So I also really like this chapter. I hope you do too. It's also a longer chapter because I know you guys wanted that. So, here it is.
Thank you all so much for your kind words and encouraging reviews!
His lips were soft, coaxing, gentle.
Loki's thumb swept across her cheek in light circles, sending endless chills down Celia's spine and causing the slightest of gasps to escape her lips. A blush crept onto her cheeks, making her appeal more bashful and nervous. Celia was nervous. This was her first kiss.
But he was so careful with her, as if she were a delicate flower. His lips moved against her slowly, giving her time to adjust to the sensation of the kiss. Loki's other hand came up to gently thread through her hair. His fingers ran through the chocolate locks, before bringing his hand to her other cheek.
Celia's heart beat was racing. She couldn't hear anything else besides the prominent pounding of her heart that sent her body into a flames. She felt on fire. She felt everything in her sparking as electricity trickled through her body.
Her hands, at first, did not move. She was too shocked to even comprehend what was happening at first. But, her eyes instinctively fell closed as Loki brought his lips to press gently against hers.
She tasted mint on his lips; however, he never once opened his mouth to allow the innocent kiss to go any farther, and Celia knew he was respecting her. It wasn't like she didn't want to, but she was still new to all of this. Her body, however, was responding. It was as if the machinery in her body was overworked, setting off small flames due to malfunction. She wasn't functioning. She was wired, burning... She felt passionate.
Celia found her hands resting gently on Loki's chest, slowly moving upwards to rest on his shoulders. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted this gentle, soft, sweet kiss to continue. Loki; however, did not force anything. He kept the kiss powerful, passionate, but almost as if he too, were afraid to force Celia into anything more than she was ready for.
Celia could feel his hands on both sides of her face, and when the pressure of Loki's mouth suddenly disappeared, she felt his thumbs lightly caress her lips. Slowly, Celia's eyes fluttered open to meet Loki's. His emerald pools appeared so endlessly deep, so innocent, so breathtakingly beautiful. Her breath was light, gently brushing against Loki's lips. They remained in that moment for a while, just breathing, connecting, understanding. There was still tension between the two, but their eyes began to speak to one another.
Desire. Longing. Desperation. They needed one another. Celia had no family and all she had to deal with is pain, hardships, and starvation. She lived physical torture but allowed a single relationship with her Papa to heal the wounds that were so paradoxically evident and hidden. Loki, on the other hand, didn't have the same physical pain, but he had a very different type of trouble. He had no voice. Loki, regardless of being a prince, was always silenced by those around him and his opinions were like trash. His voice was his biggest asset and yet it was the thing that was often silenced. Loki hated silence. He hated how no one ever heard him and never, well, understood him.
The two needed each other more than ever to bring themselves out of darkness.
Loki thought she looked so beautiful. Her cheeks were red, as was her nose. Her beautiful sapphire crystals reflected the fireplace light so beautifully. Her hair was slightly out of place because of the kiss. Her eyes fell down to his lips, parted, begging him to kiss her again. He tasted her scent, almost like lavender. He longed to capture her lips again, but he didn't.
He didn't want to ruin this innocent, surreal, and special moment.
"So, it's that simple of a task?" Thor inquired, standing next to Celia by the chalkboard. The two were staring at various scribbles that were written earlier in the lesson. Celia had her arms crossed in front of her, tilting her head,"Well, it is not simple, as you put it."
"There is a factor of personal fatigue," Loki chimed in from behind, leaning back in his seat.
Thor shot his brother a glare,"But someone like myself would not feel fatigue, brother. I never had."
Celia noticed the tension instantly, her body moving away from the board and towards Loki. She let her eyes momentarily lock on Loki, before she softly replied,"It's hard to describe the feeling." A smile appeared on her lips as she turned around to once more face Thor. Loki grinned in response, loving this.
Throughout the entire lesson, the two had been giving each other such comments. Loki left late in the night the night before. Celia and Loki had not kissed again, but once more returned to looking at novels and speaking about them. There was much tension, much more of a fire raging within them that was not yet released. When they had left, Loki had placed his lips against her temple as he embraced her. His lips remained on her skin for a long time, as if debating whether or not to once more take her mouth. But, at the end of the night, he reluctantly released her and let her return to her slumber.
The next day, when she greeted the two brothers, the tension between her and Loki had only grown ten folds. This time, Celia was slightly more forward, but, never once allowed her word to be too open with their intentions. They were sly, witty, just as she was.
Loki loved it. He loved seeing her be... mischievous.
Thor then turned around to look at Celia,"You have felt it?"
"A lot. My Papa, before he passed, would often became ill after complicated and strenuous transmutations. I, luckily, have only felt extremely tired and after a good night's rest, feel better."
"That's good then. It's good you are alright," Thor murmured, slowly moving to his chair, before he added,"Have you ever fainted?"
Loki, at this question, sat up in his seat. He was curious to see if Celia had actually hurt herself while performing with ancient magic. Celia's face looked troubled,"I have."
Thor's face saddened. He was upset at the fact that this small, brave girl had felt such a pain. Thor, over the course of the day, had decided that this girl was to be his future partner in crime. He wanted her to become his best friend, someone to talk to and tell his secrets too. He cared for her, because somehow, she put him into his place when nothing else could. Yesterday, in his rage, without even scolding him, she had calmed him. That, in itself, was quite a feat.
"How many times," Loki then asked, his emerald pools trained on her. Celia shifted uncomfortably. Her jaw locked and finally, she replied,"I wouldn't realize I did. I thought I had just slept, but I was never truly tried in the normal sense. After Papa died, this happened quite a bit."
"Because you took on more of a task," Thor said.
Celia nodded.
The two brothers exchanged glances. Neither were happy to hear this.
"Class is over," Celia whispered, moving over to the chalkboard and began to erase what she had written. Thor's face dropped, before silently getting up exiting the room. He left Loki sitting there silently, just watching the girl erase the board.
Why hadn't she told him that she fainted after using ancient magic?
"Celia," Loki said aloud, standing up from his seat.
She kept erasing.
"Celia," he repeated, walking closer. She didn't face him. Finally, Loki was near enough and gently placed his hand on her waist. Celia gasped, sharply turning around. Loki frowned, noticing the wet streams of water trickling down her face. She was upset. And within a second, his arm was wrapped tightly around her body and brought her into an embrace.
"Have you wept all this while?" Loki whispered, gently holding her as she softly answered,"I do not want to be so weak. I want to be strong, for once in my life. I want to live and not be in fear of whether or not I will see the next day after I use my powers."
Loki kissed her forehead softly,"Perhaps in another life you can live with such external strength, but if you look inside yourself, sweet Celia, I believe you are so powerful."
"I am not that strong."
Her head slowly lifted upwards to see Loki. His hand came up to caress her cheek, wiping away the tears in the process. "Then let me make you stronger."
Celia shook her head,"No, I do not want to ask that of you. I must do it my-"
"Don't do everything on your own," Loki gently stroked her hair,"You always seem to think you are alone in this world. You tried to live on your own, work on your own... You are independent and you are strong, but if you feel as though you are alone, let me be there. Do not force yourself into thinking strength is a self-endured task. Sweet Celia..."
His voice was so soft, velvet-like. He was enamored with the girl before him. Loki had never felt anything like this in his entire life. He cared for this girl a impossible amount. Never before had his heart burned at the sight of someone hurting, nor had his body literally ached at the sight of someone's weak cries. Loki's being literally wanted to lift Celia out of her sadness and into the light. He wanted to be that person to show her the good in life, and really, he wanted her to see that with him, there was a life to be lived.
