Horrible Terrible Things

Chapter Nine

Despite the size of the palace, I could not avoid Loki. Or rather, I believed he wanted his presence to be made clear. He wasn't going anywhere, I supposed he truly meant what he had said in the Vault, I would give in or give up. He would no doubt enjoy watching me seeth in anger and desire for him.

It was late afternoon the following day and as I sat on a balcony overlooking the ocean and drinking coffee - trying to figure out what to do with my time - Loki appeared and stood leaning against the balcony just to my left.

I glanced at him, still dressed casually in all black and with his sleeves half-pushed up his forearms. I didn't look at his face as I knew I would be met with a mischievous grin.

I didn't even ask him what he wanted and cradled my mug of coffee in my hands and continued to look out at the calm blue of the ocean. Though my mind began to wander, at what he might want or what he might say, I didn't dare move though because I didn't want his eyes on me. Having him in my presence was oddly exhilarating because I had no idea what his next move would be - though I knew whatever it would be would rattle me.

He must have met his match with me, my silence could have been endless because after what felt close to half-an-hour, Loki spoke, quietly I could hardly hear his words with his back still turned to me,

'He will be gone a while.'

Loki was talking of Thor and god knows what adventure he went on which was deemed so important.

I brought my knees to my chest and rearranged my long dress around my legs,

'So I'm in charge of an entire kingdom then, nice of daddy to let me know.' I tried to emphasise my anger through my words but they came out soft.

Loki looked over his shoulder at me and his brow furrowed,

'Actually, Thor put me in charge.'

'What?' I blanched.

Loki turned to me fully and crossed his arms over his chest,

'Once you left, Thor told me he wishes for me to be regent while he is absent. It is only right considering my experience and -'

'No.' I cut him off.

'What do you mean no?' he asked. 'These are my people.'

I shook my head and straightened, 'I don't care about the people. I'm talking about me. You're not in charge of me.'

'Well, technically speaking I am.' A small smile played on his lips and my heart thundered in my chest.

'I'm going to strongly advise that we think carefully about what is happening here, Loki.' I lifted my chin a little to prove my seriousness.

'And what is happening?' He asked with a cock of his head and I tried hard to hide the upturn of my lips. Was he flirting or teasing? Was he wanting me to say that I was attracted to him, that I wanted him?

'Something wrong.' though it was a lie the moment it left my lips, 'What would Thor think should his brother fuck his daughter?'

Then Loki's face hardened and he stepped toward me with an outstretched finger,

'You'd better be careful with the words you spew from that mouth of yours.'