Chapter Seven - Corruptive Influences

Amid the floral scents of the sheets were the subtle aromas of treated leather and fresh hay, a combination distinct to Loki. Maysa felt unusually warm snuggled against him. She lifted her head from his shoulder to admire his sleeping features, which looked deceptively innocent.

Easing out from under Loki's arm, careful to not disturb him, Maysa slid free of the blankets, stepping down on the cool floor. She headed for the bathroom when strong arms grabbed from behind. Too stunned to put up a fight, Maysa only yelped as Loki carried her back to the bed, pinning her beneath his larger frame.

Their eyes met, revealing that he was also fearful and confused. "I... thought you were sleepwalking again."

Maysa studied him, her upset dissolving at the sincerity of his concerned expression. She touched his cheek and offered a forgiving smile.

His gaze became more mindful as Loki hovered, turning his head to nuzzle and kiss gently at her palm. The edges of his mouth curled with a hint of mischief before he leaned in to press his lips softly to hers, which sent a rush of exhilaration through her body.

There was a loud, sudden gasp. Maysa and Loki broke the kiss, discovering Sari's slight form in the doorway. With big, panicked eyes, the servant girl whirled around and dashed away.

Loki chuckled with quick amusement. "I suppose everyone will know we're here soon."

"We're going to be in trouble, aren't we?"

"That depends on the discretion of your maidservant." He joked, "Our parents have no one to blame but themselves. I'm a corrupting influence."

Their tender intimacy having converted into awkward guilt, Maysa requested he let her up then escaped to the bathroom where she spent several minutes collecting herself.

Loki departed before she emerged. Sari had returned though. Maysa astutely watched the girl move around the chamber straightening up the bed while avoiding eye contact.

Finally Sari stopped, her features tight and eyes wet with worry as she lifted her gaze to Maysa. "I wasn't peeping on purpose, my lady," she insisted, wringing her apron in her hands. "I didn't know you'd returned and— "

"Who did you tell?" Maysa interrupted, surprised by the harshness of her tone.

The pink on Sari's cheeks deepened. "Well, only Igus at first, but then the queen overheard. Prince Loki walked in while she was asking questions, so I fled."

Maysa lifted her hand to indicate that she'd heard enough.

"I'm so very sorry."

Maysa drew closer to offer a merciful embrace. "We're almost married. I think we'll survive this small scandal."

Sari looked thankful as their hug broke. "I'm glad to have you back. Oryna left a few nights ago and I've been a bit sad."

"Oryna left?" Maysa repeated. "Why?"

"No one knows, my lady. She did keep to herself some, but was learning her tasks and getting along with the other servants. I don't think she was mistreated."

Maysa took the bedside chair while she pulled on her shoes and mulled over this unexpected news. She truly hoped the girl's departure wasn't spurred by something she'd done.

The elf was the last to arrive in the king and queen's dining room for the family breakfast. The men stood as she approached the table, offering greetings while Loki assisted with her chair. Though none of her future in-laws appeared especially anxious, Maysa assumed they all knew of the morning's misconduct.

Once the servers had left the dining area, Frigga admitted to Maysa and Loki, "We weren't expecting you yet."

Loki said, "We want to review the wedding plans."

Odin's features lit up with approval. "Frigga has spent tremendous time and effort with the arrangements. I do hope you will be pleased and grateful."

After breakfast, Loki tagged along with the women to see the decorations going up in the gardens and ballroom. The queen had coordinated everything in Maysa's favorite colors of white, black and silver to elegant and breathtaking results.

"It's beautiful," Maysa confessed, taking in the silk draperies and delicate, moon and star embellishments.

Loki praised, "You've outdone yourself, Mother."

The queen looked appreciative. "There's obviously more to do. Perhaps I could steal Maysa away to the dressmaker for a final fitting on her gown?"

"Certainly. Though, we do hope for some time to ourselves," Loki said. "I'm sure you understand."

Looking shrewd and somewhat suspicious, the queen put her arm around Maysa and swept her off to a carriage for a jaunt into the city.

Enjoying the late summer breeze and smells of fresh flowers that blew through the window, Maysa felt bold, adventurous and also strangely content. She figured the queen could sense this change and thus pretended not to see her inquisitive glances. The gentle sway of the carriage and repetitive, steady clopping of the horses' hooves lulled her into a daydream where she could once again feel the strength, warmth and weight of Loki's body and the softness of his kisses.

