Darkness Revealed (A Loki Love Story) Book 2 in Darkness Series

Ready for War

(His point of view)

I awaken to the dull gray light of dawn streaming across my bed. My head is pounding, but I do not let this hinder me from sitting up. Today is our last day of preparation before we depart for Jotunheim. I am more than anxious to get to her. I must get to her before it is too late.

Rowan and Borin are already scattering about, prepping my attire for the day as I quickly make for my bathing chambers. I hurriedly rinse off, ignoring the pulsating pain within my head. I should not have consumed so much alcohol last night, but there is no point in wishing this away now. There are far more important issues at hand.

I dry off and dress before nodding my brief thanks to my servants for their assistance. I take a quick glance at my reflection in a nearby mirror. Gods....I look....horrible. I need more sleep.

But I ignore this fact as I reach for my cloak and sword. Then, I exit my chambers. As I come out into the hallway, Daegan is already there. He is standing just outside of my doors, waiting for me.

"Good morning, Prince Loki. My, don't you look..." I throw him a glare.

"Go to Hel, Daegan." He chuckles at my response before waving his hand forward.

"Shall we?" He asks through an amused smirk. I nod without speaking further, walking along side him down the long hallway.

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Upon entering the meeting room, we find that it is already packed. As we make our way to our seats, I catch a glimpse from Link just across the table. He seems surprisingly pleased that Daegan and I have arrived together. I shoot him a warning glare, as I am not up for his sniggering comments at this early hour.

Only a few brief moments pass by before the King arrives, thus allowing for the meeting to commence. We take a little longer than usual in going over our battle plan one final time. As I sit, listening to Daegan cover all of the details, I realize that this is the last time we shall be meeting before we depart tomorrow morning. I am so very grateful for this, as I am more than ready to get this over with. I would leave right now if I could, but I know that our timing is imperative. Daegan states that our arrival will be all too unexpected. According to what we have told him, Daegan believes that Heblindi assumes we shall wait for him to return to Medina with Christine. He still thinks that our numbers are too few to dare attacking Jotunheim. He is truly in for a rude awakening. Our numbers have more than tripled since joining with Asgard. Were it not for this, we would have been forced to wait until he returned; no doubt bringing his large populace of demonic Frost Giants. We would have fought valiantly until the last of us stood. But sadly, it would have been a massacre. But now, I dare to believe that we shall have the upper hand on them.

I suddenly feel pulled to speak, to let these brave men know how appreciative that I am for their efforts. I sense that Daegan has about finished going over our plans. Once he goes over the last of it, I lean over closer into his ear.

"Job well done, man." He chuckles at my compliment. I pat his shoulder one last time before standing to my feet.

"With your Majesty's permission, I would like to address the men," I say, looking over to the King. He offers me a proud smile, nodding in agreement. I place both hands down on the table, gazing over our well drawn out map. Our plan to bring her back. Our only hope of bringing her home. To us. To me....

"Gentlemen, and ladies," I say, respectfully waving my hand over to Sif. She grins at my acknowledgement. "As this is our last meeting before we are to depart, I feel that I must speak freely." I move away from the table, making my way around the room.