Babysitter to the God of Mischief | Loki ✔

Chapter Twelve

~Third persons POV~

Dahlia frowned, leaning back in her chair with frustration as Loki laughed, his fingers knocking her King piece over on the board.

The pair had taken to playing chess to try and pass the time. Both were uncomfortable in the presence of Thor and the warriors three, and though Sif was sometimes nice to Dahlia, she always had the feeling she was being judged by her. Loki was incredible at chess - he was a quick thinker, and Dahlia was nowhere near beating him, even after playing as often as they did.

"You know, it would be in your favour to let me win a game once in a while." She pointed out, gathering her pieces together from Loki's side of the board from when he'd taken them during play.

Loki rolled his eyes "I don't see how."

Dahlia began setting the pieces up. "If I won then I would be able to learn new strategies, then you could actually think when playing the next game. Not just win as quickly as you can."

Loki grinned smugly, leaning back in his chair as he observed her. "And where's the fun in that?"

Dahlia huffed, but a knock on the door stopped her from continuing her argument. Loki stared at her "aren't you going to get it?"

Dahlia tilted her head, confidence filling her now she knew Loki better. They weren't good friends yet, but they'd begun confiding in one another, and they both preferred the gentle banter rather than Dahlia resorting to 'maid talk' as Loki called it.

"Do I look like a maid to you?"

Loki took the excuse to let his eyes wander over her. Her hair had lightened during her period on Asgard, now lying in soft curls a light blonde colour. A small section had been plaited away from her face on both sides, pinned at the back of her head. She wore a dark green dress, the colour drawing the green in her eyes, making them shimmer slightly when the light from the windows hit them. Like her other dresses, it was held up by  two straps, small golden discs between the bodice and end of the strap. On her right wrist was the small bracelet she'd bought on her day off - the only thing she said she owned on Asgard.

Dahlia felt a blush creep over her cheeks as she watched Loki look at her. As soon as she'd uttered the question she knew he would study her, which managed to make her feel both flattered and slightly on edge.

She rolled her eyes, waving her hand at him as she stood up. "Fine, I'll do it."

Loki laughed "but you're not a maid?"

Dahlia mumbled quiet curses under her breath as she swung the door open, to be greeted by the sight of a girl wearing a maids uniform.

A very familiar girl.

"Maria?" Dahlia stared at her, then felt a small smile grow on her lips as the maid stood, shocked.

"Dahlia?" She whispered, not recognising her old friend. She'd heard rumours and stories from the other maids about Dahlia's appearances with Loki. She didn't know what to believe - just one day she'd left and hadn't come back.

"Who is it?" Loki asked, as he finished arranging the pieces on the board, not looking up as Dahlia stepped aside to let Maria in.

She looked at Maria for a second, who gulped and approached Loki. "I'm your new maid, your highness."

Loki looked up, nodding as he saw her "you're replacing Dahlia, yes?"

Dahlia rolled her eyes "it's not like I've died."

Maria stood, shocked at the change in the girl next to her. Dahlia had been quiet and terrified, too scared to speak to anyone other than Maria. And here she was, chatting back to the prince with a sarcastic playfulness that would've resulted in punishment only a few weeks ago.