Walking With Shadows [#Wattys2015] [Being Edited]

A Ride

Breakfast was exceptionally slow. Volstagg tried to make small talk about which game appeared to be the best this season. Odin was the only one to join in as everyone seemed too caught up in their own thoughts to converse. Tassel found the silence quite liberating, though. It allowed her to focus on her own thoughts much easier. However, the peaceful meal was eventually interrupted by Anson, who stumbled in with a mug full of wine.

"Hey, sweetheart." he whispered in Tassel's ear, wrapping his arms around her.

"Hello.." she managed.

Sif looked back and forth between them before standing up and approaching Anson.

"I think you've had enough." she said, making a grab for the mug.

Anson jerked back, taking a swing at Sif, which she dodged easily. The wine in the mug sloshed out onto the ground, leaving a deep stain on the floor. One of the maids hurried forward, carrying a rag she used to mop up the spill.

"Sif, stop. It's not worth it." Tassel pleaded with her friend.

Anson chuckled darkly as he set the cup down onto the table, purposefully letting a bit more fall out. The young maid huffed and continued to clean as Anson turned his attention back.

"You better listen girl." he taunted.

Loki met Tassel's gaze, and she looked away, focusing on her plate. She tried to ignore Thor's growing anger, which was clearly seen on his face. Tassel watched as his fists clenched and unclenched. The eldest prince forced down another bite of food before he spoke.

"Solia, will you please show the others out? I wish to speak with my family alone." Thor demanded to the servant who had been busy cleaning up Anson's mess.

Tassel quietly set her utensils down, and she fell in step with the others who were leaving the room.

"Tassel, you will be needed as well." Thor added after noticing the girl about to creep out.

"Then I'll be staying, too." Anson growled, taking Tassel's arm in his grasp forcefully.

"No, you won't Anson. Leave before you make things worse." Tassel snapped at him, wrenching her arm from his grip.

Angered, Anson raised his hand to her. Tassel prepared herself for the impact, but it never came. When she opened her eyes, Anson's arm was suspended in the air. Loki had caught his wrist in midstrike, and now he held it high above Anson's head.

"I don't believe that will be necessary." Loki said.

His demeanor was so calm that it was frightening. Though his voice was steady, there was an edge to his tone that warned the drunkard to back off. Anson pulled away from him, and with haste, he made his way off still wearing the sour look on his face.

"Are you okay?" Loki asked.

Tassel merely nodded her head, swallowed hard, and whispered the faintest thank you.

"What is it, Thor?" Odin demanded in an exasperated tone, throwing his napkin on his plate and standing up.

"I am tired of witnessing such injustice! I will not stand for it! I demand that this man Anson be removed from our home!" Thor thundered.

"Lower your voice, son!" Odin said.

Loki glanced at Tassel, who stood with her head down. She refused to make eye contact with anyone. Tassel fought down the embarrassment that was surely flushing her cheeks. She twiddled her thumbs, keeping her focus away from the conversation.

"That is not the way any maiden should be treated! I will not stand for this, even if she does!" Thor declared.

Tassel's head shot up, and her gaze locked onto Thor. Loki noticed how she tensed, and he looked over at his brother.