The Prince's Prisoner

Nature

Chapter 20 - Nature. Enjoy!

Aria's eyes fluttered open as she arched her back, pawing towards the top of the pillow as her body stretched under the rising morning light. The muted warmth just about rested on her shoulders and left cheek, causing those loose strands hair to light a fiery golden red.

Rolling over, she lay back down at the light clang that met her. Loki had resorted to literally chaining her to the bed, so she couldn't slip from his hold in the night. As she had often tried. It sounded bad, but she didn't mind too much. The chain was strong, but thin and fragile. She could barely feel it, and it was long enough to not restrain her movements in sleep, it was purely for Loki's practicality to keep her there.

She lay there waiting, knowing he would come back just before breakfast so she could get dressed. It wasn't long before she heard the office door open and Loki strolled in, a weird gleam in his eyes and upward slant to his lips.

"Wear the dress I've placed" Loki ordered, before releasing her cuff.

Aria hastened herself into the closet, seeing a long white gown lain out on the chaise inside, a dark emerald at the ends that faded up into the skirt. She slipped the soft material over her head, letting it brush her ankles gently.

She looked stunning, the dress was clearly designed for her. The shapes and sizes perfect, the white just a little off to match her pale skin, and the green noticeable but not dominating. The top was colourless, only helping to accentuate her eyes and hair. Deciding to just clip to piece either side of her cheeks towards the lower back of her head, she fiddled with the elegant and laced, three quarter sleeves.

Leaving the room, she noticed Loki in a rather simplistic black suit, with a green tie to match the bottom of her dress. He was also not wearing any shoes.

Aria opened her mouth to speak, but Loki just gave her a luck before waving his hand and her cuff appeared in his hand. Was he letting her go?

They left the bedroom, heading for the main door. Her throat became constricted, she hadn't left the room since her initial escape attempt. Loki continued regardless off her hesitation. Aria raised her hand towards the threshold and when she didn't go soaring backwards, shuffled forwards. Loki had paused mid hallway, and turned to her with an arrogant and knowing smirk on his lips that had Aria striding forward in anger.

Why did he have to mock her? Like she wouldn't be fearful of something that caused her so much pain last time, yet he makes her seem so weak.

As she went to storm passed, he hooked her arm and had them turn right, heading downstairs and avoiding the front door. Guards nodded their respects to him, making her feel sick.

They were now stood in the doorway to outside in the garden, Aria gasping towards the fresh air. A row of petals and autumn leaves were lain out in a pathway towards a circle of what looked like black dust.

"What time of year is it?" Aria whispered, noting how cold the air felt. She had arrived here spring, it couldn't be near winter already, could it?

Loki didn't answer anyway, just turned to her suddenly, grasping her wrists in his own.

"Do everything I say. Fight me, and the punishment will be severe" He warned, and whenever he verbally warned of danger was when she really had to be concerned. "We will be conducting a variation of an old Asgardian wedding ceremony. This is what will link your life to mine, but it isn't as sentimental as the normal ceremonies. It will mean little here, only effecting you and me. On Asgard, it will be praised and registered as an official marriage."