Loki kissed her forehead once more, only to feel her small hands fall on his chest.
He wondered if she felt it too. It was this sort of consuming emotion. Celia was his every thought, his every breath, his every motion. Everything he did was because of her. Celia, was his heart. He didn't know how she did this, but she did. It was because she was, without even trying, the most perfect heraldist of joy.
Was he in love?
Loki did not know. He did not think his body was capable of feeling something so powerful, so overwhelming. Perhaps it was love, for nothing else had ever done this to him. He loved her smile, her eyes, her laughter, her wit, her soft... gentle kiss...
She was taking over him and she didn't even know.
Celia smiled weakly, nodding her head,"I trust you."
And with that, the girl raised up on her toes to place the softest, purest of kisses on Loki's lips. His body was on fire instantly. His hands wrapped around her waist, pressing her body to his. His heart was beating so fast. His world simply began to spin. Even the simplest sign of affection... Celia had kissed him. She wanted to kiss him. She had to have felt something in return. Oh god, Loki didn't understand.
Was it possible for someone to feel something for him? A mindless beast?
But, he felt Celia's hands rest on the back of his neck, before softly touching his cheek. Her fingers were grazing his cheek, and with it, he couldn't help but kiss her back with more force that the kiss had originally intended. It was as if he couldn't control the overwhelming passion that was flooding his senses. He wanted to kiss her more, he wanted her to literally become one with him. He never wanted to let her go.
He wanted to rule her. He wanted her to rule him in return.
He felt himself overpowering Celia at first. But then, he felt her forcefully kiss him back. When he felt her respond to his passion, his grip on her body tightened. Celia's mouth moved against his, pushing harder and her body even trembled. Loki held her in his arms, feeling her mouth softly allow herself moan against his. The idea that she was pleased by Loki, that she wanted Loki, was enough to make every part of his being alive. It took all of his strength to support both of their bodies because quite literally, he felt his own body shiver.
Everything she was doing was making him react. His body physically could not even handle the amount of passion she was kissing him with. Her hands were locked around his neck, pulling his body to herself and her lips were so softly begging his mouth to continue touching her. So, he did. Slowly, his tongue lightly grazed the edge of her lips and without hesitation, Celia allowed her tongue to greet his.
Loki's tongue expertly swept into her mouth, divulging her sweet taste and relishing in it. As he let his tongue slid past hers, he felt her body once more shiver as a quiet moan escaped her lips. Loki, in turn, could not contain the groan released from the base of his throat. There was so much fire between them, such a fire that Loki didn't know that could exist in reality.
There were two things he felt that consistently intertwined with one another.
One, was the genuine desire to protect, hold, and keep Celia from all harm. It was the side that weakened when she was hurt and he wanted nothing more than to use his life to ensure her happiness. Loki would die to make her happy. He would do any task, any action, anything for her. But the other, was this raw, uncontrollable passion that seeped through his veins and set them on fire. It was within him, burning, and unleashed an indescribable feeling of desire and want. He wanted nothing more than to be closer to her, to hold her, to please her, to make her feel like she was the most important woman in the world.
Loki was practically exploding in everything he felt. It could only be described as one thing. And when he pulled away, he could barely breath. Loki chastely kissed her lips once more, staring into her wide eyes and blushing cheeks. She was breathtaking. Loki stared at her with such emotion. He didn't know he could even feel this way. The two were panting, staring into each other's eyes.
Love.
This was love. It had to be. And if Loki ever lost her and her love, he would surely lose his mind.
Celia was so happy. She was practically flying around her room with the largest, goofiest grin on her face. She had just kissed Loki again. Really kissed him. That man made her feel things that were so new to her, so exciting. It was such a powerful, ebbing emotion that kept growing every second of every day. It was all she thought about now, and the smile? Well, that never left her face. It was quite literally impossible for her to stop smiling.
Loki made her feel as if she were flying, soaring, living... She felt alive in only a few days because he made her feel like there was a life to be lived.
Yes, she was acting like a two year old who just got a piece of candy, but she didn't care. Everything was amazing. Yes, she had always thought Loki a handsome, good hearted man. She always knew he was special and deserved much more than he appeared to get, but she never once believe that he would ever come to truly feel something for her. His eyes, his voice, his soft smile and his gentle, loving embrace was enough to keep her happy for lifetimes on end. Just by being there, he made the worst better. Even when she did not know him, he hugged her, cooed her, protected her... Celia would spend lifetimes trying to make it up to him.
Celia kept twirling, laughing, falling, before almost squealing. She was happy. Loki was making her so happy. She just wanted to kiss his lips again. She wanted to tell him now, that he was beautiful and deserved so much more he-
"Celia?"
The girl whirled around, wide eyed, and froze. Her vision was trained at the door. Quickly, a blush crept up onto her face as she scratched the back of her head,"Thor, I-"
"You were dancing to a quite jovial tune," Thor finished for her, entered further into her quarters. Somehow, the room became darker, more ominous. The way he moved, the way he... approached her. Celia didn't like it.
"Please, sit," Thor said aloud, almost demanding. Celia sat down on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped on her lap. Thor stood tall beside her, almost glaring down to her. Celia shifted uncomfortably. What was he doing here?
But then, she noticed something. In the middle of his large, evil glare and intimidating stance, a smile appeared on the edge of his lips. Slowly, it curved upwards and eventually, the smile reached his eyes,"You and my brother are not simply a student and a teacher."
Celia's eyes widened. Her mouth opened, her body shifting and her breath instantly vanishing. Oh god... someone knew? THOR KNEW? Thor was probably the biggest child in the castle! What if Thor, in all his rage, suddenly told the entire land of Asgard about their relationship! A large blush crept over Celia's face as she nervously swallowed.
She opened her mouth to speak, but found Thor continuing,"You understand my brother finds it hard to even speak to another person, let alone in the way he has with you. I've never seen him care for someone, hold someone, wish to be near someone, as he does with you. He's truly been happier since you two had first met 2 months ago."
Thor was grinning widely. He knelt down next to her, placing a large hand on her shoulder,"Therefore, on my honor, I will do any modest office to ensure your happiness with him. You gave me your trust, and now I give you mine. A secret, easily kept. The relationship itself, more difficult, but I will do anything to keep outside eyes from watching."
Celia's orbs were big with shock. She could feel her body relax, her heart pounding. Thor was so good to her. A best friend. He cared for her and his brother's happiness and he would go against his name to do it. Celia did remember she was someone of much lower rank, and she also knew that if Loki were to marry, she'd probably be a mistress of sorts... Celia knew what would happen at that point, and the emotional strain would cause her to leave Loki... But still, none of that was to happen yet. Both of them were still very young.
Thor felt a pair of small arms wrap around his neck. Celia had leaned forward and tightly embraced the Norse god. A smile be-painted her face and she laughed,"You have a good heart."
When she pulled away, she added,"I don't know how to thank you for your kindness."
"My brother's genuine happiness is all I can ask for."
It warmed her heart to know that Celia, being Celia, had caused a change in Loki. She was making him better, brighter... She wanted to bring out the best in Loki.
Thor then grew very quiet. His eyes began to shift, his brows furrowed. He was thinking of something. Celia tilted her head, watching his mind simply think. Thor looked to her,"Do you want to get him a present?"
It had been 2 days. Thor and Celia were missing for 2 days. No one knew where they went, or how they went... they just left. Loki had went to Celia's chambers later in the night to find her missing. He thought she had simply went for a walk and figured he'd see her the next day. When she, and Thor, had not shown up to their lesson, Loki became worried. He traveled all over the palace, trying to figure out where the hell his lovely Celia was.
