*YOU GUYS, GUESS WHAT?! WE HAVE REACHED ONE HUNDRED REVIEWS ON THIS STORY!

:D This is the first time I've even gotten close to that many reviews! Thank you, each and every one of you! By the way, Isa, you were my one hundredth reviewer… be proud. *claps you on the shoulder and then raises a virtual mug of ale*

Anyways, on with the story. Just thought I should share a momentous event with you all. *happy dance*

Nobility

Loki told me to apologize… but he will not be coming to see you tonight.

Thor's words bounced around in Noir's head long after he left. He had brought their dinner and informed them of the news. Noir was deeply troubled.

He would not open the door when I knocked, but this bag of books was hanging from his door handle when I arrived. I assumed they were for you.

Noir was sitting cross-legged on her bed with a lantern, poring over the books Loki had sent for her. They were all interesting books, which she would have probably enjoyed had she not been distracted. But she was instead staring at the pages unseeingly, her mind on the dark prince of Asgard. Why hadn't he come? She had thought they had shared a moment… she had thought he would want to come see her again. But now… was he avoiding her? Was that it? He kept sending her mixed signals… and it was driving the neko girl absolutely mad.

"Noir? Are you going to bed anytime soon?" Marron asked tiredly from the bottom bunk.

Noir blinked, drawn back to the present. "Hmm?"

"It's late… your lantern light is kind of keeping me awake," Marron mumbled. "Could you stop reading and go to sleep?"

"Oh… yes, sure," Noir said absentmindedly. She realized that her eyelids were heavy and her limbs were stiff. She didn't know how long she had been sitting immobile, lost in thought, but evidently it had been a long time. She closed the book in her hands (she hadn't made it past the first four pages, despite the fact that it had been open in her lap for over an hour) and doused the lamp. She slid under her covers and lay awake for a while, wondering just what was going on with both herself and the prince.

"Odin… Have you taken notice of Loki's behavior as of late?" Frigga asked cautiously.

Odin looked up from the daily reports on Asgard's events. "What do you mean?"

"When you look at Loki… do you see your son?" Frigga asked seriously.

Odin's brow furrowed. "What are you getting at?"

"I mean you treat him so differently from Thor… Why do you treat your adopted son so differently than the blood one?"

Odin scowled. "I do not—"

Frigga cut off her husband with a dark look.

"I don't know what you mean," Odin finally said.

Frigga sighed and stood from her armchair, crossing to where her husband sat at a small square table. "My king… you dismiss anything Loki says as foolish or trivial. You only listen to his ideas when Thor agrees."

Odin blinked. "No, I don't."

The woman raised her eyebrows sardonically. "…This morning? When Loki was suggesting a peace meeting with the neko rebels… you shot down his every word, until Thor agreed and said it would be a good idea. Only then did you consider the possibility of such actions being taken."

Odin didn't appear to comprehend. "Loki and Thor were not saying the same thing… not the same idea…"

"What did Loki say?" Frigga asked.

"Loki said we should grant the nekos whatever rights they wish, and—"

"You twist his words in your mind so that you can dismiss them easier. What did Thor say?"

"He said that meeting the neko leader to hear their demands would work—"

"That is what Loki said. Thor merely repeated the idea. Just yesterday, do you not recall, when both our sons proposed their ideas when you told them of the decree…? Thor's immediate response was to capture and kill all nekos. Loki's was to handle the situation diplomatically. You do not see Loki's ideas… because you do not wish to believe in him. You don't even know of his troubles, do you?" Frigga asked softly, gently stroking her husband's face.

"He has no troubles," Odin said shortly.

She shook her head sadly, smiling faintly. "You do not see… Odin, Loki has fallen in love with a lady, and is frightened of his own feelings… you would know, if only you would learn to see what you are looking at."

Odin held his wife's hand to his cheek and looked at her seriously. "Have I grown so blind that I cannot see what I look at? Am I so blind to Loki's fears, wants, and needs?" He seemed to be surprised by the idea… he never considered that his younger son had such things. Loki was self-sufficient and secretive. He was clever and quiet and cunning. Odin never thought that perhaps he had his own insecurities and worries. His younger son seemed to have an impenetrable façade of confidence… but perhaps it was only a façade. The thought had never occurred to the king. He always thought that anything his younger son said was simply… inconsequential, and that Loki was careless of his father's thinking so.

