A Royal Arrangement

Chapter 4

- Thor's Pov -

Vali, Volstagg, Loki and I were sitting in the drawing room, drinking ale. Well, I was. The others were boring. Sif, Mother and Hela had gone to the modiste, so we had the place to ourselves. we were engaging in idle chitchat, ignoring the elephant in the room, until Volstagg finally asked the question they all needed a reply to.
"Do correct me if I am wrong, Loki but.. You rejected a variety of stunning, intellectual ladies for months and found no one was good enough but now, you have done a complete turnaround by intending to marry all of the sudden and on top of that someone you hardly know and who has a reputation. You do work in mysterious ways," Volstagg said. Loki looked at my best friend who did not speak and thought their silence was very telling, probably they were in agreeance.
"My, my... How quickly the tables have turned. You, judging me about getting married after you were planning to be a bachelor till your 600th," Loki joked.
"Aah true.. but then I met Helga," Volstagg grinned "Things changed after that," he concluded. Loki just smiled at the memory of exactly how Helga and Volstagg had met and was thankful for a happy outcome. He glanced over at me.
"What's the matter, Thor? Don't tell me you are planning to scold me as well for my life's decisions?" Loki said smirking.
"Not at all, greaseball. I respect your decision. As your older brother, I will always have your back but I do have to ask... do you love her?" I asked, and this was the million-dollar-pound question. Loki took his time to respond and then turned his head from side to side, implicating he did not.
"Maybe I could, though," he quickly followed up with "Maybe with enough time," I knew this was a lie for he was sure he could never love anyone else than Sigyn.
"Do you even fancy her?" Vali asked earnestly.
"A gentleman never tells," Loki reached for a pastry and stuffed his mouth with it but he couldn't help it. A mischievous grin came across his features that explained it all.
"You do!" Vali laughed.
"You cheeky bastard." Volstagg said "Pretending to be noble to save her honour but all along secretly coveting her," he accused with a grin.
"How can you think so low of me, Volstagg? I have nothing but good intentions for Vesper's future," Loki smirked as finished eating the pastry "Now, I will leave you ugly bastards to your drinks. I have a wedding to plan," He walked up the stairs towards his room.

"Maybe he will get over the wrench of an ex," I downed my ale before pouring another.
"I hope so and no, I am not putting another bet on. I have already shovelled a week's worth of shit out of Sleipnir's stable today. Why did our brother create him again?" Vali rubbed his wrists.
"I bet you that she will say yes," I cracked my neck "And you know damn well why Loki created Sleipnir. To gain father's favour,"
"10 gold pieces she says no" Vali held his hand out and I shook it. So much for not betting on it. I then heard a knock at the door. We turned our heads to see a hooded man.
"Can we help you?" Volstagg quizzed as he stood up. The stranger didn't speak but scanned the room.
"Excuse me, but were you dragged up? It is custom to introduce oneself to the host of the house?" Vali yelled after him. The man removed his hood and smiled.
"My name is Lord Dimitri Grimwood. Perhaps you have heard of me?" Vali and Vosltagg looked at each other.
"I have. You're that quim that broke Vesper's heart," I clenched my fists.
"I'll ignore that comment. For now. So, if you please. Could you tell me where your brother Loki is?"
"Second floor, first room to the right," I innocently answered, perhaps thinking it was one of Loki's friends. Dimitri didn't thank any of us and proceeded his way up the stairs.
"I sense trouble," Vali looked at me.
"So do I," Volstagg and I looked at each other before chasing after the man "Vali, go get Vidarr and warn Mother what is going on. Volstagg with me,"
"Way ahead of you," Vali shouted as he ran off. Vali was a fighter but Vidarr was stronger.

- Loki's Pov -

I could hear yelling down the hallway. Confused, I put my book down. As I stood up, someone banged on my door.
"I do not know that voice," I summoned a dagger and opened my door. Standing in front of me was a man that I had never seen before in my life "Can I help you?" Dagger hid behind my back. I stared at the man, who looked beside himself, his face red with fury and gazing at me intently.
"Are you Loki?" If looks could kill, He would have tried to kill me. Using my powers, I made a copy of myself. For safety reasons of course.
"I am. Who are you?"
"My name is Dimitri Grimwood," My copy pouted. This was my (maybe) fiancée's former beau. I made the dagger disappear. I wasn't about to stab the man unless he attacked me.
"Mr. Grimwood. This is unexpected. Can I help you with anything?" I asked, genuinely curious even though I suspected where this was going. I cocked an eyebrow as I leaned on my door "Are you lost? The palace is quite huge, I wouldn't be surprised,"
"Retract your proposal of marriage to Vesper Hawthorne," Dimitri spat out.
"Excuse me... I don't quite understand-" I stated, shaking my head. I then stuck a finger in my ear and wiggled it "Could you repeat that?"
"Deaf as well as stupid. You will retract your marriage proposal," Dimitri spat once again. I was starting to get annoyed with the brazenness of Dimitri's demeanour, storming like that, demanding things from me. I replaced my copy and stood before Dimitri.
"I am sorry, Mr Grimwood but that matter is between me and Lady Hawthorne and none of your concern," I sarcastically stated which seemed to have made things worse because Dimitri seemed to be seething by now "And besides, you are in no position to demand things, not from me and not from Lady Hawthorne. Especially since I heard that you are indeed spoken for and a father-to-be. Where is your sense of propriety? How dare you, a married man, wish to reason with me about my fiancée to be. You have some-" I felt a sharp pain to the side of my head a minute later and fell to the floor. I then grasped the area that hurt and rubbed over it.

