Y/N walks down the aisle to marry Theoric, and Loki is nowhere in sight…
Characters: Y/N, Theoric, Loki, Frigga, Odin
Warnings: fluff
Word Count: 1570
Note: Here is the final instalment of Promises! I might write a honeymoon *eye wiggle* epilogue if enough people ask for one. Otherwise, I hope you all have enjoyed this series as much as I have writing it. Please do not hesitate to give constructive criticism, like, reblog, or shoot me a request. Enjoy!
Frigga stood under an arch set up on the edge of the Bifrost. The courtiers stood in a semicircle with a gap down the middle from where you stood to the arch. Banners fluttered in the wind as your parents walked on either side of you, holding your hands in theirs. In front of you, Frigga stood waiting with Theoric. He smiled at you, eyes gleaming. You beamed back at him but searched with the corners of your eyes.
Green and gold were nowhere to be seen.
You stepped onto the edge of the Bifrost feeling less content and more unsure. Theoric took your hands from your parents. His felt like ice against the nervous heat in yours. He gave them a squeeze as Frigga began.
“There is nothing more perfect in all the branches of Yggdrasil than the coming together of two souls. Two pasts becoming one future. Lord Theoric, please present your future to your bride.”
Theoric reached to his side and unclipped the scabbard there. He unsheathed the blade halfway and held it out in front of his face. “This blade of my ancestors I pass along to you to one day pass along to our sons. May you keep it as a sign of my love and trust for you.” He sheathed it with a click and handed it to you. You, in turn, handed it back to your parents in exchange for another blade.
Holding the blade out like Theoric did you said, “this blade, newly forged, is a symbol of my love and my trust in you to defend me and our children.” He took it and clipped it to his side.
Frigga took a brightly coloured ribbon from an attendant. She brought your and Theoric’s right hands together and began to wrap the ribbon around them. “Do you, Theoric Sindrison of Anaheim, take Y/N to be your wife in all things wonderful, and all things terrible, till eternal separation?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Y/N of Asgard, take Theoric to be your husband in all things wonderful, and all things terrible, till eternal separation?”
“I do.”
Theoric took your other hand so all twenty of your fingers were intertwined.
“Then I now present you as wife and husband. You may seal this bond with a kiss.
You felt lightheaded as Theoric slipped off your engagement ring and kissed you. The air around you shimmered but gave you the sense of flying.
When you stepped back Loki was looking down at you.
Angry voices echoed through the halls before bursting into Frigga’s audience hall. Your parents and Theoric’s parents, Sindri and Erna, followed her closely and bickered between themselves. Loki was still tied to you, hindering him from hallway carrying you in your lightheadedness.
“Loki, what is the meaning of this?” Frigga turned, livid in a way you had never seen before. “Of all days for tricks, this was not one of them. Y/N is your best friend; how could you even conceive to…”
“Mother, my queen, hear me out. Test this ring.” He tossed her the band of gold that Theoric gave to you. You felt steadier on your feet as she carried it away to an onyx dish.
She spun it, like a child with a coin. The ring twirled faster and faster till it levitated above the dish and began to shine brightly. “Stars above…” she whispered. She looked up at you with shame creasing her brow. “I am sorry, my child. I should have sensed something this powerful.”
“What does this mean?” your mother begged, wringing her hands.
“It means Theoric enchanted her.” Loki looked back to you. His eyes were not proud like they would be in triumph. If anything, they looked sad. “Here,” he handed you Theoric’s translated notes.
You felt your cheeks flush as you skimmed them and the enchantment crumbled apart in your mind. Threads wove together and you gasped. “He was planning something. With the Fire Giants. All those spells he helped me translate. They felt simple at the time, but… they still should have been over his skill level.” You leapt to stand before Frigga, dragging Loki behind you. “Portals. He was translating spells about portals. Using the Bifrost shards in the palace’s foundations. We have to seal them.”
Frigga marched past you, “I’ll send for the other sorceresses. Keep reading to see if he marked where in the foundations these portals could be summoned.”
You and Loki moved to follow her, but Sindri blocked his path. “Where is our son?”
The hall fell silent as Loki found his words.
“He is where his allegiances lie, in Muspelheim. Possibly in one of their dungeons.” You saw the grin he tried to hide. “They think he is me.”
Erna had to be caught by Sindri as her knees gave away. Frigga conjured a cup of water and led Erna to a window seat. “We will get him back, Lady Erna. But we must act quickly to protect everyone here. Can I depend on you to help and not to hinder?”
“Yes,” she mumbled.
Within an hour, the sorceresses had been gathered and Odin was sent for. You watched from a window in the hallway outside as the Bifrost roared to life and Odin came across with a few chief officers, but not including Thor. A short time later, he stormed into the hall where the mechanism had been built.
“I thought you said the test was a failure, Frigga, so why are you trying it now on a full scale? I won’t have your protégé destroying Asgard before the Fire Giants get here.”
“It will not be a full-scale test. Show him, Lady Y/N.”
You stepped forward with a new palace model built on a Bifrost shard. “We are going to try again with this. If it fails again, then our only line of defence will be you and the warriors stationed along the Musepelheim convergence. While I do not doubt their skill, if this works I would like to keep this magic secret from our enemies for as long as possible.”
Odin sighed. “So be it.”
You joined the other sorceresses around the small round table set up to one side. “Again, is everyone enchantment and jewellery free? Even the small spells to alter perception?” The women nodded. A few looked a little tired in the face where they weren’t before, but they looked stronger as a whole. “Then let us begin, and pray that Yggdrasil grants us this victory.”
As one, you all lowered your arms and turned your palms to the center. You started the chant first and the others fell in with their phrases, newly memorized. Gold light eased out of your palms like a mist, then turned red as each formation spread to touch the others. It danced and slithered along the table, reaching the Bifrost shard and the model. It began to spin faster and faster as your voices echoed louder in the space. Again, the orb formed around the model, turning back to gold as the strands touched at the apex. The chanting reverbed into silence as you all stopped.
You waited tensely for the explosion, but it never came. The orb, golden where it was blue in the last attempt, continued to spin.
“Stöðva,” you said, tapping the apex. The orb slowed and melted away, revealing the intact palace model inside.
“Does that convince you, Odin?” Frigga asked, turning to her husband.
He nodded. “You may proceed after we have traveled through the Bifrost.” He gave you a curt bow and then turned on his heel.