No one had answers.
Loki, at the end of the day, didn't do anything, but walk into Celia's room. He didn't knock, he didn't do anything, but walked inside and sat on her bed. He was worried.
He didn't know where she was. Yes, he cared about his brother missing too, but he had a feeling that Thor would be alright wherever he went... Celia though? No, she'd get hurt. She'd be too afraid to fight and... and... she'd die.
Loki needed to know where she was.
For some reason, the worry he felt shifted. He missed her so much, her warmth, her smile. It might have been a few days, but this obsession he had for her could not handle her no longer in his presence. And therefore, this worry changed into anger. Rage. Why hadn't she told him where she was going? Why hadn't she even hinted to him that she was leaving the palace? Was she unhappy? Did she hate him? Did she hate everything about him that she could no longer be around him?
Why did everyone always push Loki away!
He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve this. Loki's chest was pained, his breath deep and ragged. Why didn't Celia tell him?
"Why..."
"Thor, I can't breathe!" Celia hissed, shutting her eyes tightly. She gasped as she felt more air squeezed out of her body. Her hands were on a large bedpost, holding it tightly as a round lady pulled at the corset's strings.
Thor chuckled, grinning,"I don't think you're suppose to."
The two were in a large, beautiful Victorian bedroom. On the rich maroon bed were layers and layers of frills and dress layers. There were flowers everywhere. Celia's hair was straight, with the exception of curls at the very end. Her make up was done softly and her blue eyes were almost electric. Thor, who stood beside her, wore a black tuxedo with his golden hair slicked back. His vest was a deep red and his shirt was slightly ruffled. In his hand was a cane. Thor insisted he played the role in their game of dress up.
The Midgardian year was 1846. Time on Midgard moved slower than that on Asgard. The Asgardians, in a way, were trillions of years ahead of these primitive Earthlings. They truly had no idea of the 9 realms or of other life forms. Either way, it was because of it, and with Thor's wealth, that he was able to manipulate the human race. It wasn't a bad thing, persay, but it wasn't the best. Celia scolded Thor once she realized how easily Thor was using the humans.
Thor could only laugh at her and digressed, insisting that the perfect, most soothing gift to get a man would be a painting.
Not of a landscape, not of a vase, but of her. Celia wasn't too sure of what he meant, but, when she was thrown into bundles of rich fabrics and flowers, she understood. Celia was not used to this sort of luxury. Therefore, she was baffled to find that she was now being made-up as a beautiful Victorian woman.
Her shoulders were bare, and on the back of the dress was a large V. The top of the V, reaching from shoulder to shoulder, each had a beautiful flower pinned on it. Moving down to the point was all lace and at the point, another larger flower. Wrapped tightly around her waist was a silk sash. The dress itself then poofed outwards, long and heavy as it moved over the layers of frill and the metal gate. The lady then pinned up Celia's curls to the top of her head.
Celia could feel the breath in her lungs slowly deplete as the layers were added. Finally, when she was all tucked away and done up, she saw her image. Celia gasped. She didn't know she was even looking at herself. Her makeup was almost too extreme, the dress beyond the point of fancy, and her general appearance was... well, different.
"Ma'am? Here is your parasol," The lady who tied her up handed her a white, frilled parasol,"Now, if you'll follow me."
Celia could feel herself gap,"I can not even move my feet let alone remain still for hours."
Thor grinned,"You can do it."
"No," she replied,"I can't... Thor, it may not seem clear, but this is not me... This cannot be me. If one time in my life I am to be remembered based upon a single picture, I would never want it to be wearing this." Celia lifted up the gown, frowning, before plopping it back down. Thor tilted his head, watching her, before he shrugged.
"Alright. Then, let's get you into something else."
The painter gasped. He had never seen anything like it. Celia walked into the room wearing something extremely unconventional. On her body was a white, cream colored gown that flowed to the floor. It had a slight poof to it, but compared to Victorian standard it was much smaller than a typical gown. The top part was ribbed with gold, green, and sky blue beads and flowers. Around her waist, the dress pulled tighter before flowing into the skirt. On the skirt, trailing up from the floor, were more flowers and bead pieces from the top of the dress. In her hand were books, not a parasol. And her hair? Her hair was down with a white lily placed behind her ear.
But, the painter did as he was told, and painted. Meanwhile, Thor had a picture taken of her, just in case she moved. It was on a small piece of parchment that Thor received after the painting was completed. He tucked away the piece of paper for safe keeping. Celia had been there for about 16 hours, with breaks, before the painting was completed. It was the worst experience of her life, but, at least it was easy to do because she was in something more comfortable than a corest. Something more... her.
Thor, who had the painting instantly framed, held it in a case and covered. It was a large picture, but he had no issues with weight or anything. Sometimes, through all of his kindness, Celia forgot he was a god. She forgot that he was a warrior and, that he was someone to fear.
The two, changed into their normal attire, were walking in a field back to where they'd beam up to Asgard again. Celia smiled,"Thank you for this. I think Loki will truly love it. All though, I do this it is rather self-centered."
"A portrait of you? He'd want to see your face when you aren't beside him," Thor replied, but Celia shook her head.
"I want to give him something more meaningful, if that makes sense," Celia said aloud, before she froze. She felt her necklace tapping against her chest, and then, she knew what she wanted to give him. Her necklace. A piece of her. The last important piece to her name. She wanted Loki to know he was that important to her.
But, the necklace was plain and boring. It had nothing to it.
Thor turned around,"What is it?"
A small smile crept on Celia's lips, before she said,"Do you want to see a transmutation?"
The two had beamed up to Asgard. In Celia's hand was the silver necklace, but it was not the same. Engraved in the sliver were intricate flowers and shapes, all representing feelings of love and happiness. She showed Thor, how, ever so slightly, one could recognize a transmutation. It was barely distinctive, due to Celia's careful job, yet one could tell that this necklace was changed.
She was going to give it to Loki.
Celia smiled a bit, knowing that this was something she needed to do. The necklace might have been something that tied her to the past, but she wanted it to be something more. She wanted the necklace to represent her future, her hope, while also reminding her that her past life was good and will always be good. She wanted Loki to hold onto it proudly, to wear it as a charm.
Thor had his arm hanging loosely around Celia's shoulders. "You know, Celia, I've never quite had a friend like you."
"Really now?"
"You're good. You believe in things like rabbits and trees to save the world while I believe assertion and strength is key. We are opposite, but, we are a balance. Everything needs a balance," Thor said aloud, seeing the palace come into view.
"I taught you well," Celia laughing, giving his chest a small punch,"It's nice to have a friend. I never thought I could. I believed that my life would be a series of mindless tasks of which I would come to abhor. But with yourself, and Loki... I still do not understand."
"What do you mean?"
"Why me?" Celia whispered, her beautiful face troubled.
Thor shifted the painting under his arm,"Because you see the value in people. You can look at a person and know who they are, what they are good for, and you only let those who get to you be those who will, in turn, love you unconditionally. While it might not be romantic, as friendship, you put up a guard that is selective in whom you relate to. I'm honored, Celia, that you have accepted me as such."
There was silence. Celia glanced up to Thor, before she laughed,"You are a giant ball of fluff under that armor!"
"Perhaps," Thor chuckled, removing his arm from the girl as they entered the palace. Their laughter roared as they moved about. Thor, with the painting, moved it into their classroom to be given to Loki tomorrow. Celia, in turn, went to her bedroom to take off the dirty clothes from traveling. She hummed her way into her room, carefully removing the outer layers of her clothing and placing them on a chair. She also removed the necklace. But, she didn't know where to put it.
