Chapter Four - Tsk-tsk, Trip & Tumble

"Come home with me," Sovereign Antus said again as he lingered on the steps of the palace. "You owe him nothing."

Maysa insisted, "That's not true."

To see such desperation in the eyes of the man who had always been a pillar of strength in her life was difficult, and also intriguing, because her own actions added to his distress. For once, Maysa had taken control of a situation, stolen power from someone that normally would have made all the decisions.

"Give my love to the family," she requested.

With a frown, Antus kissed her forehead, turned and climbed into the carriage.

Maysa walked back to her suite, distracted with thoughts and opposing feelings about the turn of events. Now that she wielded more power over her own fate, she needed a plan, credible advisors and perhaps a secret weapon. Of course, these insights led her to question if she should consider Prince Loki an enemy, an ally or the weapon.

Cheerful voices chittered within Maysa's suite as she entered from the corridor. One voice was Sari's, but the elf didn't recognize the other. She followed the sound, startling to a halt in the doorway of her bedroom. Her gaze fell upon the pink-skinned demon at Sari's side and she unleashed a loud, piercing scream.

The girls startled, turning with wide, panicked eyes.

"My Lady!" Sari exclaimed, reaching for her as she hurried forward.

Maysa pulled the servant behind her while she backed away from the demon toward the door to the corridor.

Sari was trying to explain that everything was alright when Thor and Loki rushed in. The brothers followed Maysa's gaze into the bedchamber.

Loki halted in the doorway, his brother having already entered the room. His frame relaxed, understanding and regret emerged on his features and he turned back. He took Maysa's shaking hands in his chilled ones.

"It's not what you think," he said first, using a gentle tone. He glanced to the doorway as Thor and the skittish demon stepped into view. Loki explained, "Oryna helped Thor get us home from the Nightmare Realm. My father allowed her to stay and serve in the palace because she has nowhere to go."

Thor insisted, "She has no desire to hurt you."

It took some time for Maysa to comprehend these words and the sight of Oryna peeking fearfully from behind Thor's large frame. The tightness eased in Maysa's chest and was replaced with a burn of embarrassment. With flushing cheeks and heated, stinging ears, she forced eye contact and apologized to the girl.

"You did not know," Oryna said, her voice barely audible. She stepped away from Thor, her gaze dropping and slender body fidgeting as she waited for someone to dismiss her or give some direction.

"Let's finish making the bed," Sari suggested to the demon and strode forward.

Thor watched them retreat into the bedroom before approaching Maysa and Loki, who dropped hands. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "I assumed someone had told you."

Maysa felt foolish and edgy with the emotions coursing through her system. "It's just the nightmares," she tried to explain. "I thought Vazelias had sent her after me."

"Do not be burdened with such concerns," Thor said. "You are safe."

She nodded, but didn't really believe his words.

Maysa spent most of the day in Loki's suite, sitting across from him at his table. She read her book of Asgardian law, but found her mind wandering.

"Do you have a question?" Loki asked when he caught her staring at the open spellbook in front of him.

Not quite able to meet his silvered eyes, she asked, "How did you know you were capable of being a sorcerer?"

"My mother uses magic," Loki answered. "She sensed my potential at a young age and taught me herself."

"She didn't teach Thor?"

"No." He paused, choosing his words. "Thor has an affinity with the weather. That is the extent of his magical talent."

"Is he jealous of your abilities?"

Loki laughed. "Hardly."

Maysa liked the sound of his laughter and couldn't help smiling too.

Loki gestured to her book, asking, "Did your father tell you to study our laws?"

She assumed he was setting her up for a criticism. "Yes."

"Do you ever indulge your own interests? Surely not all your studies are on topics your father has chosen for you."

"No. Not all."

"Tell me. I am curious."

Maysa marked the page and closed her book before responding. "I study languages, art and music. I also like animals. I have several books on them."

There was a hint of playfulness in his eyes as he asked, "Do you have a favorite?"

"I have two."

He urged her confession with a raise of his eyebrow.

"Horses and wolves."

"Noble choices," he complimented, and let his attention drift back to his spells.

With reluctance, Maysa reopened her book.

"You should go out. Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air," Loki advised. "My restrictions are not yours."

