The Beginning

Engagement

"Mae?" Nico's voice rang into my lethargic head. I had not left my bed for 3 days, Karena's gotten me to eat a little bit but other than that I've shut myself out from everyone. Especially Loki. I cried myself to sleep every night and I haven't talked in over 62 hours. My bed was messy and so was my face as well as my hair. Nico couldn't see me like this, no one can.

"I won't judge you or anything." Nico tried again. I stayed silent but opened my eyes, which hurt. The tears that had dried on my face was pulling the skin around my eyes.

"Mahogany I will kick down this goddam door." And he did just that. Nico stumbled in through the door and closed it behind him. I could see him through the breathing hole I mad through the comforter. His blonde hair was freshly buzzed off and he was wearing a sweater and jeans. He didn't look like a prince today. I poked my head out of the blankets and flicked my eyes over his face.

"You look terrible." Nico chuckled, sitting on the bed. My hair was everywhere and I'm sure I looked like I was just hit by a bus, but I was broken. I felt like a piece of my heart was missing. I made a grunting sound and popped my head the rest of the way out.

"Did Karena send you?" I asked, my nose no longer affected my voice, it just hurt to touch.

"Yes. But I wanted to come. I just didn't know that I was welcome."

"You're not."

"Well that's not very nice."

"We made a promise that we would be brutally honest with each other so I am." I pointed out.

"You are correct but I'm only here to help. I heard what happened at the warehouse." Nico started, before resting one arm around me and leaning in close. "I wasn't told why you had a broken nose, you'll have to tell me later." Oh right I forgot to mention, Loki actually broke my nose. When Loki and I got back he made me check in with a physician, who cracked my nose back into place.

"I told Andrew I didn't love him. And he's in some group called the Occult who are trying to kidnap Ms.Romulie and kill me." I said bluntly, raising my eyes to Nico's. His eyes weren't filled with sympathy, which was what I was expecting.

"That sucks, but we need to talk." Nico said. I glanced up at him and nodded, making sure he knew to continue. "If you don't want to get married anymore I get it."

"Woah woah. I can't marry you if you haven't even proposed yet." I said.

"Well, I can't do it now. Probably later today in front of everyone, but I just wanted to make sure with you."

"Of course I'll marry you, it would be fun to rule next to you. I believe friendship is a major thing for marriage." I pointed out.

"But you do realize at some point we are going to have to.. Do some things, to um get an heir. I don't want to pressure you into doing anything because you and I both know we don't have romantic feelings for each other." Nico said, his voice trailing off at the end.

"We'll figure that out when we get there." I said, resting my hand on his arm reassuringly.

"Now get up, we must get you dresses and ready to go. People are worried about you. Although maybe not the duchess." Nico jumped up and winked at me, flashing another one of his blinding smiles.

"Do I have to get changed?" I asked with a pout, sliding out of bed. Nico looked me up and down and laughed, maybe at my sweatpants and spongebob shirt.

"Well I am not proposing to a hobo am I?" Nico joked, pulling me towards the drawers. "Do you want me to get Kristina, she knows how to pick your clothes and can do your makeup."