Shattered Reflection

Chapter Four

Loki's POV

I wake up alone, my love no where in sight. I find myself confused, where did she go? She never leaves my side after a nightmare.

I get up from the bed and get dressed hurriedly, wanting to find my princess. I finish my morning routine and set out through the halls. I look in the dining hall, to find it empty. I continue on.

I look around for some time, even asking some guards and maids if they had seen her. None of them had the faintest.

I grow more and more worried about her. Is she alright? But before I send the kingdom into mass panic there is one more place I've yet to look.

I burst through the doors of library. I began looking between all the selves. A lone book pile catches my attention. Whose does this belong to. I hear a distant mumbling and decide to investigate.

I come across more and more book piles, the mumbling grows closer. I turn a corner to see her, my princess. I walk over to her and place a hand on her shoulder, she jumps.

"Oh! Loki! You startled me. How are you?" She asks. I take in the situation.

Mountains of books lay scattered all around. Maps, and charts lay strewn across the floor. Several candles burned to the ends lay near her as well.

"I am alright, but I could very well ask you the same. What time did you awaken this morning?" I ask.

She turns her attention to another book, "I didn't sleep last night."

"What?!" I ask, suddenly very alarmed.

"That nightmare did things to my mind. I can't close my eyes without hearing those screams. I needed answers, so I came here." She explains.

I take the book from her, "You need rest, love."

"I'm fine." She stands, takes the book back, and walks away.

"Please darling. Go sleep." I implore her.

"No. I can't. Not without seeing her, without hearing the screams." Natalia sighs.

"What are you trying to find?" I ask.

"The castle in my dream. Maybe I can find some answers there," She insists, I watch as she paces the floor.

"Come with me for breakfast at the dinning hall," I say, begging she'll say yes.

She brushes me off, "Not hungry."

"Dear, you need to eat!"

"No, I need answers!" She shouts back.

"Fine." I need help with her. I leave. Hopefully giving her time to calm.

Natalia's POV

I sigh as Loki storms from the room. What is wrong with me! These nightmares are tearing me apart! My back slides against the shelf as I fall to the floor. My eyes burn with unfallen tears, but I'm too tired I cry. Too tired to do anything. Too tired...

Those eyes, those cold, dead eyes...

"Why?!"

"WHY?!"

"WHY?!"

"I'm sorry!" I scream as I fly awake. I look to see I was asleep less than half an hour.

I can't go much longer without sleep. It's tearing me apart. I cannot function like this. And Loki, my poor Loki. He worries for me so and all I do is worry him more.

I smile as his beautiful face comes to memory. His perfect eyes, perfect hair, perfect smile, prefect laugh, perfect everything. He is perfect and I adore him. I do not know what I'd do without my Loki.

I decide to find him, to apologize. I get up from my island of books and maps and leave the library. I head off to the dining hall, he'll most likely be there at the moment.

I walk through the doors and his head turns up to see me. He gives me a calculating look. I step inside and take a seat at the table.

"I'm so sorry for being so rude to you my dear. I know you only mean well for me." I tell him, he offers a sad smile which I return.

"I know, love. You're just tired. I'll take you to bed after this." He says.

I shake my head, "Please, just not right now. I need time. I'll try to sleep the whole of tomorrow away, alright?"

He looks at me doubtful but eventually nods, "Aright."

"Will you read to me after you're finished?" I ask. He smiles brightly at me.

"I would love that."

I soon find myself laying with my head in his lap. We are in the library, sitting on many plush blankets and pillows. The fireplace nearby is lit and giving off wonderful warmth.

Loki's smooth words roll off his tongue as he reads. I find myself not really listening to the story, but to his voice. Just happy to hear him. His hand runs through my hair and I curl up closer to him.

These are the moments I cherish with my wonderful king. I find myself never wanting to move, for I do not wish to face what's to come.

I've found myself becoming afraid of what the future holds for my king and
I. What will become of us? I fear for the possible unknown threat. I feel the weight of stress on my shoulders and I want nothing more but to relive it, but I cannot.

I try to push these thoughts away as I listen to my love. Focusing on the words, on his touch. On him.

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Kinda a short one, I know. Sorry.

Anyway, this story is about to kick it into high gear, so get ready for that.

I hope you like what you read!

Keep living that life of yours!