When I finally reached the garden, I could see through the bushes of flowers that Loki was standing in front of the fountain. I was still at the gate, hiding behind one of the stone pillars, so he couldn't see me. I watched him for a little while, he paced back and forth with his eyes downcast. Per usual, his hands were clasped around behind him, and he stood tall. His pale skin almost seemed to shine in the sunlight, and his emerald eyes looked so bright but also so very sad. He stopped abruptly and turned towards my pillar.
"Lady Tarah, I see you got my note." He smiled brightly and welcomed me into the garden. I walked in slowly and held my hands together in front of my body. I took deep breaths, knowing that Loki would be able to read me like a book if I showed any sort of emotion.
"Did you sleep well? Was the chamber to your likings?" He offered me a seat on the lip of the fountain, and sat down next to me.
"Yes, thank you. The room has a beautiful view."
"Isn't it," Loki pointed up towards one of the balconies, my balcony to be exact. "That one?" He smiled arrogantly and I could feel the heat slowly rising up the back of my neck. I smiled and nodded and he laughed slightly and brought his hand back down to his lap.
"Tarah, about the letter. When I said I found a way for this problem to be solved, it is a far-fetched idea, but you shall have to listen to me until the very end." Loki leaned forward, putting his hand on top of mine.
"You see I did a bit of reading about your kingdom last night, and I found some interesting points within the treaty of your kingdom and Asgard. I'm sure you have the whole treaty memorized by now, but I would like to point out one thing. When our treaty was made, my brother and I had been children, as well as you. We had never met before, but our father's had this planned out in case such a disastrous occasion were to happen between our two kingdoms.
A crease formed between his eyebrows as they furrowed with concern. He leaned forward and licked his lips softly. My eyes drew to this act, and the heat from his hand on top of mine made my heart flutter.
"Miss Tarah, I think the only way to save your kingdom is by marriage."