The Lady of Midgard [Book 1]

Chapter 13

Once you were better Sif started working on more defensive combos when you came back to training and you finally got the hang of a sword after months of practice and didn't once get knocked over.

"How did training go today?" Thor asked when you came over to collect Áedán.

"Great!" You gave him a beaming smile. "No scrapes or bloody noses!"

"That's awesome!" Thor cheered. "Loki!" he called out to his brother. "Guess your healing services are no longer required."

"Why?" He looked over and asked.

"I didn't smash my face in the dirt once today!" you told him, unable to stop smiling.

"Well, that's a first," he commented snarkily. "Guess that's what happens when you're only ok for a mortal."

You frowned at Loki. "What's got your knickers in a knot?!"

"Nothing," Loki bit out.

"Loki, darling!" Helena called out, making Loki's jaw clench. "How can you stand it here?"

"Ah," you said when you heard her. "Well, have fun." Patting him on the shoulder as you walked past.

"Where are you going?" Thor asked.

"Áedán and I have a lunch date." Picking your son up and leaving the arena.

Thor raised an eyebrow at Helena who was trying to talk to Loki, who for once was not wanting a bar of her, turning to Sif.

"Do you think she's ready for a sparring match?"

"Can't see why not?" she replied.

Of course it was Loki who jumped at the chance as soon as he overheard them talking about it, saying he wanted to test his new daggers out. Sif protested how unfair the match would be as she had only trained you against a sword and staff so far.

Not willing to back down from a challenge, you agreed when Thor asked your opinion on it that night at dinner after the three of them had argued about it.

"Go easy on me please, after all I am only human." Looking towards Loki with innocent eyes.

"I won't kill you if that's what you're worried about." He smirked back at you, his tone light as he playfully teased you.

"Thanks. I think Áedán will miss me too much," you responded, taking a sip of wine.

'So would I,' Loki thought.

The rest of the meal wound down without much affair, Sif tried to talk to you about the upcoming Ball but you refused as you wouldn't be attending and stated yet again that no matter what she wore she would look lovely; but if she wanted a suggestion maybe a red dress you offered with a wink and a glance towards Thor. Helena was very oddly quiet, especially once the sparring match came up, you just shrugged mentally thinking she must just be worried for Loki.

As you went to leave the feast hall Loki came over and took your hand, lifting it slowly he looked straight into your eyes, holding your gaze with a smouldering look, lightly placing a kiss on your knuckles. "Till our battle, my lady."

Slowly removing your hand from his not daring to speak, a shaky breath leaving you, you turned and walked towards your room, knowing that Loki was staring after you with a knowing smirk on his face.

- - - -

Trying to calm your nerves you took your spot opposite Loki.

Looking up at the benches surrounding the arena you saw Thor, Sif, Fandral and Volstagg ready to cheer you on. Stiorra had kept Áedán with her in your room in case he got upset. Helena didn't show. For that you were thankful. You'd had extra practices in the weeks leading up to this, but still you couldn't calm the twisting of your stomach as you stood there holding Loki's gaze.