"Natalia?" There was a knock on Lady Romanova's bedroom door. Upon receiving no answer, he allowed himself into the room and saw his bride-to-be buried under her blanket. "Dinner will be served shortly…" he gently continued. "Natalia, are you ill?"

Natalia finally sat up in bed but refused to look at Loki. Her eyes felt a bit swollen from her crying and she couldn't let the prince see her so distressed. "I'm not hungry," she groggily answered.

"What's this about you burning a witch?" Loki inquired, seating himself on the edge of her bed. "It's all Thor's been raving about…"

She nodded. "Yeah. I burned the witch." Just hours ago, she had been so proud of her feat, but her chat with Clint afterwards made her feel miserable.

Loki immediately noticed that she wasn't quite herself. "Thor said you were quite fierce. What happened to your bite?" he playfully asked as a hand reached out to stroke her hair. Loki absolutely adored her long, silky curls. Her hair was as soft as spider silk and he felt at ease whenever he had the chance to run his slender fingers through it.

"Clint and I had a misunderstanding afterwards," she sighed, fidgeting with her wool blanket.

"Did he harm you?" Loki demanded. Clint and Natalia certainly seemed to be getting along when he saw them earlier… Although Loki wouldn't let his face show it, he was very glad about their feud.

"No. No…" she repeated, looking into Loki's flickering orbs. "If anything, I was the one who hurt him." She flashed Loki a devious grin.

"Oh, did you?" Loki was pleased by this news. "And what brought you to cause him such pain?"

Natalia knew she couldn't tell him the truth-Loki would be furious if he knew about the kiss! "He was inconsiderate towards my feelings…"

"I can have him beheaded, if that would please you," Loki coolly remarked.

Natalia wasn't sure whether he was jesting or serious. "I've put him in his place!" she warned the prince. "And I don't wish to speak to him until he apologizes."

Loki could easily force Clint into apologizing for his wrongdoing, but keeping the archer at bay made him feel more comfortable. "Come, Natalia, join our family for dinner." He started to stand, but Natalia held him back.

"Wait." She grabbed his forest green tunic to stop him. With Loki taken by surprise, Natalia took the opportunity to stand up on her knees and pull his face close to hers for a kiss. She needed to feel his lips against hers to help her forget about Clint.

Loki wasn't going to bother questioning her about the sudden kiss. Right now, he felt too caught up in her charms to even care. He desperately yearned for every part of her, but his gentlemanly side took over and reminded him that she would be his in a short matter of time. "Thor will be upset if we don't come down for supper," he smirked, running his hands down her sides. "Mother won't let anyone eat unless all are present."

"Right, sorry," Natalia said in a daze. She held Loki's hand as they walked to the dining hall. As hard as she tried to not think about Clint, he kept popping up into her mind. Natalia made sure to stay attentive throughout dinner so no one-especially Loki-would know that her mind seemed to be elsewhere. Thor went on and on about the witch burning and Frigga and Ivan weren't too fond of the topic. After dinner, Natalia was first to excuse herself.

"Natalia?" Ivan followed after her, hoping to finally chat with her alone. "Are you sure you are well after today, my Lady?" he worriedly asked. He noticed that she seemed a bit off at dinner, but he didn't wish to mention anything.

"Fine," she assured her servant. "Just tired." As she ascended the grand staircase, she stopped to stare out a large window. The sky outside was painted a deep red as the Blood Moon lit up the sky. "It's that time," she breathed. "I completely forgot…" Back home, there was almost always at least one witch sighting on the night of every Blood Moon. Natalia felt her stomach churn. She prayed that her new home was safe from anymore danger…

"You will be fine, Natalia." Ivan gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Come. You need your rest."

Loki watched his princess ascend the stairs. He thought about calling out to her in hopes that they could talk in private. More than anything, he wanted to show her his new discovery. Loki hadn't even bothered to ask the King what the purpose of the room hidden behind the bookshelf was for. He wasn't even sure if his Father knew the truth hiding within their home… Once Natalia and Ivan disappeared from view, he dashed up the stairs to return to the library into his private room of lore. Not just any lore-all of the newly discovered books held spells and enchantments in between their withered pages. Loki couldn't get enough of the ancient texts. They fascinated him and he longed to cram every bit of information into his bright mind. As sinful as it was, Loki wanted to learn the art of witchcraft. His reasons weren't for evil, though-he hoped that he could find a charm of some kind to protect his kingdom from any black magic. Loki was willing to give himself to the dark arts for the safety of his people and his family. The spells he had read about so far seemed simple enough for any mortal to perform. He knew that he had to be careful, though. Wielding too much power could destroy oneself and turn them into a spiteful witch…

"For the record, Natalia," Sif began while tightening the princess' corset, "I was going to chase after you yesterday, but it would seem that Barton beat me to it."

"Please don't mention him," Natalia warned her handmaiden.

"Did something happen?" She laced up the corset, then went to pick out a gown from the closet.

