Loki's Favorite

Part 8

"Benji?" I repeat. He doesn't respond, all he does is raise a shaker finger and points behind me. Before I get the chance to look back, I feel a frigid hand clamp on my shoulder.

"Hello dear." Loki beams. He bends over and plants a chilly kiss on my cheek.

"Rose, you forgot to tell me that you were dating the Prince." Benjamin says with an astonished look on his face. The entire room goes silent when he says this and I can feel all eyes on me. I blush hard, and Loki drapes his slender but muscular body around me in what I can only assume is an embrace.

"Well, of course she is. She's wearing my jacket, and the necklace I gave her." I can feel everyone's disapproving glares, sharp as daggers, pierce my soul.

"Loki. Come back here." King Odin booms. Loki bows slightly and return to his seat at the Royal table. "The competition begins tomorrow. The event will take place in the morning. Tomorrow is Queen Frigga's event: Servantship. The categories will include cooking, cleaning, sewing, and manners. There will be no elimination tomorrow, however standing will be determined. I wish-" He pauses and looks right at me. "Most of you the best of luck."

Dinner is over, and we all return to our rooms. Cleaning and sewing will be fine, but I'm nervous for manners and cooking. I reach my room and collapse on my bed. I think back about what Loki said at dinner.

He called me his girlfriend. I didn't think we were a couple, but now? I'm confused. I wasn't looking for a relationship. I never wanted to date him. He's a Prince, and I'm just a servant. It could never work out. Plus I always thought that if I was ever going to get married, that it would be to Benji.

I fiddle with the necklace he gave me. It's abnormally icy against my skin. I have to tell him how I feel. I need to break this off, but how? I decide to just go to his quarters and tell him in private.

I walk out of my room and see the Queen. "Your Highness." I bow respectfully.

"Wait, might I examine the necklace my son gave you?" I take it off and hand it to her. "Ah, it is as I thought. This necklace is an enchanted family heirloom. And by taking it off I fear you may have activated the magic."I nod and she continues. "It's sort of like a tracker. You can't take it off, and he knows where you are at all times. It can also act as a beacon by glowing brightly when he activates it."

"Why would you Royal make that?" I ask. That seems a bit excessive for people who stay in the palace all day.

"Well it was usually only given when the queen had to leave the kingdom for some reason." This makes sense, but I'm not going anywhere."Where are you going at this hour?"

"Well...I was on my way to speak with Loki." I don't mean to, but I blush slightly.

"I must say that I'm surprised that the two of you are a thing."

"Well, actually. I'm going to tell him that I think it would be best if we were just friends. I mean he's a Prince and I'm his servant. It would be inappropriate for us to be romantically involved."

"I know my husband would agree." She stops and sighs. "But love is love. And I must say Loki really does love you."

"I care for him as well. That is why I'm going to break this off." Whatever this is I think silently.

"Good luck Rose, and good luck in the competition tomorrow."