If she left it in a drawer, well, then it could be found by anyone. She needed to hide it. Really hide it. Celia pondered where to put the necklace for a long time. She went into her closet, trying to find anything besides a drawer to leave it in. Maybe in a bag and then in a drawer or... the idea hit her. Celia stood up and looked at the door itself.
A smile fell on her face when she pressed her hands to the door and let her blue eyes glow. When she finished, she saw a little door placed within the door itself, defying laws of nature. Celia smiled, putting the necklace in a velvet bag and then, away. Yet, when she shut the wardrobe door, she saw a figure standing behind her.
Celia gasped,"Loki!"
But Loki did not respond. He stood there, watching her silently. His eyes were no longer warm and they were frightening. Celia could feel her heart pound at not only the shock of Loki's appearance, but by how deadly he seemed. A chill ran down her spine as she exhaled. Celia blinked momentarily, only to see that Loki had moved closer to her in that second.
"Pleasant. You're home," he hissed, his green eyes trained on her,"Fancy my brother? Play the other for the fool?"
Celia's face morphed into complete horror. Loki was speaking to her in such a venomous tone... It was making her body tremble under his glare. Celia shook her head wildly,"You have it false! Let me-"
"LIES," Loki roared, his hands gripping her shoulders tightly. But, he didn't act on it, he only frowned,"Why would you lie to me?" Celia flinched away, gasping as she felt his fingers tightened their grip.
"Loki!" She cried, wincing. What was he doing? Why was he acting like this? Celia shook violently as her eyes watered. She could feel such rage radiate from Loki. What did she do? What was he talking about? Why was he hurting so badly to act in this way? But, she felt that any word she could say would be drowned by the sound of his shouting.
Loki pulled off of her,*"You're eyes can be so cruel. Just as I can be so cruel."
Celia felt her body tumble to the floor.
"Where have you been," Loki snarled, watching the girl on the floor. He saw her slowly raise her head with such fear in her eyes. She was crying. She was shaking. She was terrified. Loki could almost feel ashamed of himself for putting the girl into such an emotional state of distress. But he needed answers. He spent 2 days in the castle wandering, worrying, searching but not finding. Why didn't she tell him anything! Why was he left in dark and why did she go with Thor.
"TELL ME."
He saw a tear slide down Celia's cheek as she softly said,"Earth."
"Earth."
"Yes. Earth. Midgard."
Loki kneeled next to her, hissing,"And why with Thor." His words were low, primitive, deadly. It sounded as if he were ready to strike with his hand at any moment. He scared her. Why was he so upset? Celia tried to answer, but found her mouth unable to form words. She was sobbing, trembling... she was terrified for her life and why she did something so wrong! Why was Loki acting like this?
"He escorted me..." Celia whimpered, sniffling. Her aquamarine orbs raised to meet Loki's, "to get you a gift."
She noticed Loki's face instantly change. He was confused,"A gift."
"Nothing more," Celia whispered, shaking her head back and fourth as she slowly stood up. She moved to the wardrobe door are carefully removed the necklace. Then, she kneeled down next to Loki, hiccuping, as she laid the necklace in her palm. Another tear fell down her face as she held it out to Loki,"And there is a portrait in the classroom that I would present tomorrow."
Loki could feel his heart sink into his chest. Never before had he felt truly enraged and monstrous... Yet at the same time, now, looking into Celia's wide and wet eyes, he couldn't have felt more shameful. He lost everything close to him, and this girl's love was nothing different. Loki always managed to ruin something. Always. He felt his jaw lock as the girl stood up, clenching the necklace in her hand. He heard her sniffle as she wept, moving quickly towards the door to her room.
He could feel her heart slipping through his fingers, falling to the floor, and shattering. Loki was going to lose her. He was going to lose Celia because of his hasty assumptions and unparalleled rage. He felt so much for her. He felt everything for her and she had felt something too... But, what was happening? Why was everything changing?
Celia could feel her body shatter, her mind ablaze, her heart in trillions of pieces. He was so cruel. Why did he hate her so much? She hadn't done anything wrong to spite him she... she felt nothing of hate and yet she was being punished. Celia hiccuped, moving towards the door. She needed to get out of this room, this palace. She couldn't stay here any more. Her heart would break a thousand times over again every time she'd look at Loki and his hatred for her.
"All my life, I've envied my brother and lived as his shadow."
The girl froze. Her legs refused to leave the room. Celia shut her eyes tightly, feeling water slid down her cheeks and drip off her chin. Slowly, her head turned back to Loki, who was still on the floor from where he was before. Celia's face was so sad.
"When I thought you went with him, I did not think you would come back," Loki said softly, casting his gaze to the ground,"He takes everything from me, despite what his intentions are."
"I just wanted something to call my own, and someone to call me there's. I wanted someone to see me as Loki, not 'Thor's Brother',"Loki whispered, shaking his head,"and it has been my entire life that I've been tossed aside and silenced. 1000 years of living and never saying a word because your words are useless, pathetic, a waste of air and when you do finally speak no one listens. No one ever listens. No one even cares whether you live, or die, or laugh, or wither away in your own regrets."
Loki's eyes raised, glassy and glistening,"I've spent my whole life waiting for a purpose. I thought, that when I saved you, you were just that."
Celia could feel her tears resurface. She understood. She listened to him and she realized what was happening. She was staring at a far damaged soul then Loki allowed others to see. He was innocent, but he had been beaten down after so many years of neglect and painful nights. He was the silent brother, the one who could never speak despite the fact that he was brilliant. He was never held, kissed, told how beautiful he was. Celia, could only feel pitied by staring at the lost creature.
"Has no one ever loved you?" Celia whispered from where she stood.
Loki, did not respond. Celia moved closer to him, her steps hesitant,"Has no one ever shown you affection?"
The man swallowed as he felt a small hand on his shoulder. Celia was beside him, her blue eyes wide,"Have you been alone all this while?"
Loki's eyes watered. It pained him to feel so weak, so vulnerable. But he felt as if he could no longer have his guard up around Celia. She broke his barriers, rendering them useless completely. The strong face of Loki deteriorated slowly as the sadness crept into his expression. His lips parted before suddenly, he felt a tear slide down his cheek.
"I've had no one."
And with that, Celia wrapped her arms tightly around Loki's body as he collapsed into her. She felt him silently weep into her chest. He was still trying to be strong. Loki was such a young child, put down since he could even think thoughts for himself. He had no friends, no confidence, and had no one who ever truly care about him.
It made sense why he was so angry before. He never experienced love. All he knew was hatred.
Celia could feel her own tears stream down her face as Loki desperately hugged her body to him. Her hands lightly touched the back of his raven hair as she rested her cheek on his head. Her lips came down to lightly touch his forehead, whispering,"It'll be alright, Loki. Shh. It'll be alright."
"When?"
She felt Loki shift in her arms. Slowly, he sat up and she saw his face. He was devastated. Not only had he finally let his true colors loose, but he could finally tell Celia everything. His feelings, his ideas, his truest of colors... He no longer had to pretend around her.
Celia smiled warmly as she unclasped her palm. Carefully, she took the pendant and slowly, let the chain fall over Loki's head so that the pendant rested on his chest,"Now."
Her hand came up to gently wipe away Loki's wet tears, saying,"Do you know how much I care for you? You are so blinded by your own self hatred to see what I see. Do you know how special you are and how important your life is to me? You revived me when I had no one. You lifted me from the dirt and called me a person. You believed in me when I couldn't bare to see the sight of my own face. Loki," Celia said softly as she cupped his face," You may not be able to see it, but your life is worth it."
