Eir sat down under a tree, not sure what to think, not to mention what to do. Feeling inside it was the worst decision in her life, she agreed to come back to Asgard with Loki, first making him promise not to hurt Odin. She knew it wasn't right to support him in current circumstances and his attitude, but truly – there was no other possible option in her mind than to come back with him and do everything in hers power to stop him from causing too much harm.

Not to mention you like him.

"Yes", she mumbled to herself, unconsciously playing with a blade of grass, "But it does not matter right now."

You wish.

xxx

Loki looked at his father laying down unconsciously. Hatred pumping through his veins almost made him shiver. Two parts of Loki were fighting inside of him. He wanted to hurt Odin, cause pain which cannot be described in words and then deprive him of life.

You promised.

He smirked to himself, waking a few steps back.

The room was rather dark, dingy and chilly. Ceiling was covered with mold, to Loki's delight. If he can't kill Odin, he will make sure that the old man's existence is fulfilled with misery.

This… Chamber was created by Loki just minutes ago and to be fair, he forced himself not to chain Odin to the wall. It could be amusing, but it came to his mind that it might be too much for weak body, and he wanted to keep his word given to Eir by any cost necessary.

Loki moved his foot and kicked old man's side, making him groan quietly. Another smile appeared on Loki's lips and his cold, emerald green eyes seemed to shine in the dusk. He looked around with satisfaction, nodding his head slightly. His eyes moved from blanket laying on dirty floor to small window placed too high for anyone to reach and finally gazed at figure lying in the corner.

It was everything he wanted to provide to Odin.

It was all he deserved.

Suddenly, it came to Loki's mind that after all, Eir's idea of keeping Odin alive might not be so bad. He couldn't have cause any more misery to his father after his death. Yes, it wasn't a bad idea at all…

xxx

"Eir?", she heard quiet voice over her head. She looked up to meet Sif's eyes. Forcing weak smile on her lips, Eir stood up slowly.

"Listen-", Sif started, biting her lower lip, "I know what happened already."

Begging her body not to tremble, Eir nodded, unconsciously biting inside of her mouth. She felt how wet her hands are, but she decided to ignore that. Sif's compassionate look was driving her crazy.

"I am truly sorry, but you know-", Sif stopped, taking deep breath, "He died with honor. He saved Thor. I know you were, well, quite close."

Eir wanted to protest, but Sif silenced her with a wave of the hand.

"It's not what I want to talk about, Eir. What I meant is that you have to get over it. And Fandral is… He almost came here, but I asked him not to."

Crap, Eir thought to herself, I totally forgot about him.

"Just… Remember what I told you the other day? That he is a good man? And he will make you happy?"

Eir brushed her forehead with one hand, closing her eyes. Suddenly, she felt really tired of all this. And it was only the beginning.

"Sif…", she mumbled, not opening her eyes, "I don't feel like thinking about it right now. I think I will go to bed."

Leaving female alone, she rushed towards the castle. Suddenly, she felt it will not work out. She is the worst liar in the world. How is she supposed to keep people thinking Loki is dead? That she is sad because of it? Truly, God of Mischief had chosen the worst option when it comes to an ally.

Or maybe it was the only option he had.

xxx

As Eir reached her chambers, she met rather weird gaze of her roommate. Then she noticed that her bed was… Well, was not here.

"What…?", she started, making few steps to the place, where her bedstead should be. She looked around helplessly and turned her eyes to Sheila, the servant girl she lived with.

"So how do you feel? Better?", sinister smile on female's lips made Eir frown. "King himself ordered to give you a separate room. So what, did you bed his dead son? Or is there something more behind this? Maybe you will now work for king, since his wife and son are dead? You will be mourning together? In bed?"

Awkward sound of slap stopped avalanche of excuses. Eir's cheeks were unnaturally flushed and her chest rose and fell rapidly. Her hand was still in the air, like some kind of threat. Sheila sucked air into her lungs.

"Don't you dare…", Eir hissed, breathing spasmodically. Then, as if in a slow motion, she lowered her hand to the side, her usually bright eyes rather stormy at this moment. Then, in a matter of seconds, all her anger burned out and she sighed quietly.

Again, in a matter of short minutes, she felt completely beaten. Visiting Loki in the dungeons was nothing in comparison to this.

Remind me, why did you even agree in the first place?

She shook her head slightly, deciding there is no time to think about it right now. Another sigh left her chest when she looked at her roommate or, to be more specific, former roommate. Female was still breathing heavily, looking at Eir with disbelief.

"You have changed.", Sheila mumbled, clenching her jaw.

Eir shrugged slightly. "Can you tell me then where I do live now?"

xxx

Eir sat down on huge bed covered with dark green bedclothes. She moved her fingers on smooth material, looking around. The room was big, which was completely unnecessary. Nevertheless, redheaded had to admit it was really nice. Rather unpretentious, colored mainly green and white with small addition of black and wooden furniture.

