My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 22

Thor walked me to the front room where Prince Dewitt was waiting inside. My brother opened the door and looked at me.
"I'll be in the kitchen,"
"Thank you, Thor," With one final grin at him, I entered. Maybe I should just pretend that Loki came to see me and not Dewitt.

The prince, who had been admiring a portrait of my Father that hung above the fireplace spun around to face me. His eyes lit up, which was funny because I was under the impression he was here to see me. My feet came to a halt at the centre of the room, right in front of one of the gigantic windows facing the garden out back.
"Willow!"
"Hello, Your Highness. It's nice to see you again." I bowed my head. Dewitt sighed, throwing his head back.
"Will you please call me Declan," Dewitt begged "Anything but my royal titles,"
"I might be able to settle for Dewitt but not your name" I declined.
"Well either way it's nice to see you too. You're looking well; how are you?"
"I'm good, thank you. And yourself?"
"I'm good too. I just wanted to come and see how you're doing," his hands clasped behind his back in a gentlemanly fashion. I blinked confused.
"How I'm doing?" I pointed at myself.
"After what happened with Lord Fuckwad, I mean," the prince clarified. I pinched my lips together and nodded.
"That was two weeks ago," I counted. He responded with a nod.
"Yes, I thought it would be bad form to come sooner," Dewitt said and I smiled at him. At least he's making an effort.

