Eyra sat with a smile on her face as Thor recounted many stories of his victories in battle. He was a wonderful storyteller, and she found herself quite enthralled by his tales. He did not tell of his experiences to boast, but simply to provide joy and entertainment to those listening, and he was as quick to poke fun at himself as he was to speak of his success.
It had now been several days since Eyra had moved into the palace. She had scarcely had any contact with Loki since their second time on the balcony, and for that, she convinced herself she was grateful. It was not fit for her to be distracted by him when she was supposed to be getting to know and falling in love with his brother. She and Thor had spent much time together over the past few days, and she was learning that he was very much what she expected from the heir to the throne. He was strong, regal, charming, and took his position very seriously. At the same time, he was always willing to relax and have a good time. Eyra truly did think highly of him, and was growing accustomed to the idea of being his wife, though that didn't mean that she did not continue to feel some opposition toward the arrangement. She was simply coming to terms with the fact that her situation was not going to change and finding that perhaps she would not be quite as miserable as she once feared.
Still, each night after Thor would drop her off at her chambers, she would pull out the cloak Loki had given her upon their first meeting. She could not help but think regretfully on what might have been had she been given just one more chance to meet him in the clearing. Despite her growing respect and fondness toward Thor, there was something missing there; something that she could recall being present during each of her encounters with the younger prince. A large part of her was burdened with guilt over these feelings as she wondered whether Thor felt more strongly for her than she did for him. It was these thoughts that caused her next words.
"Thor," she suddenly blurted when there was a break in their conversation. "How do feel about marrying me?"
He looked surprised at her question. "Whatever do you mean, Astrid?"
Eyra felt the heat rise to her cheeks, cursing herself for her boldness. "I just mean...well...are you happy with the situation? Do you think...that is, is it possible that...you could ever love me?"
Thor looked at her thoughtfully. "Well, it is a man's duty to love his wife, is it not?" Eyra frowned inwardly at the word 'duty.' "My parents' marriage began just as ours is, and they have grown to love each other dearly." When he saw her slightly crestfallen face, he took her hands in his own and smiled at her kindly. "I very much enjoy our time together, Astrid. You are a very respectable young maiden, and I do truly believe that our relationship will be one filled with much love and joy."
Eyra smiled at him weakly. 'But, you do not know me!' Her mind screamed. 'You only know Astrid, and you have no idea that she is a woman who does not truly exist! The girl you know is nothing more than a façade!" The words which came out of her mouth, however, conveyed none of this.
"I am relieved to hear that you feel that way as well," was all she said. Thor seemed pleased with that response, and he carried on with the many stories he had to share.
It was later that evening that Eyra's next encounter with Loki would occur. Thor had been summoned to a political meeting of sorts, and Eyra made her way to one of the more secluded gardens which happened to be her favorite. There was a small fountain, and many butterflies had made their home there amongst the beautiful flowers. When she closed her eyes, Eyra could almost imagine she was back in that clearing. Seating herself on the lone bench in the area, she began to speak aloud to the darkness, the tears she had fought for so long finally slipping down her cheeks.
"Oh, Papa," she whispered. "I am so lost without you. I know I promised I would always be strong, but I just don't know if I can do it much longer. I promised to always be good, but the things I desire can no longer be described as such. I promised to always be kind, but my feelings toward many people are becoming anything but. I promised I would only marry a man who I truly loved and who truly loved me, but I fear that has become impossible." She squeezed her eyes tightly shut as her lower lip trembled violently. "I know you must be terribly disappointed in what I've become, and...I'm so sorry, Papa! I never wanted to let you down..."
It was then that Eyra felt gentle hands place themselves on her knees. Her eyes flew open to see Loki crouched down in front of her, watching her hesitantly. Quickly, brushing the tears from her cheeks, she gave a shaky laugh, trying to mask the embarrassment she felt at having been caught in such a state, especially by him.
"You seem to have a habit of catching me unawares."
A forced smile graced the prince's face, though it did not come close to reaching his eyes. "Eyra," he murmured, reaching a hand up to cup her face. She leaned into his touch, his cool hand helping to lessen the heat which filled her cheeks.
"It is nothing of import," she answered his unspoken question. "Simply a moment of weakness and self-pity." Loki gave her a look that clearly said he didn't buy it, but he, once again, respected her privacy. Since talking about it seemed to be out of the question, he settled on trying to cheer her up instead. Keeping his one hand on her knee, he rose to sit himself next to her on the bench. He wasn't sure what to say, but soon realized that his mere presence was helping to soothe her. They sat in comfortable silence until Eyra allowed a content smile to appear on her face.
