Chapter Text
“Thor, do you ever wonder how long we have until this is ours?” You needed a break from Loki. In the span of the last day your mind had been completely melted by him multiple times. You could only be grateful you hadn’t crossed paths with Tyr. That would have been a whole other range of emotions too complicated to deal with currently. After taking some time to yourself, you wandered around the halls until you bumped into Thor in the lower gardens.
“I am hoping a while yet. There are things I still want to do” You had both found yourselves perched on a bench next to the fountain you had once fallen in.
“Like what?”
“Well… a bigger beard would be nice” You couldn’t help but laugh at the man, you assumed he was joking. His face looked slight hurt as you did so. “What, you’ve seen my brother’s. I want one better than that” Tyr’s beard was impressive. It was lush and full, with enough hair to weave small plaits into it. Thor and Tyr clearly good the good hair genes. There didn’t seem to be enough to go around when it came to Loki.
“Okay but apart from the facial element?”
“It’s more the element that I am not ready to lose my father yet” You didn’t say anything but offered a nod. Placing a supportive hand on his arm, understanding exactly what he meant. “But also, I want better facial hair” He ran his hand lightly across his chin, his fingers tugging at a few strands to make them seem longer “I didn’t expect this to work so well” He gestured between you both, clearing indicating to the situation you currently found yourselves in.
“I’m intrigued, why not?”
Thor stopped for a second, bobbing his head side to side as he tried to string his thoughts together. “I knew we would be fine. That’s a given. But I thought Loki would have made this a lot harder on you”
“He tried” You couldn’t help but think back to your first month here. Loki’s constant antics, as he tried to push each and every button.
“He did? You should have told me” Thor barged his shoulder into yours, causing your body to sway.
“We both know that would have made it worse. Plus, ever since the whole argument with Odin, I don’t think I’m as high on his hit list”
“I agree, that argument changed him” Thor took a deep breath, letting his thoughts catch up to his mouth. “Ever since then he has been more focused. From his sorcery training, to just his general personality. There has been a lot of improvement!” Sorcery training you questioned internally. You hadn’t heard him mention a thing about that for a while. But it must have been a good sign. From childhood his magic was the thing that made him the happiest, therefore if he was focused on it, then he must have been in a good place. “He showed me a new trick the other day”
“What was that?”
“I can’t remember what he called it, but it blew my mind, he just has to…” as he went to explain his story, his voice was cut off by a loud cough.
“Do not go sharing all my secrets Thor. I dread to think what would happen if that information got into the wrong hands"
“Brother what brings you here?” Loki produced a book from behind his back, the edge of a bent page glaring at you from his grip.
“You didn’t get to finish your chapter and left in such a hurry, I thought I would bring it to you” You snatched the book from his hands, not wanting to end up under his touch again.
“Thank you” Thor bounced his body down the bench, nudging you closer to the edge.
“Come, join us!”
“Actually, I have also come to collect you both, Father has called for us to join him in the dining hall. Apparently, he has some plans for us all, and we need to dress up in our amour” Thor’s face settled slightly into a more unamused look. For the first time his bubbly demeanour was not filling the air. It was clear something was happening unbeknownst to you. “That means you have to make some effort as well” Loki’s eyes looked down towards your body, your hands protectively running over your clothes.
“What plans are they?” You leant your body in slightly closer to Thor for support. Half hoping his large body would help anchor your wandering mind.
“Father said something about some potential suitors. According to him, Tyr is doing so well at creating bonds, we should be too” Your eyes locked for a fleeting moment, as his thumb flicked between himself and Thor. “Who knows I might be getting shipped off into wedlock” He sighed blissfully, his head turning to the sky with a smile.
"I already feel for the poor soul father has arranged for you”
“Wait, you’ve already been paired with someone” The words flew out in a harsh shocked cough. Thor’s hand rubbed heavily against your back, slapping against you roughly which only caused you to cough harder. You batted his hand away and gave him a confused look, as your lungs released a few more coughs.
“Sorry, I assumed you were choking” He stated back innocently, trying to defend his actions. Thor often forgot you were not some creature made of rocks and that he could actually hurt you if he tried.
“Anyway…” Loki piped out, interrupting your confused glare at his brother. “Princess, you really think you’re the only eligible person around here” His posture changed into a more powerful, attention grabbing stance. A flash of light working its way over his body, causing his hair too slick back neatly to his head and his clothes to look like they have been freshly pressed. His cape rolled down his shoulders, and floated lightly to a halt. The setting sun gleaming as his horns appeared around his forehead. It was almost unfair that he could cheat and change his outfit so quickly. Your mouth started to dry just at the sight of him standing there. He looked like those Prince’s from your childhood stories. Ready to take you into his arms and lead you to start a whole new life. Your mind couldn’t even comprehend that image could be of him with someone else. But you bottled those feelings. Taking in a few deep breaths, to help push them down even further.
