Loki's Favorite

Part 12

"Of course." We walk in silence to the garden and my new friend is quickly dismissed by Queen Frigga.

"I'm sorry that I left the competition. I was just-" I choke on my own words and fright back tears as the pain resonates through my whole being. "I needed a minute."

"My dear, I noticed that your wrist was in pain, may I see?" I hesitate and reluctantly expose to her my inner wrist. A gasp escapes her lips but she quickly regains composure. "I see my son is very adamant that you are his. I assume you are still, um, together?"

"Uh-" I want to tell her everything but as I start to speak I realize that it would be a large accusation and I would definitely be imprisoned or worse. I can't say that we are not together because then it will seem like I'm lying. I freeze and then notice the stupid necklace is glowing dimly.

"Of course mother. She is my everything and I was just ensuring that everyone knows that." Loki's silky voice creeps up behind me until I feel the cold edge of a dagger pressing into my back as Loki 'hugs' me. "Isn't that right darling?"

"I was just about to say that." The dagger releases pressure and I take a deep breathe. Loki plants an icy kiss on my forehead and in an instant the dagger is gone. "King Odin requires me at the competition. I shouldn't keep him waiting."

I turn on my heels and scoot around Loki as I walk briskly towards the competition area. somehow I managed to place second on manners despite leaving. The only event left today is cleaning. King Odin is seated next to Prince Thor and shortly after the remaining Royals take their seats. Prince Thor sees me and smiles sympathetically before sending me a subtle wink. Unwillingly, a blush creeps up to my cheeks and my lips curl into a smile. My attention turns to the event before us, my least favorite activity.

"The last event of the day is cleaning. The four servants for each Royal will clean a mess that reflects the typical messes of each Royal. The servant who cleans the fastest and neatest will win."

Looking around I see that the King's mess is mostly crumpled paper of what I'm assuming is some sort of plans. The Queens mess is accessories and other garments. Prince Thor's is funny because it is empty bottles and dirty underwear. Lastly there was Loki's mess and it was a variety of books that were thrown around. They instruct us to start and we all go to work. Those with Loki's mess are scrambling to put books away on the shelf. I'm finished first and I arranged the books in order of genre and within each genre it is ordered alphabetically. Looking around I see that Amber has managed to finish first in cleaning her mess.

"It would appear we have our first place finishers." The King announces and signals for a tally to be conducted. "Here are the current standings." I look over at the glowing board. Amber is is first for the Queen, a girl named Emilia is in first for Thor, Theresa is in first for the King, and I am in second for Loki. Ahead of me is Rebecca, a taller girl with a slim build and long silky black hair. "Tomorrow we shall commence with my day of trials: Kingdom Advisement. You are dismissed for dinner, and relieved of duty for the night."