"What?" Jane asked in disbelief, shrinking against the back of her chair. Olav shot her a predatory smile, and Erik looked at her helplessly from across the table.
"Jane, I'm so sorry-"
"How could you?"
Emotions warred within her; anger, betrayal, hurt, and despair all fought for prominence in her being. Erik's eyes reflected many of the same emotions as he searched her face. He was floundering as he tried to reply; all he could do was reach for her hand across the table. Jane snarled in disgust, quickly pulling her hand out of his reach. She watched as something broke inside of him, but she felt no sympathy. This man, her so-called guardian, just gambled away the rest of her life to a man she hated.
"Jane, please-"
"Don't," she snapped, voice thick. Her lip trembled and tears threatened to spill over, but she fought them. She would not cry in front of Olav. She refused to be weak in front of him.
"Jane, I'm so sorry. So, so sorry," Erik began again, but Jane stood up from her chair. She turned her attention to the other figure in the room.
"Olav?"
"Yes, my pet?"
Jane shivered at the name. "Get out."
"Pardon?"
"I said get out. Leave now."
The younger man stayed by the door, but Jane turned to face him, fire in her eyes.
"Leave us!" she shouted, making him jump. He put his hands up in surrender and turned to leave. He opened the door, but paused before walking through it.
"I will leave, as you have asked, but I will return for you this evening, my pet." When Jane didn't reply he left, shutting the door behind him. She waited a few moments before returning her attention to Erik.
"Answer me, Erik," Jane demanded through gritted teeth.
Erik dropped his head into his hands, running his hands through his thinning hair. "What do you want me to say, Jane?"
"I want you to tell me why you did it! Why did you agree to a wager like that? You just bargained my life away!" she shouted back. "You just gave the rest of my life away to that disgusting excuse for a man! How could you do it, especially when you knew how I felt about him?"
"I don't know, Jane! I-I had too much ale, and I did not think! I was not in my right mind. I thought nothing of it." Erik tried to explain as much as he could, but he knew that there was nothing he could tell her that would make it right. Nothing he could say would reverse what he'd done.
Jane let out a choked sob. Her hand quickly flew up to her mouth as she squeezed her eyes shut. She took a deep breath and wiped away the tears that had fallen.
"Jane, please. I promise to make it better. Just give me a chance," he begged. He spread his arms out across the table, his eyes a shining plea for her forgiveness.
The young woman shook her head. "You know, Edrun was right. Edrun is always right, but I didn't want to believe her. She knew that you would hurt me in some way; she knew you would break my heart." She sniffed. "She was right. I should never have wasted my time with you, Erik." Jane turned on her heel and made her way for the door.
"Jane, where are you going?" Erik asked.
"Goodbye, Erik."
oOoOo
Edrun's cottage was the first place Jane could think of to go to. She left Erik's without looking back. As she made her way to Edrun's, Jane was almost certain there were some who had tried to gain her attention, but she couldn't face them. She couldn't face anyone.
Jane pushed the door to Edrun's open and stumbled across the threshold. Edrun started, hand flying to her chest.
"Heavens, girl! You gave me a start! What'd you have to come running in here for?" Jane didn't answer; she only collapsed into the nearest chair. Alarmed, Edrun rushed over to her side.
Before Edrun could ask what was wrong, Jane began to cry. It quickly became uncontrollable, and she was utterly inconsolable. Edrun wrapped her arms around her trembling figure. The sobs racked her entire body. Tears streamed down her face, seemingly unable to stop.
"Jane! What's got into you? Come on now, child. Tell me what's happened," Edrun pleaded. Jane shook her head, but her mentor was adamant.
"Don't you dismiss me, Jane! You tell me what's going on!"
Jane fought the sobs that rose in her throat as she tried to answer. "Erik, he—he gave me away, he—to Olav, last night, and—"
"He gave you away?" Edrun repeated incredulously. "What are you talking about?"
"He gave me away, Edrun! He made a drunken bet with Olav and lost! I was the wager!" Jane cried out in exasperation between hiccupping sobs. Edrun's expression faltered, and she could do nothing but stare helplessly at the young woman before her.
Jane angrily wiped away her tears. "I'm so angry and confused and—and hurt. Why would he do this to me?"
Edrun gently shushed Jane, trying her best to console her. "Come now, child. Everything will be all right, you'll see. You stay here for as long as you like, dear. Go and rest." She helped Jane out of the chair and led her to the back room with the spare cot. Edrun stayed long enough to make sure Jane was settled.
"I'll just be in the next room if you need me, Jane."
