Loki folded his slender hands, not looking at Eir. She moved anxiously, frowning. A need to make him explain all this sick situation was so overwhelming, that she almost forgot how she felt just minutes back. With her eyes locked on his pale face, Eir waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts, even if her head was full of questions and some of them definitely may lead to difficult answers.

"It will not be easy", he started slowly, finally looking at her. His emerald eyes were almost grievous when he met her anxious gaze. It came to Eir's mind, that at this second he looked defenseless. He licked his lips and continued thoughtfully, "I ask you to listen to all I have to say and then-"

She tilted her head slightly. And then?

"I was always… In his shadow. I am not denying my adoptive parent's love, but I could also sense that he was father's favorite. It's… It's always the thing boy looks… His father acceptance. I was never like Thor. He was… Hasty, strong, always ready to fight.", he stopped, brushing his temps with his slender fingers. Cold wind blew mercilessly, but none of them paid attention to chill.

"It's not all that matters…", Eir mumbled, trying to touch his hand, but he pulled away. She looked at him sadly.

"I know!", he admitted nervously, "I am aware of that. My apologies for pulling this out, but I need you to understand! I need you to understand my reason-"

"Your reason for what Loki?", she asked in a low voice, weird feeling in the back of her mind that she might not want to know the answer for this question. She was grateful that her voice didn't tremble, last thing he needed now was an impression, that she is afraid. Well, even if she is.

"Let me finish.", he murmured, standing up. "When… When he was… abandoned, I thought it might be a chance for me. To be honest with you, I actually goaded him to go to Yotunheim, for which he got banished to Earth. It was a small prank, back then I didn't mean any harm to him, I just thought it might be funny to look at father's anger. I know!", he hissed, seeing her reproachful look. "I know it was stupid and childish. But that's how I am… How I was. At first it was meant to be a joke. But then, when we were there, fighting-"

"You discovered you are Frost Giant-", Eir finished the sentence, anxiously wiping her wet hands in the material of her dress. Her ginger hair were flying around her face, pushed by the wind, covering her sight from time to time, but somehow she didn't notice that.

He nodded, hiding his face in his palms. When he moved them away, there was no sign of emotions anymore. Neither on his pale face, nor in his emerald green eyes.

"And I wanted to… Prove myself I think, that despite my origin, I can still be king… I understand power. I admire it. I deserve it-"

Unconsciously, Eir shivered at his last words, suddenly feeling her lips are really dry. His voice made her heartbeat stop for a second, but she decided not to interrupt him. She clenched her jaw and swallowed, licking her chapped lips. She looked at him nervously, but he seemed to be too deep in his thoughts to notice this sign of fear.

"I might have been… A little overtaken by all the actions back then, maybe I was too hasty, unlike me, I acted in fear of losing the throne. I… Don't judge me, I made some agreements with Laufey. At this point it's irrelevant, let me not mention it at this moment. Anyway, of course, mighty Thor showed up and destroyed everything. But I am actually grateful for that. My behavior was highly immature, I can see it now.", he stopped again, taking deep breath. All of this time his eyes were locked on the floor in front of him, but actually Eir was also avoiding his look when he was speaking. She was too frightened by the thought she might see this wild spark in them again.

"I would have played it smarter now. When I was on Earth… You see, all those creatures, humans I mean, they are all naturally meant to be ruled. Free will means chaos, slaughter, robbery. Truly, I intended on being good for them, but Thor and his stupid friends, Avengers, as they call themselves, interrupted. Again. My mighty brother."

Again, he stopped his story and Eir forced herself to give him a quick look. His eyes were locked on one point in front of him, a little bit distant, as if he was reminding himself those actions. As much as she wanted to hug him, she felt like running away. Deep in her heart she knew that this story of his will not end well.

"I landed in prison, as you met me.", he looked at her with something warmer in his eyes, "And then Thor came to me after our mother's death, asking me to show him my secret pathway. I was… broken, angry, seeking revenge. I agreed. But then, it came to my mind I can have from all this more than a simple vendetta."

She stood up quickly, grabbing his cold hands. She moved herself closer, not aware of weird gleam in his eyes. Her eyes were shining almost pleadingly as she rose her head to meet his surprised gaze.

