Chapter 25.

The next day, Thor stood in front of the throne. His head pounding as if he had taken several blows to the head, and the glowering of his father did nothing for his mood. Frigga stood silently, and her face said everything about what was to happen that day. He was not here to be crowned, but reprimanded for his actions. He figured there would be another speech, nothing more and then he could go on with his plans to win over Floria. He grimaced as Odin slammed the end of his staff on the floor, his head hurting worse and he wishing he had never even heard of a drink called Mead.

"Thor Odinson, your behavior of the previous night disappoints me greatly. This is not how a future King should act, and not how a son of mine should treat a woman, no matter what her station may be." Odin began, Thor waiting for the lecture to end. "For this, I believe the time for mere words is over. I have been lenient for far too long, and in this, I must take action. You are to be punished for this, in order to keep peace in this house."

"What madness..." Thor protested and the look he was given by his father silenced him. He lowered his eyes, and knew that Loki was behind this. He swore revenge, promising himself that his rival would pay.

"I have thought long, and I do not want to be harsh, but you have left me no choice." Odin said and he fought to keep from groaning. "You will, on my order, be a servant to Frigga's Handmaidens and serve them all as a Paige of sorts. You will polish their shoes, ensure that their linens are clean, and deliver their messages, and perform any other tasks they require of you until I see that you are humbled. Perhaps through this, you will earn my forgiveness and learn that The Handmaidens of your Mother are more than pretty faces." Odin said and Thor stood in shock, he had to serve women below him? How could this be?

"Yes Father." He said and bowed, wanting to return to bed and waiting to be dismissed. Odin regarded his silent son for a moment, waving a hand to send him off.

"You will begin tomorrow, sleep off your celebration form last night today." Odin said and Thor bowed, turning on his heel and leaving. The Maids giggled, all of them looking at eachother and smiling.

"Did you hear That? He is to work as our servant." A blonde girl said, the others giggling in excitement. "Perhaps one of us will win his affections."

"I do hope it is me." The red haired girl named Cin said, her eyes sparkling. One girl in particular stood silent, her stomach feeling sick at the idea but staying silent.

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Loki and Floria walked together, she being quieter than usual and more reserved. She folded her hands in front of her, her blue cloak whispering over the snow as they walked to the stables. She kept her eyes low, and when he cleared her throat she jumped in suprise.

"Is something bothering you Floria?" He asked her and she shook her head silently. He sighed, opening the side door and letting her pass. "Did the comb upset you?"

"No Sir, it was a lovely gift and I thank you for it." She said automatically and he smiled at her, noticing that she was wearing it.

"It does look very nice in your hair. I do like the contrast, and it brings attention to how your waves shine." He replied and she nodded. She walked to her horse and smiled at Snowdrop, her gloved hands reaching out and stroking the mare's fur. She gave her an apple, and the horse gobbled down the treat and Floria gently picked up a brush to groom the beautiful creature. He watched, her small hands calming the sweet natured horse and he wondered why she was so quiet that day.

He wanted to press, but she would only retreat more into herself and he thought a better route was to just let her open to him. Eventually, he would have his answer and he feared what it may be. His heart jumped as she set the brush down, and she checked the feed bin for her horse and smiled at the contents. She wanted nothing but good care for the creature, and he mused that she would possibly want the same for any children she had. He crossed his arms, trying to think of a way to break through her shell again, but found nothing.

"Do you wish to spend more time with her?" He asked her and she nodded.

"Yes Sir." She said and he walked back to the door, seeing the Stable Master and watching him lead some horses out to the pasture to graze. He sighed, wondering what blow would come next and pushed it away when he heard a soft giggle behind him. He turned, looking at the girl and smiled at her, returning to his thoughts and let her enjoy her gift.

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He sat in front of the fire, the book he was reading open in his lap as a small knock came from the door. He raised his head and glanced up, standing and answering it to find Floria standing in the hall. Her face was drawn, and he stepped to the side to let her walk in.

"What is wrong Nightengale?" He asked her and she folded her hands and shook. "You can tell me, I will be a friendly ear."

"I... I do not like this punishment that was given to Prince Thor. It puts him too close to me, and... And he still frightens me terribly Sir." She said and he helped her sit near the fire. He held both of her hands in his and sighed, her eyes spilling tears over her cheeks.

"Nightengale, you have nothing to fear from him. He is to humble himself, nothing more, he may hardly speak to you because of his wounded pride and that alone should bring you comfort." Loki said and wiped her tears away, her held the hands and she nodded gently. He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them, smiling at how warm they are.

"I know Sir, but..." She started and he looked up at her gently.

"Don't fret, it will all pass and..." He started with a twinkle in his eye, trailing off and he brought his lips to her hands again.

"But what Sir?" She asked him and he grinned, placing another kiss on her hand and he let one of his hands move to his pocket. He showed her a ring of gold and three diamonds, the promise of it causing her lips to tremble.

"I received a letter from your father, he has given me permission to seek your hand in marriage. If you are agreeable to the match of course." He said and she turned pale. Her eyes closed and her body went limp, falling toward him and he caught her. He held her, cradling her in his arms and patted her cheek gently.

"Floria. Norns!" He gasped, her eyes opening and color returning to her features. "You frightened me, are you well?"

"Yes Sir." She said softly, allowing him to help her stand. She looked nervous and he held her close, cursing how bold he was to ask her such a thing so soon.

"I am happy then. I should not have been so forward, I was just so excited by the letter." He said and she blushed. He felt her hands on his chest and she looked into his eyes.

"I... was was actually overcome with joy Sir. My answer is yes." She said, and her fingers played with a bit of thread on his tunic. He laughed, wanting to smother her in kisses, but decided instead to leave one on her cheek.

"Are you sure Floria, you are not obligated to accept this proposal. If you say you wish to wait, then I will be content with that promise." He said and she smiled at him.

"May we wait some time before announcing it? Perhaps until Spring or Summer?" She asked him and he lifted her off her feet, spinning her in the air.

"Anything you want, anything at all. As long as you will one day be my Wife." He said and she giggled as he set her back down gently. "I would wait forever for you, that is how much I care for you. How much I truly love you."

"I love you Loki." She said and he felt his heart nearly stop at those words. He looked into her eyes, holding her cheeks and kissed her mouth gently. His heart afire, and hers beating for him alone.