My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 19

"Whoa, would you look at all the food? You Asgardian really know how to go all out, don't you? What do you fancy then?" Dewitt asked me with enthusiasm. He did have members in the royal family- he himself was royalty. He outranked everyone else here but the Odinsons. And yet he acted so casual, so at home. He clearly had experience with the ladies, and it wasn't hard to see why they might find him attractive in return. Since the moment he arrived, the prince had been getting looks and side-eyes from women all around the room. even the married ones. I guess the only one who wasn't ogling Dewitt was me. My heart didn't pound when this objectively gorgeous man smiled my way. And I bet that's because someone who shall not be named was very close behind us. Talk about the most awkward setup in history.
"I just want to go home," I thought to myself. I kept looking around the room, hoping someone could sense my discomfort. That's when a frantic Sophia came racing up to me; she was not grinning. I flinched surprised when she suddenly grabbed hold of my arm. This was a surprise since she wasn't really my friend; she hung out with Sage, only saying hello to me when she came to the house to visit my sister. She never approached me out of the blue like this, and Sage was nowhere to be seen. Her fingers squeezed my skin nervously.
"Willow, I have to talk to you!" She said in a near whisper, alarming me a little. The tone of her voice just then... I could tell something was off. Still, she was Lady Fjord's daughter and my sister's friend, so I elected to be polite and go with her.
"Um, excuse me, Your Highness," I turned to Dewitt beside me. He held up his hand in that nonchalant manner of his.
"My lady, Please, call me Declan."
"I don't know you well enough to call you by your name, your grace" I gasped scandalized. I could never call him by his name. It was weird. But he merely shook his head, shutting his eyes.
"We're not in Muspulhiem. You can call me whatever you want. I won't tell my Father," he added with a wink. I watched his expression for a moment, contemplating to myself. He's so personal with me. He's so at peace around me. Perhaps I should make an effort to do the same, so as not to make him feel weird.
"I'll be right back. Thor, would you please keep his grace company," I then gazed over at my best friend, who was standing beside an upset-looking Loki. Thor flinched a little. I put my hands together and begged him without speaking a word. Thor then groaned and came over to Dewitt's other side.
"Of course! You can tell me all about Muspulhiem." Thor strained. I owe him a drink.
"I would be delighted too," they took off and I let the worried Sophia drag me off to a corner of the room. She quickly looked around to ensure no one was listening- or at least that's what I think she was doing.

After glancing around, she leaned in close to me.
"Sorry for all the secrecy; I just don't want to cause a scene."
"Is something wrong? Is it Sage?" I asked, worried. Sophia wasn't one to cause drama. Sophia is Sage's best friend, They have been for roughly 100 years.
"Tis nothing like that. I just wanted to tell you to be careful."
"With the prince?!" I blinked utterly shocked. I suppose she would know more about his past, being his cousin and all. Her head spun back to me, only to shake rapidly.
"No, not him! Listen, he's here; I heard from my friend that he got in somehow."
"Who?" Her mouth opened to answer but before she could a familiar voice interjected into our conversation.
"Sophia! What are you doing? I told you to fetch me a plate!" Both our eyes shot over to Lady Fjord's direction. Sophia shifted her stance awkwardly.
"Coming Mother!" Then she leaned back very near me so she could whisper "Willow, please be careful," these were her last words. I could only watch her go off wide-eyed. Who could she mean? I didn't know anyone else, did I? Could she perhaps mean Loki? Did Sage tell her about us and she wanted to warn me that he's here? But that doesn't make any sense; for one, I already know he's here. It can't be Loki, and if it's not Dewitt, then who could?

My attention was slowly drawn back to Thor and Dewitt. They were over at the buffet table, getting themselves a plate of food and actually looking like they were having a good time together. Thor was smiling a lot more now and laughing along with the prince. (But I knew it to be fake. Thor had a rather large tankard of ale in his hand) Even so, seeing such a sight made me smile inside. It always warmed my heart to see my best friend happy; he looks so much like his Father when his face glows like that. It's the same kind of face he makes when he's around Loki. My lips opened a tad. There was the name that my heart ached for.