A particularly good mood overcame Loki as he strolled the grounds toward the stables. So, he wasn't that annoyed when he spied Thor there, helping to brush down the horses.

Sneaking up behind him, Loki slyly asked, "Planning an escape?"

Thor didn't startle, yet turned. He answered with amusement, "Father sent me to find you, and I figured you would make your way here."

"I should work harder to not be so predictable."

Handing off the brush to a stable hand, Thor gave Loki a gentle nudge back out the door. They fell into step as they headed for the castle.

"How are you?" Thor asked. "You seem happier."

Loki gave a casual shrug, though he had to work to subdue a smile.

They took a shortcut through the kitchens, palming treats and feigning innocence when the austere and formidable head cook chased them out, threatening to clock them with a large cast iron pan.

"Your bride-to-be had quite the glow about her at breakfast." Thor shoved a stolen pastry into his mouth then widened his stride to pull a bit ahead along the corridor.

Loki rushed to catch up, peeking around his brother's broad shoulder to declare, "The incident to which you allude, is none of your affair."

Thor kept the pace hurried, chuckling as they stepped into the throne room. "I found him," he announced to the king. "I think he said something about escaping."

Rolling his eyes, Loki presented himself to Odin. "You wished to see me, Father?"

The king gestured for his advisers and attendants to step out and give them some privacy. Only when the three of them were alone in the large space did Odin's gaze fall again on Loki. "Frigga has asked that I speak with you on the matter of your sleeping arrangements."

Loki slouched and looked away. Apparently, it was too much to ask that his parents extend him the courtesy of trust.

"You are not yet married."

"I am aware of that fact." Loki rushed to explain. "Maysa has been sleepwalking lately and asked that I stay with her."

Thor's brow furrowed. He uttered in Loki's direction, "I've never heard that excuse before. You couldn't think up something better?"

Loki glared at him before insisting to Odin, "I promise nothing happened."

"That's not what I heard," Thor continued while the king observed their banter.

Loki fisted his hands, snapping, "You're not helping!"

A messenger entered the room and the king waved him forward.

"Sire," the man said with a bow, "Sovereign Antus reviewed your message. He agrees with your proposed solution. Your guests should be ready for the journey posthaste."

Odin thanked the messenger, asking that he have a carriage pulled around. He then returned his attention to the scowling brothers. "I have asked that some of Maysa's sisters come early to keep her company. You two will leave immediately for Zanjira to escort them through the bifrost."

This news was not welcoming. Loki had hoped to have Maysa to himself for a couple of days before they were thrust into the bonds of matrimony.

"Yes Father."

Loki left the throne room in a huff with his brother fast on his heels.

Thor tried to sound reassuring. "That could have gone much worse."

Loki growled at him. "You don't believe me either."

"You lie all the time."

"Not always. Not this time."

After a tense, quiet ride out of the city, the princes abandoned the carriage on the rainbow bridge and strolled into the bifrost.

"Quite a gathering awaits you in Alfheim," Heimdall told Loki with kinder eyes than he usually cast in his direction. "I suggest being pleasant."

A blinding light carried Loki and Thor across the cosmos, dropping them into the courtyard of the keep where the entire clan had gathered. There was an immediate stampede of eager elflings, which Loki crouched down to meet. He opened his arms wide, catching them in one encompassing embrace.

"I've only been gone the night," he commented with a laugh when the littlest ones clung to him. Their unwavering affection helped to better his mood.

Thor chuckled. "There's so many. I know Maysa said, but..."

Loki took the youngest in his arms, picking the babe up as he stood. "Allow me to make introductions," he said to Thor. "This is Aon."

The other children scrambled to form a line as they were used to this routine. Loki started at the shorter end, working toward the older, taller children. "The twins, Malae and Magali, are three," he began. Thereafter he placed his hand on each child's shoulder, stating their name and age in turn. "Raes, four. Riva, five. Saeli, eight. Aric, ten. Arianne, twelve. Danna, fourteen. Acia, eighteen. Araceli, nineteen. And, Nyssa is the eldest at twenty-two."

"You got us all right!" Saeli cheered and bounced.

Loki gave a dramatic bow, acknowledging her praise at completing the difficult task. He then gestured over to his brother, who was also grinning. "Everyone, that is Thor."

"It is an honor to meet you all," Thor managed to say before he was inundated with hugs and endless questions, such as 'How old are you?', 'Are you going to be our brother, too?', and 'What animals can you become?'

Leaving Thor to fend for himself, Loki approached the parents. He spoke in a guarded and respectful tone. "I'm sorry for the trouble."

