When You Say Nothing at All

Chapter 3

I sit down on a bench at the training grounds. It was Loki vs. Thor first. I watch as they fight. They both were good fighters even at this age. But it seemed like Thor was just now getting used to using Mjolnir. Well I guess he was more of a pro at using it in the first Thor movie. And despite Loki his magic during the fight, Thor didn't use his powers. Thor won the fight and as Loki limped off the grounds and Fandral taking his place. Loki made his way over to where I was sitting.

"My oaf of a brother still needs to learn how to wield that thing!" He grumbles sitting down next to me.

"I thought you two were evenly matched. Seemed like a close fight to me." It really did seem like a close fight to me. I knew Thor would outmatch Loki in strength but hopefully this bit of praise would be a step in the right direction.

Loki let out a short laugh. "I'm surprised you actually paid attention."

I give him a confused look. "Why wouldn't I pay attention?"

Loki shrugs. "Most girls only pretend to pay attention to these types of things."

Oh yeah, I'm not falling for this. I'm not saying I'm different. Instead I smirk at him.

"Most girls don't shut up long enough to pay attention."

That makes Loki laugh out loud which throws Fandral off balance giving Thor the upper hand. They both make their way over to us.

"Face it Thor, I would've won had Loki not laughed so loud." Fandral sent a glare to Loki.

"That was my fault. I said something funny. I'm sorry."

Fandral's face softened and Loki looked at me, a look of confusion passing over his face before being replaced with a blank look.

"No need to apologize my lady." Fandral bowed to me then turned to Loki. "Ready for our match?"

Loki rolls his eyes but stands up. I then realize that I don't see Volstagg or Hogun anywhere. Hmmm... maybe they just haven't met yet?

Thor sits down next to me. "Are you enjoying the fights my lady?"

I nod. He notices the book in my lap. "Did you get that from the library?"

"Yes. I hope its ok?"

Thor waves his hand. "I met your sister when she was here. I don't think she even knew we had a library. You're different from her."

"Step-sister. And I'll take that as a compliment."

Fandral lunged for Loki only to pass through him making him trip and almost fall but Fandral catches himself. The copy disappears and the real Loki appears behind Fandral.

"Loki! That's cheating!"

Loki cocks his head to the side. "Really? I seem to recall the only rule for training is to not kill each other."

It took everything in me to not laugh at that. A few minutes later Thor looks over to my side then immediately stands up and bows. I look over to see Frigga walking up to us. I stand up and curtsy. She motions for us to sit back down.

"Hello mother. What brings you here?"

"I came to tell you that it is almost dinner time."

Was it really that late already? A flash of green brings the fight between Loki and Fandral to an end with Loki winning. Loki walks off the field with a confident gait to his step.

"Ah mother. Surprised to see you here." He flashes her a smile.

Frigga gives him a small smile. "I just came to tell you that it is almost time for dinner. And to find out guest." She turns to look at me. "I don't believe you have been shown your room yet." She holds out her hand to me.

I look at it before slowly reaching out and taking her hand. Again that sad feeling washes over me but I force it down. I hold the book that Loki had given me to my chest as she leads me back into the palace.

"Did you get that book from Loki?" Frigga asks. I nod and she hums. "I do believe that book is one of his favorites."

I can't stop the smile on my face at that. Loki had given me one of his favorite books? That had to mean something. We make it to where my step-father and I would be sleeping the night. We had separate rooms with a shared common room. My step-father stepped out of his room when we entered.

"Your Majesty! I was not expecting to see you until dinner." He was clearly surprised.

"Well I found your daughter watching my sons train so I brought her back here to freshen up before we ate." She squeezes my hand gently.

"Oh thank you your majesty." I didn't miss the quick glance at the book in my hand. "I was just about to go check the library to find her."

Yeah sure you were I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

Frigga leaves and I curtsy. As soon as the door is closed and I stand back up my step-father's hand makes contact with my cheek.

"How dare you!" He growls. "Have you no shame? Having the Allmother bring you to your room like a lost child! Do you know how embarrassing that is for me?"

And yet, if I was Sigyn, you would've praised her I think bitterly my hand cradling my stinging cheek.

"Go to your room! I'll see you at dinner." He heads back into his room.

I walk slowly into my room. Laying the book down on my bed. I walk into my personal bathroom and look in the mirror. A large handprint is already forming on my cheek. I sigh. There is still time before I have to be in front of everyone again. I take a quick bath and change clothes but the handprint is till there. I had some makeup that I could use to hopefully hide it. I do my best but you can still see it. I let out another sigh and leave my room to see my step-father leaving. I follow behind him. I sat next to him at the table. Thor, Loki and Fandral sat on the other side of us. I mostly kept my head down hoping that no one would notice the red handprint on my cheek.

When dinner was over I was so happy to get out of there and away from everyone else. I hurried back to my room. I sit down on my bed and let some tears fall. I shouldn't run away but I was too embarrassed to face anyone at the moment. I pick up the poetry book, running my fingers down the cover. I wipe my eyes reminding myself that this was one of Loki's favorite books calm me down. I open it and start reading. There are poems of love, war, death, and life. I ended up falling asleep reading it.

The next morning it was time to leave. As I was walking down the hall towards the front of the palace, Loki turned the corner.

"Leaving already?" He asked.

I nod.

"Will you be back next month? It's mother's birthday."

I smile up at him and nod again. My heart swells. Loki wanted to see me again! We said our goodbyes and I get into the carriage opening the poetry book again and continue reading as my step-father and I head back to our house.