It's been a while, hasn't it? Haha well, I've been really busy... Sorry, friends. I hope you enjoy this!
The morning after the banquet started as any other morning before it for Thor. He awoke a few hours after dawn and was dressed long before his breakfast was carried into his dining chamber. This morning, however, one thing was off. As he strode into his grandiose room, stretching his arms over his head to relieve his sore muscles, he noticed a small figure curled up in a chair at his table. Upon closer inspection, he saw that it was his sister, still wearing the same gown from the night before and snoozing with her forearms crossed on her knees that were tucked underneath her chin. Her hair was disheveled, long strands falling from their rightful place in the bun that once sat atop her head, and her make up slightly smeared on her eyes, giving them a look of exhaustion even in her sleep.
"Ran?" he called as he neared her, unsure of how he should respond. "Is there something I can do for you, sister?"
Ran's eyes slowly opened, sleep still fighting to keep her in its clutches. She yawned deeply, stretching her back and dropping her feet to the floor.
"I am sorry, Thor. I tried sleeping in my room, but my mind would not let me rest." She rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands, causing stars to shoot up in her vision and smudges of black from her eye make up to dirty her pale skin even more. "This must be where my body finally gave out."
Thor slit his eyes at her, leaning on the back of her chair. "How did you enter my chambers without my notice?"
Ran rolled her eyes before turning her back to him and eyeing the food that had been spread along the table. "Honestly, Thor. You snore so loudly that I could have rode in with an entire procession of trumpeters and you still would not have stirred."
A hardy laugh fell from the Thunder god's lips before they planted a firm kiss on the top of Ran's head.
"Well, however you did it," he smiled as he rounded the table and took the seat opposite from his sister's, "I am honored to have your company."
The siblings sat in contented silence while they ate. From time to time Thor would glance up at his sister. His heart warmed to see her appetite return to her. Maybe she was coming around after all, he thought. Ran sat on the other side of the table, listening to his hope of her recovery. He really did love her and that brought a smile to her face. The two chewed their food quietly, listening to the soft songs of the birds and the gentle rustle of the wind through the curtains. Truly enjoying being in each other's presence, they both lifted their heads, their eyes meeting, both filled with soft contentment.
"Good morning, Ran." Thor called to her quietly, his mouth almost filled to the brim with food. Ran's lips couldn't help but part in a toothy smile before her brother.
"Good morning, Thor."
"You will not leave my side." Ran whispered harshly to Thor as they briskly down the corridor. Thor smiled at her, amused by her nervousness. He watched her ring her hands; an old habit that she picked up in childhood.
"Worry not, young Ran." His large arm swung around her shoulders, forcefully pulling her to his side. "Only the finest of men shall escape our initial review."
He looked down at her with a wink, "And I will not even mention that you still have to sleep with that tattered, old blanket."
The Warriors Three and Lady Sif were unsatisfied with the appointment of Loki as King in Odin's absence. Ran couldn't really blame them, after all, Thor, their best friend, was set to take the throne before their misadventure to Jotunheim. They were complaining about Thor's banishment. Begging Loki to reverse it.
Loki sat on Odin's throne, while Ran sat on the step in front, her hand wandering down, feeling the cold metal, trying to soak up memories from their childhood while her ears only picked up half of their conversation.
"One day," Odin's deep voice rasped to the three children that sat at the base of his throne, "One day, one of you, my sons, will be king."
Thor shot up from his seat on the stair. "I know it will be me, Father."
Loki's eyebrows knitted together as he too stood quickly to stake his claim.
"No, Father! I will be King!"
A deep chuckle resinated from the Allfather as he looked from son to son. Lightly, a small tap brushed his knee, causing him to look for the source. Ran stood gazing up at him with her bright brown eyes.
"I want to be King, Father."
An audible laugh boomed from Odin as he circled his arms around his daughter and scooped her into his lap.
"You, my beautiful princess, will be a queen."
"Loki, you have the power to bring Thor back. You can restore his place in Asgard!" Sif pleaded, almost expecting the answer she received. Ran watched Loki stand, moving closer to the four warriors, a false look of concern on his face.
"You wish for me to undo the Allfather's last command? We are on the brink of war with the Jotuns. Our people must be given a sense of continuity. It is for the good of Asgard."
Loki's voice was full of emotion that Ran could tell didn't really exist. Unfortunately for Loki, so could Lady Sif. She moved, quickly as if to attack him, but was held in place by Hogun and Fandral.
