There honestly aren't words to describe how thankful I am for all your kind reviews! And to everyone who favourited. Your excitement makes ME excited, I want to thank you all for that. Please keep the feedback coming, I adore reading your thoughts :)

Quite a long chapter, this one. I hope you like it!

Rosa lay awake in her bed, staring at the ceiling. She did not know how late it was, how long she had been lying there, staring into space. She ran her hand absentmindedly through her long hair, which pooled out in a halo upon her pillow. Sleep had not come easily to her over the past few nights. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Loki's cold glare and it sent shivers down her spine.

With a deep sigh she sat up and quietly as possible, climbed out of her bed so not to wake Lyora, with whom she shared a room. She pulled on her maid attire, not bothering to pull her hair back. It was too late for her to encounter anyone in the corridors of the palace, save for the guards. She had been tidying the Library in the dark of night. Partly due to the fact that she couldn't sleep anyhow, but it was mostly because she did not wish to see Loki.

She knew that he had read the book which she had left for him, and truthfully, she wished he had left something for her. A sign that she had permission to return while he was there or was she to stay away from him entirely? She hadn't been reassigned elsewhere… and in truth she had been hoping to be. She didn't like the idea of interacting with him again anytime soon.

Again his cruel eyes flashed in her mind, and she shook the thought away.

She pushed open the door to the Great Library and froze on the spot. There was Loki, slouched in a chair and sound asleep.

Rosa hesitated. Should she leave? She could do just that without ever being caught, yet something stopped her. He was there waiting for her… he must have been. She moved a few steps closer, careful not to make a sound. How long had he been there?

"…Loki?" she said softly, he did not stir.

She let out a sigh and turned around, heading for the door.

~Earlier~

It was no secret that the Asgardians weren't very fond of Prince Loki. He knew that they found him far less favourable than his older brother. He was frustratingly different. Where the Asgardians were mighty, strong and heroic, he was steady, crafty and cunning. He just didn't fit. It made no sense that the son of Odin – the strongest being in existence – could produce a son such as he, particularly when one were to look at his older sibling, the Mighty Thor.

Where Thor was worshipped and adored, Loki was tolerated. Even those who he spent the most time with – Lady Sif and the Warriors Three – in earnest only associated with him because of the time he and Thor spent in each other's company.

In truth, they feared him. The wordsmith. The Sorcerer. God of Mischief and Lies. How could he not be bad news? So when Loki spent the days following the Royal Banquet as the embodiment of anger and agitation, most avoided him at all cost.

A dark aura seemed to follow him around as he brooded. His very presence made anyone in his proximity highly uncomfortable.

For the most part, he kept to his bed chambers, pacing furiously up and down the length of the room. Playing the event over in his mind again and again. Why would she not just come to the Library afterwards? Surely she must understand his position. He had been trying to protect her… Where was she?

The image of the hurt in her eyes seemed to be seared into his mind. He would squeeze his eyes shut and dig the heel palms into his temples, but the image would not leave him. The disappointment.

What had she expected him to do? He could not have professed himself to be acquainted with her. It would have been entirely improper. She was a servant!

Only she wasn't just a servant, was she?

Loki sat down and let out a groan. Since he had met Rosa, she was all he could think about. He had never met anyone who had had such an effect upon him. Not three moons ago he would have thought the notion of himself conversing as equals with anyone so significantly inferior, entirely laughable. Yet here he sat, obsessing over this Book Keeper.

Twice now, he had caught himself very seriously considering venturing down to the maid quarters and searching her out, if only to talk to her. Only what could he say? He had tried to figure the right words to offer her. Yet even in the privacy of his own room his silver tongue sat, as if made of wood, behind his teeth.

Asgardian maids were granted one full day of leave a month upon which, they were perfectly at leisure to do whichever activity they should see fit. That month, Rosa and Lyora were fortunate enough to share that day and so the pair ventured into town amongst the commoners Market Place.

