Jane found you several hours later still sitting on the floor of the library in shock. She fussed over you for what seemed like forever before you agreed to get up. Back in you room she began to question you. Something was clearly wrong and she wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"( ), honey you need to tell me what happened so I can fix it."

"I don't think you can fix it Jane. I don't even really know what it is."

"I'm serious ( ). This is serious, when I found you, you looked like you had seen a ghost. I don't think they have those here."

"I was just in shock about... Well something did happen but..."

"But nothing. What happened and who do I slap?"

"Slapping him is my job remember. Shit."

"So it was Loki. I knew it, what did he do to you?"

"Nothing, it was my fault."

"Unlikely, spill it."

"Well I was reading and he came in. I was gonna just wait it out but he was putting away all the books you found me. So I kind of yelled at him."

"You yelled at him. You, yelled at Mr. kneel you mewling quim?"

"Um yes? And um he yelled back and then you know... He kind of..."

"Stormed out as usual right."

"Yes, let's go with that." You had dodged a bullet there.

"No wonder you were so shocked. Your lucky to be alive."

"Seriously?"

"I'm kidding, surprised he responded to you actually. He just ignores everyone else."

"Can we just move on, I'm kind of over him right now. How was you day with Thor?" You managed to change the subject and get away from the truth even if for only a little while.

"It was nice until he got called away to deal with a Code L."

"Code L?"

"You know, overly dramatic and easily angered member of the family you are so over right now."

"Oh, now I feel bad."

"Don't, it happens all the time." She gave you a smile and shrugged it off but you could tell that she was slightly irritated, if not at you then at Loki. She glanced out the window at the fading light. "It's almost time for the evening meal. I can request they bring you a meal here if you aren't up to another large gathering."

"Large gathering?"

"Almost every evening their are different dignitaries and nobles that come for dinner and to celebrate. There is much to celebrate now that Asguard is planning another wedding."

"As appealing as shutting myself away sounds I don't want to seem rude."

"We should get ready then. I'll meet you back here when I am ready."

"Jane?"

"Yes?"

"Does Loki attend dinner?"

"Most of the time it is expected of him. Don't worry he will surely avoid all contact as usual, antisocial that one."

"Okay." She shut the door silently behind her and you contemplated what she had said. It was obvious that Loki didn't intend to make things easy but you had promised everyone that you would make this work. What could you do to change his attitude? As you thought to looked through the dresses in the wardrobe and picked a deep red one. It was much simpler than your dress from the previous night and you put it on with easy. Choosing a comfortable pair of shoes you awaited Jane's knock on the door and contemplated attempting Asguardian makeup. Two knocks sounded before Thor entered the room. You looked up surprised.

"I was expecting Jane." You noted quietly when her gave you a questioning look.

"( ), I heard there was an incident today."

"I'm sorry I ruined your day with Jane."

"That's unimportant I'm here to see if you are okay. I know how he can be and often those..."

"I'm not as fragile as everyone thinks Thor. I can handle a couple glares and an attitude." He nodded.

" I didn't mean to say you couldn't."

" I see my husband beat me to you. Are you ready ( )?"

"As I'll ever be."

Loki's POV

He intended to avoid contact with this problem, no unnecessary socialization and no more close contact. Ever. The events of the day weighed heavily on Loki as he wore a path in the tile floor. The darkening sky told him that his presence was once again required and he failed to suppress a groan. Another awful meal where they all pretended nothing was wrong. His thoughts once again were brought back to ( ). He didn't know where she fit into the act they all put on. She was just as much a playing piece in their game of chess. A guard threw open the chamber door and stood at attention. Loki knew that the guard would remain there until he left. Begrudgingly he abandoned his pacing and prepared for his nightly performance.

For once he didn't arrive late to dinner, instead he snuck in behind a group of nobles who immediately fell silent when they noticed him. The All Fathers eye caught his, they portrayed a stern message, behave or else. He ignored the silent threat as usual and sauntered toward the center table. Frigga greeted him with her usual smile but he sensed something else in her all knowing gaze.

"Read anything interesting today Loki?" She questioned lightly.

"Nothing of importance." His answer was bland and tired. It seemed to him she asked the same old question every day. Why did she insist on trying to force things? He pulled from his internal rant when the others began to take their seats around him at the table. Her eyes briefly met his but she quickly looked away. He wasted no more time contemplating what that meant and instead turned his attention to surviving the meal and finding the quickest possible escape.

Three courses later the meal dragged on and he felt his patience coming to an end when a hush fell over the hall. Glancing up from his meal he found Odin glaring at her obviously expecting an answer of some sort to a question she had failed to hear. He rolled his eyes and sighed, he was going to regret this.

"You don't expect to spring such a question on my lady father." He growled out the last word. His mother shot him a look knowing full well he had failed to follow the small talk either.

"Obviously you and 'your lady' haven't spoken of such things Loki. It falls to me to determine when the ceremony will take place. Surely two weeks is not too soon. The realm desires a wedding. "

"Two weeks is not nearly enough time for the preparations." Frigga spoke up trying to deter the coming storm.

"I'm sure the staff can handle it. If they cannot we will have to find someone who can isn't that right dear. Odin countered with a triumphant smirk. Sparing a glance over at ( ) Loki noticed the panicked look on her face and sighed. He began to speak but was promptly cut off by Thor.

"I think it is only fair that the new couple tour the city to show the people their new princess." Odin's glare was deadly but he knew he was stuck, already the nobles were whispered ing excitedly.

"Very well, Thor since this is your idea you are in charge of ensuring the safety of the entire party."

"Of course father." By now he was seething. How could his family talk as if they weren't there. They. 'Damn now he is referring to us as together. This is ridiculous. She is human and utterly beneath me.'

"...they can move in together of course." He choked back a laugh.

"You expect..." For once the murderous glare stopped him. Her voice spoke above the background noise.

"I agree to your terms All Father." He couldn't believe it the girl was just going to agree and not argue. "I would like to petition for the full release my fincee's magic as I know it pains him to be so restricted." Again Odin was trapped but this time he intended to win.

"Very well, I place you in control of the lock." Frigga unclasped a small bracelet from around her wrist a passed it to you. He couldn't believe his mother had it the whole time and she prolonged his torture. The obvious tension in the room began to dissipate as the servants brought out the dessert course. Thor and Jane exchanged knowing glares and Frigga put out her best fake smile. ( ) was the only one who didn't pretend that everything was okay. Finally this torture was over. Loki began to stand and leave when he was stopped by a hand on his arm.

"My son, shouldn't you escort your lady to her new chambers? I believe she isn't yet acquainted with the palace." Frigga was right, if he didn't play the part everything would go to hell. He swallowed his anger and forced his own fake smile.

"Lady ( ) may I escort you back to..." He hesitated only a moment. "...our chambers?"

"Yes, of course." He took her arm awkwardly and nearly pulled her to the hall.