"Your majesty," Volstagg started, his gruff voice calling out from the back of the group, "We beg you to reconsider-"
"We're done." Loki snapped. "You may leave."
Ran eyed the group as they left; Sif's eyes catching hers. She could do nothing but turn away from her friend and let her leave without a word. She could practically feel the disappointment radiating from Sif, but Ran had to follow Loki. She had always done what he wanted her to do, after all he was the male twin and he was older, but he was so lonely that she knew playing tricks with him would make him feel powerful. Maybe a little too powerful.
"Well, that was unpleasant." She heard him grumble as he strode back to the throne. Ran's fingers ran circles around on the fabric of her skirt.
"They know something is very wrong, brother." she said quietly, looking up at him. "I saw their anger. They will retaliate."
Loki gazed ahead, his lips pursed in thought for a moment. Finally, his head tilted down to look at her. "Maybe," he whispered, "They could use a bit of persuasion."
Ran and Thor both fidgeted in their chairs, waiting on the next prospective husband to walk through the door and try to impress them. They had been interviewing men all day long and the lack of mobility was very much beginning to take it's toll on the pair.
"I am going to go insane if we spend one more minute sitting in this room." Ran huffed, stretching her legs underneath the table before tucking them underneath her in her seat. Thor turned his head to look at her from his position of leaning on folded arms that lay against the golden table.
"If you would pick a man, then we would be free from this prison."
Ran tossed him a playfully angry look. "Is that what you wish for me, brother? A marriage of convenience?"
"I do not think anyone would wish that upon you, Your Highness."
A dangerously familiar voice rang in Ran's ears, causing her head to snap toward the doorway. Breath caught in her throat as her eyes took in the sight before her. Loki stood in the doorway, closing it behind him as he sauntered into the room and sat before the two royals. Ran's eyes shifted from Loki to Thor, then to the door as if guards were going to break it down at any moment. Thor sat up straight and cleared his throat, putting on his Kingly act for the man.
"Now, what is your name?"
"My name is Eluf. I am the son of nobility in the Westlands." Loki said, his voice at an even temperament. His eyes were almost monopolized by Ran's and vice versa. Ran could tell that her face was displaying the disbelief she felt in her mind. She was trying to break into his thoughts and figure out his true identity, but the wall around them was too strong.
"If I may be so bold, Princess, since meeting you, I feel as though you can see the real me."
His eyes gave away his dark intentions. She watched as they stormed with mischief that made her stomach leap.
"Thor." she curtly whispered, grabbing his arm, but not taking her eyes from Loki, "Who does this man resemble, in your opinion?"
Thor's eyes shot to 'Eluf' before he slowly leaned into his sister's ear. "I know not. I have never met him before, Ran."
Ran drew a stuttered breath, "I-Please excuse me for just a moment." She muttered as she quickly exited the room, barely giving the men time to customarily stand and acknowledge her leave of absence. A silence filled the room upon her leaving as Thor and Eluf stared at each other awkwardly. Finally, Eluf's smooth voice cut through the quiet.
"Shall we continue the interview in the Princess's absence?"
Thor shifted in his seat, "We shall." His eyes narrowed at the man seated before him. He appeared so… ordinary. Dark blonde hair, tanned skin, muscular build. He had the features of any Asgardian man that Thor would pass walking down the street. Thor's gaze continued around the man's face, stopping at his eyes. Green eyes. Something about them looked familiar.
"Have you ever visited this City before?"
Eluf shook his head slowly, "No and that is a shame, really. I find it to be very beautiful."
"Eluf." Thor said curtly with gravel in his tone, "Princess Ran is someone very dear to me. She is my only sister and I will punish any person that tries to harm her, very severely."
An unsettling chuckle rose from Eluf's throat. "Your Highness, I of all people would never do anything to harm your princess."
Soft light glowed through the window of Ran's chambers as she stood in front of her large mirror, disrobing slowly. Her handmaid, Sigrid, moved around her, loosening fastens and untangling jewelry from delicate fabric.
"I have always longed to dress you as a proper princess and now the day has finally come." Sigrid laughed, pulling down the loose shoulders of her mistress's gown. "I know how your father loved to see you dressed like this."
