Unbroken (Loki x Reader)

Chapter 50 - Friends In Low Places

As the night slowly melted into dawn you realized two things upon fleeing the steps of the palace: that the city is much larger than you realized, and that everyone knows everybody else. You hadn't made it two minutes from the edge of the royal grounds before receiving a curious look from a drunken plow-boy relieving himself in an alley. 

So you pulled the hood of your cloak tighter, and kept your eyes down as you looked for a place to hide. 

It didn't take long to find your way to the taverns near the city center - the same ones you had visited as a welcome guest at Thor and Loki's side. After a quick scan of the area your heart settled on hiding up high, tucked away among the chimney stacks on the baker's roof - already putting out steam as the scent of fresh-baked bread sweetened the air. The baker and his wife must rise before the sun to start the day's loaves. 

There, on the roof, you sat. And waited. And waited. 

As the sun rose, you pressed yourself firmly up against the brick, staying low on your stomach and keeping your head raised only high enough to keep watch over the tavern where Thor was tasked with leaving a sign that Anthony is safe. 

But the sun set and rose again. And still no sign. 

It's been two days. Two days of simmering in the mid-day heat concealed among the shingles - slipping away only once, maybe twice per day to relieve yourself in any concealed place. 

But you can't leave. Can't seek shelter. Not yet. Not until you know Thor kept his word. But you're starting starting to worry. What if Thor had been caught trying to deliver him to Midgard? What if at this very moment, Odin holds a blade to your son's throat?

Panic once more swells in the back of your throat but you take several deep, calming breaths. If something had happened, Thor would have at least made an appearance to let you know. And you haven't seen hide nor hair of him. So instead you absentmindedly spin Tony's bracelets around your wrists and pray that with each passing second, Thor is on his way. 

A sudden growl from your stomach causes you to clamp a hand over your gut. You haven't eaten since Eir's last meal after your healing session. And the only water you've consumed since leaving the palace was from a small bucket on a window sill the night before. 

You are dangerously dehydrated. 

Conflicted, you decide to go off in search of nourishment - or risk passing out. Or worse. Sliding quietly from the roof, you hop down onto a stack of barrels that you have been using to climb up and down. 

As your feet his the ground you wobble, a touch of lightheadedness throwing you off balance. But it quickly subsides as you once more draw your hood tight around your face. After your outburst in the council room you're afraid of being recognized. 

With light steps you venture forth toward the mouth of the alley as your shadow lays long behind you, pulled tall by the late afternoon sun. You're soon drawn toward the door of the baker's shop. Saliva pools in your cheeks as the scent of the sweet breads kisses your tongue, but you can't risk going inside and being recognized. You'll have to find something more accessible. 

You wander through the streets, getting desperate, until you spot a familiar face. At the same time you notice her she notices you, her face contorting into one of shock. You nod your head, gesturing towards the empty alley nearby and dip inside, waiting for her.

"Your Highness?" she gasps, entering the alley a moment later.

"Shh," you hush the young servant girl. "No one can know I'm here," you say urgently.

"I-I shall speak to no one, your highness, but...are you okay? Miss Annika from the pantry said you ran away to Midgard!" she stammers, still stunned by your sudden appearance in the market place.