Cruel Intentions

Chapter Twelve

Asta and Agnette ate their dinner as Loki sat in the small living area, reading a book.

"I have to fill his stomach tonight with the spell." Asta said, mostly to remind herself.

"He needs it, the poor thing." Agnette sighed.

Asta looked over at Loki and smiled weakly. She hoped that he believed her lie of saying she loved him as a friend. She didn't want to ruin what they had already by confessing her love to him. Asta had learned that the hard way before. Once dinner had ended, Loki helped to wash the plates and utensils as Asta made his bed ready for sleep. She smiled as Loki entered her bedroom and Asta patted down the sheets so they were neat.

"Lay down. I'm going to use the feeding spell again. I know you need it." Asta told him.

Loki nodded his head and Asta took his hand in hers as she helped him lay down on the bed. She recited the spell and hovered her hands above his belly. After a few moments, Loki moaned softly and Asta smiled as she patted his belly.

"I wish you a good night, Loki. I'm glad you're here in my care." Asta told him.

Loki looked up at Asta as she sat on the edge of the bed. He took her hand in his and Asta chuckled softly as she shook her head. Asta looked down at Loki and furrowed her brow when she saw his eyes glisten with tears.

"Are you alright?" Asta asked.

Loki nodded his head and Asta sat back on the bed as she quickly examined him.

"Are you sure?" She asked again.

And once more, Loki nodded his head. Asta sighed and licked her lips before speaking again.

"Are you happy?" She inquired.

Loki took a moment before nodding his head and Asta beamed.

"I'm glad you are," Asta told him. "Rest now. You need it."

Loki closed his eyes as Asta pulled the covers over him and she sighed as she leaned close to him. She hesitated for a few seconds before laying a kiss to his forehead. When Asta pulled away and walked into her bathroom to change and get ready for the night, Loki opened his eyes and watched as she walked away. Loki waited patiently for when she came back out and when she did, she had her hair down and she was in her nightgown. Her hair was a dazzling brown that cascaded down her back in waves similar to that of an ocean. Loki's eyes widened as he looked her up and down. He had never seen her in this way before and he wanted to get a better look at her. As she glanced over at him, Loki quickly closed his eyes and pretended he was asleep. Asta beamed as she looked over at Loki and was happy to see him finally getting sleep that he deserved. Asta got under the covers to her bed and quickly fell asleep once her head hit the pillow. The following morning, Asta awoke to find Loki sitting on her bed with his hand on her shoulder. When Asta opened her eyes and they adjusted to the light of the room she realized just how close Loki was to her face and she gasped as she sat up in bed. Loki leaned back so she would not hit him.

Loki woke up early that day and found that Asta was still asleep. he pushed back the cover and quietly made his way over towards Asta. He sat on the edge of her bed and made sure he did not stir her from her sleep. Loki sighed as he watched her chest rise and fall with each breathe she took. He leaned forward and felt the corner of his lip twitch as he could hear her small breaths. He ran his hand across her cheek and caressed it before taking a strand of hair between his fingers and tucked it back behind her ear. Loki then gently nudged his nose against her cheek, to feel her skin on his and he hummed softly. He leaned back and sat up, watching her. Moments later, Loki leaned forward once more and furrowed his brow as he saw her eyes moving underneath their lids until she opened her eyes...

"How long have you been sitting there?" Asta asked.

Realizing that he could not answer, she shook her head and sat up in the bed to get more comfortable.

"Have you been there long?" Asta rephrased the question.

Loki shook his head and Asta sighed. She put her hand over her chest and Loki could see the shape of her breasts through the thin fabric.

"Are you hungry? Do you want me to use the spell?" Asta asked.

Loki shook his head and Asta smiled weakly. She went to get out of the bed when Loki took her hand and helped her. Asta giggled softly and Loki slowly let her hand go.

"Thank you," Asta beamed. "Um, if you want you can shower and get ready for the day if you want."

Loki motioned for her to go into the bathroom and Asta shook her head.

"Please, I insist. You need it more than I do." Asta said.

