On Sunday a more prepared Elsa awoke up at nine, got ready at her own pace and knocked on Loki's door at nine-thirty. A still half-asleep Anna did the same with Thor. Elsa smiled at Loki when he opened the door with a 'whoosh' and his expressionless face transformed immediately.
"How was your sleep," she asked.
"Elsa," he drawled. "I thought you knew I wasn't the one pleasantries,"
"Oh please," she laughed. "You're the most formal prince I've met,"
He quirked a brow, my was he sassy this morning.
"A little feisty this morning, Loki?" said Elsa as she took his arm and made their way down the hall to a sleepy Thor and Anna.
"Elsa," Anna whined. "Thor agrees with me, it's much too early to be up,"
Loki scoffed. "If I can recall Thor, on hunting days you awake an hour before dawn,"
"Well we are on vacation, Loki," Thor said snidely, but his words slurred with sleep.
"I think the lot of you will be better you've all had some caffeine in your body," Elsa said calmly and lead the troupe to the dining hall. Then she turned to Anna, "Kristoff will be joining us this morning,"
Anna perked up a bit and quickened her pace. Elsa smirked and she could tell that Loki wanted to laugh but he's stubborn and reserved nature kept him from doing so. Half-way through breakfast, Thor began talking again, and was quite interested in Kristoff's profession.
"Is this ice-chopping profession dangerous?" asked Thor curiously after his fifth helping of eggs.
"Uh, yeah, yes, there is a chance you may be killed," Kristoff answered unsurely.
"How so?" Thor questioned.
"Oh, a lot of ways really, you can cut yourself, fall into the icy waters, freeze to death…A lot of the risk involves freezing actually," Kristoff explained, happy that someone was taking his profession seriously.
"How fascinating! You must take me on one of your expeditions!" Thor boomed, clapping Kristoff on the back.
Anna beamed at Thor. "Well today's your lucky day because Kristoff is heading off in a few hours!"
"It's a two day journey, mind you," Kristoff said patiently, unsure if he wanted such a brute man on the thin summer ice.
"Ah, am I not always prepared for an exciting adventure!" Thor asked to Loki, who gave a slight nod, but Elsa noticed a small spark in his eyes. She was about to ask him about it, he tapped his lips, indicating that he'd tell her in private.
"Elsa," Anna asked, diverting her attention. "Seeing that the boys are out would you mind if I invited a few girls for a sleepover this evening?"
Before Elsa was about to say yes her eyes grew to the sizes of saucers in alarm. "Which girls."
"Oh, not the baker's daughter, that's never happening again!" Anna reassured her. Elsa still gave a cold glare to the baker's daughter, Mila, after she had stolen from the wine cellar and drunkenly defaced some of her parents artifacts.
"Only two other girls, Anna," Elsa warned. "If I may, I suggest Isla and Helga,"
Anna pouted. "Helga? As in the librarian, Helga?"
Elsa gave her a stern look, much to the bemusement of the men.
"Can you tolerate Aida? The painter?" Anna pleaded.
Elsa compromised, leaving Anna to merrily hug her sister and excuse herself, deciding to spend time with Kristoff before he left. Thor left to pack, leaving Elsa and Loki alone at the table.
"I believe you've found your colour," he said as he stirred milk into his tea.
"Excuse me?" Elsa gave him a questioning look.
"Your dress I mean, the colour, ice-blue, really suits you,"
"Oh," Elsa felt herself blushing, but hated to fall victim to his charms. "I distinctly remember me telling you that I don't fall for false flattery,"
"Your pink face says otherwise," he says without looking up. "Nonetheless, you look beautiful," he added the last part with a smile.
Elsa ignored his advance and changed the topic. "What did you have in mind for today, Loki, you wanted to tell me something at breakfast,"
"Oh yes, seeing that my brother is away having –as he would call it- an adventure, I was wondering if you were up for a quest as well," he said slowly, waiting to see her reaction.
Elsa was curious to know what he had planned but she did not want to leave her kingdom. "I apologize Loki, perhaps when Kristoff returns he can take you to where you need to go," she excused herself and made her way to the room. Much to her dismay, Loki caught her wrist and spun her into his arms. She was cross with the fact that he was so persistent and that she was willing to go anywhere with him. But she did have a kingdom to run, and that was her first priority.
"I haven't even told you where I wanted us to go," he said softly, looking down at her with his hopeful green eyes.
"Loki," she replied, trying to detach herself from him but couldn't. "I know very well where you want to go,"
"Elsa please," Loki uncharacteristically pleaded.
She gave him a sly smile. "If we're going to my ice castle, we'd have to stay the night, that's when you'll experience it's true beauty,"
Loki caught on immediately. "Ah, so it would be Queen Elsa and her mysterious prince away for a night, rendezvousing at her isolated ice-castle. Pardon me, but I fail to see the problem with that,"
"Yes, the people will talk, but I've got a kingdom to run," she said responsibly.
