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Next day Throne Room, 2011
(Pronouns used for Loki: he/him)
Loki stood before the remaining suitors, his gaze calm but his words resolute. "Good morning. Today, I welcome you to the last contest. We’ll begin with the suitors that will be leaving. Hœnir from Nidavellir, Herja, and Sigyn from Asgard."
He wore a simple forest green tunic with a golden belt, black pants, and knee-high boots. His golden circlet rested atop his head—a gift from his mother for his 750th birthday. He took a moment to observe the faces before him.
"Before we proceed with today’s task, I must address something that happened yesterday. I had a lovely dinner with our Lady Sylvie, but unfortunately, her food was poisoned. She fell terribly ill." Loki paused, letting the tension in the room build. "A maid informed me that a certain light elf was seen in the kitchen." His sharp gaze landed on Astrid, whose face reddened with both anger and embarrassment.
"Lady Astrid," Loki continued, his voice cold. "Do you want to know what happens when you cheat? Typically, you would be executed, but I am not so cruel. Instead, I am sending you to your home realm. You will be banished from Asgard until the day you die." With a final, decisive gesture, Loki pointed toward the golden doors.
Astrid clenched her fists and ran from the throne room, screaming in the hallways.
Loki turned back to the remaining suitors. "Well, it seems only the two of you are left." Sylvie and Njal exchanged a glance before turning their attention back to Loki. "Now, let’s move on. Today’s assignment will not be very demanding. Each of you will spend half of the day with me. Lady Sylvie, you will accompany me to one of the villages. Prince Njal, you will spend the afternoon and evening with me for sparring and dinner."
The suitors nodded in agreement.
Loki addressed Sylvie next. "Milady, I expect you outside the castle in half an hour. Wear your riding attire." Sylvie gave a nod and left the room.
Loki stood waiting outside the castle as Sylvie arrived, her riding attire fitting her effortlessly. She wore a cropped beige top with long sleeves, black leggings that showed off her curves, and brown riding boots. The top of her hair was pulled into a bun, keeping it out of her face.
Loki helped her mount the white horse that the servants had prepared before taking his own seat on the back of his coal-black horse. "Let’s go," Loki said, offering a reassuring smile.
The journey to the village was brief, and as they approached the gates, they were met with a warm welcome. The villagers clapped and cheered, and children threw flowers at their feet. The sight filled Loki with a rare sense of pride as he led Sylvie through the gates.
Two servants took the horses, allowing Loki and Sylvie to explore the market.
Loki offered his arm to Sylvie, and she gratefully accepted, hooking her arm through his. As they wandered through the stands, Sylvie’s eyes caught the glint of Asgardian jewelry. One particular piece—a golden necklace adorned with emeralds and diamonds—seemed to captivate her.
"How much for it?" Loki asked the seller.
"600 coins, Sir," the merchant replied.
Loki smiled and handed over 800 coins. "Keep the change," he said, watching as the merchant’s eyes widened in surprise.
With a gentle touch, Loki helped Sylvie fasten the necklace, his fingers brushing against her cool skin as he adjusted the clasp. "Thank you, my Prince. You truly didn’t have to do that," Sylvie said, her voice soft with gratitude.
"It was my pleasure," Loki replied, leaning slightly closer to her face. He pressed a light kiss to her blue cheek, a gesture that spoke volumes of the growing connection between them.
