The Prince's Prisoner

Map

I AM SO SORRY. I'VE BEEN TERRIBLE AT UPDATING HERE AND NOT JUST FANFICTION.NET

Chapter 30 - Map. Enjoy!

Aria's hand skimmed the water, watching it ripple and wave against the side of the tube. Her eyes were distant, and Loki observed her carefully shift through her thoughts. The ball was only a couple hours away, and he could tell she was nervous.

"I'll be in the room for the whole night" he promised her, sighing as she hummed lightly in response and subconsciously tucked herself against his chest.

Loki had noticed it a lot more than Aria had, but while he became more affectionate with her, so did she. As if her body was seeking her comfort while her mind claimed denial. It was in the small things, not flinching every time he touched her, more pressure when she held him, breathless when they slept together. He found himself addicted to it, waiting for moments when she would lean over and kiss him before leaving a room, how she lay clasped to him as they slept. He wasn't sure he could sleep any other way ever again.

He had healed her back, the birdcage looked stunning on her skin and was the perfect size for the dress she was too wear. The burn around her throat looked much better, now a rough maroon colour. Thinner than it had been originally, it looked like a choker necklace, but everyone would know it wasn't.

"Come" he finally released her, letting her rise first. "Rosie must be buzzing to get you ready in time."

Aria smiled softly at his accuracy, opening the door to be instantly ushered by her brunette friend in front of a mirror and fussed over.

"Rosie, please slowdown" she chuckled, restraining the girls hands so she didn't tug all her hair off.

Loki appeared out the bathroom in a sleek, black dressing-gown before he grabbed his suit from the wardrobe.

"I'll change in the spare room" he accepted. Even the King wouldn't get in the way of Rosie when she was doing her job. He leant over, kissing Aria sweetly before disappearing.

Aria's body instantly sagged with relief as he left the room, rolling her stiff neck back and prodding a bruise on her shoulder.

"The dress will cover it" Rosie explained, pinning back parts of her hair.

"And the rest?" Aria indicated to her collar and under her arms. Rosie didn't reply.

Loki and Aria both agreed on no make-up, it was a hassle and a reliant. Instead, Rosie brushed some scented powder over her cheeks and down her neck, careful to avoid her burn. Her hair was largely loose, but three pieces on each side had been pinned to the back of head at different levels. It was a look she rather liked.

"Here" Rosie handed her the dress, helping her tie it up and adjust it. But obviously, it fit perfectly. The shoes a perfect match, and a silver clutch that had nothing in it except a perfume bottle, because she didn't really own anything now.

"His Majesty is waiting, Your Grace" someone called through the door, as Rosie nodded she was done.

Aria fluttered down the stairs, Loki observing the way she walked confidently in her shoes and grasped at her bag carefully

"You look beautiful" he complimented softly, Aria replying in the same tone her thanks.

They went outside, her body instantly tensing in the cold, but Loki escorted her arm over to the waiting car and set her inside before climbing in after her.