Loki was by your side in an instant. He lifted you into his arms and spun you around. “That was wonderful, Y/N. I caught the end of the test. The convergence that Theoric used has been warded, and his room has been shielded from receiving messages.”
One of the other sorceresses stepped up. “And Odin has left through the Bifrost.”
“Then let us begin,” you said with a smile. You led the sorceresses to stand around the mechanism and started the chant. It worked as with the model. As the orb spun, a golden curtain rose from the Bifrost material in the ground around the palace to the top of the center tower. The mechanism continued to spin as the curtain closed.
“It worked,” you whispered.
A second later the hall rang with cheers. You could hear other such cries of delight echoing through the palace.
Loki wrapped his arms around you and kissed your forehead. “It worked. You are absolutely brilliant, Lady Y/N.”
“You can drop the title you know. We are married after all.” You stifled a giggle at his confused face. “We went through the ceremony, even if you had a different face for the most of it.”
“For nearly all of it,” he chuckled.
“And we sealed it with a kiss, which brought you out into the open. By all legal standards, we are married.” You laughed as he spun you around again, steadying yourself against his torso as he set you back to your feet.
“I promised I would marry you by the next Belewe moon!”
“And you kept your promise, no matter how many times I tried to push you away.” You wrapped your arms around his waist and buried your face in his chest. “I love you, Loki.”
Loki questions Theoric for what his plans were for you. They battle, stuck between Muspelheim and Asgard, for heart and realm.
Characters: Loki, Theoric, fire giants
Warnings: battle violence
Word Count: 900+ (wow, so short)
Note: I didn’t mean for this to come out so short, but it says what it needs too. Only one more chapter after this! Please reblog, like, and comment to let me know how you’ve liked the series so far. And please send me requests!
“You know nothing of my plans,” Theoric growled. He pulled a dagger and launched himself at Loki, aiming for his throat.
Loki side stepped and pulled his pair of blades. He threw one at Theoric’s head, nicking his cheek as Theoric twisted away. When Theoric turned back around, his cut was flowing freely and he was livid.
“I know it is the ring. It stung me when she touched my arm in the library. I could feel the powerful magic then, but I was not sure how you managed it.” He pulled the papers from his pocket. “Your handwriting is distinct from Y/N’s. Yet, these are translations from the same text. There is a second volume, is there not?” Loki stayed planted as Theoric paced around him a couple meters away. “You gave her just enough to help your plan.”
“Yes,” Theoric growled. “She is more powerful than the fire giants realize. They would eliminate her. You should be thanking me for saving her life.”
Loki chuckled. “If my memory serves correct, she saved yours.”
“True. But their plan was to kill her in the conquest of the palace. With my ring on her finger, she cannot be hurt by their flames.”
By now Theoric was behind Loki, who could feel a powerful essence come into being and surge towards him. Loki rolled, crouching and ready to spar once again, but the blast kept flying. It dispersed upon contact with the stopped tunnel. With a quaking groan that rattled the floor, the tunnel started to grow again. Loki tried to stop it, but Theoric spun around him and slashed down at his wrist. Loki was able to escape most of the blade, but a thin red line welled up through his skin. Theoric flicked the air over his cut with a grin.
“Now we are even.”
Loki stood, following Theoric as he walked backwards into the tunnel as it grew brighter. “And what was your plan for Y/N? At some point, she was going to have to take off the ring. Even then, her mind is strong. Your spell would not have survived her will during the coup d’état, no matter how strong it was woven.”
“Trust my ingenuity, Loki, she would be surrounded on all sides. It is a simple spell at its heart. It only keeps her from thinking unwell of me past common irritation. Something common between a married couple.”
Loki leapt towards Theoric, wrapping his hands around his throat. “She will not yield to your treachery.”
“How do you know she has not already?” Theoric wheezed with a grin. As Loki’s grasp faltered in shock, Theoric kicked at his chest, sending him flying backwards. Loki was back to his feet in a second.
As he stood, he snickered at Theoric. He watched as the tunnel’s end began to come to a close. With a shrug, his green and gold shimmered into red and silver. Copies walked out from behind him, encircling the true and illusion Theoric. The center pair collided with each other in a tangle of limbs. They rolled and twisted till they could break apart and stand in opposite spots.
One slashed towards the other, then leapt back as he retaliated with his own swing. As he came in to land a punch, he tossed the blade to his other hand. The circle of Theorics stood silently as the two battled in the middle. As one they took a step inward, limiting the space. The tunnel was getting darker as it drew closer to Muselpheim. He took his chance to block the descending blade and thrust his own towards his opponent’s chest. They came to a quaking stand-still as muscles rippled under silver armour and the illusions stepped closer in. One twisted away as the other forced his blade to the other’s shoulder. This opened up room for the other blade to sink itself into an opening in the armour.
The red and silver shimmered away as the dark encircled the men. Hot red light streamed in as the door opened.
“Give me something to contain him,” the victor demanded. He received wrought iron shackles, which he smugly clicked onto the bleeding man. “Is all prepared on your side?”
“It is. Do we attack now?” The leading giant stepped closer, twisting his axe in hand.
“No. Not all is in place in Asgard.” Loki glowered up at Theoric and took a breath to speak. Theoric stuffed his mouth a glove, making him choke around the fabric. “There is still a wedding to take place.” Loki twisted against his bonds, shouting muffled commands at the giants in the space.
“You should be preparing for battle, not attaching yourself to the witch.”
Theoric twisted around to stare down the giant towering over him. “Without her magic, this plan will not work. Besides, I may need the time to tie up any loose ends that have unravelled. Prince Loki’s presence is… unsettling.” Theoric turned back around to view his fuming form, then kicked him in the chin. Loki jerked backwards and moved no more.
“Keep him here. If he wakes, do not listen to a word he says. He can transform and may try to confuse you. Once the ceremony is complete, I will come and open the final portal. If I do not come, then I have been captured and the Muspel conquest of Asgard will have to wait till I escape.” He faced the room and spoke to the gathered warriors. “The day will come though when you will see Asgard with flames in her turrets. It will come.”
He bowed to the room, then turned on his heel and walked back down the passage, leaving the fire giants to drag Loki away into the darkness.
Y/N responds to Theoric’s question as the battle with the Fire Giants draws closer.
Characters: Reader (Y/N), Loki, Theoric, Frigga
Warnings: magic/sorcery, upcoming battle violence
Word Count: 1960
Note: It is getting heavy now. Please let me know what you think is going to happen next with a comment or reblog, or just like it. That works too. Constructive feedback is always welcome. And my requests are open, so don’t hesitate to send me an idea. Once this series ends I’m going to need them…
Theoric pulled out a golden band set with a ruby and pearls.