Frigga leaned in and kissed her husband's forehead. "Loki is still as much your son as Thor. Loki may not have been born of my womb, but he was raised with my heart. I wish you would only have shared in that raising of him rather than focusing on your first heir."

Odin's face hardened slightly. "I do care for Loki."

"Then you would have seen the signs. He feels resented… and you had no idea of his affection for his secret woman, did you?"

Odin slowly shook his head. "How long has this been going on? Why have I not heard anything of Loki courting a lady?"

Frigga smiled. "He refuses to tell me who she is. But I can tell… he has great feelings for whoever it is. I am hoping she shall appear at the ball tomorrow. If she does, will you take the time to notice, and to speak to Loki and his lady? I think he would appreciate your attention, and the proof that you care."

Odin sighed. "Yes… Alright. Yes. I shall."

"…can't stay much longer. I have a lot to do today."

"Alright… Will you stop by later?"

"I do not know. Balls are usually a lengthy affair. It will likely not be over until the pre-dawn hours of the morning. I am sorry. I would like to stay longer, but—"

"It's alright." The sound of throat clearing. "I was just… hoping we could spend some more time together… But it's alright. Really. I don't mind—"

"Marron, you needn't apologize. I shall see you by tomorrow afternoon, at the latest."

"Alright…"

Noir slowly opened her eyes. The voices were finally forcing her to open her heavy eyelids and see what was going on.

Marron and Thor were standing in the middle of the room. Marron's hands were clutching a plate of food, and her eyes were downcast, a blush staining her pale cheeks.

Thor was smiling warmly. "If it weren't for the ball and the preparations that must be made, I should remain here and teach you card and dice games. But… tomorrow, I shall see you, Marron."

"Alright," Marron murmured again.

Thor hesitated, then just smiled faintly and backed towards the door.

Only once he had left did Noir finally sit up and make herself known.

"G'morning," she said sleepily. "Why didn't you wake me when Prince Thor came?"

Marron seemed startled. "O-oh… He only just got here. He… he said he has a lot to do today because of a ball his father is holding… so he'll be busy all day. He just dropped off breakfast and promised to come back tomorrow afternoon."

Noir dropped from the top bunk and stretched. "Mmh. That's nice." She stepped forward and plucked a strawberry from the platter Marron still held. She gave her friend a wan smile. "You don't look too great."

Marron shook her head minutely. "I'm just… um… a little off today."

"Thor?" Noir asked simply.

Marron's amber eyes flashed. "Er… I don't know what you mean…?" she said unsurely.

Noir smiled. "Marron, Thor fancies you. Just so you know. In case you hadn't noticed."

The brown neko's eyes widened. "He does not! It's just… he's friendly is all." She offered the plate of food to Noir, who took it with a knowing smile.

"Marron, open your eyes…"

"My slit-pupiled cat eyes?" Marron asked resentfully.

Noir was silent, knowing what Marron meant. She was a neko, and had no right to be the object of a prince's affections. But Noir knew better. At least, she thought she did. Loki was supposedly coming by today… but he wasn't here yet. But though her confidence was shaken slightly, she still had hope that Loki would keep his word and come by today, and explain why he hadn't visited yesterday after his and Noir's goodbye before breakfast. The black neko sat on Marron's bed and patted the spot next to her. "Sit down. Let's talk."

Hesitantly, Marron sat next to her friend and picked up a piece of toast from the platter. "…Yes…?" she asked anxiously.

"Thor… what do you think of him?"

Marron blushed. "Er…"

"Actually, that tells me a lot," Noir giggled.

Marron pursed her lips. "He's… sweet. In a very… artless, clumsy, awkward, ignorant, arrogant way."

Noir laughed, and even Marron smiled. "That captures him very well," Noir grinned. "And you like that?"

