Right to the Night

Chapter Seven

 Elisabete stood in line for roll call. The throne room was already cramped with all the chairs and tables that would be organized for tonight's feast. She watched as Sanit barked orders at the servants as they prepped the room. Loki gave his speech on how everything was to go perfectly tonight and that if there was one little mishap, he would deduct money from their pay. Elisabete had never seen Loki act like this. The only other times she had was when he met with his war advisors to talk about the matters of the realm to try and keep any rebellious forces down and keep the other realms safe. She knew those matters would warrant his stress, but she didn't understand why he was so tightly wound up over Sanit. She knew Sanit was just his mistress, and nothing more. She was above her in rank but below her in morals. Elisabete felt indifferent towards Sanit. She understood her pain yet disliked how she went about things. She was well aware, through, of the fact that Sanit had ulterior motives to everything she did or said.

Loki dismissed the maids and Elisabete took a step forward as he turned to face her. He told her that she and a few other maids are to stay after their shift to help serve the guests at the feast. They will stay after to clean up the throne room from the mess that the guests will surely leave. He put her in charge of the maids and Elisabete told him he won't have to worry about a thing.

"I trust that you will do a good job tonight. This feast is very important to me." Loki told her.

"I am aware of that, my king. I have not seen you this worked up since the land dispute between Vanaheim and Alfheim." Elisabete reminisced, chuckling at the memory.

"Ah, yes, I remember that. Those were stressful times. However, tonight is even more important than that. I need you on your best behavior and making sure that everything gets done the way that Sanit wants it. Do you understand, girl?" Loki told her.

"I do, my king. I can promise that everything will run smoothly tonight." Elisabete replied.

"Good. You are dismissed." Loki spoke.

Elisabete bowed her head and quickly exited the room to get to her tasks. Loki watched her as she left and clenched his jaw in frustration. Sanit looked over at him and narrowed her eyes at him, following his gaze towards the door. She then snapped her head back to look at him and pace in his direction. As he turned to face her, she slowed her pace, put on a smile, and laid her hands on his shoulders once she reached him. Sanit kissed his cheek sweetly and giggled as she pulled away.

"Thank you for this evening." Sanit grinned.

"It is no trouble at all, Sanit. Anything for you." Loki told her.

Sanit flinched upon hearing his last sentence and chuckled to cover it up.

"I also appreciate your gift." Sanit spoke softly.

"You saw the dress?" Loki asked.

"You left it in the closet in plain view. How was I not supposed to see it?" Sanit retorted.

"Excuse me for a moment." Loki spoke quickly as he stalked out of the room.

Sanit clenched her fists and glared at him as she watched him walk away. But, nothing could put her in a bitter mood for she had finally gotten the card she needed and would be playing it later tonight. Everything was perfectly set up for her and Loki.

Loki angrily made his way down the halls. He burst through the kitchen doors and all the maids jumped in surprise. They immediately bowed their heads when they registered who it was. Elisabete was off to the side and kept her head towards the ground as she stood back up. She held the bowl of ingredients in her hands tightly as she waited to see what it was he wanted from them. He demanded where Elisabete was and she widened her eyes in shock, picking her head up as well. Elisabete spoke up softly and she gasped as Loki ripped the bowl from her hands and practically threw it onto the table. He then grasped her forearm and pulled her out of the room. She gasped in pain and struggled against his grip. Loki furrowed his brow feeling her struggle for she had never done so before. Not knowing what to do, he let her go and she sighed with relief as she rubbed her arm.