to get a better look, the shopkeeper called to me through the curtain.

"Are you ready to try on the next one?"

"Just a second." I took off the dress I was wearing and hung it on a nearby peg. "Okay, ready."

So it went- went on for longer than I had expected. My endurance was flagging, and still nothing that felt right. The gowns were all beautiful, but none of them quite what I was looking for. They were just missing…something. Finally, she announced the end had come.

"This is the last one I have in your size that sticks to your color scheme. I wasn't sure if you'd like it, but it's worth a try."

My hand reached for the rich, dark fabric- a material I wasn't sure I'd seen before. Not quite silk; not quite…well, anything familiar at all. And the color was equally unusual. As I inspected it more closely in the light overhead, it appeared nearly black; the next moment, deep green. Curious. I shrugged and slipped it on, wondering why she'd hesitated to include the dress with the others. Until I saw myself in the mirror, that is.

Oh…well, yes. I can see what she meant now.

The dress clung to my body, emphasizing its curves from shoulder to knee before trailing gracefully to the tips of my boots. I twisted slightly to get a view of myself from behind. What little there was of it to see, anyway. The design of the bodice left most of my back bare- almost all the way to my waist. In front, the v-shaped neckline was not quite so dramatic, but made up for it by molding my breasts in an impressive display of cleavage. Wasn't sure where that came from; I never considered myself all that well-endowed. When I shifted the other way, I was startled to see a flash of my right knee and lower leg through a split in the side.

I'd be crazy to show up tonight in this dress. I'm on display for the whole world to see.

Or perhaps just for Loki to see, a voice suggested slyly. Wasn't that what you were looking for- something that would get him to notice you? This dress certainly will.

I caught my lower lip with my teeth, not wanting to admit it. But the eyes looking back at me from the mirror knew the truth. I had wanted to be noticed. And as that voice pointed out, a dress like this was designed to attract attention. It was elegant enough to fit the occasion, and yet exuded a very obvious aura of…

Go on and say it, the voice urged.

Sex appeal, I admitted.

And I looked sexy in it, no question. But would I be able to pull it off? A dress like this needed to be worn with confidence, I'd just look foolish and awkward. In the realm of all things physical and…sexual…confidence was not something I had in vast quantities. I could imagine wearing it tonight, and even dared imagine what I might do if Loki actually did notice me in it. But it would be quite another thing to actually do it. As I continued to stare at myself in the mirror, though, I realized my mind was made up. For reasons as terrifying as they were baffling, I was determined to wear this dress and no other. I sure hope I know what I'm doing. I pushed the curtain aside and emerged into the shop.

"This is the one," I announced as she stared at me, jaw slightly ajar. "It's exactly what I've been looking for."

When she'd quite recovered from her shock, the woman nodded.

"You look…amazing," she breathed.

"I'd say thanks, but I'd bet a large part of it I owe to the dress- is the design one of your own?"

"It is."

"Those other shopkeepers and 'fashionable' Ladies of Asgard truly are idiots, then." I smiled at her; the first genuine one I'd given during this whole adventure. "How lucky for me, though. I'm sure I'll be back to see what you create next."

"T-thank you." She blushed at my praise.

"I don't mean to rush, but I don't want to think how late the hour must be. I should probably get back to the palace. Let me get changed and you can write up the invoice."

In no time at all, I was back in my every-day clothes. The dress was boxed up carefully and paid for. Then I was on my way. Before I tried my luck using a portal, though, I had one last errand in the city. It took another half hour to get what I wanted, but was well worth it. Then at last I was ready to go home. I found a quiet street and pictured my suite in my head- like I'd done with Micharea. A shimmery curtain of air gradually took on the image. I stepped through and found myself in the main chamber of my suite.

Well, I'm never making that long walk again.

The afternoon was nearly spent and Lilith had yet to appear at the palace. The search for a dress must not be going well. Loki hoped she wouldn't come back empty-handed, and not just because she'd be disappointed. He would be, too. Almost since she awakened from her healing sleep, Lilith hadn't donned a gown of any kind. And although Loki enjoyed looking at her in whatever she chose to wear, he did miss the sight of something other than a tunic and leggings.