Jane's didn't reply; she only turned on her side and faced the wall. She curled up into a ball and continued to cry into the pillow. She hadn't felt this helpless since her parents died. The last sound she heard before silence fell was Edrun's heavy sigh as she left Jane to her thoughts.
Never had she felt so alone.
oOoOo
Jane did not leave the room for the remainder of the day. Edrun checked on her a few times, but she never responded when addressed. People came and went during the day—Jane vaguely remembered hearing several people coming into the cottage—but she tuned them out. She eventually lost track of the hour. The day slowly turned into night, and Jane became numb. Her tears were long spent, and she could feel nothing.
Jane turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling. You aren't being rational, Jane. Where has your sense gone? You need to think—
The front door of the cottage slammed open, and Jane heard Edrun start.
"Young man! You gave me a fright! What business do you have coming in here and—"
"Where is she?" Olav. "Tell me where you've hidden her!"
"What on Earth are you talking about? Where is who?"
"I know she's here," he growled. "Tell me, old woman, where is Jane?"
"Boy, you had best watch your tone with me. I don't take kindly to unexpected and boorish visitors. Now, to answer your question, I haven't seen Jane since she left here this morning. Since she isn't here, I would suggest you see if she is staying with Erik. However, I gather that you already have, so take your ill temper elsewhere," Edrun deadpanned. A short silence fell between the two, and Jane froze. No one spoke to Olav like that.
"I will leave, old woman. But know this: if Jane is here, or she returns here later on, I will make it considerably difficult for you to continue your work. Understand?" he hissed.
"I will not tell you again, boy. Leave this place."
With that, the front door slammed shut, and Jane heard Edrun release a sigh. She also heard her slow footsteps approach the back room. She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Edrun pushed the curtain back and gazed at Jane sympathetically.
"I gather you heard that little argument," she said. Jane nodded. Edrun entered the back room and pulled the curtain closed behind her. She crossed the room and sat on the cot beside Jane. "Jane, as I said earlier, you are welcome here for as long as you like. However,
there will be a point where you need to face him. Hiding will not discourage him from pursuing you."
Jane's throat tightened. "I know, Edrun. But he's so wicked, and I could never live as his wife. I refuse to be his prize." She bit her lip. "I'm going to take a walk, Edrun."
Edrun nodded. "Wait a while, just to be sure he isn't nearby. It might be best to go to one of the temples to stay out of sight."
"Thank you, Edrun. For everything," Jane replied with a tired smile. Edrun pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.
"Of course, my girl."
oOoOo
Approximately an hour later, Jane left Edrun's cottage. The crunch of snow beneath her boots was the only sound she could hear on this frigid night. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, the cold winter wind chilling her to the bone. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she thought of Edrun's advice before she left.
Go to the temples.
oOoOo
The dining hall was filled with the sound of merriment as the palace celebrated the birthday of its crown prince. Those in attendance included close friends, such as Sif and the Warriors Three, high-ranking council members, visiting royalty, and courtiers. Even the Allfather was present.
Loki scanned the crowd; it had grown rather rapidly in the past hour or so, and the hall had grown so loud that it became difficult for him to hear his own thoughts. He stood up from where he sat at the long table. His slender hand grasped his goblet and he raised it in the air.
"Your attention, please!" he called out sharply. Despite the large number of guests, his voice was enough to silence each and every one of them. Loki grinned to himself; if there was one thing he could do, it was command the attention of a crowd.
"I would like to propose a toast to my brother, the crown prince of Asgard. It won't be too long before we find ourselves under his rule…so long as we take care to hide the mead from him, that is," he said with a sidelong glance at his older brother, who was emptying yet another pint of mead. The room erupted in laughter, and the Allfather smiled. Thor finished off the drink and smashed the glass on the floor with a lopsided grin.
"If I find that the palace is missing mead, you will be the first person I will punish!" Thor slurred loudly. Loki threw his head back and laughed heartily.
"In that case, I shall make myself scarce before your coronation!" he replied with a wide grin. When the laughter began to die down, Loki's expression sobered. "But if I could have a moment of your time, dear guests: this toast, much like this event, is to celebrate and commemorate the passing of another year in Thor's life. Whether it be in matters of peace or matters of war, where he goes, I follow. May my loyalty never falter." Loki raised his glass. "To Thor, the finest brother in all of the Nine Realms. May your life be filled with many years, and many more celebrations!"
"To Thor!" the guests echoed. A silence fell over the crowd as they drank in his honor. Thor stood up and smiled, clapping his younger brother on the shoulder. His large frame seemingly dwarfed Loki's. He leaned over.