Natalia's lips formed a straight line as she watched Sif fetch her dress. She wanted to tell someone the truth and who better than Sif? Natalia already knew her deepest secret. "Between just us…" She sighed and sat down on the bed. "He said he loved me. And he kissed me."

"I take it Loki doesn't know, seeing that Barton still lives," Sif jokingly remarked.

"This isn't funny!" the redhead snapped. "He kissed me against my will!"

"I thought you liked him," Sif abruptly stated.

Natalia narrowed her eyes. "I hate him!"

Sif began to chuckle as she took a seat beside her mistress. "Lady Romanova-witch slayer and heart breaker," she quipped.

Natalia got up and turned her back to Sif as she folded her arms across her chest.

"Now you can marry your prince with no regrets…"

Natalia kept quiet as she let Sif's words sink in. She was going to marry Loki-nothing could ever change that. "Do you really think I broke Clint's heart?" she asked after a pause.

"I didn't see him at all after the two of you ran off." Sif helped Natalia into a green dress with white trim.

Natalia thought long and hard about what Clint had told her yesterday. His family was killed by witches just like hers was. Guilt kicked in and Natalia knew that she should apologize for smacking him. She knew she couldn't stay on bad terms with Clint forever-she cared too much for him. Once she was properly dressed, Natalia walked down to the library. Surely enough, she found Loki sitting before the hearth surrounded by stacks of thick books. "Good morning." First, she wanted to see her prince. She dearly cared about Loki and she wanted to show him.

Loki slowly glanced up at her and snapped his book shut. "Good morning, Natalia."

The first thing she noticed were the dark circles under his eyes. "Did you sleep well?" she wondered, taking a seat beside several books.

"Yes," he smoothly lied. Truth be told, Loki hadn't slept. He found his new books too intriguing to put down. His night was spent in front of the crackling fireplace, reading his heart out. So far, he had bookmarked several concoctions that he intended to try out, one being a potion to make one's hair smell of fresh roses. He wanted to give Natalia that potion, but only if he could successfully brew it…and after using Sleipnir as his test subject.

"What are all these books for?" She reached for one, but Loki slammed his palm against the stack to stop her.

"My Father's old books-they're horribly dull, but he said they should help for when I am to rule," Loki quickly lied. "I'm famished-let's get some breakfast, Natalia!"

She nodded and watched Loki stack his books into one neat pile.

"I just need to drop these off in my room first…"

"Would you like some help?" Natalia offered.

Loki smiled in a carefree manner. "You needn't lift a finger, my darling."

She watched him carry his books off to his room and waited until he was done so she could tell him her plans for the day. "I plan on seeing Clinton after breakfast," she announced as they made their way down the stairs.

"I thought you were still cross with him," Loki uneasily replied.

"I'm just going to apologize. I hit him yesterday, so I owe him," she explained. "Don't be angry," she quietly added.

"Now why would I grow angry, my darling?" he wondered in a gentle tone. Loki could hide his distaste very well.

Natalia recalled Sif saying that Loki was the jealous type. She expected more of a reaction from him. Loki must have trusted her if he didn't act out against her seeing another man. Not that she and Clint were together, of course! Natalia was thankful that Loki wasn't questioning her intentions. She hoped that this was a sign that their marriage would be off to a good start. "You don't seem to like Clinton very much…"

"I dislike the way he looks at you." He took her delicate hand in his. "You are to be mine, and mine alone, Natalia." He kissed her hand, making the young woman blush.

"And I yours." Natalia still wasn't ready to say the one thing she knew he longed to hear. Love. She promised herself that she wouldn't utter that word to him until their wedding day when she committed herself entirely to him. "How about we pay Sleipnir a visit when I'm done?" she excitedly added. "And you can help me climb that tree!"

Loki couldn't say no to her, especially since she seemed enthusiastic to spend time with him. "Of course," he agreed. "I'll have lunch brought to us."

Natalia nodded and they both entered the dining hall to enjoy breakfast with the King and Queen. Afterwards, Natalia ventured over to Clint's home and knocked on the door.

Clint answered the door expecting it to be Heimdall with a word from the King regarding a new mission. When he saw the familiar red of Natalia's hair, all he could do was let out an 'oh' of surprise. "Milady…" He uncomfortably stood in place, unsure of what to do. Clint wouldn't blame her if she was still angry. He had no right to kiss her-it was wrong of him, not to mention punishable by death at Loki's hand. "Natalia, I'm so sor-"

"I'm sorry!" Natalia quickly interrupted. "Clint, about yesterday-!"

"No!" The man cut her off from saying anything more. "I don't know what I was thinking," he groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Actually, I wasn't thinking…" he sheepishly admitted. "I'm so sorry, Natalia."

Looking at his face, she couldn't see any evidence left from yesterday's incident. All she could see was the look of pain in his eyes. Natalia didn't just physically hurt him-she emotionally hurt him. That pain was by far the worst kind. "Do you regret it?" she hastily asked.

