Tabula Rasa (Unlike Loki: Book Two)

Chapter 5

(Anna)

I attempted to fix my hair as I walked down the hall.

I headed towards the throne room, knowing Torren would be off duty soon. I had left By to his own devices, telling him to meet me after dinner. And not for a good time, but for his job.

I passed Leolin's room and noticed that he had awoken from his nap. One of his nannies was eating dinner with him. I decided not to bother them, so that Leolin would eat all of his food and not get distracted.

Eventually, I came to the throne room and was met by Torren. "How did it go?" I asked.

"Fine." He said curtly.

I gave him an odd look. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He said. I could tell he wasn't mad, but distressed.

"Torren." I said sternly.

He sighed and walked slowly over to me. "No one can find the frost giant prince. The younger one anyway."

"So?"

"So? So, this prince is not only a frost giant, but an extremely powerful one at that. At first, we thought he was just doing some traveling or something, but it's been two years now. And no sign of him." He turned and walked a few steps away, his hands on his head.

"Everyone is extremely powerful these days." I couldn't help but say.

"That's not the point!" he yelled, turning to face me.

"Well, it's all I ever hear anymore!" I yelled back. It was true.

"Well this guy is borderline crazy. He's evil and manipulative. He's practically another Loki!"

His face went slack the moment he said his name.

I looked at him with a straight face, anger in my eyes, and crossed my arms.

"Really? Because last time I checked, Loki gave up his life to save Asgard. Literally. And hi sacrifice probably saved other realms at well. I don't see that as evil, nor do I see how you could possibly compare ANYONE to Loki."

"I-I...." he stammered.

"Don't." I stepped close to him, poking him harshly in the chest. "You know nothing about Loki. You know nothing of what he went through, or of what he did for me. He was a great King, and he made sure to love me right. He never once talked bad against anyone I had ever loved or cared for." I saw him wince in guilt. "He was more of a man than apparently you ever will be, he is the father of my child, and the love of my life. He was ripped from me, because of the shit cards we had been dealt. Don't you dare say his name unless you are singing his praises."

I turned quickly and stormed away, furious.

I felt tears come to my eyes and did nothing to keep them from falling.