She took a deep breath and laid down on bed, closing her eyes. She had a feeling that she lost control over her life. Everything was happening so fast, she didn't even have time to think things through. It was irrational, dangerous and… So unlike her.

She almost smiled at thought that probably Queen wasn't aware how the situation will unfold.

"Welcome, Eir", she heard familiar voice. She pulled herself up, looking straight at Loki.

"What's all this?", Eir asked quickly, standing up and raising her arms slightly.. Loki looked down at her questioningly with hands behind his back.

"Why did you give me other room without asking for my opinion?", clenching her jaw, Eir moved to stand right in front of Loki. "Do you have any idea how I was treated by my roommate?"

He narrowed his eyes, not taking them from her face. His gaze was… Penetrating. Knowing that it isn't true, at the same time she felt that his eyes can see her soul.

"What do you mean?", he asked quietly, with almost imperceptible scowl in his voice. "Did she insult you?"

Eir shuddered. Licking her lips slowly, she tried to gather her thoughts. Moonlight coming through the large window made her pale skin even brighter and her red hair more fiery. Loki smiled slightly, caressing her cheek.

"Did she?", he repeated gently, allowing his cold fingers to touch warm skin of Eir's throat. Female swallowed slowly and then forced weak smile.

"No, no. She was simply… Bitter, that…", she stopped, swallowing again, "That I am going to have better life."

Loki's smile widened, showing his teeth and his eyes became darker. Or maybe it was simply an expression caused by the light.

Beautiful, yet scary.

"Good", he whispered, moving his hand lower to Eir's arms, "It would be a shame if we would have to… Get rid of her."

Light green eyes opened wider when words left Loki's lips.

"Loki…", she whispered helplessly, feeling his hands on her back, pulling her closer. "We will not… get rid of anyone, promise me that."

He almost groaned, leaning down to rest his cheek on her hair. A bit against her own will, she allowed herself to nestle into him. Surprisingly, now he didn't seem scary at all. Nothing was scary at this specific moment. Events of the day seemed to be far, far away from her. It was comfortable and safe in his arms, although she knew it doesn't make sense at all, as he was real danger for Asgard. Just… It wasn't quite… Necessary right now.

"I can't make promises I won't keep, Eir", he said in a low voice, feeling her warm breath on his neck when she pulled her head up. Suddenly, it came to his mind that she was really fragile.

"Please", she mumbled, embracing his waist, hugging closer.

Isn't it… Well, it's not really normal to have conversations like this particular one, conversations about someone's life when he has such power over her…

Loki only shook his head, caressing her back.

"I have to go, I can't be here for long, I came here as Odin. Staying longer would cause rumors.", he kissed top of her head. Then, after a brief hesitation, he gently grabbed her chin to pull her head up and crushed his lips with hers with almost painful force. Eir moaned shortly under his lips. He pulled away.

"Wait… Explain me. What's going on Loki, what are you planning to do?", she asked quietly, not exactly sure if she wants to know the answer.

"I really have to go", he smiled mischievously, for the last time stroking Eir's cheek. "You just have to trust me."

Then, smirking, he left the room.

Eir crossed her arms in somewhat defensive gesture. When the door closed behind him, she made a few steps on her trembling legs and reached fluffy armchair, in which she sat with relief.

Last time she heard "trust me" from him, she ended up mourning over his fake corpse. She sighed quietly, more afraid than ever before.

xxx

"Eir, are you even paying attention?", Snorri looked at her, frowning. She smiled weakly and brushed temples with fingertips.

"My apologies", she mumbled, sitting down on one of the beds, "I guess I just didn't sleep very well."

Old man looked at her carefully and then moved closer to her to pat her on the shoulder comfortingly.

"It will pass with time. And if I can tell you something, Eir, Prince Loki wasn't the best…", he stopped, searching for the right word. After a few seconds he continued, "Let's say you would never be happy with him. He was always little liar, since I remember him as a boy. Besides, if he would survive your stupid expedition, what kind of future could he provide? Secret meeting in prison?"

Eir tried to force a smile, but she felt as if her facial muscles refused to cooperate. Instead, she stood up rapidly, almost falling over the chair.

"Thank you. I… Can we…", she faltered, clenching her fists. Snorri looked at her in surprise, but then nodded his head.

"Go, child. We will continue tomorrow."

Eir ran from the room, not answering to him. When she locked the door behind her, maybe a little bit too loud, she leaned against it, feeling extremely weak. Again it came to her mind that Loki had chosen the worst ally in the world, too honest to lie convincingly.

Suddenly, she heard steps in the opposite corner of the hall. Before she could actually see him, she recognized familiar voice.

Fandral.

Without thinking, she rushed ahead. She collided with someone, but didn't even stop to apologize. When she decided she is far away from him – and when she couldn't catch her breath anymore – she stopped, sucking air into her lungs.

She smirked to herself.

Well, that was rather childish, lady Eir.

xxx

There we go. Truly, I am not satisfied with this one. I might rewrite it a little bit later on.

Read and review!

Alarice

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