Beauty and the Trickster

Chapter Six

Asgard, the city of Heroes. Loki and Thor's home, yet the only one who seemed comfortable walking into the palace was Thor. Loki's grip was tight on my arm, his eyes said that his smile was not genuine. Large doors opened as we entered the gates, with guards all around.

All seeming to be eyeing me, I was nervous to say the least.

"Do not be afraid, it will be alright." Loki whispered, his hand squeezing mine. We entered a large open area, hundreds of people stood on either side of the pathway before us. A giant throne sat at the end of the room; an elderly man sat there eyeing down. A large raven sat perched at the top of the chair, while his glowing aurora of power.

"My sons, I am joyful you could make it." His voice echoed through the room; Loki's jaw ticked while everyone bowed their heads. Loki and I stood tall, but by the intense stare from the man before me, I dropped my head.

"Who have you brought before me?" He spoke, Thor rose first.

"Father, Lady Cass is here as Loki's companion, she is not of Midgard, so no laws were broken." Thor spoke with confidence, but I was confused.

"I see she adorns his cloak; I will allow it. Where do you hail from, Lady Cass?" The king rose, walking towards us. I was baffled, Thor said I was not from earth. There was no part in my life that I could remember except the past few years. "Answer me girl, I do not have time for this." He boomed, closer to me. I flinched, as Loki moved me behind him slightly.

"All-father Odin, she has no memories, that is why I have brought her. I am hoping Mother can read her, to give her better clarity." Loki spoke calmly, his hand still holding my own.

"Convenient for you, I will allow it. However, you will be monitored by my guards. We will talk alone later, he glared at Loki before turning around with a smile.

"Please, prepare yourselves for the festival tomorrow, we celebrate our anniversary of the Frost Giant War." Loki's hand squeezed so hard it hurt, my magic sending a defensive shock through my fingers. His eyes flicked in my direction, before he released my hand. Odin returned to his throne waving his hand at us in dismissal. Loki was the first to turn on a heel, dragging me behind with a little too much force.

"Loki, stop you are hurting me." I snapped once we left the throne room, yanking my arm away. His eyes as he turned to me were frightening, blood red, and tear-filled. He reached over, with a simple touch we teleported away, into a private room. Loki was pacing, angrily running his fingers through his hair. Every step he took sent out a wave of freezing temperatures, his skin shifting to a deep blue.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. You could not understand how incredibly frustrating it is to be in his presence." He spat icily; the room was so cold I could see my breath.

"Loki, it is alright." I could obviously see his distress, so I reached for him, but he jerked away.

"Do not touch me while I am like this, please it would be most unpleasant. I could not bear hurting you" He threatened, but I didn't listen. My magic was willing me to touch him, my hands glowing softly with my energy. I reached up grabbing his face with both hands, he flinched.

I felt nothing, his skin felt the same as it had for any other time. His eyes wide, while I calmly stroked my thumb across his cheek. His skin glistened like frost, every move with my thumb creased into his cheek, before icing back over.

His hands shook while he lifted them so as to not touch my shoulders, I could see fear in his eyes. I only wanted to help him, taking a deep breath, I pulled him in for a tight hug. Loki gasped; his arms afraid to hold onto me.