Chapter 9
Serene sat upon a chair close to the vanity as a handful of Vanir servants combed and tended to her.
Serene was enjoying the pampering since in Asgard she had no servants she usually used her magic to do her bidding.
She was humming to a tune that she had heard in the Unknown realm.
The servants continued on with their work chattering to one another.
Soon the servants helped lace her up into a dark violet dress.
As they then placed strings of black pearls around her hair and around her neck, she finally saw herself.
Serene's black and white hair was curled and was half drawn up into a crown of braids.
Her eyes were marked with charcoal and her lips were painted a dark red.
The servants bowed their heads and left once they saw that Serene was ready for the feast.
Serene was twirling around as her dress billowed out and around her.
A quick knock broke her out of her happiness.
Serene was smiling as she went to answer the door.
As she opened the door she revealed Loki standing on the other side of the door.
The sight before him took Loki away. Serene was standing on the other side, and she looked ever the part of a siren.
Loki was enamored and he lost his tongue to lead.
Serene smiled when she saw Loki at a loss for words.
He too, was a sight.
He was dressed in his finer leathers that resembled his armor.
His vambraces were same ones he wore to any royal party.
They were engraved with runes and his children.
He wore his horns as a headband since it was a feast and not a meeting.
Loki finally broke from his wordless struggle and bowed his head.
"My lady Serene you look more enthralling tonight then you have ever been seen," Loki said as he took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
Serene blushed at his words of endearment.
"My prince your words are your greatest weapon along with that silver-tongue to wield them," Serene said as she bowed her head.
Loki is taken back by her words.
Is she finally starting to fall for my charms? She had already snared himself in her trap of beauty and wit.
He could not stop the thoughts that ran through his head every time she was around him.
Her beauty out shone the sun by miles; her hair was the perfect balance of the forces of life.
Her eyes were as alive as the molten lava that was found in volcanoes.
Her laugh soothed the wounds of those who needed healing and her being could bring anyone to good spirits.
Loki was so hypnotized by her; he didn't know the feeling he felt towards her. Loki offered up his arm, which she took with hers.
She smiled at him with a very warm smile.
Serene felt winged creatures flying in her stomach when she felt his hand grasp her own.
The shock of the skin contact over stimulates the balance of her energy levels.
She feels like she felt when she spent the afternoon in the clouds.
She could feel his magic just under the surface of his skin.
The magic sang when it came in contact with the Universe's energy.
She silently gasped at the flow of energy.
Loki felt the surge of Serene's energy come in contact with his magic.
They both had stopped as they felt the swirling and coiling of each other's energy.
Serene had to take her hand away before the feeling got any more powerful.
Loki reached out and settled himself with his hands on her shoulders.
"Loki I'm sorry, I don't know what's happening," Serene said as she conjured up a pair of white silk gloves and covered her hands.
Loki felt a little light-headed as his magic settled down to a more normal crackle.
Loki was breathing hard when everything had settled.
"Serene what just happened?" Loki whispered when he looked into her eyes.
Serene was at a loss for words.
"Loki I honestly have not a clue as to what occurred," Serene said as she glanced away from his questioning gaze.
Loki cupped her cheek with his hands and just gazed into her eyes.
They shared a long moment searching for answers until they heard a booming voice.
"Ah Lady Serene and Brother it so good to see you," Thor said as he approached with Queen Freya on his arm.
Thor had a bright smile on his face as he came closer.
Serene and Loki had returned back to their original postures as Loki held her arm with his.
Thor sent Serene a wink when he saw the exchange between the pair.
Loki rolled his eyes and continued the walk down the hall towards the ballroom.
Thor followed as he laughed at one of the tales Freya was telling.
"Now my lady ho does your spell work, I need a little hint in order to start my challenge," Loki said as he walked Serene through the door and glanced back at Thor.
"Where is the fun in telling come on Loki, I know you like to play games," Serene said as she curtsied for a pair of nobles introduced themselves.
Loki bowed his head as they moved towards the table.
King Frey sat at the head along with his sister Freya. Queen Frigga sat next to her father and Thor sat next to Freya.
Loki maneuvered them towards his mother's side.
A pair of servants pulled out the chairs as Loki gave way to her hand and sat next to his mother.
