We descended down a deep staircase into a stone room, alcoves on each side. As we walked towards the end of the room, the large doors enclosing the space, shut, the noise echoing. At the end of the room sat a small pedestal. On top of it was a blue, glowing box. As I looked around the room, staring into each alcove, I noticed a different object in each one. We stopped in front of the pedestal. Loki looked at me for a long moment, his eyes hesitant, before he turned back to the blue glowing box, and lifted his hands. His slender fingers clasped onto the handles of the box, lifting it up carefully. I watched the object, expecting it to change somehow from his touch.

"Look at me." He spoke gravely. I lifted my eyes from the box and noticed the change I was expecting. But it did not come from the box. It was Loki himself that had changed. His skin turned a deep blue, his eyes red. Markings and lines appeared on his face and hands. He placed the box back on its pedestal. I examined him closely with every move he made. "Are you afraid of me." It didn't sound like a question, more of a statement. I swallowed hard before speaking, thinking through my words.

"So...You're not Asgardian? Are you from that band on Midgard called blue? You know, they sing that song 'I'm blue, daba di daba dai'" I attempted to break the tension, but it only made Loki's face screw up in confusion as he turned back to the Loki I had come to know, his skin turning a pale white. "So what! You're blue. I bet there's someone out there in this big bad universe that has fluro pink skin. Now that's a problem!" I said, laughing. "Besides, blue's actually my favourite colour..." I confessed, my voice breaking in earnest. A smile formed on Loki's face instantly from my confession. His shoulders slumped slightly in ease. "So no Loki, I'm not afraid of you. You can calm your farm." He continued to smile at me before I felt the back of his finger stroke my cheek. My cheeks began to burn red from the sudden touch. Loki's smile only widened.

"You have seen my true form, and yet, I continue to grow on you." He chuckled. I stepped back, pointing my finger at him playfully.

"Did I say anything about you growing on me? I think not, blue man." I attempted to playfully spit out the last two words, teasing him. But the effect was lost as he stepped closer to me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close. I rested my hands on his arms as he leaned in and breathed in heavily, his nose and lips almost touching the crook of my neck. "Loki..." I cautioned but he didn't listen. I could almost feel a magnetic pull between his lips and the skin on my neck. I closed my eyes, attempting to force the feeling out of my thoughts, but it was not possible. He gently pressed his cool lips against my skin. They stayed there for a moment before pulling back. He lifted his gaze to meet mine, a wicked smile on his face.

"I see it shall not be as hard as you confessed it to be... To lure you in." His voice slurred charm. I scoffed before laughing. He only smiled. "I wish for you to accompany me to the banquet this evening." He said quietly. I contemplated this for a moment. Knowing there would be guests present, I would have to be escorted by Loki at all times, at least because of the whole betrothed deal. And to be honest, he was growing on me, despite my better judgements and my need to be constantly defiant. I nodded my head in agreement. "Excellent." He pulled his arms away, stepping back. I felt the warmth of his embrace leave as he did.

"Can I ask you something?" I pressed cautiously. He nodded. "After what you did in New York... How did you become King anyway?" He smirked.

"Odin never shared my belief, in that I am worthy of a throne. After I had failed to procure the throne of Midgard, I set my sights upon the throne of Asgard. Odin had grown old. His thoughts were weary, his strength waining with each day. He had become no longer fit to rule. I simply faked my death to my brother, and sent Odin into an eternal slumber, taking his place on the throne of Asgard." He explained, his voice emanating pride.

"But how and why did everyone here, after the crimes you had committed, allow you to continue your reign?" I asked, confused.

"I remained in the form of Odin for many months, before revealing my true self. This was to cement the proof that I was the rightful heir to the throne, through a peaceful reign. But once I revealed myself, of course this affected many, but they soon came to see that I was a benevolent ruler, with the people's interests in mind. They trusted my reign. Not that they could challenge it, I have an entire army loyal to me, to protect myself." He smirked again at the thought. I nodded in understanding. "The prophecy, once it was discovered and marked in history, helped to give further proof to my just reign."

"And what if I don't go through with the wedding?" I challenged. He looked at me, his brows furrowing playfully as he chuckled.

"I have no doubt that we shall wed on peaceful, unified terms." He spoke confidently.

"And what makes you so sure?" I teased. He stepped towards me once again, placing a hand on the side of my waist.

"You think you are impenetrable. You believe your face hides all that you think and feel. But I see more." His green pupils delved into mine deeply.

"I don't think so." I said defensively, walking back towards the large doors that kept us secluded. Loki shrugged, smiling.

"Whatever you say, my queen." He uttered playfully, following after me.

"Not your queen, remember." I reminded him reluctantly.

"And as I have told you, not yet you are." He smirked, walking past me to open the doors and let me pass.

As he said goodbye to me outside my bedroom, he bowed, taking my hand to kiss it before leaving.

"I shall see you this evening!" He called out over his shoulder before he disappeared down the hallway. I entered my room, explaining to my handmaidens about the banquet. They began their work, helping me dress, doing my hair up nicely. I wore a grey silk dress, a shoulder pad made from a beautiful metal with intricate engravings on it, sat on one of my shoulders, descending down half of my front in a wavy fashion. As I looked in the mirror, I didn't feel so stupid anymore. And neither did the idea of this prophecy...