NO REGRETS [l.laufeyson]

SIX

     "We had a deal!" It was the day after the ball and a very angry Princess Freya was discussing last nights ordeal with Odin.

"Lady Freya, I assure you I had no idea that Loki was planning on bringing another girl."

"She's not just some girl! He has feelings for her. Do you have any idea how humiliating that was for me? He's supposed to marry me!"

"And he will! I will make sure of it."

"No! it's not enough. He has feelings for this girl, she has to go!"

"Princess we cannot-"

"Do you want my father to go to war on your lovely Kingdom?" Freya brushed her fingertips along to arm of his golden throne. Odin remained silent, that was the last thing he wanted for his people. "I didn't think so, let me handle this."

Odin slumped back in his throne as Freya strutted out the room. He was torn. He had missed seeing how happy his son could be, even if Loki wasn't truly his. But war against Vanaheim was the last thing he wanted.

~

"So tell me more of this maiden brother!" Thor and Loki were practising archery in the training fields with the Warriors Three. Loki was getting ticked off trying to aim his arrow while Thor wouldn't stop bugging him about Evelyn.

"There's nothing to tell and it's none of your business. She's just a friend."

"Right a 'friend'." Volstagg snickered.

"I'm sure friends don't kiss each other on the balcony." Fandral jested. Loki felt his cheeks warming up. He didn't realise they had been watching him yesterday. He lowered his bow and arrow starting to get angry at the others before taking a deep breath.

"Do you truly have nothing better to do than spy on me?"

"Technically we weren't spying on you." Fandral picked up a bow and arrow himself to take a shot.

"Well, then what would you call it?"

"Loki, you should know that Lady Freya saw you two. We were keeping an eye on her." It was now Thor's turn to take a shot as he hit the bullseye.

"She did?" Loki started to panic. From the stories they had heard, Freya was a handful. She was so desperate to marry Loki, he was worried she may do something to Evelyn.

"Yes." It was Hoguns turn to report. "But you should tread carefully, she not one to mess with."

"I would hardly call it messing with her. If Odin had just kept his nose out of my business and didn't push for this idiotic marriage, then we wouldn't be in this mess." Loki took another shot.

"Why is he so desperate to get rid of you anyway?" Volstagg patted Loki's back as passed him to put his bow away.

"Are you really that much of a handful Loki?" Fandral jested as the others laughed at him. Thor however remained silent, knowing the true reason behind all of this.

"Are you boys finished gossiping?" Sif entered the training court to join the rest of them.

"Lady Sif, you're late joining us." Thor crossed his arms a little disappointed that his friend wasn't able to practise with them. All his friends were like a big family. They all got on so well together.

"Apologies your highness. But someone had to keep an eye on the Princess while you boys were busy playing." Sif replied gesturing to the targets. "Which apparently you're not very good at."

The five men looked to their own targets to see what she was implying. They weren't awful, but they weren't exactly hitting the mark each time.

"Like you could do better!" Fandral shot back.