“Y/N of Asgard, will you give me the great honor of being my wife?”
Time slowed. You watched as Theoric slid the ring onto your finger before turning your hand over to kiss your palm. The world came back into focus with a pop as Theoric continued.
“You do not have to choose now. But wear this as you consider my request.”
“She does not have to consider it.” Loki shouldered his way between you and Theoric. Theoric stood, infringing on Loki’s space and coming eye to eye with him. Loki growled, staring him down.
You touched Loki’s arm, gasping as he cringed from your touch. “Loki, why are you acting like this?” He spun to face you, his features contorted in rage underlined with fear. “Why are you afraid of my answer?”
“Because I know this whole tryst is so unlike you,” Loki spat. If eyes were daggers, Loki’s side glance would have cut Theoric down in a second.
“Who says it is unlike me?” Something was wrong, you could feel it like fire under your stomach. “I look forward to my time with Theoric. But Loki, I am fearful of only one thing.” The flame jumped to your heart, spewing the words like lava from a mountain. “I am beginning to resent time I am around you. It has been growing in me like a weed I cannot kill. What happened to us? We used to know each other’s thoughts before they could even be spoken. Now when I am around, you are brooding and filled with ideas of conspiracy. You fight me at every step. I do not know you anymore.”
Loki stepped back from you, mouth agape as he drank in air. You braced yourself on a shelf across from him. The words hurt you as much as they seemed to hurt him, but you didn’t stop. You reached out for Theoric, who took your hand and steadied you.
You kept your eyes on Loki as you spoke. “I graciously accept your proposal, Theoric.” He pulled your hand up to his face and kiss your knuckles above his ring. Loki stormed off in a flutter of leather and shimmering armor deeper into the library.
“Come,” Theoric hummed, pulling you back to him. “We must tell our parents and the court.”
“Yes, Darling.” You let him lead you out of the library, heart still thundering from the confrontation. You ran your tongue across the roof of your mouth. You had never called Theoric ‘darling’ before, and it tasted bitter.
Hours after the announcement you stood in a circle with Frigga and a few other court sorceresses. Each had a piece of parchment with a phrase on it to repeat over and over till the test was done. Inside the circle was a dark, round table with a piece of the Bifrost under a miniature of the palace. The Fire Giants weren’t going to slow their attack just because you were engaged.
“Shall we begin?” Frigga asked. Everyone nodded and looked to you.
You placed your arms at your sides and opened your palms to the table. You started chanting your phrase. The ink glowed on the parchment, golden, then red. The glow spread to the other sheets as each member took up the mantra. Your voices grew as the light shimmered off the paper towards the shard of Bifrost. It spun, faster and faster as everyone spoke louder and hurried. Soon there was an orb stretching up from the flake, crawling up an invisible ball toward the peak. Your voices thundered as one as the strands touched, turning the orb blue. The voices stopped and echoed through the space. The orb spun and glittered.
You sighed and smiled at Frigga, who smiled back.
With a zing, the orb burst, sending everyone flying back from the circle to the floor.
The room tilted as you pulled yourself into a sitting position. “Is everyone alright?” you asked, noting how hoarse you sounded. A chorus of “yes” sounded off as everyone shakily got back to their feet.
“Y/N, what happened?” Frigga steadied herself on the table. The Bifrost sherd was dark as coal. The miniature wasn’t even a pile of dust.
“I’m not sure.” You pulled out your notes and the Ars Notoria from under the table. “We did everything like it said. Nobody is wearing anything enchanted, correct?” You sighed as everyone nodded. “Maybe I have the pronunciation wrong.” You frowned at the sherd. “And I had hoped it would not drain the Bifrost.”
“That is why we perform small tests first, Lady Y/N,” one of the women said with a small smile. The rest nodded and made short comments in agreement.
Frigga gave your shoulder a pat. “No one has read that text in a thousand years. That you were able to make something at all is a wonder. I have full confidence that you will work it out. Come, let us all rest. It is late.”
You stayed behind in the hall as they left. The spell was so vexing in front of you that you missed Theoric walking in.
He leaned down next to you, “do you see a solution yet?”
You jumped with a squeak of fright. In a second you had your fingers clasped around his throat and a dagger pricking at his stomach. He stayed unmoving as you took a moment to register it was him.
“Theoric!” You pulled your hands back. “Please do not frighten me like that.”
“I will try to remember that, and that you are armed.”
You slipped the dagger back into its sheath with a grimace. “Sorry.”
Theoric rubbed his hands up and down your arms before kissing your forehead. You breathed him in, letting his presence relax you till he spoke again.
“Consider the hall beneath the court.”
“Why?” you asked, still not looking at him, choosing instead to sink further into his chest.
“It is empty, and would have enough room to house the contraption you are planning to construct to amplify the spell.”
Your “contraption” was a spinning ring that would contain the spell while also sending the power to the top tower to create a dome. You had to admit he was right. The empty hall was vast, and was windowless, making it perfectly secure.
“Does that answer the problem you had?”
You stepped back from him with a smile. “No, but it is a valid point, Theoric. You will make a great leader one day.”
“If I do, it will be because you have taught me how to defend my ideas through practice and example.”
“You flatter me,” you said, blushing.
“Anything for you, ljós af hjarta mínu, light of my heart.” He kissed your cheek and walked away, leaving you to study the texts once more.
The burning in your stomach flared up again. You could have sworn Theoric couldn’t read the Ars Notoria, much less speak the language of it. The flame died away as you pushed the phrase to the back of your mind.
“You look beautiful, Y/N.” Your mother wiped away a tear caught in her eyelash.
You spun again, loving the way the skirt flared and made the colors dance. You were to wear Theoric’s family colors, and he yours, to show the two families coming together. Your hair was left flowing with its natural form, and your mother had securely pinned the silver bridal crown and ringed it with fresh flowers. This was all practice of course, but you felt breathless.
You were going to be a married woman.
The mirror caught your reflection as you stood before it. You felt blissful, but the fire in your stomach was growing stronger, crimping your brow in pain.
“All you alright? What’s wrong?” Your mother came up behind you and felt your forehead.
You shooed her away. “Nothing. My stomach has been uneasy since Theoric proposed. Pre-wedding nerves, that is all.”
She frowned at you. “Are you sure? You and Theoric have not…?”