"I have always enjoyed sitting outside. Watching the stars, listening to the birds, feeling the occasional chill breeze." She could feel Loki's eyes on her, though she kept her line of sight on the night sky. "It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful and complex the universe is. I love to dream of just what role I may have to play in it."
She could hear the intrigue in his voice when he asked, "And what do you imagine it to be?"
When she turned to meet his gaze, her eyes were shining with excitement and passion. "I have always pictured myself helping people less fortunate than myself, for they are many. Children without parents, those who cannot afford to put food on their own tables, women who find themselves enslaved by men who cannot think past their own physical desires. There is so much good to be done and not just on Asgard, but on Alfheim, Vanaheim, Midgard, and each of the other realms. It would give me such joy to be able to play even a small part in bringing that to pass."
Loki's eyes bore into her own. "You have so much more depth and emotion than any maiden I have ever met," he observed. "Any person, even." Eyra blushed at the compliment. "And yet you do not let many others see you for the incredible girl that you truly are. Why not?"
Eyra tore her gaze away from his to stare down at his hand on her knee. "'It is not my place as a lady to have such grand ideas,'" she quoted. "All I am good for is to make an obedient, loving wife and produce children for my husband."
"That is what has been driven into your head by those who are afraid of what you could do," Loki insisted. "But you know that it is far from the truth."
"The way things are turning out for me," Eyra sighed. "It would appear that they were right. I am to be nothing more than a delicate flower, put on display for the realm to see and admire but never to learn what may lie deeper than just a pretty face and slight figure. I suppose that many would consider themselves incredibly blessed to be in my position, but I would gladly give it up to any of them, for all I see is that I am doomed to a life of little happiness, always striving to change myself to please those around me." A humorless laugh escaped her lips. "I suppose I just need to accept that as my plight and learn to be happy in spite of it." When she met Loki's eyes once more, they were filled with a sadness that tugged at her heart. Shaking her head, she shot him a teasing grin and poked him in the ribs, causing him to jump. "We always end up talking about me, but I want to know what has made you such a cold, reserved stick in the mud."
Loki's mouth dropped open at her words, and he stared at her in shock for a moment before letting out a delighted chortle. "No one has spoken to me like that for as long as I can remember!"
Eyra giggled. "It's because they're all afraid you'll freeze them over with that icy glare of yours."
His eyes danced with amusement. "And you are not?"
"Nope," she popped the 'p.' "Because, for some reason, when others are not around us, you become kind and fun and pleasant company to have. Although, you still are not as carefree as I remember you from before."
"I suppose that is what being a prince does to you," Loki shrugged. "Except in Thor's case, but I have never enjoyed having all of my actions picked apart by anyone who takes an interest in the royal family. People seem to bite their tongues more when I make them nervous."
"And me?" Eyra inquired softly.
"I do not feel the need to put on any airs with you," he explained simply.
She smiled, hesitantly resting her cheek on his shoulder. "You and I are the same, I think," She whispered. She felt him tense for a moment before relaxing against her touch.
"How do you mean?" He whispered in return.
"We both put on acts for others to see because that is what is expected of us. Yet, when in each other's company, we can allow those walls to disappear," she sighed contentedly, closing her eyes and playing absently with his fingers, which still rested on her knee. "Whatever my future may hold, I can at least find comfort in the fact that I have you to be myself around."
Loki said nothing in response, but rested his cheek gently against the top of her head and turned his hand to grasp her smaller one tenderly. Both knew they would likely regret this moment of intimacy, but neither could bring themselves to end it. Soon, Eyra's breathing evened out, and Loki knew she had fallen asleep.
Eyra felt a small bit of consciousness return to her as she was gently placed on something soft. Forcing her eyes open, she saw Loki carefully pulling her covers over her body. She burrowed into them, drawing them tightly around her chest.
"Loki," she mumbled drowsily, forgetting formalities in her tired state. The prince froze, not having realized she was awake.
"Yes, Eyra?" He whispered, carefully brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Thank you...for being here...and for helping me...I wish..." she yawned widely. "I wish...things could be different..." With that she slipped back into dreams. Loki gazed down at her sadly and gently pressed his lips to her forehead.
"Me too," he expressed regretfully before standing and walking out of the room.
A/N: Two chapters in one day guys! I am on a role! I hope you are enjoying reading this as much as I am enjoying writing it! I appreciate everyone who has followed, favorited, and reviewed this story! It really does mean a lot to me!
Deductions-of-Sherlolly: It makes me so happy that you like it! I am kind of a fan of Eyra and Loki, (obviously) and I hope that I can write their relationship suitably. Thank you so much for your continued support!