Sorry for not posting up a new chapter sooner. I was trying to get caught up with lots of homework.

Rai, Fenrir, and Jormungand arrived back at the palace that night. It took a lot less time since Fenrir was eager to return to a warm soft bed. He transformed himself into his true wolf beast form and carried Rai and his brother back. Once there, he transformed back to his Asgarian self and ran into his room with his brother right behind him. Rai softly chuckled to herself. She quietly made her way to her chambers not wanting to disturb anyone sleeping. It wasn't that late but non-the-less she wanted to be polite. Rai rounded a corner and heard Thor's voice conversing with Sif and the warriors three. She quickly tried to avoid him but failed. Thor spotted her and gave her a wave. She figured if she politely waved back she could just smile and get away. Too late, Thor was already making his way to her.

'Damit…' she thought once he reached her and took her hand. He gently kissed it. "My lady were you not scheduled to be back in four more days?" she nodded, "Yes Thor, but I cut my trip short. My duties would not leave me be and I suppose I feel more relaxed here than anywhere else." He let out a soft chuckle and placed a hand on her shoulder. He glanced at her a little more seriously this time. "Have you thought about it?" she looked at him with slight sadness and he figured out she was going to say. "I will not give up on you my lady…" he spoke softly.

She politely moved away from him and gave him a small smile. "You don't know when to quit do you?" He shook his head. "Well suit yourself…you may court me if you wish however…" She paused for a second as she saw Loki now approaching them. "… You should know my heart already belongs to another…" She quickly glanced at Loki who had a smirk on his face. Thor furrowed his eyebrows. "Tell me Rai, who has taken you from me?"

She chuckled a bit. "That's a secret. Sorry." Thor pouted but nodded his head. "I have not lost you yet my lady. I still have hope." He turned around, his back to Rai, and addressed his friends. "Now my friends let us go!" He turned to Rai once more and asked, "My lady would you like to come with us to a bar in the royal city?" "You know I don't drink." She simply stated and he picked her up in a huge bear hug. Something Loki didn't like. "Nonsense! You do not have to drink to come with us."

"Yes Rai please join us." Frandall smiled at her. "Well… alright. Just let me get changed yes?" They all nodded and she went into her bedroom.

~ Loki's Point of View ~

I had heard when Rai said her heart belonged to another. She refused Thor's advances but he was persistent. I thought this would happen. Thor always wanted that which he could not have. Smirking I thought 'Her heart belongs to another…'I'm positive she was speaking of me. Or was she? Nonsense of course she was.

"Brother will you join us at the bar?" Thor's question ripped me from my thoughts and I thought about it for a second. Perhaps I could try to mend the little argument Rai and I had before she left. "I believe I will brother."

Just then I saw her. She was wearing a beautiful simple sun dress. One that I had gotten for her. It was the color of the clearest blue sky with little white polka dots that reminded me of clouds. A simple white lace ribbon was tied into a beautiful bow at her waist. Her hair was loosely let down allowing her beautiful, warm, brown curls fall. I smiled intoxicated by how lovely she looked.

"Rai you have the face of an angel." Thor kissed her hand gently and I noticed a blush appear on her cheeks. "That's putting it lightly brother." I said and smirked at her. She gave me a small scowl and turned away from me. Still angry with me I presumed. Still, that made me smirk more. I loved it when she was playing hard to get.

It took us a good hour to get down to the bar. Women were throwing themselves at Thor to try and please him. 'Animals' I thought. Frandall and Hogun were trying to talk to a set of blond twins and Volstagg was eating. 'What a surprise…' I looked over to Sif who was ordering drink after drink already getting tipsy. Rai was sitting uncomfortably next to me unable to think of something to do. She kept fidgeting with her fingers or her hair and shifting in her seat. I chuckled.

"Not having fun my dear?" I gave her my signature smile but she didn't even look at me. I frowned as she said, "No." "Now Rai… what have I done to gain such hostility from you?" She turned to me with a glare. "Really? You must ask?" I looked at the floor for a second unable to respond immediately. "I'm sorry…" I whisper. Her gaze softened a bit but she was still angry. I extended my hand to her. "How about a friendly dance?" she shook her head. "You know I can't dance Loki… besides I don't like it." I stood up, my hand still extended. "Then I shall teach you."

She looked at my hand for a second deciding whether or not to accept. She sighed and stood up. After taking my hand, I led her to the dance floor. "You look lovely Rai." I said trying to lighten up the mood. "You are too kind." She said sarcastically. I pick her up by the waist in time with the music and the others dancing. I chuckled. She was having a difficult time learning to dance.

"Place your hand on my shoulder and just move like I do. It's simple really." I notice her blush and look at the floor attempting to do as I said. I felt her place one hand on my shoulder and I held her other hand. Her touch had always been so gentle, even for a warrior. Her hands so soft I wanted nothing more than for her to caress me all night long like when we were kids… but that's a memory for another time.

She looked up at me still with a slight glare and scowl on her face. Was this an attempt to punish me for our little argument? 'I know you too well Rai…' I smirked at my thought and I tried to put a crack on that mask she wore. This was quite a fun game as I pressed her hard against my chest. The music continued to send the dancers into another spin.

"I believe Thor is far too arrogant to find a wife, don't you agree my dear?" I laughed as she answered, "I believe he could… if he were to leave his womanizing ways." "Then you see something in him I do not." I chuckled again. She gave me her signature smile. "Sif said that to me about you once." "What… do you mean?..." I was taken aback a bit. I knew Sif never liked me but what did she mean by that?

"Sif once asked me… 'What do you see in him Rai? He is nothing more than a mischievous little worm' then I punched her in the face." She smiled again and I burst into laughter. "And that is why Sif hates me." "You are always defending my honor my lady." I said trying to contain my laughter. "Of course." She simply replied. After an hour or so of dancing and causally talking, I wasn't able to put a crack on that mask she wore.

"Why are you punishing me this way love?" I lead her to a secluded table in the far end of the bar. "I do not know of what you speak My Prince." She looked at the dancers with a bored expression. "You know perfectly well of what I speak."

She looked over at me and once again smiled. "Why do you always hide behind a pretty smile Rai?" "A smile is a mask everyone wears my dear Prince Loki… I dare say you wear one more than anyone else." I smirked at her. "My my… it seems you have quite the sharp tongue."

"Only to those who deserve it." She glared at me again and I laughed. "What's so funny?" she slightly furrowed her brows. "How good is that sharp tongue of yours my dear?" She looked at me puzzled so I continued, "Could it perhaps rival mine?" She scoffed. "You are the Prince of Lies and Mischief. I highly doubt I could surpass you in that." "Let's test it shall we?" Before she could answer me I pressed my lips gently on hers awaiting a response.