"I know," she said, aware of a sudden, brewing disappointment in her core. It seemed that he was dismissing her from his presence, and after the disturbing encounter with Oryna earlier in the day, Maysa had taken great comfort in sharing this quiet time with him.

When he said nothing further, she stood, clutching her book close and departed.

That night, a severe thunderstorm and frightful dreams drew her into Loki's rooms again. She stood in the doorway of his bedchamber for a few moments before she realized the lump in the bed was only his extra blankets.

Igus cleared his throat, alerting her to his presence as he stepped into the suite. "I'm sorry, Lady Maysa," he said. "Prince Loki left at sundown. I assume he seeks distraction and will not return until morning."

Maysa nodded, but didn't meet his gaze for fear that she would see disapproval there or the old servant would notice her upset.

"I'll get you some warm milk," he offered. "I can also take up a vigil outside your chamber if it will help you sleep."

"That's kind," she said, feigning bravery, "but not necessary, Igus."

He walked out to the corridor with her, stopping when she said, "I would appreciate it if you didn't mention to the prince that I..." Her features flushed and she fell silent, unwilling to state out loud that she'd come looking for Loki's comfort and protection.

Igus appeared to understand. He gave her a respectful nod and said, "As you wish, my lady."

Maysa tried to read, but the heavy rain-patter and deafening booms and crackles of the storm kept her jittery and unable to focus. The lightning flashed silver-white against the black sky, reminding her of the Vampire King's intense eyes, the battle in his castle and her recent, tormenting dreams.

She pulled the curtains over her windows and lit every candle to fend off shadows that seemed to move and follow her. She shuddered in the bed, curling up in a protective ball as the powerful wind wailed and slammed against the windows.

With an especially strong gust, her balcony doors flung open, striking the wall with enough force to break the glass. Maysa cried out, clutching the blankets to her front then broke into uncontrollable sobs when Igus and Sari's unexpected arrival startled her.

The servants secured the doors the best they could, and Sari climbed into the bed to hold Maysa tight. Igus tried to explain away Maysa's fears and make promises of her safety, but that did little to calm her as the storm raged on.

After being stuck in his rooms for days behind drawn curtains, an impromptu escape to the tavern for drinks, camaraderie and games of chance and strategy had been rejuvenating. In fact, fatigue had yet to hit him when Loki returned home minutes before the sunrise.

"Do you want breakfast?" Igus asked as Loki strode through the suite to his room and began to cast off his clothes.

"I'm not hungry."

The old man wrinkled his nose at the garments while collecting them. "Shall I prepare a bath then, your majesty?"

Igus could probably ascertain quite easily where he had been all night from the odors on his clothes. Some of the men smoked pipes in the tavern and were known to throw a drink or two if they lost a particularly large wager. Also, the serving girls wore strong perfumes and tended to flirt and hover around Loki.

"I suppose," he answered, "in case Thor or my mother come around." He knew Odin wouldn't bother to make an appearance.

Igus was quiet while preparing the bath, leaving Loki to wonder if he was agitated with him for staying out all night. The old man looked weary.

"You weren't up late worrying after me, were you?"

"Not you," Igus said, his tone rigid. He dropped a folded bath sheet beside the large tub and stiffly walked away.

Loki frowned at this response and behavior, slipping into the water to soak. Over time the heat sapped what was left of his energy. His limbs felt heavy when he finally climbed out, dried off and crawled under his covers.

It was late morning when Loki awoke. He'd barely managed to get dressed and was pulling on his boots when Frigga arrived with a tray of food and a tankard of milk, which she placed at his table.

"We must speak," she informed him, clasping her hands in the all-to-familiar gesture of motherly seriousness.

Loki slouched, giving a dramatic sigh as he expected she would rush into a lecture. When she only stared, he started laying out his defense.

"I was bored in my rooms and needed a bit of fun. I got home with time to spare before the sunrise."

Still she said nothing.

Loki snapped, "Honestly, I'm a grown man, Mother! You don't follow Thor's movements so closely."

"Have you called off your engagement?"

Loki puzzled at this question, having trouble switching his mind's focus. "Not that I'm aware. What does that have to do with anything?"

Frigga's response was swift and stinging. "Then I expect you to be available when your bride needs you."

Loki decided that he must not be completely awake yet. He glared at her until his mind could process. Finally, he asked with arrestive concern, "What happened?"

"Only what you should have expected, but apparently didn't consider at all."