"I am not a local citizen here, love, but I do know that it is festival week. You are pretty much on holiday," he assumed.
She gave him a helpless smile. "Loki, dear, please tell me who this festival is about?" Elsa asked sarcastically.
He gave her a tight-lipped smile. "You, of course."
"And that is why I cannot miss a single day," she says quietly.
"Why don't we go to the festival this morning, leave in the afternoon and we'll be back by noon tomorrow, leaving you to attend the Monday afternoon festivities." He says simply. Elsa scowled at herself for not coming up with that idea sooner.
"Oh Loki, always so logical," she manages to reply.
"It's in my nature," he banters and loosens his grip on her, but she doesn't immediately let go until he raises a brow.
"Right, sorry," said Elsa as she straightened her sleeveless ice-blue dress and makes her way to the gates. To her satisfaction he puts an arm around her waist and walks side-by-side with her, damn she couldn't wait for the afternoon.
XXX
All packed up with provisions for the night and after explaining everything to an eccentric Anna, they head out the back gates into the mountains on horseback. Loki was a skilled and speedy rider, but he followed Elsa closely as she twisted and looped her way around the forest, knowing exactly where she was going. She had on a black cape trimmed with magenta and she had let her hair down the moment they passed the Arendelle gates, leaving a long thick braid swooshing behind her back. Loki tried to pay attention to where Elsa was leading him but he too transfixed into what she was saying to pay attention to details. She had many voices, Loki concluded. She had a regal voice when she was addressing her citizens, a softer voice when addressing her friends, a loving voice when she scolded her sister and a special, sarcastic and witty voice for him. Loki had never fallen so hard for a girl before, especially a mortal, but Elsa was so precious, so lovely, so wonderful. She wasn't ditzy or fearful around him. She was funny, noble and intelligent. It also helped that she had ice powers. Ice powers that had made the glorious palace in front of him.
"Close your mouth, dear, flies might get in," her musical laughter rings through his ears and she dismounts from her horse and secures it to a tree, far from the cliff with a long rope. She leaves the horse something to eat and drink and informs Loki that the horse may be too heavy to climb the elegant ice steps. He does the same with his horse and she reaches out for his hand, which he gladly accepts.
"Ready," she asks with a youthful, determined look.
"I'm the one who begged you to come here, did I not?" he said as she yanked him up the flight of steps, running all the way up and coming to an abrupt halt in front of the door.
"Stand here," she instructs and puts Loki an arm's length from the door and covers his eyes. "Push open the door," she commands in his ear. "Now walk until I say stop,"
When she did say stop she uncovered his eyes and let him gasp in awe. He stood on the centre of Elsa's spectacular ice palace. He admired every crystalline structure from the patterned floor to the chandelier.
"Elsa…" he said softly after a walk around the ballroom. Elsa stood facing him, a spark in her eyes that was never there before. It was as if coming her ignited a flame of pride and accomplishment. "This is so…beautiful," he said.
"It's the product of keeping my magic bottled up for years," she chuckled, but Loki was serious. He put his cool hands on either side of her face, giving her a sincere smile, causing her to blush.
"Elsa the fact that you're immortal; no, scratch that, that fact that anyone created something so powerful, so visually aesthetic it's phenomenal."
"I'm flattered Loki," she said. "I'm just glad somebody appreciates it,"
Loki pulled her into his chest and she wrapped her arms around him, glad that there was something to hold onto on the slippery surface.
XXX
"Hey, um Loki, we have a problem," said Elsa as she made her way upstairs with Loki following close behind.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I only made one bedroom," she replied sheepishly. To her surprise Loki picked her up bridal style as she cry. "Loki! Put me down!"
"Alright, if you insist," he replied with a smirk, dropping her down on her snow bed with a pouf.
"Loki Odinson!" she shrieked in surprise, awkwardly trying to sit up straight on her soft bed. Loki sat down next to her, making her sink further down into the bed.
"Do you ever get that sinking feeling…" he asked as he made himself comfortable.
"Loki, so help me-" she snapped before she yelped as Loki took her out of her sinkhole and laid her on top of him. He was being very bold tonight, and Elsa wasn't sure if she liked it or if she should keep her distance.
"I must say you look rather ravishing when you're angry," he chuckled as she rolled off of him and walked towards the vanity, mutely taking off her jewelry and undoing her hairstyle. She heard Loki make a small gasp when her long blonde hair fell down her back. Good. Make him crave what he can't have, serves him right for getting me stuck in my own bed Elsa thought. She sashayed her way to the bed and snapped her fingers for attention and pointed her perfectly manicured hand to the icy floor.
Loki sat up and crossed his arms over his chest. "So you're going to have your guest sleep on the floor?"
Elsa nodded.