In no rush whatsoever to see the Prince again, I checked around where the two previously mentioned men were standing. A little sigh of relief left my lips when Loki was nowhere to be seen. I felt much more comfortable going to join Thor and the prince knowing that Loki wasn't with them. I took a few steps forward, only for my feet to freeze at the sound of a very familiar, precious voice forthcoming suddenly from me.
"Lady Featherwine." I winced my eyes shut. I know that voice. I could pinpoint it anywhere from in a room. And it's a voice I didn't want to hear again.
"Lord Odinson, Is there something you want?" I initially wanted to demand what he wanted with me, what he could possibly want from me now of all times but refrained from displaying such anger. Still, I didn't turn around to face him or even look at him from over my shoulder.
"Just what do you think you are doing?" He asked in that smug tone of his; I could imagine his hands clasped behind his back right now. I growled a little internally. Where does he get the nerve?! But I was determined not to give him any emotional reaction. I took a deep breath in. I wasn't going to break down in front of him.
"I beg your pardon, your grace? I'm afraid that I don't know what you mean,"
"You know perfectly well what I mean," I heard Loki's shoe take a step towards me. I shut my eyes.
"I assure you, I do not."
"Prince Dimwit. What are you doing conversing with the likes of him?" Likes of him? My hands balled into fists.
"What do you mean the likes of him?"
"What are you doing conversing with the Prince of Muspulhiem?" Loki moved closer to me. I could always smell him.
"His Grace has been nothing but kind to me so far," I hissed, growing more irritated by the minute.
"So far being the keywords. He's acting way too informal with you."
"I'll be the one to decide that, your grace," my voice rose a little. It's not his job to look out for me anymore.
"Come on, you must see it. He's obviously experienced with the ladies," Loki struggled with that latter half of his sentence.
"You mean womanizer?" Just to spite him, I spat this out, still refusing to look his way. I'm sure Loki squirmed a little at this. When he failed to reply to this, I held my head up high.
"Even so, it makes no difference to me. I'm not looking at him as husband-material if that's what you're thinking. we are friends,"
"I think he has more than friendship in mind," Loki muttered under his breath. This angered me. My fists clenched even tighter. For the first time since he popped up seemingly out of nowhere, my head darted around so to face him. Our eyes locked; each of us was clearly upset.
"How dare you?! You don't even know him! And you should know I would never go near him," But the longer we looked at one another, the harder it became. This weird, sad, sinking feeling started to swell inside my chest again. I saw Loki frowning and instantly remembered how much I wanted to make him smile before. How insanely happy it made me whenever he smiled. It wasn't that long ago I embraced these emotions wholeheartedly and now they were just painful. My mouth opened, closed again, then reopened "I can take care of myself, Lok- I mean your grace."
"I don't trust him, and you shouldn't be so quick to either."
"That's not up to you. And since when did you care?"
"Excuse me?" He repeated, blinking at me incredulously. But I stood firm.
"I said why do you even care? You made it perfectly clear the other day that you want nothing to do with me. Why should you concern yourself with who I talk to? It's not your job to look out for me. It never was or will be your job," He couldn't have gawked at me with bigger eyes.
"You don't believe that," he gasped.
"Why shouldn't I? You're the one who decided we shouldn't be friends; you chose that. You made the decision for both of us! You didn't ask my opinion on the matter. I appreciate your concern for me. though I can't imagine why you would be concerned but you don't need to."
"You think it's that easy? I told you before, it doesn't work like that!" He yelled back.
"Then find the off-switch because I'm done! If you truly cared for me, you wouldn't have hurt me so badly."
"I didn't want to hurt you!" Loki hollered back. This enraged me.
"Well, you did! These last few days, I've spent way too many hours crying over what you said. And now, I plan on doing what you told me to do. To forget about you. Do not talk to me again!" I snap. I spin on my heel to walk away but Loki moves in front of me.
"No, We are going to talk about this. Just because we're not friends anymore doesn't mean I don't care! It doesn't mean that I don't-" He paused mid-sentence. I blinked at him, waiting for him to continue.
"You don't what?" His eyes tore away from mine at this point "You had your chance, your grace. We're done here." I frowned, completely unimpressed.
"No, we're not. I'm not finished with you yet," Loki retorted distressed.
"Well, I am certainly done with you,"
"Willow, Would you just listen to me?!"
"Why should I?! The last time I listened to you, my heart got ripped into tiny shreds, and I'm still picking up the pieces! What makes you think I'm in a hurry to go through that again?"
"I did it for you!" Loki waved his hand at me. My eyes lowered onto him in pure rage.
"Somehow, I sincerely doubt that. At that moment, you got scared because you felt something and you couldn't explain it. So you did the only thing you are good at, You pushed me away. And if you truly care like you say you do, you would never have built me that high just to let me fall so low." I spun on my heel and walked away. Loki called my name but never followed me.

