A Moment Under the Heavens (Loki x Reader)

A Moment Under the Heavens

The royal house of Asgard was alive tonight. The sounds of dresses swirling, nobles chatting, and silverware clanking filled the throne room. There were people eating on large circular tables surrounding a dance floor. Gourmet food sat picked through in the center of each. Men crowded around the tables and listened to those who have had far too much wine, and laughed as they told over-exaggerated stories.

Many couples had already eaten and moved to the dance floor. Ladies spun in gowns of different colors as the men lead them through a complicated dance.

You stood near one of the many expansive windows, holding a half-empty glass. Your ebony strapless dress clung to your body, enunciating every curve. The gold detail on the bodice that flowed to the skirt glittered every time you moved. A servant girl earlier had done your hair up into a beautiful intricate style. The gold necklace around your neck was surprisingly the simplest piece of your outfit. There was no doubt that you looked gorgeous, but that didn't matter. Your plan was to dissuade, and it was working so far.

Men had strolled up to you throughout the night trying to gain your favor. You swiftly shut down any hope they might have had. Word had spread that your father was practically on his death bed. The noble men knew that any day now you would be up for grabs and that your father's wealth came with you.

You, on the other hand, felt entirely disgusted and put off by anyone who approached you. Your father was dying and all these men cared about was your money! You glanced across the room to see one of the men who had a failed conversation with you earlier, charming a group of ladies. They giggled like school girls. You rolled your eyes and turned to stare out the window.

As you took a sip of your wine, you lifted your head to stare at the night sky. You sighed and secretly wished to be elsewhere.

"Royal balls are such a bore, aren't they?"

You looked back to the voice. The royal prince Loki was before you.

For the first time tonight, you were caught off guard. You blushed and curtsied. When you straightened back up, you stared at each other. After a few seconds of silence, you realized he wanted his question answered.

"Oh, the ball? I'm usually quite fond of the balls, your highness, but tonight I'm just not in the mood," you said.

He raised his eyebrow quizzically. No emotion showed on his face, however. "What are you in the mood for, then?"

You smiled nervously, wondering if you should really tell him what's on your mind. He noticed, and flashed a brilliant smile, his features warming up.

You decided you shouldn't deny him a response. "I'd like to be somewhere quieter, my lord, where I may look upon the evening sky in peace."

Loki studied your face. His piercing blue eyes locking with yours.

"I'll grant you your wish if you grant one of mine," he said with a hint of slyness. He held out his arm for you to take.

You hesitantly hooked your hand around it and let him lead you out of throne room. You tarried through halls and stairwells. Sometimes, Loki would point out one of the rooms and recount a story from his childhood relating to it.

At last, you both reached a pair of oak doors. Loki pushed one open and pulled you inside, or more like outside as you discovered.

Loki watched you while you gaped in awe of the sight. You let go of his arm and took a few steps out onto the balcony.

A beautiful array of galaxies and their stars filled the heavens above. They sparkled like diamonds, but the full moon drew your eyes away from them with its rich glowing light. Your attention was brought back to earth when Loki put his hand on your back and guided you to a small stone bench.

You took and seat and said, "Thank you, my prince, for taking me here. It's absolutely breathtaking!"

He smirked, knowing full well of the effect this would have. "I should be thanking you, my lady. While the stars are extravagant, they seem to fall short compared to the way the moonlight kisses your skin."

You instantly felt your cheeks heat up. "Thank you, your highness."

"Please call me Loki. There's no need for formal titles."

"Very well then," you paused, "Loki."

He smiled at the sound of his name on your lips. Then he reached for your hand and held it softly. Goosebumps crawled over your skin.

"How is your father?"

Your eyes narrowed at him, wondering why Loki would know about your family's crisis. Then for a moment, a fire burned within you. You thought Loki was just like the other men, looking for money. It then dawned on you that Loki was a prince of Asgard; he had no need for your fortune or title. Your anger subsided.

You sighed sadly, "Not well. I fear any day now he'll walk the halls of Valhalla."

Loki squeezed your hand, "I'm sorry to hear that, my lady."

You nodded your head and turned away. Your throat tightened up as you attempted to not think about your father. You two sat awhile in silence just holding hands and gazing at the sky. Occasionally, he would rub his thumb over yours in a comforting way. Eventually, Loki's voice broke the air.

"It may come as no surprise that it's my duty as a prince to know the people of my kingdom; especially those of noble blood," he said answering your earlier speculation.

He continued, "When I heard of your father's sickness, I had a suspicion that the other noblemen would react in such a way as they have been. I did not, however, expect you to turn so many away. It intrigued me greatly."

Loki? Intrigued by you?

"Most women would have chosen the best suitor by now. Why not you, if I may ask?"

You thought to yourself trying to find the right words. You held his hand with both of yours and answered him.

"Loki, just because I am a woman doesn't mean I'm not highly capable of taking care of myself or my estate," you simply put. "My father married for love, and I intend to as well."

Loki beamed triumphantly. "Ah, there it is. My wish has been granted."

The look on your face made him laugh. "Your wish?"

"Throughout the years, I had yet to find a woman that I truly. . . wanted." Loki went on. "I greatly admire your independence. Most women I've come across cower in fear or throw themselves at me. They never speak out or fend for themselves. And they certainly don't try to intimidate other men, unless you count Lady Sif." Loki gave you a knowing glance.

You were speechless. Here on this rooftop, a prince of Asgard was confessing affection towards you. He was also very aware of the plot you had planned for the night.

When you didn't say anything, his right hand came up and cupped your face. Loki stared intently into your eyes. Your heart fluttered to the touch of his skin. "If you'd fulfill one more wish of mine, all I would ask is that you'd allow me to know you better."

All you could do is nod your head. Loki's features softened in relief.

You finally managed to speak. "How do you suppose we go about that, Loki?"

Loki smirked and brought your faces closer together. You took a short intake of breath and immediately shut your eyes. His mouth stopped just hovering over yours.

"We can start with this," he said before your lips finally connected. The kiss was gentle and sweet. His lips were soft and tasted like wine. Loki's hand moved behind your neck to deepen the kiss. Automatically, your hands left your lap and went to his chest. One managed to sneak its way up to tangle itself in his hair. When at last you both parted for breath, your foreheads rested against each other. For the next few minutes, you gave each other butterfly kisses and quick pecks in-between.

"What a pleasant way to begin," you nervously giggled.

The rest of the night was filled with wondrous conversation as Loki spent time learning more about you and you, him. As the moon shone overhead, you couldn't help but think just how lovely this evening had turned out.