“No,” you sputtered. “Even if I was not waiting till I was wed, with everything going on with the Fire Giants… we have not had time to even think of that.” Against your will, Loki’s comment on how Theoric looked like a hungry snake invaded your mind. The pain in your stomach intensified, nearly doubling you over. Why did you feel guilty? You had come to love Theoric. He was not the aloof boy you met years ago. Focusing on why you loved Theoric helped ease the pain.
“Y/N, that looks more serious than ‘nerves.’”
“I know.” You removed the pins and your crown, sitting it on the table by the mirror. “I’m going to see Eir this evening. She’ll be able to use the soul forge and see what is wrong with me.”
Your mother untied the stays in your dress, muttering something about medicinal advancement too late. But your mind wandered elsewhere.
“Mother?”
“Hmm?”
“Why did you and Father choose Theoric over Loki all those years ago?”
Your mother sighed and helped you step out of the dress. She thought for a moment while handing your usual courtly garb to you. “To be quite honest, we thought Odin would not approve. We were simple courtiers, and we started looking too soon. We thought time would bring you two together. Your tutelage under Frigga erased those early complications. For a brief moment, we considered bringing it up. Then Theoric came back, and you two fell in love.” She turned you to face her, resting her hands on your cheeks. “We had nothing against Loki. We simply wanted the best for you while not overreaching our status. We did not want to see your heart broken.” She dropped her hands to take hold of yours. “But you seem… apprehensive. Do you want more time to think on this arrangement?”
You pulled away from her as you thought. Did you? The rift between you and Loki was not what you wanted. A happy and equal marriage was something most young women strove for, but at what cost to you? You spun Theoric’s ring on your finger. Just feeling it against your skin felt like an answer.
“No. I love Theoric.”
That night, Theoric stood in front of the wall and mumbled the words. He was tired of this mirage, he wanted to finally show his true self. The door had barely manifested before he was rushing through it.
Loki peeked from his spot around the corner and followed him. For a split second, he hesitated to touch the door but took a deep breath before bursting through. He called out a quick confining spell, preventing the hall in front of Theoric from expanding anymore. Loki slid to a halt as Theoric’s low, rumbling laugh echoed back to him.
“To be honest, your highness, I am surprised it took you this long to follow me. Have you found your evidence to convict me?”
The papers in Loki’s chest pocket seemed to burn him. He stole them from your desk. A necessary risk of getting caught to see Theoric’s translations of darker spells.
“And what is your plan now, second prince? You save the day and the lady comes back to you?” Theoric laughed again. Loki was beginning to resent it. “I hope you realize that she is truly lost. She has no more room for you.” Theoric began to walk towards Loki.
“Only because you have trapped her. Your plans will not be able to hold her.”
Theoric stopped and grimaced. “You know nothing of my plans,” he growled. He pulled a dagger and launched himself at Loki, aiming for his throat.
Theoric and the Reader (Y/N) deepen their relationship. Loki notices that Theoric sneaks away, and tries to riddle out where Theoric is going.
Characters: Y/N, Theoric, Loki, Frigga
Warnings: none
Word Count: 1700+
Note: This wasn’t meant to be a political thriller, but I kinda like it. Let me know what you think by rebloging, liking, or commenting. My requests and asks are open, as well as my tag lists.
Frigga’s face was masked with indifference as the captain of the guard spoke.
“We do not need a shield around the city. It will make us appear weak and fearful. Besides, what Lady Y/N is proposing seems to be made of light, something I do not think will be strong enough to hold off the Fire Giants.”
You spoke up, “if we do not create some sort of defense, our only hope will be based on the soldiers who will be confined to the ground and to a few speeders. We simply do not have enough to send to Muspelheim and to defend the city at the same time. And what about our outlying towns, Captain? If we pull everyone to the palace or send them all to another realm, who will defend the people?”
“Each town has their own defenders,” he parried.
“But not as trained as the royal guard; they will all perish. If we can create a shield large enough to protect the palace, then we can share the magic with the towns and outlying villages. Then the individual warriors have a better chance of survival. It is not weakness. It is a good offense.”
The Captain had never been a friendly comrade at war counsels. He kept any snide comments to himself as Frigga considered the proposals. Theoric stood at the captain’s side. He opened his mouth to speak, but you nodded your head. Leaping into trouble with the captain and the queen would not go well for him. You turned your attention back to Frigga as she took a breath.
“Lady Y/N has made some valid points. We cannot become complicit in our battle honor. The Fire Giants have tactics we have not seen for generations. She is studied in military history as well as magic, Captain. Lady Y/N, will you be able to construct such a field without the help of the guards?”
“Yes, your majesty.”
“Then it is settled. Lady Y/N and I will work with the others of our craft, and Captain you will ready your troops for battle. Odin Allfather should return from the front soon and I will tell him the plans.” She stood, and everyone stood with her. “To your tasks.” She met you at the door as everyone dispersed, followed by other members of the counsel practiced in magic. “Thank you for your inspired proposal. I am glad to see you are doing well, Y/N. How is your strength?”
“Returning slowly, but I should be fully recovered after a sleep or two. I believe I have a text that will help us.” You caught Theoric’s eye as he walked past you. “Lieutenant Theoric, a moment please.”
“Yes, my lady?”
“My queen, this man brought me a book some time ago with ancient spells long forgotten. If you should thank anyone for the proposal, it should be the lieutenant.”
Frigga nodded as Theoric bent at the waist. “Indeed, thank you, sir. We will keep you updated as the shield develops so you can relay it to the Captain.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Theoric saluted as she left. You stayed behind and beamed at him.
“She likes you. I told her about the book earlier and she wanted to thank you in public. It is full of ways that we can defend Asgard and her allies. I’ll see you at dinner.” You turned to walk away, but Theoric caught your hand.
“Y/N, if I could see you a little sooner than that, I would appreciate it. I have a few questions… about the book… among other things. Could we meet in the library before then?”
You felt your cheeks flush. “Yes. I’ll wait for you in the stacks.”
“Till then, my lady,” he leaned down and kissed your hand. Then he spun on his heel and left with a warm grin.
Loki stepped into time with you as you headed for Frigga’s hall.
“You two are getting serious. I hope you can see that he is using you.”
“No, he isn’t,” you scoffed, “he had no way of knowing I could get your mother to do that.”
“I doubt it. You are her chief student, the best. He would have to be a simpleton not to see that.” Loki stopped and gripped your arm. “I do not trust his motives. I’ve seen the way he gapes at you when you are not looking. Like a hungry snake at a mouse.”
