Dancing with a Monster

Chapter 4

A sudden light woke Daenerys up, the young woman blinking a few times to get used to the luminosity. She realized seconds later that Doreha pulled open the curtains, a huge smile on her face. 

-Princess, isn't this place wonderful? I can't believe we'll live here!

Daenerys slowly sat up in her bed, her muscles still sore from the run of the day before. Resting on the armchair next to the bed was a long, golden dress. Sparked by a sudden curiosity, the princess got up to touch the fabric, noticing the subtle pine green lacy details in the dress. Sleeveless and with a V-neck, the princess figured it was the southern trend, remembering similar outfits wore by women in the streets. 

A smile crept it's way on Daenerys's lips when she noticed the note cautiously put on the arm of the chair. 

Meet me in the garden when you're ready. 

-L

Maybe everything she heard about Loki were just grotesque rumors, made up by jealous or scared pawns in Asgard. At least she hoped so, wanting her husband to be a good man so badly was bad for her. Maybe the smiles and the curtesy he showed toward her was just a mask he put on to hide his true nature. But Daenerys couldn't resist this angelic hand-writing and the thoughtfull gift he made her. So she put on the dress, noticing that a small golden belt was attached to the fabric, the belt buckle being a tiny dragon's head. The princess sat down in front of a mirror, letting Doreha tie her hair in a loose braid and put dark coal on her lids. 

-You look very pretty my lady. Said Doreha softly. 

-Thank you. I'd better find the garden. smiled Daenerys. 

The princess got up and quickly walked downstairs, to the ground floor. She didn't need to look for the garden, an imposing door already open showed the bright sky and the green leaves of trees and ivy. Daenerys passed the door, followed a paved alley between hedges, mauve bushes and a multitude of flowers, pink roses, hollyhock and peony amongst them. 

After a few minutes walk, the young woman found her fiancé, sitting on a stoned bench, the soft breeze blowing through his now messy raven locks. His gaze locked on a book sitting on his lap, the lord didn't seem to notice his princess's presence, to the latter's great pleasure. She allowed herself to observe him for a minute. From where she was standing, she could detect a frown on Loki's face, showing his concentration and she couldn't help but notice how tall and lean he was, with long and delicate hands. 

She shook her head, fearing to be seen creeping on someone, she decided to walk up to her fiancé.  

-Good morning. she said in a hesitant voice. 

The young man shot his head up and a soft smile appeared on his lips as he stood up, sitting the book down on the bench. 

-Good morning princess. he bowed.

Daenerys smiled as well, feeling her cheeks growing hot when he kissed the back of her hand. Even if the young lord seemed to take up all of the garden by his entire self, the princess couldn't help but stare at the book he just left on the bench.

-Good morning to you too. Mind if I ask what you were reading? she asked.

Loki suddenly seemed a bit nervous as he picked up the leather covered book and handed it to her.

-It's about... creatures. Leaving beyond the wall.

- 'Cast out Creatures beyond the Wall'. Daenrys read on the cover.

She gave back the book to Loki, a smirk crawling up her face. 

-So, you believe in those legends, about White Walkers and Giants? 

Loki let out a small laugh, looking at the ground for a second, as if he was ashamed. 

-As ridiculous as it sounds, I do. And I believe your family's emblem is a dragon. He said back, arching a brow. 

-Dragons did exist. 

-Just like White Walkers did. Loki snaped back a bit harshly. 

But at the moment Daenerys was about to apologize for making fun of Loki's beliefs, a much too familiar voice met her ears.

-Lord Odinson, I think you'd understand if I told you that my dear sister needs a chaperon, when she visits you. 

Daenerys didn't even turn around, just gazing up at Loki, looking for a reaction from him. Before he spoke, the princess saw a flash of anger sparkling in his eyes.

-Of course. I ask your Majesty's forgivness for my forgetfulness.

-It's fine. Just, keep talking, I'll be right behind you. 

The silver haired princess kept her head low, staring at her feet before looking back up at her fiancé. The tall man offered her his arm, and she gladly took it as they started to walk, fully aware of the king's presence about sixteen feet behind them. 

-I wanted to thank you sir, for the dress.

-There's no need. Besides, you look lovely with that dress. I'm glad my colors fit you. 

Daenerys couldn't help but stare at the ground again, feeling her cheeks growing hot at the compliment.

-Oh and please, call me Loki. he smiled.

-Then call me Daenerys. the princess said back.

-I'd be glad to, Daenerys. 

A small smile appeared on Loki's lips and the princess saw actual shyness on his features. She couldn't help but feel flutters in her stomach, even if she didn't forget what her fiancé's reputation was. But would it be so bad if she decided to put it on the side, for just this morning? 

When Loki stopped in his tracks, Daenerys jumped out of her thoughts, looking cautiously at her brother behind them. Loki put his hand on her chin to turn her face toward him and she had to gather all her strengh to not shiver under his icy touch. She did turn away from her brother, looking back up at Loki. 

-My brother won't be too happy to see us as close as this.  

-We're betrothed. He shrugged his shoulders. 

Loki put his other hand tenderly on her back, pulling her closer. 

-And this would be a great occasion to show him what you're capable of. he said in almost a whisper.

-No, you don't know what he wo-

But before she could finish her sentence, she felt herself being pulled again, the gap between her and Loki closed, their chests against one another and the princess felt her heart skip a beat as his cold breath tickled her forehead.