A Royal Tale (Loki fanfiction)

More alike than I thought

As usual Thor 'lightly' slapped me on the back, causing me to stumble into the princess in front of me.
"Thor, you oaf, do you have no sensibility" I said coldly as I crashed forward, quickly taking grasp of the princess' arm so she should not stumble back and fall.
"I'm sorry princess, my brother is not the brightest of the bunch-"
"LOKI" my mother interrupts, making me smirk slightly. Why were they so concerned about this princess anyway?
"It's okay, I'm fine. Please, call me Athera. It is nice to meet you Loki" Athera said calmly. She had manners, I was impressed. I looked into her eyes and was immediately taken a back although I did not let it show visibly. Her eyes, they were the most stunning pair I had ever seen. Deep violets and fluorescent purples shone at me, making me completely lose my sense of time.
"I-it is nice to meet you too" I manage to stutter out. I internally kick myself for getting distracted. It was not like me to lose my way with words, and the smile that was plastered across my mothers face was not a good sign. I kissed her hand courteously, smiling as I stood straight again. Her eyes seem to intensify as she looked at me for a few moments. It was like she was searching for something, it made me uncomfortable, she looked away as she realised she was staring. I took the opportunity to look her over. She certainly was a beauty, her dress fitted perfectly, not a single flaw could be pointed out. Her eyes were quickly back on mine, and the blood rushed to my face as she realised I was looking at her. I hope she doesn't get any false notions, looks were one thing but having a brain was another.
"Dear you must be tired, perhaps you should retire to your chambers" mother said. Thankfully Athera agreed, allowing us all to return to our chambers. She left the room with some guards.

"By the nine realms, what a beauty she is" Thor shouted.
"She hasn't changed a bit. Those vibrant eyes, she was always the same as a child. I hope that she is comfortable here" Odin remarked. Why did he care for her so much exactly?
"Odin I must ask, are this rumours true? They say she can read everything about a person in a glance should she wish" mother asked curiously. I furrowed my brows at the thought, could it be true? I doubt it. Even if it was I doubt she could read mines, I cast a spell on my own mind a long time ago, making sure it was completely shut off.
"That I do not know, though I would not be surprised if it was. The people of Trinistine do not gossip of the royals, they love the princess dearly. Perhaps we should be careful around her" Odin jokes, clearly unsure of the rumours truth.
"And why do they love her so much?" I ask curiously, after all I too was a royal yet i see none of my people showing me affection.
"She does lots for the people. Regularly visiting slums and orphanages, seeking justice when it is needed. They say that she always sees a lie. She looks after the well being of her people and in return, they respect her" Odin said, admiration thick in his voice. If he expected me to go to the slums he was quite mistaken.

"I shall be in my chambers should you need me" I muttered.
"Actually Loki, I meant to tell you, tomorrow you will be in charge of looking after Athera, and then Thor after" mother said, I had nothing but love for my mother, but really? Athera is not a child, she has no need to be babied.
"Mother she's almost the same age as me, I'm sure she can manage to find her way on her own, besides I-"
"Enough! You will do as your mother says. Athera is a royal guest, and you will cater for her and be a host that will do us proud" Odin interrupted, making it clear that I was not to get our of this.
"Fine. As I said I'll be in my chambers" I mumbled as I left the throne room.
"Be here for breakfast..." i hear mother say as I leave the room. What am I going to do with a princess for one full day? I'm sure she'd rather spend it with Thor...by Odins beard I cannot spend a full day with her. I get to my chambers and pick up a book, becoming consumed by the plot as I tried to distract my self from the awful situation I was in.

***
I wake up with my book resting on my stomach, my legs sprawled across the bed. I must have fell asleep. The morning sun was shining gloriously, sending golden light into my room. I stretched out on the bed, my muscles flexing and relaxing. I suppose I should get up, I wouldn't want to be late for breakfast after mothers insisting yesterday. After bathing and slicking back my hair I proceeded to the dining area, mentally preparing myself for the day with the princess. As soon as I enter the room the first thing I see it Athera, it's impossible to miss. She's wearing a deep green dress, deep front and back her long brown hair cascading softly to her waist. It looks like it's silk and it hugs her body perfectly. Her purple eyes make a beautiful accompaniment, as well as her gold arm band and ring. She truly is stunning. There would be no point in denying my attraction because any man would feel the same. I bet she was as smart as a rock though, that's what it was always like nowadays: all looks no brains. And even if she did, why would she be interested in someone like me?

"Good morning" I said loudly as I walked to my seat, everyone turning to greet me back.
"Prince Loki" Athera greeted, nodding her head slightly.
"Loki, I insist" I replied, trying my best to keep my eyes from wandering.
"As you wish" she replied shyly.
"So Athera, what are your interests?" Thor asked.
"Well, many things. I enjoy drawing, playing music, talking to my people, learning, but most of all: reading" she said as she stared into space. I'm sure my jaw dropped right then. She wasn't as I thought, perhaps I misjudged her.
"I see, nothing else?" Thor prodded. Ha. Of course he wouldn't be satisfied by that answer, she was so much like me.
"Well is that not enough? I believe knowledge is power Thor, it is not all about fighting. The mind can overpower the strongest of arms" she said cooly. I liked her even more now, maybe she really wasn't like I thought. Thor seemed taken aback by her strong personality, immediately falling silent.
"Very well spoken my dear. Tell me, did you learn any form of defence in Trinistine?" Mother asked inquisitively.
"In Trinistine we are taught to use everything. I have noticed that in other places people tend to choose their favourite weapon, however we are taught with everything so that we can use anything on the battlefield with ease" Athera spoke.
"I see. Well Athera, we must get to our duties, however Loki will tend to you for today. We shall see you later my dear" mother said softly, before leaving with Thor and Father.