Marvel one-shot

Dancing with the Devil 3 - Loki

Warm light spilled through the grand windows of the palace bedroom, seeping through the sheer drapes in a warm, honey orange glow. Streaks of the sunset glimmered against intricate walls and mirrors, reflecting in a near infinite stream of light. Your breath hitched in your throat, the palms of your hands bracing themselves against the grand vanity in front of you, the sharp inhale stung your throat, your eyes focused on your reflection in the large, oval mirror ahead. Two palace maids stood behind your silhouette, their hands working swiftly on tightening the corset waist of your ball gown. The petite, blue eyed one had a surprising grip of iron, and as she firmly tied the back of the corset with a final tug, you couldn't help but let a strained breath out. The maid's blue eyes widened as she met your gaze in the reflection of the mirror.

"Did I hurt you? I am so sorry if I did, I just had to be sure-"

"It's alright, don't be sorry. I'm just not used to wearing clothing like this," you breathed out while forcing a reassuring smile in the reflection.

A look of relief brightened the petite maid's features, while the taller one adjusted the bottom of your gown before standing straight and getting started on your hair, though every breath felt more strained from the pressure of the gown against your ribs, you couldn't help but be in awe of your appearance. While the two women got started on your hair, pinning it with subtle jewels and letting a few curled strands cascade to frame your facial features, you silently admired the way the fabric looked on you. It was true, you were not used to wearing such a dress, it was fit for a divine being.

The ball gown was beautiful, clinging to your silhouette until the dip of your waist, and then flowing out like a blooming rose. Your arms and upper back were bare, alongside your collarbones. A slight dip in the gown accentuated the valley of your breasts, giving a slight yet elegant tease to the eye. The satin fabric was cream and gold, glittering in the sunset streaming into the bedroom like a thousand diamonds dipped in the purest of gold. The dress poured onto the marble flooring, creating a slight train with every step you would take. This gown was clearly made to be danced in elegantly while drawing in the attention of every pair of eyes around, yet you weren't certain if you would be doing much, if any, dancing tonight.

Not only that, but you'd also have to find a way to be nearly imperceptible in this gown, you highly doubt no one will notice me in this, you thought to yourself, your upper teeth pensively catching your lower lip in a gentle tug. Your hands glided down your waist, fingertips feeling the intricate patterns of sown-in gold. Why would Loki have chosen this gown for you to wear tonight? After all, wasn't the point of tonight to be unnoticed and finish Loki's plan? Your eyes followed the movements of the maids' hands in your hair through the reflection, and then shifted down onto the rich Ebony wood of the vanity table bearing the large mirror.

Right at the edge lay the envelope, its dark forest green seal broken and the letter laying folded right beside it, Loki's note. You had received the sealed envelope last night, two days after the incident at the stables. You hadn't seen the God of Mischief since, leaving you to spend your days in the beautiful realm of Asgard by yourself. You explored the palace grounds and gardens, even locating the entrance to the Vault and Odin's ancient library. Of course, you had to quickly walk past, although you'd be entering those forbidden places soon enough, for now you had to be dismissed by the guards and Odin as merely curious.

While Odin's kingdom held its secrets locked away in places like the Vault and ancient library, Loki was one dangerous element that escaped through the ruler's grasps. Like a wisp of smoke in air, his presence seeped through every atom and electrified the air with tension and simmering motive. Though you hadn't seen the cunning figure, you still felt his essence following you like a shiver up your spine, hours before you received the note from Loki, you had run into Thor while walking past Odin's throne room.