It was another seven days before Maryn plucked up the courage to go and visit Loki in the prisons. She had dreamt of him each night, her dreams becoming more vivid and darker each night until she barely slept at all. Finally, knowing she had to see her husband, Maryn rose early, before the sun had even begun its journey across the sky.
Dressing in a sleeveless gown of cream edged in black, silver crystals sewn in shimmering patterns; her hair she swept up in a loose, low bun, covering that with a simple headdress of pearls and jet beads. Her only adornment were crystal earrings, a gold and crystal ring, and Loki's enchanted necklace and her wedding ring. Clasping a cloak around her shoulders, she lifted the hood and left her rooms, Fenrir still sleeping soundly near the balcony doors.
With silent steps, Maryn made her way down into the prisons, the guards on duty alert despite the early hour. They nodded her through into the deepest part of the dungeons.
The sight of Loki seated in a chair of green and gold, other furniture placed around the interior of his cell richly ornamented and intended for comfort, made Maryn pause. No doubt this had been Frigga's doing. The queen had not wanted her youngest son to be uncomfortable while he was confined to the dungeons and as she could see the dark prince had taken quite well to his incarceration.
Taking a breath, she paused to steel herself before she straightened her spine and lifted her chin. Walking forward she made her way through the golden barrier of magic which kept the prisoners within the confines of their cells with a simple spell murmured under her breath.
Loki lifted his gaze to her as she pushed her hood back and unclasped her cloak.
"Why are you here?" he asked unfeelingly.
Maryn waved her hand and sent her cloak to lay across the foot of the bed, "I've come to talk, Loki."
He turned back to staring broodingly at the white wall of his cell, "I don't want you here."
Rolling her eyes, Maryn seated herself on the edge of the foot stool near him, "I don't much care what you want."
A muscle ticking in his jaw, Loki's intense gaze flashed to her face, but he stayed silent.
Letting her gaze wander over his features, Maryn sighed, "I know you are angry. I know you feel betrayed and frustrated," he still sat silently. "And I know that you are angry that your bid for a kingdom was thwarted. But you must let go of that anger. You are imprisoned now. I did all I could to help you and I'm sorry it was not enough." His gaze didn't waver from her as she continued, "But you cannot live with this anger and envy inside you. It will eat away at your soul, Loki. It will kill all that is still good in you and I do not wish to see that happen." She waited for his response but was disappointed as he got up and turned his back on her.
"As always, girl, your sentiments are those of a child." She tensed at his harsh words. "You think this world is fair, that I may just ask for forgiveness and let my anger go and all will be right again." She opened her mouth to answer, her eyes narrowed with anger, but he wasn't done. "This is reality, sweet girl. I am now locked away like the shameful secret I always was. My anger is the only thing I have left."
"Not the only thing," her quiet words seemed to fill the space between them and Maryn was sure he would concede to her words, but he just turned to face her, a malicious smirk twisting his handsome features.
"You? What use is a woman with no power or influence? Answer me that, girl." he sneered.
Jaw clenched, Maryn stilled as his hurtful words seemed to soak into her very being. Eyes flashing with anger and power she twisted her fingers together tightly as her magic begged to be unleashed, "And what good is a princeling with no crown, Loki?"
It was his turn to stiffen in anger, "Leave!" he snarled taking a menacing step toward her.
Rolling her eyes, Maryn stood, ignoring his tantrum as she serenely caught up her cloak and clasped it around her neck. Loki stood seething barely two steps away, his hands in tight fists at his side. She lifted her hood and turned to leave, stopping at the cell's barrier.
Glancing over her shoulder at him, Maryn spoke wearily, "You have pushed everyone away Loki. A lonely life here will drag you into darkness. Remember that, my love, before you push me away as well."
I'm sorry this has taken me so long. I am trying really hard to keep my muse focused on this story. I will try and keep updating regularly from now on. Any questions please message me.