“Here I was thinking I was the special one. Three Princes fighting for my attention” You wanted to test the waters and see how Loki would react to your teasing. But he just smiled.
“Don’t worry, if all goes well you will be back down to two Princess” With one final smirk, Loki left you both. Your heart screaming at you to go and chase him down and pull his mouth onto yours. Your mind in return commanding for you to stay where you were. He was like a puzzle and between studies and Royal duties, you didn’t have the time to put it all together. But you truly started to wish you did.
“I guess we should be going, we both need to change and it seems as if Father needs us by his side urgently" Both of you moved back to your feet and followed Loki inside. Yourself and Thor quickly splitting off and heading to your rooms. You didn’t know how long you had, nor did you have the seconds to spare on stress. Luckily to your benefit there were three dress laid out for you. Confusion seeped into your thoughts, only certain royal occasions would call for dresses of this quality. Your mind was too preoccupied to even focus on the decision, so you pulled on the first one you touched. It was a black tulle gown, the top started tightly at your neck and crossed over your chest. Your back was exposed, but two sheer puffs sat half way down your arms and connected to the centre of the dress. The skirt was loose and layered with netting, settling just over your shoes. You span a few times in front of the mirror. Your face resting on your shoulder as you looked back towards your exposed back. The black helping even the slightly scandalous elements look classy. Hastily you ran a brush through your hair, pulling out a few knots which had formed over the day. If you were honest with yourself, you were glad you had been forced into this outfit. It offered you some confident amour as you were coerced into this new situation.
“Wait” Thor’s voice shouted slightly too loudly behind you, his feet quickly rushing to reach your side. He was dressed in full Asgardian amour. His cloak was the deepest shade of red and the silver on his outfit gleamed like the stars above. “Has my brother divulged anymore information as to what is happening yet?” He questioned, taking in the sight of your overdressed body. “Never mind I think I can safely assume” Your face twisted in confusion as his arm wound its way around yours.
“Would you be willing to share your assumption?” It felt like a joke was happening at your expense and you were the last to find out. Thor just innocently smiled and rubbed his hand against your arm. But he kept his thoughts to himself as you reached the hall. The answer slapping you in the face as you entered.
The dining hall was laid out differently than normal, the usual sea of tables had all be pushed to the side. Dishes of food placed sparingly around them, as servants worked the room with jugs of wine. The floor space was full of people, predominately those of a younger age range. The elders sat above the crowd, at a long table placed on the stage usually reserved just for Odin. A bright smile placed on Odin’s face as he shared a joke with another male. Tyr was stood confidently at the bottom the stairs, entertaining a small crowd of women. His face beaming as they all tentatively listened to his story. On the other side of the room stood Loki. His hand passing a female his drink to hold, as he continued to tell his story to a few bodies. She must have seen this as some high honour, as she smiled enthusiastically as she stood guarding his glass. “Thor” You whispered, his head dropped down to your level. “This is a royal mixer isn’t it” His head nodded, as his hand dropped from your body.
“Father wants to make sure his royal blood line is continued…” Thor’s hand grabbed two free glasses from the table behind you, a servant rushing over to fill them with drinks. He passed you one, as he requested for the worker to wait for a moment. He nodded and without saying a word you knew what he meant. Both of you quickly swallowed your drinks and allowed them to be refilled again. “Just make the most of the free drinks” With those encouraging words Thor left you alone, darting off to find some friends in the crowd. You constantly cursed the fact you had befriended the most popular god in Asgard. It felt like you were back at that first party again, your eyes scanning to find company and sadly they were met by Loki. He held his hand up towards the person talking to him, causing the conversation to cease. A smile and nod directed towards the person, as he bent his fingers towards the small entourage following him. Loki strode across the room, the bodies parting around him as he strutted by. Three people followed closely behind him. One female holding his drink, another holding his staff and finally a male walking at his side, attempting to talk to him.
“I thought I said you needed to make an effort” Loki teased, the crowd around him laughing at his joke. He was clearly proud of creating a doting trio, his confidence exuding his body as they encouraged his ego.
“You are the reason we are here. If you could find a partner we wouldn’t be forced to have this affair” You leant forward towards Loki and his crew, your hand swapping your empty glass with the full glass his new friend was holding. Her lips went to protest, causing your finger to hold onto her mouth. Your neck quickly swallowing the liquid and passing the now empty object back to her. “Now if you’ll excuse me. I am going to find your brother”
“Why? We both know you would have much more fun with me Princess”
“You look like you have your hands full already” You moved forward once again, your arms pushing a gap between Loki and one of his lap dogs. “Enjoy yourself”
Each Prince continued to work opposite corners of the room, none of them wanting to battle for attention and all of them getting enough that they wouldn’t have needed to anyway. You couldn’t stop your eyes from lingering on the pain they called Loki. His attention was now being held by a dark-haired woman, from behind it almost looked like a female version of him. Your body stiffened as you watched them, her hand pushing lightly against his chest as they laughed. Of course, that self centered God would flirt with someone who looked like him. “Excuse me” Your wrist flicked towards the person trying to grab your attention, shooing them away as your eyes stayed focused on the giggling pair. His hand gestured towards her outfit, causing her to spin in a light circle. His eyes clearly lingering around each curve as she did so. You could no longer cope and needed distraction to pull yourself out of this haze.