I wanted to retaliate but the pain was too much at this moment, piercing even. What does the dude have in his glove? Bricks? Unfortunately, Dimitri got closer to me, wishing to punch me again, but he was restrained.
"Hey, what are you doing? You bastard!" Thor said as he spun the dimwit around and punched him in the jaw. He then rushed to me and looked me over "Brother, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Your daughter hits harder than him," I winced as Thor helped me up.
"You will stay the hell away from her. She is mine!" the now not-very distinguished Dimwit said through gritted teeth.
"Oh, you are a dimwit. Vesper is not some toy you can play with when you are bored or horny. Or even when you are lonely. She is not a fantasy. You say you want her? Then you should have earned her!" I spat. Dimitri tried to hit me again.
"DIMITRI!!!" Speak of the devil.

Vesper flew in, my brother Vidarr behind her. her eyes big with shock and out of breath from what seemed to be running over here. She glanced over the room and saw Dimitri being restrained by Volstagg and Vidarr and Thor was tending to me.
"Vesper," I smiled. She quickly went over to me and placed a hand on my head. Dimitri stopped resisting the others when Vesper was in his sight.
"You're hurt," she remarked.
"Yes. It's fine," I downplayed the pain. Truth be told, I wanted to fall to the floor.
"It is not fine," Vesper shook her and then exchanged a look with Dimitri. If looks could kill "What were you thinking?"
"Vesper.. I.. I know I shouldn't have but-"
"Oh shut up. I have nothing to say to you," Vesper waved Dimitri away. She turned her back to him and addressed me "My Lord, apologies for me barging in like this but I have come to tell you what my decision is regarding your proposal,"
"Okay," I nodded, staring at her intently.
"Prince Loki, I accept your proposal," she said primly and to the point to my surprise and my mouth went slightly agape. I then smiled and pulled Vesper in for a hug. Dimitri shook Vidarr off and stormed to the door. But before he left but glanced one more at her, with an expression that was full of sorrow, regret and melancholy before he turned and exited.
"I realise that this all is very inconvenient, but I need to have a word with you," Vesper asked him nervously.
"Of course," and that was the cue for his brothers and Volstagg to leave.

- Vesper's Pov -

Once the others had left, Loki went and sat on his bed. He used his magic to summon an ice pack to his head. I was going to feel that in the morning. If he didn't get the jump on me then maybe this pain wouldn't have been half as bad.
"I am so sorry. I didn't think he would attack you," I remarked.
"It is alright... I'll live. My niece hits harder," he said. And then there was an awkward silence for a minute or two.
"About what I just said. Accepting your proposal. Thank you for playing along with me but I am afraid I must decline," Loki gazed at me in confusion "I beg your pardon?"
"I have made my mind up. I am to stay with my uncle back in Alfhiem until all of this blows over, at least for a while. They are coming to visit in a few days and I shall leave with them," I fiddled with my dress "I wish to thank you for the kindness you have bestowed on me and my parents, but I am certain I am not a good match for you and your lovely family. My reputation is smudged for one and-"
"But that is why I intend to wed-" Loki wished to argue.
"Dimitri kissed me and I kissed him back," I said. Loki's face dropped "You see My Lord. As I said I am not a good match," I dared to look up at him "I apologize for the trouble I have imposed upon you. Please allow me to wish you all the best and all the love in the world," I concluded before turning and leaving.

A few days had passed since I last saw Loki and his family. My uncle and aunt were visiting along with their rambunctious children. They had not been at the house for 20 minutes before Ruby came up to Vesper, screaming that Scarlet, had broken her doll. Then Rami came back from playing outside stating that Sami, had taken his wrist and twisted it harshly from roughhousing in the garden. my uncle and aunt did not correct their children but found it all kind of amusing. Especially when Scrlet and Sami proceeded to throw balls inside of the house, one of those balls had made an impact with my arm. Why did I sign up for this? Maybe I should have accepted Loki's offer. If I ever saw him again. I would. Not because I have feelings for him but because I do not want to deal with my aunt's children.

- Loki's Pov -

I was in the garden, tending to my many rose bushes. Trying my best to be productive but I was failing. I kept looking up at the sky.
"She had made her decision," After all, she had kissed someone else. But we were not together. I had proposed yes but that did not mean we were lovers. If she accepted, It would just be a marriage of convenience. But she kissed him, How could I expect her to be faithful to me? I then stood up as I spotted one of the black rose bushes. Their beauty reminded me of Vesper. Why was I acting this way when we weren't in a relationship yet? Yet? Why yet? Why did I just think as if there was going to be a relationship at all? I sighed again, sitting on the garden bench. I understand why she was leaving. Why did she end things like this? Why she was purposefully exiling herself? It did not feel right. I was to blame as well "No. It can't end like this," I ran towards the Hawthorne's. Their house was a couple of streets away. I hope I will make it in time.

As I reached the gates to the Hawthorne Estate, I saw her standing on the sidewalk, rushing to get into the carriage. Relieved that I had made it, I called her name as I ran closer.
"VESPER!!!" She spun around and looked shocked as I ran up to her.
"My Lord," Vesper gasped.
"Vesper... Please... cramp... ow... please reconsider..." Before I could continue, Vesper wrapped her arms around me.
"I have changed my mind! I wish to marry you," I will not lie, I expected her to put up a bit more of a fight and I had a whole speech prepared.