Marron shrugged uncomfortably. "Like I said… he's sweet. It's like… he just needs someone to kind of… point him in the right direction. He seems like the kind of person who would be loyal and protective, and passionate in his beliefs and feelings."

Noir smiled. "Aww… my little Marron…" She tousled the other girl's brown, wavy curls.

Marron slapped her hand away, smiling sheepishly. "And what about you and Prince Loki?"

Noir smiled sheepishly now, and Marron looked triumphant.

"Were you two really going to kiss yesterday morning?" Marron asked eagerly, grabbing her pillow and hugging it as she brought her knees up to her chest, wide-eyed and leaning forward towards Noir.

The black-haired girl looked down at the food on the platter in her lap. "Well… I thought so…"

"Has he kissed you before?" Marron seemed almost breathless at even the thought, her eyes wide as saucers, pupils dilated in excitement.

Noir smiled ruefully and shook her head. "Only my hand, cheek, and forehead… never…" she brushed her lips meaningfully, giving her friend a look.

Marron nodded and smiled.

"And you and Thor?" Noir pressed.

Marron shook her head quickly. "Not even close…" she smiled. "But we're not like you and Loki. You two have this… magic. Noir, the way you look at each other, it's just…" she shook her head in amazement. "I'm almost uncomfortable to be in the same room as you two…"

Noir's mouth fell open in shock, and she slapped Marron's shoulder. "Scandalous, Marron!"

The brown neko fell backwards on the mattress, laughing.

Noir just shook her head. "Anyways, did Thor say anything about Loki when he stopped by?"

Marron paused and sat up again. "No, not really. He said he was quiet at breakfast, but that's all… but Thor said there were all kinds of preparations to be made for the ball. He was under the impression that everyone in the royal family would be busy all day."

Noir cocked her head quizzically. "Then I wonder how Loki thinks he can possibly visit us today?"

Both contemplated and then simply shook it off.

It was already past lunchtime. Noir was losing hope that Loki would even come today, despite his assurances passed on by Thor. She and Marron were both lying on one of the spare beds, slowly growing bored of their dice game.

Both girls looked up sharply as the door opened suddenly and without warning. Their eyes widened and mouths dropped open when Loki stepped in quickly, and hastily closed the door behind himself again, as if he was in a great hurry.

But it was not just that it was the prince that surprised them… it was his appearance.

The younger prince of Asgard was wearing a long, velvety green cape over a tunic similar to his usual one, only this tunic was more richly embroidered with gold thread and decorated with various badges that proclaimed his title, rank, and status. His boots were even shinier than usual, and his hair seemed impossibly sleek. Noir felt her heart jump into her throat at just the sight of him, in all his princely glory.

"Hi… hey… hello… erm, how are you? We've got a lot to do, so let's get started," he said, all the words rushed and jumbled together so that the girls could hardly even understand him.

"…What?" Noir asked blankly.

Loki took a moment to compose himself and slow his speeding heart. "Sorry, just a little flustered..." He glanced between Noir and Marron. "Um… Look, I just barely managed to get away from the preparations and all the stupid drivel and such… We've got a lot to do. Come on."

"A lot to do for what?" Marron asked in confusion.

"The ball."

Noir and Marron exchanged confused looks. "Huh?"

With a sigh, Loki crossed the room and sat on the bed between them. "Noir. Marron. Come on. I'm going to help you two get ready so that you can come to the ball."

They blinked. "We're… going… to the ball?" they asked incredulously.

Loki smiled faintly. "Ah, yes… I kind of forgot to mention that to you earlier, didn't I?" He smirked mischievously at their stunned expressions. "Let's get started."

"It's… this way," Noir muttered to her friend.

It was three hours later, and the two girls were quietly walking through the halls, trying to find their way to the ballroom of the palace. Both of them appeared to be wearing intricate gowns, but in actuality, they were wearing simple white dresses. Loki had cast an illusion over the dresses the previous night that made them look like the finest gowns. At least, that was what Loki had said when he quickly gave the girls an explanation. He had brought them to his chambers, where the makeshift gowns were draped across the couches. He had only had time to give a brief explanation before he said he had to get back to the ball preparations again. But before he had left, he had pulled Noir aside and taken her hand.