“Have you been spying on him?” you asked, pulling your arm from his grasp.
“Not yet, but I am strongly considering it.”
“Please don’t. He is a soldier, an honorable one.” You sighed, “I have not been blinded, Loki. I appreciate what you are trying to do, but you do not have to watch out for me anymore.” You leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I am happy. Remember your promise. Do not interfere.”
You walked away from him, leaving him standing alone in the passage. He muttered under his breath, “I’m sorry, Y/N. I cannot.”
Loki headed after Theoric. He disguised himself as a warrior from a different division, one that he hoped Theoric would not recognize. Loki couldn’t help but notice how Theoric smiled at every young woman he passed, beaming when they giggled. He wanted to fight Theoric when he ran his fingers up a young maid’s arm but held back. Theoric was going somewhere for a reason, and Loki was intent to find out just how treacherous he was. Once, Theoric turned and looked behind him. Loki continued walking and changed his illusion around the corner again to continue following him.
Theoric would his way down to the base of the palace. Once people flow ceased, Loki kept a distance between them, shifting into himself for the quiet without armor rattling. He watched from an alcove as Theoric waved his arm and the bare wall revealed a door similar to the ones on the upper floors. Loki picked up a few words, enough to recognize a simple distortion spell. Theoric walked through, and the door vanished behind him.
Loki was torn. Was this all a trap? If he should follow Theoric, he could be caught. If he stayed, Theoric might have transported somewhere else in the palace and he would be stuck staring at a blank wall for hours. He decided to wait.
The wall revealed the door once again within an hour. Theoric emerged, carrying a charm on a string and a small box. His bliss smile sent acid through Loki’s veins. Loki clenched his fists, ready to confront him. Then he saw the details of the charm.
It was the emblem of Muspelheim. An iridescent flame that glowed as if lit from within. It started off blue, but as the door vanished, the flame changed to orange, then to red as the wall reverted.
Theoric held it in his palm and muttered words in a language Loki didn’t recognize. The spell rose and fell in the air in a way that was seriously more complex than concealing the door. When he was done, Theoric tied the string around his neck, now simply wearing his family crest. Loki ran down the hall as Theoric moved to leave.
You ran your fingers over the spines, watching the gold letters and embellishments disappear under your fingers and then reappear as you continued moving. Although as a rule, the library was quiet, today the silence would be stifling to anyone else. Not you. You thrived in the silence. It gave you a clear mind. When mixed with the aged smell of parchment and vellum, you felt stronger than Thor.
You didn’t look up from the shelves when you heard boots behind you. “So what did you want to talk to me about, Theor…”
“Tell me more about the book he gave you.” Loki stayed at the edge of the row, standing as if ready for battle. He glanced behind him and you noticed he was out of breath.
“He found a copy of the Ara Notoria, a text that has not been seen in centuries. I’ve been translating the spells since he arrived; they are powerful and wonderful. Loki…”
“You can read it?” Loki stepped closer. His eyes glowed with a mixture of anger and worry, a glow you learned when you were teenagers. “Has he asked you about any of them?”
“Yes, a few. But he is not skilled in magic. He cannot even pronounce the words. Why are you asking me all of this, Loki?”
“He is not the man you think he is.”
“I think he is the man I love, the man who loves me. Why are you still trying to sabotage my relationships? You swore you would stop.”
Loki stepped closer and placed his large hands on your shoulders. “This isn’t that. He is dangerous. Theoric has been sneaking around the palace to the deepest reserves. He vanishes without a trace…”
“Sounds like what you do occasionally.”
“Theoric is planning something.”
“You are correct, your highness.” Theoric walked down the row to meet you. Loki stepped away, but not by much. “I have been sneaking around, but not for the reason you think, Loki.” He sighed and smiled at you. “I had hoped to do this a bit more publicly, but seeing that my honor is at stake…”
Theoric sank to one knee and took your hands in his. “Y/N, years ago you entranced me with your wit and your strength. When you showed me your favorite place, this library, I did not understand how someone could love dusty pages. Then I began to read. I found strategy, wisdom, worlds that I would have never seen without you. When we reunited, I was a lost man. The knowledge I gained from the books were not enough until you showed me the way they connected.” Theoric shifted and chuffed, “if I am honest, I missed some of your lessons because I was distracted by the aura that surrounds you in sunlight. Or the way library dust dances when you are with me. If I die tonight, I hope to keep those memories with me to Valhalla. But if I survive, I hope that my future could be filled with similar memories.”
He pulled out a golden band set with a ruby and pearls.
“Y/N of Asgard, will you give me the great honor of being my wife?”
Loki continues to sabotage the Reader’s possible suitors, though sometimes they sabotage themselves.
Characters: Y/N, Loki, Original Character, Thor, Fandral, secret guest
Warnings: none (? Annoying men ?)
Word Count: 4200 (Odin’s Beard! They won’t all be this long… maybe)
Note: Part 1 here. This is the last little bit of fluffy fun before the major plot starts to take over.
~1696, 189 years till next Belewe Moon
It startled you to see the splash of color tied to your door. Bright lilies and a brilliant blue lotus were wrapped in copper ribbon and dangling from the knob. You looked around, but whoever left them for you had already departed. As you untied the bouquet, a small envelope fell out.
Y/N’s a Nymph in flowery groves, A Nereid in the streams; Saint-like she in the temple moves, A woman in my dreams.
It was unsigned but made you smile.
You weren’t smiling by the end of the day. You could barely see your room there were so many flowers, all variations of blue with copper ribbons. Some had sweet poems, some did not. They came with such frequency that you didn’t have time to investigate whose family colors they were because they certainly weren’t yours.
You sighed as someone knocked. At your bidding, a young man walked in. His face was obscured by the biggest bouquet of the day. As he set it down on the last remaining bare place, he grinned a soft smile at you.
“My lady Y/N. Have you enjoyed your gifts?” He wasn’t much older than you. Dressed in a blue and silver tunic with copper shoulder caps, he looked familiar, but you were unaware of his name.
“They have all been lovely, but I am finding I difficult to rest in my quarters.”
He looked around, shocked to a hush. “I apologize. I didn’t realize I sent so many. Did you at least enjoy the poetry?” He fidgeted with a flower, rubbing a petal between his fingers.
“Yes, they were all beautiful. But you didn’t sign any.”
“Oh! I am Alf Björnson. Our parents have been talking, and your mother dropped that you liked flowers.”
