Maid or Princess [English]

Chapter 7

"Thank you," Frigga said as one of the maids put a tray of tea on the table. "We have a lot of planning to do, since the wedding is already in a week."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Leila said without looking at her and took a cup of tea.

"We will have a dressmaker come here tomorrow to take care of your wedding dress." -Frigga looked behind her and smiled broadly- "Son, I'm glad you made it." Leila looked to Loki, who bowed slightly.

"Of course mother," he said, looking from his mother to her for a moment, "May I ask why you had me come here?"

"To plan your wedding." She heard Loki take a deep breath.

"Mother, I'm sure you two can manage without me," he explained.

"Nonsense, you are the soon to be husband and wife, and it is your wedding." -A servant came and said something quietly to the queen, who nodded- "The king calls me, so I will leave you alone for now." Leila watched her go; Loki began to leave again after a moment.

"Loki," she spoke, and he stopped before turning to her.

"Yes, princess?" he asked. There was so much she wanted to say to him, but she couldn't.

After a moment, she shook her head. "It's not important." He nodded and walked away without another word. She took a deep breath before standing up and leaving as well.

That evening, being her true self, she decided to roam the garden. It would be unwise to go to the library. She went to a secluded part of the garden that she had not seen before. "Midnight walk?" someone asked behind her and she turned; Loki was standing behind her.

"Are you following me?" she asked, frowning. He held up his hands in defense and stepped closer to her.

"I don't"-the two didn't speak for a moment and looked at each other-"But I'm glad I found you."

"Why? There's a wedding to plan, isn't there?" she asked him. She must remain distant, it was too dangerous to keep playing this game between them.

"Ouch..." -he rubbed his chest- "I think I deserve that."

"I should go, Your Majesty," she said, hastily walking past him, but he caught her arm and before she could react, he kissed her passionately and pulled her against him by her waist.

"I don't want this marriage, but I know I want you, Leila," he confessed, looking at her pleadingly as he reached down for her hand.

"Loki, it's too late..." she said, pressing her hand to his chest to get some distance from him.

"We can find a way out of this marriage together" he said, leaning his forehead against hers "We can be together and have a future" She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling for a moment. Leila wanted nothing more than to be with him, but what would happen if he found out the truth? She took a deep breath and stepped away from him; she raised her hands up and stopped him from coming closer.

"But I can't have a future with you," she said, trying not to let her emotions get the best of her. "The time we spent together was beautiful, but it wasn't real." -He opened his mouth to protest, but she shook her head-"You have a duty to your people to fulfill, just as I do to mine." She stepped closer to him and kissed him gently on the lips before stepping back and walking away. Leila walked quickly through the garden before hiding behind a hedge in the dark and putting on the purple amulet. She took a deep breath and stepped out from her hiding place. Leila heard heavy footsteps behind her and turned to Loki. He looked around, probably for her, and her heart ached, but it was the right thing to do to end it, wasn't it? Finally he caught sight of her and she stepped toward him.

"Princess Faye, I see you are taking a walk under the stars," he said politely, but did not stop looking around. "Why aren't you guarded by an Einherjer? It's dangerous out here alone."

"Well your majesty, I don't think I could be safer with you by my side," she replied and Loki nodded in agreement. "Besides, why did I want to go back to my room?"

"Alright, then I will escort you back," he offered and she finally nodded before they walked in silence to the palace. Thor suddenly ran up to them and stopped them.

"Brother, the palace is under attack by a group of Frost Giants," he explained, glancing at Leila; Loki's eyes widened. "You should take the princess to Mother's chambers; she will be safe there." Thor walked away without another word and Loki looked at her.

"Where is your maid, Faye? Is she safe?" he asked hastily.

"Loki-" she began, but was interrupted when she felt a pain in her stomach and she looked down; an ice dagger was stuck there and the fabric of her dress turned blood red. She sank to the floor. Leila could dimly see Loki struggling with the ice giant as she tried to stay conscious. She saw Loki bending over her, his skin completely blue.

"Leila?" he asked, dumbfounded, and his eyes were full of concern; her vision went black....