The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 55: The Prince Awakens

Cassiel. I never heard such a name before and yet, I feel as though I have heard his name somewhere I cannot place. His eyes that can make the sapphires pale when brought to him do not look foreign to me. It is comforting and familiar, but I have never met him until today. Why does he have this much affect on me?

"What is the meaning of this, Lokki?!" Father bellows from his seat, followed by a thud that can only be his fist hitting the table

"I must say that I do not understand what you mean, dear Father. Have I not made myself clear on who this boy is? Has he not introduced himself properly?" Loki responds in what appears to sound like he was insulted. But I can never tell when he is serious.

"Do not jest with me, Loki! Explain why you brought him here!" Father demands, yet Loki does not show fear. He never does when Father is angry.

"I told you that I brought a guest here. You wouldn't want me to come to this gala without someone to keep me company? I did came home just recently after all and I know no one here will bother to ask about my travels." Loki repeats with a roll of his eyes then looks at his guest. "My sincerest apologies, my dear. I have brought you to this extravagant place and all you see is mistreatment. Come, I'll take you home now."

The boy simply nods his head and places his hand on the crook of Loki's elbow. The two begin to walk away while the gods mutter to themselves as they pass by, but none spoke up to stop them. Not even Father yelled for an order of Thor to demand of Loki to cease his dramatic antics. All the while, I hear Loki's last words repeating themselves.

". . . I did come home just recently after all and I know no one here will bother to ask about my travels." That's what Loki said, but it's not entirely true. I would have asked about his travels.

However, now is not the time for games. If all Loki wants is a companion for the night, then he shall have it. Tonight is my engagement to Nanna and I want Loki to be present despite his lack of support. He is my brother and I will not have him miss it.

"Father, if I may speak, I think we should allow Loki to keep his guest." I announce, collecting quite a few gasps, just as Loki and his guest reach the doors.

"What did you say?" Father questions in astonishment.

"Permit Loki to stay with his guest. What harm can he do when he's charming him to pass the time?" I reply as I look over to my father.

Father has an incredulous expression, almost as though I suggested that we release Fenrir from his bounds, and glares at me with his one eye when he spoke. "You mean to indulge Loki with his latest antics?!"

"Where is the harm in it? Loki has someone to impress rather than disturb the party." I answer then turn my attention to my older brother. "Isn't that right, Loki?"

Loki, who was still standing by the door, had a look of utter shock before he shook his head. "Y-Yes! That is correct, dear little brother! I swear on my life that I will not cause trouble on your engagement party."

I turn to face my father and tilt my head slightly to the left, questioning him. Father's expression is one of fury, but I held my ground. I continue to stare at him until he releases a sigh and nods his approval. A smile of relief forms as I walk over to Father and gave him a tight hug.

"Thank you, Father." I mutter in his ear while he strokes my hair.

"Do not make me regret my decision, Baldr." Father whispers then breaks away from our embrace just as a loud clap arose.

"Thank you, Baldr and Father. I will be on my best behavior. Come this way, my dear." Loki declares in gratitude before leading the Midgardian to a lone table off to the far left side.