"You can run away Loki, they will consider you dead", she mumbled quietly, clutching her tiny hands on his. "If you wish me-", she swallowed, biting her lower lip almost painfully, "If you wish me to, I will go with you. I will come back to Asgard just… Just for a few days, but then I will come back to you the same way and we can go wherever you wish us to!"

Her words left her lips almost feverishly, she could sense the begging tone in her voice, but she didn't care. She wanted to do everything in her powers to stop him from finishing what he wanted to say. She didn't know details, but she was sure that the main plot will be about coming and getting throne of Asgard.

"No", he smiled slightly, cupping her face. "No, Eir, you didn't understand me-"

Or I understood you too well.

"What I mean is… My stupid brother doesn't want the throne. I know magic. I can… Kill Odin… I can be king, you understand?", as his hands were still holding her cheeks, she couldn't help but seeing this flash in his eyes again. Suddenly, she found her face wet from tears.

"Of course", he added quickly, misunderstanding her cry, "I want you near! We will arrange it somehow!"

"Loki-", she whispered, freeing herself and stepping back. He looked at her, frowning. Eir gathered all her courage and locked her glistening with tears eyes on his emerald ones.

"Loki, listen to me, you can be free from all this and I don't blame you that you don't want to spend the rest of your life in prison, but you don't have to be bad-", by the second this words left her lips, she knew it was a mistake. Huge one.

"I am not bad", he hissed, coming closer to her with anger in his eyes, "Weren't you the one reassuring me that deep inside we are all good?"

"Yes, yes, I expressed myself badly", she agreed, suddenly stupid idea coming to her mind.

She lifted her head to look at Loki. She could feel his warm breath as his green eyes were locked on her face. Unconsciously, she placed her hands on his chest, making him smile a little possessively.

"Can we rest for a while before we continue?", she mumbled, feeling his calm heartbeat under her right palm. She knew it was lame excuse, but it was the only one she had to actually think things through. It wasn't a small decision to make in front of her, she had to think of something to stop Loki from doing as he planned.

He frowned slightly, putting his hands on the top of hers. Unwittingly, she felt warmer somewhere inside.

"Can't it wait?", he asked impatiently, "by the time we get to Asgard I promise you will get a really nice chamber only for you with big bed, you will have all the rest you wish."

"Please", she murmured, feeling overwhelmed by her fear. What if he will not agree?

Her heart ached by the feeling how he had changed when he left his cell. She made a huge effort to hide her dread from him, knowing it would only get things worst. Now, when Frigga was gone, Loki seemed to move his need of acceptance to Eir and the last thing she wanted was to push him away. Not only for him, as she noticed with surprise, she also wanted him near. But not like this, she needs to stop him somehow. He is not a bad man, just… Lost and hurt.

"Alright", he growled, pushing her away from him sharply. He removed his cloak, handing it to Eir. "Cover yourself up, I will take a walk."

No, no, no. No going away.

She grabbed his hand firmly, not allowing him to move. Loki looked at her with surprise, frowning.

"Can't you stay with me?", she asked quietly, feeling as his body relaxed a bit when the request left her lips.

He sighed, showing her with arm to move to the bench. So she did with no hesitation, lying down. She had to be quick before he changes his mind and will actually go somewhere. Somehow, she felt that he should be here, so that she can make sure nothing stupid comes to his mind. He looked at her and decided to sit down at one end of it, pulling her closer to place her head on his lap. He seemed a bit angry, but he didn't say a single word.

Eir got herself comfortable and closed her eyes. After like a minute or so, his hand moved to caress her hair.

Think, silly, she chided herself, licking her teeth.

Maybe she should allow him to go back, somehow stop him from killing Odin and let Thor know?

No. This is out of option. She can't betray him like this.

Oh, if only he would listen, if only he would agree to run away somewhere…

Sudden thought hit her, surprising her so hard that she almost opened her eyes. Maybe it would truly be good? Eir had to admit that Loki was way more intelligent than Odin or Thor. Besides…

No. Stopping herself from shaking her head, she fought this stupid idea.

xxx

Loki was looking down at face of this petite female as she rested. His face was, as usual, impenetrable, only in his emerald eyes for a short second there was visible something. Slender fingers slowly stroked her ginger hair.