Loki didn't say anything for a long time. His eyes kept leaking tears, his body kept shaking in violent motions. His face kept distorting and his beautiful, emerald orbs held all the sadness in the world. They remained silent for a long time. Celia sat there just holding his hand, kissing his shoulder, embracing him. And finally, when his tears stopped falling, he gazed to Celia.
Slowly, Loki leaned forward and pressed his lips to Celia's. It was soft, comforting. It wasn't meant to be passionate. It wasn't meant to be intense. It was meant to show that they had one another, that they were here for one another... That they'd love one another. The two pulled away from one another, feeling their body's ache in pain. With reddened eyes, Loki whispered,"Thank you."
It was a party. About 1 month later, the kingdom was celebrating because, well, they could.
Celia was in her chambers, lightly applying make up and staring at her gown that laid on her bed. It was a present from Loki. It was long and white with intricate, metal-colored golden leaves forming the entire upper part of the dress. A white layer was underneath the leaves for decency. But, the skirt of the dress was long and filled of many layers of beautiful, soft white and cream colored fabrics. The leaves on the dress formed into a point on her lower backside, and then lead into a trail of golden sparkles, leaves, and white silk fabrics, eventually forming a train that would flow behind the dress itself.
Thor, over the past month, had been key to helping Loki and Celia be, well, happy. He would often mislead his father from rooms they were staying in, would demand extreme help in some idiotic task on the opposite side of the palace that required all of the guards, and was just a goof about this entire ordeal. Loki no longer believed that Celia and Thor had any sort of relationship besides pure friendship. He could tell because he knew that the way Celia looked at Thor was in no way the same way she looked at Loki.
It made him happy to know he had something.
Loki made his way into Ceila's chambers, watching her curl her hair and letting it fall in tresses down her back. Celia noticed him in the mirror's reflection. She whirled around, her locks springing to life and whipping around her head. They fell beautifully across her shoulders. Celia, in her white underdress, looked like a goddess. Throughout her hair were golden leaves that were weaved into her curls. Her make up was simple, but it looked so elegant and her skin appearance like moonlight.
Celia's eyes, well, they were a different story. They were electric. Loki never thought they could be so endlessly blue, deep, and crystalized. The were gorgeous.
"Hello," Loki said softly, walking to where she sat. He was wearing an intricate suit of sorts. All along his body were golden embellishments and golden amour plates. He looked as if he were a king. Underneath the golden outsides were a mix of emeralds and blacks to create his pants and shirt. On his back was a long, flowing emerald cape. His hair was slicked back and around his neck were golden necklaces of riches. Also around his neck was Celia's silver pendant.
Celia smiled warmly,"You look quite handsome."
Loki bent down, placing a soft kiss on her lips, murmuring,"You always look beautiful." His body sat down on the small vanity bench, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and bringing her body into his embrace. Celia leaned her head into the crook of his neck, resting on of her hands daintily on his chest. She sighed softly, smiling.
The past month, since Celia returned from Midgard, had been pure bliss.
They'd see each other, in secret, every night, and read a story together by the fire. The story often times, would never be completed. They two would always end up cuddling and sleeping, or kissing for endless hours. They never went any further, but, the moments they did share of intimacy were filled of such fire and passion. Celia's body ached for Loki in every way, but, she knew it wasn't something she was ready for.
Celia loved how she'd be in the library and she'd feel his arms magically snake around her waist. She loved how she'd be eating in the dinning hall and she'd find a little note from Loki, telling her specific locations for them to meet. Loki loved to surprise her. He also played his fair share of pranks on her too. One time, she woke up to find her entire room green. Literally green. It was almost blinding. Another time, she opened a book to teach her lesson and the entire thing just burst into dust.
It was times like these that the girl would roll her eyes, for she forgot that she was madly in love with the god of mischief. Yes, it was love.
Celia was completely in love with Loki.
But, she hadn't told him yet.
Not until he said it first. Throughout this entire relationship, Celia was left to wonder whether or not it was real. She was a peasant, a lowly creature and yet here she was, fawning over an Asgardian God who somehow, felt something for her. Celia was a piece of scrap and yet Loki wanted to be around her. None of it made sense. Perhaps if she were in a place of power, like the head of some noble family, she could see a relationship, but now? Celia was unsure. She was hesitant in her thoughts, but in reality, she could not control herself around him.
Loki hugged her to him, kissing her forehead lightly,"Are you nervous about tonight?"
Celia raised her head, whispering,"Is there a way to not be?"
"You must know that in these events, there will be things you do not like... Many woman will approach me, and my actions must go against my heart. I will not betray you, but I will not be the man you know," Loki stated sorrowfully. He glanced down to the girl, frowning. He understood what the night would be.
Loki was getting older now. He should be looking at woman for a potential wife. At these galas, Loki would often court women, dance with them, drink with them, and eventually would woo them. But with Celia here, it was different. Loki was terrified that he would be unable to control himself. He knew that he needed to practically be a different person.
He told Celia to not trust his actions, but words could only go so far.
The party was grand. The floor was tiled a black and white shimmering marble. The white walls formed arches all around the room, reaching up to to the sky. Each of the arches had their own golden lining. There was also a mini balcony that overlooked the floor that could be seen through the arches. On the opposite side of the room was a small elevated area where the band played. The large chandeliers glistened falling down from the ceiling in a beautiful, intricate design. Waiters walked around the room, handing out glasses of sparkling champagne. The string orchestra played soft, humming melodies that created an elegant setting. In the center of the room, at the far wall, there were three thrones. One, was higher up than the other two. That was for Odin, and the two on the side, were for Loki and Thor. The King sat alone, overlooking the beautiful party that was being held in the grandest palace.
It seemed like there were thousands of people walking through the large ballroom, and due to the size of the room itself, it still seemed spacious and perfectly packed. Everyone was chattering, the life was invigorating. There was such joy that radiated from the crowd. But, Odin when stood up from his seat, a hush fell over the people. He was wearing a fully gold-platted armor, looking like a more complex version of whatever Loki had been wearing earlier.
All eyes were on him. "Friends, fellow Asgardians," he began,"Tonight, we celebrate the joyous prosperity of the kingdom. It has been a long time of peace, calamity, and greatness since the defeat of the Frost Giants. The years spent on Asgard have been good, well, and even the best years we have seen. Therefore, this party is in your name."
There was a round of applause. Odin nodded his head, before continuing,"But first, before I announce the continuance of our festivities, I must introduce my two sons. They are my pride and joy. I give you Thor and Loki, the Princes of Asgard."
It was then that the doors on the opposite side of the room swung wide open, and in walked in two figures. Loki and Thor walked in cooly, grins on their faces and laughter in their voices. It seemed the two of them were talking. They were confident in their strides. As they moved to the throne, girls watched them and fawned, giggled, and grinned widely.
The two Princes ascended to the throne, turning around, and waving to the crowd. They exchanged glances, before silently taking their seats on their thrones. Loki's eyes instantly began to scan the crowd of Celia. It seems like he searched endlessly for the girl, and she should have been easy to find wearing all white, but he found himself lost. She was no where in sight.
Loki sighed.
"Can't find her?" Thor asked aloud, moving over to sit on the armrest of Loki's throne. He did this act knowing his father was already in the party and no longer nearby. Thor frowned a bit,"You know you have to court Lady Margaret tonight."
"I will not do anything I do not want to do, brother," Loki replied dully, leaning on his hand.
"You would go against father?" Thor asked softly, worry etching onto his face. He tilted his head, shaking it,"Celia is going to be hurt either way. There is no way you can do this without-"
"I will not hurt her," Loki interrupted,"I am not to be with Lady Margaret. I will not approach her."