She might as well be speaking in riddles, Loki thought with exasperation. He turned from her hard eyes then froze when his gaze fell on the chair at his bedside and the storybook Maysa had left there the night before last.

"She had a nightmare," he guessed with an unsettling pang of guilt.

"Sari and Igus were up most of the night consoling her and hoping you would return to lay her fears to rest."

He pondered this. "I did not intentionally abandon her," Loki insisted, but found his mother already striding from the room.

No one answered when Loki knocked on Maysa's door. He let himself into the suite, moving to the bedchamber. Sunlight shone through the broken windows on the balcony doors, barring him from approaching the bed. Though, he could see both Maysa and Sari's sleeping figures tucked within the covers.

He returned to his own rooms to find Thor seated at his table, helping himself to the food tray Frigga had delivered. Loki selected a soft pastry drizzled in icing and settled into the opposite chair to evaluate his brother's pensive look.

"I heard Maysa had a bad night," Thor said.

Loki nodded.

"I assumed you'd be here," Thor admitted, "or I would have come home."

Loki rubbed at the headache flaring behind his eyes, trying to stave off his anger. "She's not your responsibility. I know you think you must cover for me, but… don't."

They ate, letting the brief tension subside.

Thor tentatively leaned forward to confide, "You know, Maysa wants to like you, despite your many faults."

"Well, I am roguishly handsome," Loki joked, and they both chuckled.

"You had the perfect opportunity to break this engagement before Antus left. Why didn't you?"

Loki chewed on some berries while he contemplated. He was intrigued to admit, "My goal had changed."

"Why?" Thor persisted.

Stealing the tankard of milk from Thor's grasp, Loki said, "First I had to marry her. Then I had to rescue her." He took a sip and put the drink down between them. "I fought, bled and almost died for that girl, only to be told that I was no longer worthy of her."

Thor added knowingly, "And it's in your nature to want more than you're offered, and always that which you've been denied."

Loki conceded with a nod and uncertain frown. He realized that the truth of his brother's words made him seem selfish and somewhat predictable.

"It will take genuine affection, sincerity and hard work to sustain a marriage, Loki. Please don't make promises to Maysa that you have no intention of keeping."

"Nothing is set in stone at this point." His tone hinted at admiration as he said, "Maysa pulled a brilliant reversal on the lot of them and she's far from the devious sort."

Thor took the last bun. He split it with his fingers, handing half to Loki. He said, "She just might continue to surprise you, if you give her the chance."

Loki accepted the offered food and sentiment.

"Her parents have sheltered and stifled her with their strict expectations," Loki surmised. "A little too much freedom could lead to her undoing."

Thor had downed the pastry in one large bite and was now licking at his fingers. "How insightful," he said with slight sarcasm. "Well, if anyone knows the perils of rebellion, it's you."

Queen Frigga and her attendants spirited Maysa and Sari from the palace to visit the marketplace in the early afternoon. They spent considerable time inspecting the richest fabrics at the dressmaker's shop and taking Maysa's measurements for her wedding gown.

"Loki and I haven't decided if we're going through with the wedding or not," Maysa meekly reminded Frigga. "Can't this wait?"

Frigga's attention was on the bolts of cloth laid out before her. She didn't even look up as she lectured, "Events of this size and importance take time to plan properly, and weeks have been wasted already. The guests will expect the absolute best for a royal Asgardian wedding."

They sought out, scrutinized and gathered samples of various fabrics before returning to the palace for dinner with the king.

Maysa felt low and irked as she picked at the delicacies on her plate and listened to the royal couple explore the event options. Her own viewpoints didn't carry much weight against Frigga's inspirations and Odin's preferences, which leaned heavily toward the traditional.

"Perhaps I will invite Lady Silva to visit the palace," Frigga said. "We should include some elven elements to the occasion, don't you think?"

"Why?" Odin asked, showing quick anger. "Antus is threatening to dissolve the whole agreement and they certainly aren't paying for the wedding."

Maysa stared at her plate, wringing her hands in her lap. For the briefest moment, she'd felt a glimmer of joy at the prospect of her mother's companionship in the palace and when dealing with the king and queen.

"There you are," Loki called, appearing out of nowhere.

She glanced up, confused by the eager expression on his features as he crossed from the doorway to Maysa in a few, long strides.

