DESIDERIUM

The Beginning of the End

You and Loki had been the closest friends since childhood. Both sharing the enjoyment of stories and magic between you. Together sharing in the sweetness of a first kiss, then becoming first time lovers when you came of age. He was everything to you. The center of your universe, and you his, or so you thought. You had told him how much you cared for him, many times, yet neither ever confessed the words of love. You truly, wholeheartedly, loved him, yet were terrified of uttering the words to his face. Knowing once those three words were said, there would be no turning back. He was a prince, and you just a lowly nobleman's daughter. Nothing could ever truly come of a union between you. He was to be with royalty, a marriage of duty was his destiny, not one of heart. Loki had confessed it to you late one night, after an argument with his father. Your heart broken as you laid in his embrace, willing to not let the tears of your shattered feelings show. You knew this to be true in your mind, yet your heart completely disagreed.

Loki had been away with Thor for 2 months on Vanaheim, aiding them in battle and preventing a hostile takeover of their realm from Svartalfheim. He had written to you weekly when he first left, which had quickly dwindled down to nothing after a few weeks. It worried you immensely at first, even asking the Queen if something was amiss. She assured you that they were fine, just quite busy. You finally received a letter just yesterday from him. Short and sweet, apologizing for not writing and that he was ready to be home again. He was excited to see you and that he had someone he wanted you to meet. Your heart pounds and sweat beaded on your forehead at the last sentence. Someone he wanted you to meet? You pray to the Norns, for your heart, hoping it's not what you think.

Bright and early the following morning you rush through your morning routine, wanting to be ready for when they all arrive back to the palace. You wore your finest silk green gown, one you knew was a favorite of Loki's and pulled your hair up in braids, knowing how much he loved pulling them down, seeing your hair curl from them. You smiled at your reflection as the maids finished your light makeup. You wanted to look your best for his homecoming. Just as you move from your mirror, the trumpets sound the princes arrival from the Bifrost. Everyone rushes all at once to the front gates, awaiting a glimpse of the returning warriors and the beloved princes of Asgard.

You move up on some higher steps to catch a glimpse of them as they stride towards the palace on their horses. You spot Thor first out in front, his golden hair shining brightly in the morning light. He has the biggest smile on his face as he waves to his subjects and fellow nobles, stopping in front of the steps as you can see Queen Frigga, and King Odin walk down to greet him home. Your eyes quickly dart to the huge black stallion, as you take in his rider. There was Loki, a shockingly huge smile gracing his face as he waves to everyone, just as Thor had. Making his way to the steps as well, he dismounts and your heart stops. Hidden behind him was the Princess Bergdis of Vanaheim. Her long, dark brown hair lightly blows in the morning breeze, she smiles down at Loki as he assists her down.

Loki NEVER let just anyone ride with him. You were the only one he ever let astride his horse with him. Maybe they didn't send enough to accommodate the princess as well? All the air leaves your body at once, when he loops her arm with his and places a small kiss to her temple as she hides her blushing face into his neck. They move before the King and Queen as Loki greets his parents, and you can see him motioning introductions of the princess. Feeling like your entire world has been ripped from under you, quickly dashing back into the palace not caring if anyone sees you. All you could think was to get back to your rooms before you let the tear in your soul rip further open.

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Loki had searched the crowd for your face as he guided his horse towards the palace gates. He was so happy to be home again, and even more so to see his dearest friend. The trip to Vanaheim was grueling, and bothersome. Loki hated being a mediator between warring realms. The only respite he had found these tedious past two months was in meeting Princess Bergdis. They had met in passing several times before but had never really held a conversation outside royal pleasantries. When he ran into her in the Vanaheim library late one night, he was surprised. She was curled up on a sofa seat in a corner fast asleep with a book laid across her chest. She was the sweetest sight he had seen in sometime. A welcome one at that, after spending the day arranging travel for Asgard's lost soldiers from a squirmish days before.