"My Lady, I've looked everywhere for you!" A knight dressed in silver armor approached Natalia on a white horse.
Natalia stared up at the knight's silver helmet that hid his face from view.
"My Lady?" he reached out a gloved hand towards her. "My Lady!"
The princess wondered who her knight could be. She couldn't place the man's muffled voice. "Take off your helmet. I want to see your face!" she ordered. Her knight nodded and began to remove his helmet.
"My Lady!" a woman's voice snapped.
Natalia's eyes fluttered opened she found herself in an unfamiliar room. It took her mind a moment to register that she was now in the castle of King Odin.
"Forgive me for snapping at you," said a young woman with dark hair.
Natalia sat up in her bed and stared at the stranger at her bedside. "It's no trouble…" Deep down, Natalia was hurt that she never got to see just who her knight in shining armor was. Even though it was a childish dream, Natalia was still curious to know.
"I'm Sif." The stranger interrupted Natalia's thoughts. "I'll be your handmaiden from here on."
"Oh," Natalia breathed. "It's very nice to meet you, then." She took a minute to look over the woman. Natalia noticed that Sif had a determined look in her eyes. She didn't seem too friendly at first glance-not once did she smile. Natalia also found her to be quite stunning. Sif's long dark hair that was kept tied back looked to be just as long as Natalia's, if not longer.
Sif's dark eyes narrowed as she eyed the princess. "If you don't mind, my Lady, you need to get dressed. Your presence in needed in the dining hall and I have business to tend to elsewhere," she flatly added.
Natalia was hesitant to let someone who looked to be about her age dress her. She had grown used to having much older handmaidens back home. "Do you enjoy living here?" Natalia decided to start up a conversation to ease the tension. Something told her that Sif wasn't the friendliest. She rose from her bed and allowed for the dark-haired maiden to lead her to a mirror that was fixed to a dresser.
"The King and Queen have been good to me." Sif grabbed a hairbrush from the wooden counter and began brushing Natalia's hair. Unlike Sif's straight hair, Natalia's curls were a mess to brush. The young handmaiden tried to be gentle, but the occasional knot forced her to yank against the princess' scalp.
Natalia sat completely still, her mind wandering. It wasn't until now that she had the chance to look around her bedroom. Staring into the mirror's reflection, she could see an armoire, a desk, and her own curtained window.
"Funny," Sif mused as she battled with a persistent knot, "you're not some whiny little priss."
The princess' attention focused on Sif's reflection. She swore that she saw the woman smile. "I'm not some weakling if that's what you thought," Natalia smirked. "And I know how to wield a dagger," she proudly added.
Sif laughed under her breath. "You'll get along well with the prince, then."
"And what makes you assume that?"
"A dagger is his weapon of choice," Sif told her. "He may seem soft-skinned, but he can hold his own in a fight," she continued. "He can never beat Thor, though-I think that irks him."
"So you three know each other well?" They seemed to be close what with the casual way Sif spoke of them.
The handmaiden paused for a second and lowered her eyes. "The Sif that the Odinson brothers have come to know is a different Sif from the one here before you."
Natalia arched a brow.
Sif smiled to herself, pleased to have baffled the princess. "Thor and the prince need not know of my serving you." Her voice had suddenly grown cold.
"Is this a matter of your pride?"
"You could say that…"
The red-head chose to keep quiet after that so Sif could finally dress her. Once Natalia was in a new, pale gold gown, she was escorted into the dining hall.
"Did you sleep well last night, my Lady?" Loki asked with a carefree grin. He and Frigga were the only ones seated.
"Very well. Thank you." Natalia wanted to be extra polite with the queen present. "Has Ivan awoken yet?"
"He and my husband have business to tend to, I'm afraid," Frigga answered. "Did you need him?"
Natalia shook her head. "I was curious, my Queen." She looked down and stared hungrily at the plate of fruit and bread before her. It took a lot of discipline for Natalia to eat slowly and delicately-she couldn't look like a pig with the queen and prince near.