Noir's heart had raced as she looked up at him. He had merely smiled and slipped something into her hand… a green handkerchief. It was glowing softly.

"The ball is to start when the sun goes down," he told her. "Leave here when the sun starts to set, and this will lead you to…" he paused. "To the ballroom."

Noir had frowned. "Why'd you pause?"

Loki had smiled a little sheepishly. "Well… to be precise, it'll lead you to me." He had slipped a matching square of cloth from a pocket. It was glowing faintly as well. He held it a little closer to Noir's, and the light emitting from them grew a tad brighter.

Noir had smiled almost imperceptibly. "I see… This is how you traced me when Marron was imprisoned."

Loki had nodded. "And now you can use the same spell to trace your way to me tonight." He had then gently brushed a strand of midnight hair from her face. Noir's face had flushed, and Loki had grinned. "I'll see you later," he had whispered, and then he had returned to the tiresome humdrum of tedious royal life.

Noir had then gone to the couch with Marron, who was inspecting their dresses.

"I'm guessing the green and black one is yours," Marron said teasingly, gesturing to the dress that she wasn't holding.

Noir raised an eyebrow. "And… you get the red and gold one?" she teased.

Marron shrugged, looking at the flowing gown.

But indeed, it seemed that the dresses were designed to match perfectly with the princes of Asgard.

Now, as the sky was painted scarlet, purple, and magenta as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, Noir clutched the lambent handkerchief in her hand as the fabric of her skirt swished around her legs.

"What about now?" Marron asked worriedly. Noir squinted at the cloth. It was difficult to see if the glow was growing brighter in the bright light of the sunset from the windows, but the little tug that Noir felt informed her that they were still heading the right way.

A few minutes later, they began to hear hubbub in the distance… a large group of people, excitedly talking and laughing. Noir gave Marron a determined nod, and then smiled reassuringly.

"Come on, Marron… this will be fun," she gently nudged Marron's red-and-gold covered ribs.

Marron nodded and smiled as well. The two prepared themselves, standing up straight to appear as a pair of noblewomen attending the ball. They rounded a corner, and their eyes met the sight of a milling crowd, gathered in front of a pair of golden doors so large, they rose nearly to the high ceiling. The doors were closed, but all the ladies and lords kept looking at them expectantly, as if awaiting their imminent opening.

The two nekos in Aesir disguise easily went unnoticed, remaining towards the back as if they had been there the whole time. The girls hung back, knowing that mingling with the Asgardians would not be a good idea.

Suddenly, the babble increased as the golden entrance swung open. The Aesir surged forward, and Noir and Marron followed carefully, trepidation filling them both.

The royal family stood together at the head of the room, looking on as the subjects of Asgard and a few other realms poured into the gargantuan, lavish ballroom. Odin stood at the forefront, with Frigga on his left, and his sons flanking the parents (with Thor next to Odin and Loki next to Frigga).

Loki's eyes darted through the crowd, trying desperately to spot his little neko thief and her little friend. But he kept himself still, making sure to not make his search too noticeable. He knew his mother would pick up on it if he craned his neck or rose on his toes. So he kept to merely flicking from face to face with his eyes.

Frigga kept a careful eye on her younger son as the doors opened. She knew, if she would get any clue of his lady being here, it would be now. She saw his eyes scanning the sea of faces… but she could not detect any special attentiveness. He was not too frantic… perhaps he did not think his lady would be here. Frigga held back a sigh. She had been hoping she might meet Loki's lady, and she had been especially hoping that Odin would be able to speak with Loki for once. She paused as she saw Loki's eyes light up.

Loki was starting to get worried… the endless people were dwindling now… only the stragglers were now entering the hall. Had he missed her? Had he just not seen her enter? Or had she perhaps gotten lost, and not been able to make it to the ball on time? He froze as a pair of young ladies entered the room, their step hesitant. He resisted the urge to smile as he affirmed it in his mind. It was, indeed, Noir and Marron.