Thor sighed,"She is not one to take no for an answer. You know her methods."
Lady Margaret was of noble blood here in Asgard. She was blond, with bright violet eyes and a beautiful body. Margaret was the epitome of desire, but her snotty attitude and superior complex made her vicious and cruel. Loki despised her, despite the fact that he had bedded her several times before.
Loki didn't often do this. He wasn't a playboy, but he was a Prince, which ws more, a man, and needed to have his lust fulfilled.
Thor was silent, before whispering,"I'll keep Celia away for the night. Lady Freyja will be occupying me, but I will make it my first priority to protect Celia." Thor almost looked sad,"I care for Celia in a different way than you, and if you purposefully hurt her and go against your word, we will have quite the brotherly quarrel."
The God of Thunder exited into the crowd, leaving Loki to sit on the throne, alone.
Of course, as soon as Thor left, a familiar blond head of hair appeared at the base of the elevated throne platform. Loki could feel himself growl, but, as he was a Prince, he had to go and greet Lady Margaret.
Celia entered the party late. She found that she had such a difficult time leaving her bedroom. Celia was terrified. She heard Loki's warnings and she knew that she would see something she hated. But, she went out of respect. The party was grand. Her crystal eyes widened at the beautiful party, and instantly, she felt out of place.
Her feet led her into the room, almost hesitant. Why couldn't she be high class? Why couldn't she be powerful and demanding so that she wouldn't feel so small? Celia literally felt her body shrink in the presence of everyone around her. These rich and empoised Asgardians were suffocating her. Instantly, she felt overwhelmed. Completely and totally overwhelmed. Celia felt like she were in the presence of giants who mocked her existence.
It was like a blur. She just saw sparkles, glittering like stars in the night sky, guided by the effervesce moon. And, as her sapphire eyes finally fixated on the world around her, she instantly felt hypnotized.
Dancing, laughter, pearls. There were people dressed in the finest lavender silks with creme colored skin. Their hair was pinned up in perfect curls, cascading down their shoulders. The males were in suits, adorned in jewels and crystals. Each person, in their rich nature, somehow shared gruesome noses and sharp cheekbones. No one was distinguishable from the next.
The walls were filled with peach colored tapestries and golden tassels, leading downwards to the glass tables and pink colored roses. It smelt like roses. Everything seemed to be surrounded by silk clothes and pearl beads. And there was music. A sweet, symphonic sound that resonated in Celia's's ears, causing her eyes to fall shut for a moment.
This was too much.
All of this was too much. She couldn't breathe. She was suffocating.
Air. She needed air.
Celia gasped, moving as fast as she could through the crowd and to the balcony. Her body was running, her breath was deep, she was stumbling and dizzy... Everything was hazy. But then, she did it. Out of no where, she felt the cool, night air hit her body and slowly refuel her. Celia was outside. She inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air and filled her lungs. Slowly, she moved over to the white banister, gripping the railing tightly in her grip as she just breathed. That was what she needed to do. Her eyes fell shut and she just let the cool air relax her.
But of course, Celia could not find peace. She heard a woman's laughter. Normally, that would not bother her, but she heard someone else's voice as well. She heard Loki's. Celia felt her heart pound deeply within her chest. She could feel electricity spread like fire through her veins. She was alert. She was aware. And, she somehow knew what was coming. She knew that, while she didn't want to look, she had to. She had to see this for herself or she would never know for sure.
Celia slowly moved towards the sound of Loki and the female. Turns out they were right around the corner. Celia could feel her body shut down as she hid behind a large stone column.
By the edge of the balcony were two figures. Loki and a beautiful, beautiful girl. She had golden locks falling in long curls down her back. Her face was like an angel with the most enticing violet eyes. Her lips were large and waiting for Loki. Her hands were sliding up and down his chest seductively and her body moved closer. What truly got to Celia, was how Loki instinctively wrapped his arms tightly around her small waist without hesitation.
Water. Tears. Pain. Hurt. Lost.
Celia's lip trembled, her hands now held on another as they shook.
She wasn't naive. She knew what was about to happen and everything was too much. She didn't do anything to deserve this horrid feeling. And yet she felt everything come crashing down around her as Loki passionately captured the lips of the girl in front of him. He hungrily devoured her mouth, and Celia could feel tears blindly escape her eyes. Her hands came up to cover her mouth, her arms trembling.
Her heart was bleeding so much that it was drowning out her senses. Every single thing around her grew quiet but for her own tears, more coming with every passing second.
Celia's body felt cold, but her face was hot with tears. Her eyes were red, her nose a matching color. She was heartbroken. He said he wouldn't betray her and yet here she was, watching the some girl moan under his touch. Loki was grabbing the girl's body, her breasts, her waist. He wanted her. Not Celia.
The world became colder. As much as Celia wanted to look away, she couldn't. She couldn't tear herself from the truth. Loki never wanted her. He played her for pleasure and for fun. She was always a worthless peasant to him. And the fact that he used her in such a cruel way made her angry, hurt, but most of all, she was disappointed in herself. Celia was sad that she even let herself get close to someone else. She should've kept up her guard. She should have fought for herself and kept herself in check... She shouldn't have fallen in love.
But then, something changed. Celia felt strong hands on her waist. She gasped, whirling around to meet a pair of green eyes. Celia could feel her body tremble. Her eyes widened and she felt hands, not her own, cover her mouth.
Loki stood there in front of her, sadness rippling through his gaze. He stared into her wet eyes, whispering,"Look." It was so still. Everything had stopped moving.
Carefully, Loki removed his hand from Celia's mouth and she slowly turned around. Her eyes fell on the two figures passionately making out. Two Loki's? But then, the image of Loki began to fade. A golden glow swept over the man kissing the girl from afar. Slowly, his image began to shift. A fake Loki. That's wasn't Loki kissing the girl. Celia could feel her jaw drop as the image of Loki transformed into an old man from the party. He was short with white hair and a sagged face. The girl kept kissing the man, until her hands fell on his cheek. She froze, feeling the drooping skin, before her eyes flashed open. Within seconds, she screamed and dashed away. The old man followed.
Celia could feel her body shake violently. Water still pooled from her eyes as she turned to face Loki. The real Loki. Her face morphed into complete sadness, as she whispered,"I thought-"
"I know," Loki replied, frowning,"And I'm sorry. Margaret, that girl, has been trying to ascend to the throne for quite some time. I needed to scare her away for good, so that I may be with the person who I truly care for."
The girl watched Loki. Simply watching. His face was so sad. She felt so sad. Why were they so sad? It was then that Celia wrapped her arms tightly around Loki's waist, just pulling him into her. Loki, in turn, brought his arms to wrap tightly around her shoulders. He let his lips lightly kiss her forehead, whispering,"I told you I would not betray you. I would never."
Loki had this entire ordeal planned. He did not plan, of course, for Celia to witness his mischief, but he did plan to scare Margaret away. The worst side effect, the thing that Loki begged to not happen, would be for Celia to witness that. And fate was cruel tonight.
"It was hard for me to not believe it," Celia said softly, her tears slowly drying on her cheeks. She sniffled softly, bringing both her hands into her chest as Loki cradled her. His hands slid up and down her back, rubbing her to calm her hiccups and deep breathing. He wanted her to relax and to see that nothing was wrong.
The god slowly brought the girl out of his hold. Loki brought her to face him and he held her wet cheeks in his hands. His face was very close to hers. Loki didn't speak. He just let his emerald eyes bore into Celia's. His breath was on her lips, but he did not kiss her. His thumb lightly brushed her cheek, just holding her face in his hands.