"I wasn't going to mention this until after the coronation ceremony in a few weeks, but I have chosen you to act as my personal advisor. I know how much you dislike surprises, and you know how terrible I am at keeping them that way." Thor pulled back to observe his brother's reaction. "What say you?"
Loki raised his goblet. "I accept."
Thor grinned. "Wonderful-"
"Pardon me, your highnesses," a voice called from behind them. Both Thor and Loki turned to face the servant girl. She was a slight thing with plain features and curly blonde hair. She couldn't have been more than sixteen or seventeen. "I'm terribly sorry to bother you, but the Gatekeeper has called upon Prince Loki."
Loki raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "On tonight, of all nights?" He sighed. "Did he say it was urgent?"
The girl thought for a moment and then shook her head. "He did not say it was, but he informed me that the matter would interest you greatly." Her eyes flickered up to the youngest prince, but left his gaze just as quickly. Loki pursed his lips in thought.
"Go on, brother. The celebration will be here when you return."
He nodded. "Very well. Run along, girl." The servant did as she was told, scurrying away from him. He smirked to himself; most of the young girls, much like the girls of Midgard, were warned to stay away from him. As they should, for who knows what trouble I might get them into?
oOoOo
Loki strode into the Bifrost chamber room. The Gatekeeper stood facing him, ever vigilant. His golden armor gleamed, contrasting with his dark skin, and his large hands rested on the hilt of his sword. His stance was a testament to his constant readiness.
"My Prince," he greeted with a bow of his head.
"I've been informed you have intriguing news," Loki replied.
Heimdall nodded. "Perhaps. Your temple has a guest."
Loki furrowed his brows, frowning. "That is not intriguing—"
"It is a young woman."
"Which woman?"
"You know the one."
Loki pursed his lips in thought as he tried to recall the woman. It only took him a few moments.
"Yes, I recall her. There was something strange about her," he remarked.
"Perhaps she had seen through your disguise," Heimdall suggested, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Would you wish me to keep watch and see what she does?"
"Perhaps. Show me what you see, Gatekeeper."
Heimdall nodded and held up his hand, his palm just inches from Loki's nose. Both closed their eyes, and Loki found himself seeing through the eyes of the Gatekeeper.
It's her. She's standing just outside the entryway, staring at the archway and the inscription above it. He watched as she hesitated before crossing the threshold. She looks over her shoulder a few times, as if there were someone following her. Loki tried to look outside to see if there was, in fact, anyone following her, but his vision only extended as far as Heimdall would allow. He returned his gaze to the young woman. What is she doing here?
Loki opened his eyes, and Heimdall lowered his hand.
"Intriguing enough, my Prince?" Heimdall asked. He knew that Loki was more than intrigued; he could see it in his expression. Though he feigned disinterest, curiosity sparkled in his mischievous eyes.
"Perhaps. I will have to see for myself."
Heimdall nodded. "Of course. Call out to me when you need to return—"
Loki scoffed. "You know I have no use for the common ways of travel between realms."
And with that, he was gone.
oOoOo
Jane stopped in front of the entrance to the temple of Loki. The winter winds blew around her, and she looked up. Her gaze landed on the inscription above the archway; she couldn't translate what it said exactly, but she knew it was some sort of warning. Taking a deep breath in, she stepped forward through the archway. The breeze kicked up, and the little hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She looked over her shoulder; she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.
Her attention turned toward the front of the temple. The moonlight flooded the temple, bathing it in a soft light. Jane studied the outline of the altar. Turning slowly, she traced the lines of art decorating the wall. Though Jane did not visit many of the temples very often—when her mother had been alive, she often prayed to the gods for her health—she was fascinated by the immense detail in each and every one. The other temples she had visited in previous years were those in honor of Frigg and Odin. Loki's seemed so different: it was much, much darker. She thought about all of the people who would pray to such a god: thieves, murderers, and so on. The idea made her shiver.
The faint light of the moon wasn't enough to illuminate the entire room, which made Jane wish she'd brought something to light the torches with. The darkness that shrouded the atrium was not just from the lack of light. It was a different sort of darkness—the kind of darkness that was found in the hearts of men. Jane's unease grew by the second, and her surroundings only served to remind her of why she was really here.
A new wave of despair washed over her. Weakness coursed through her being, and she dropped to her knees. Her breathing became shallow, and she wrapped her arms tightly around herself. She fought the dizziness and the tears threatening to spill over. Her fingers dug into her sides, the sharp pain serving as a small distraction. She gritted her teeth, willing herself not to cry. Don't you do it, Jane.