“Excuse me” Your body weaved its way through a small crowd of girls, until your eyes landed on the God you had been looking for. Tyr’s body was resting on the bottom of the steps, his body was sprawled out in an obnoxious pose as he continued to tell his story. “Tyr, I’ve been looking for you”
“Princess” His words came out in a cough, as he quickly sprung to his feet. His hand dusting off his outfit, as he offered you a smile. His hair was neatly pulled out of his face in a braid. A few small gold beads had been weaved into his now neatly trimmed beard. His body was clad in black amour, but a wreath of gold leaves twisted their way around his right arm hole. “You’ve found me” His smile was sweet, his mouth offering a light kiss to your cheek. A sea of disgruntled sighs filling the air around you both.
“Shall we go for a dance” You offered your hand to Tyr, an offer he enthusiastically took up. You dragged his body behind you, determined to make the dance floor your stage. Tyr pulled your body in closely to his, his arm wrapping tightly around your waist as you rested your hands on both of his shoulders.
“I had been contemplating asking you for a dance all evening”
“You seemed quite content with your fan club” You titled your head towards the sea of glaring eyes. His mouth twisting into a smile as he threw his head back to them.
“There is just something about you Prin…” His sentence was cut off abruptly, as your bodies crashed together.
“Oh, I’m sorry, didn’t see you there” Loki looked down on you both, as the pair of you fumbled to regain your balance. His dance partner smiled, as he pulled her in closer. “I was just so lost in your eyes, I couldn’t see where we were going” The girls’ cheeks deeply blushed as both you and Tyr scoffed at them.
“Maybe stay off the dance floor for the safety of the rest of the party” You snapped, Tyr’s hand protectively rubbing light circles on your back, in the hopes of calming you down.
“I couldn’t allow you to have all of the fun” His eye sight finally moved from his dance partner, and to you. His cheeks tugging into a smile as the frustration sat on your face. You wanted to snap back and rip him to pieces for being so smug. Thankfully Tyr caught onto those feelings and pulled your away with a spin. His head pulling into your shoulder, as you continued to glare at his brother.
“Forget about him. You know he loves to put on a show”
The music picked up slightly as the night went on. Drinks flowing freely, as the tipsy energy settled into the room. The dances were more energetic and you found yourself being flung from partner to partner. But somehow Loki was able to keep his hands firmly on the temptress. Thor had lifted you up and continued to spin you in a circle. Even as you protested, your words just encouraged him to do it longer. You stumbled when he finally let you free again, the mix of drinks and vertigo causing you to feel slightly off balance. You reached your arm out towards the wall, trying to find an object to use to stabilize yourself. As your arm stretched further, you felt a set of fingers wrap theirselves around it “I thought I was the only one who could sweep you off your feet?”
“Oh, so you finally managed to peel yourself away from your date. I almost forgot what you looked like” Your arm dropped heavily against your side, as Loki pulled his support away.
“It would be much easier to admit you are jealous” His words teased you, his body leaning in slightly closer so only your ears could hear his words. “You know you are, I’ve seen how you’ve been unable to tear your eyes from me tonight”
“I’m surprised you managed to notice anything other than…” You caught yourself from finishing that sentence. Loki clearly drinking in every second you spent trying to finish that thought. “Anyway, I have not been looking at you all night”
“So it’s just coincidence you pulled my brother onto the dance floor, right in my eye line?”
“So, it’s just coincidence you crashed into your brother as he was dancing with me?” You retorted back. Loki turned his body to face away from you, his eyes going back to his date. His hand pressing to his mouth, as he blew her a kiss across the room. Her chest fluttering as she released an embarrassed giggle, her body soon mirroring his. “Well I guess you should be getting back to her, we don’t want her finding our she’s pulled the Odinson short straw”
“If you would just admit how you felt, then this issue wouldn’t be happening” His head turned back to face you over his shoulder. His smile growing as anger raised in your body.
“I have nothing to admit” You spat back. You had had enough of these games and his teasing. You were well and truly done with this evening. You couldn’t think of anything you wanted to do less than spend another moment watching Loki spin his date around the dance floor. You would rather spend hours getting battered by Thor in training than even see him look in her direction again. So, without saying another word you excused yourself, shoving Loki to the side so you could make the journey back to your chambers. If he wanted to play these games he could continue to do so alone.