I proceeded to go sit on the couch. Dewitt obliged sitting in the chair next to the sofa. We looked at each other for a second before mutually grinning. I leaned back in a more relaxed posture while he leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees with his hands clasped in front of him; also seemingly at ease. There still weren't any of the bubbles or butterflies like with Loki but I did enjoy his company. He had this rugged, unpolished, bad-boy aura about him which wasn't completely unattractive but it wasn't the bad-boy attitude that I was attracted to. I released a small breath, sensing that now was a good time to break the quiet that had fallen over us.
"So, have you been enjoying your time here in Asgard, Lord Dewitt?" Dewitt shrugged.
"It's alright. I miss the nightlife of Muspulhiem," Dewitt sighed "The most exciting thing to happen was the incident with Lord Fuckwad," I shook my head "Sooooo... What's the nightlife like here?"
"I can't say anything on that matter. I believe the best person to ask would be Thor or my brother Alder. I'm more of a museum girl myself."
"Why does that not surprise me?" He chuckled leaning back in his seat. He then spun his head back in my direction as he continued to eye me, running his finger along his bottom lip as if trying to hide a smile. I noticed, gazing over curiously.
"What is it, your majesty?"
"Your majesty? What happened to Dewitt?" My cheeks blushed the moment he said this, causing him to chuckle softly "Will you please drop the titles? Dewitt is fine but I would prefer it if you used my name. I would love to know what my name sounds like when it rolls off your tongue."
"You say such things. We've only met one time before. Granted, you did save me, and I'm really grateful."
"I know you are. I caught that bastard creeping around the palace, and when I saw him approach you, I realized we were after the same thing." All I could do was stare at Dewitt for a second. What did he just say? Ironically the more he talked that way, the easier it became for me to reply on my feet in turn. My mouth closed for a second.
"Back in the Palace, you said you wanted something from me." I chose to ignore his early comment "Would it be stupid of me to ask what that is?" I ventured to inquire. It was the Prince's turn to watch me for a few moments, straightening up his back a little.
"No, it wouldn't but I have to tell you something" Dewitt shuffled in his seat "You should know that I'm a notorious rogue, and what I want from you is not at all honourable," he said with a playful, dashing smirk. Surprised at my own boldness I grinned back at him, meeting his gaze straight on.
"I had a feeling. There's something I want too, and I feel like I have to act a bit more sneaky if I'm going to get it soon." Dewitt laughed.
"Oh sweetheart, I highly doubt there is a single manipulating bone in your body; anyone can see that."
"You forget, I am an Elf. I am designed to be sneaky and you should know that I have my own agenda," I leaned on my hand.
"Yeah, I sort of got that feeling," I too laughed at this "What is your agenda?" my eyes drifted off into nowhere when I said this. Dewitt glanced up at the ceiling in a pondering manner.
"A PhD," I corrected, grinning up at him. He blinked startled.
"That's what you want?"
"More than anything in the world,"
"And how is that difficult for you to achieve? Are you a bad student or something?" Dewitt leaned closer to me "Do I have a bad girl on my hands?"
"No, nothing like that. I'm actually a pretty good student! That's not the problem. I'm just not married yet," My mouth accidentally let slip. Dewitt looked genuinely surprised to hear this; his eyes widening slightly.
"Marriage?" My own eyes grew huge, instantly realizing and regretting my mistake. Thinking my best course of action to undo any damage going forward was to not reply verbally, but merely look his way. Our eyes met, not moving off each other for a little while. He really doesn't do it for me. Eventually, his lips parted "Did you hear what happened to Lord Farquad?"
"No, and I don't really care," just so long as I don't have to see him ever again. Dewitt's head nodded in agreement.
"Well, looks like you won't have to deal with him anymore. Our statements made it really easy to get him carted off to Niflheim,"
"Thank the Gods for that," My voice trailed off. The prince thought to himself for a minute.
"By the way, do you know why that Prince... Oh... What's his name? The one with the long black hair and looks like a bean pole,"
"Do you happen to mean Loki?" I perked up, stunned that the prince would bring him up now of all times.
"Yeah, Loki. Do you know why he hit that... what did he call Fuckwad... A Mewling Quim... like that?" My jaw dropped, but unsurprisingly nothing came out. What was there to say? Dewitt could read my expression and figured it out on his own "Is he the one you're in love with?" I tossed up my hands, leaning back against the couch cushion.
"It doesn't matter now. He doesn't love me."
"Are you sure about that?" Dewitt's eyebrow raised up "I know I have less than honourable intentions but he seemed... different with you. Like he honourable intentions,"
"He's made it very clear that he doesn't want to even be friends with me," I picked at my dress "If he does love me, he's got a very odd way of showing it," I looked out of the window. Dewitt stretched out his arms.
"I have to say that I do admire the Prince of Asgard. He's got something good about him." I ogled the prince wide-eyed. This massive grin emerged on my face without my noticing. Of course, I nodded in agreement.
"He's a very good man. And it makes me really happy to hear you say that."
"But you're still convinced he's not in love with you?" He retorted gently. I nodded.
"He's not. I don't even think he likes me; let alone loves me. That ship has sailed, unfortunately," this long, long sigh fell from my lips. Dewitt grinned after a minute, shaking his head gently; his eyes wandered out a bit before returning to me.
"Maybe I can see what the Prince can't."
"Huh?" I peered up to his face puzzled by this statement. He smiled- a dazzling smile.
"Oh, nothing. I'm just saying if a woman like you were in love with me, I would immediately need five minutes alone in a room with you, and then another five minutes, and then another, and another."
"There'd better be a ring involved in all those five-minute spurts, sir," I rebuffed. He laughed again.
"I sense that you are old-fashioned."
"Let's say loyal to my future partner," a grin came to my lips. He nodded.
"Fine, loyal. I can deal with that." Thor's words suddenly started racing through my mind. Something about being friends first. Can I see myself being friends with the prince? I'll admit, the more time we spend together, the more comfortable I am around him. He doesn't do it for me. But then again, Loki didn't give me butterflies from the very start either. It wasn't until after we'd become good friends, and while I still doubt Dewitt will ever make me feel that way I can picture us becoming friends. I already like him in a platonic way. Who knows? Maybe that's enough. Not all marriages involve friendship, but isn't it better if you are friends with your spouse? That's what the Midgardians say.
"May I ask you a question, Lord Dewitt?" I looked right at the prince.
"I would prefer you call me Declan but Dewitt is way better than your majesty," he smiled in approval, making me grin in turn "But yes, you may,"
"Do you think we could be friends?" Why did I sound so goddamn awkward?! I didn't know what to think when this perplexed and startled look washed over Dewitt's face. He blinked- several times. It was like he was mentally trying to process the words I'd just said to him.
"Friends?" He finally clambered. I blushed a bit shyly.
"Do you want to be friends with me?" More confused blinking on his end.
"But you're a girl and I'm a guy."
"So? Women and men can be friends. I already have a guy best friend, Thor," He scratched the side of his head.
"I suppose you are right. It's just... No woman's asked me that before. We usually date or have other relations," Dewitt glanced back up my way. His mouth then closed; our stares met for a while following this exchange. Dewitt's expression grew softer and softer by the second, eventually ending up in a smile "Never been just a friend with someone like you before."
"Someone like me?" My eyebrow lifted. His smile widened.
"A drop-dead gorgeous young woman. I really don't know what being just friends with a woman like you will do to my reputation." Dewitt grinned.
"Your reputation as a womanizer, you mean?" This cocky smirk appeared on my lips. He chuckled, lowering his head a little.
"Yeah, pretty much," Dewitt licked his lips "But I don't see the harm in it. I may still get what I want out of it in the end."
"Me too," my eyes lowered onto him. His gaze also lowered gently.
"Fine, have it your way. Let's start with being friends and see where it goes from there."
"I can live with that." This made the prince laugh. Then, mildly to my surprise, he leaned forward towards my head. His eyes transfixed onto mine; his hand coming down to rest on the cushion in between us.
"But don't forget- I have my own objectives in mind, princess."
"So do I, Your Majesty. Or should I say Declan?" He laughed, giving his head a soft turn from side to side.
"Nope. Sounds weird. Stick with Dewitt," Dewitt shook his head "You're something else; you know that?"
"So are you. We don't know each other well, and yet something keeps driving you back to my side. Now what that is, I hesitate to ask."
"Oh, I think you know," his eye had this twinkle in it. I smiled.
"We both want something, we know the other can give us."
 "That's right. There are so many women in this realm, but I haven't come across any that have intrigued me as much as you have, Willow. That's why I'm here. that's what drew me to your side." My own agenda wasn't marriage with Prince Dewitt but it was something else. I decided to take Sage's advice and make certain someone realised what he had lost. My intention was to make Loki jealous. And Prince Dewitt says I do not have a single manipulating bone in my body.

