She glared at the Prince of Mischief.
"What do you want, Loki?" She questioned.
"I wish to speak with you Eira, before Thor's coronation." He said solemnly.
Had he forgotten what he had done last night? She wondered to herself. He looked so down, disappointed. Though he had been so cruel with her, she didn't have it in him to turn him down.
"Alright," she said.
He looked up surprised before nodding and offering his arm to her. The two walked silently for quite some time. Eira was unsettled and nervous. Loki stopped as they arrived at one of the many lush gardens that scattered Asgard. They took a seat on one of the stone benches near a fountain. It was silent except for the soft patter of the water. She had let go of Loki's arm and rested her hands on her lap. An awkward silence engulfed the two of them, threatening to drown them.
"I am sorry for my actions last night, my dear Eira." He spoke.
She didn't reply, staring down at the flowers in front of her.
She saw him place his face in his hands from the corner of her eye.
"Today is the day," he continued, "The day Thor becomes king, you his Queen, and what of me? I will be cast to the background permanently."
Eira became suspicious, she had known Loki a long time and could tell when there was something not right about him.
"I just hope everything goes as planned," he said.
Silence embraced them once more. Eira shifted uncomfortably, crossing her legs and letting her deep red dress cascade over her long legs.
"You look stunning," Loki stated.
"Thank you," she muttered in reply.
"Ah so you finally speak," He said smiling at her.
She stuck out her lip in a grimace.
"You were my only friend, Eira. Do you remember that? When we were younger. And you told me that someday everyone will understand the man I am?
Loki was troubled; he had once again been outdone by Thor. His thoughtful antics had been ignored, he was misunderstood. He and Eira were out walking through the gardens.
"Eira, no one appreciates my efforts. It's as if I were non-existent." Loki spoke.
"I see you Loki. I see the love for your brother and family in disguise. I see the pain you hide with your pride. And I see that you're not satisfied. But let me tell you, they can understand the man you are."
"Why doesn't anyone understand me, Eira?" He questioned sadly. "It should be me who is king."
Eira kept silent, not sure how to answer the man before him.
"Do you still understand me?" he asks her desperately, "Do you still see me?"
He grabs her hand pulling it up and making her touch his cheek before he pulls it to his lips and kisses it softly.
"It should be me who has your hand in marriage, not that brute."
In an instant Eira stood up, leaving Loki looking shocked on the bench.
"Do not talk of Thor in such a way!" She said sharply. Loki, too, stood up, towering over the young woman in front of him. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"It's so stunning Eira, how you went from loving me and needing me so desperately, to my brother, of all people, the exact opposite of me. What exactly is it that charms you? Because as I recall, Thor was anything but pleasant to you as a child. He harassed you, taunted you, and you always came running to my arms," He chuckled, stretching out his arms, "You always come running back to me."
She glared at him, ready to leave and walk herself to the coronation.
"Enjoy your day, Loki." She spoke harshly, walking away.
He sneered as she passed him, "Just know this sweet Eira, I will have you soon enough."
His threat chilled her body, but she refused to show weakness in front of him.
She took long strides down the walkway towards the room where the coronation would take place. She stepped into the ornate hall and in an instant the Queen was embracing her.
"Oh my sweet child, you look absolutely stunning," Frigga said kissing Eira's cheeks. Odin's laugh boomed from behind his wife.
"A beautiful woman to be the wife of our son," he said stepping down and giving Eira a warm hug. She grinned up at him.
"Come now dear, take your place, guests are beginning to come." Frigga ordered.
Eira followed them up and stood in her specific place. Loki soon stepped in as well, taking his place, beside her. The crowd grew quickly, and soon every resident of Asgard had gathered around. Cheers echoed through the hall as Thor made his way down the aisle, grinning like a child and spinning Mjolnir around like a mere play thing.
She couldn't help but grin at him as he knelt in front of his father, removing his helmet and sending her a wink before grinning at his friends. Odin banged his staff against the floor, silencing the enormous crowd.
"Thor Odinson, my heir…" began Odin.
"My first born, so long entrusted with the mighty hammer, Mjolnir, forged in the heart of a dying star. Its power has no equal. It is a weapon to destroy, or is a tool to build. It is a fit companion for a king. I have defended Asgard and the lives of the innocent….." He continued on.
Eira saw Loki fidget impatiently and irritated.
"Do you swear to guard the nine realms?" Odin asks.
"I Do!" replies Thor.
Do you swear to preserve the peace?" Odin continues.
"I do!" Thor states
"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and to pledge yourself only to the good of the realm?"
"I DO!" Thor yells.
"Then on this day, I Odin, the Allfather proclaim you….." he trailed off.
A confused look filled many faces.
"Frost Giants!" Odin whispers, loud enough for many to hear him and gasp.