Of course he understood why Lilith was reluctant to include dresses in her wardrobe. They only brought back memories of the dark days with Danethar when he'd insisted she wore nothing else. Not surprisingly, she tried to deal with it- like every other reminder- by not dealing with it. The nightmares, for example. Last night's had been especially violent. But she still wouldn't talk about it. Loki worried more and more about what happened to her during those horrific dreams. He'd spent another afternoon in the library looking for more answers to stop them. Once again, nothing he was willing to risk trying.

Damn that bastard to the deepest pit in Niffelheim. I hope when I finally dispatch him from this realm, he'll suffer for the rest of eternity in that place.

He paced his private study, recalling how the man had begged for death. He begged every day, but today had been one of the first he'd been close to giving into the desire to grant his wish. Danethar thought he wanted that final end so badly, when in truth, Loki wanted it far more. Then all of this could be over and Danethar the person would be a closed chapter; a wound that could finally close. For all of them- himself included. He'd never admit it to Odin, but he had good reason to be concerned the longer he kept on.

To his credit, the Allfather had said nothing more on the subject since his visit to the dungeons, but if the looks he'd shared with Frigga during the midday meal were any indication, he had by no means forgotten about it. But where Odin wouldn't repeat his concerns, his mother had no qualms about speaking her mind. So naturally she'd been the one to say something about it today, if not a little less direct than he'd expected. Even so, what else could she have meant by a 'troubling morning'? Loki had done the kindest thing he could for them all; he lied. And he'd keep telling them that lie as long as it took.

Not the time to be dwelling on that. The concert is only an hour away. I came in here to get ready, not to think about that blackguard.

First order of business was to bathe. Perhaps that would help clear away these poisonous thoughts so he could enjoy the rest of the evening- which he was definitely going to do. Fortunately, his personal servants had finished filling the immense, marble tub sunken into the floor of his bathroom. Installed custom, the black and silver veined stone was the focal point- a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Loki would have nothing less than perfection in his domain.

The last servant scurried out of his suite with a murmured 'My Lord' and a curtsey as he left his study. His footsteps didn't pause as he passed through the bedroom, discarding articles of his clothing along the way. Entering the bathing room fully undressed, Loki breathed a deep sigh. Steam rose in curling tendrils from the water, fogging the mirrors with tiny droplets. Even the air was thick with it, leaving only the marble floor cool against the soles of his feet as he crossed the room.

Gingerly, Loki stepped into the tub and sank into the water. Its intense heat gradually eased the tension in his muscles, which had steadily built from the moment he'd descended the stairs to the palace dungeon. For a long while- longer than he probably should have- he did no more than lie motionless with his head resting on a padded cushion draped over the tub's rounded edge. Only the knowledge that he needed to get downstairs spurred him to grab a washcloth and bath oils. No time to enjoy himself, so he rushed through lathering his body.

Loki was nearly finished when without warning, thoughts of Lilith flooded his mind. Moments they'd already shared; moments he dreamed they might share in the future; desperate fantasies of moments he doubted would ever be, but secretly hoped would come true. His body's response to the last of those was immediate and fervent. I don't have time for this, he reminded himself sternly. As if that helped any, which it didn't. Neither did a lecture on self-discipline as he washed and rinsed his shoulder-length, black hair. When he emerged from the tub and reached for a fluffy green towel to dry off, he was still aroused. Nothing he could do but ignore it and hope by the time he was dressed and leaving his suite he'd be more in command of himself.

Which is why I need to speak with Lilith. I can't go on like this anymore.

Loki strode purposefully into his bedroom, headed for his wardrobe. From its hanger, he withdrew the suit he planned to wear this evening. Lilith had been correct in assuming he would be dressed formal tonight. Not because he was interested in impressing the Lords and Ladies attending the event; as if he cared what they thought. Loki's primary goal was to impress Lilith- encourage her to notice him, if he could. As he buttoned the tailored black trousers and donned a shirt of dark emerald silk, Loki hoped it worked. Over the shirt, he shrugged into the matching black jacket.

