My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 20

I hadn't noticed I was singing to myself very quietly in front of the mirror. Sage, Cassia, and I had all taken a trip to the bathroom together, leaving the rest of our family back in the dining hall with Dewitt and Loki. Sage had just finished washing her hands when she side-eyed me. She cleared her throat and turned off the water tap.
"You're in an awfully good mood for someone who's just run into her ex-friend/crush since breaking up."
"Am I? I didn't notice," My attention stayed fixed on my reflection in the mirror. Sage's eyes narrowed on me suspiciously while Cassia made her way over to my side. She was rather close, leaning in a bit, grinning from ear to ear.
"So, what's the deal with you and the prince?" Cassia asked, leaning on the sink.
"Which Prince?" Finally pulling my stare away from my dreams on the horizon, I blinked at my sister. She leaned in a bit closer to me.
"Prince Dewitt, of course. You've been all over each other since you arrived together."
"We have not! We met each other outside the palace; he was lost and I helped him out. That's it."
"So then why does he keep looking at you, smiling at you, and sighing?" Her head tilted sideways a little. I looked at her.
"Because he wants something from me, and I'm sure that whatever it is, it's not honourable."
"How do you know he wants something?" Sage ventured to inquire.
"Because he told me so," I replied, glancing at her next.
"He said that?" Sage's eyes widened a little. I nodded and she appeared to be considering something Cassia meanwhile tugged on the hem of my shirt.
"Oh come on, Willow. See the trees through the forest!"
"Forest through the trees," Sage gently corrected her.
"shush sister! Don't you see? This is perfect; this couldn't be more perfect! He's a prince. you're not going to do better than that." He might be a prince but he isn't the prince I want.
"Better at what?" My eyebrow raised, though I could already sense where she was going with this.
"Status, duh! That's the whole reason you're supposed to get married. Don't you see it, sis? Marry Dewitt!"
"We barely know each other," I rolled my eyes.
"So? You'll have plenty of time to know one another on your honeymoon." Cassia made kissing sounds. I wanted to be sick. I sent my younger sister a completely unimpressed look; my lips curling to frown.
"You know I can't do that. I'm already in love with someone else. My heart couldn't possibly be so disloyal,"
"Aren't you the one who's said your whole life that love and marriage have nothing to do with each other?" This made me stop and think. I have always said that, haven't I? It's what I was told all my life. Sensing my resolve starting to shake, Cassia seized her chance. Her back straightened up a little "You never expected to love the man you're going to marry. Sure, you love Loki, but that shouldn't affect anything. You're not getting married for love; you're getting married for status, wealth, and power."
"But I don't want any of those things," I swiftly countered. Sage stared at me.
"But you do want a PhD, don't you?" The moment she said this, it felt like the whole world around me pulsed. I turned back to face my reflection in the mirror.
"Yes, I do want that," I really do. And for the first time in my life, since I started my academic journey, I seriously considered the reality of the situation. The reality I was living in, and the conditions I was under. My hand resting on the counter balled into a fist.
"Here's a reality check for you, Willow. It may not feel like it, but you got everything. You got father's love and his money. he gave it all to you. All he asked in return was that you marry well. Now I know you're not a fan of the situation, no one is but it is your situation. There's nothing you can do about it. The only thing that can save you from this, is if you don't want to go for your PhD." I hesitated, lowering my eyes a little.
"But I really don't want to get married. Everything I am, everything I have will be his. The only thing he can't take from me is my education; that'll stay mine forever."
"But you will get a PhD. That's all you want, isn't it?" Her asking me this made me look back at her, My face was softer now, more receptive. Both our eyes met yet again "Let him have it all; you'll still get what you want in the end."
"Sage..." My lips parted a sliver.
"If you seriously considering going to get a PhD, then you have to make a decision and fast. I still don't see why you won't ask Loki to marry you."
"I told you before- he doesn't want to get re-married."
"Maybe that's because no one's ever asked him," Cassia shrugged. I shook my head.
"Sis, don't forget he was married to that Sigyn girl. Maybe he vowed to never remarry because it's too painful to let her go," Sage repeated what information she was told beforehand.
"No, he said he didn't love her, only that he cared for her. The point is, He's made some vow and is determined to keep it. I can't ask him to break it for my sake."
