Unforgotten

Chapter 12

Loki handed the horses off to a guard upon our return to the stables, and we walked back to the palace hand in hand.  As we reached our chambers, Loki opened the door for me and kissed my hand.

"I will meet you in a little while," he said, "Mother has requested some time with you." I looked at him in surprise, but he simply bowed to me and walked away, as Frigga came to the door.

"My dear," She said to me, "Please come in.  We have much to do to prepare."  I shook my head at Loki's retreating figure, and followed Frigga into the room.

"Loki tells me you brought a dress for this evening," Frigga began, and I nodded.  "But I thought, given the events of today, you may want something a little different," Frigga sat down gracefully on the bench at the end of our bed, smiling at me.  I cocked an eyebrow at her, and smiled back.

"You knew?" I asked, and she nodded happily. 

"I had a ring made for each of my sons long ago," Frigga said, reaching out for my hand.  I placed my left hand in hers, and she admired the glittering emerald on my ring finger.  "I have waited a long time to see this where it belongs." She smiled up at me, and I smiled back, trying not to let my emotions get the best of me..

"It's breathtaking." I said, touching it with my fingertips. 

"And so you should have a breathtaking gown this evening," Frigga said, opening the wardrobe in front of me with her golden magic.  My breath indeed caught - inside hung one of the most beautiful dresses I had ever seen.  It was deep green, the same color Loki wore in his leather uniform.  It had a sweetheart neckline, was off the shoulders and hugged my curves, then flared out into a full ball gown skirt. Delicate floral beading covered the bodice and skirt. I carefully took the dress into the bathroom, and came out dressed, complete with the golden pumps that were in the wardrobe as well.  Frigga pressed her palms together and brought them to her mouth, her eyes dancing.

"Absolutely beautiful," she praised.  She waved her hand at me, and my hair was swept up in a soft French knot.  I looked in the mirror, and was surprised by what I saw.  I was stunning. 

"Fit to be a princess," Frigga said quietly, her hands on my shoulders.

"Thank you," I whispered, and she brushed her lips to my cheek. "You're very welcome my dear."  Frigga moved to the doorway, then turned back to me.  "We shall see you in the great hall."  I nodded. 

Soon after Frigga had shut the door, a soft knock followed, and Loki entered.  His eyes lit up at the sight of me.  I smiled shyly.

"I know it's not the blue dress," I started, and Loki held up his hand, shaking his head.

"You are stunning," He said quietly.  "May I escort you to the great hall, my love?" I grinned as he offered me his arm, and I took it.  There was a crack, and we were outside the great hall.  I took a moment to look at the man I was with - his raven hair was loose, his Asgardian uniform fitting so well.  He moved to walk into the great hall, and I paused for a moment, holding him back.  Loki stopped, and looked at me quizzically.  I glanced at the guard who was standing outside the door, then pulled Loki into the shadow.  I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him deeply, then pulled back and leaned against the wall. 

"Keep watch," I whispered, and Loki glanced behind us, confused.  I took the moment to reach under the slit of my dress and pull my lace panties down my legs, and around each of my shoes.  Loki turned back toward me, and his eyes widened as I grinned and slipped my panties into his pocket.

"Paige," he hissed, shoving them deeper into his pocket, and I grinned at him. 

"Loki," I tried to look as innocent as possible, loving the pink tint on his cheeks, but noticing the dark desire that was creeping into his eyes.  "Aren't you going to escort me in?"  He tsk tsk'd me, then laced his fingers with mine and led me back to the doors.