Chapter 3

Kari had never seen a creature like him; he was without a doubt, the most extraordinary horse. His mane and tail were long and wavy; each of his eight legs was strong, all donning perfectly polished hooves and groomed hair on the fetlock. He truly was a magnificent creature.

Thankfully he had been let out to grass when she had arrived. The stablehand warned her not to get too close, but that the horse tended to remain fairly stationary as he grazed; only cantering around after his initial release into the paddock. So she simply found a bale to sit on and began to draw, grateful of a distraction.

Loki, it transpired over their lunch, was worse than she had ever feared. He was truly horrible to her, and there was nothing she was going to be able to do about it. She was under no illusions, her own behaviour left a lot to be desired, but in her defence, he had started it by being so cold towards her. He had been right, she too had wanted nothing to do with the marriage they were being forced into, but she had never planned to take out her frustration on him, while clearly he had decided to do so with as it stood, she did not have to think of that horrid lunch, instead she found herself enjoying the glorious afternoon's sun and a new model for her sketches.

At first Sleipnir seemed intrigued by the stranger looking at him, but on realising that the stranger was neither a threat, nor likely to sneak him an apple he soon ignored her. Kari worked away, completely engrossed in her work; while the stablehands did their chores around her, unanimously deciding that they liked the quiet and polite girl that was to be their new princess.

Kari was taking a moment to analyse how she had done the hair on the stallion's mane, grateful for there being no wind when she sensed someone behind her. "Sorry, do you need this…" She turned and realised who it was that was standing behind her. "bale." The last word was barely a whisper.

"Your drawing is exquisite." Loki state politely. Kari held the sketch close to her chest. "I apologise, I did not mean to see it, but I caught a glance as I came up behind you. You are extremely talented, it almost looks alive."

Kari eyed Loki suspiciously. She ran through his words in her mind, wondering if there was a second, more malicious meaning to them. "Thank you."

Loki nodded. "I have been looking for you."

"Well you found me. How I do not know, or indeed why, but none the less, you have."

"I asked your maid where you were, she would not repeat what you had instructed her to tell me, so I can only imagine the content. As for how, I asked her what it was you liked to draw, she stated animals, so I deducted you would want to see the most prized creature the palace has to offer." He indicated to Sleipnir. "As for why, I wish to speak with you."

"Was there another demeaning and condescending comment you wished to add, that only came up with after my leaving? Am I to feel a great need to worship you as well as feel great gratitude, honour and privilege for having been chosen for you?"

"I owe you an apology, I should not have said those horrible words to you. It was cruel and unkind, not to mention completely uncalled for."

Kari studied Loki for a few moments, wondering if he was in fact being truthful. "I understand that had we met under different circumstances, you would never have even considered me for your bride, but to take out your frustration on me is unjust. I too am less than pleased as to how this has transpired, but I never thought to blame you for it, not once." She fiddled with one of the pencils in her hand, looking at it as she spoke.

Her words only caused Loki to feel guiltier. She had felt as he had, and yes, on their initial meeting, she had not come across as aggressive, but saddened and shy. "I am sorry, I genuinely am. Although, I have to say you are incorrect on one matter. You cannot say for certain that had we met under different circumstances, I would not have considered you, as you have stated before, we do not actually know one another. I have not given you the opportunity to tell me the first thing about yourself."

"Well I thank you for your apology, and yes, you are right, we know nothing of one another."

"So I propose we redo our lunch, perhaps tomorrow?" He asked hopefully.

"I fear I cannot, the palace seamstress has demanded my presence from breakfast til dinner. Apparently there is a lot of clothing to prepare for my wardrobe."

"Yes, you are to be paraded around like the dazzling beauty you are for the whole realm to behold." Loki smiled. "Breakfast then?" He attempted, still hopeful.

Kari nodded, blushing slightly at him calling her such a thing. "I suppose that will work."

Loki realised that she was as shy as he was told. "I got you this by the way, as part of my apology." Loki extended the small gift to her.

"That is not necessary." She did not step forward to take it. "I do not require gifts to try and win my favour."

Loki was somewhat unsure at first as to how to respond. "It is not that I am trying to win your favour, I just wanted to do something for you."

Kari gave a small smile as she took the gift. "Thank you." Loki gave a small hopeful smile in return. "You wish for me to open it in front of you, don't you?" Loki bit his lips together and gave a small nod. Sighing, Kari put down what few pieces she had in her hands apart from the gift, which she unwrapped, noting Loki's hopeful face as she did.

It was a small wooden box that seemed to have little of note about it from the outside, so she gently opened the little clasp keeping it shut before lifting the lid carefully. As she did, her eyes grew wide and she gasped.

"I know that these are not really available on realm here, but I think you may be able to find use for them, won't you?" Kari just nodded speechless. "So just for the record, I chose well?" He asked hopefully; and again he was met with a nod. "Wonderful." He beamed proudly. Taking her drawing and pencils, Loki extended his arm to her. "Kari Eirikdottir, will you do me the immense honour of permitting me to escort you back inside?" Still utterly in shock from the wonderful gift Loki had given her, Kari closed the box carefully and took Loki up on his request, walking back inside by his side, her arm locked in his. "So, I hear that you are a fan of poetry, by any chance have you ever heard of the Midgardian by the name of William Shakespeare?"

X

Much to their mutual surprise, Loki and Kari were similar in many ways, and had some similar interests. Loki realised that though Kari adored drawing, she seldom let anyone see her work as she was terrified of ridicule and criticism. He thought her to be incredibly talented, so he rubbished her claims, but never forced her to show anyone her work, though he delighted in when she braved showing him, knowing that it was her revealing herself to him in a most vulnerable manner, which made him feel highly privileged.

Kari realised that Loki's great love was not actually reading as she had initially thought, but in seidr wielding. It was something he had learned from his mother, and was a mutual passion of theirs. But as time went on, he studied harder and even exceeded her in his abilities and now held the title of the most powerful seidr wielder known in all the realms. That had not aided his slightly inflated ego in the slightest she commented.

They enjoyed their time together, debating and retelling different stories from their lives at any opportunity they could. Thor found their company highly nauseating for a finish, though he was pleased to have witnessed his brother fall utterly in love with his wife to be, and Thor found her very amiable too.

Loki also realised that though she stated otherwise, Kari enjoyed receiving gifts, so long as they were inexpensive and useful. So after his initial gift of the box of charcoals, he gifted her with everything from an easel to books on different realm art. Kari had felt guilty at the one sided gesture, so she drew him some of her most incredible work. Loki himself was not an artist as he had very little natural ability, but he knew how to appreciate it. The day that Kari gave him a painting she had done, where he was wielding his seidr in a match against Thor, one that he had won, he declared his love for her. She said it back to him immediately after. They were incredibly happy and eagerly anticipating their impending wedding day, which was soon to come.

The night before it, a large banquet was held with many dignitaries from all walks of life across the Nine Realms present. Loki and Kari looked at each other in adoration throughout the meal while also talking to Thor who was sitting beside them, who Kari had come to like in a brotherly manner. At the end of the meal, Odin rose to his feet, prompting the whole room to fall silent. "My esteemed guests, we have the great honour of hosting you here tonight in preparation of a wonderful and joyous day tomorrow." Loki and Kari shared a smile with one another. "It has come to my attention, and that of the court, that Kari Eirikdottir is everything the realm could ask for in a royal woman." There was a loud murmur of agreement. £hence it has been decided that though Eirikdottir was to marry Prince Loki, she will now marry Prince Thor instead." The hall erupted in cheers as Loki, Kari and even Thor stared at the Allfather in silent and sheer disbelief.