Falling for The Trickster

Chapter Four

Mira strolled through the gardens, Loki at her side. Guards travel a discreet distance behind them, eyes ever watchful of the pair. Loki does not speak. Mira has discarded her second hand clothing, dressed only in Asgardian finery. Her hands constantly run across the delicate material, as if this is a dream she would soon wake from.

"They do not trust me, it would seem." Loki sighed, speaking after an eternity of silence.

"Perhaps it is I they do not trust."

Loki spared her a sideways glance, "I doubt that. Mother speaks highly of you."

Mira twiddled her fingers, "Have-Have I done something to offend you?" She garnered the courage to ask.

"No." His word, though denying any wrong doing, shoots agony through her heart. Loki had been so warm at the banquet. But, ever since, his demeanor had turned cold. They continued to walk until, suddenly, Loki took hold of her arm. He spun her to him, chest pressing against her own. The Guards made as if to approach.

His lips touched hers. She squeaked but did not move away. The Guards halted, backs quickly turning to the pair. He pulled away after a few seconds, smirking. "Is that perhaps what you were expecting?" He spoke, knuckles lifting. He ran the back of his hand across her still freshly bruised cheek.

"I-I-" Her cheeks burned.

He tsked, "I thought not." His demeanor changed once more, turning cool as ice. Still reeling from the sudden change in him, she followed after him.

"Do not follow." He ordered, "I wish to be alone."

She halted, staring after him. She tilted her head towards the guards, biting her lower lip. She turned to face them, "I wish to be alone with Loki." She announced.

"We were instructed-"

"I do not care. If Loki and I are to have a future, you must trust that I am safe in his hands." 

The guards exchanged glances before slowly drifting back towards the castle. She turned to face a rather amused Loki, "You ordered those men about with perfect ease." It sounded very little like a compliment, "Perhaps we will make a Queen out of you yet."

"I do not wish to be Queen."

Loki lifted an eyebrow, approaching her, "Oh? So, tell me. What is it you do wish?"

"I wish to be free." She announced, her own boldness taking her by surprise. 

"And if I cannot offer you freedom?"

She sucked in her bottom lip. "Than I accept whatever it is that you do offer."

He suddenly stood directly in front of her, one hand cupping her chin, "Be careful what you wish for."

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She tasted of honey, her lips sweet and rather intoxicating. His lips brushed across hers. She did not pull away nor did she press further. His head pulled away, eyes studying the glazed expression in her eyes, the way her bottom lip trembled. She had banished those guards without a second thought to her own safety. He could have easily forced himself upon her if he had chosen such a reckless path.

"You should never have sent the guards away," He murmured, his fingers lifting to release her hair from the pins that held it. Her hair tumbled down to her shoulders. His fingers touched a loose strand, twirling it between his fingers.

"I-I trust you." 

Loki frowned, taken aback by the honesty in her voice, "Why? You barely know me."

"I've known monsters in my life, Loki." Her hand lifted, pressing against the center of his chest, "You are not one."

"What makes you so certain?" His fingers wrapped around the back of her neck, "I could be hiding behind a mask, waiting for the moment to strike. How can you know you are truly safe with me?"

Mira winced a bit at his rough grip, "I-I suppose I do not." She rose slightly on her tiptoes, finger tips brushing across his chin. Her gaze dropped to his mouth then back to his face, "I cannot explain it. But, somehow, I trust you."

Her lips were so close touching his own, the heat from her body washing over him. His grip released, travelling down the length from her spine. Just as he prepared to take her in his arms once more, the distinct sound of rustling foliage reached his ears. He recognized that voice from anywhere. he immediately released her, turning to face the hulking form that was his brother.

A new girl clung to his arm, one far prettier than the red head he had danced with earlier. His gaze flickered back towards Mira. Now that he could full see her, her hair was more blond than red...though red tones still lingered in those locks.

"Brother!" Thor rumbled, pulling Loki into a brutal hug.

"Always a pleasure, Thor," Loki mumbled, quickly disengaging himself from his brother's tight grip, "And who might this lovely lady be at my your side?"

"This is Princess Aveia of the planet Arentha."

"What happened to princess Quira?" Mira piped up.

Thor's eyes turned to her, "She was-well, she was quite persistent in her devotion to me. Too clingy."

Loki watched the trace of a smile pass her lips before they quickly disappeared. The four stood there a moment, sudden awkwardness piercing the silence. Thor cleared his throat, "You guards have left you?"

"Yes. Mira did a phenomenal job of convincing them we did not need to be watched."

Thor took a step forward, taking Mira's hand in his, "Loki is indeed blessed to have such a lovely creature by this side. Do let me know if there is anything you need."

Loki's jaw tightened. How dare he? He held a woman, though not as lovely as Mira, by his side and still he saught to persue Mira? HIs fists balled but he made no move, spoke not a word. He watched for her reaction. She smiled softly, hand slowly removing itself from his touch.

"I am much obliged by your kindness but-" She stepped back beside Loki, fingers swiftly wrapping against his, "-I am quite sure Loki would be more than able to satisfy whatever needs I may have."

Loki suppressed a smirk. If she caught on to the way her words sounded, she did not speak it. His grip tightened on his hand, watching a somewhat confused Thor wander back towards the castle. Mira truly was his.