Several weeks had passed. Eyra and Loki had continued to see each other secretly, and they were feeling quite pleased with themselves for how well they had done at keeping their relationship hidden. Frigga, Asmund, and Brynjar were still the only ones aware that there was anything going on between the two as far as they knew.

Eyra could scarcely remember being so happy in all her life. When she would lie down to sleep at night, it was impossible for her to keep the silly smile off of her face as she recalled the events of her day. Loki was constantly showering her with sweet little gestures, from giving her flowers to writing her letters or poetry to sneaking into her room while she was bathing at night and tackling her with a fluffy blanket the second she walked out.

She had learned so much more about his past over this time as well. How he had never gotten along well with any of Thor's friends as they thought him strange for his quiet, studious nature. How Odin, along with everyone else but Frigga, had always seemed to favor Thor over him, regardless of what he did to please others. How he had no desire for the throne, despite the fact that almost everyone assumed he was envious of Thor in every aspect. He would tell her these things as they lay out on his balcony, his soothing voice helping to relax her mind despite the sorrow she felt over the pain he had suffered his whole life. He had told her that, whatever hurt he had felt in the past, she was helping to heal him of it. That had made her heart flutter, and she had found herself cuddling even closer to him in response, returning his sentiments.

They had resumed their magic lessons, and Loki was incredibly pleased with how quickly Eyra was learning. Along with that, she had come a very long way in her training with Sif. The two women had formed a close bond, and whatever bitter feelings Sif had harbored toward her for being engaged to Thor had long disappeared.

Thor and Eyra barely saw each other. Eyra, at first, felt guilty about that until she realized that he truly did not mind any more than she did. He had no romantic feelings toward her at all, a thought that made Eyra's conscience much lighter. They were, of course, on good terms with one another, but neither of them were particularly eager to seek the other out, given that the situation they found themselves in was slightly awkward. Eyra had no intention of ever marrying him, and it seemed that he was attempting to think of a way out of the arrangement as well. It had not yet been even close to the standard year most betrothed couples waited before marrying, and Eyra had high hopes that they would be able to come up with a solution by that time.

"Perhaps your father would be more understanding if Thor was to fall in love with someone else," Eyra suggested to Loki one evening. They were lying comfortably on Eyra's bed and indulging themselves in some chocolate truffles that Loki had requested from the kitchens. "Is there anyone you can think of who might fit the bill for that scenario?"

Loki let out a long sigh. "I do think that, if he could have his way, he would marry Sif. However, as I told you when you first arrived at the palace, Thor, as heir to the throne, is under a certain obligation to marry someone more like you. My father would not allow him to break off his engagement to you for many women. And I doubt Thor and my father would see eye-to-eye on what a suitable match would be. My father would want him to wed a girl of incredibly high standing, but, with the exception of you, of course, they are all rather spoiled, stuffy, and selfish. It is a lovely thought, but I simply don't see it working out that way."

Eyra pouted for a second but brightened almost immediately. "Well, we still have nine months to think of something. I just know that there is a solution out there somewhere!" Loki was silent for a moment before speaking tentatively.

"There is one thing..." He glanced down at her briefly. "It isn't ideal, but at least as a backup plan..."

"What is it?" Eyra's brow furrowed curiously.

"We could always run away...at least for a while until things cool down. Perhaps we could go to Midgard! I promised I would take you there one day! We could have ourselves an adventure there and then, when the whole event has blown over, return here to Asgard to be with our families again..."

Eyra bit her lip, not speaking for several long moments. "You're right, it isn't ideal..." she said quietly. "But if that is what it takes to be with you, then I will, of course, follow you there."

Loki tilted her chin up to place a long, tender kiss on her lips. "We will be together, Darling. Whatever it takes," he murmured. "I would die before I let them take you from me."

