Loki's Favorite

Part 2

I walk to the dining hall and wait for any sign of Lady Sif. She comes in, and much to my surprise, she is accompanied by Queen Frigga herself. I begin to feel nervous, as I have no idea what is going to happen next. They approach steadily and the amazing idea to bow comes to mind.

"Lady Sif. Your Highness." I bow. They gesture for me to rise. I think I'm getting better at the whole servant thing. "How may I help you?"

They don't answer and instead Queen Frigga circles around me slowly. It feels like I am prey and she is a predator stalking me out. I get the strangest notion that she is examining my inner soul, and reaching into the depths of my mind. "I see what you were talking about Sif. She does have extraordinary magic potential."

"Excuse me, magic?" I say all too quickly. Upon saying it I realize that perhaps it wasn't my turn to speak, and I instantly bow my head down. "I'm sorry, but in all seriousness what do you mean by magic?"

"Well dear, it seems that you have a natural predisposition to casting. Tell me dear child, have you ever practiced any magic?" I shake my head 'no'. She nods quizzically. "I've decided. Every morning after breakfast you are to meet me in the hedge garden." I cock my head in confusion. "I will instruct you in magic and give you lessons."

"That's amazing!" I exclaim. That was too loud for a servant girl. I calm down and say again, "Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to our lessons."

Lady Sif dismisses me and I run to the courtyard to tell Benjamin what happened. As I'm running I pass a familiar face, but don't stop to figure out who it was. I run up behind him and but him in an arm lock, "Guess who!" He laughs and reverses the armlock.

"I'm going with...Rose." He chuckles. I break away and jump up and down. I feel like someone is watching me, and turn around and look towards the castle. I see no one there, and then turn back to Benjamin to tell him my news.

"I have the most amazing news!" I say. He looks puzzled. "Queen Frigga is going to teach me magic every morning! She says I have real potential! Isn't that great?"

From somewhere behind me a figure emerges. I recognize him as the same person I passed earlier. Prince Loki. "So mother has decided to teach you?" He smirks. He looks right at me, but it feels more like he is staring through my soul. I nod silently, since I am not supposed to speak with Royals. "Funny, you don't seem the type."

"Excuse me?" I say with sass. "What is that supposed to mean?" He wags his finger in my face and I feel Benji tense up behind me.

"Is that any way to speak to your Prince?" He makes an audible tsk tsk noise before continuing. "It seems someone should teach you some manners." He reaches forwards towards me and Benjamin pulls me back behind him. "Stand back soldier."

"Loki that's enough." Prince Thor comes out behind Prince Loki. He grasps his soldier and says, "Brother, the servant girl made a mistake. I won't happen again, I'm sure." He winks at me. "Now why don't you two go back to your work." He says looking at us. We nod and excuse ourselves. I walk past Prince Loki on my way into the palace and I feel his eyes linger on me. I try to shake off his gaze as I return to my work.