Loki and Thor made their way to the grand ballroom. As they entered the enormous room they noticed their mother had outdone herself. Hundreds of candles and lanterns lit the room. While table after table of food lined the walls, with jugs of ale between every five platters. Shimmering golden drapes hung around the windows and open balcony doors. Flowers of every color and style left the room fragrant. The boys made their way to the center table where their mother and father sat. "Mother you have outdone yourself" Loki spoke. "Ahh but only the best for my boys and their ladies." They watched as the rich and powerful of Asgard filled the room. Isabella and Eowyn entered the room and made their way to Loki and Thor. Eowyn looked pretty in her yellow gown. Loki assumed that must be her favorite color for it was the third time she wore that color dress. Her hair was in a bun with curls hanging from the back. She wore almost no makeup except for a little mascara and gloss on her lips. "You look pretty Eowyn" he began. Eowyn bowed before Loki, "good evening your highness." Loki nodded even though it bothered him the way she always called him by royal names. "Your mother did such a lovely job planning out this whole party. It's quite nice." "Well mother is quite the party planner. Care to eat?" Loki thought maybe this would be a good beginning point. It didn't hurt that if she was eating then she wouldn't say much to him. So they sat down at the table and feasted. They ate boar and pheasant with bread, potatoes and stewed vegetables. It was delicious. Just as Loki predicted Eowyn didn't speak much.
"Shall we dance your grace?" Loki silently sighed at her continual use of your grace but nodded his agreement. The orchestra played a lively waltz. They danced in tune but Eowyn did make a habit of stepping on his toes, which he tried to hide. Loki noticed that Eowyn had no distinct fragrance to her. She didn't smell but she had no sweet fragrance that lingered upon her person. Finally Eowyn excused herself to go talk to her parents. Just when Loki thought he would have a moment to relax he caught the sight of Emma. She was utterly breathtaking in a sapphire blue gown that hugged her body and flared out at her calves. Without even thinking Loki had made his way to her. Her makeup was simple yet defined. Her luscious lips were painted a ruby red. Loki couldn't think of much else but wanting to kiss those red lips. Her hair was curled and draped around her face. What really caught his attention was how much her eyes shined being offset by her dress. "Well Emma you look ravishing. Simply exquisite." Loki couldn't help but picture ripping her dress off of her and taking her. Emma smiled at him rather teasingly. "Loki I bet you have said that to all the women here." "No just the most beautiful...which is you." They stared at one another for what seemed like an eternity. Emma took in Loki's appearance. He wore his usual leather pants and armour but with a little more flare and pomp. "You look rather handsome Loki with your full armor." He smiled a wickedly delicious grin at her. They turned when the music picked up again. "Shall we" he asked her holding out his hand. Emma took it without question and followed him out onto the dance floor. The music was rather slow and Emma felt it may cause a stir if they were seen dancing intimately. But for the life of her she couldn't pull herself away from him. It was like they were two opposite magnets attracting one another. They danced slowly, ever so closely. Their bodies twirled and danced in complete tune with one another. Emma turned up to look at Loki and he was so serious. When she began to say thing the music stopped and his name was called.
Loki and Thor stood next to their brides to be awaiting their father to begin the promising ceremony. "Thank you all for being here to witness our son's promising to marry the women standing next to them. They will recite the sacred promise. Let us begin." Loki felt so unbelievably uncomfortable. He tried to find Emma in the crowd but to no avail. "Loki and Thor please take Eowyn and Isabellas hands. Now turn to them. Repeat after me, I promise to dedicate myself to marriage with you. I will honor you, be faithful and uphold the sacredness of our love. I choose you to be my partner. Together we will walk this long journey of life." The boys did as they were told then bowed before the women. Just like that he was promised to Eowyn and he couldn't help but feel sick to his stomach. Luckily Eowyn and Isabella went off to chat with friends. Loki searched for Emma and found her stepping outside onto a balcony.
"What are you doing out here Emma?" She turned upon him rather sadly. "Oh I...I just need a moment. Some air to breathe." Loki couldn't help but think she was saddened by his dedication to Eowyn. "I had seemed to have forgotten how to breathe in there. It was uncomfortable having everyone stare at me while I had to partake in a silly tradition." "So you think marriage is a silly tradition?" Why was she twisting his words he thought. "No that is not what I mean. I am being forced into this situation when I am not ready." Emma felt a little guilty for jumping down his throat. She stepped closer and placed her hand upon his arm. That's when he looked down upon her and immediately kissed her with a fever. They were up against the cool wall their lips locked. Finally they released gasping for air. "Emma I don't know what came over me. I..." "It's alright I wanted that kiss." They stood there for a moment before deciding to head back inside. They were dangerously close to catastrophe yet both craved it.