"Why not?"
"Because I've grown to love him too much. too much to ask him to do anything he doesn't want to do. That wouldn't be real love if I did something so selfish." Both my sisters stared back at me.
"So you're willing to let your dream slip through your fingers because you love him too much?"
"Love doesn't have anything to do with this. Marriage was never about love for me" My eyes lowered a tad. People like me don't fall in love.
"What about your PhD?" Cassia asked.
"I'm not going to use Loki for that or anything else," I quick-fired back.
"Oh, but you're willing to use another man you don't love to get into PhD?" Sage planted her hand on her hip.
"What other choice do I have? I'm not going to do anything that'll hurt Loki; not now or ever."
"But marrying Dewitt will hurt him," Cassia pointed out.
"Then that leaves me in a bit of a bind when it comes to marriage. I don't know anyone else I could marry," I said this last part while gazing thoughtfully out the window.
"Then marry Prince Dewitt," Cassia spoke. I blinked over to the youngest Featherwine in the room. Her expression was entirely serious.
"Marry the prince. You just said marrying him will hurt Loki," This was the first time I didn't automatically shoot down the idea, mostly because of pure shock. Her shoulders shrugged again.
"He doesn't want to be with you. So you need to hurt him back by showing him you have other options,"
"Willow, if all you're after is a husband so you can get into a PhD programme, why not? You already said you don't expect to fall in love with your future husband and he's clearly got a thing for you."
"Yeah but I don't think that thing has anything to do with marriage," I rebutted.
"Maybe it will in time, once he gets to know you," she pushed. Sage thought about this to herself, then re-joined the conversation.
"She's got a point, Willow."
"Please don't add to this" My eyes rolled a second time.
"What? You'll both get what you want; it's a win-win. Since you staunchly refuse to ask the man you do love, then you'll just settle for someone you can tolerate," Sage responded.
"And do what? Spend my entire marriage wishing he was Loki?" I spat. She shook her head, somewhat severely.
"Yes. And when you are many years into your marriage to whoever isn't Loki, you will realise that we were right and that you should have listened to us." Cassia crossed her arms.
"Willow, Marriage was never a goal for you; it's a means to an end. If you're seriously going to remove love from the equation, It's about time you start treating it that way" My eyes lowered a tad. Marriage as a means to an end. I guess subconsciously I've always thought of it that way but hearing it out loud. It just makes it so much more real. My mouth opened on its own, taking its time to say anything aloud.
"I don't love the Dewitt,"
"Of course, you don't; you literally just met today. But in time you'll grow to be fond of each other; you and whoever your husband is. That's the best you can hope for in your position- fondness," Sage took a step my way. I looked at her.
"I guess I'll have to settle for that," I don't want to settle for that.
"If you want a PhD, you will."
"Yeah..." I sighed. Cassia's hands waved around in front of her frantically.
"Wait, wait; are you really considering Prince Dewitt?"
"I don't know," I mumbled. Sage huffed, giving her head a shake while looking down at the floor.
"You gotta decide sooner rather than later. do you want to keep your freedom or your future? Cause you can't have both,"
"The prince doesn't seem so bad. I bet he won't try to control you," Cassia added optimistically. I glanced down at her, then back over at Sage. My mind was racing at the moment. It wouldn't be if Dr Clark hadn't just called me and yet, I'm so thankful she did. I already knew what I want. And the more I talked with them, the clearer that path got for me.
"I want my future." I sighed, heavily. Sage gave a single nod.
"Then you already know what to do. You don't need to get the prince to fall in love with you; you just need him to say yes,"
"But what about Loki?"
"What about him?" She retorted coldly.
"I still..." My hand rose up to my chest. Sage took my hand off my chest and held it in her hand.
"He let you go, Willow; not the other way around. Perhaps it is time to be selfish and take care of yourself for once." Taking her words to heart, I gazed at the bathroom door. Cassia and Sage looked at each other in understanding. I took one step forward and immediately hesitated. Of course, I hesitated. My head was swimming, it was so confused.
"If I get married, I'm going to lose everything but my PhD. My freedom, my money, my name." Sage put her hand on my shoulder, touching me for the first time since I returned to Midgard. This certainly caught my attention as I looked back at her.
"You'll get a new name... his last name. But at least it'll have Dr Willow blah blah in front of it." Dr Willow Dewitt had an okay ring to it but I would have preferred to be called Dr Willow Featherwine.

