Maid or Princess [English]

Chapter 2

How would Faye handle this situation, she wondered, probably she would be friendly, but more distant, since she had not wanted this situation, but who would like to marry out of duty? Fortunately for Leila, she could decide her own fate, but she grew up with nobles and knew the dark side of royalty all too well. She took a deep breath as she was escorted alongside Loki to the dining hall and was glad that he didn't want to start a conversation; his posture seemed stiff and she could tell he didn't like being here and she could understand it because she would be elsewhere as well. They entered the large dining room; in the center of the room was a large and long table, at the head end sat an old man with a golden eye patch. "This is Odin," Loki explained as he leaned down to her. "On the right side sits Thor and next to him sit Sif, Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg; we will sit on the opposite side next to my mother." Leila nodded and smiled gratefully at him.

"Brother!" cried Thor, coming up to them before looking at Leila. "And if it isn't my brother's beautiful fiancée. I am Thor, God of Thunder and Crown Prince of Asgard." He bowed to her. Leila tried not to roll her eyes at his introduction, as his name would have sufficed perfectly, but she only smiled politely.

"I am Faye of Alfheim," she explained, curtsying.

"Come. Let us dine." He patted Loki's back, causing him to stumble forward. She couldn't help but wonder how Thor could be the son of Frigga. Without another word, he led her over to the table.

"Mother." Frigga looked up at her son and smiled at her.

"Faye, I hope you have rested enough and that my son treated you well on the way here?"

"Yes, Your Majesty and Prince Loki was a perfect gentleman on his way here," she answered her and the queen asked her to sit down next to her, Loki took a seat next to her. Frigga caught the attention of everyone at the table; they immediately stopped talking.

"May I introduce Princess Faye of Alfheim and Loki's betrothed. She will keep us company during the month until her wedding." Leila gave them a friendly nod as she raised her glass and took a sip. The rest of the dinner went quietly and she chatted a bit with the others, they seemed nice, but Loki barely spoke to Thor's friends and was uncomfortable; they didn't seem to like each other, Leila knew that.

"I'd like to retire for the evening, if you don't mind," she explained, and Frigga agreed before looking down at Loki. "Prince Loki, could you show me back to my chambers, I would hate to get lost."

Loki stood up from his seat. "Of course, Princess." He offered her his arm and she took it as he led her out of the dining room. When they were far enough away he stopped and looked at her appraisingly. "Why did you do that?" His voice sounded threatening, but he didn't scare her; she looked at him in confusion.

"Did what? I was tired, your majesty." He moved closer to her as she took a step back and her back pressed against the wall. Loki was inches away from her and she could feel his breath on her face; it reminded her of the situation in the library, but he didn't seem threatening then.

"You lie," he said softly, smiling mischievously. "I am the god of lies." Her chest rose and fell rapidly. His hand held her cheek as he leaned forward.

"What if it was?" asked Leila softly, his lips so close to hers that all she had to do was lean forward to kiss him. The smile disappeared from his lips and he stepped away from her as if he had been burned.

"Then I would say that I don't need your help, little princess." He disappeared before her eyes and she blinked. She looked around and realized she was right outside her chamber. Leila stepped inside and leaned against the closed door as she tried to make sense of the confusing prince. How could one man have so many different fasces? She touched her lips. How would it feel to be kissed by him? Would his kiss be rough or tender? Leila let her hand wander over her body. How would it feel to sleep with- She quickly stopped herself and banished the thought. She had known him only a few hours and yet he was already starting to get under her skin and that couldn't happen, because this was all a lie. Nothing real could come out of her thoughts, she reminded herself.