"Well let's hope it doesn't come to that!" Eyra balked reproachfully. Then she smiled fondly. "I truly am the luckiest girl in all the nine realms. Even if this whole thing was to fall apart, I would consider myself blessed above all simply for having been loved by you."

In response, Loki pressed his lips against hers once more, both of them quickly becoming lost in the kiss and each other. However, mere moments later, a knock sounded at the door. Eyra squeaked and pulled away as Loki immediately cast an illusion to make it appear as though she was alone. She hurried to the door and opened it to see a servant girl standing there.

"Lady Eyra," she said formally. "I have a letter for you from Lord Inghard."

"Oh?" Eyra's eyebrows shot up. He had never written her before. "Thank you." She took the letter and shut the door, opening the envelope as she walked slowly back to her bed. Loki watched in concern as the color suddenly drained from her face and she gripped the bed post to support herself, taking in deep breaths with her head bowed. He gently pulled the letter from her now limp hand, his blood running cold as he read it.

Dearest Astrid,

I regret to be the one to inform you of this, but your mother is simply too distraught to even think of composing a letter. This morning, your eldest brother, Asmund, took ill quite suddenly. Although the healers did everything they could think of to restore his health, it was only a matter of hours before he had passed on.

The funeral will be held in three days time, though you need not return home as, my position being what it is, it will take place at the palace. I hope you will remember the distinguished role you must play in all of this. I do offer you my deepest condolences at this tragic loss and wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Your loving father

When Loki looked up from the letter, Eyra had found her way to the window and was staring out silently, though he doubted she was seeing anything through it. He dropped the letter and immediately made his way to her side. As he gently touched her elbow, she turned to him slowly, face a carefully emotionless mask. However, when her eyes met his, those walls quickly caved in, and she suddenly broke down and collapsed against his chest. He held her tightly as tortured sobs wracked her body, and she clung to him as though letting go would cause her world to crumble even further than it already had.

Loki was shaking as well, both from the pain he felt on Eyra's behalf and the fury he was barely containing. A letter. A short, unfeeling letter from the only person in the world she could ever feel any real anger toward. That was how she had to learn of her beloved brother's death. The hate he had already felt for Inghard intensified greatly, making his head pound and his jaw clench. As Eyra continued to let out anguished cry after anguished cry, he let slip several tears of his own, heart aching for the woman who held it. It was not until later that night, as she lay in a troubled slumber in his arms, that the thought would occur to him. His pulse quickened as suspicion and doubt worked its way into his mind.

After all, what kind of illness sets in and kills in a matter of hours?

A/N: So, I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a couple of days! This weekend has just been so hectic, I've barely had time to sit down at a computer! And this chapter is pretty short, but...oh well. Anyway, things are about to get serious! I would love to hear some of your theories on what happened to poor Asmund. I'm kind of hating myself here, but this was, unfortunately, necessary. :'(

Okumura Ichigo: There is definitely going to be a lot of drama when people do learn about their relationship! The consequences may be quite severe. I'm so glad that you are enjoying this story! I know I am enjoying writing it! Thank you so much for your reviews! :)

LilweenGalatrass: I'm so glad that you like it! I do hate reading about my favorite characters suffering, but hopefully everything works out in the end! Do prepare yourself for quite a bit of heartache though. ;)

chyanne200: DUS (Dramatic Update Senses) are accurate! Gosh, I'm with you, I definitely love cute fluffiness, but angst is most definitely necessary as well! ;)

Deductions-of-Sherlolly: Doesn't that scenario just sound lovely? They would be so happy together! Though it's not looking like much of a possibility at this point... :(

dukechick79: Okay this was kind of ironic that you reviewed about how quickly I update, and then I left you hanging for a few days...I hope you still had an idea of what was going on! Sorry about that! Anyway, I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying it! Thank you for your support!

Jenni Drocks: That is such a great thing to hear! Thank you so much! I hope that I can continue to make the story and characters realistic. :) Thank you for your review! It was incredibly motivating!