Loki turned Asta around and pushed her towards the bathroom. Asta was confused by Loki's actions. She never put herself above anyone else and she felt strange taking care of herself before caring for Loki. Asta went to protest when Loki pushed her into the bathroom and shut the door. She huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest and decided to just go with it. After an hour, Asta stepped out from the shower, dried off her hair, and changed into her clothes. When she was ready for the day, Asta stepped out of the bathroom and found Loki sitting on his bed with his hands in his laps. She knew he must be terribly bored. As she closed the door, Loki quickly turned his head to face her and Asta smiled. She furrowed her brow as Loki grabbed a pad and pencil and wrote something down for her. He walked over to her and handed her the paper. Asta chuckled nervously and when she unfolded the paper, she couldn't help but beam and feel flutters in her stomach. You look beautiful.

"Thank you, Loki," Asta smiled. "For today, I have to go and assist Eir in the healing rooms as a part of my training. When I return, if you'd like, we can go for a walk in the gardens."

Loki nodded his head enthusiastically and Asta smiled.

"Wonderful! I will see you then." Asta said.

She leaned forward and laid a kiss to Loki's cheek before pacing out of the bedroom and into the palace's hallway. Agnette peeked into the bedroom and furrowed her brow as Loki placed his hand upon his cheek and sighed. Asta entered the healing rooms and noticed that the atmosphere had changed. Her friends rarely greeted her and no one made eye contact with her.

"Good morning, Asta. How is Loki?" Eir asked.

"He's doing fairly well. Has something happened?" Asta replied.

"No," Eir told her. "Why do you ask?"

"Everyone is quiet. No one has greeted me or even tried to talk with me...as they normally do." Asta explained.

"Ever since they heard that Loki was assigned to be under your care, they've looked at you differently. Because of what he's done, they believe you are a sympathizer of him." Eir told her.

"But I am." Asta scoffed.

"No. They believe you sympathize with his actions." Eir clarified.

"I do not condone what he has done. I just believe that no one should be subjected to the things he's been through." Asta explained.

"Try explaining that to them." Eir whispered.

Asta was about to speak when Eir laughed softly and motioned for Asta to follow her.

"You shouldn't care what they think. They don't know you or your beliefs. I think they're just jealous because you will take my spot when I am too old." Eir told her.

Asta smiled weakly as she followed Eir to learn more about Eir's process. Eir taught Asta knew spells and when the day was over, each of the healers packed away their aprons and kits before leaving the healing rooms. Asta made her way back to her quarters while Eir reported back to Odin and Thor.

"What has she said?" Odin asked.

"Not much. I asked how he was doing and she told me he was doing fairly well. She still does her best in the healing rooms and excels in everything I teach her. She might be ready to take over within the year or maybe the next if she keeps up this pace." Eir explained.

"Just be sure to keep us informed." Odin told her.

Asta opened the door to her quarters and peeked her head inside to look around the room.

"Grandmother? I'm back." Asta called out.

Asta closed the door behind her and smiled as Loki stood up from his seat in the living area.

"Oh, hello. Um, did my grandmother go out?" Asta asked.

Loki nodded his head and Asta sighed.

"The market? Or the fabric store?" Asta asked.

Loki held up two fingers and Asta nodded her head.

"Well, given that she loves to sew, it will be long before she returns. How about we go for that walk I mentioned this morning, hmm?" Asta told him.

Loki held up a finger and Asta furrowed her brow as he took off his slippers and put on his regular shoes, that Asta had put out for him. He then made his way over to Asta and she giggled softly as he offered his arm to her. She wrapped her arm around his and the two began to walk down the halls of the palace and into the gardens. As they walked, Asta noticed the people around her staring and whispering behind their backs. Asta looked at everyone around her and Loki stopped in his tracks when he saw the puzzled expression on her face. Asta furrowed her brow as she looked up at Loki and she almost jumped as he took her face in his hands. Loki cocked his head to the side as his thumbs caressed her cheeks and Asta sighed.