Normally, the place filled Rosa to the brim with excitement. Though it would be insane to deny the breathtaking beauty of the palace in which she spent the majority of her time, there was much wonder to be found in this place too. Reverence and protocol were left forgotten at the gates of the Royal Palace and were replaced instead, with chaos. The people hustled and bustled around. There were sight, smells and sounds assaulting you from every possible angle. There was no need to be mindful of one's tongue or behaviour.

It was a place of freedom.

Normally, the place filled Rosa to the brim with excitement. Today she only felt agitated by it all.

"Were you listening to a single word I said, Rosa?" Lyora's words finally managed to bore themselves through all the other chaos surrounding them and into Rosa's mind.

"Oh… what did you say?" Rosa replied, still a little absently.

"I knew you were not listening." Lyora seemed a little irritated, "I was attempting to discuss Hersil with you-"

"Lyora, why do you not just approach him?"

"It is improper!"

"What does that matter to you!"

"I care a great deal about propriety!"

"Only when it should suit you."

"You are most snarky today Rosa, what has gotten into you?"

Rosa did not want this conversation to steer where it had the potential to, "I only mean to say Lyora, that you have obsessed over him-"

"I do not obsess."

"-for so long, that it makes no sense to me, your reluctance to speak to him."

"T'is not reluctance… just, what excuse would I ever have to approach him? He is one of many Guards standing at attention before the Throne Room, what reason could I possibly have to speak to him?"

"That you wish to."

Lyora laughed and gently pushed her friend. The pair strolled through the Market streets, taking in their surroundings for a time. They soon came upon a flower stall with a crooked looking man who sat, giving out tulips to passing ladies. Rosa and Lyora each took one with gracious smiles. As they walked, Rosa twirled the flower around before her. Why did the coloured petals appear so dulled today?

"What is it that troubles you Rosa?" Lyora's voice, once again broke into her thoughts.

"Pardon me?"

"Something is the matter." Lyora observed gently, concern etched upon her features. "You have walked with a spring in your step for weeks now, yet on your day of leisure you mope. What is wrong."

"It is nothing Lyora." Rosa offered her friend an unconvincing smile, "but I do appreciate your concern."

"It is not that Prince, is it?"

Rosa's eyes flashed up, "What do you mean?"

"I am well aware of the way you overthink things, Rosa. You are not still concerned about Prince Loki's harsh words towards you… are you?"

"Of course not."

"Good, because you owe him no more of your thoughts. He does not know you, and I care not who he is, he had no right. Do not let the Prince of Lies infect our day, particularly on the one day which we do not have to deal with his arrogance."

The urge to defend Loki rose up within her, certainly about to break but then it dissipated, like a swelling wave too far from shore.

Loki stirred from his sleep. He was confused at first as to where he was until he remembered coming to the Library, determined to wait there until he saw Rosa again. A quilt now covered his lower body and he had only to look to the warmth resting against his leg to spot her. Rosa sat by his feet, with her head rested upon his knee, she was sleeping.

He had never seen her hair out before, it cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, looking rather as if it were made of silk. She looked as if she were much in need of the sleep she was getting, her face looked rather drawn and there were dark rings beneath her eyes. But still, he thought her beautiful.

Loki sat up slowly, hoping not to wake her but the second he moved, she stirred. She jolted upright. As it appeared, she had not meant to fall asleep. She knew he was awake and at first she did not look at him. Instead, she let out a deep sigh and stretched a little before curling up and hugging her legs to her chest. They sat in silence for a time until Rosa at last turned, and her eyes met Loki's.

"I was going to wait here for however long it should take…" he said softly.

Rosa smiled gently, "I know," she whispered.

Loki leaned forward and let out a sigh. His jaw twitched as he struggled with where he should begin, "I cannot behave towards you, the way I might wish to in public." He told her.

"I understand that," her voice calm.

"And I took no pleasure in speaking to you in the manner that I did, I only intended to protect you."

"You were rather cruel, Loki… I thought you sincere."

