Loki's Favorite

Part 4

"So where are we going?" I ask with an almost perturbed tone.

"Relax." That doesn't answer my question. He just grabs my hand and pulls me faster. I recognize that we are nearing the exterior of the palace. When we emerge, he tells me to close my eyes. I reluctantly comply and he brings me to exactly where he wants me. "You can open them."

When I open my eyes, I see that he took me to a magnificent winter garden. There is light snow on the ground and frost on every leaf. The roses are white, and there are periwinkles lining the garden. I look up at the clear night sky and the stars appear brighter. The full moon is rising over a silvery gazebo. Inside the gazebo I see desserts and tea. The tea steams in the unseasonably cool crisp air.

"Well?" He says impatiently. I can't find the words. What am I supposed to say.

"How is it winter?" Of all the things to say, that is what I ask. I feel dumb, and blush slightly. "I mean I'm sure it's magic, but still. How?"

"My mother made this garden for me. She used to joke that it was cold, like my heart." His smile falters, I can see the hurt in his eyes. "And now I'd like to share this special place with you." I blush a little more, and he invites me to sit and join him for tea and dessert. "I'd like to get to know you better."

"M'Lord, I'm a mere servant, why would you take any interest in me?" I'm very confused because he went from ready to punish to ready to listen so quickly. He looks agitated and I hurry up and say, "What would you like to know?"

"How about your name?"

"My name is Rose."

"Rosie...That's rather cute." He smirks. "That soldier boy, who is he?"

"He's my best friend from childhood. His name is Benjamin. Growing up he was the closest thing I had to family." The words start pouring and I unwittingly share my entire life story. I tell him frivolous information, like how my favorite color is black, how I love to read, how I actually love magic.

"What type of guys do you like?" I blush hard and look down at my hands that are buried in my lap. I've never given any thought to a romantic relationship, my life has always been about surviving. I almost say exactly that, but his face looks too expectant. "Well?"

"Um...not the boring kind." I can't think of anything else to say, and I can't bring myself to make eye contact, so I look away at the roses. A slight wind blows and I shiver, my tunic and robe isn't very warm attire.

"How rude of me!" Prince Loki says with what I imagine would be a face palm if he was a commoner. He walks around the table and stands behind me. Once there, he places his long green and black cloak around me. It's surprisingly warm. "It's been a pleasure . Honestly, I enjoy your company."

He flashes me a crooked smile, and walks me back to my room. My room is extremely dirty, and I have laundry everywhere. I feel extremely self conscious of my room, and quickly try to organize it. I thank him for an amazing evening and excuse myself to prepare for bed. I go take a shower and I expect him to leave. When I exit I'm wearing my pajamas, which consists of a short silly black dress with spaghetti straps.

"Very...revealing."Prince Loki smirks from my bed. He is lounging on my bed like a lanky cat! I'm immediately embarrassed, then my embarrassment turns to anger.

"What are you doing in here?!" I scream. I rush over to my bed and he hold up his hands defensively. I attempt a spell that I only read about.