For Better or For Worse (Loki x Reader)

Chapter Four

I was so caught up in binging Voltron that I forgot it was Saturday! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know what ya think.

Mischief stomped in agitation as I ripped a brush through his unruly mane. I knew how a horse's mane worked and knew he couldn't feel a thing, but he didn't like standing still like any other living creature. I had picked through the straw and mud which took longer than I had anticipated and was now left with the knots. It was slow going to say the least. With the texture of horse hair, it was hard to get though, but I was determined to make him look like what he was worth.

"Lady (F/N), is there is anything else I can help you with?" I looked up when I heard Edmund's voice. The young stable hand had brought me all the supplies I needed as I cleaned the stallion's coat and hair.

"No, I'm quite alright. Thank you though, Edmund," I said with a small smile. "You've been a huge help. I appreciate it." He smiled and nodded. He proceeded to hang around us as I worked to clean Mischief's mane. I could tell the young boy had something to ask me, but I was waiting him to work up the courage to speak up. I looked over at him expectantly, catching his eyes for a second before returning my attention to the horse.

"Lady (F/N)," he began carefully. I looked over at him, raising an eyebrow in an invitation to keep speaking. He looked a little uncomfortable, and I could tell he was having an internal argument with himself, trying to decide whether to ask me his burning question or not. I knew it had to be a touchy subject if he was acting like this. He was normally a very straightforward boy. "Lady (F/N)," he began again after a moment, looking a little more confident but not meeting my eyes. "You were crying when you came back from your ride yesterday," he said slowly, his words progressively getting quieter as he spoke.

I sighed and stopped in my movements of brushing the horse's mane before resuming my actions, trying to find the right words. "Yes. Yes I was, Edmund," I confirmed. I saw the boy look up for a moment before looking back down. "I miss my home, Edmund," I said after a minute. "And I'm not sure of what to think of all the changes," I added softly. Shaking my head, I decided the Mischief's mane was as clean as I was going to get it and started to put the brushes away.

"Oh," he said. "I'm sorry," he said, suddenly looking very guilty.

"It's alright," I assured. "You're young and curious," I said. I turned to look at him. "Stay curious," I told him, and he smiled slightly. "Help me put these away?" I asked, and he nodded, picking a few things off the ground. Working together, we quickly put the tools away, finished within minutes. I untied Mischief's lead from the post I had him at and led him into the pasture. I removed his halter and gave him a soft but firm shove into the pasture. He nickered softly but did as he was told.

The black stallion had quickly grown attached to me, not wanting to leave my side. He continued to stand at the wooden fence, staring me down with his large dark eyes. I took his face in my hands and pressed a kiss to his velvety nose. He huffed softly and nibbled at my cheeks with his whiskery lips, causing me to laugh. "Go on, pretty boy," I told him. "I'll be back later," I promised. He pushing his muscular shoulder and little bit, and he turned to trot off into the pasture.

According to some of the other stable hands, Mischief had softened in demeanor since I came. He was nicer to the other horses and was protective over some of the colts from the older males. I watched him with a small smile for a few moments before turning and walking away. I thanked Edmund for his help once more before making the walk back to the palace. I immediately traveled to my room, quickly stripping myself of my dirty clothes and washing up with washcloth to remove some of the grime. I then slipped on a (F/C) dress suited for casual wear.