I marched back over to our table. But something made me stop on the way back. Curiously, for some strange reason, I suddenly felt better. And I don't think it's because I told him off either. I think it's actually cause I got to see him and hear the sound of his voice again. Even when I'm furious at him and all heartbroken like I am, It still brings me so much joy simply to be near him. It's like I got it all off my chest and could finally breathe again. Breathe and enjoy being in his presence.

As I glanced over to our table, I noticed that no one had taken their seats yet as they were still getting food. I easily identified Loki's chair by his coat draped over the back. My lips parted slightly as I realized that I didn't need to force myself to stop loving him. I could still love him even from a distance until the fire in my heart fades away, whenever that may be. However, this doesn't mean I have to be unhappy. I can still love Loki and take care of myself at the same time. I have my friends and family whom I love dearly, just like how I still love my Father even though they are no longer with me. I placed my hand on my chest, accepting the fact that Loki may never return to me, but it doesn't mean I have to stop loving or caring for him. I am entitled to love whoever I choose, whether they are near or far.

Feeling all the better and honestly lighter, I went to fetch myself my own plate of food. On the way back I ran into Dewitt; Thor had returned to talk to Loki. Dewitt smiled at me and I smiled back, not feeling so shy and unsure around him anymore. He walked up to where I was standing.
"There you are. I was wondering where you ran off to."
"Sorry. I didn't mean to leave you along with Thor for so long." He shrugged.
"Not at all; he's good company. Glad that I'll be joining you guys." I grinned but didn't say anything. Dewitt led me back to our table, to which we were the first ones back. The prince set down his plate and pulled out my chair for me. I looked at him while sitting down; the suspicion in my gut was starting to grow. Dewitt sat down beside me and glanced my way almost immediately. Our eyes locked for a second. Just the way he always looked at me. like he was trying to figure me out. My eyes sharpened slightly; my arms rested on the table.
"Ok, what are you up to?"
"I beg your pardon?" Dewitt tilted his head at me.
"I don't mean to be rude, but you've been very forward with me since we met,"
"Meaning?" His eyebrow raised. He wasn't frowning, but instead smirking, like he was actually enjoying this interrogation. Like he found it amusing of all things. My eyes lowered onto him in a serious fashion.
"You know what I mean." Dewitt chuckled to himself, turning his head forward while he reached for his glass of water.
"You're smarter than I thought." He smiled as he sipped his water "There's no fooling you, I see. Heh, you're right: I do want something."
"Money?" I huffed. Dewitt chuckled again, leaning his head in closer to mine.
"I'm the First prince of Muspulhiem, I have plenty of my own money. No, what I have in mind is much more intimate, if you catch my drift." Our eyes locked once more. My mouth opened a sliver.
"Well I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm already in love with someone else." But Dewitt simply grinned at this.
"Oh I love competition, and I'm a patient man. I can wait." He jumped in his seat, clapping his hands like a happy seal. Okay, now I feel sick. I think Loki may have been right.
"But why me? You barely even know me,"
"I can tell with people; it's a gift. I don't need all the details; one look at you and I know you. Let's just say I'm bored, and I think you'll be a fun distraction while I'm here, Lady Featherwine." I smiled. The cheek was more amusing than intimidating now. It's clear to me that he's only interested in me cause I'm not interested in him.
"Whatever you say, your majesty."
"You'll see, sweetheart. You'll come around; they always do." Dewitt winked at me.
"You are experienced, aren't you?" I asked. Prince Demitt merely responded with a light-hearted laugh.
"And I thought you said you were shy."
"I never said that. You were the one who said that." I only blushed when his fingers reached up to brush some hairs off my cheek.
"I did, didn't I? You're right; I have my reasons for talking to you. there's something I want. And I have a feeling you're going to give it to me." My mouth opened to respond but by then, the rest of my family arrived at the table; Loki was also among them. Thor smiled at us, Loki looked more unimpressed than ever, and the rest of my siblings were more than a little confused. Oak, rather rudely, pointed to Dewitt.
"Who's this man with flame ball mouth?" He frowned.
"He's Prince Dewitt of Muspulhiem," Thor answered, taking a seat on my other side.
"Did you say, prince?!" Heath gasped.
"Yes. He'll be joining us for brunch," our eldest brother replied. Oak huffed and went and sat by Loki, frowning at Dewitt. Loki patted my brother on the shoulder.
"I think I can sense a triangle coming," Sage uttered under her breath. I glared at her. I knew what she was worried about, but there was no risk of me marrying Dewitt. Not when I'm still in love with Loki.