"Of course I wasn't. It was only that our guests thought your behaviour… distasteful. I had rather hoped to hear the events of your tale unfold…"

Rosa gave a sleepy smile and said simply, "and they all lived happily ever after."

Loki's features softened, "I am glad… Rosa… I am truly sorry."

Rosa rested her head upon his leg once again, "It is forgiven, Loki… I know that you would not be here unless you should mean it. And besides, it was foolish of me to assume you might behave otherwise. You are a Prince. It is utterly ridiculous that you should even know my name and so for me to think that in the public eye, it might be proper for you to ever so much as acknowledge me…"

Loki wanted to stop her. He wanted to assure her that should something of the kind occur again, he would proudly admit her to be his acquaintance. He wanted to tell her that it was he who was fortunate to know her. That the kindness she had freely shown him was worth more to him than any relic in all of Asgard. But he did not. His pride forbade it, and bitterly he acknowledged that should this be the last time he should spend private time in this woman's company it would be due to his blasted pride.

"I do not wish for this event to end our friendship Loki, if you would allow me to call it such…" she felt herself blush.

He would not let himself smile at her words, though they seemed to crash within him like a wave made of pure joy, "Nor do I. It proves a most difficult task for me, to in fact find someone to whom I can relate." Loki admitted.

Rosa smiled, "then we shall continue to know one another, though it shall be our secret."

They sat in silence once again, though the tension had eased. Loki could not help but to feel dissatisfied. It appeared that he would not lose her company after all, which was more than he had indeed hoped for. But, what of her opinion of him?

Whenever Rosa had looked at him, she seemed to see in him something wonderful. Something good. And the longer Loki spent in her company, he felt that he could almost see it too. What if that were gone? Had he revealed to her (and perhaps himself) that she had been wrong about him after all?

He was not ready to accept that notion.

"Rosa, I feel that I owe it to you, to attempt to make amends-"

"Oh Loki, honestly there is no need."

"Is there nothing I could do for you? As way of lament."

Rosa sat considering for a moment before a smile broke out upon her lips, "There is something… there is a guard stationed here in the Palace, by the Throne Room. His name is Hersil. Would it be in your power to have him positioned instead, along corridor that runs from the Maid's Quarters to the Dining Hall?"

White hot jealously boiled up, frighteningly quickly, within the pit of Loki's stomach. He felt magic sizzling within him, wanting to erupt out of him then and there to find this guard and tear his limps from his body. Loki swallowed the feeling down, it would do him no good to lose his temper with her. He could always have the man beheaded later.

"You are infatuated with this Hersil?" Loki asked, through gritted teeth.

Rosa shook her head, ignoring the mixed emotions that sentence awakened within her. He did not know, then. He had not seen her looking at him. Did those words suggest that he did not see her at all as one he might have fonder feelings towards, if he should think (or perhaps hope) her inclined towards another.

"Not I, but someone dear to me. Lyora is my closest friend and she has watched him for some time now in a hope that she might find an excuse to speak to him. If you were to station him there, it would be within the section of the palace which she cleans. They would pass each other every day."

Feeling far more calmed, Loki offered her a smile. "Consider it done."

"Thank you," she whispered.

Finally, the knot he had carried for days within his chest, eased. Though, it gave an unpleasant clench as Rosa stood and made her way towards the door.

"Goodnight, Loki," she said softly.

The moment the door shut behind her, a smile burst onto her face which was then interrupted by a mighty yawn. She made her way back to the Maid's Quarters, knowing that at last, when she should lay her head down, sleep would come.

"Loki, no! WAIT!" Rosa cried out as she ran from him, "I did not mean it! It suits you marvellously!"

Another week had passed since the pair had reconciled and they had soon fallen back into their comfortable routine of sharing books and discussions. On this day, Rosa had made the error of poking fun at the Prince's horned helmet, which he wore at significant events. The Mischief God's face had cracked into an evil grin at her words and he had promised she would pay for them, before leaping up and chasing her down the aisles of books.

