a stolen moment 5

718 31 7
                                    

Living at the convent wasn’t so bad. I loved the tranquillity and simplicity of the sisters’ lifestyle, so different from life at the palace, where there was always so much happening. Being here felt like a refuge, a way to hide from the turmoil inside me. I sought peace in the surrounding nature; the exceptional beauty of the mountains was breathtaking, and at times, I could lose myself in it, calming my heart and mind, though only temporarily.

I got along well with all the sisters—except for one. Sister Giovanna seemed determined to find moments to torment me each day. She was a plump woman with a perpetually flushed face, her sparse hair revealing patches of scalp. Despite her efforts to provoke me, I treated her with kindness.

I had made peace with Frigga, who continued to visit me weekly. I accepted that she sided with Odin; she was, after all, the only mother figure I had, and I needed her. She would bring news from Asgard, including updates on Loki.

She told me that he was not well, prone to bouts of rage. He had always struggled with a fierce temper, even as a child, though he was always remorseful afterwards.

Thor took much longer to visit again. I was walking in the orchard, admiring the apple blossoms, when I heard his voice booming through the trees. “A beautiful blossom among other blossoms!”

“Thor!” I cried joyfully and ran to him, giving him a big hug. “You took so long to come and see me!” I half-scolded him, though I wasn’t truly upset.

“I’m sorry, sister, but Father’s been keeping me busy—preparing me to take over the throne soon,” he said, nudging me playfully. “And how are you?”

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted, one I’d longed to hear. “Don’t mind me, then!” Loki! My heart skipped a beat as I spun around. There he was, looking unsure, a hint of vulnerability beneath his carefully controlled expression. I knew him too well—he couldn’t hide his feelings from me.

Thor broke my daze. “Ah, yes. I brought you a gift along.” I was overwhelmed and momentarily speechless, but Thor, sensing this, added, “I think I’ll leave you to it and see if the sisters have any cake to spare.” And with that, he left.

As soon as he was gone, I rushed to Loki and started hitting him. “Why didn’t you come to see me?” Tears spilt over, tears of joy and relief. He caught my wrists, drawing me close. His forehead rested against mine as he spoke softly. “I’m so sorry. I feared Odin’s wrath. He warned me not to come, and I wasn’t worried for myself but for you. But I couldn’t stay away. Forgive me—I’ve missed you more than I can bear.”

He pulled me into a tight embrace, so tight it almost hurt, but I didn’t mind. It felt so right. For a moment, all was well. I could feel his heartbeat, smell the scent of him. Then I looked up and saw him smiling, a rare peace in his expression that I treasured.

He bent down and kissed me gently at first, then with a deep hunger. He pressed me against the nearest tree, his breathing uneven. I could feel his desire, matching the wild longing that had ignited in me. I had never felt anything like it—a ravenous, consuming passion.

A loud, pointed cough shattered the moment. We turned reluctantly, and there stood Sister Giovanna, her face stony. Why did it have to be her, of all people?

“What do you want, woman?” Loki’s voice was still husky with passion.

“I don’t think this meeting is appropriate,” she replied coldly, a malicious glint in her eyes.

In an instant, Loki was in front of her, lifting her by the throat until she was level with him. Despite her stoutness, she was small in stature. “Are you threatening us?” he hissed.

Though her expression was frightened, there was still defiance in her eyes. “Loki, no!” I cried, rushing forward. His eyes glinted strangely, but I gently coaxed him to lower her. He let her go, almost as if burned, and she stumbled away. “This will have consequences,” she called back once she had reached a safe distance.

Loki looked troubled. “I… I lose control sometimes. This terrible rage inside me—it overwhelms me.” He glanced at me, searching my face for understanding. “Will she report us to Odin?” he murmured, more to himself than to me. Then, gripping my shoulders, he said, “Arianna, no matter what happens, remember that I love you. I always have, and I always will.”

I nodded. “And I love you, Loki. My heart is yours.”

He held my face in his hands, looking into my eyes with a mix of sadness and confusion. “I’m scared, Arianna. Something isn’t right with me.”

At that moment, Thor returned, smirking. “I see you two had a good time.”

I felt my face redden, but Thor only grinned wider. “Since you wouldn’t tell me what was going on with you and Loki, sister, I pestered him until he did,” he said proudly.

“You’re… not angry?” I asked cautiously.

“No, sister,” he replied, chuckling. “I’m rather charmed by my two siblings.” He laughed, then stopped as Loki growled, though there was a playful glint in Thor’s eyes.

Suddenly, he grew serious. “Father can’t deny you happiness forever,” he said, though he looked uncertain.

Love is stronger than rage (Loki fanfic)Where stories live. Discover now