Cosmic

~Chapter Eleven~

When they entered the garden, they looked at each other and immediately burst into laughter.

"Did you see his face!" Cassius boomed, placing a hand on a column trying to catch his breath.

"He looked like he'd just seen a ghost!" She exclaimed.

"That can't be my daughter!" Cassius joked, making his voice low as he imitated Felix.

They fell down onto the grass, hands on their stomachs trying to catch their breath.

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Loki had decided to leave the library and go have breakfast, he really just wanted to see Analia. As he entered the banquet hall, he spotted Sif, the Warriors Three and Thor.

"Brother, friends." He stated as he approached the table. "Where's the Lady Analia?" He looked around the hall.

"You just missed her. The gardens." Sif said. Loki gave her and the others a quick nod before retreating. He walked briskly to the gardens. His heart beat beginning to quicken at the thought of seeing her.

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"I've been meaning to give you something." Cassius spoke, looking down at the grass before meeting her gaze.

Analia gave him a look of confusion.

He took her hand and led her to stand with him. Keeping hold of her left hand.

He pulled a small wooden box from the pocket of his coppery trousers. He pulled the lid open. Inside, was a dazzling gold ring with a pale sapphire centre. It was quite truly the most exquisite and feminal looking thing she'd ever seen in her life. She felt her gaze not even worthy to fall upon it, like in some way it was too rough for such a delicate item.

"Cassius-"

"I know. It was my mother's. I think Felix will be happy to see it on your finger. An official testimony of our betrothal." He said smiling at her.

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As Loki approached the palace gardens, his eyes darted around for Analia. They locked on what he was almost certain was her figure, sitting on the grass. He began to race over, but quickly stopped when he noticed she was not alone.

She was with Cassius.

But what happened next made it feel like the ground had just crumbled beneath him.

He took her hand, helping her up, not letting go. And presented her with a box. And in that box, was a ring.

He couldn't bare to watch the rest. He had a fairly good idea of what was next to come, the smile she gave him said it all. He turned around immediately, making his way back to the library, almost running.

This was bound to happen you fool, he kept repeating to himself.

He is her betrothed now. What about that do you not understand?

She's not yours, she never will be.

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Analia reached out and closed the lid of the box. Quickly speaking before Cassius could protest.

"This is special. I appreciate the thought, I truly do. But I am not the woman you should give this to."

She gently cupped the side of his face with her hand and gave him a warm smile.

"Give it to her. Give it to Sigrid."

"Analia, I cannot express my gratitude enough. You truly are an amazing woman. I am proud to call you my friend." He said, tears welling in his eyes at the thought of being able to give Sigrid his mother's ring the next time he returned to Vanaheim.

He engulfed her in a tight hug. Kissing the top of her head.

"Have you spoken to him?" He asked her.

"Not yet." She replied. The thought of Loki made her blush uncontrollably.

He broke away from the hug, furrowing his brows at her
"Go. Do it now." He commanded.

She sighed, meeting his gaze and nodding.

"I'm a little nervous."

"Don't be. Just tell him exactly how you feel." He said giving her a gentle nudge to start walking.

She looked back at him smiling, and made her way back to the palace to do the thing she'd never expected herself to be doing.