"Why am I here?" I sighed as I entered the duelling arena with the two gentlemen. Thor was at my right, presently holding my arm in his, and Dewitt was at my left. The hall, or whatever it was called- was packed and mostly with burly, eager, over-excited men all gosling amongst each other. Thor's arm gave mine an assuring squeeze.
"We were invited and I thought it was a capital idea. Plus, you needed an escort."
"Oh, I get that. I'm just wondering why I'm here. When you were going for an afternoon outing, I thought you meant you were going to see fencing or something which is why I agreed to tag along. Never did I think you would drag me to a duelling match," I spat back in a low whisper but not too low.
"Well, it's too late to go home now. so you may as well enjoy the entertainment," Thor rolled his eyes. There was a hint of glee in his eyes. What was he planning?

The room was crawling with people. Thor had to let go of my arm to hold onto my hand. Dewitt thankfully didn't take my other hand without permission but he was able to stick close behind me. Thor led the way through the crowd, trying to find some seats for the three of us.
"Why is my stomach doing flips?" I thought to myself as I looked around the room. My eyes widened as I spotted Loki at the other end of the room, busy talking with some other men. Thor's eyes lit up when he saw him, raising his arm up to wave.
"Loki!" Then he turned to face me "Willow, Stay with his highness. I'm going to say hello," my stare drifted from him over to Loki. It was my first time seeing him in weeks, and the moment I clapped eyes on him, my heart skipped a fluttering beat. My hand instinctively rose up to my chest as I took a step backwards. Dewitt, meanwhile, came up to my other side, grinning cleverly at me.
"Shall we find some seats?" Prince Dewitt stuck his hand out in front of him. Slowly my eyes shifted down to it, then up to his face. Not wanting to touch his hand outright. My hand was for Loki and Loki only, I linked my arm with his. He looked surprised but didn't say anything. He simply responded with another dazzling smile and began to lead me through the scores of people until he found three empty seats.

