Jane was shown straight to the palace where a tedious tour of extravagant rooms took place. The place was too large for her to memorize any of it in such a short time and the only ones to draw her attention were the library, which housed endless shelves of knowledge, and what would be her quarters for the next two months.
It had been picked according to Jane's interests as the room consisted of a large desk and study corner completed by a series of floor to ceiling book cases ready for her to fill will any content she was interested in. The walls were a regal blue and an illustrated scene of pearl white clouds seemed to move across her ceiling. She had more furniture here than back on earth, the space was possibly larger than her flat.
It also housed a large bath room and dressing room that was stocked with asgardian garments. The asgards truly did live in such luxury compared to humans and Jane was beginning to understand how out of place she was among all this finery.
Perhaps Loki was right ... I look like nothing more than a domestic pet in Asgard.
But I mustn't let that get to me. I was invited here and will prove that earth is more than worthy of Asgards knowledge!
The voices beyond her door awoke her from her thoughts, they called out for permission to come in which she granted. Several women came in and began preparing outfits. Thor was the last to enter.
'I hope you find the room to your satisfaction, these maids will help you get ready for this evening.' He said and turned to leave so she could prepare.
'Thor wait!' She called out to him.
'W-what's happening this evening?' She hadn't been informed of any event.
'We're holding a feast in celebration of your arrival of course.' He couldn't help but smile as Jane became nervous and quickly left before she could disagree.
Maids and stylists swarmed her room turning the space into a hive of activity. They worked quickly and soon the woman Jane saw reflected back at her was no longer the young shy scientist but the makings of a goddess. She was dressed in the asgardian fashion, a pale blue dress clung to her figure she so often hid and her curls were pinned back but a few stray ones that framed her face.
There was a light tap on the door and with her permission Thor entered her chambers. He closed the door behind him before turning to face her. His mouth seemed to drop open ever so slightly before snapping shut.
'Jane. Let me be the first to tell you that your beauty is breath-taking-' before finishing his sentence he noticed the slight blush growing on Jane's cheeks.
'It would be my pleasure to escort you to the grand hall.' He held his hand out towards her, but she couldn't help but realize that Thor had dressed in his celebratory armor for the occasion.
Okay, take deep breaths. You can deal with this, it's just a few hours or so and then I can return to my room.
'Jane? Are you okay?' Thor lowered his hand and took a step towards her. He stood directing in front of her and the tension in the room was built. Seconds passed by looking into each other's eyes but in their minds time stood still. Eventually Jane noticed her hand was resting on his chest.
'Erhrm,' coughed one of the maids. 'I apologize for interrupting prince Thor, but you and lady Jane should make your way to the grand hall before the quests arrive.'
'Ah,' she removed her hand and took a step back. 'Sorry. I would greatly appreciate your company Thor.'
The waiters worked efficiently serving numerous dishes to the guests and royal family. Having eaten as much as her body would allow Jane sat uncomfortably next to Thor, watching the empty seat opposite her chair. Loki hadn't shown up and from what she heard the others say of him it wasn't the first time he hadn't attended a feast.
She couldn't blame him, if she could sneak away from this awkward situation between herself and everyone else she would. It was obvious Odin wasn't comfortable with the friendship between her and Thor. Frigga seemed to be withdrawing any comments she had on the subject. The other Asgardians avoided speaking directly to her, instead they spoke to Thor and from whispers around the table Loki wasn't the only one to think humans inferior.
As the night drew to a close she managed to sneak away from the grand hall and its guests down towards the library, which she had been told was always empty when a feast was being held. Tonight was different. Jane was unaware that it wasn't just her sanctuary but Loki's also.
She wandered through the hall, walking down the many aisles unconsciously running her finger along the spines of various novels. The desk at which he sat stood a few feet from the last aisle. She hadn't seen him since the moment she arrived in Asgard and was curious to what he was doing here. She moved slowly, almost tiptoeing as she approached.
'Do you have to be so damn noisy, if you're going to sneak up on me at least do it properly.' he spoke quietly.
'You didn't turn up to the feast tonight, everyone was wondering where you were ...' she spoke quietly and paused before gathering the courage to question him.
'Am I the reason you didn't attend?'
'Oh dear mortal, the universe doesn't revolve around you. I'm too busy to be messing around with those formal feasts and I can easily say no one cares whether I attend them.' he snapped, causing Jane's previous courage to abandon her.
When she didn't' reply he turned in his seat to face her and froze. Every angry retort, childish comment vanished from his mind.