Serene smiled at Queen Frigga before taking a seat to Loki's left.
The King raised his hand and silence dell across the room.
"My friends, Daughter and nephews welcome to the celebration of the Spring festival, we welcome our allies and our closest friends, the Aesir Royal family," King Frey said as he announced the opening ceremony speech.
Thor smiled and clapped as the crowd cheered.
Loki gave a quick smile and Frigga gave a warm smile as her father sat back down.
"Now let us begin the festival with the first Feast," King Frey said as he clapped his hands and servants brought out platters of food.
Serene clasped Loki's hand with her own and gave a reassuring squeeze.
She knew that Loki dreaded parties.
The only joy he got out of attending them, is pranks on those too drunk to blame someone.
Serene dug into her food that was placed in front of her.
Though her manners were impeccable compared to that of Thor who was tearing the boar's leg to shreds as he gulped down the Spring wine with gusto.
Loki was the more civilized brother as he cut his meat and sipped his wine.
There was a dull roar of chatter that echoed throughout the hall.
Loki was watching Serene from the corner of his eye as she slowly ate the plate.
The plate was filled with two slices of boar, roots and some winter fruit.
She entranced Loki as she chattered with a noble who was on her other side.
Her lips pulling up into a smile as she let out a chuckle at a tale the noble was telling.
Her eyes were shining from the sun as it was setting in the distance casting a glow through the banquet hall.
She glanced over at Loki and he subtly smiled at her before turning to his mother to hear what she was talking to the King about.
Serene blushed when she caught Loki gazing at her.
She had over the past few weeks been developing a slow blooming attraction towards the Dark Prince.
She had, had a childish crush on him when they were only a 100 years old.
Serene had dismissed it to the back of her mind.
She had suspected that he had feelings for Sif.
Serene would watch, as he would try to gain her attention but to no avail as she was trying to grab the attention of Thor.
Sif, crushing his young heart and dreams, shot Loki down for his advances.
Loki did not take this lightly and he had taken his broken heart and taken revenge.
Serene was upset at the way Sif had dealt with his advances though.
Loki had since then taken the serving staff to his chambers to sate his hungers.
Serene knew that he was just hurt and was coping.
Ansa would be the same until Elaine arrived in the Unknown realm.
Serene was no suppose to talk about the future only if it helped ease the heart of those seeking a quick end.
"Lady Serene, when did you join the Royal family? I don't remember seeing you the last time I visited." King Frey asked as he leaned in to see her.
Queen Frigga sighed at her father's curiosity; he was just a nosy being.
Serene thought about how she should respond, she didn't get to good of a reading that she could trust him with the truth.
"My parents had been friend's with Bjorn (Odin's father) and when they passed away my guardians entrusted me to Odin in order to train my magic," Serene said politely.
Loki was watching the exchange and watched, as the King was a little too interested in the way Serene sat.
Loki growled under his breath and leaned a little bit in front of Serene to cut the line of vision.
"Brother I think it is time for the dance to start, I'm just aching to move," Freya said to her brother.
"Ah I couldn't agree more sister," Frey said as he clapped his hands and the servants took away the empty dishes and the tables were moved to make room for dancing.
"May I have the dance my lady?" Thor asked Serene as he stood up.
Serene looked to Loki and saw that he had taken his mother.
" You may," Serene said as she took his arm.
The noble who she had met, took Queen Freya and a young woman was on King Frey's arm.
The musicians had started up a slow waltz.
Thor, who was a little tipsy, led her in the basic waltz.
As the couple spun across the floor, Serene saw Loki chatting with his mother as they were dancing.
"Lady Serene how are you enjoying the festival?" Thor asked her. She got a big whiff of the spring ale they had served Thor when he asked for something stronger.
"I'm enjoying my time Thor," Serene smiled as he gave her a little dip.
All too soon the musicians picked up in speed and she felt Thor felt her spin her off to the next man waiting.
That man happened to be the Noble she talked to.
"Hello again my Lady," Cuyler smirked as he held onto her waist.
She did not return the smile.
He had been very persistent with his advances to seduce her.
Serene was not amused that he thought she was an easy maiden he could throw some coins at.
Cuyler held onto her waist and lowered his hands to squeeze her bottom.