If this were an enemy, this sort of hold could kill them within seconds. But with Celia, it was a memorable, silent, perfect.
Loki let his nose touch hers and their eyes fell shut. They gasped against one another. But again, they did not kiss. Their bodies pressed up against each other, their hearts beating so fast and almost in sync with one another. It was beautiful.
And then, all of a sudden, he felt a tear fall down Celia's face. Loki's eyes snapped open. Celia was crying. Damn it! Why was she crying? Was she upset? He thought the pain was over, a thing of the past. His mind began to search for all the reasons why she could possibly be upset. She wasn't two seconds ago. Did it still bother her? He dropped his hands from her cheeks and rested them on her shoulders.
"Celia, your tears."
"Are tears of happiness," Celia replied carefully, a smile gracing her beautiful lips.
Loki tilted his head,"What are you protesting? He was confused by her words.
Celia's hand came up to run through Loki's raven hair. Her eyes were still wet, but, she then said softly,"I love you with so much of my heart that there is none left to protest."
The god froze. His emerald pools widened, his heart beating fast. He saw colors, he saw light in the middle of the night, he saw Celia, crying tears of happiness because she just spoke words that Loki thought were forbidden to him.
Loki could feel his lips part as he whispered,"And I must protest that I, very much, fully and completely, love you."
Celia's eyes brightened, her heart seized. Within seconds, Loki's mouth was passionately latched onto hers. Her back was pressed up against the column as Loki ravished her. His tongue instantly shot into her mouth, tasting her.
His. She was his.
His kiss was swift and hungry, sending a sweet ache down the length of her body. Celia gave herself over to it completely. Loki's mouth was both hard and yielding, tongue entering her with firm, plundering strokes that matched the rhythm of his caresses. She moaned against the unexpected invasion and pressed closer, his fingers splayed tight in the small of her back. When Loki released her for a breath, she looked up into his eyes.
"As you are mine, I am yours," Loki told her softly, smiling. He was really smiling. It was then that he took her hand and led her out into the moonlit balcony. It was there that he tightly wrapped her arms around her waist and spun her around. Celia yelped, holding herself to him as he whirled her around. She couldn't help but laugh as her white dress outspread around the two. She hugged him tightly to her when her feet came to the ground. The two were laughing. Loki kissed her lips once more, saying,"You must dance with me now."
"In front of all those people-" Celia began to protest, but she was silenced by a chaste kiss. When Loki pulled away, he corrected her.
"In front of the entire world."
Celia never felt so embarrassed in her entire life when she reentered the ballroom. She saw all eyes on her as Loki led her hand into the large room. He held her firmly, as if knowing she could run off at any given moment. He knew her well. Celia could feel her cheeks heat up, her breath almost non-existent, and her body as light as air.
Loki glanced over to her, grinning wildly. He loved seeing her in this sort of discomfort. It was because she was getting attention for being beautiful, elegant, wonderful. It was appraisal she was not used to.
The two made their way to the center. Odin stood at the throne, puzzled. He was wondering why the two were dancing with each other. His eyes narrowed, as if he were actually truly confused by something. But then, he noticed Loki's smile. He noticed probably, one of the only genuine smiles on his son's face in what seemed like ages. It was Celia. The tutor. They were in love! Loki loved someone. She was not of noble rank, which was a clear issue.
Loki, knew that Celia was anything but of rank, and normally, a self-centered child such as him would never look at someone of Celia's status. But the fact that they did, and the fact that they were, meant all the difference. Loki was changing.
Celia felt Loki's arms wind around her waist tightly, bringing her hands up to hold his. "I do not know how to dance."
"Don't be silly. Of course you do," Loki replied, flashing his teeth.
She shook her head, her face reflecting fear. She didn't know how to even move gracefully as all these people did so flawlessly. She never needed to know and yet here she was, playing a princess in a fairy-tale. It all came so easily to those princesses in the tales from Midgard.
The music began softly, humming. The strings played a beautiful, endless melody. Celia felt her feet move, her dress twirling endlessly around her body. Her eyes stayed on Loki's, displaying all of her nervous feelings. Loki couldn't help but laugh a bit at her. He held her waist strongly, grinning,"You are doing fabulous."
Celia could only blush.
It felt so endless. The music was hypnotizing and Loki's gaze was not helping. Loki was making her knees go weak. His simple being was overwhelming her. He was so happy. And Celia wanted to think it was because of her alone. But, she knew that it was not the case. It was because someone had thought he was important, and equal... Someone thought that his words, his being, his life was meaningful and had a purpose. Her love gave him a purpose. Celia wanted nothing more than to make Loki more of the man he wanted to be. But, she saw something. Out of the corner of her eye, in the farthest corner of the room, she noticed something horrible. It was a women and in her hand was some sort of energy. She was practically seething at the mouth and the King's eyes widened. "We are under attack."
And with his words, the room exploded.
Guards were everywhere, people were screaming and running. Loki instantly grabbed Celia's waist tightly. His eyes matched up with Thor in the midst of the crowd. They looked at each other and nodded. Loki then took Celia and began to run. He grabbed her hand tightly and pushed his way through the endless mob of people.
Amora.
How? How in the world did this happen? Amora was an enchantress who often disguised herself as... Oh... Oh. Of course. Margaret. Loki was a fool to think someone so power hungry didn't have any hidden intentions. He embarrassed her and it would only lead to jealously and chaos. The beautiful blond vixen would be causing trouble out for revenge. She'd be seeking his blood. Loki growled, feeling his grip on Celia tighten. He needed to protect her.
"Loki, what is happening?"
"A mistake," Loki hissed, bringing Celia to her bedroom. He then said,"I'm going to lock this door and protect you from afar. Stay inside this room, and you will be safe." Celia frowned, her eye brows furrowing as she was about to protest, but then she felt a cool chain slide around her neck. It was her necklace.
"Don't want to get it bloody," Loki whispered. His eyes searched hers, almost begging her to stay. He carefully brought his lips to hers. Her hands tightened on his attire, her eyes shut. She didn't want to let go. She didn't want to leave him. It took all of Loki's strength to pull away from her,"I will come for you when the battle is done. Go inside."
Celia hated this.
She hated being kept in her room and stuck there, waiting. She didn't know what was happening outside of the room. She didn't know if Loki was hurt. Yes, he was powerful, but at the same time, the enemy could be just as strong. Celia didn't know and she was helpless to defend anyone or anything. It were times like these that she wished she were stronger. Celia wished she wasn't so weak and so afraid. She wanted to be fearless and confront an enemy with a solider's eye... She didn't want to be stuck in her room!
That was besides the point. It was a time of prosperity and peace! Why was someone causing trouble!
Celia sighed, plopping onto her bed. Her eyes fell down to her necklace, the locket in her hand. She felt the cool metal run through her fingers. The girl stood up and carefully remove the necklace, before placing it within the secret door of her wardrobe. She frowned. The entire closet was now filled of gifts from Loki. Frills and things, things she hadn't really needed. A small smile came to her face as she shut the secret door. She loved him. She was letting him fight on his own...
That wasn't right. She needed to help him. She was the person he was fighting for, but who was she fighting for by staying here? No one. Celia huffed, picking up the ends of her dress, and walking out of her safe, secure, and protected bedroom.
She wouldn't let Loki die on her account.
It was horrible...
It was so idiotic of Loki to think that Celia would not leave the room. He should have locked her within the room. But now, here they all were. In their classroom. Amora stood on one side, energy floating in her hand, and Loki stood on the other. Yet in the doorway, was Celia. Loki's eyes were wide with shock as the girl entered confidently.
