Chapter 20.

The week ended with he waking one morning to see Floria standing in front of the window, her eyes fixed on the frosted over glass and watching the snow fall outside. Her breath the only thing creating movement on her still frame, her chest rising and falling softly as she gazed in wonder at the phenomena that seemed so new to her. She stepped toward the window, resting her hands on the sil and letting her breath fog the window as she stepped up on her toes to look at the garden outside.

She wore a heavy gown of wine colored silk, and her hair was pulled up in a stylish bun and secured with a gold comb. He saw the golden embroidery on her cuffs, watching the way the light shimmered off the knotwork pattern and knew it was a dress of Frigga's s design. He made a small sound, her face turning toward him and she smiled brightly.

"I did not want to wake you Sir." She said, stepping away from the window and picking up his breakfast tray. She walked with it over to him, setting it in his lap and helping him to sit up. She sat next to him on the bed, and his stomach rumbled at the scent from under the gilded cover. He uncovered the plate, his appetite growing stronger and began eating the eggs in front of him. He took a bite of the sausage and hummed in pleasure to himself, the food filling him.

"You did not wake me Floria. Although, the vision I had of you when I did open my eyes was breathtaking. How you watched the snow, and was so curious was endearing." He said and caressed her cheek. His thumb brushed just under her eye, the orbs holding a light of happiness in them.

"I have never seen snow until now." She said, looking back through the window at it. "It is so very pretty Sir."

"Floria, we talked about that. Call me Loki, I want for us to be equals when we are alone together like this." He said and she looked down at his scolding. She folded her hands, looking at the floor and sighing.

"I am sorry." She said and he tilted her chin with his fingers, pinching it gently and smiling at her. She giggled shily, blushing and lay on the side of the bed she sat on. She tucked her hands close to her, and smiled at him as he ate.

"I am not angry, I just want you to know that I am no better than you. I was stripped of my title, and am only a Prince by name alone." He said and put the tray on the table, he looked down at her and watched her fingers trace an embroidered leaf on the coverlet.

"You have not heard then, you are to be restored to your former title Sir." She said and he nearly sat up in shock. He looked at her, his hand covering hers and blinked.

"What? Is this true?"

"Yes. King Odin is going to have a grand ceremony to pubically recognize you as his son and a Prince of Asgard. There will be a feast and ball afterwards." She said and pushed off the bed to look him in the face. He caressed her cheek again, her face turning into the touch and her lips brushed his thumb. He took his hand away, looking out the window and thinking. This restoration to his former glory could open certain doors, but at what cost to him? Thor was an oaf, he would be a terrible King, drink and women would distract him from his people. He could lead this world into ruin, but forcing his place could cost him his freedom. And worse yet, Floria.

"I am greatful for this then." He said and looked back at her. She had lay back down, her head on the pillow next to him. He turned on his side painfully, smiling at her.

"I am happy then, to have brought you this news." She replied and he regarded her for a moment.

"You are laying in a spot that suits you very much." He said and she blinked at him, confusion crossing her face.

"What do you mean? I am merely resting, Queen Frigga had us all up very early to prepare for your ceremony."

"It is a place reserved for a wife, and it makes me feel stragenly urgent to keep you there." He replied and she covered her face, redness crossing her cheeks and she giggled.

"This is less than proper, and I would not know how to perform the duties required of a Wife." She replied and he laughed at he innocence, she blinked at him and she lowered her hands. She had come more out of her shell, and she was befinning to bask in the sun a bit. Their conversations had him prodding her less and less to get her thoughts on subjects and he found her even more intriguing because of it.

"You will learn, I am sure there are certain salacious books that the other Maids read that you can take lessons from." He replied and she merely smiled at him in response, an action that startled him for a moment. "Have you read such things?"

"No. My mind is untainted but such desires as well, I wanted to tease you a bit." She replied and he laughed at her again, his side ached but he ignored it to look at her. He used his middle and index finger to move an errant strand of hair out of her face, her eyes following the movement.

"Naughty girl. I seem to have had a terrible influence on you, rejecting the advances of Thor, speaking your mind freely. I should be flogged for such things." He said and shook her head.

"No, celebrated for them. You took a frightened girl and taught her so very much, and earned her affections for them Sir... I mean... Loki." She said and he smiled at her, her eyes looked heavy and he felt tired himself. He thought nothing of her laying on top of the bedding and closing her eyes, finding her company a comfort of sorts in his pain.

"You may sleep if you wish, I will correct anyone who tries to spread gossip again if I must." He said and she yawned behind her hand, a nod coming as she punched her eyes shut.

"I trust you Sir, I am just a little tired." She said and sighed. He watched her close her eyes, her breathing becoming regular and steady as she drifted to sleep. He rolled on his back, resting his own tired eyes himself and heard the door open. He looked at the door and saw Hogun standing there, his eyes on Floria and he cringed for a moment. He expected to see the Warrior rage at him, but instead, he sat in a chair calmly and opened a book from under his arm.

"She did say that was tired from assisting the Queen, I will say until she wakes up." Hogun said and Loki chuckled a bit.

"Nothing..." He started, but was cut off.

"I know, but I will stay. To keep gossip from damaging her reputation." He said and Loki nodded, his pain causing him to bite back a groan.

"Thank you, I don't want her hurt." He said and let himself drift to sleep.