"That's one of Mother's older dresses you're wearing now," Loki commented, still eying his princess. "Why, she looks almost as lovely as you, Mother."
"Such flattery." Frigga softly giggled.
"By the way, Mother," the prince continued. "I was hoping that once Sir Ivan finishes with Father, he could escort Natalia and I into the town-she wishes to look around."
Natalia stopped mid-chew to glance at Loki. She did want to explore, that much was true.
"Very well, then," the Queen agreed. "If you see your brother, tell him to be home for supper."
"I'll show you everything, Natalia," Loki promised, his eyes alight. He wanted to show her everything Asgard had to offer. "You will feel at home soon enough."
"Thank you, Loki." She offered him a small smile, then went to finishing her breakfast.
…
Loki wasn't shy at all around Natalia. He was excited to finally show her around. Ivan was still conversing with the king, so the castle grounds were the best place to begin exploring. "And over here is Mother's garden." He took Natalia's hand in his and showed her to a lush bush of blue roses.
Natalia eyed the flowers in wonder. The royal blue hue of the roses were exotic and beautiful. "I've only ever seen red ones," she said as she squatted down to get a closer look.
"They're quite rare, yes," Loki added. "And these are only the beginning of our gardens. Come, I'll show you more…"
"Careful neither of you poke an eye out," a voice said from behind the couple. "A thorn could cut you, Milady."
Natalia perked up the second she heard the man's voice. Although she had only heard it on one other occasion, she could immediately recognise it.
"We're fine here, Clinton, thank you," Loki stated as he rose to his feet.
The princess, too, got up and found herself finally staring into Clinton's eyes. "Hello again," she managed. His smile forced her heart to skip a beat.
Clinton bowed before her. As he glanced up, he noticed that her face had turned as red as her hair.
The princess and the hunter were lost in each other's eyes for what felt like hours. Neither dared break contact in fear of ruining something precious.
Loki noticed Clinton staring blankly at his fiancé. He turned to Natalia and noticed her flushed cheeks and the trance-like stare. The young prince was reluctant to break apart the silly staring contest. "Come along, Natalia. Let Clinton finish his work."
"Oh…" Loki's voice snapped Natalia out of her daze. "Yes. Sorry for bothering you, Sir Clinton." She gave the blond a quick curtsy.
"Clint's fine, Milady," he corrected her with a wide grin.
Loki narrowed his eyes at Clint's friendly request. Natalia was his, and his alone. He wasn't willing to share.
"Where are the two of you off to?" the hunter wondered.
"Into town," Loki said before Natalia could speak.
"Without someone to escort you?"
"We're waiting on Natalia's servant," the prince quickly added.
An idea popped into Natalia's head. "Why don't you escort us, Clint?" she asked nicely enough. "Who knows how much longer Ivan will be with the King…"
"Natalia, Clinton has duties that need fulfilling," Loki coolly remarked. "Who are we to interrupt him?"
Clint shook his head and laughed. "The Princess wants to look around now, my Prince."
Natalia flashed Clint a secret smile.
"It shouldn't be any trouble to show you both around. It'll be like I'm not even there," Clint promised.
The raven-haired prince heaved a sigh. "Very well, then," he agreed. If anything, Natalia seemed quite happy. That was what mattered most to Loki-making her smile. He took Natalia's hand in his and began walking alongside her down a paved dirt path.
Clint followed behind them, watching Natalia's curls as they bounced behind her. There was something about the young woman that lured him in. It wasn't her radiant, beautiful looks. When he was first introduced to her, she had stared at him as though he was someone special, someone who mattered. Natalia seemed to have eyes solely for him. No one had ever looked at him in such a way since he was a child.
"Do you have to travel through the woods a lot, Clint?"
Natalia's voice pulled Clint back to reality. "The woods? Yeah-it's not for anything big, though. Just the occasional 'witch rumour' and going out to chop firewood.
She turned around to smile at him. "Don't walk behind us. There's room on the path for three," Natalia reminded him.
Clint ignored Loki's grimace and reluctantly approached the princess' side.
"I saw your home from inside the castle," Natalia continued. "Do you live there with your family?"
