Servant of Jotunheim

Shall we?

In utter desperation, I was attempting to think of any possible way to escape whatever punishment the King has deemed fit for me next, but in truth it was inevitable.

I hear my heart beating loudly as I am escorted back across the palace to the his chambers by two guards. One of the guards knocks on the door when we reach our destination.

Loki: "Send her in".

I nervously enter and see that the King is now fully dressed again, but in his more casual attire and standing at the foot of his bed waiting for me.

Loki: "Come here, Anya".

I scarcely approach and get down on my knees, not wishing to anger him any further and risk worsening my punishment.

Loki: "Did you, or did you not request my 'special' strawberries from the cook?"

Me: "I did, but..."

Loki: "Did I at any point in time ask you to make such a request?"

Me: "No, my King".

Loki: "Then why did you?"

I think about what I could possibly say to answer that question, yet only one thing comes to mind.

Me: "I wanted to protect my friend".

I feel the King's hand touch the top of my head and proceed to tenderly stroke my hair.

Loki: "On your feet, Anya" he instructs softly.

Once I stand up, he wraps his arms around me and says something truly unexpected.

Loki: "You did exactly what I wanted you to do without me even having to instruct you".

Me: "I did?"

Loki: "Did you honestly believe that the King of Asgard desired such a wanton whore in his bed?"

Me: "After her behaviour and hurtful words towards me, I hoped not".

Loki: "What did she say to you?"

Me: "She called me a runt".

He finally releases me from his embrace and looks me in the eyes so he can view the current sadness in my expression.

Loki: "Well I regret to inform you that the princess became quite ill after eating the strawberries. She unfortunately developed a terrible, hive like rash that covers her entire body that may last for some time" he laughs.

Me: "Such a pity, my King" I smile.

Loki: "Am I correct in my assumption that her servants also ate something that did not agree with them this morning?" he smiles back as if he knows something.

Me: "Perhaps".

Loki: "You are truly wicked, Anya. You have pleased your King very much".

Me: "You think me wicked?"

Loki: "Only in the best way and for that you shall be rewarded".

He takes my hand and places a small vial of green liquid in my palm.

Loki: "I wish for us to venture out into the kingdom together this evening".

Me: "The last time you gave me this it hurt too much to change back. I do not think I can accept it again".

Loki: "That was due to my own carelessness. I gave you too much last time, but this one is different. Do you trust me, Anya?"

Me: "I do".

I open the vile and quickly drink it's contents. A warm, tingling sensation washes over me as I transform yet again, but it feels less odd this time.

The King's thumb runs across my cheek as my markings fade away and he smiles.

Loki: "Welcome back, Valanya".

He walks over to one of the large wardrobes and opens it, showing me all of the beautiful gowns already inside. I cannot help but suspect that he had somehow planned all of this in advance.

Loki: "What would my mystery princess like to wear this evening?"

Me: "Whatever pleases you, Loki".

He pulls out an elegant, but more casual style of dress which would be more comfortable for me to wear. The fabric is thin, delicate and very well made.

Me: "It is pink?"

Loki: "Do you like it?"

Me: "It is truly beautiful".

Loki: "I shall help you put it on".

After undressing and bathing quickly, I put on the white undergarments that he has already chosen, raising my arms as he slips the dress down over my body and fastens it at the back.

He even helps me style my now strawberry blonde hair so it is up in a tight bun.

Loki: "Let us not forget this" he says as he places the delicate golden necklace from the previous time back around my neck.

Me: "What do you have planned for us this evening?"

Loki: "We are going to the tavern".

Me: "What is a tavern?"

Loki: "It is where many people go to drink together and simply enjoy themselves".

Me: "How long do we have?"

Loki: "We have until sunrise. Shall we?"