"Ah, Loki," Frigga said, her eyes brightening. "We are discussing wedding plans. You should join us."

Shaking his head and indicating the fading, dark blue of the sky beyond the adjacent window, Loki said, "The sun is finally down. So, we're off."

He offered Maysa his hand, helping her up from the table.

"Where are you going?" Odin demanded.

"Out. For the night."

"Without a chaperone?" Frigga asked, obviously mindful of perceptions and possible rumors of impropriety.

The prince didn't look the least bit ruffled. He said with determination, "We are of age and can govern ourselves."

Odin looked suspicious, shifting his gaze between them and the uncertain Frigga.

Maysa held her breath with building anxiety and tightened her grip on Loki's hand, desperate for the confrontation to end.

"Don't wait up," Loki said, and they walked out together.

When they turned down the next corridor toward their own suites, Maysa thanked Loki for the rescue, releasing his hand to step to her door. In her mind, she made plans to spend the night reading and swear the servants to secrecy should they discover her.

Loki stopped, his eyes narrowing. "It wasn't a ruse. I am planning to take you out of the palace tonight."

"W-what?" she stammered through her surprise. "Why?"

"There's much to see and do in the city. I thought you'd welcome an excursion."

Examining his uncertain expression, Maysa decided two things. First, that someone had told him about her nightmares and hysterics during the storm, and second, this was his way of making some sort of amends for being away.

She was tempted to remind him of his prior claim that he wasn't her nursemaid, but didn't for fear of a confrontation. This was an opportunity to spend time together. Maysa figured she couldn't be picky about the conditions of the outing when he was at least making an effort.

Once they retrieved their cloaks and Loki had cast a spell to conceal his silver eyes with their usual blue, the couple slipped down to the stables. Loki saddled Sundancer, helping Maysa up before mounting behind and reaching around her to take the reins. They rode off the palace grounds and into the artisans' area of the marketplace.

There were a few shops still open after sundown and Loki let Maysa lead and wander through them. They stopped for several minutes at the glass shop, peeking to the back where a handful of glassblowers were at work, shaping the molten blobs with awe-inspiring skill.

At the candy shop, the confectioner gifted them each a small bag of chocolate-covered nuts. "Sweet treats for the handsome couple," he said with a sentimental smile, hinting next that he had yet to receive the palace's order for the wedding reception.

"I'll inform the queen of the oversight," Loki promised then winked in Maysa's direction.

They also visited a potter, jeweler and one of Asgard's most famous sculptors to admire their skill before Loki pulled Maysa down the way to a large, crowded tavern with lively music, food, drinks and various activities to entertain the patrons.

As soon as they handed off their cloaks to the doorman, a blond and bearded man sitting at the long counter nearby called out, "Come to cheat us out of our coin, your majesty?"

Loki looked mildly affronted. "You have yet to prove such claims, Lord Fandral."

Based on the way Fandral's features scrunched up, Maysa guessed that he prepared for an argument, but he broke out in a wide grin instead as he turned his attention to her.

"The future Princess of Asgard!" he exclaimed with surprise and convincing delight. He stood from his barstool then gave a dramatic bow. He took her hand, lifting it to his mouth for a soft, lingering kiss. "Lady Maysa, I am Fandral, Asgard's Finest Swordsman," he boasted while making amorous eyes at her. "I am truly honored to set eyes upon such beauty."

Maysa blushed and fidgeted, yet managed to politely declare that it was a pleasure to meet him as well.

Loki wore an amused expression. "You're shameless," he said to Fandral and stole Maysa's hand away from him.

"Yes, well, at least I'm willing to admit it." Fandral leaned close to Maysa to tell her in a low, conspiring tone, "He does cheat, by-the-way."

Maysa couldn't help giggling at the swordsman and the comical contortions of his features as he tattled on Loki.

"I'll try to keep him honest tonight," she promised.

"A most difficult undertaking, my lady," Fandral teased, "but I think if anyone could manage it — beyond his own mother — it would be you."

Loki shook his head, looking annoyed. He guided Maysa away from Fandral and through the crowds to claim some seats that had become available at a large table where the men were eating, telling stories and playing cards.

Maysa took in the atmosphere and the many boisterous patrons and yet tried not to let her apprehension show. Her father never would have allowed her to visit this sort of establishment, believing that the nobility were above such frivolous and raucous entertainments.