Her laugh rang out again as he caught her around the middle. He turned her to face him and she fell up against his chest, needing his support to stand in her fit of giggles. Loki laughed along with her, thoroughly enjoying having her so close to him. His hand moved from her shoulder, tracing his was down her arm and then up again slowly to her hand which rested upon his chest. Her eyes met his. Her laughter flattered and her breathing hitched as Loki slowly brought her knuckles to his lips and placed there a gentle kiss.

Loki moved his hand to cup her cheek and he glanced down at her parted lips as he leaned in closer to her-

The pair leapt apart at the sound of the door opening. Rosa frantically grabbed several books that she and Loki had knocked over and began shoving them in place. Loki, with but a wave of his hand, became invisible.

A small woman hobbled into the Library, her hair was greying and Rosa was not sure about her vision. Her eyes eventually landed on Rosa who kept glancing nervously over her shoulder. Where was he hiding?

"Oh, Rosa dear," she said happily, "I hoped you might be here. I am in need of your assistance if you would be so kind as to oblige me."

"How can I help you, Orellin?" She asked the elderly Asgardian.

"I am to fit Queen Frigga for a gown she shall wear to the upcoming Ball, and I was hoping to find someone to help me. Lyora suggested I might find you here, close to finishing your duties."

Rosa, with much will power, managed to suppress a groan of disappointment and instead offered a smile, "Of course Orellin, I shall be just a few moments more."

"I cannot thank you enough, Rosa." Orellin exclaimed as she shuffled back towards the door, "I shall be but a moment to go and collect my equipment."

Rosa watched the door until it clicked shut behind the old woman. She then spun around to find Loki, visible once again, standing right behind her. She put her hands on her hips as she looked up at him with an amused grin upon her face.

"Does your family do nothing else but feast and dance?"

Loki did not reply, he only grinned at her as she continued to shelve the books the two had knocked to the ground. Once she had finished, she offered him a tidy curtsey.

"Until next time then, Loki." She said.

She turned to go but Loki caught her arm.

"I informed the Head of Guard that the soldier Hersil was not a man befitting of the Royal Throne Room." He told her, "I insisted it was my opinion that a complexion like his was more suited to a less well lit area of the Palace. The passageways by the Dining Hall. I was sure to express my distaste, should my desires not be met immediately, and so it is done."

"Loki, that's awful! Hersil is well liked. You did not have to sound so horrid."

Loki shot her a puzzled expression, "You are aware that I am the God of Lies and Mischief, are you not? It is what I do, Rosa… though I admit it a rare day indeed, when I use my talents for the benefit of others."

She smiled broadly and cast her eyes down, "Thank you, Loki. Really, Lyora will be overjoyed."

"But does it please you?" His voice growing suddenly husky.

Rosa smiled as she moved for the door, "more than I can say."

"I am forgiven, then?" asked Loki. He followed her as she moved, not letting the distance between them increase by even so much as an inch.

"Of course." Her hand was on the door knob, and Loki immediately covered it with his own.

"Don't go." He whispered.

"I must," she told him.

"Do you wish to leave?"

"No…" Rosa smiled as she managed to turn the handle and make her way out of the room, "but I must."

It seemed quite surreal to stand beside the Queen to whom she showed her utmost respect and reverence, when only moments before she had been running around with the woman's son, like some silly school girl.

Rosa had never met Queen Frigga before, but she had heard tales of the Goddess's kindness and her gentle nature. She was simply adored by all her subjects throughout Asgard. To Rosa's knowledge, not a single foul word had ever been spoken against the woman before her.

So strange then, that such a kind-hearted woman could have such a powerful presence about her. Rosa supposed it mostly due to the fact that she was their Queen, but still, there seemed something so intimidating about her.

