The Arranged Marriage

Chapter 2

"Zeus has offered your hand in marriage to form an alliance with the Norse," Poseidon said.

Percy frowned. "To Thor?"

"No. You will be marrying the second prince, Prince Loki."

Percy sighed and nodded. He wasn't necessarily pleased with the arrangement, but he would do what he needed to in order to protect Olympus. "What do we know about him?"

Poseidon passed Percy a thin file. "Here's everything Odin told us."

Percy's eyes were immediately drawn to the picture of the prince. He was perfect aesthetically, but Percy wished to know more about his personality. So, he began reading the file. It didn't contain anything other than physical descriptions and a small note about being well-behaved.

"I want to meet him," Percy said firmly. "If I am to be married, I want to meet my betrothed before the wedding."

Poseidon smiled at him. "You can leave in a week."

Percy bowed to his father before walking away to prepare for meeting the prince. He would need to read up on Asgardian laws and customs. He couldn't go there with no knowledge. He spent the whole week studying, and by the time he was set to leave, he knew everything he needed to in order to not make a fool of himself.

"Are you ready, Percy?" Poseidon asked when he approached him the next week.

Percy nodded stiffly. "As I'll ever be."

Percy was taken by the bifrost to Asgard, where Odin was awaiting his arrival, Thor standing beside him. "Ah, Perseus, welcome to Asgard," Odin said with a smile. He was smiling in approval as he looked Percy up and down.

Percy immediately knew better than to trust the man. There was something about the way Thor looked at him that set off warning bells in Percy's mind. Despite this, he smiled politely. "I thank you for your hospitality, King Odin."

"Thor will show you to your quarters," Odin said.

Percy glanced at Thor to see his jaw clenched as he turned and walked away, expecting Percy to follow. He quickly caught up and walked beside him. Once he deemed them far enough away from the king, Percy whispered, "Can you take me to the prince instead?"

Thor glared at the ground. "My brother is currently unavailable."

Percy's eyes narrowed but he allowed himself to be shown to his chambers. "Prince Thor," he called when Thor made to leave, "I have heard of your skills in battle. Would you care for a spar?"

Thor paused in the doorway. "I would care to see how well you will fare."

Percy smiled. "Tomorrow at dawn, then."

Thor nodded. "Tomorrow at dawn." He left the room, leaving Percy to his thoughts.

----------------------------------

A few hours later, Percy was invited to supper with the royal family. A servant led him through the halls and to the dining room, where Percy saw everyone else already seated. An empty seat was next to the prince, to the left of the king.

"We are proud to have you join us, Lord Perseus," Odin said politely. "I am sure you will find my son to your liking."

Percy observed how Thor's jaw clenched and Frigga seemed to stiffen. He forced a smile and said, "I'm sure."

Supper continued, with Percy forcing himself to smile and be polite to the king, though his opinion of him was steadily decreasing.

When supper was over, Percy was led back to his quarters, where he sat down on the bed to think. He wondered why the second prince wasn't at supper, despite being a member of the royal family. It was as if Odin was trying to keep them from meeting until the marriage was official.

It continued that way throughout the week. Percy would try to meet Loki, and would be shut down every time. He sparred with Thor, though he disapproved of the three friends of the prince. He attended to his godly duties and focused on retaining good standings among the Norse.

Then it came time for the actual wedding. The wedding was being held on Olympus and Percy was very much annoyed by this point. He had yet to meet Loki, the only information he had of him was the comments made by Odin, which only seemed to circle back around to his appearance and "obedience."

He finally got his first good look at the prince as they stood across from each other at the altar. He was beautiful, there was no denying that, but Percy hated the dull look in his eyes. He wanted him to be happy and content, not miserable. 

Hera officiated the ceremony and soon the two were married. It was a small and fast affair, with only Odin, Thor, Frigga, and the Olympians in attendance. After the marriage contract was signed, Zeus and Odin shook hands and Odin left with Thor and Frigga to return to Asgard.

"You got a good one," Aphrodite said, eyeing Loki after they had left. The god was wearing traditional Greek clothing that was clearly designed to show off his body.

Percy glared at her. "Don't touch him," he growled.

Aphrodite sighed dramatically and eyed Loki one last time. "Pity that it was you that got him."

Loki stiffened beside Percy, clearly uncomfortable with the goddess's attention on him. Percy ignored her and led Loki away from the crowd and to his palace on Olympus. It was time they finally got to know each other.