“Yes, thank you for them, but the first cluster would have been enough.”
“Oh.” Alf took a shrunk back. “I seemed to have overstepped.”
“Just a little bit,” you joked, hoping your smile was more pleasant than your annoyance.
“I take it our parents should no longer discuss our future together.”
“I’m afraid not, Alf Björnson. Thank you for the valiant effort, but no.”
“I’ll send someone for the flowers.”
“No, it is alright. I’ll figure something out. You have done enough” you said, wracking your brain for a solution. “Thank you,” you added hastily. Alf nodded at you and left with a bow. As he closed the door, you sank onto your bed, the only surface untouched. What to do with all the posies?
Another knock sounded on your door.
“Come in,” you groaned.
“By the stars, Y/N. What happened in here?” Loki stepped into the room. He braced himself against the wall, pushed back by the overpowering perfume. “Were you attacked by a nature monster?”
“More like a monster suitor. He started humbly enough, then went a little overboard.”
“I agree.” Loki surveyed your room, obstructed as it was. “Would you like to escape to the library?”
“Gods, yes.” You jumped up to race him to your sanctuary. Flowers were not allowed there because their jars could tip and spill water over the pages. You stopped at the door and glanced over your shoulder. “What do you think I should do about the flowers?”
“I’ll tell someone to come by and collect most of them. They can spread them around the palace and brighten it up.”
“Brilliant. Tell them to leave any notes on my desk. Warn them there are several.”
Loki raised an eyebrow, but let the matter drop. “I’ll meet you in a few moments.”
You were never so happy as to be nature-free in a space. You nibbled a quick dinner so you couldn’t be forced to leave for the rest of the day. The scent of the books swept away everything you inhaled that morning. You found Loki standing by a stack of illuminated texts at your favorite desk that overlooked the Asgardian skyline.
Loki found it hard to focus on the pages. He wanted to tell you that he had successfully mastered the ability to take another person’s form, but he feared it would give him away. His whole morning had been spent picking out flowers and tying them himself in the image of Alf. He would duck away if the real Alf came in to order more, but the irritated palace florist seemed unaware that they were not one and the same. He was almost as happy as you to be unsurrounded by greenery.
~1757, 128 years till next Belewe Moon
You could see it. The spine of the book you needed was just out of your reach. Usually, there was a ladder or a step stool around, but they were occupied on other rows. You checked your call card again. Maybe this wasn’t the book; maybe it was somewhere else closer to the ground. No, this was row 49, shelf 19 from the left, level 6, Ghâyat al-Hakim: Handbook of Talismanic Magic. You glanced left, then right, and stepped onto the bottom level. Still above your fingertips. You stepped up another level.
A rumbling voice broke your concentration. “Do you require assistance, lady Y/N?”
You turned to locate him, but barely caught the mane of gold or broad breast-plate before your foot slipped. You squealed on the way down, landing in strong arms instead of the floor.
“Thor. Um, thank you.”
He chuckled as he returned you to your feet. “My pleasure, my lady. Which text is it?
“Ghâyat al-Hakim. Level six.”
Thor plucked it off the shelf like it was easy fruit. It was a thick volume, nearly four hundred pages, but looked like a miniature in his hand.
“Interesting subject. A major interest of yours?”
“I have not read it yet. Once I do, I’ll let you know.” You averted your gaze, hoping your blush remained hidden. You could do a lot worse that the crown prince of Asgard. It would never happen in an eon, but you could still look and appreciate. “Not to be rude, your highness, but what brings you to the archives?”
“I actually came to ask for your company this evening. I have a duel during training, but I was wondering if you could perhaps tell me where I could improve before then.”
You shook your head, “I’m not exactly your best choice for counsel, your highness. I’m sure Lady Sif or any of the Warriors Three would-“
“They are my opponents.”
“Ah. I see.” You’d never even been to the battle side of the palace, much less knew anything about live combat. Your duels were fought between literary people or those long passed. But this could expand your knowledge as to how warriors moved in a space. “You will have to lead the way as I-“
“Wonderful!” Thor offered you his arm and led you away from the archives. You left the book at your reserved desk.
Loki looked up as you walked by, grimacing at the sight of you on Thor’s arm. He stretched, waking up his muscles from studying. They could do with a little exercise.
By the time he made it to the training arena, you were fidgeting from your position on the sideline. Thor was demolishing a guard, who was doing his best to retreat. You thought the man was a good fighter, but Thor was running him down like a deer during the hunt. You flinched as Thor sent him sprawling. He was still conscience but chose not to stand again.
“Lady Y/N, how was that?”
You thought for a moment, choosing your words carefully. “I believe that you should take this time to not only hone your own skills but to hone the skills of your opponent. If you both can learn from one another, then your combined growth will make you undefeatable on the battlefield.” You motioned to the guard laying in the sand. “He has learned nothing but to fear you.”
“Battle is fear, my lady. Without it, there can be no courage,” Thor said.
Well said, for a brutish warrior, though it’s avoiding the point. You could feel a presence behind you. A reflective shield hanging on the wall gave you a glimmer of green. As Thor turned to place his weapons on that wall, you turned and motion for Loki to join him. Loki grabbed a series of daggers and threw them, pinning Thor’s cloak. “But those without fear of you can take your arrogance to their advantage,” you added with a laugh.
“I agree.” Loki sniggered as Thor struggled to free his cloak, but Loki’s aim kept the daggers close to his body, pinning his legs to the wall. Loki went to help the guard up, but he squirmed to his feet. He left with a hurried salute. Loki sighed before turning back to the center of the arena.
“You should not interfere with another warrior’s duel, Loki.” Thor pulled the last of the daggers out and threw them into the sand at Loki’s feet.
“I agree with Lady Y/N. The battle was unequal; you weren’t going to improve your technique by pummeling a guard into the dust.”
“Do you not have something more pressing to do than to critique my fighting skills?” Thor joked. Then his face lit up. Loki didn’t like that way his eyes gleamed.
“Brother,” Thor started, clapping him on the back hard enough to make him stumble, “the lady is right. We are nearly equal in skill, and it will do well to learn from each other. Let the lady chose our weapons, and we can duel for practice.”
Some time had passed since you last saw Loki fight. But if Thor was going to be as ruthless on Loki as he was on the guard…
“Um,” you looked around the arena. An ax attached to a long pole and a light sword caught your eye. Thor would use the ax, taking advantage of the reach it gave him. If Loki could get to the inside… it might work. “Thor can use that ax. And Loki, you can use the sword.”