A busty barmaid stepped over to get their food and drink orders. Maysa looked to Loki for direction as she had no money of her own and the quick, verbal listing of what the tavern offered had been mostly drowned out by the escalating noise around them.

Loki waved the girl closer, speaking into her ear in a secretive manner and then offered Maysa an innocent smile as the barmaid departed.

"What game is this?" Maysa asked, inspecting the cards, coins and small clay tokens laid out on the tabletop.

"The game is called Avaritim," Loki said.

"Greed," Maysa translated, recognizing the word as a deviation of the word avaritia from the ancient tongue which was the foundation for most languages in the Nine Realms.

Looking impressed that she knew that, Loki explained the many rules, which changed every time the phase of play switched. Apparently, card combinations considered good and lucrative for one phase, could lose all value, or worse lose the player money in another.

Maysa tensed as Loki asked the man on his left to deal her in with the next card shuffle.

She suggested, "You play. I'll watch."

"Don't worry. I'll help you," Loki promised, tossing a coin onto the table to cover the ante.

"I'm not going to be good at this game. You'll lose money."

He considered her while he sipped his drink. "I don't care about the money. The game is about strategy, manipulation, taking risks and learning to anticipate your opponents' moves."

"You're making my point for me," Maysa said, frowning at the small disorderly pile of cards accumulating in front of her from the dealer. "I don't think like you."

Loki placed the phase tokens beside her cards. He leaned close, grazing her ear with his mouth. "I'm not convinced," he whispered, "but feel free to prove me wrong."

Maysa tasted her drink, a frothy mixture of juices, ice chips and a touch of Asgardian brandy and picked up the cards. First she straightened and then fanned the cards out to see their symbols. With a few reminders from Loki about the rules of the current phase, Maysa rearranged the order of her cards to put combinations together, and then began to play.

It was several games, drinks and hours later when Loki and Maysa stepped out of the tavern. "I feel good, but bad too," Maysa admitted.

Loki put his arm around to help steady her as they walked. "You surprised yourself."

"I think scared is more accurate." She said with worsening unease, "We should give those men their money back," and attempted a quick turn that caused her to lose her balance and fall against him.

Loki righted her with a chuckle. "That's not how the game works. Besides, you lost money in the last phase because you weren't thinking clearly."

"You were supposed to help me not make mistakes," she countered.

Again he laughed. "Yes, well, I'm a little muddle-headed too."

The air was cool and sky brightening as sunrise approached. Maysa marveled in the sights, sounds and smells of the city around them, content to be an audience to the predawn grandeur and sharing it all with Loki.

Maysa spotted beautiful purple, pink and white rose bushes off the path behind a wide fence with separated, horizontal slats perfect for climbing. She pulled Loki along as she moved to the fence, resting heavily on it for a moment before making her way up.

"You're not steady enough for that," Loki insisted and grabbed her at the waist with both hands, forcing her to grip the fence and sit down on the top slat to stop him from pulling her down.

"I want roses," she pouted then broke out in giggles at his stern expression.

"Later. We have to go." He gestured toward the distant stables.

Maysa stared at him and his beautiful eyes, not caring that they were enchanted to look blue at the moment. She touched his face, skimming her fingers over his cool cheek to tuck a stray lock behind his ear.

"I like you," she confessed.

"You've had too much to drink," he pointed out. "You're likely to approve of anyone in this condition. I suggest you hold judgment until after you awaken with a terrible headache."

With a snort, she broke into more laughter.

He growled at her, threatening, "I'm not going to like you very much if your dawdling gets me burned by the sun."

"Fine. Go get Sundancer," she ordered, mimicking his anger. "I'll use the fence to get in the saddle."

"Don't move," he ordered with a hard stare and shook his finger at her before rushing away.

Maysa eyed the tempting flowers over her shoulder. Surely she could pick a few before Loki returned with the horse. She turned, swinging one leg over and then the other. The stout bushes were not flush with the fence, so she had to lean out to reach them. Thorns bit at her hand as she wrestled with a thick, stubborn stem. Perhaps a bit too inebriated to feel the full extent of the damage she was inflicting on herself, the noblewoman grabbed the plant with both hands and gave a more determined tug, which threw off her poor balance and toppled the elf into the roses.