Cassidy strode to the mirror and admired herself. Her dress was a perfect cerulean blue, long and flowing with gold that rimmed the hem. It was low cut to show off but still kept her looking modest enough. Her golden hair was done up in braids that wrapped around her head and tucked neatly behind her ears. Her light blue eyes were delicately brought out by her soft brown eye liner and bronze eye shadow. She turned one way then the other. She smiled at herself changed it to a stern smirk and then to an innocent pout. Perfecting her face once more she left her guest rooms and made her way to the ball.
The giant room had once again been transformed into a luxurious banquet hall. Loki walked down the corridor having changed quickly after meeting with Ashera. They had kept their first few sessions short and only went over minor details and what they hoped to accomplish. It was slow going but both were still trying to grow accustom to the other. Loki had already become intrigued finding out Ashera had no memory of her past, hence no knowledge of her extensive powers. He had pressed her for more information only to realize her discomfort. He had to reign in his curiosity so as not to push her too much; but it was still going well. They had gone over a schedule that would fit both of their time frames, Loki being confident that he could define the exact difference and meet Ashera the same time every other day. Although she had been adamant they find a better form of communication across realms it was the least of his worries for the time being.
Loki was thinking about their next encounter and the books he would introduce her to when Thor turned a corner as well.
"Brother!" he boomed. "Good to see you have taken up my offer yet again!"
"Ahh yes, I was convinced by mother this time." He offered the excuses.
"Well either way I am glad you are attending." Thor said with a smile.
They walked in silence until they reached the doors. They looked around as they entered the room. Seeing their table Loki stepped down, suddenly bumping into a young woman he hadn't noticed a second ago, it was as if she appeared out of nowhere. She stumbled on the step falling backward. Loki automatically caught her hand, pulling her back from her imminent fall.
"Oh!" she gasped out loud, "I am so sorry," She steadied herself as she turned to the princes'. Realizing who they were she dropped Loki's hand and fell into a grand curtsy.
"My Lords! I deeply apologize for my clumsiness!" She had her blonde head bowed and shook slightly as if in fright. "I did not see the doors open until it was too late; I cannot apologize enough! I hope you can forgive my most grievous error."
"Nonsense" Thor boomed, "It is no trouble, I hope you are unhurt." He offered his hand and the girl took it tentatively as she slowly stood from her bow.
"I am well. Thank you prince Thor," She bowed her head, "I hope you will accept an offer to dance after the feast as part of my apology." she batted her eyelashes only to turn her gaze on Loki. "I will visit your table and perhaps we can work something out for all of us." She gave one last curtsy and small grin aimed at Loki who became uncomfortable with her gaze. He sneered slightly as she turned to leave for her own table. The occurrence only had him hoping he could escape before the pleasantries began.
Thor chuckled, grinning at Loki's uncomfortable state. "Perhaps you will get used to it?"
"I do not appreciate the attention as you do brother." Loki set the thought aside and joined Thor at the table with the other warriors.
The meal was massive as always but the food went quickly. Queen Frigga had risen to greet guests a while ago and was just finishing her rounds. Cassidy, having avoided the Queen this time around, was surprised to still see Loki there. He seemed distant as always but was a bit more aware of his surroundings. He joked with Thor and seemed to be getting along with the other warriors, which was a bit unusual. He normally kept to himself or only conversed with Thor if he had to, at least to her knowledge. Maybe tonight would work in her favor; as it was the first part of her strategy had worked flawlessly. Her mood lightened and she gathered her confidence to approach the prince's table.
"Hello again my Lords," she curtsied and nodded toward them. Thor smiled in response and gestured to the seat across from Loki which had been recently vacated by Volstagg who had gone to get more mead. "Please, why don't you join us for a moment Lady," Thor paused.
"Cassidy." The girl concluded, "Thank you very much!" She sat gracefully as she tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
"Ahh Lady Cassidy! I did not realize; I hope all is well on Vanahiem. You have our condolences as well of course." Thor had heard of the soon to be queen and the unfortunate circumstances. Unsure of how much Loki knew he turned to him. "This is…"
"Yes, Lady Cassidy the heir to the Vanahiem throne, she is finishing her training with Lord Naveir, if I remember correctly, due to her parents… untimely passing" Loki said distractedly as he looked into his cup.
Cassidy looked curiously at him as she responded, "Thank you ever so much Prince Thor; and yes I am to take the throne as soon as my training is completed. I apologize; I don't suppose I know as much about you. But perhaps that will change. Royals must stick together and cooperate after all." She gave a wink, "Now I was hoping I could repay you for your kindness earlier and give you that dance." She batted her lashes at both men before her, a delicate smile playing on her lips.
Loki stayed stoic. He was not in the mood and should be leaving. He had already stayed too long, getting caught up with his brother and his ideas again. Thor had suggested they train once in a while in the courtyard and Loki had not found it to be a bad idea. But having stayed so late meant just this; females trying to pine for Thor's attention. Worse they could start aiming at him, but he was not like the others. Most men who stayed late were drunken imbeciles willing to take home any harlot throwing herself at them.
He was about to stand when Thor put a hand on his shoulder and gave a roguish smile "Loki would gladly accept a dance from such a fine maiden as yourself."
Loki glared at him and was about to refuse when Odin caught his eye. He sat at the throne and although he wasn't looking directly at him Loki knew he could not deny the gesture without consequences. Fine, he would play this game and hate every second of it.
"Ehem." Loki cleared his throat, "Of course. Let us, get this over with." he grumbled under his breath as he stood. Cassidy, whose eyes had lit up at the offer now looked slightly downcast at his statement but stood to meet him. A pang of guilt hit Loki. He wasn't trying to offend her but still hated the games of court.