The girls stepped into the ballroom cautiously, waiting until nearly everyone else had already entered. Everyone was standing, facing the front of the room in anticipation. The young ladies could see the royal family standing up there, looking majestic as a royal family should.

Noir smiled faintly and started to reach to put the faintly-glowing handkerchief in her cloak pocket… before realizing she was not wearing her cloak. After a moment's deliberation, she tied it around her wrist as a makeshift bracelet. Then she and Marron drew up to the back of the crowd and waited for whatever everyone else was waiting for.

Frigga caught the flicker of excitement in her son's eyes as he looked upon the crowd. She tried to follow his gaze to see… who was it he was looking at? But the attempt was futile. There were too many people for the queen to easily pick out who it was that had caught Loki's eye. But she was sure she would find out soon enough.

Odin's staff banged on the floor twice, and the crowd fell immediately silent. The king surveyed his people, unaware that two nekos were in their midst. His gaze moved over Noir and Marron without pause or the slightest suspicion. He finally spoke after a long moment of anticipation. "I welcome you all here tonight. We have gathered tonight to celebrate the strength of Asgard, and its resilience. We prove this to ourselves by holding our celebration despite the petty difficulties we have had over the last few days…"

Loki, Thor, Noir, and Marron narrowed their eyes slightly, knowing the king referred to the neko rebellion.

"…But we shall overcome difficulties in difficult times. I invite you now to simply indulge yourselves tonight. Eat and drink to our realm, and dance in its name. I pronounce this ball commenced." With this final word, he dipped his head in a nod, and as his voice faded, a wavering violin note began, and an unseen orchestra started to play.

The Allfather strode to the great throne that sat at the head of the room and sat. Frigga followed her husband. Thor practically sprinted over to the group of the warriors three, and began conversing with them happily.

Loki scanned the crowd carefully. It was now time for him to find his little neko… Noir.

Note from LoquaciousQuibbler: lol I had originally planned to have at least half the ball happen in this chapter… that ended up not happening. Not sure how that happened… Hmm. In any case, next chapter shall have the ball in it. Also, is it just me, or did Loki suddenly turn into the fairy godmother? "But… I'm not going to the ball…" "Of course you are, child!" *pulls magical dresses out of nowhere*

Me: *facepalm* How'd I do that…? Make Loki, of all people, into the fairy godmother of Cinderella…?

Okay, so… couple things to ask/tell you guys. About the one-shot, first of all. It's always a popular thing to have the guy teach the girl how to dance, or vice versa. I really couldn't do that scene in the actual story, but I plan on having something like that happening in the one-shot. The one-shot is not yet completed, but I do plan on doing it… I'll let you all know when it's done and posted.

Next order of business, Noir and Marron's dresses… I didn't put a description of them in this chapter. Does anyone really give a crap? Does anyone really want a description of their dresses? Cuz I really don't want to find a way to cram it into the story. However, I can put a description of their dresses at the beginning of the next chapter, if you guys want to have a clear mental image… Sorry, I just really dislike when authors spend like a page of a story trying to describe the character's clothing in perfect detail… Cuz I honestly don't care all that much. But I assume some people do. So I'll offer it now… if you'd like a description of the girls' dresses, ask, and I'll put it at the beginning of next chapter.

Next order of business (which I nearly forgot), suggestions… Two of the scenes in this chapter were kind of requests from readers. TheNightWhisperer, you requested a scene with Odin and Frigga talking… I managed to put it into this chapter. And just so everyone knows… I picture Odin and Frigga's relationship like Lord and Lady Grantham from Downton Abbey. That's just what I see in my mind. And now I can picture all of your faces as you think of Odin's agreement with Frigga. "Yeah, alright, I'll talk to Loki and his lady at the ball…." *readers gasp and clap their hands over their mouths… muffled "NOOOOOO's are audible through their hands*

Anyways, Midnight Shadow101 also kind of hinted that she'd like more of Marron and Noir discussing Thorron. I did manage to put more of that in there, too. ;)

Alright, you guys, I'm done rambling pointlessly… I leave too long of author's notes sometimes :P In any case, I shall be working on the one-shot and the next chapter.

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