We sat down with me in the centre of the three chairs; I put my coat on the seat beside me so I could save it for Thor. Dewitt also settled himself in and leaned back in his seat in a casual way. He looked at me, still grinning. He draped an arm over the back of my chair.
"Well, this should be exciting. Can't remember the last time I've been to a duel,"
"I've never been to one," I responded, causing his eyebrow to lift up.
"Oh? Don't have the stomach for it?"
"I'm a proud pacifist," I retorted with a grin of my own. The side of his forefinger ran along my cheek. I pushed his hand away.
"But you're ok with watching fencing?"
"The fencers don't try to destroy each other with their fists," was my counter. He chuckled, leaning his head in toward me a little.
"Fair enough. Don't worry, sugar; I'll cover your eyes if it gets too gruesome."
"Isn't that Thor's job?" I tried to sound serious but you could tell my tone was shaky. The prince chuckled some more; his eyes locking onto mine sincerely.
"Not today, sweetheart," Dewitt said, my lips parted a sliver.

My hands clambered on my lap awkwardly. I couldn't stop blushing, not knowing what to do just then. That's when I found the courage to peer up forward a tiny bit. There I saw Loki again; he wasn't looking at me but rather getting ready for his own round on the duelist ring. The blood in my veins froze. No one told me he'd be fighting today! I can't watch that! I can't see him get hurt; I can't even imagine. No; just no. I'll have to think of some excuse to leave when it's his turn to go on. Considering this, I continued to quietly observe the Prince prepare for the match. He removed his jacket, so all he had was his shirt tucked in his leather trousers. He rolled up his sleeves to reveal his wrists. My eyes grew gigantic, and my heart stopped at the sight- the bracelet I'd given him back on the train. He was still wearing it. I had honestly forgotten all about it until now, but the instant I saw it, everything came rushing back. I remember buying him that charm bracelet, I remember giving it to him at the station, and I remember putting it on him.

As if some cruel joke, it was right around this time that these all-too-familiar stars began appearing in my vision. What? No! Not now! This is not the time for this! I blinked a couple of times, hoping that would help. Crap. I forgot my water bottle. I need to leave. Prince Dewitt's head turned to me as I stood up out of my chair, admittedly wobbling a little.
"My lady, are you ok?" He asked, sounding a bit concerned. I flashed him a false smile.
"I'm fine; just a little thirsty. Just going to get something to drink." I do not know if Thor told him about my heart problems. I know I haven't.
"Oh, well why don't you stay and I go?" The prince began to offer until I stopped him with a shake of the head.
"No, it's fine; I'll go. Won't be long; I'll be back before the match begins." He seemed hesitant.
"Well, alright then... Hey, look! Isn't that the Second Prince of Asgard?" Dewitt spotted Loki for the first time since we got there. I frowned, not following the trail of his pointing finger, lest I see the charm bracelet again. He then glanced back over to me "Do you wanna go say hello to lover boy?" I shook my head, still refusing to peak in Loki's direction.
"No, I... I just need... I just need to get a drink of water," I gulped "I just need to get a drink," Of course, Dewitt was merely relaxing in his chair and studying the Prince nonchalantly "What are you staring at?"
"Your wannabe husband. I don't envy him. His opponent is the best fencer in the realm,"
"They are?" I blinked back at him alarmed. He nodded, still acting casual. My eyes wandered from him over to my backpack, recalling the bandages I kept in my front pouch. My fingers quivered a bit. I can't hold his hand. I can't hold his hand anymore. I already agreed to love him from afar a while ago, and I have no intention of stopping that. But my hands balled into fists unconsciously. I can't help it; I still want to hold his hand. I just want to be near him.