Once away from the others her attitude changed, and he couldn't say it wasn't a welcomed one. She had been putting on a façade for everyone, that was now obvious, but Loki couldn't understand why she would change now. Why would her manner change for him?
As they twirled she spoke.
"So, prince," She let her eyes drop from his bashfully, "How are you enjoying the feast?"
"Most of it bores me." He admitted, "The only good part is the food and many times even that is underwhelming."
She giggled slightly but her demeanor was less delicate and more relaxed. She looked up at him with wiser eyes. "You don't care for parties do you?"
"Not particularly." he responded shortly.
"It's ok, I don't always either but my uncle makes me attend." She rolled her eyes, "He says it's good for my image now that I am to be queen."
"And you disagree." Loki stated before he could stop himself.
"I just believe there is more to ruling than being on display."
Loki grimaced slightly. He could not disagree with her but still felt her attitude strange. He understood she had to keep up appearances with everyone due to her high standing; but why did she feel so inclined to tell him this information? There was something she was withholding he was sure, and he wanted no part of it. He tried to remain aloof as they continued to dance.
"Thank you prince Loki," the music had stopped and they stood in the middle of the floor, several couples surrounding them. "You are a very skilled dancer; weather you like it or not." She added with a wink. "I also appreciated the moment of solitude and the ability to be myself; even if only for one dance." She smiled kindly.
Still hesitant he gave a curt bow as she curtsied politely.
Cassidy looked around a moment then stepped toward him putting a hand to his arm before he could turn to leave. "Oh Prince? Do you mind accompanying me out to the garden? I believe I need some air."
"I am sorry but I must be,"
Loki was cut off by a gruff throat being cleared. He snapped straight and turned tightly to view Odin who looked disapproving of him.
"I believe the Lady would like to see the gardens Loki." His good eye was hard and a frown creased his already wrinkled forehead. "We wouldn't want to be rude to such an important guest now would we?" the threat behind his words was obvious and Loki ground his teeth together to stop from making a scene. Now that he was training Ashera it would be nice if could eventually be let outside without having to sneak about, but this was embarrassing.
Loki turned now angry to Cassidy who looked up at him with slight horror at his expression. He turned his face from hers and offered his arm reluctantly.
"I am sorry," she amended, "I can go on my own." She tried to step away.
"Nonsense!" Odin smiled firmly "My son will gladly show you our best gardens my dear!" Odin's eye still held the threat and Loki glared into the distance still offering his arm.
Cassidy looked between the two her mind working furiously, this couldn't have worked out better. She did her best to timidly take Loki's arm and allow herself to be led toward the doors. She rearranged her face while Loki was brooding. She stayed quiet setting it into a slight look of despair.
They soon arrived at a bench which Loki gestured to and both sat silently. Cassidy glanced over at him, he was still staring straight ahead, she couldn't be sure he even noticed her. Biting her lip she looked down at her hands folded neatly in her lap, she would have to start a conversation somehow.
"The garden is lovely." She attempted at small talk to pull him to the present.
"Yes, best roses in the entire kingdom." He said absently as if it was a fact that had been drilled into him instead of a response of his own free will.
She would have to hit a little closer to home if she wanted to get anywhere.
"I'm sorry if I got you in any trouble it was not my intention." She looked down at her hands making her face look regretful, her brow creased and her lips turned down. She glanced up at the prince who now stared at her.
"It was no fault of yours." Loki said it reluctantly and sighed, "Odin was correct after all I had no right to refuse a guest in our palace such a simple request, especially a guest of your caliber."
"Still" Cassidy moved slightly closer, "I am sorry. I did not mean to cause you so much distress. And after my clumsiness of earlier!" she looked away as if ashamed. She used a small amount of magic to enhance her appeal, but not enough to draw his attention, and squeezed out tear. When Loki next spoke and she turned to look at him, the small drop would run down her cheek and glisten in the moonlight.
"You need not worry," Loki saw the single drop and looked into her glossy eyes. There was no need for her to be so upset so why was she almost in tears? No, why did she try to be in tears? He had felt a shift in energy and guessed this particular Vanir had use of magic. What she was using it for in this moment he did not know. A thought crept into his mind, perhaps she was a test set up by Odin, it would certainly not be beyond his capabilities or powers, and would explain a lot of the nights interactions. With that in mind Loki chose his words carefully.
"I believe if you have no objections I will take my leave." Loki stood as Cassidy wiped the droplet away with her pinky. She smiled weakly as she said, "Yes I'm sorry; I have caused you too much trouble tonight already. I am sorry for my behavior, but I do hope I can see you again, perhaps at the next feast?"
"Perhaps." Loki said eyeing the girl suspiciously. Remembering Odin could still be watching he took the girls hand and brushed it lightly to his lips. With a slight bow he departed briskly walking toward his rooms.
Cassidy stood for a moment hand still outstretched watching after Loki.
Once she was sure he was gone she sauntered over to the rose bush and plucked one as a souvenir. She smiled giddily. Oh she knew what to do now that Loki would not be returning to the feast. Cassidy walked close to the thorns letting them catch her perfect silk dress. The drags frayed the hem slightly. She ran a hand over her hair and plucked one small strand from its perfect place on her head letting it fall at an odd angle against the rest. These subtleties were all that was needed in such a castle. The ball room would be filled with the drunkards and gossipers at this late hour, all of which had seen the scene before their departure and knew they were alone. All she needed to do was wait a few more minutes before entering again slightly out of breath and the rumors would fly.
Cassidy held the rose in her hand and smiled devilishly. Oh yes, things were definitely working in her favor. She laughed out loud as she walked back toward the castle. And the prying eyes that awaited.