The sudden sound of shuffling footsteps interrupted her train of thought. Jane froze; they were coming from behind her. She slowly turned her head over her shoulder to see a stout and seemingly familiar figure slowly approach.
"Why, hello! How strange to see you here!" The old woman approached Jane with a smile. Jane just watched her, dumbfounded. How is it that this old woman happened to be in this temple so late, especially when I'm here?
"What are you doing here so late, my girl?" the woman continued.
Jane struggled to reply. "I came here seeking solace."
The woman frowned. "Girl, do you realize whose temple this is?"
"I—yes. Of course I do. Which is why I chose it," she replied with a sniff.
"You chose the temple of the trickster god for solace? Are you aware of what he does to young women such as yourself? Do you not think it unsafe?"
Jane shook her head. "I don't believe the stories. I try not to put stock into tales like that." The woman raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you here, might I ask? I have an inkling that a girl as lovely as you does not have the heart suited for such dark prayers, so there must certainly be another purpose for your visit, especially at this time of the night," the woman prodded. She leaned on her cane, coming to stand in front of Jane.
Jane met the strange woman's gaze feeling conflicted. Under any other circumstances, she would have left, but these were not ordinary circumstances. The woman's gaze was kind, and she felt inclined to tell her.
With a sigh, Jane acquiesced. "You would be right. This is not a place I would visit often. I needed silence and space to think, and this was a place where I could have both. Today was not one of my better days, to say the least."
"How so?"
"Well, only hours ago, I discovered that I was used as a bargaining chip in a losing bet. I've been gambled away to the highest bidder without my consent. I'm to belong," she spat contemptuously, "to a man I despise. I've lost my freedom over a mere game of chance."
Jane's explanation received no reply. Silence filled the atrium, and Jane closed her eyes, willing the old woman to leave her in peace.
"What if there was a chance to gain your freedom back? Would you take it?"
"Pardon me?"
"You heard me, girl."
Jane quickly grew angry. "How dare you mock me? How dare you mock my misery?"
The old woman's hand shot out and seized Jane's forearm. Her strength caught Jane by surprise, eliciting a gasp. She pulled her to her feet.
"Is your coming here not a prayer for your freedom?" the woman pressed. Her grip grew tighter.
"Let go of me!" Jane said through clenched teeth. She yanked her arm from the old woman's grasp. She circled around Jane, and when she returned to Jane's field of vision, she was no longer a woman.
A man stood in her place. Jane gasped and instinctively took a step back. Impossible. She turned wildly, looking for the crone, but could not find her. She turned back to face the man in front of her. He was unnaturally handsome. He had the bearing of royalty about him, and he towered over her; he was at least a head taller than she was. His dark hair framed his angular face, and his mouth was curved upward mischievously. His eyes were a striking shade of green. Jane's heart dropped as she recalled Edrun's story.
Those that say have seen him describe him as a tall and pale man. His hair is black as night, and his eyes shine like brilliant green gems. He has a wicked smile and a penchant for trouble. Other times, people say they've seen him dressed as an old hag.
Her mind still raced as she pieced everything together. The harsh winter. The fever. His eyes were the same as the old woman's.
His smile grew as he saw a spark of recognition in her eyes. Jane's heart raced.
"You're…impossible!" she exclaimed. Loki gave her a wickedly handsome smile.
"It would not be the first time I've been called that." He clasped his hands behind his back and slowly circled Jane, just as a predator would. "You say you've come here seeking solace, but you've made me curious. Why not go to the temples dedicated to gods such as Thor or Frigga? Why here?"
"I-I don't know."
"Is there something that you seek? A means to an end, perhaps? What could you possibly want from me?" he pressed playfully. Jane couldn't think of anything to answer him with. He continued. "Was I wrong? Do you have a dark heart hidden beneath that lovely exterior?"
Jane struggled to form any sort of coherent thought, as Loki was dominating hers.
"Tell me, pet—"
"Don't," she snapped, turning on her heel to face him, "call me that." His eyebrow quirked up in curiosity.
"Then tell me your name," he suggested. Jane eyed him warily.
"Why are you here, tonight?"
Loki shrugged. "Well, this is my temple."
Jane shook her head. "I think I'm going to take my chances outside," she said as firmly as she could. In truth, she feared him, but she refused to let it show. If he sensed that she was afraid, she knew he would use it against her. Steeling her resolve, she made her way around Loki. She had taken no more than three steps before his smooth voice stopped her in her tracks.
"If there was a chance to regain your freedom, would you take it?"
