The Brightest Star

Chapter 37 - Disturbances in the Dungeon

(Kára's POV):
Once back in my room, I decided to visit Loki. I managed to successfully materialize in his cell only on the second attempt this time, making me very proud of myself. Loki seemed to have been pacing the room, making me wonder if he was already getting antsy in such a confined space.

"Good afternoon, Loki, how are you doing so far today?" I asked him as I tried to get his attention.

He turned to me, a smile spreading across his face, "much better now that you are here. Is the outside world still holding up without me?"

"You are not going to believe it, but Thor brought that mortal that he likes to Asgard," I informed him, ready to share all of the latest gossip with him so that he could stay up to date.

"Are you serious? And Odin allowed this?" He replied in shock, leaning up against one of the walls of the cell as he prepared to listen to my story.

"Apparently he was outraged by it, as I am sure you can imagine. But the aether has attached itself to her so Thor brought her to Asgard in hopes that our healers could help her."

"The aether? I thought that was destroyed thousands of years ago?"

"Apparently not because it is coursing through Jane's veins as we speak. She is a rather nice person, although she seems to detest you after what you did to her planet."

Loki shrugged, "I cannot say that that truly surprises me. Besides, I doubt she will be around much longer if the aether is inside of her so I suppose it does not truly matter."

My face fell, "what do you mean? Do you think she will die?"

"She is mortal, Kára, do you really think that she would be able to survive the power of an infinity stone? Soon her body will crumble under the immense power and the aether will simply find another host. I highly doubt even an Asgardian could last long in her condition."

"Oh, I had not thought about that," I muttered, my gaze dropping to the floor. "Thor really seems to like this woman, I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose her. I was heartbroken when you were simply sent to prison, even with knowing that I would be able to come see you, he will suffer so much worse."

"He would suffer it anyway when she grows old on him and dies while he is young. That is the danger of falling in love with a mortal," Loki acknowledged as he walked towards my side. "I would not fear for Thor, Kára, he knew what he was getting into and I am sure that he will be able to overcome the heartbreak. But Kára, are you alright? You look a little pale."

"Do I?" I asked, bringing my hands to my cheeks. "I suppose I am merely exhausted, I was able to catch up on some sleep last night, but it has been a long couple of days and I am finding it rather difficult to actually fall asleep."

"There is something more, isn't there," Loki pressed, looking genuinely concerned that I was hiding something drastic.

I shook my head, "I know that you will blame yourself if I told you, but you must remember that it is Odin's fault if we must be placing blame. I have become rather anxious and stressed with you down here and I suppose that has not had the healthiest affects on my body."

"Kára, please listen to me, I am perfectly fine down here," Loki tried to assure me, but part of me suspected that he was only saying it for my sake. "My mother has made sure that I am as comfortable as I can be and I still get to see you everyday, so I am happy. My only complaint is that I do not get to touch you. So please, try to stop worrying about me, I hate to know that I am causing you pain."

I gave him a fake smile, "I know, Loki, and I am sure that I will grow used to you being down here. Besides, I doubt you will be locked up for the rest of your life, I am sure that Thor will release you once Odin dies and he ascends to the throne."

"I would not be so sure about that," Loki scoffed, nervously rubbing his thumb along the inside of his palm.

"What are you talking about? Loki, Thor truly does care about you and, yes, he has lost most of his faith in you due to the number of times that you have betrayed him, but I do believe that he can see that you have changed and therefore I have faith that he will release you once he is king."

"I am not quite sure that-" Loki broke off as screams echoed throughout the dungeons. A pair of guards went running past us, causing Loki and I to rush to the edge of the cell to try to figure out what was going on.

After a moment the lights flickered, causing Loki to turn to me, "I think it best that you leave now."

"What are you talking about, I want to stay here with you," I replied, rather curious as to what was going on down the hallway.

"Please, Kára, something bad is clearly happening so the chances that you will get caught visiting me have just increased tenfold. I am sorry, Kára, but I have to protect you," Loki spoke, running his hand through mine so that my projection would dissolve and I found myself back in my room.

"Damn you, Loki!" I muttered under my breath, rushing to my window to see if I could make out any clues as to what was going on in the dungeons. There were a bunch of soldiers rushing to grab weapons, which certainly did not calm my nerves.

I ran to my door so that I could investigate further, but instead found three guards about to barge in. I tried to calm myself as I spoke, "hello, gentlemen, may I help you? I just noticed the chaos outside and was about to go investigate."

"You are staying right here," one of them spoke, grabbing my arms and securing cuffs around my wrists.

"I am sorry, but what is this?" I questioned as two of the guards pushed past me into my room.

"There is a scrimmage down in the dungeons and the All-Father feared that Loki may try to escape. As his fiancée, you were someone he suspected as a collaborator."

"So I am now a prisoner in my own room? This is absolutely ridiculous! May I at least go speak with Queen Frigga?"

"I am sorry, Lady Kára, but we have specific orders to keep you right here."

-

(A/N): And so the plot thickens... ok not really, but for some reason I felt the urge to say that, I don't know why. Anyway hope you enjoyed and have a great day! Or a great night! Or whatever time of day it is for you! Ok, I really need some sleep so I'm out