Falling for The Trickster

Chapter Three

Mira sprawled on the floor, a thin trickle of blood rolling down her chin. She lifted a hand, finger tips pressing against her swollen lip. Father stood before her, fists clenched in pure rage. Tears stream down her face. For a moment, just a brief moment, Mira had manage to forget her station in life. She caught a glimpse of Loki's face before quickly averting her eyes.

"You forget your place!" Her father seethed, fingers lifting her from the floor by the roots of her hair. She cried out.

"And you forget yours." Loki hissed, "I am a Prince of Asgard. It was I that asked the young maiden to dance."

Father hesitated, eyes flickering between us for a moment, "She is no maiden. She is nothing more than a slave to my household, unworthy of your Grace's attention."

The entire hall has fallen in silence. Mira cowered, unable to meet any of their faces. She could not believe a Prince of Asgard was coming to her defense. No one had ever spoken for her. The throne room erupted with a rolling thunder.  Odin appeared, people quickly stepping from his path as he maneuvered towards them.

"Release the girl." He ordered.

Father knew better than to disobeyed. He released me. I staggered back, into the soft touch of Queen Frigga. Her fingers touched my shoulder, her other tilting my face towards the light, "Tis nothing time cannot heal." She spoke, her words directed towards Odin.

"This girl-" Odin pointed a finger towards Mira, "-is as much a guest beneath this roof as you and your daughter." 

"But-" Father began to argue.

"There will be no arguments. All people are considered free once entering Asgard. She is no longer yours to control. She will be treated as equal."

Mira's jaw dropped, flinching from the look of pure wrath upon Father's face. Knowing better than to argue with the Allfather, he spun towards the door. He stalked away. Odin turned his attention to Mira, offering his hand.

"Come, child. Let us speak in private." 

Mira's fingers trembled as his hard hand takes hers. She managed a glimpsed at Loki who watched her, a faint smile upon his lips. Odin led Mira into a separate chamber, door closing behind her.

"Loki seems to favor you." He spoke rather abruptly, "What are your thoughts of him?"

Mira averted her gaze, "I- I do not know him well enough to say."

In truth, Loki caused rather embarrassing emotions to stir within the young girl. He caused a flush to her cheeks, a tremble in her breath just by speaking. But he did not favor her. That could not be so. She was beneath a Prince of Asgard.

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"She is quite lovely." Frigga spoke, interrupting Loki's pensive thoughts. He had retired to his bedchamber after the Great Hall incident. His mind filled with...interesting thoughts regarding the young Mira.

Loki shrugged, feigning disinterest, "She is not of royal blood, mother. My opinion does not change that."

"No, but perhaps your father could be persuaded...-"

"I highly doubt Father cares enough about me to entertain such thoughts." Loki interrupted, his temper flaring.

Frigga approached Loki, cradling his face in both hands, "Your father adores you, Loki. I know he does not always show his affection but never doubt it exists."

Loki brushed aside his mother's touch, turning his back to her. She didn't understand his solitude. How could she? Every one adored her. People either feared or hate Loki...sometimes both. He never quite understand what he had done to earn such hostility.

"Your father speaks to the girl now, Loki. He seeks to determine if the girl would make a suitable bride."

"And if my intent is not to wed her? Perhaps I simply wish to toy with her." Loki spoke, his voice soft

"I know you better than to ever think that Loki. I have never seen you actively approach a woman before."

Loki's lips twisted into almost a sneer. Mother always did choose to see the best in people. Loki had bedded many a woman in his time. Though never my force. He seduced, enticed, and even went so far as to using deceit to earn their favor. It was one of his favorite games. But, Mother was right. There was something different about Mira. 

She held an air of sadness about her. She'd had a rough life, that much he knew. Perhaps she could understand his world of solitude after all. He inhaled sharply, turning to face his mother.

"Very well, mother. If the girl agrees, I would like to begin a courtship." He knew a marriage was a distant future away. They did not marry straight away. Father would force the two to engage in social meetings, dinners, together until the two decided it was time.

Frigga's smile broadened., "I only wish for your happiness, Loki. Surely you know that by now."

He approached his mother, planting a soft kiss upon her forehead.