Jane shivered and gave no answer. She heard his footsteps as they came closer. She dared not turn around; as handsome as he may be, he was still the God of Mischief. She flinched when he lightly touched the tips of her hair.
"How much does your freedom mean to you?"
"It means everything," she whispered breathlessly. His slender fingers tugged on a lock of hair gently, and chills ran down her spine.
"Would you make a deal with the devil to keep it?" he murmured in her ear. Jane shuddered, absolutely mesmerized.
"What do you mean?"
Loki smiled wickedly. "I can grant you your freedom, my dear."
Jane's senses returned to her, and her expression hardened. She turned to face him. "At what cost?"
"You don't trust me?" he asked innocently.
"I would be a fool if I did."
Loki smiled. "I would ask for nothing you could not give to me," he explained.
"Such as?" Jane asked, afraid of his answer.
"Something that you value." He gave her an expectant look. It didn't take long for Jane to understand what he meant. She scowled in disgust and backed away from him.
"That would make you no better than the man I've been handed over to."
Loki snorted. "You came to me."
"I did not. I did not come here seeking you out. You let your curiosity get the better of you, it seems," Jane quipped. Loki was stunned; no mortal had ever spoken to him in such a manner. It should have infuriated him, but, strangely enough, he found it refreshing. His eyes flickered to the pendant resting below her collarbone. Jane followed his gaze and shook her head.
"Not this. It was my mother's," she explained. When his expression did not change, she continued. "Please, not this. It's all I have of her," she pleaded softly. A brief flicker of sympathy flashed in his eyes.
"If your freedom means as much as you think it does, then giving up such a trinket will be of no consequence." When Jane didn't reply, he only shrugged. "It must be one or the other. I will accept no less."
Unease settled in the pit of Jane's stomach. She reached up to touch the pendant; the metal was warm beneath her fingertips. This is your only chance, Jane. It may never come again.
"If I bargain with you, how do I know you won't take advantage of it? Of me?" she asked slowly.
Loki clucked his tongue. "You still do not trust me?"
"You would be the last of the gods in which I would put my trust," she answered truthfully. "How am I to know I can trust you?"
"A blood oath," he suggested with a smug grin. Jane shivered. "Or, you could simply accept my word as trust enough."
When Jane didn't reply, he met her gaze. "If I am to be honest, mortal, your predicament intrigues me. I welcome small challenges such as these; it interrupts the monotonous life that I live."
"Creating one of the most terrible winters and taking the lives of the villagers using a fever is monotonous?" Jane asked incredulously. Loki tried to hide his smile.
"As I said: this little village is all I have in terms of entertainment. Now, tell me: will you accept my terms?"
Jane cast her gaze to the floor; she couldn't part with her freedom, but making such an agreement went against everything she was ever taught as a child. She took a deep breath.
"I accept."
Loki grinned and stepped closer to Jane. "What will it be?" he asked. Jane instinctively took a step back. She bent her head forward slightly and began to untie the leather cord of her necklace. Loki held out his hand, and she reluctantly dropped the pendant into his open palm. He focused and made the pendant disappear, eliciting a small gasp of horror from Jane.
"Do not worry. Your precious pendant is safe. Now, let's seal the agreement," he said playfully. Jane was about to ask what he meant, but was cut short when Loki pressed his lips to hers. Much to her surprise, he was very gentle. The kiss was sweet, and before too long, it was over.
"What was that for?" she whispered. He smiled lazily at her.
"I've just sealed your fate with a kiss, my dear. Now, might I escort you back to your home—"
"No!" she said suddenly. "I mean no, thank you. I think you've done me enough kindnesses for one night." Loki let out a small laugh, and reached for her hand. He had intended to place a light kiss on her knuckles, but Jane snatched her hand away.
"Very well then." He bowed his head, and Jane headed for the exit. "Travel safe, pet."
Jane stopped and closed her eyes. "Please, don't call me that," she said softly.
"Then what shall I call you? Give me a name."
She turned and gave him a rueful smile. "There is a lot of power in a name, and I'm not entirely sure I trust you with that power."
"You've already come this far," he reminded her. She sighed and turned to leave, stopping just before the threshold.
"Jane. My name is Jane."
"Until we meet again, Jane."
A/N: Okay I couldn't wait to post this! Like I said (or, at least I think I said), the last chapter originally included this part, but it was getting too lengthy and I didn't want to get into the habit of posting lengthy chapters (as much as you might enjoy it!). I hope that you guys enjoyed it; this was the most fun to write! I hope that, if you have the time and inclination, you send me some reviews! I would absolutely love to hear what you guys think of the chapter! Deuces!