"You are so impossible!" Celia said aloud, ignoring the idea of Amora. Celia pouted slightly, holding up the edge of her skirt as she moved. Amora grinned, her green leotard tight to her body. Her blond hair fell across her shoulders, her red lips tantalizing and her pearly whites flashing.
Loki shouted,"Get out!"
"No," Celia replied softly, shaking her head, laughing to herself. The nerve of this girl! Was she trying to be a hero? Because she wasn't. She was just hurting herself further by being here. Loki could feel himself getting angry at the prospect of Celia causing her own pain.
Loki was about to shout back to her, but saw something. Right next to him was a large wall that was not there moments ago. His eyes widened. What was it? Where did this come from? Loki shot Celia a look, only to see her eyes glowing a soft blue. It sort of clicked in his head. Loki stared at the wall next to him once more, before he smiled. So this was transmutation. Celia just used transmutation against her basic ideals... And it just blocked an attack from Amora.
Celia was willing to fight for him.
Loki walked out from behind the wall, grinning,"Aren't you clever?" Celia shrugged, before running into his arms. Loki couldn't help himself. She was a perfect creature. Loki outstretched his arms held her tightly in his embrace. She hugged him close to her and she heard Loki playfully scold her. Celia smiled, her eyes still glowing a radiant blue. "I do love you so much," Loki laughed, squeezing her small body to him as she instantly replied,"And I love you too."
"Oh how sweet," Amora snarled from behind. She had found her feet somehow, out of no where, apart of the ground in which she was standing. The ground literally sprouted up from its still position and held her where she stood. Transmutation. Celia, while embracing Loki, was still fighting. She was clever.
Loki broke the hug, only to chuckle,"Your attempt to break us is truly remarkable. Did you enjoy kissing the old man?" Amora growled, using her super strength to break through the foot bindings.
"I will end your happiness," Amora snarled, her hands forming into fists. This, was when the battle really began.
Everything was getting blurry. The world was spinning faster and faster. Moments became seconds and years and time... dragged... onwards. Nothing was making sense and everything was hazy, gone, falling... Nothing was making sense and everything was repeating. Things were spinning. Things were... spinning. The world was growing darker and blacker. Air became difficult to breathe and vision was difficult to keep. What was happening? Where was she? Why was everything getting darker?
They were fighting. They were fighting for so long.
Loki nor Celia gave up. But, both were growing tired. Celia was losing energy fast because of her ancient magic. Also, it was a type she had never used before. She wasn't built for this. Loki tried his hardest to protect both of them, but it was growing more and more difficult. But, the last thing he'd expect was a sacrifice.
Celia's sacrifice.
Amora was preparing a final attack, and with Loki's fatigue, couldn't prepare a counter quick enough. Neither could Celia. But, Celia, within seconds, used her own body as a shield to give enough time for Loki to administer the final blow.
"Celia."
The light was again warm. She felt really warm. She felt happy. The sheets beneath her touch were like silk. Everything had been really dark and cold, and this light? Well, it was welcomed. It was wanted.
Celia found herself having difficulty breathing. When her eyes fluttered open, she instantly noticed that she was in the healing room. Above her body was a soft golden glow. It was keeping her alive. Was she dying? Was she gone? Celia could feel her crystal eyes water at the prospect.
This was it then.
These were her final moments. She could feel herself slipping away, despite the fact she just woke up. Celia didn't have much time. She could feel her world ending as darkness began to slowly blacken her vision. But, she had something to do before she left this world. She hadn't fulfilled her true purpose yet.
The girl tilted her head to the side, seeing nothing but a shell of a Prince,"Loki..."
Her voice was low, airy.
Loki had wet streams of water falling down his face. His hands were tightly holding Celia's, his body shaking as she finally recognized his face after countless hours of begging her to awaken. Loki couldn't believe it.
He couldn't believe that she would do this. He couldn't believe that she was a hero at the price of her own life. The Healer said that maybe, maybe, Celia would awake for a few minutes. But, when those minutes would come? The Healer didn't know. So Loki waited by the bedside for hours upon hours, just hoping that maybe she would open her eyes and see him for one last time.
"Oh my Celia," Loki cried.
The girl gave him a soft, weak smile,"Hello."
The Prince leaned forward and softly, delicately, kissed her forehead. He sat now on the bed itself, leaning over her body. His hands were touching her hair, her face, and his eyes kept leaking tears. He couldn't stop himself. He took her hands and brought them to his mouth, kissing each knuckle individually. His tears fell on her hands, dripping down her wrists. Celia opened her mouth to intake air, but instead found herself tearing up at the sight. Loki looked so weak. And it was then that true terror seized her. This was it.
"Oh god, Loki... Hold me..." Celia cried faintly, her body instantly starting to shiver. Loki moved into the bed beside her, wrapping his arms tightly around her frail body. As soon as her head weakly glanced up, he instantly pressed his lips down to hers, gently, giving her what she needed. Strength. To know someone was there to hold her, to love her... to be with her. Loki was so careful to be soft, but he wanted so badly to hold her forever and never to let her go.
"You're so brave," Loki whispered, his emerald eyes looking so green.
Celia gave a small laugh, so much quieter than her normal, mellifluous laugh. She shook her head as best as she could, giving a tiny squeeze to his hands,"Loki, please..." She then grew quiet, before she felt water trickle down her face. She felt her body tremor in his hold as she sobbed,"I'm so scared. Oh god Loki, I'm so afraid."
Loki held her softly, his own cries mixed with hers. "This is it," she whispered, feeling Loki's lips press against her forehead once more. She whimpered,"I'm never going to see you again."
Loki could feel his heart shatter at these words. She only had a few moments left. Loki inhaled deeply, running his fingers through her hair, speaking quietly,"In my whole life, there is no one that I've trusted or cared about more than you." It was getting harder for Loki to even speak, let alone comprehend what he was saying because he could not even believe he was going to lose her. He could feel his body shudder as tears trailed down his cheeks,"Celia, I love you so dearly... And I know, that one day, I will see you again." Loki hated how his words were false. He wanted to see her after this, perhaps in another life, but he knew he could never hold her or kiss her... he could never see her smile or her eyes widen in the way they always did. He could never cup her face gently and watch that small blush be-paint her cheek.
The girl shivered,"I love you, Loki..." She sniffled through her tears,"You know... before Papa died, he told me something. He told me, that where there is love, there is life." Her bottom lip trembled, her hand clutching Loki's shirt tightly,"And... I never believed that more that I do right now. Loki, please, live for me, for us... Know that through everything, you deserve all the happiness and joy that you desire. You are important and you have a good heart... the purest of hearts."
Loki quivered, he could hear her voice lower. It was becoming softer. She was going to breath her last. He just watched her as she whispered,"Loki... tomorrow you start another day, a day I will never see. Promise me, that when that day comes, that you will fill that day and the rest of you days will your dreams. Be yourself... be proud to be yourself... but most importantly Loki, if you cannot do anything else, please be happy."
Without another moment to spare, Loki weakly responded,"Thank you."
Thank you for everything, My Lovely Celia.
Her crystal sapphire eyes then slowly fluttered shut, never to open again.
* Labyrinth - Jareth the Goblin King
So I'm crying right now. That was the most painful thing to write. Next chapter is back to Rebecca.
I recommend you re-read the story too... You'll see foreshadowing EVERYWHERE, even in this chapter to tell what happens in the end. I'm so clever and I don't even know it. And in the beginning of the chapter, when Loki doesn't want her to do things on her own so in the end, she doesn't want him to do things on his own and UGH. FEELS. ALL THE FEELS.
Please read and review!