His smile quickly faded as he lowered his eyes. "No. I live alone."
"And your family?" she prodded. "Maybe we can visit them in town."
"I…" Clint couldn't find the right words to say.
Loki stared at Clint in the corner of his eye. Not only was the prince saving Clint from explaining his personal matters, but he got back Natalia's attention. "We're approaching town, Natalia. I know of a man who sells lovely jewelry."
The red-head looked from Clint to Loki and nodded. "Okay." She followed Loki, leaving Clint on his own.
The hunter could have followed after the couple, but he chose to let them wander on their own. He wasn't quite ready to face Natalia and speak of his family quite yet…
"What do you think of this one?" Loki pointed to a particular golden necklace that immediately caught his eye. The emerald stone accompanying the piece of jewelry sparkled like Natalia's eyes. "This will suit you perfectly."
The princess was far too preoccupied with looking around her. There were many faces in the crowd, but none belonging to Clint Barton. "I think we lost Clint," she breathed. "We should go back."
Loki ignored her as he spotted a set of earrings to match the necklace. "He knows the town well. Do not fret for him, Natalia." His hand reached out to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. No piercing, Loki told himself.
The prince's reassuring touch made her glance down in embarrassment. He was right-Clint knew his home well, so she had no right to worry. Right now, she was alone with her soon-to-be husband. She knew that this was a reason to be happy. "You don't have to buy me anything, Loki." She noticed the piece of gold jewelry in his hand.
"I want to. You deserve something special," he smiled. "And I refuse to take no for an answer."
Natalia watched him pay the elderly man running the booth. The thick smell of meat filled her nostrils and she wrinkled her nose.
"I'm only telling you what I heard-witches plan to strike on an upcoming blood moon."
The princess whipped her head around in time to see the man doing the talking. He had a thick beard of red curls which was currently stained with grease from the cooked turkey leg he was eating.
"All rumours, Volstagg!" said a familiar voice.
Natalia saw Thor walking behind the man and blinked. Accompanying King Odin's son was the burly man called Volstagg and three other men.
Loki overheard Thor's voice and sighed. "Wandering the streets again, Thor?"
Thor and his group of friends stopped before the prince.
"Honestly, you can be so irresponsible," Loki drawled.
"If I wanted to chat with Mother, I would have stayed home!" Thor's thunderous laugh filled the air.
The prince wrinkled his nose. "Speaking of Mother, she would like you to be on time for supper…"
"And you've brought Lady Romanova with you!" Thor continued.
The blond member of Thor's group stroked his goatee. "The Princess? My, how rude of me to forget my manners." He bowed, as did Thor and his friends. "Fandral at your service."
"Hogun, my Lady," said another.
"And Volstagg," the stout man holding the turkey leg chimed in.
Natalia noticed that one of Thor's friends appeared to be hiding from view.
Thor's brows furrowed in confusion. "I could've sworn Sif was just with us…"
"'Sif?!'" Natalia exclaimed.
Loki arched a brow in curiosity. "Do you know another man with that name?"
Natalia watched as Sif stepped forward.
"Pleased to meet you, Lady Romanova."
The voice didn't quite belong to her handmaiden Sif. It was a few octaves deeper. Natalia wondered if it was all a coincidence. However, the second he saw Sif's eyes glare into hers, she was certain that it was her handmaiden. Was this what Sif meant about Thor and Loki knowing of a different Sif who wasn't a handmaiden?
Sif flashed the princess a look of warning, a look that said 'tell them and I'll kill you.' The peasant hat that rested on her head hid her long hair and her male attire showed that Sif was clearly trying to fit in with the group of men.
Natalia was left puzzled as to why Sif would pretend to be a man, but she decided that Sif would explain later. Loki must not have known who her handmaiden was or he would have seen right through Sif's charade. "Nice to meet you all," she finally said, looking from Sif to Volstagg. "If you don't mind me prying, you mentioned witches a moment ago…"
Fandral shook his head. "All rumours, my Lady."
"Most likely gossip from the old butcher," Hogun quipped, making his friends laugh.