He selected a pair of silver and emerald cufflinks from his collection on the dresser and affixed them at his wrists. The ensemble was complete once he slipped on a pair of shiny black dress shoes. Standing before the full-length mirror beside the wardrobe, Loki admired the overall effect. If this doesn't get Lilith's attention, nothing will. Satisfied he left his suite and headed for the conservatory where they were supposed to meet before the concert. Let's just hope she's there, or this concert will not be off to a good start.

Knowing Lilith, he knew that worry was unfounded. Dress or not, she'd never be late when she promised to do something. She'd be there. How would she react when she saw him, though? That was the only worry he couldn't completely banish. It refused to go away the whole walk to that part of the palace.

They spent all afternoon in the conference room, but were no closer to a plan than they'd been when Thor first arrived. Simply not enough information yet, as much as everyone hated to admit that Stark had been right. So rather than beat their heads against the wall, the decision was made that it was best to break for dinner. Rather, Tony insisted upon it and the rest of them acquiesced to avoid the frustration of yet another unwinnable argument. Thor wasn't sure who was most annoyed about the situation, but even the prospect of food did little to lighten his mood.

I could be at the concert tonight back on Asgard, but instead I'm here when there's nothing for me to do.

"What's the scowl for," asked Wanda as she sat at the long dining room table. "You look angry enough to chew nails."

"Oh it's nothing. Just thinking."

She rolled her eyes as she stuck her fork in her salad. "Puh-lease. You don't expect me to believe that, do you?"

"Okay, fine," he relented. "I'm a little put out at missing a concert on Asgard."

Others joined them at the table, catching the end of his sentence. Natasha and Pepper shared a quizzical look before sitting down, but Clint was the one to ask a follow up question. He shook his head.

"Somehow I don't quite picture you the type to attend concerts. What's so special about this performance?"

"My brother is performing in it."

Where before everyone had been confused, now they were surprised. Shocked, even. The two front legs of Tony's chair hit the hardwood floor with a loud crash. Meanwhile, Cap cleared his throat to say what the rest of them were thinking.

"But…wasn't he supposed to be locked up? Indefinitely, as I recall."

"Yeah, that had been the plan, but the Allfather released him late spring at my mother's request. Under certain conditions, of course."

"Has he lost his mind? Or doesn't he remember what happened the last time Loki was free?"

"Did you even think to warn us," Bruce demanded in a deceptively calm voice.

Agitated rumbles rounded the table. Thor supposed in hindsight he should have sent word to the Avengers, but there'd been so much to do in the early days. And then came the whole business with Lilith and- his eyes narrowed slightly- Danethar. In any case, the days just got away from him. He sighed heavily.

"I should have, but you've nothing to worry about from my brother."

"We're talking about the same god, right," Nat queried incredulously. "The one who nearly destroyed half of New York in an attempt to rule Earth. That Loki. That's the one you say we shouldn't worry about when he's roaming free in Asgard? And now you're not even there to keep an eye on him."

Nat had a right to be suspicious. None of them had the benefit of witnessing Loki's transformation over the past month and a half. If he hadn't seen it for himself, he wouldn't believe it, either. So how could he explain it convincingly?

"That Loki's gone," he said simply, recalling what he'd told Heimdall. "And as far as I can see, he's not coming back."

That did not work at all. The others just stared at him- expressions once again confused.

"What do you mean, 'gone'?"

"It's a long story, but the point of it is he's changed. I didn't trust it at first either, but now I'm convinced Midgard has nothing to fear."

"Yeah, I'm not so sure I'd agree with you," Clint replied, crossing his arms and frowning. "Nothing can change someone that much."

Thor had hoped not to say anything about his brother's feelings regarding Lilith, but it seemed the only way he might convince them he was telling the truth. Here it goes.