"I trust my daughter," Sovereign Antus assured him.

Lady Silva agreed then cleverly added, "I trust she has you right where she wants you."

Loki smiled at the idea and Silva's wit. He surrendered Aon to her and returned to Thor.

"I want to go to Asgard," Riva said with a pout.

"Can we come, Loki?" Malae asked with big, hopeful eyes.

"Please?" Magali also begged, wrapping her arms around his thigh. "Maysa said we could ride your ponies."

Overwhelmed by their pleadings, Loki looked to Antus and Silva, seeing their amusement at his distress. He really hated to disappoint them.

"This decision has already been made," Antus reminded the brood. "Tell them goodbye for now. We will follow in a day or two."

The farewells took a while, but finally they were able to leave, arriving in Asgard to a smirking gatekeeper. "They seem to like you," Heimdall said to Loki. "Who knew you could be so sweet."

Thor stacked two of the trunks, picking them up with little physical effort. "I'm as surprised as you, old friend."

Loki ignored their comments to introduce the elves to the gatekeeper and help carry out the last trunk to the carriage.

He assumed it would be difficult to escape the castle once they showed up there. So, Loki convinced the group to rescue Maysa from the dressmaker and do a little shopping and sightseeing in the city.

Loki hadn't spent much time with the eldest girls because of the endless demands of the youngest children. It pleased him to see Acia and Araceli so exuberant as they explored Asgard. Even the more cautious and reserved Nyssa couldn't hide her interest in the library, museums and numerous shops they visited throughout the day.

At sunset, Loki suggested to Thor and Maysa, "Let us head down to the tavern for some games."

Thor asked, "Would their parents approve?"

"Of course not," Loki admitted, ushering them toward the carriage, "but as their brother, it should be my duty to expand their thinking and experiences."

Acia and Araceli exchanged mischievous giggles. Nyssa, however, appeared quite uncertain with the plan, even after Maysa reassured her that all would be well.

Their arrival in the tavern caused quite a stir of interest from the local merrymakers. In fact, they'd just found a table and were settling into their seats when Fandral sauntered over. "I see you have brought me exotic presents," he teased Loki as he openly admired the newcomers.

Loki chuckled and shook his head. "As always, Lord Fandral, there isn't a shred of accuracy to your claims."

Thor made the introductions while Fandral pulled up a chair. "Lady Maysa, what breathtaking sisters you have," the swordsman complimented, causing pink to appear on the elves' delicate cheeks and ear tips.

While Thor dealt with the food and drinks, Loki snatched some dice and a couple decks of playing cards from an adjacent table. He sorted out the suits while he explained the simple rules to Help Thy Neighbor. The widely popular game was more about luck of the roll than strategy, which made it ideal to put the girls at ease.

They played, laughed and talked for hours until the girls could no longer hold back their yawns. "I think we should go," Thor said, gesturing to Nyssa who had bowed out of the current game early on and rested drowsily on Maysa's shoulder.

Loki hated for the evening to end as he enjoyed the role of host.

Maysa noted his disappointment, offering Loki an understanding smile as the group collected their things to leave. She took his hand, holding it for the ride to the palace and the stroll to the family wing. While the other girls rushed into the suite to take in its splendor, Maysa stayed back with Loki, snuggling close.

"Thank you for today, Loki. It's been awhile since they've had so much fun."

The prince welcomed the feel of her form against him and the heartwarming admiration in her eyes. I'm going to marry this woman, Loki thought with surreal acceptance. He wondered how they'd come this far so fast. Were they suffering from a shared delusion, fooling themselves into making the best of the unfair situation or had they really made a strong enough connection to build a marriage upon?

"I wish I could stay with you tonight," she admitted.

Though elated to hear such a confession, he reminded her, "That's exactly what our parents don't want, and is the reason for the current lack of a vacancy in your bedchamber."

Maysa nodded.

"Kiss him," Acia whispered. "We won't tell."

With a sigh of mild exasperation, Maysa turned just far enough to see the younger sisters peering around the door. She demanded, "Get ready for bed."

Nyssa came into view, looking stern. She shooed the girls away, closing the door behind them.

"Sorry," Maysa uttered to Loki, resting her forehead on his chest.

Loki wasn't irritated. Living with the clan had partly oriented him to having less privacy. He kissed the top of her head, which encouraged her to glance up. He delivered the next one to her soft mouth, increasing the pressure until he felt her relax and kiss him in return.