By the time the three of us got back to the dining room, brunch was over and everyone was mingling about. Our siblings, Thor, Loki, or the prince were nowhere to be seen; they must be elsewhere in the palace. I excused myself from my sisters and began wandering down the halls alone in search of Prince Dewitt.

Now, I honestly had no idea what my plan was. Should I be honest and simply tell him the truth? No, I can't do that. I barely know the man. But then again, he does know that my heart already belongs to someone else and he doesn't seem too bothered by that. Maybe I should be a little forthcoming. The worst he could do is say no, (Though that was the best thing that could ever happen) in which case I haven't really lost anything. I nibbled my lower lips in contemplation, turning a corner to a long stretch of barren hallway.

But do I want to marry Prince Dewitt? He lives in Muspulhiem and he shares Surtur's bloodline. Asgard's enemy. So now I wonder if Odin has sorted this out so I can be used as a pawn in his stupid games. I hope not. I would hate to tangle him up in my vines. Anyway, back to the matter at hand, Dewitt. The Prince is going to school over in Muspulhiem so he probably wouldn't have any problem with me doing to PhD in my home. Even if I didn't get into Asgard's main uni, I could apply to North Asgard. The options are literally endless, and I would be very happy at any school.

But what about after I get my PhD? I might have at least 8 years but that does depend if I finish my degree early. If I do end up marrying Dewitt then I might just have to drag out my degree for as long as I can. I guess I will have to move to Muspulhiem with my new husband but only if that's where he'd want to settle down. After all, He is a member of Muspulhiem royalty, which means I'd be back in the line light again; something I desperately tried to escape when I moved to Midgard. I hate being the centre of attention and in everyone's business, but I suppose being a princess means that's just a fact of life. But there is also the fact that I can't give him an heir. One of his siblings or their children will inherit our titles and estates when we die. Would the prince be ok with that? What would his family say? There's just so much to think about! I let out a frustrated sigh. I shouldn't be concerned with all this right now! My PhD should be my top priority. There's no harm in at least talking to Prince Dewitt; not now that I might get a call to set up an interview this or next week from the University of Asgard. Sage is right; it's time I start getting serious about my future since I can already start to see it dawn on the horizon.

I rounded another corner and it was like a pulse suddenly radiating through my body. I looked over my shoulder, Something was wrong. My speed slowed down as my hand lifted to rest against the wall. I knew this feeling. That feeling, that horrific sensation permeated every inch of me. It was like someone was following me. I couldn't see anyone, but I knew someone I was unable to see could see me, and they weren't watching me with friendly eyes. Their intent was full of malice. My heart suddenly raced a mile a minute and my basic survival instinct took over. my legs picked up the pace, moving faster and faster away from where the threat was emanating. I flung my hands behind me and made a wall of vines appear. That should buy me some time.

My breathing was getting heavier as I practically ran around another corner. This one led into this really long, narrow hall with windows lining one side and closed double doors on the other. I didn't know nor care who it was; all I knew was that whoever it was was close behind me, keeping just enough distance so to stay out of sight. This surge of panic started to fill me; the same panic I suffered that night when Lord Farquad cornered me in the garden. Instinct took over again and my brain decided that the best course of action was to find a room to hide in, preferably with a lockable door. Luckily for me, there was one door open near the middle of the hallway. Only one of the double doors was opened, not that I cared. I dashed over to it, ready to bolt inside, until I finally reached the door. With a gasp, I gazed into the interior.

It looked like a room full of paintings, with a few fancy benches in the centre so one could sit down to admire the artwork. It is a rather large room with countless different-sized paintings hung all around the walls. But it was who was at the other end of the room that shocked me the most. Loki was presently standing in front of the unlit fireplace, staring up at a dark painting of a tree and landscape. He seemed very taken by it, judging by how still he stood with his hands clasped behind his back as per usual. He must not have heard me running down the hall just now, since he did not react or even seem to notice my arrival. I looked at Loki, and all prior fear vanished without a trace. I was completely unafraid now, immediately transfixed on him, or should I say his expression.

My head leaned against the dark wood of the door; this unconscious smile blossomed across my lips. God, look at him. Look at him! Of all the works of art in this room, he is by far the loveliest. I could watch him like this forever and never grow bored. How could I, when there's so much about him to admire? I never thought about it before but there was so much I did admire about the Prince. His generosity, his problem-solving skills, the way he makes me laugh without effort, his honesty and how he always took such good care of me. My lips parted a sliver, but I dare not make a sound. My eyes softened on their own accord.