He was impatient, he wanted to go back to Asgard already and he was truly angry at himself that he agreed. It was stupid, she would survive an hour or two more without sleeping. He decided to wake her up, even moving his hand to shake her arm, but he changed his mind in the last moment. He will also survive waiting half an hour.

Loki smirked, leaning back, placing one of his arms on the back of the bench. Oh, he can't wait Odin's face as he will come to him. Old fool. He is not in the form, not being able to control his beloved sonny. Thor is doing whatever he wishes, whenever he wishes. Spoiled boy. They will both get what they deserve.

Closing his eyes, Loki imagined in delight, how smart king he will be. He will rule Asgard way better than this pathetic… Than his father. He smiled mischievously, thinking that one of his first decisions will be humiliation of Fandral. Eir belongs to him. He will not allow anyone like this pathetic imitation of a man around her. Deprivation of his weapon? Exile maybe? He giggled quietly, unwittingly moving his hand to Eir's neck, caressing her warm, pale skin.

Suddenly, Eir moved her head to look at him.

"Can't sleep here", she mumbled, blushing slightly, "the wind is blowing too hard."

"You will have all the rest you need at the castle", he promised, stroking her cheek with his slender fingers.

She nodded her head slightly. Leaning on her elbow, she slowly moved herself up.

"Loki, listen-", she whispered with her eyes directed to the floor. He furrowed, narrowing his eyes. Didn't sound good at all.

"Yes?", he asked quietly, looking at her intently.

"We… We can't-", she started with shaky voice, locking eyes on her own hands. Wind indeed was blowing strongly, but he heard perfectly every word she said.

"We can't what?", his voice cold, he moved a bit from her, clenching his fists unwittingly.

"We can't do this-", she mumbled, closing her eyes. Now, she was waiting for the storm to begin.

"You prefer Fandral?", Loki asked quietly, sending cold thrill through Eir's body. His eyes were darker than usual, and he almost gasped, feeling something clenched painfully inside of him.

"What?", she squealed, looking at him in surprise. She is telling him that they can't go back to Asgard and he asks her if she prefers this blond moron?

"I asked if you prefer Fandral over me.", he stood up, looking down at her. He couldn't stand her so close to him, knowing that she had chosen his brother's friend. He thought… He was sure… She told him she doesn't like him…

Small, mendacious servant.

"N-no-", she almost shouted, clenching her fists. He didn't believe her.

"Then what's the problem?", he asked, crossing his arms.

"It's… We can't harm your father-", she said in a low voice, looking up at him pleadingly.

Great, Eir. All those bright arguments you made up. Where are they now?

"That's all?", he crouched next to her, disbelief on his face. She nodded willingly, looking into his emerald eyes.

It was weird, but he felt warmer inside. He wasn't cold before, but now he felt warmer. Does it make any sense at all? It didn't to him. But at this moment he decided to leave it as it wasn't the most important thing to think about. He felt lighter inside. Weird, but quite a nice feeling.

"Fine, love", he cupped her cheeks, "We will find some place safe for him to stay."

Love.

Eir frowned slightly, feeling huge need to kiss him.

Not now, silly one.

"You promise?", she asked with shaky voice, swallowing saliva. He nodded slightly, smiling mischievously. She had troubles gathering her thoughts.

Love.

"But I don't promise I will give him all comforts", he chuckled slightly, looking into her bright, green eyes. She was staring at him with wide eyes.

Love.

Loki opened his lips to explain that he was joking, but just then Eir leaned hastily, as if she was scared that she will change her mind. Basing her hand on his knees, she crushed his lips with hers.

Love.

xxx

I am fully aware that I said last chapter was somewhat transition one, but when I started rewriting things here, adding lines, removing them, it appeared that it will be the same, because if I'd decide to add here something more, it would be way too long and it would take me another week or so to post it. Therefore, accept my apology – I promise next chapter will have more action than these two.

Hope you liked it. Read and review! ;)

Alarice

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