"Loki," Thor called from down the corridor, his tone insistent, "tell her goodnight."

Maysa broke the kiss, tensing with embarrassment. Loki tightened his grip on her, not ready to let go.

"Thank you, Thor!" Loki raged with scathing sarcasm. "She almost defiled me right here in the corridor. Absolutely terrifying. Thank goodness you saved me."

Thor rolled his eyes at these theatrics, frowning and shaking his head.

Maysa caressed Loki's cheek. "In a few days they won't be able to keep us apart."

He was amazed that she could be so calm and forgiving, and, yet, still manage a coyness to her expression that hinted at indecent and enticing thoughts.

She gave him a quick peck to the side of his mouth then fled into her rooms.

The furniture in Maysa's bedroom had been rearranged to accommodate a second large bed, which didn't leave much space for walking around. The girls collected among the blankets and pillows, brushing and braiding each other's hair while they nibbled on the treats Loki had bought for them.

"You are lucky," Araceli told Maysa. "Loki is so clever and amusing."

"And," Acia added, "handsome and rich."

"He's frivolous," Nyssa said with irritation, "but not completely insensible."

Maysa chose not to remind her sisters of the injustice of an arranged marriage and just accept their comments as further proof that Loki had made a lasting impression on all the siblings, whether he'd intended to or not.

Acia asked Maysa, "So, when you two have a baby, will it have rounded or pointed ears?"

"Pointed," Nyssa interjected with a knowing air. "One of Mother's second cousins married a man from Vanaheim. Their children all have the points, the ears are just a little broader than usual."

"It would be fun to have a new baby in the keep," Araceli said, looking dreamy.

Nyssa took some offense to this statement. "Are you going to raise the baby while Loki and Maysa run the sovereignty? Willingly give up your drawing and poetry?"

Araceli shrugged. "We would all help, I'm sure."

Maysa climbed under the covers next to Nyssa. "No more talk of babies. I'd be perfectly content to wait a few years for children."

"You'd better look into protection spells then," Araceli advised with a laugh, "because Loki seems eager to have his way with you."

Before Maysa could respond, Acia chimed in. "I wouldn't mind letting that Fandral have his way with me," she confessed with a naughty grin. "He has beautiful eyes and the most adorable blond curls."

This admission caused Nyssa to gasp, her wide eyes then narrowed into a critical, murderous gaze. "Father did not allow us to visit Asgard so we could stay out late consorting with young men in taverns."

Acia scoffed, glaring back as she accused, "I saw you stealing glances at Prince Thor today."

"Hold your tongue!" Nyssa commanded. "We are women of nobility, not lowly wenches."

Maysa managed to quiet them before Sari stepped into the chamber to inquire if they needed anything more.

"No, Sari. Thank you," Maysa said, her voice wavering with guilt. "We should get some sleep. Please put out the candles for us."

Maysa lay awake long after the others drifted off, conflicted with thoughts and emotion. Everything seemed simple if she pushed away the nagging feelings of anger, uncertainty and fear. Antus and Odin had laid out her future with their contract, but could she and Loki find true happiness within a cage?

Finally fatigue dragged away her worries, allowing her mind to ease and her body to settle. She was moments from sleep, teetering on the edge of consciousness, when she heard the low creak of the door. She figured it must be Sari, checking on them, and considered saying something to her as cautious, almost silent, shuffles moved toward the bed.

The unexpected form of Oryna stepped into the scarce moonlight streaming in from the windows on the balcony doors. Her wide, yellow eyes stared right into Maysa's.

"The master is tired of waiting for you to come to him," she hissed.

Her mouth opened, but Maysa found herself unable to scream. She tried to sit up and reach for Nyssa as Oryna grabbed her by the throat and yanked her out of the bed. Maysa thrashed and kicked within the demon's choking grasp, unable to touch her stretching toes to the floor.

Oryna held up a bloody dagger in the moonlight. "Don't make me kill them all."

A shadow fell over them. Maysa craned her head to see a silhouetted form glide across the balcony to the doors.

"Maysa!" Nyssa cried out, struggling with her covers.

Oryna dropped Maysa to scurry across the bed for the troublesome older sibling.

Weak and fighting for air, Maysa pushed to her feet, only to meet the cruel, silver eyes of the Vampire King. His gaze paralyzed her body and numbed her mind. She fell helpless into his arms, drowning in his will. In the next moment, they were on the balcony and then airborne, leaving behind the terrible, piercing screams of her sisters.