Nikolas was at the training grounds, cleaning and polishing the weapons. The brothel was unusually slow today, but he couldn't sit around doing nothing. He watched Prince Thor sparring a rotund man with a long red beard. There were three people cheering and placing bets outside the ring. One was the rude short haired blonde man from years ago. There was another man who appeared stoic like a statue. And also a woman in armor with brown hair. ~I didn't know Asgard had women warriors.~

"Thrilling isn't it?" Nik jumped and nearly dropped the sword he had been polishing. He looked behind him to see a lanky figure leaning against a beam. The figure walked out into the sunlight revealing the second prince. Nikolas set the sword down and knelt before the young Lord. "Prince Loki! Good afternoon your highness."

"Stand. You don't need to do that." Nik's face crinkled in confusion. "Tis my place my Lord. I am but a slave. I am no more than property and therefore I must kneel before my betters." Nik's voice was emotionless, simply repeating what he had been told his entire life. The prince hummed as he walked past Nik and over to the sword he left.

Nikolas stood but kept his shoulders hunched and his head down. "I haven't finished with that one yet my prince. If you give me but a moment I shall have it ready if you wish to use it." The raven haired man took the seat Nik had vacated, plucked the rag with the polish and preceded to finish the job. Without thinking, Nik grabbed the sword by the blade and held it to his chest.

Eyes wide and panting, Nik almost shouted at the prince; "There's no need to do that my Lord! If my work is not to your satisfaction, I can redo it." Loki stood and scowled at Nik. Nikolas let out a gasped and looked down at his feet. Still holding the sword, he started to kneel. Two hands stopped him halfway. "Don't." Nik tried to control his breathing. "I-i am sorry Prince Loki."

Loki grabbed the hilt of the sword with one hand and Nik's injured hand with his other. He dropped the sword on the ground, turned Nik's arm so his bleeding palm with facing up before covering it with his free hand. Green mist surrounded their hands as the cut sealed and the blood vanished. "Thank you my prince."

When Nikolas looked up and caught Loki's green gaze, he felt a spark. It seemed as though the prince felt it as well since his face scrunched up in thought. ~He has beautiful eyes. He's very handsome too. Wouldn't mind having him in my bed. I wager he's flexible.~

Nik quickly freed his hand and looked around, making sure none of the overseers were nearby to witness him not only standing before a royal prince, but also touching him. Nikolas shivered in fear at the thought of the punishment that would bring.

"What is your name?" ~Shit! Shit! Shit! I do not need a royal knowing me by name. That never turns out well. Fuck!~ Nik dropped his head in defeat. "Nikolas my Lord." Loki gestured to the stool and pile of weapons Nik had yet to clean and polish. "Join me? I find sparring dreadfully dull." Nik really wished he could control his mouth better.

"As where cleaning and polishing weapons is much more exhilarating." The prince smirked and gave a small chuckle. "Depends on the company." Nik gave a sigh of relief, thankful that he was not being sent to the whipping post. Nik instantly sat upon the hot sand that made up the training area, leaving the stool for the prince.

Together the two of them worked relentlessly on the pile of silver arsenal. "This show of brute strength is for uncultured swine. Don't misunderstand me. I enjoy a good fight, but because my greatest strength is my magic, it is deemed unfair and even cowardly. Therefore I am not allowed to use it during a fight. Yet they can use their muscular physique against me and call it fair. My magic is as much of who I am as their strength is of them. Hence is why I do not share in their joy of fighting."

"I would not know my Lord. I'm sorry to hear that. If they were wise, they would encourage you to fight with magic. Not every enemy can be defeated by force. And they may very well come across a foe who is skilled in magic and need to defend and fight against magic."

Loki smiled. "They do not see it that way. Any and every enemy can be vanquished by sword and shield. And they shall pound their fist against their chest in victory like barbarians." Nik let out an embarrassing giggle. "I apologise. Your imagery is exquisite."

"Oh please do not apologise. Not for enjoying my 'imagery' as you put it or for that adorable laugh it produced." Nik winced and groaned. "I'm never going to live that down now am I?" Loki gave an evil smirk. "No I'm afraid not. I have already committed it to my memory." Loki attempts to imitate the giggle.

Nik laughed and scoffed. "I did NOT sound like that!" Unable to keep the wide smile off his face, Nik couldn't remember the last time he smiled or laughed this much. Loki has the audacity to look innocent. "I'm quite sure that was the exact way you sounded. I have an excellent memory."

~WHAT AM I DOING!? I do not get all chumy with nobles and royals...you know this. They are all the same and it'll only come back to hurt you. Just like before.~ "You may need to get it checked then. You made me sound like some blushing maiden." Loki turned his attention back to the axe he had been cleaning the blood and grime off of. "Well I didn't say it…"

Just as Nik playfully shoved Loki, he was forced to the ground with a foot pressing down on the middle of his back. "What do you think you are doing slave?" ~Sigh. Why did it have to be Alrik? I'd take any of the other overseer. This asshole seems to have a hard-on for me and not in the good way.~

Nik spit out the sand that had gotten into his mouth, but made no effort to escape. He knew that only made things worse. Loki stood, his face showing no signs of the mischievous man from before. In his place was a fierce prince. "You will let him up and leave us be." The words sounded so cold that Nik couldn't help the shiver that ran over his body.

"Your highness, he is a disgusting pleasure slave and has no business touching you let alone being in your presence." "I am well aware of who and what he is. His name is Nikolas and he is my friend. Now you will help him up, apologise to him, and leave us."

~Fuck! Alrik is going to make my life Hel for this! Why didn't I just pick up my things and leave? Honor that the prince is defending a slave like me, but Alrik is going to make me regret everything.~ Once the foreman moved his foot, Nik jumped up. Remembering to keep his head down in an attempt to be shorter in height than both men.

A task that would be easy if it were the prince and him. Loki was still half a head taller even with Nikolas standing straight on his toes. The problem came with Alrik who was the same height.

"There is no need for all that your highness. I thank you for gracing me with your presence. I must take my leave now. I have many other duties to attend to." Bowing low to the ground, Nik proceeded to exit the training grounds and prepare for his nightly duties. Nik didn't see Loki's look of want mixed with the sadness of lose.