"I'm alright, Loki. It's just that everyone is-"

Asta cut herself off as Loki shook his head and took her arm in his again. She put her head down as she walked and Loki quickly glanced behind him to see what Asta was trying to say. He could see men and women quickly looking away from him and whispering as they pointed at him. Loki glared at them and turned back around. He held his head up high, whereas Asta looked down at her feet. She knew to expect this given that it was Loki's first day out in public since he was imprisoned, but she couldn't help but feel that they were talking about her and making fun of her as well. The gardens were a much better area since not many people were there. Loki kept a wary eye as they walked, making sure no one was following them or wanted to hurt Asta or him. He was making his debut back as a member of the court and he knew that there were many who wanted to see him dead and anyone associated with him.

"The flowers are very beautiful this time of year, are they not?" Asta asked.

Loki nodded his head in agreement and as she looked away from him, he slowly laid his right hand over hers that laid against his arm. Asta felt his hand over hers and fought against the urge to look up at him. She kept her eyes on the flowers and Loki looked down at her and took in her features. He loved the way her eyes caught the sun's rays, as well as her hair, bringing out its light brown highlights. After some time, Loki sat himself on a bench as he watched Asta pick some flowers and herbs.

"They are excellent to use in creams and ointments...but you probably already know that." Asta told him.

Loki nodded his head and Asta smiled. She picked some lavender and put the others inside her apron pocket. When she had finished, the sun was beginning to set and the two sat near a fountain. They sat without saying a word. The only sound that they heard was the water from the stone pitcher being spilt into the bottom of the fountain. Loki nudged Asta's shoulder and showed her a coin.

"Where did you get that?" Asta asked.

Loki made a picking motion with his fingers and then pointed to the ground. He handed her the coin and pointed to the fountain.

"You want me to make a wish?" Asta asked.

Loki nodded his head and Asta sighed, thinking of what to say. After a few moments, Asta closed her eyes, said the wish in her head, kissed the coin and threw it into the fountain. As she kissed the coin, Loki leaned in close to her and inhaled sharply as he watched her throw the coin into the fountain. It made a small splashing sound and Asta exhaled sharply as she looked back up at Loki.

"Thank you." Asta said softly.

Loki stood up and offered his hand to Asta to help her up. His gestures surprised Asta since he was labeled as a villain and traitor yet, he was such a gentleman. She could not deny her feelings for him, only put them into the back of her head. Loki wanted to express his love to Asta but felt that just writing it on a piece of paper would not translate properly.

"I hope my wish comes true. It would benefit both you and I." Asta told him.

Loki furrowed his brow as he thought about what she might have wished for. The two walked back into the palace and once again, the people stared at them and whispered. Loki knew it was because of him and how he looked. He was thinner than before and his eyes were sunken in. His lips were sewn together and his hands gloved and locked onto his hands, something of which the people had never seen before. They were staring at him and he knew that Asta was feeling nervous and terrible due to it. Back in Asta's quarters, Agnette was preparing a meal and Loki sat in the living room as Asta went to help Agnette.

"I picked some flowers and herbs for remedies that I've been coming up with." Asta told Agnette.

"May I see them?" Agnette asked.

Asta laid the freshly picked flowers and herbs on the counter and Agnette raised her brow as she saw the lavender.

"I never knew you used lavender in your remedies." Agnette said.

"I don't," Asta confessed. "I crush it up and use it as perfume."

"You know you could make a business selling these creams and remedies you make. Being a healer doesn't pay that well." Agnette told her.

"I was thinking about it but..." Asta trailed off.

"But what?" Agnette asked.

"I don't think it could happen." Asta replied.

Loki cocked his head to the side as he listened in on their conversation, pretending to be reading.

"Why?" Agnette asked.

"It seems farfetched and Eir is training me to be the head healer when she retires. I can't do both given that being head healer is a prestigious occupation. I can't do both at the same time. I'd be burnt out every night." Asta explained.

"You're still burnt out at night now." Agnette chuckled.