Serene gasped before she let out a low growl of annoyance.
Her eyes had shifted to a fiery pit and she slapped him.
Time stood still s she watched as his face snapped back to look at her.
He had developed a hand shaped burn on the side of his face.
"The next time you grab any woman like that and the advances are unwanted, that scar will burn," Serene said in a vicious hiss. Serene stomped off, furious at the men leering at her fiery behavior.
Cool fingers encircled her wrist and she was yanked backwards.
"How dare you-… Loki what are you doing," Serene turned to yell at the man who dare lay a hand on her after the display.
Loki just smirked and laughed lowly.
"Oh what a display that was Serene, did he touch you through that drunken gaze?" Loki asked as he twirled with her.
Serene huffed in reply as she was dipped.
She gasped softly as Loki brought her up, flushed against his body.
"Do you have any idea what you do to all the men in the room," Loki whispered as he leaned slightly to talk to her.
"No, I do not," Serene had answered as she looked at Loki questioningly.
"I suggest tuning into other's thoughts, they are quite amusing," Loki said a smirk pulling at his lips.
Serene debated about the use of telepathy.
She knew Loki was shielded from her weakest attack so she slowly opened her mind.
Who is that on Prince Loki's arms? She is stunning. I wish I looked like her! Loki should turn on his charms for that maiden I know I would. Look at those hips I just want to grab them and bury my c- Serene turned her mind off at that thought.
"Hmm got a glimpse did we? My your blushing Serene," Loki commented as he cupped her cheek with his cool hands.
Serene was indeed blushing, but by no means was she a blushing virgin.
"Loki can we get some refreshments?" Serene asked as she gazed at him.
Loki had stopped twirling her and was now just swaying in place.
"Of course Serene," Loki said as he broke his dance and led her out of the hall and out onto the balcony.
Servants held platters with flasks of a pink bubbly drink.
Loki grabbed two flutes and handed one to her.
He smiled and clinked his glass with hers. Serene smiled sweetly at him as she brought the glass to her lips.
The drink was high in the amount of alcohol in it and Serene almost didn't swallow it if it wasn't for the fruitiness masking the strong burn.
Loki pulled the glass away and placed the empty flute on a table.
He felt the slow thrum of the drink take hold. He knew that Serene only should drink one.
This drink was used to lighten the mind of judgments and allow couples to become more open to the ideas of bedding their partners.
Serene felt tipsy after she finished she grabbed onto Loki's arm to settle herself.
"I wouldn't suggest drinking another, you might want to keep your wits for the night," Loki said as he offered his arm for her to take.
Serene glanced at his arm and out to the dance floor.
Most couples had broken off and had started to leave.
Thor seemed to have a couple young Vanir on his arms as he bellowed in laughter.
Serene smiled as she watched as his skin takes on a pinkish tint.
Loki chuckled as he followed her gaze.
"Ah so you put a limit on the concealer spell," Loki said as he smiled.
Serene giggled as Loki led her towards their rooms of the palace.
She stuttered and stumbled as the pair continued walking.
When they reached her door they were both laughing at the clumsiness.
"My we are a little light on our feet aren't we," Loki said as he brushed a lock of hair out of her face.
Serene blushed and looked at Loki. His hand had stopped to cup her face in his hand.
They gazed into each other's eyes searching.
"Tell me to stop," Loki whispered as he leaned in.
He gazed searching for an answer.
His lips were a hair's breath away; she could feel his breath on her lips.
Serene licked her lips unconsciously and Loki caught the movement with his eyes.
He leaned in and captured her lips. A shock ran through her body and she gasped.
Their lips were still attached and she could feel that he was going through the same feeling.
Her eyes were closed as she felt a shiver rake through her body when he fisted a hand in her hair.
Loki broke away and caught his breath. He was breathing heavily and was gulping down air.
His body was alive with electricity from the feel of Serene's lips.
He leaned in and gave a chaste kiss.
"Goodnight Serene," Loki whispered as he pulled away.
He vanished with a blink and Serene was left in an empty hall holding her hand to her chest, out of breath.
She had just shared a kiss with the Dark Prince, Loki.
"SERENE!" Thor roared in an anger.
She giggled before she entered her room.