"Not something- someone. An Asgardian woman by the name of Lilith Morgan."

That got everyone's attention very quickly. Thor cringed inwardly when Tony's eyes lit up in amusement, knowing he was not going to enjoy whatever he was going to say next.

"Wait a minute. You mean to tell us that Reindeer Games has a girlfriend?"

"Not exactly. It's…complicated." As a Celtic knot, he added silently. "But knowing her has made a marked improvement upon his character."

"If you say she's convinced him to give up ideas of conquering Earth, I'd say it borders on the miraculous."

"If not the impossible," Cap said. "Come on, Thor. This girl seriously means so much to Loki that he'd be willing to change-"

"He loves her," Thor interrupted him.

No one said a word. Not even Tony, who he'd expected to have yet another smart remark. But he was utterly speechless for once in his life. A miracle no greater than getting Loki to give up his scheming. The rest of the team was silent for so long that discomfort set in. Thor resisted the urge to fidget in his chair. Thankfully, Nat recovered enough to restart the conversation.

"You're serious, aren't you?"

"I wasn't kidding earlier when I said you wouldn't believe what's been going on in Asgard where Loki was concerned. Now you can see what I meant. Because yes, I'm absolutely serious."

"Dunno about the rest of you, but that makes me almost want to ask if I could visit Asgard to see it for myself," Tony remarked.

"I'm sure it's for the best if you didn't," Wanda laughed. "I shudder to think of you let loose on those unsuspecting Asgardian Ladies."

"Hmm," the former hummed thoughtfully while tapping his chin. "I wonder if his Lady could be tempted to stray…if provided with the right motivation."

"Don't," Thor jumped in, more than a little panicked. "Don't say it. Don't even think it."

"Oh relax, Thor. I was just having a little fun."

"No, you're not. Or you won't be if Loki ever hears of what you just said. He might actually kill you for it."

"He would not."

"He would," Thor insisted. "Stay away from Lilith."

"You'd better listen to him, Stark," Cap murmured. "I do believe he means it."

Tony swirled the drink in his hand and tipped his chair back again. Raising an eyebrow, he asked in a bemused tone, "So the Trickster can't take a joke? What happened to his sense of humor?"

"When it comes to other men and Lilith, he doesn't have one. Especially not when they flirt with her."

"Does she have any say in the matter, or has your brother decided on her behalf that her choices are him or no one? Sounds like Asgard doesn't have many women's rights groups- am I right, ladies?"

Some nasty looks thrown in Tony's direction over that casual jest, but equally as many concerned ones directed at Thor. If he was going to put them at ease he was going to have to give some background on his cousin, too. It seemed the more he talked, the deeper in trouble he got. Like always. I just hope neither of them finds out about this.

"I said it's complicated. Lilith…well, her recently terminated marriage was a difficult one for her." The women at the table exchanged knowing glances. They knew exactly what he meant; the men were a little slower to piece it together. Thor continued, anyway. "It's only been a few weeks since that happened, and she isn't exactly interested in anyone's attention. So you could say my brother takes it very seriously to make sure everyone follows her wishes."

"By difficult…"

"He means abusive, Tony. Keep up, would you?"

"Hey, I was just asking."

"No, you were prodding- so cut it out," Pepper chided him. "Sorry, Thor. He forgets his manners sometimes."

"Or most times," Wanda quipped from behind her glass of wine.

"Hey, what's with dumping on me all of a sudden? We were talking about Reindeer Games and his not-girlfriend, remember?"

Before anyone could answer, JARVIS effectively ended their conversation by announcing, "Sir, I have urgent new from the mayor of New York. H.Y.D.R.A. has struck again."

Everyone threw down their utensils and napkins, scrambling from the unfinished meal to respond to the threat. Everyone except Tony, who sat for a second or two, staring at his tumbler of scotch with regret.

"Always during dinner. Can't they plan mayhem at a civilized hour?" He set the glass down after draining it in a single swallow. "Off to work it is, then."

