Cellmates

9

Naomi recovered very gradually, one painstaking day at a time. After almost a week, she snacked on the solid food he brought her and while she seemed much better, she was still in this fog and she slept for much of the day. He wondered more than once if she would ever be herself again. But the few times she managed a smile or an incoherent jest, he knew she was still in there somewhere. So he sat back quietly and let her recuperate of her own accord.

For now she was sleeping, full and content, under the warm and heavy wool blanket he'd procured for her. Though she didn't voice it, he could tell she was infinitely grateful with the way she curled into it and tucked it under her chin, burying her face in the fabric. The effect it had was like that of chloroform, the scent keeping her submerged in a deep and peaceful sleep. So for the first time in over a week he wasn't strung up with worry. Of course, without being actively occupied, that nagging shame slipped back in, biting at the back of his neck. What more must he do to be free of this madness? He was basically nursing this woman back to health and still, he couldn't help but feel responsible for her. It was infuriating. She couldn't get better soon enough.

Loki looked up from one of his old spell books when Naomi suddenly stirred. She turned over, tugging the blanket even tighter around her if it was possible – an omen for something worth hiding from.

He heard the voice of a young woman just beyond the doors – the young woman who served him more often then not. She wasn't in distress, but she wasn't thrilled with whatever was taking place out there. The door swung open and he caught one string of dialogue as she was – by the sound of it – shoved aside. Two guards stepped inside. One was carrying the tray of food, which had no doubt been appropriated from the young servant, and the other simply holding the flank to ensure she didn't attempt to return for it. And it was the two guards he never wanted to see again – or did he?

The guard – Naomi's attacker – came down the stairs at a more even and measured gait than before, with all drunkenness gone from him now. He strode with the authority of his title, carelessly carrying the tray, but the tarnished nature of his status was clear as he tossed it to the floor where the well-prepared meal was splattered against the stone where it met the glass. Loki didn't flinch, but he felt his blood boil against his inherently frigid pedigree. Oh yes, he wanted to see this man again. Amends would be made today. He felt his inner-self smiling like a madman.

Naomi turned over again, her back now facing the guard who stared hungrily into her cell. And Loki watched and waited for him to choose his inevitable fate. He stepped forward and gazed at her sleeping form, more than likely reminiscing of the horrific encounter. Come back for more, have you? Come and get it. I dare you. The guard took the subconscious provocation and stepped through the parting pane of glass. One slow step at a time, he crossed the cell, his eyes longingly travelling over her. He reached for her, his lips parting for some sentiment or sneer. He stood straight quite abruptly when Loki pressed a finger to his lips as a long, silencing hiss rushed past them. "Careful. You wouldn't want to wake her," he whispered, his grin barely restrained. His voice was like a gentle tisk of discouragement. "I must insist that her rest remain uninterrupted."

The guard turned, rising to his subtle taunt. "She does seem much more beautiful in sleep – a lot less trouble. Though I do miss the sounds she made." He was chilled to even imagine it. Even muffled through ice, those sounds were clear enough. And he could never forget. "Suppose she even enjoyed it?"

"I doubt that very severely."

"And why would you doubt that? Do you think her so prude? You hid behind your sei∂r as you always have. You didn't see what I saw."

Loki didn't wait for elaboration. To hear anything of his perspective would bring an indefinite end to his sanity. "The sounds of you mauling her like an animal were unmistakable with or without my skills. I didn't need to watch to know the type of brute you are. You would suffocate your whores as soon as fall asleep on them." The guard came forward in a sudden huff. So easily provoked."Fortunately, she escaped with only mental trauma and slow healing scars."