Servant to the King. 16+

The Coronation Part 1.

You accompanied the young prince down to the banquet hall where the formal announcement would finally be made.
Everyone already knew which Prince would be suited, however, but it was customary for the king to announce it the evening before the coronation.
Loki was to be present for this, of course.
Looking over at him, you admire the ensemble he created for just this occasion!
It was more formal than what he knew normally knew but it was more of a reflection to him.
The respective show stoppers were brought about by the cape he wore.
It was long and draped over his body with ease.
Green and black with gold accents..
His golden crown was had large horns, that of a longhorn, and a kind of assertive gleam.

You only noticed his change of tone when he was with you, however.
With you, he was free to talk, act, and dress he pleased.
Among his peers, however, he was more reserved.
If Odin and Thor were in the same room, he would hardly speak.
To dare, if he did, the king would silence him and he would be ignored.
With you, not a single word went unheard or silenced.
At least not a time you recall.

Loki stood silently in front of a taller balcony upon the limestone ground.
The skylights or what many call the 'Aurora borealis' illuminated the night sky, complementing the slow risen moon in the distance.
You heart sinks when you see it.
Oh, how you wanted to leave this place and retreat to your chariot.
You sigh, turning back to the crowded room.

The space was filled with lively music and laughter as every god of every roll indulged in the banquet.
Some were telling tales of old conquests while others demonstrated magic or tricks to the young ones.
The torches' light danced round causing shadows to flicker on every surface.
A light breeze blew through, cooling those who took part of the dancing.

Of course, in the middle of that mess, Thor raved on and on with princess and goddess of every kind.
He came off as childish yet charming to most, but, again, he was to be king.
As such, he would need to find a Queen.
Honestly, you thought he would be with Sif by now, but..his brother beat him to that.
Reminding yourself of his relationship with her made your stomach churn.
You felt dirty...
Not in a sickly way, but..in angry embarrassing way.

The memory of what had taken place in quarters only hours before..
No.
Your relationship with the prince goes as far as you know.
You are his servant, nothing more.
No matter how many times you assured yourself of that, his words ring in your ears.
Both the words from the afternoon..and your dreams.
"We shall continue this later, Pet."
"My sweet little pet.."
"You serve me alone."
"Mani..."

Your thoughts are quickly (and thankfully) interrupted.

"Hello Loki."

"Sif..I assumed you would be with my brother."

"What?
And challenge the hoard of women stalking him?
Please."

He laughs, taking her hand and bringing it up to his lips.
He kisses it softly.
Your fists clench for a moment but only for a moment!

"Shall I accompany you then?" He asks, gesturing to the dance floor.

"You shall."

The two walk off without so much as an acknowledgement of your presence.
You sigh, hoping now would be your chance to-

"Mani!
Mani!!" Exclaims an excited voice.

You don't have to blink before two little arms reach around and grab you from behind.

"Oh, hello Unn!" You greet, turning to hug her back.

Rán quickly follows and notices her daughter wrapped around your legs.

"Oh, Mani, I am so terribly sorry about her!
I've been trying to teach her it's not okay to run off..!"

"It's fine" you assure.

"Besides," you begin, picking the little one up.
"I needed a dance partner!"

Unn's face lights up as she cheers and points to the dance floor.

Rán sighs.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

You set the tiny goddess down and the two of you walk to the dance floor.
You have to bend down to hold her properly, but it's all worth it in the end.
Rán has nine daughters after all!
With her husband being of little help, she was always delighted to have you and Sol as friends.
Birds of a father flock together as they say!

Meanwhile, the young prince dances peacefully with the goddess.
Her hair bounces with every motion and step they take.
Loki focuses on her for the most part and dances gracefully by her side.
She does the same until she catches a glimpse behind him.
Odin's piercing gaze causes goosebumps to appear on her arms.
His intent was clear.
She was to be the wife of Thor, after all.

Loki pays no kind to her concern as his gaze is fixated elsewhere as well!
He notices a cloaked figure dancing happily in the crowd.
In leather boots he knew all too well indeed.
He stops dancing as she walks away, excusing herself for a moment.
Now alone, he approaches what he assumes to be you.

However, your on the opposite side of the floor.
Unn laughs cheerfully as you spin her around and round!
Loki approaches them, marveling at the display.
He didn't think you could move in such ways.
You never acted so enthusiastic with him, so why cut back now?
In a place he knew you would be greatly uncomfortable??

"Hello?" He asks, tapping their shoulder.

To his surprise, it is not you who greets him.

"Huh- Oh!
Hello your highness!" She says.

"Oh, my apologies.
I thought you were..someone else."

He marvels at this young goddess.
She looks like you.
She talks like you do.
Yet..she's the complete opposite of you?

"Oh, I bet you thought I was Mani, huh?"

He's set back by that question before he realizes who he's talking to!

"Wait, your Sol!
Your-"

"The sister?
Yeah..
And your the 'oh so important' Loki they talk about constantly!" She says, gaining his interest.

"Mani..talks about me?"

"Yeah!
Well, at least your name is never left out of a conversation."

"I see..
Do tell, might I inquire about them?"

She seems unsure at first but eventually gives in and follows Loki to the nearest wine.