Loki lay down comfortably once more and laughed at her. "Good luck with that love,"
She rolled her ice and let an enormous pile of snow completely cover his body, causing him to awake with a start.
"So that is how we are going to play?" mocked Loki, getting up and brushing snow off of his black suit.
A small, devious smile played on Elsa's lips. "The first one to surrender sleeps on the floor," she dared, ready to fight.
"Challenge accepted," Loki bowed, then hit her in the stomach with snow. Elsa, fierce with determination, stroke right back. The magical storm continued with blue and green jets of the icy substance attacked their targets. Almost an hour later both fighters were drenched with sweat and snow, panting, their hair hanging limply in their eyes and a sinister smile plastered on their faces.
"I'm going to enjoy sleeping on a cloud tonight," Elsa sneered, the two of the circling each other under the chandelier.
Loki crackled with laughter. "Keep on dreaming, love," he said and hit her with a final blow, Elsa tried to build a barrier of ice but he broke that too, causing her to fall back with her arms up. Loki made his way towards her and offered his hand, and she grabbed onto, putting all his weight on him so he could lift her up.
"That was brilliant," said Loki quietly, brushing back the locks of hair that feel in her eyes.
"It was a good challenge." She replied, breaking away from him and laying one of the furs they had bought with them on the floor, glad she let one of servants convince her to keep it. She lay down in exhaustion and heard Loki collapse onto the bed. "Goodnight, Loki,"
"Goodnight Elsa," he replied, watching her fall asleep. She was tired and dozed off in less than five minutes. Once he was sure Elsa was sound asleep, he quietly got off the bed and kneelt before Elsa, picking her up and gently placing her on the bed. He carefully lay beside her so he wouldn't disturb her. Loki wasn't nearly as drained as Elsa was, so he was wide awake. He watched her breathing become regular, her round face had a soften, serene expression that glowed from the moonlight. Loki never truly thought about it before, but he decided he wouldn't mind waking up to the beautiful Ice Queen by his side.
XXX
Elsa woke up the next morning, her eyes still half shut as she stretched, hitting someone squarely in the face. Her big blue eyes nearly popped out of her sockets as she saw who was next to her…and the fact that she was on the bed. She had lost didn't she? She was sleeping on a snow leopard pelt (which she was glad her servants had packed) several hours ago, how did she get up-she'd been Loki'd. She turned to face him, and he was massaging his nose, where she hit him.
"Thor was correct, you people of Arendelle are very violent with your wake-up calls," muttered Loki.
"I'm sorry. No wait, I'm not sorry," she replied coyly. "You were the one who put me in bed, it's your fault you got hit,"
Loki grumbled a response, after all he was wary that she had manipulated the God of Mischief's words.
"I can't hear you," she whispered in his ear. She was so close to him, the hairs on the back of Loki's neck stood up from her hot breath.
"I could not let you sleep on the floor because I have Morals," he said quiet.
Elsa crossed her arms over her chest. "I lost the bet fair and square, so I deserved to sleep on the floor,"
Loki leaned against the headboard, the ice was a calmed him down. "My mother raised me to treat women with the upmost regard, you can never make her suffer,"
"I wasn't suffering," snapped Elsa. "I'm not a damsel in distress."
Loki took her by the shoulders and stared into her determined eyes. "I know that you are not a damsel in distress. You are so much more and that is why I like you,"
"Really?" she asked skeptically.
His hands slid down her arms and he took her hands. "Truly,"
Elsa looked down at her small white hands, securely clasped in his and smiled to herself. She knew he did it because he cared, she just wanted to hear him say it, she liked the Loki that was underneath all the boundaries he made for himself. That Loki had fun with her, challenged her and most of all loved her. And she loved him. There was not else on this planet that would be more compatible with her. They both had their ice magic and love for her fortress. They could console each other about problems with their magic, or with anything because they both had a good understanding about one another.
Loki bought her hands to his lips and gave them a gentle kiss, happily reminding Elsa of the first time they had met. He made his way off the bed but Elsa yanked him back down, and firmly planted her lips on his. He kissed back readily, putting his hands around her waist and pulling her down with him on the bed. When the both broke apart, Elsa's fingers were tangled his ebony hair, and both their eyes glowed with passion.
"That was…good," she said slowly, but made no move to get up. All Loki did was nod before capturing her lips again.
XXXXXX
Hello all you fabulous readers, sorry to keep you waiting! I hoped you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed your reviews! Keep them coming they truly make my day! I really needed to get Loki and Elsa do the darn Ice Palace, I mean, Ice is his life! Thor, Anna and the rest of the gang will be back in the next chapter, when Loki and Elsa are going to have some big news for the closing ceremonies for her coronation anniversary.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but my next update may be delayed until February 1st, when all of my exams are over. That is my absolute deadline, I'll try to post something earlier but you guys will certainly have a good long chapter by February 1st. As always thanks a million for reading!
