The Witch He Loved

Chapter 46

Loki's hand captures mine as we walk casually toward his chambers. 

"I do wish you wouldn't run off to Asgard without me." 

"It could be worse, at least you know where I'm going." I shrug. 

"I suppose that is true. We have a while until we are needed at dinner, what would you like to do?" 

"Actually Lo, I really need to let off some steam. Is there somewhere we could go to train?" 

"Of course, Love." 

He takes me through the palace until we reach the ledge of an arena. There are rectangular stone platforms all scattered around, covered in warriors training. 

"Wow." 

"I wouldn't be too impressed Lady Katherine." I turn my head and find Lady Sif and the three warriors stepping to the ledge with us. "They are graceful and strong but lack the fluidity that women have." 

"Men typically do." I laugh and she grins at me as Loki huffs. 

"Do you require a partner to train with? It would be an honour to see what you can do." 

"Sure." I nod at her and try to follow but Loki's hand tightening on mine stops me. "What is it?" 

"Just be careful, she's more than she looks." He warns me but I give him a grin. 

"As am I. Haven't you learned not to underestimate me yet or do we need another lesson?" I tease him. 

He shakes his head and then lets go of my hand with a smile, I catch up with Sif and she leads me over to an empty spot and draws her sword. 

"What weapon would you prefer?" She asks while waving her hand in the direction of a stand holding swords, poles and maces. 

"That's alright, I've got my own." I raise a hand, summoning my sword into it and getting into a defensive stance. "Rules?" 

She nods and changes stance. "Don't get hit." 

I nod and she lunges, extending her arm her sword comes toward my face but I bat it away with my own and take a step back. She recovers quickly and swipes at me from either side but I block those too. 

She takes a step back as I swipe at her but she manages to catch it. We stand locked together for a moment but a small smile comes to her face. 

"The men are making bets." 

"What are the odds?" 

"The warriors three are most likely betting on me but I would assume Loki to bet on you." 

I push against her sword so we part, both of us bringing our swords across our chests. 

"Let us find out then." I grin at her. 

Our swords clash together as we both strike, she kicks me back and spins her sword around before it changes into a duel blade. My jaw drops and I glance at my sword. 

"Seems a bit unfair." I mutter before taking a hand off the hilt of my sword and summoning a dagger in the other hand, changing my grip on them both so it's easier to block. 

She charges at me again but I'm ready, she tilts the blades to the bottom first but I block it with my sword. The top comes forward and I stop it with my dagger before twisting my arm and hitting her in the face with my elbow. 

She staggers back a step in shock, the sounds of swords clashing around us seems to lessen. 

I don't wait for her and take up the offensive, we aim and block each other over and over until we are covered in a layer of sweat.