Loki sat opposite me from across the table. It was the exact opposite setup to our first dinner together. We glanced at one another, then instantly turned our attention to our plates. Everyone sat down, there was an announcement at the front of the dining hall, and then everyone was permitted to start eating after Queen Frigga took her first bite. No one at our table said anything right away, just quietly nibbling on our own meals and gazing at each other occasionally. It was Heath who elected to break the increasingly uncomfortable silence.
"So, anyone gonna tell us why there's another prince, the walking glow stick of Muspulhiem, sitting at our table?"
"Heath Featherwine!" Thor was not happy with his blatancy.
"What?! We're supposed to ignore the fact that a foreign royal is sitting with us beside our sister?" He pointed at Dewitt with his fork. I rolled my eyes.
"Honestly, Heath!"
"Well that's one way to move to Asgard permanently," he shrugged. Thor, Loki, and I all glared at him fuming.
"It's not like that! His Majesty and I just happened to meet outside the palace," I shook my head.
"It's true. I got lost," Dewitt smiled. I think I heard Loki mutter the word Dimwitt.
"Uh-huh, yeah, sure. I'm sure Lady Boylen will see it that way," Heath countered, ignoring the Prince. Dewitt blinked confused.
"That gossip? You follow that dude?"
"No. But Sage here does and will not shut up about what she posts,"
"It really is a guy?!" I gasped shocked. I mean, I thought it was a man but hearing confirmation of it was alarming, especially considering the stuff he rights. Dewitt seemed a bit taken aback by this; his eyes widening a little.
"Oh, that's right. You don't know who it is. Forget I said anything."
"You really know who it is?" Cassia leaned in closer excitedly. Thor shook his head, sighing.
"Alright, enough of this. Tell us more about you, your grace. Your aunt said you're staying here for a while?" Our brother then asked the prince. He wiped his mouth with his napkin.
"That's right. I'm currently getting my PhD in mathematics at the University of Muspulhiem and as I had built up enough credits, I wanted to spend a few months away so transferred here so I can spend some time with my human side of the family. I'll be leaving at the end of summer." I nearly choked on the strawberry I was currently chewing. Everyone looked at me almost coughing up a lung on the table. Thor, Alder, and Loki were particularly worried.
"Hey, Willow, you ok?" Alder asked as he gave me a drink of water. I nodded. But the moment I could breathe again, my headshot over in Dewitt's direction; eyes gigantic.
"You go to the University of Muspulhiem?!" After a second, he smiled at me.
"This impresses you?" Realizing what I'd just done, my cheeks blushed as I tore my gaze back down to the plate in front of me. Dewitt laughed "What are you studying?"
"I am studying for my doctorate in clinical psychology." I shyly replied, still not looking at him. How could I? He's a prince and he's studying mathematics. Of course, I was going to feel intimidated all over again; He had the freedom to study while I was stuck going to parties. Dewitt relaxed his posture in his chair a little. He grinned my way, intertwingling his fingers on his lap.
"That's interesting."
"Is it?" Heath muttered under his breath, which we all ignored. Apart from Sage, She kicked our brother under the table.
"Who's your supervisor," the prince proceeded to ask me. I squirmed a tiny bit in my seat awkwardly.
"Dr Nior,"
"Dr Nior?!" He sounded surprised "That bag of bones is still alive?"
"You know of him?" This made my head spin a tiny bit toward him.
"I've had a few moments in my education where we had to visit Midgard. I met him last year when he was teaching at the University in New York," So he didn't go to mine, thank the gods "I've read a couple of his articles; he's very good. Have you been contacted by any schools about PhD yet?"
"No, not yet. I don't know if any will" My eyes lowered slightly. He smiled warmly at me.
"They will." As he said this, our eyes met again. I had realized what I was doing just then; not until Sage pointed it out.
"You're blushing, Willow." Suddenly all embarrassed, my hands flew up to my face. Dewitt laughed; Loki did not. Thor's eyes drifted between the prince and me, once again in that thoughtful manner of his. You can hear the wheels spin in his head. This was confirmed when he stood up and urged everyone else to do the same.
"Come on, you guys. Let's go get some dessert," he meant everyone but me and Dewitt, of course. I was about to decline until my phone started vibrating in my pocket. I usually left it at home during functions like this, but ever since I applied to the university, I'd kept it on my person. On vibration mode at all times. I discreetly checked the screen, only for my heart to leap at the sight of Dr Clark's name. Everyone watched me practically lung out of my chair, clenching my phone in my right hand.
"Excuse me for a minute!" Not waiting for any of them to reply, I ran out into the hall where there was no one around before clicking answer. All of this took place in the span of thirty seconds, give or take.