It's truly amazing how one person can bring so much happiness into another's life, and it sounds corny but that's what he did for me. I can now see clearly that he had a special way of making me feel loved and appreciated, without even trying. It's wonderful that I was able to see him for his true self and I cherished the moments we spent together. I understand now that relationships can be hard work, but it's heartwarming to hear that being with him felt effortless and made life easier. The memories we created together are undoubtedly precious and will always be held close to my heart. It's clear that he had a profound impact on my life, and I hope that I will continue to treasure the love we once shared.

It was only then that the Prince finally noticed me under the doorframe. We both simultaneously jolted upright, as if surprised to find the other there. Suddenly full of embarrassment, my eyes tore away, looking at the floor at random. Looking anywhere that wasn't Loki honestly. Loki's jaw dropped. His foot took a step in my direction, then hesitated.

"Lady Featherwine!" My eyes winced shut at the sound of his voice. That precious, precious voice.
"Excuse me," without glancing up, my feet spun on their heels to get the hell out of there. But I couldn't resist stopping when Loki called out for me yet again. His hand extended up in a bit of a panic.
"Wait! Don't go."
"Don't go. No; don't talk to me like that. Don't tell me to stay," I thought as I sucked in my lips. Even though seeing him brings joy to my very soul, It hurts just as much to be in the same room as him. To breathe the same air as him. But make no mistake, I would give in to every wicked whim I had for this man if he asked. I would question every morale I have if meant one more moment in his arms.
"What are you doing here?" Loki took another step my way. I still refused to turn to look at him, keeping my eyes fixed on the window out in front of me across the hall. There was a cherry tree with little pink blossoms on it outside.
"I thought we weren't speaking to each other," I wasn't angry but didn't sound happy. I was more upset than anything.
"Can't we at least be civil to one another?" I heard Loki's foot take another slide towards me. My hands balled into fists.
"Civil? You want me to act civil after the way you treated me?"
"I never meant to hurt you," he sighed in this sorrowful way. My eyes lowered a bit, also sadly. My lips opened a tad, quivering a bit.
"Then why did you?" I'm sure Loki's mouth opened, but nothing came out. Realizing he wasn't going to say anything, I began to walk away, still refusing to look back at him "Please, leave me alone, Loki,"
"Willow!"

Out of nowhere, Loki unexpectedly seized hold of my upper right arm with a decisive grip. His action caused me to pivot halfway, causing me once again to face him. Upon looking into his eyes, I could discern a sense of astonishment, much like the look he gave me when I clutched onto his coat that one day. Despite the forcefulness of his grasp, it did not cause any pain. His fingers enveloped my sleeve, keeping me firmly in place. As we locked eyes, time seemed to stand still for a moment.

Silence enveloped us both, and there was an unspoken understanding that words were not necessary at that moment. My chest heaved as I tried to regulate my breathing, and Loki's mouth remained shut, his gaze trained on me with an intensity that was both unnerving and captivating. It was as if he was trying to commit every aspect of my being to memory. Eventually, he released his grip on me, and I felt a sense of relief and loss all at once. It was then that he surprised me by reaching out with the hand that had just held me captive, and gently cupping my cheek. The touch was so tender and warm that I couldn't help but close my eyes and lean into it, allowing myself to be lost in the moment. His fingers traced the contours of my skin, and I was acutely aware of the electricity that seemed to crackle between us.

In an instant, everything else faded away and all that remained was Loki Odinson. His touch on my cheek was so tender and loving that it made my heart skip a beat. As I gazed into his eyes, I forgot about our argument, about my fears, and even about my own desires. My hand instinctively reached out and rested on his arm, as I held onto him tightly, never wanting to let go. We stood there together, lost in each other's embrace, our hearts beating as one, and the world around us disappeared into the background.

"Excuse me, Loki, why are you present in this location?" Thor's voice caused a sudden jolt of surprise for both of us. In a split second, I withdrew my hand hastily and without turning around, I made a swift exit from the room, ensuring that nobody caught a glimpse of us. My heart was pounding vigorously in my chest as I sprinted away as fast as possible, clutching it tightly with my hand.