"Exactly. Being a healer is hard work and it puts a strain on me. Physically and emotionally, grandmother. It's one or the other and I'd chose being head healer any day. I'm just glad some of the other healers buy these things from me." Asta told her.

"Why don't you sell them at a higher price?" Agnette asked.

"They are my friends. I couldn't do that to them. They don't even make a lot of money." Asta replied.

"But soon enough, you will be head healer and all our problems will be gone soon." Agnette told her as she wrapped an arm around her.

Loki furrowed his brow as he quickly glanced over at them. They had their backs to him and Loki could see just how tense Asta was. He didn't know how hard being a healer actually was. After being locked away for years, he didn't realize that the healing department had gone down in value. He had always admired Eir and her healers since they were there to always help, no matter what time of day or night it was. They healed people. That in itself is an honor, in Loki's opinion. Frigga had always told him to look up to the healers. It was one of the reasons why he admired and loved Asta so much. She dedicated most of her time to him when he was in his cell and now she dedicates every day to him and making sure he's safe and healthy. That night, as Loki sat in his bed, he thought about what he could do to make it up to Asta for all the care she had given him. He heard the water of the bathroom sink running from behind the door and knew her routine was almost finished. As she stepped out of the bathroom, Loki again couldn't help but feel his heart race when he saw her in her casual attire with her hair down. This night, he realized she wore a different night gown. It was longer and covered her feet. It wasn't until he closely examined the dress that he realized that it covered her feet because it was too long for her petite frame. Her sleeves puffed out and the dress molded her bosom in a way that made Loki's heart race even faster. He stepped out of bed and walked over to her. Asta furrowed her brow as he stalked towards her and she took a step back as he stopped in front of her.

"Is something wrong?" Asta asked.

Loki shook his head and Asta chuckled nervously.

"Well...what is it?" Asta asked.

Loki pointed at her bed as he took her arm and walked her to it. Asta's breaths were uneven as the two looked into each other's eyes. He sat her on the bed and stood in front of her. Seeing the positions they were in, Asta's eyes widened and she was about to protest when Loki shook his head. Asta quickly looked him up and down and she gasped softly as Loki pushed her onto the bed. She lay on her stomach and fidgeted not being able to see Loki and what he was doing. It wasn't until she felt his hands on her back that she realized what he wanted to do. He kneaded his hands into her flesh and Asta closed her eyes softly as she smiled lazily. Loki watched intently as Asta's toes curled and she fidgeted softly under his hands. It wasn't until Asta let out a soft moan that she opened her eyes and flushed with embarrassment. Loki chuckled softly and Asta stuttered to say something.

"I'm sorry. I've just never had a massage like this and I've been so worked up with all these lessons Eir has been teaching me and-"

Asta cut herself off when Loki resumed massaging her shoulder blades and she smiled weakly. After a few more minutes, Loki finished and Asta turned around to look up at him. Loki swallowed hard as he looked at her laying on the bed. Her hair was sprawled out on the white sheets and her hands laid against her belly as she smiled up at him.

"Thank you. I assume you listened in on our conversation earlier." Asta told him.

Loki nodded his head and Asta giggled softly. Her laugh made Loki flush and Asta shook her head.

"Anyway, I still thank you. I really needed it. It's nice to relax every once and a while. I don't do it often. I always have my plate full." Asta told him.

She sat up on the bed and Loki took the opportunity to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Eir is teaching me a new lesson every day and at the end of every week, she tests me on every little thing. I know it's to help but, I'm always stuck in my room, studying. And I have my grandmother to worry about. Her health is slowly declining and I am the only one who can look after her. She insists she can take care of herself but I know that's not the truth and now...I have you to care for. Although you aren't a pain. You're actually more of a relief in my opinion. A breath of fresh air, so to speak. I know that once I am head healer, I won't have time for all the things I've once cared for." Asta explained.

Loki took Asta's hand and she gave him a look as he helped her into her bed and pulled the covers over her. He caressed her cheek before rubbing his nose on her forehead and walking back over to his bed. Asta blushed madly and was thankful that he didn't look back at her as he walked away. She closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep.