My Sweet Flame

Chapter 68. "Dream Land"

My eyes gently drifted open to find that I was wrapped in several fluffy blankets. I pulled myself to sitting as I looked around the room. It was exactly as it had been in my dream.

Fantastic! You're awake! Okay, so I may have made a few changes to the control panel. In theory, you won't be blacking out as much and you'll be able to sleep better, but don't go off of what I'm saying because-

Woah woah woah! Slow it down!

I gazed around the room, finding nothing changed from my dream. Looking over towards the now darkened window, I saw Loki sitting cross-legged on the windowsill. He had a small glass in one hand, and a book in the other.

I wonder what he's reading...

I'm sure the star sectors are much different here, wherever here is.

Anti continued as Loki looked up towards me, as if he had felt my eyes on him. A smile broke across his face.

"You're awake," He said, swinging his legs to the floor. "Good." He set his things on the small table and began up the steps, "I was beginning to think I'd have to wake you soon."

I spared a glance around the room again as he sat down on the edge of the bed. I noticed for the first time that he was wearing armor now.

"It wasn't a dream, was it?" I looked down at my hands, picking at them.

"I'm afraid not," He paused, "It was entertaining....slightly."

"No, no, that was embarrassing." I pulled myself past him and out of the bed, "I'm terribly sorry you had to see that. I must've been...." I trailed off as I went down the steps, "disoriented." I hardened, "I assume it was a hard fall."

"Yes," Loki said, adjusting to my soldier tone, "Are you hungry? I could have the servants bring you something?"

"No, don't bother." I went towards the bathroom, "Later, perhaps, but at the moment I think a bath would do nicely."

"Yes, General." He mumbled sarcastically.

I peeked my head out from the bathroom, "A fake honeymoon, really?"

"Ah, and here we go again," He smirked.

"Food brought to the room, a bed like a cloud, a hot tub, and a bathroom that is absolutely huge." I smirked, "You've done well."

"So you approve?" He said, resuming his place on the windowsill.

"I don't like the idea. Not even a little bit. A fake honeymoon? No, absolutely not. Especially with you," I paused, "However, the room has many perks-"

"Especially not with me? What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that it's been a very long time since I've seen you, let alone been 'seeing' you, so I'd really rather-"

"Seen me? I think you've seen plenty of me from your little castle hideaway."

"I never spied on you."

"That is very hard to believe. You were so close. You were within my grasp. If you knew I was there, you could've come to me, why didn't you?" He said, his voice rising.

"I don't want to talk about this," I said, turning back into the bathroom.

"Oh, but I do." He followed me. "And whether you like it or not, whether you love me," Loki paused, "or not, you're going to have to sell it. At least to them, to the officials here. As soon as we're in the safety of these chambers, you may do as you please, but out there, you're hopelessly in love. Do you understand?"

I nodded in reply, never making eye contact with him. He turned slowly and began to leave the bathroom.

"There was a time when I was." I said, causing him to stop, "There was a time when I was hopelessly in love."

Yesss lay it on there thick. This could backfire so so so badly, but oooh it is so much fun.

Loki said nothing, but left and shut the door behind him.

Anti, do you think they have bath bombs here?

—

"Took you long enough," He said as I strolled out of the bathroom.

I rolled my eyes and took no note of the steam billowing from the bathroom doorway. I went over towards the small pile of books on the bench at the end of the bed.

"I've had a thought," Loki said, his voice drawing nearer.

He has those?

ANTI

"Oh?" I said as I skimmed the page before me.

"I think a game ought to be in order."

"What sort of game?" I licked my finger and turned a page.

"Whoever can seem more in love with the other 'spouse' wins."

I shut the book and turned to face him.

"I know what you're doing. I know exactly what you're doing." He stared at me blankly, "I'm not buying into it."

"Darling, you're just afraid of losing." He smiled mischievously.

"That depends on what losing entails," I dropped my book on the small sofa, "and winning for that matter."

"Simple," The god shrugged, "Whoever is more believable and looks more in love, wins."

"And the prize?"

"To be determined at a later time."

"I'm not one to turn down a challenge." Changing into my armor, I headed for the door.

"And where does my love think she's going?" He asked, smiling.

"I'm afraid being newly married is exhausting, Darling. I'm going to be needing some fresh air and a sandwich." I pulled my helmet on.

"I'll have you know that in a few short hours, the Grandmaster will be having a dinner."

I stopped in my tracks, "Oh?"

"I've been told it is to honor our marriage."

He says it so casually....

"There will be plenty of food at the feast, as well as dancing."

"Dancing?"

"I suggested it, I thought it'd be quite nice."

I turned to him, dropping the facade. "What's next? A sing-off?"

"He may have mentioned something."

I groaned, "I've no desire to sing at a time like this."

"Darling, I was teasing."

"I've got a horrible feeling that you weren't."