IDUNA (Loki x Reader)

Chapter 12 - Completely Undone

Your head felt heavy when you woke to an incessant knock on the door. You must've had more wine with Bragi than you thought. At the door was a small woman, one of the servants that you'd turned away many times. She piped up in a high-pitched voice that was like static to your hungover brain.

"Prince Loki said to come to see you. He mentioned having a "mission" to attend to, but he also said to keep it hush-hush." she looked like she was trembling. You could only imagine what intimidation tactics he used on her.

"Uh, okay. Thanks. Thank you." She nodded, and you went back into your room, fighting every urge to not flop onto the bed. You shuffled through one of your closets and passed by outfits you'd typically wear to kick ass in favor of something more discreet for your undercover recon mission. You settled on a brown plaid coat over a black shirt and pants and somewhat styled your hair, which was rare for your other training. You stuck a gold pin into your bun and made your way to the training gym where Loki was already waiting.

"Where to?"

"Well, first, the orchard."

"Right." You'd forgotten this part of the plan, but it was a pleasant reminder. You hadn't been able to return in weeks. You both walked in silence toward the orchard, acting like last night's events never happened. You did feel some level of embarrassment, but part of you didn't regret it. It was clear to you now where Loki stood. He could mess with you all he wanted, but you realized his intentions, and if he didn't kiss you then, he wasn't going to. There was no reason to keep working after a man who wouldn't even let you kiss him when another one was organizing elaborate dates for you. And trying to kiss you, of course.

You arrived at the gates where the guards let you in. It was still stunning. You thought maybe, now that you were back, you should offer to help maintain the grounds too, but you'd handle that another time. You started to grab the apples off some of the trees, trying not to look over at Loki, who seemed disinterested. Once you filled up a basket, you made your way back to him, but he was already making his way back out the gate.

"We will be wandering the streets of the city until we get some sort of lead. Unfortunately, many people try to rob you, not just our guy." You groaned. "So, you have to deny any advances. No matter what."

"I know."

"Do you?" he stopped in his tracks. "You knew that on Earth too, but you still used them." You forgot that he knew about that. "The point is that we might get into some confrontations along the way, but you can't bend. And what's the worst that could happen? It's not like you could die."

"I could get found out."

"That won't happen. I'll be there, as myself this time." He motioned toward his unmistakable Loki outfit. "Just say no to everyone. I'll handle the rest of it."

You turned onto a busier street. There was a loud hum of people, and all over were metal tables with people having drinks and others selling food and flowers. You even noticed the same stand that Bragi bought your bouquet from that you now realized might die today without a proper vase and water.

The eyes slowly started pointing to you, but you did feel a new sense of security as a result of the injection effect. You tried your best to detect anyone that could be your target, but everyone looked suspicious to you.

"Any ideas?" you whispered to Loki and tried to look casual.

"Of course. On the corner ahead on the right." You shot your eyes ahead and saw a tall man looking up at you, then away when you made eye contact. He turned the corner away from you both. "Come on."

The two of you started toward him in a slow run to avoid even more attention. The man was running once you gained sight of him again. "Your prince demands you to stop!" Loki yelled, and you almost choked at his attempt to intimidate.