Servant to the King. 16+

A Promise

Another day, another report to the Almother.
It had been several cycles since the event with the young prince, and, admittedly, you couldn't stop remembering.
You remember how he looked when he turned to where you hid away.
Smooth black hair curved to his mother's expectation.
Pure pal skin with a lack of impurities.
And those eyes...they icy tint was only matched to the light of the hottest of stars.
They seemed comforting yet indecipherable.
There was much darkness lurking behind those eyes, you thought.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice of the queen.

"Mani!
On time again."

"Never a dull mom-" you pause, realizing that she had been talking to her son and you hadn't noticed!

A wave of fear and embarrassment quickly rushes over you as you realize it was Loki standing next to the queen.
Part of you didn't know if you could handle those eyes...

"M-My sincerest of apologies, my queen!
I hadn't known-"

"It's alright, my dear.
I assure you, you are always welcome in my presence!" She smiled, motioning for you to approach.

You swallowed your anxiety and began to walk towards them.
Part of you didn't know whether you should look at him or not look at him-
Oh gods, was it rude?
You didn't mean to come off-

"The reports?"

"I-oh! Uh, my apologies.
My mind must be elsewhere.." you say, laying the scrolls before her like you had done billions of times before.

But now..you felt odd.
This was odd.
This never happened before, so why would it happen now?
And why were you so damn nervous?!

"How is Sol?"

"Sol?
She's fine, I suppose.
The summer months are always a treat for her!"

"I'm glad!
I suppose she won't mind me doing this then."

"Pardon?" You ask.

She rises from her seat and approaches her son.
You both silently lock eyes for a moment, but quickly realize that your both uncomfortable with the situation.

"On behalf of the court, I've established you, Mani, as Loki's guardian."

Both of you glare at her; shocked in response.

"Mother, I am completely capable of taking care of myself."

"I know that."

"I agree, your highness.
This-"

"Your job is to assist him in anyway fit.
Serve him and protect him from 'certain scenarios'.
I know you both are more than capable of your own, but please...for my sake.
Let us try this?"

You lock eyes once again before turning back to her.
You know that neither of you would've agreed if it weren't for it being Frigga.
On the bright side, you suppose that now no one can throw you out of the palace!
Heh..quite the dismal irony indeed...

Once morning was in full swing, you accompanied Loki down the dimly lit corridors to attend breakfast.
Since the agreement before, neither of you had talked to one another.
Your not sure why.
Maybe the young prince was just shy?
Perhaps it was simply the stricken fear you felt around anyone..
Eventually, however, you manage to overcome that fear.

"I'm..I'm Mani."

You say it in such a way that your voice nearly cracks.
He looks at you briefly before turning back to the floor.

"Um, Loki.
I suppose you..already knew that though."

"I did but it's nice to finally be able to meet you!" You assure him.