I walked back to my chambers alone. This whole situation was a mess, but I knew Loki was correct. Without his help, how in the world would I be able to save my kingdom? Would this actually work? This arrangement is overwhelming and I needed to lie down. When I reached my chambers, my door was wide open and some large guards were carrying my things out of my room.
"Excuse me! You! What is going on here?" My face was heated and the guards looked sheepish as they handed me a little note. I grabbed it desperately and read it quickly.
"Please remove Tarah Pressley's items from her room and move them into mine. If anyone stops to ask what you are doing, say it is by my orders. – Loki"
My mouth gaped open and the guard took back the note.
"We are just following orders, My Lady," said the guard. I nodded and told them to carry on, they offered to escort me to Loki's chambers.
He cannot be serious! It was not even an hour ago that I had agreed and yet… Oh, I'm so furious and embarrassed. How dare he? To put me in such a situation, and for me to be in his room! What kind of woman does he take me as? I walked with a new found fury as we reached his chamber door. The guard knocked and Loki stood inside, holding the door open for the men and myself. Not long after they had come, the guards left and I was alone with Loki, who was sitting on a couch by the fireplace.
Loki glanced at me briefly and noted my angry stature. "Tarah, I realize that this is not what you had planned on this trip."
"Obviously not! Strange men were in my room! Touching my items, My Lord," I started. He rose from the couch and smirked as he walked towards me. "What kind of woman do you take me for? I am a princess! I am a noble woman! This is embarrassing, humiliating! People will be talking about this all evening! This is… it's…" My face fell into my hands and he wrapped his arms around me. My body stiffened by this sudden display of affection. "I need to lie down…"
I escaped from his embrace and walked towards the bed, he followed me slowly.
"I am sorry," Loki's hands rested on my shoulders. "I did not do this to embarrass you. I did this to help you."
I sighed and turned my back towards him.
"I thought that this would be a better way for us to get to know each other. For me to feel closer to my soon to be wife." His voice sounded sad, and I could feel his fingertips brushing against the end of my braid. I turned and looked up at him so we were face to face.
"I did not mean to yell at you, Loki. I am just stressed." His eyes seemed to lighten after that and he put his hand on my cheek, "Do not stress, my dear. This will all be over soon, and your kingdom will be safe." He smiled down at me and I smiled a little bit back.
Maybe this won't be all for nothing.