Clint froze, fearful of what would happen if she knew the truth. "I do," he stated. Natalia glared at him, but he continued to speak before she could utter a word. "Only because it upset you… I don't like having you mad at me. I love you, Natalia-I swear it!"

She tightly clenched her fists as his words hit her like a ton of bricks. "Clint…" Natalia couldn't encourage his feelings. She had Loki, and there was no way she would ever deceive him. "I'd like-no…" she paused and looked him straight in the eyes. "I order you to forget what happened yesterday. You and I will be friends, and nothing more," the princess declared.

The archer opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't decide on the right words to say. He settled for lowering his gaze and nodding. "Yes, Milady."

Natalia smiled, pleased that he willingly agreed. "Can we talk?" she wondered. "Like we did yesterday morning?"

Clint put on a happy façade for her sake. "Sure." He allowed her inside and they began to chat. First, there was silence, but Natalia wasn't afraid to break the peace.

"Why the arrows?" she wondered aloud. Her eyes rested upon his archery set that was seated across the bench.

The blond was quiet for a moment as he picked up his bow and arrows to make room for Natalia. "My Father taught me when my Brother and I were kids," he explained.

A quiet 'oh' escaped Natalia's lips. "Sorry… I didn't mean to bring it up…"

"It's okay, actually." He softly smiled as he held the wooden bow in his hands. "They're good memories."

The kindness within his eyes was enough to make Natalia weak. Clint was making it hard for her to stay loyal to her fiancé. She was about to leave, but Clint opened up to her about his Mother and his Brother, Barney. Natalia couldn't leave after that-it wouldn't have been polite. She stayed and listened to his stories about growing up. He talked about archery lessons from his Father, the day he and Barney found a stray dog (their Mother made them let it go), the small Barton family cottage where stories were shared before the fireplace… Natalia learned a lot about Clint that afternoon. She gladly would have listened to more, but Loki's distant voice calling out to her forced her to leave.

"Come back tomorrow." Clint grinned widely, hoping that she would accept his offer.

Natalia knew she shouldn't, but what harm was there? Clint was only telling her stories, after all. "Alright." She briskly left and ran off in the direction of Loki's voice. Natalia found the black-haired prince waiting under the white blossom tree.

Loki waved once she caught his eye. There was no hiding the fact that Natalia was coming straight from Clint's home. Still, the vibrant smile across her lips made his anger melt away. "I've brought lunch for us." He motioned for her to sit next to him in the shade.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting," she quickly answered as she sat down on the soft grass.

Loki shook his head as he pulled a wrapped up bundle from a wicker basket. "No trouble at all. I trust your talk with Clinton went well?" he asked calmly.

"We're on good terms again." She shrugged and eyed a batch of lemon and berry tarts that Loki had just unwrapped. Natalia was afraid that telling Loki about Clint opening up to her about his life would make him jealous. She grabbed a tart and slowly nibbled on it.

Loki hid his dismay as best as he could. He didn't want his Natalia to be friendly with Barton. Natalia was rightfully his! Loki's fingers tightened around the fabric-bound tome in his hands.

"What's that?" Natalia wondered, eying the book.

"Ah…" He opened the book and flipped to a bookmarked page. "I'd like to recite a piece for you, if you don't mind."

Natalia reached for another tart and smiled. "Go on."

Loki stole one last glance at her grin before averting his gaze to the words before him.

"'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature's changing course, untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest;
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.'"

The prince's velvety voice as sweet as honey left Natalia in awe. His eloquent manner of speaking gave life to the words-it felt to her as if Loki was born to recite such lovely prose. She found herself lost in a daze as she thought about the sound of his soothing voice.

"Natalia?"

She blinked upon hearing her name. He always said her name in a reverent way that made her blush. "That…that was beautiful," Natalia finally said. "Really, Loki-you're amazing."

Loki chuckled in his usual carefree manner. "You speak as if I wrote these words myself-believe me, Natalia, my words fail in comparison to those of Shakespeare."

Natalia shook her head. "No. I'm sure you can do better!" she challenged.

"No, Natalia, you flatter me!"

"Write me a poem, then!" Natalia knew that if she asked, Loki would give. "Anything, really. I just want to hear your words." She jutted out her lower lip slightly, knowing that it would make her fiancé weak. "For me."

Loki playfully narrowed his eyes. "You're quite the temptress, my Natalia." He reached out to play with a loose curl. "I vow to write you something worthy of your striking nature," he winked. "For our wedding." Loki took her hand in his and kissed it.

"Deal," Natalia agreed with a smirk.

Loki proudly beamed as he eyed his stunning princess. He had her wrapped around his finger. Why had he been so jealous of losing her to Clint Barton? One look into her sparkling eyes told him that this was love. Although Natalia wouldn't admit it, her bright green eyes spoke the truth.

A/N: The quote used is from Shakespeare's Sonnet 118