Thor chuckled as they grabbed the weapons. “She’s not as unknowing about weapons as you lead me to believe, Loki. She has picked up on my strengths after only one evening.”
Or your weaknesses. Loki thought.
He walked to the center, but Thor started the attack from where he stood. Loki jumped out of the way and began to walk backward to stalk Thor’s next move. Thor swung wildly, pulling the ax over his head to bring it down on Loki, then horizontally trying to catch him as he backed away. Loki knocked it out of the way, sending sparks flying as the metal scraped. He saw the kick coming but took it in the chest as Thor braced the ax into the sand and used it as a launching point. Loki fell, then spun as Thor once again tried to bring the ax down on him. With the ax down, Loki was able to get in close. But it only lasted a moment. Thor lifted the pole up like a bow staff, blocking and parrying Loki’s strikes. Thor swung it into Loki’s back sending him to his knees. He held up the sword just as Thor swung it down, catching the ax mere inches away from his face. Thor pushed down harder, but Loki was able to make it to his feet. He kicked between Thor’s legs, using his foot to pull one of Thor’s legs forward till he fell. It was Loki’s turn to attack. It ended quickly as Thor used Loki’s open stance to strike him in the ribs. Loki stumbled, then fell to avoid getting sliced. Loki recovered. He hurried to Thor’s inside, putting him on the defense. A lucky blow sent Loki’s sword flying. Thor tripped him and held the ax above his neck.
“Do you yield?” Thor asked, smirking on the brink of mocking.
“Yes, Thor, I yield,” Loki sighed. He stood as Thor replaced the ax and turned to you.
“What did you think of that, Lady Y/N?”
“Your ‘technique’, your highness, seems to be driving people into the ground. One of these days, someone is going to use that brashness against you and you will be outmaneuvered, then defeated. If I may take my leave, I have a text to study.” You spun on your heel and left the arena.
Loki’s chest hurt, along with other things, but it was worth it to see you push Thor out of your mind. Thor flustered next to him, unsure what to say. He eventually shrugged it off and went to find another guard to battle. Loki sent various illusions to the ones nearby to make them escape a thunderous fate.
~1818, 67 years until next Belewe Moon
The palace was bustling with activity in preparation for a ball. You twirled around your mother’s living room. The dress she designed for you was exquisite, a fact you kept repeating to her.
“I know, darling, you have said as much before. And you are welcome. Now if you just hold still, I have another gift for you.”
You stopped spinning to stand before her. She led you to her mirror and sat you down. “Close your eyes,” she hummed. You heard her open a clasp to something, then something cold landed on your chest. Opening your eyes into your reflection, you saw a beautiful pendant of a pair of gold and silver wolves intertwined with each other. It was your family crest.
“I wore this for my first ball, and my mother, and for several mothers before me. It is a reminder to watch your past, while also making room for the future, though in memory they will eventually become one and the same.”
“It is beautiful, mother. Thank you.” You embraced her. She held onto you tightly, then released you with a kiss to the forehead.
“Now,” she said, smoothing out her dress, “I believe it is time for some dancing.”
You weren’t wholly through the door yet before someone asked you to dance. It was one of Thor’s friends. His pale green and gold armor looked out of place without his customary long and thin blade. Fandral spun you into the fray, making you laugh with delight as he tossed you into the air with the other ladies of the court.
“You look wonderful, Lady Y/N. You are always stunning, but I had to have the first dance. I hope I have not overstepped.”
“Not at all, my lord. Please, lead the way.”
You barely stopped for breath all night. By the time the dances were starting to slow for the evening, you were breathing rapidly and shimmering with perspiration. Fandral, who had come back for seconds, thirds, and sevenths, was about to pull you into the last lively dance of the evening when he was interrupted.
“You have kept the lady to yourself all night, Fandral. Let her rest from your constant conversation.” Loki didn’t wait for Fandral’s response before walking you away. “In need of a rescue, my lady?”
“Actually, I think the continued dancing has tricked my feet into thinking it was one dance. Now that I’ve stopped they might start to feel the ache of the night. But I won’t say no to a drink.” Loki handed you a flute of a sparkling beverage, which you sipped eagerly, giggling as it tickled your nose.
“Oh no,” Loki whispered. You turned to see Fandral walking towards you, after blowing a passing kiss to another lady.
“There are only a few dances left, Y/N. Might I have at least one more?”
“Don’t you think she is tired?” Loki asked, angling himself between you and Fandral.
“I believe it is up to the lady,” Fandral growled. He looked over to you expecting an answer, but you had difficulty forming one once Loki looked at you too.
“Um, I am a little weary Fandral,” you started. Loki looked pleased. “But let me finish my drink and I’ll accept your invitation.” Loki’s face fell and it was Fandral’s turn to smile. You swallowed the last bit quickly and followed him onto the floor with a shrug for Loki.
The dance was softer, more flowing than the others. You were pressed close to his chest, though he kept his arm light around your waist. He spun you out, making your skirt flare before pulling you back into him.
“You look stunning.”
“You have been saying that all night.”
“And I would keep saying it till I have no more air in my lungs if it would make you blush like you do.” Fandral chuckled as you averted your face, pink with the compliment. “If you are still averse to poetry, perhaps I could start a new line of thought?”
“I don’t hate it, but I believe I have heard enough for a long time.”
“Well, what do you know of the coming changes in court? I have been selected to calculate the funding expenditures for Asgard. It’s only for a short while, but it may lead to longer leadership.”
“That sounds wonderful.” In the back of your mind, you could hear the dance end and another begin, but Fandral continued to carry you around the space.
“I have discovered that there are several aspects a court that could do with a little less. I have come up with a plan that is sure to be approved by Allfather. Thor likes it and agrees. So do several of the courtiers that I have shown it too. There has been a little opposition when it came to the kitchen staff, which is too be expected, and the library, but I think the changes will be for the better.”
You were starting to get dizzy as the music picked up. Faintly you saw a green blur, but you couldn’t tell if it was coming or going.
“Fandral, do you mind if we stop? I cannot see straight.”
“Then there are the young ladies I have shown it too. They like the plan, though they may have been distracted. Would you like to look it over for me, being an academic yourself?”
Fandral stopped dancing as Loki tapped him on the shoulder. To you, his face was blurred, and his voice sounded like it was echoing through a tunnel.
“You have just about spun her mind out, Fandral.”
“Nonsense, it’s just one dance.”