"Dr. Clark! Hello! How are you?" I panted.
"Good! You alright, dear? You sound out of breath." Dr Clark asked, worried. She knew about my condition.
"Yes, I'm fine! I'm fine. Just having a meal with my family."
"Ah, all good then. Sorry for calling you on a Sunday."
"Oh no! No trouble at all!" I was just so happy to hear from her again. She took an audible breath.
"Well, I'm just calling to let you know that the University of Asgard emailed me asking for a reference." My jaw began to drop.
"They did?"
"They look like they're really considering your application." Oh my god. Oh my god! "You should hear about an interview within the next week. assuming they schedule you for one." There were no words right now. It was like becoming lighter than air in the blink of an eye; like the door to my future slowly cracking open in front of my eyes "Don't worry, Willow. We'll go over all that interview stuff if and when the time comes. You have nothing to be afraid of."
"I'm not afraid. I just can't believe it." It could really be a reality for me. Like really! She chuckled on her end of the line. I am so close to getting my PhD.
"Alright, I just wanted to let you know. Keep me up-to-date,"
"I will! Thank you, Dr Clark; thank you so much! I can't tell you how much this means to me!" I said with glee.
"You're welcome. If anyone deserves the position, it's you."
"Oh, I don't know about that," I whispered. I didn't think I was good enough.
"I do. Now go finish your meal,"
"I will. Thank you again,"
"Alright then. Talk to you soon."
"Talk to you soon! Have a good day!" I hung up the phone.

I stood there stiff as a statue. Both my hands held onto my phone for what felt like dear life. My head was tilted upwards so I was staring at the bend between the wall and the ceiling. I forgot to breathe for a hot minute. A joyous exhale left my entire body. PhD may be a reality for me. My dream may come true, after all. And then this glorious smile spread across my face. All I knew was that I might have a future, and it's one I actually really want! Oh god, there are no words to describe how much I wanted this.

Forgetting about practically everything else in my life, I re-entered the dining hall with a spring in my step. I was beaming ear-to-ear. By the time I reached the table again, everyone was back at the buffet and mingling with the other guests. I paused by my chair to put my phone into my spring jacket. This smile I was wearing just wouldn't leave my face. I was so happy and couldn't imagine anything here in England which would entice me to stay if I got the offer.

Or that was until I looked forward, only to see a glass of water resting beside my plate on the table. Huh, where'd that come from? It wasn't there when I left the room. I immediately froze, keeping my eyes glued to the fresh glass of water. My lips opened a tad again; I reached over to pick it up, not taking a drink from the cup. Only then did my grin begin to fade. My fingers clenched the glass in my hand.
"Now, how do I tell Thor about my phone call with Dr Clark?"