Chapter Text
You made your way down the halls of the gold plated palace towards the library. You had taken the long way, hoping to not run into a certain raven haired prince. Once you made it into the library you quietly looked around, still trying to avoid the trickster. You knew he enjoyed the library, and unfortunately you also enjoyed sitting in one of the ancient tufted chairs in a quiet corner. You tiptoed over to your favorite corner of the library. You were on the hunt for your most favorite book. You must have read it hundreds of times. It was one of those sappy love stories, but no matter how many times you read it, the ending always made you swoon. But of course, it was always placed on the highest shelf. Pulling over the nearest foot stool you prepared to reach for the book. You're not the shortest person, but it was still hard to reach, even standing on the wobbly stool. As you stretched your arm as far as it would reach, suddenly the stool started to tip. Then you were falling. With a yelp you close your eyes, preparing to hit the tiled marble floor. But instead of the floor you were greeted with a pair of strong arms. Peeking through your hands you see a pair of mischievous emerald green eyes. You jump out of his arms. He wordlessly reached up for the book you wanted. Was he going to get it for you? No way the prince Loki was going to do something nice for you.
“Was this the book you were looking for?” he said, a devious grin sliding over his features. You gave him a rushed nod, not wanting to draw out the conversation. He opened the book with a noncommittal hum.
“You really like to read these sappy love stories?” you could feel the blush creeping onto your face.
“And?” you say, avoiding his gaze and smoothing your skirts.
“Well, I never pinned you as someone who likes to read such…” the Prince trailed off in a suggestive tone.
“What is that supposed to even mean?” You spat back, making a grab for your book. He quickly lifted the book above his head, knowing you wouldn’t be able to reach it. What an ass. Silently you cursed your height (or maybe his, for he must be over six foot, with the way he towered over you).
“Can you just give me my book,” you asked, unamused.
“That's no way to ask your prince.” He grinned smugly.
You turned on your heel, knowing your face must be completely red now, and started to walk away. You knew there was no use in fighting with him, you had more books in your room anyway.
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It wasn't his fault, he just couldn't resist. He knows what sort of… literature you could find in that section of the library. He’s always been a tease, it's just the way he is. He silently creeped up behind you as you reached for a book. But as he stood there the stool started to tip. Instinctively he lifted his arms to catch you. He looked down at you, draped over him. He would be lying if he said he didn't like seeing you like this. As you scrambled out of his arms he felt a small pang in his heart. As the two of you bickered he was surprised.
It was unusual for a person to object to his teasing, but stranger still was the disappointment he felt as he watched you briskly walk away.
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You can’t believe him! Why does he have to do these things? Ever since you got here the Prince seems to have done nothing but make fun of you.You sit on your bed with a huff, dismayed. You had planned on reading your book all day. But after what Loki pulled… you don't think you'll be going back to the library for a few days. You sat, dreadfully bored, what else is there to do? You had nothing to do until tonight. There was some royal function later. Being a noble girl, your father the advisor of the king’s treasury, you had to attend events and dinners with the royal family. You realized that attending the dinner means you would very likely have to see Prince Loki, and the thought made you flop back onto your bed with a groan. I have to find some way to get out of this, you despaired.
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However, a few hours later, you were awoken from your impromptu nap by several impatient knocks at your door.
You sat up and groggily called out, “Come in.”
The door opened, and in came your spirited lady’s maid, Alena.
Alena was a pretty girl, always a swish of skirts and strawberry-blonde ringlets. She was a dreadful flirt, never lacking in a smart comment and a wink for any boy that bashfully brought her a flower or held the door open for her. But she was your closest confidant and friend, and never held back the way other servants did around you. Best of all, with her she brought the juiciest castle gossip.
“Hello, hello! You’ll never guess what I heard today,” Alena said with a grin.
You made a poor attempt to seem interested and awake with an encouraging, “Hmm?”
Alena spoke with a conspiratorial tone.
“A little bird told me that Prince Loki was seen with a girl in his arms in the library.”
You snapped your head to look at her.
“Where did you hear that?”
“The walls have ears,” she shrugged.
“But,” she continued, “you wouldn’t have anything to tell me about that, would you?”
“Loki… may have cornered me in the library,” you conceded. You began to tell Alena about how he taunted you, your voice climbing in anger at remembering the incident. Alena was uncharacteristically silent, a knowing smile draped over her face. When you were done with your rant she shook out the cloth folded in her arms, and held up a lovely dress.
“Well, this,” she said, “will surely catch your Prince’s eyes.”
You gasped, “What!? I don’t want that! He is nothing but a teasing arrogant boy!” you say flusteredly.
Alena hummed, and you could tell she didn't find your displeasure believable. She helped you slip the velvet dress over your shoulders and lace it up. It was truly an eye-catching dress. It was made of dark green fabric with golden embroidery twisting around the low neckline. The skirt hugged the gentle curve of your waist and flowed down to the floor. The same gold embroidery ran along the bottom hem of the dress and the cuffs of the sleeves. It was truly flattering.
“There!” Alena said triumphantly. “You look lovely. Pretty as a princess consort,” she added slyly.
“Stop that! There is nothing between me and the Prince. Not in that way…” you trailed off.
“Beside,” you continued, “Loki is not in line for the throne. You know that.”
Alena rolled her eyes. She sat you down in front of your vanity to fix up your hair.
“All I’m saying is that many girls would trip over themselves for the Prince to talk to them like that,” Alena reasoned.
Now it was your turn to roll your eyes.
“Tripping over themselves? I doubt it” you sigh.
“Now why would you say that?” Alena asked, tilting her head.
You looked away, brow furrowed. But you ignore the eyes Alena gave you as she finished your hair.