"So the five of you are knights?" Natalia questioned.
"Under King Odin himself, yes," Volstagg beamed.
Loki rested a hand on Natalia's shoulder. "You have nothing to fear, my queen. They may look like a bunch of fools, but they are brave and strong," he smiled.
"You take me for a fool, Brother?" Thor asked with a grin.
"On most days, yes." The prince took Natalia by the hand and began leading her away. "We still have much to see, my Lady."
Natalia managed to wave goodbye to Thor and his friends before she was dragged away. "They all look strong. All five of those men…" The thought of Sif hiding amongst them made her eager to learn more about Sif and her two identities.
The number of people in the crowd had picked up and many happened to stop and gawk at Prince Loki and his betrothed.
"Do you walk about often?" Natalia asked the prince. "You've attracted attention…"
"Or maybe you did," Loki teased. "Just hold my hand and we'll be on our way, my Lady."
Hushed whispers of 'the princess' began filling the air. The townspeople gladly stepped aside for the Prince as he brushed past them.
"So that's our Princess?" Natalia heard one person say. She overheard a "she's beautiful," and a "such a shame. What I'd give to be the Prince's wife." Loki was right-they were talking about her.
"I heard witches killed her family," said a male voice.
"No- a fire," said another.
"Witches. Definitely witches that started the fire."
Loki felt Natalia squeeze his hand tighter. He turned around and noticed Natalia hanging her head in defeat. "Natalia?" Loki wondered if the crowds were too much for her. He wrapped an arm around her and led her to a desolate alleyway. "We'll explore around the castle grounds tomorrow," Loki decided. "It's much less crowded."
Natalia yanked her hand away from his and turned her back to the prince. Overhearing complete strangers mention her parents had overwhelmed her. And then the witches needed to be mentioned, too…She could suddenly smell smoke -a thick, inescapable stench that wouldn't go away. The chatter of the townspeople had quickly turned to screams and Natalia felt her knees give in beneath her.
"Natalia!" Loki grabbed her just before she collapsed. "Natalia, are you well?"
No. Natalia knew she wasn't well. She felt terrified. She missed her parents, she missed her homeland… She didn't want to be in Asgard! Hot tears spilled from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
"Oh!" Loki gasped. "Natalia, please don't be upset!" He wrapped his arms around her small frame and hugged her tightly. "All is well, love," he hummed.
Natalia felt foolish for crying, but her emotions had gotten the better of her. Desperate for Loki's warmth, she threw her arms around him and began sobbing into his chest. Whenever she felt upset, she would always cling to her Father the same way.
"We're alone, now. It's just us-no herds of townspeople."
Her fingers grabbed the front of his dark green tunic. "They already know all about me," she sulked. "About my parents, about the witch, the fire…"
Loki gave her another gentle squeeze. He wasn't aware that loose lips were what left her so frightened. "Word gets out quickly," he admitted with a sigh. "I'm sorry…"
The princess stared up at Loki, her eyes red. "Tell me that Volstagg's talk of witches wasn't true! Tell me it was just a rumour!" Natalia felt her body tremble. Having to experience an attack on her own home was enough to scar Natalia for life.
Loki saw the fear in her eyes and he knew that it was his duty to help protect her. "Witch attacks are rare here," he assured her. "And my Father appoints only the best hunters." He reached into his pocket to show her the necklace he had bought earlier. "You, Natalia Romanova, are safe." His hands reached around her neck to fasten the necklace's clasps.
Natalia kept her gaze fixed upon Loki's eyes. His gentle voice was soothing like a parent comforting a scared child. So long as he was around, Natalia felt more at ease. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt his finger brush against the back of her neck.
"There." Loki stepped back and folded his arms across his chest to better admire Natalia wearing the necklace he selected. "Beautiful."
His grin was enough to make her face flush, much like the effect Clint had on her. Finally, she was able to give Loki the genuine smile that he had been waiting for. "Thank you, Loki." She wasn't just thanking him for the necklace. Natalia was thanking him from the bottom of her heart simply for being by her side when she needed someone.