Rosa stood at Orellin's side, assisting in any way she was asked to, while the older woman focused on her needlework. Her craft was magnificent and she guided her needle with ease; it look rather like she was painting instead of sewing. Though she worked diligently, as time went on, Rosa noticed that she slowed down. Her aging hands were troubling her, causing pain and discomfort.

"Orellin," Rosa said softly, "will you not allow me to finish this section? Surely you need to organise the colours of the fabric?"

"Oh, why yes. Thank you dear." She gave her a kind smile and hobbled off towards a makeshift work station, letting out a satisfied sigh of relief as she relaxed her hands.

Rosa examined the thread anxiously, this was far more complex needlework than she had ever had to deal with. Still, it was too late not to attempt it. With her tongue poking out ever so slightly in concentration, Rosa went to work, attempting to imitate Orellin's stitching pattern.

The Queen looked down, unbeknownst to the young maid by her side, studying her as she worked. What a peculiar thing, she thought to herself.

"You know not what you are doing, do you?" Frigga asked, calmly.

The voice shocked Rosa and she looked up to meet the gaze of her Royal Highness. Stunned at the fact she had been addressed directly, Rosa hesitated before saying, "Are you displeased with my efforts, My Queen?"

"I fear it's too early to decide. It strikes me as unusual that young maid might remove one as experienced as Orellin from directly performing a duty for the Queen, replacing her herself and then looking so… unsure." Frigga's tone was not in any way harsh. It was a curious observation.

Rosa looked back to her work, eyebrows creased in concentration. "I know a little in the way of sewing, My Lady. That, which my mother managed to teach me. Surely, my technique is in no way as elegant as Orellin's, but her hands trouble her. I only wished to allow her a short rest. You have my word though, My Lady; should you not be please with the end result, I shall personally see to it that my mess is fixed. And by someone far more skilled than I."

Frigga studied her for a few moments more before speaking again, "you are a kind girl. And kindness is a trait I fear to be far too often, overlooked. I shall do well not to."

Rosa smiled to herself as she continued with her needlework, "Thank you, My Lady."

The following day, Loki found Rosa in the Library once again. Her face lit up at the sight of him; a reaction that Loki was certain he could never tire of. It was then that a predicament arose. Each held in their hand a book. Their next book that they were to read together, but which one was it to be?

"This one!" Rosa held it up under his nose, "I beg of you, Loki! I've already read the first chapter and it is wonderful. I swear to you, you will love it!"

"But, I too have started one." Loki replied, gently pushing Rosa's hands away from his face to show her the book he was holding.

"Well, we shall read that one next!" She smiled.

"We could read that one next." He gestured to her hand.

"Loki!"

"Rosa."

They stood in their stalemate, staring at each other with identical smirks on their faces. Each of them clutched their book stubbornly.

"Will you truly read this one, too?" Rosa asked, stepping a little closer to him.

"You have my word." Loki answered, his voice like silk.

"On the condition that we read yours first?"

"Yes."

Rosa looked up at him again and grinned, "Alright," she said, "Here's what we shall do; we will both read each of the books. I shall read mine while you read yours and we should then switch."

"That seems fair," Loki said slowly, as he watched her.

"But!" she cut him off, "I wish for you to read them both, Loki. And I shall too. So to ensure that we both complete the two as soon as possible, instead of picking up something else and reading that in between-"

Loki opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it, knowing that he probably would do just that, if only to annoy her.

"-the condition is that we cannot speak a single word to each other until we have each finished both books."

He felt his stomach clench unpleasantly, he had just experienced an entire fortnight without her presence. He despised the idea of reliving it. Protest. That was his only option. He was, after all, a Prince. Surely, he was entitled to the final say; "I do not think-"

"Uh!" she cut him off, holding a finger to her lips and smiling at him.

Her stare lingered for a few moments before she opened her book and began to read, walking away from him with her nose buried in her book. He watched her go, staring after her before opening his own book with a deep sigh.

There you go, my dears! I look forward to reading what you have to say! Thank you so very much for taking the time to read. The next chapter shoul be up HOPEFULLY within a week :)