Loki Shorts

Bethrothed

You're sitting on the edge of the Bifröst contemplating your misfortune of being the eldest daughter of a royal. It is not all it's cracked up to be. You're being forced to marry Thor in order to unite the kingdoms. From what you hear, Thor isn't too happy about the union either. You haven't decided if that's a good thing. Someone's voice interrupts your thoughts.

"It's a beautiful view isn't it?"

You turn around to see a tall man with black hair in gold, green, and black armor. "I suppose."

"I hear you're to be my new sister in law."

"Loki?"

"That's me." He sits.

"What brings you here?"

"I heard that the princess was on the bridge sulking and I thought we might get along."

You give a dry laugh. "That's what they're saying. Because wanting some solace before I'm forced to marry a man I've never met is considered sulking."

"From what I hear it's to be the best day of your life."

"Kill me now, then."

"Is there another?"

"No. Why does there need to be?"

He shrugged. "I guess there doesn't have to be anyone else; I've just never seen anyone so opposed to a marriage whose heart didn't already belong to another. Maybe you'll be more inclined to the marriage after you see him. I haven't met a maiden yet that could withstand his rugged good looks."

"Well, from what I understand, your culture is rather brutish."

"Well, I can't argue with that."

"Why is it that you're here comforting me? I didn't expect the God of lies and mischief to be so soft."

"I'm not soft. I was merely seeing if you live up to your rather, driven, reputation. I must say, you're not disappointing."

"Good. That water looks quite inviting doesn't it?" You say looking down.

"Woah, you haven't even met him, maybe you'll like him. As I said. I haven't met a maiden that was able to resist his charm."

"I know what he looks like. And from what I hear he's a stubborn, arrogant sod; not exactly my type."

"And what is your type?"

You turn to observe him for a moment. "Not that it's any of your business, but I prefer my men lean and intelligent."

He nods. "Well, I'm sorry you got stuck with him. If you ever want to cause some trouble for him you know who to come to." He winks and walks away.

You sit there looking at the water, wondering if you've just made a friend in Loki of all people. After thinking on it for a moment, you realize that you should have known before you even got here that you'd get along with him.

—0—

You walk into the throne room to meet your future husband. Odin sits on the throne while Thor and Loki stand in front of it. Odin addresses you by your name and title.

"Yes, All-Father."

"It has come to my attention that neither Thor nor you are happy with this union."

You try not to panic. Is he about to offer you a way out or scold you? The last thing you need is to be at odds with your inlaws so early. "While I cannot speak for Thor, that is true of me."

Odin nods. "Loki has expressed interest in you if you would rather marry him."

You look to Loki with wide eyes and he nods with a smirk. "Yes." Everyone seems to be taken back by how quickly you answered but they recover so quickly you're unsure if you even saw it. You think you may even have seen a guard grin.