Doctor Loki Love: everyone is super stressed at this point, Cephera included. I wanted to bring this side of Loki back...now how will it end?

Loki's Dreamer: yup 10 more chapters and each just as intense, so saddle up!

Sorceress of the trees: thanks. I really wanted him to take this route at some point.

Sidney loves fiction: don't freak out! Just take deep breaths

Chapter 91: Breaking Point

Two weeks since Diana was attacked. Two weeks and Loki was still not present long enough to talk too. On and off Asgard constantly. Diana was becoming more and more irritated with her father. Feelings of abandonment was setting in and there was no words Cephera could say to change it. Things would be different if they knew for sure that Cally was the one but what if he was wrong. What if they got attacked while he was away. To make matters worse Odin was in his Odin sleep and Frigga was currently at his side constantly and Thor was king.

Thor and Loki had gotten into an argument when he attempted to force Loki to stay on Asgard. Loki wouldn't hear any of it. He left once more. Cephera had gotten sick of staying in doors and today had brought her children outside to sit in the grass with the warriors three and Sif present in case of trouble. Diana and Sif sparred, Devian was reading and Seria was sitting in Cephera's lap playing with the flowers Fandral had brought her. Everything was peaceful and soothing but with Loki missing it was also ridden with unspoken tension.

They all looked up when a guard came escorting a young woman. Diana jumped and stood rigid recognizing the same uniform the other servant girl had been wearing who had attacked her. Sif as well was on guard and had stepped in front of the family. The girl held up her hands to show she held only a sealed letter.

"I am aware of the acts against your family at the hands of another servant. I can only try to give you my word I am not here for that and I can only say that she was not sent by my mistress. I know that means very little to you." She said looking down.

"Then you'll excuse us asking you to leave." Sif said her voice stern and her eyes narrowed. Sif understood she couldn't do anything to the girl without provocation.

"I do. I have something for the Princess Cephera. My mistress wrote it a month ago when her dreams were beginning to take their toll on her the most." Cephera had stood at the statement.

"Dreams?" She asked from behind Sif.

"Yes. Nightmares really. She couldn't sleep. Could barely eat. She was weak and frail. She didn't want you to come to harm. I know she never." Cephera glanced at her children who were looking thoughtful. Was it a coincidence that she too had been plagued by dreams that made her health begin to decline before Vicerial intervened. Something wasn't sitting right with Cephera. It was to easy. Why would Cally send her own servant in her uniform to attack Diana? To Cephera it sounded like a set up. A trap even?!

Sif stepped forward. "I'll pass over the letter. I suggest you take your leave while you can." She held out her hand and the girl carefully passed her the letter and backed off her hands held up to show she had no weapon. The guard escorted her off the castle grounds and Sif handed over the letter. Cephera carefully unsealed it and read it out loud.

Cephera,

I know this is a long time coming. I know our relationship hadn't started out on the right foot but I write this letter because I am a coward. I cannot face you.

When I left our training behind I did not do so lightly. After our second try at getting along, and you may not believe this, but I developed a certain amount of respect for you. You were stronger then I had given you credit for. I had not known people of higher births do some of the things you could. I was impressed. My pride made it hard to tell you these things.

But I tell you them now because I feel something is coming. If you remember the day after your wedding I was not well. And for weeks after I was still not the best and even now I remain unwell. I realize now that something is amiss. I am not sure what or why but I cannot rid myself of these nightmares. Always so bloody, so terrifying like someone is chasing me. I can't sleep. I barely eat. I am but a shadow of myself. I fear I am dying and this is why I write this now. I cannot bare to leave this world not having said these things.

No one in this world or even the next was right for Loki but you. You created a different man and only for the better. Looking back I realize my silly, girlish, petty ways and am ashamed to have acted that way both before and after you came along. Please tell Loki I am sorry for the awkwardness and spiteful moments I put him through.

If we should meet again I hope we can be friends and perhaps we can see just how talented you really can be.

Forever humbled,

Cally

Cephera closed the letter and silence graced the grouped.

Cephera stood in their bedroom. The Byfrost had lit up the sky and she just knew it was Loki. She waited in hopes he would come to their room. She held the letter to her chest. This moment made her more nervous then any other. When the door opened she stood straight, her shoulders back and her head high. She would not look how she felt. Loki entered looking angry and venomous.

"Loki." She said not attempting to go near him. As of late he did nothing more then push her aside. He waved off her voice and made to move passed her. "Stop!" She said changing her tone to something more threatening. He did stop then and looked at her. That same emotionless look plastered on his face. "A servant dropped this off." She held the letter out to him. Loki saw the broken seal with Cally's insignia and instantly his face changed to interest. He opened the letter fast and his eyes scanned it quickly.

When he was done he scowled. "This letter means nothing. Just a ruse to send us off her trail." Loki tossed the letter aside.

"I don't think so, I think..."

"I will hunt down this servant and she will tell me were her mistress is hiding." Loki spun on his heels.

"Stop!" She screamed at him as he turned from her to leave. He stopped and looked at her. There was no hint of compassion on his face. "If you leave me now I cannot guarantee I will be here when you return." He narrowed his eyes.