I exit the kitchen with the tray of food balanced on one hand and look around at the main area. While Cook and I were taking care of the dishes, it appears that everyone else was preparing for the night- except the scientists, of course, who will probably stay up most or all of the night. There are considerably fewer people in the area, minus the guards who are always patrolling, and there is much less noise. It's a pleasing transformation.

Taking a deep breath, I turn and locate the hallway Cook had told me about, noting the two well-armed guards at the entrance. As I step forward, they both straighten and look at me with their bright blue eyes. "State your business," one orders. I huff.

"I'm taking Loki's food to him, as you can see."

Both men eye me suspiciously. "Where is Agnes?"

So that's Cook's name. "She asked me to take his food to him tonight because she is busy. Would you rather me wait until he comes out here so you can explain why you wouldn't let me through?" I place my free hand on my hip, glaring at the pair. They look at each other, then one nods to me.

"I'll take you to him."

I roll my eyes, but comply. The guard takes me three doors down and stops, knocking twice on the closed door. After a moment, I hear a muffled answer.

"You may enter."

For some reason, my heart speeds up as the guard opens the door for me, and my mind chooses that moment to remind me of my messy hair and apron. Well, there is nothing I can do about that now. I ignore my hammering heart and step into the room carefully, nodding my thanks to the guard. Then I turn, taking in the room with wide eyes, and I can't help the amused grin that spreads over my face. The room is beautifully decorated in -you guessed it!- green and gold. There is a dark four poster oakwood bed in the center on the far wall, covered with a huge emerald green comforter and taking up a large portion of the room. The walls don't look concrete; they look like normal walls, painted a lovely forest green and edged with white trimming. There are two white armchairs with green and gold throw pillows in them at the foot of the bed, and a table between them with two or three books on it. Attached midway up the the walls in several places around the room are small lamps that emanate a peaceful glow, illuminating the room in a gentle light. To the left of the bed along the wall is an oak dresser that matches the dark bed frame. But the most beautiful thing in the room in my eyes is the right wall. It is lined with bookshelves that are completely filled with books.

Loki is lounging in one of the white armchairs, legs stretched out before him and crossed at the ankles, reading a thick book. He had not even glanced at me as I entered, probably assuming that I was Agnes. But at my quiet gasp of awe at the sight of all the books, he looks up.

"Victoria?"

At his voice, I tear my eyes from the book-lined wall and meet his confused gaze. I raise an eyebrow, one corner of my mouth curling upward. "Hi."

Loki sits up, setting his book aside and frowning. "What are you doing here?"

"Delivering your food." I say, deciding this is not the best time to say "Duh". "Where do you want the tray?"

He moves the books off the table, indicating that that's where he wants it. I walk over and gently set the tray of steaming food down, fully aware that he is still watching me. Straightening, I look down at him.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I delivered your food instead of Agnes."

He gives me a look that seems suspicious, before leaning back and watching me expectantly. "Enlighten me."

I step back so that he has room to eat, tucking my hands behind my back and standing with my back straight and feet shoulder width apart in a confident stance. Someone once told me that appearing confident in yourself will make you feel more confident. "I got dragged into the kitchen about two hours ago because Agnes wanted help feeding your henc- your men. She had me help clean the dishes afterward, and then she forgot you hadn't eaten, so she whipped up this food and sent me off with it since I still hadn't managed to escape the kitchen."

"I see." Loki watches me for a moment longer, as though trying to decide whether or not I'm telling the truth. Then he leans forward again, picking up the fork and knife Agnes had put on his tray for him and beginning to saw away at the beef. I watch hungrily as the tantalizing scent drifts upwards. Then, to my horror, my stomach growls loudly. My eyes widen, and I can feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment as Loki glances up at me. His face is perfectly neutral, but I can see the amusement in his eyes, which only serves to further my embarrassment.

"Sorry," I apologize with a slight laugh, looking at the ground.

"I assume you haven't eaten," he says.

"Uh, no, I mean, I have eaten, just not enough, apparently." My words tumble over each other in a rush. I growl at myself inwardly. Victoria! Get a grip! Talk like a normal human being! "Sorry," I say again with a lopsided half-smile. Loki goes back to his food, and I see the corner of his mouth twitch slightly. Is he trying not to smile...?

"I assume my men took you to your room."

I nod, responding quickly. "Yes, they did. Thank you." Silence falls after that, only broken by Loki's eating. This has gotten awkward rather quickly. Why won't he just let me leave...

With nothing to do but stand there, I let my mind wander so that I don't get fidgety in the awkward silence. I wonder if Uncle knows what happened to me? If my sister is looking for me? My parents are probably very concerned, since they had expected me to call the day that I stepped through the door. Wait...wasn't that this morning? Or was it yesterday? I don't even know how long I've been here, but it already feels like-

"How do you know the future?"

Loki's sudden question jolts me back to reality. "What?"

Loki looks up at me again, annoyance on his face. "How do you know the future? Are you a witch?"

I frown, indignant. "Of course not!"

"Then what are you?"

"I'm from another world!" His rudeness is getting on my nerves.

"Which world?"

I open my mouth, then realize how lunatic I would sound if I told the truth. But what other option do I have? Lying to the god of lies is a stupid idea.

"Well?"

I sigh. "Loki, you wouldn't-"

Loki stands in a swift motion, stepping forward until he towers over me. He glares harshly at me, his voice matching his expression. "I am your king, mortal! You will address me as such! What gives you the right to speak my name?"

I take a step back, my fierce glare matching his own. I have a hundred things I want to spit in his arrogant face, angry that he thinks himself so far above me that I can't even call him by name. But I keep my mouth shut, knowing I would only cause myself trouble. I remind myself that he is, after all, the prince of two realms, and he is used to people showing him more respect than that. I should have thought of that before. Gritting my teeth, I force myself to calm down and lower my eyes in a gesture of respect. "Forgive me, your highness," I say quietly. Then I raise my eyes to his, still upset, but remaining under control. "I'm American. I'm not used to speaking to royalty."

Loki frowns, his gaze hardening. But there is a glimmer of something in his bright blue eyes that makes me nervous. "That is the second time you've told me that you are American, but you say that you are from another world. Which story is true?"

My eyes widen. Vikki, you idiot!

Author's Note: Oh dear. Is she dead? Ok, ok, I'm sorry. It was just the perfect time to quote Loki! Is it just me, or does he have most of the best MCU quotes? Anyway, thank you for your support! God bless! Signing off, AuthorsDream.