In no time, Loki arrived at the conservatory and waited patiently as two palace pages rolled the piano out of the room. Once they'd passed, he slipped inside before it closed. From behind an open cabinet, he heard Lilith's voice call out.

"I can't seem to find the other stand in here, Philip. It must be in the hall already."

"He's already left with the piano, Lilith."

Her face peered over the top of the cabinet door. "Oh, it's you."

Loki couldn't quite tell at this distance but he swore she might have been wearing make-up. The sapphire of her eyes stood out more than usual, at least. And her hair- she'd done more than braid it for the evening. Half of it was pinned in a complex knot atop her head, while the rest fell in curling waves and ringlets around her shoulders. His mouth went dry at how its captivating effect, while wondering if behind that wooden door she was wearing a dress equally as lovely. But Lilith didn't seem inclined to answer that unasked question just yet, not moving from the cabinet blocking his view. Instead, she eyed him head to toe; Loki held his breath and waited. After what seemed like forever, she bestowed her opinion.

"Well, don't you look…wow." That last word came out somewhat breathless. "Quite the change from the everyday look. Now spending all afternoon in search of a dress seems well worth it. I might stand a chance at competing with you."

Well, she noticed. Feeling inordinately pleased at that victory, he smiled at her.

"I take it you were successful, then?"

"I," she paused with a tentative smile of her own. "I'll let you decide."

Lilith stepped out from behind the cabinet and the floor dropped out from under him. Searched for an entire afternoon? If she'd spent a lifetime, she couldn't have found a gown any more perfect than that one. It fit her like a second skin, and that color…his thoughts were interrupted when he noticed the slit on the right side. Gods of the Allfather…I swear I'll kill the first man I catch looking at that leg. Lilith shifted slightly, and Loki's attention was drawn to the cut of the neckline. He suspected…but no, it couldn't be. Only one way to know.

"Hmm…let's see the rest of it," he managed to say, though not as evenly as he would have liked. With one hand, he motioned that she should turn. "Once around."

Lilith pivoted slowly, allowing Loki to get a better view of the dress from behind. Rather, the sight of her bared skin from neck to…Loki swallowed hard. Whoever made that gown had a wicked imagination, and he intended to thank him or her personally. Profusely. Meanwhile, Lilith completed the turn to face him again, and he was fairly certain he hadn't been able to hide his thoughts before she saw them.

"So will this do," she asked shyly.

Loki forced his feet to move, covering the space between them in a half-dozen strides. A hand's-breadth away, he stopped. From so close, he noticed the tear-shaped emeralds suspended from her earlobes and the matching pendant nestled just below her collarbone. He took her hands in his, squeezing them lightly.

"It's beautiful," he told her. "You're beautiful, Lilith."

She blushed.

"You think so?"

"You always have been. Not just on the outside- a wholly beautiful person. And I…" he took a breath to finally say it.

"The concert is starting," called Frigga's voice from the door; neither of them had heard her come in.

His impromptu confession was effectively ruined. Mother or not, Loki imagined how he'd murder her over the lost opportunity. But he forced himself to paste a reluctant smile over his disappointment, half-turning to nod at her over his shoulder.

"We'll be right there, Mother." When he returned to Lilith, he couldn't quite tell from her expression if she was as crestfallen about the interruption. With his thumb, he brushed the backs of her knuckles. "After the concert tonight…I have something I need to tell you."

"O…okay," she whispered tremulously.

They stood that way for a second or two longer before he pulled away with a gallant gesture to the door.

"I believe we have an audience awaiting what I expect will be a spectacular performance. Shall we?"

Lilith picked up the shift in the mood and joined him in their familiar banter once more.

"Spectacular," she mused with an arch of her brow. "Well, I suppose it would be a shame to disappoint them. Let's go."

But even as Loki escorted her from the conservatory, he could still sense the underlying tension of their unfinished conversation between them. Just a few hours more, he promised silently. Tonight when the concert is over and the guests have all left after dinner…I'll tell her.