Ran couldn't help but smile at the woman. In truth, Sigrid had been taking care of her since she was a young girl. Other maids could not hold their own against the attacks of Loki and Ran, but Sigrid was always ready to delve out punishment where is was deserved. Once, she made Loki scrub the floors of the family dining chamber for letting dozens of frogs loose while the kitchen staff was preparing dinner for the night.
"Princess Ran," Sigrid's voice caught Ran's attention, "I have cared for you since you were very small, and have loved you dearly."
The older woman's hand rested on Ran's arm, squeezing it gently. A slight look of worry brushed her face as she squeezed Ran's arm a little tighter.
"I have also known your brother for just as long."
Ran's stomach rolled with anxiety. Casting a smile to the woman, she let out a light laugh.
"Sigrid, Thor is—"
"You know it is not Thor of which I speak."
Sigrid's face held a deep frown. Suddenly, Ran felt as though her breath had left her. The two stood in silence for a moment before Sigrid returned to her duties.
"I pray you know what you are putting yourself into."
Did she know? Ran wondered. Did she know Ran wasn't a true Asgardian? Did she know that her people were the sworn enemies of Sigrid's? Could she tell that underneath her pale skin lie a blue monster waiting to be unleashed? Ran's jaw clenched, holding in sorrow that threatened to spill out.
She stopped Sigrid's hand at her waist, causing the older woman to look up at the princess's face twisted in confliction. Ran held her attention for what seemed like half an hour, but was only a few moments. Sigrid's face shifted with concern.
"Yes, my dear?"
As Ran opened her mouth to speak, a soft knock cut her off. Pulling herself back together, she let go of her maiden's hand and cleared her throat.
"Please, answer the door."
Sigrid nodded, stepping down away from the full-length mirror and making her way toward the door. The princess watched in the mirror as her maid pulled the door open, revealing a very cross-looking Lady Sif. Immediately her throat ran dry, causing her to swallow against the fear threatening to rise from her belly.
"Leave us, Sigrid. I shall finish myself." She wavered in her speech, but her body stood rigid, ready to defend itself against the verbal attacks of her friend. The elder maid nodded once more, bowing out of the room and letting the princess know she had no way of escaping with the soft click of the door's closing.
"Your Majesty." Sif's tone did not hide the anger she was radiating.
Ran's eyes fell from Sif's gaze, unfastening a golden band that circled her arm.
"Is there something you need from me, Lady Sif?"
A biting laugh came from the woman as she shifted her weight onto one foot, then the other.
"Why have you not made your brother bring Thor back to this realm? Thor is the true King of Asgard."
Ran continued to avoid Sif's stare, reaching down to her waist and adjusting random bits of fabric.
"Lady Sif, what you say in treason."
Suddenly, her body was jerked to face Sif. The woman's strong hands circled Ran's biceps, her face contorted in fury.
"Why do you continue to follow him, Ran? We are no longer children! Let his wrong-doing crush him!"
Ran's hand flew up, mimicking Sif's posture and seizing her as well.
"You do not understand!" Her voice raised above Sif's, Odin's anger peaked inside of her before dying down slowly. "No one understands."
Her eyes connected with the warrioress', giving her freedom to do as she pleased in Sif's mind. If she could make Sif accept Loki as king, then the Warriors Three were as good as subdued. Suddenly, Ran stopped, feeling Sif's body begin to tremble. Ran felt the betrayal that welled up in Sif's mind and the sadness that accompanied it.
"Please, Ran." She breathed. The princess drew a quick breath in surprise. She had never heard her friend beg before— not in the heat of battle, not in sparring. "Do not to do this to me. Of all of our years of friendship, please."
Moments bled around them as Ran begged the gods for the strength to take control of Sif's mind. Why was it so easy for Loki to forget friendships and cruelly strip people of their dignity? Tears dripped from Ran's eyes as she realized that she couldn't do such a thing to her friend. She was far too weak. A harsh cry ripped from her throat as she pushed Sif backward, the warrioress catching herself with her elbows on the hard stone floor.
"Get out!" The princess cried once more, turning away from Sif as if she were shielding her from something truly grotesque. Her eyes followed Sif in the mirror as she made her way to the door and turned to glare at her one last time.
"Long live the future Queen."
Please review and let me know what you think. I'm looking into revisions right now, but I'm definitely going to put up another chapter... in the future... sometime... yea...
Anyway! Thank you guys for the follows and faves, and I'm looking forward to reading your reviews!