“Fandral,” you said, steadying yourself on Loki’s arm, “it has been three dances. And this last one included increasing spinning as you got excited about your project. Would you mind if I left the floor?”
Fandral looked down at you, unapologetic and cheery. “I beg your forgiveness, my lady, I thought you were still in blush.” He led you off the floor to a window seat. Loki followed and pulled him away as you breathed in the cool night air.
“She is exhausted, you twit,” Loki whispered with a snarl. “Blushing? You couldn’t tell her blush from her rage if you tried. She has been kind to you because that is how Y/N is. Now let her be.”
“I’m sorry, Loki. I did not realize she was unwell.”
“You should not be apologizing to me, but to Y/N. Later. After she has recovered from you.”
You saw Fandral nod. He gave you a short bow, then walked away. You noticed him a few minutes later dancing with another woman. You figured she would be distracted from his economic plan as well.
“They seem to be getting worse,” Loki said, sitting next to you.
“Not necessarily. Thor would have been an excellent match, but he does not listen. He will not learn it from me. As for Alf and Fandral, I think you have intimidated them enough that they will stay away.” Loki tensed. You chuckled and tilted your head to look at him. “I have eyes. I know we made a promise, and I know that none of my past suitors have been right for me. But promise me one more thing.”
“And what is that, my lady?”
“If I am happy with someone, truly happy, do not interfere.”
Loki looked away with a huff. He started to say something but sighed as he looked at your face. He drew himself up and pulled your hands into his lap to hold them in his. “I promise, Y/N, if I see that you are truly happy with someone that I will not interfere with the matters of your heart.”
“Thank you, Loki.”
Loki stayed with you till the dizziness passed, and then danced the last waltz of the night with you.
He watched you as you left with your parents, noticing how your hair shimmering in the light, how your dress hung to the blissful curves of your body and wondered where you got your new pendant.
~1885, Months till next Belewe Moon
The palace was on high alert. Panic had not set in, yet, but people scurried in groups from room to room. Many courtiers stayed in their quarters, barricaded by their own guards. The skirmishes on the outskirts of Asgard and Vanaheim were frequent in recent days. Odin and Heimdall were deep into the mystery of who was attacking Asgard, but so far nobody had been identified. All the rulers of the usual enemies denied involvement, of course.
Due to the threat, there were also more guards and armored warriors in the halls. You avoided getting in their way as you hastened back to your room. You would have been helping Frigga with some defensive charms, but the notebook where you kept them was sitting on your desk. You could see it in your mind’s eye the second you walked through her door, cursing your forgetfulness. You thanked the gods that Frigga didn’t comment on your ability to forget small things when you could recite just about any spell from memory.
“Odin’s beard, Y/N! how could you have been so… ugh!” Deep in thought and self-kicking, you didn’t think to round the corner wide enough not to hit someone. Your face collided with a broad chest attached to a narrow waist. You stepped back, apologizing to the black-and-silver clad warrior.
“It is forgiven, Lady Y/N. I hold no ill will from this time or our last encounter.”
Looking up you saw a handsome young man familiar to you.
“Theoric?”
“Yes, back as a lieutenant. I hope you can forgive me.” He smiled at you kindly. Then you realized he was waiting for you to say something.
“Oh. For what?”
“For running into you. For my outburst, many years ago. Whichever I need forgiveness for.”
“That was a long time ago, Theoric. There is nothing to forgive. As for today, I am equally at fault. I wasn’t looking where I was going.” You took a breath, taking a moment to reminisce. “It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you as well. I was just looking for you actually… to give you this.” Theoric held out a leather-bound book. Running your fingers over the cover, you read “Ars Notoria.”
“Theoric,” you gasped, “this is an extremely rare book to find. The palace archives don’t even have it.”
“Now it is yours do with as you like. I’m sure you’ll find a use for it.”
You stared up at him, mouth agape. “Thank you,” you whispered out, pulling the text close to your chest.
“I know you are busy now, but I rotate out of patrol in a few hours. Could I meet you in your favorite place then? If it is your favorite place still.”
You promised to meet him, wondering how much he changed as you helped come up with a dome to protect the palace from attack. You kept the gift to yourself. It was a powerful text that could be used to harm or to help. You wanted to look over it on your own time, but first, you left to meet Theoric.
You found him scanning the spines of the books. “Do you see anything you like?” you asked quietly. He spun to find you and grinned.
“Yes, I do.” He continued to observe you as you shrunk in on yourself, self-conscience of your frazzled appearance. He broke the awkwardness with an offer. “Would you mind teaching me a little bit about rudimentary magic? I am going to be entirely clueless, but please, enlighten me.”
You talked for hours. He didn’t know a thing about magic, but he started to pick up on several details. He asked questions for clarity and seemed honestly interested in learning more about the world you loved. You took a turn to listen to him and his rise in the ranks and realized how much he matured. Gone was the bored boy with no time for books, the boy quick to anger, and gone was the self-centered carriage. Instead, his shoulders sat back with a confidence learned from taking orders.
You looked forward to further learning this new Theoric. Perhaps he was worth a second look.
When they were children, Loki and Y/N promised each other to marry if they did not find someone else by the next Belewe moon in 250 years.
Pairing: young!Loki x young!Reader (Think age 11 or so)
Warnings: None, except slight sabotage I guess
Word Count: 2,200+
Note: I used thispost to calculate Loki’s age for the series as he is going to age throughout. Please let me know how you’re liking it (or not) and tell me what you think is going to happen next. Hint: if you know a little of the mythology, you might see the end coming. Shoot me a message or something if you want to be tagged for the series, or for anything else.
~1635 AD (Midgard Time)
His door shut with a small click, one that echoed through the hallway like a bell. Loki flinched but kept moving. The next guard exchange was about to happen so he would have to time his escape perfectly. He ducked behind a pillar as a pair of boots thundered into the passageway. They didn’t stop. Loki half wondered if he should be proud that he wasn’t seen, or worried that the guards were inept at their job.
There wasn’t time to reflect on this quandary, he didn’t want to be late.
The grassy alcove outside the library was empty save for one solitary figure. Loki’s breathing was rushed, having run the remaining way from the hallway. He focused on calming it, then making it quiet. His steps were soundless as he slinked up behind the figure.
“Boo,” he whispered.
“Boo, yourself,” a voice said from behind him. Loki jumped with a yelp as you stepped out of the shadows. With a wave of your hand, the figure turned and faded away.
“Someday you must teach me how you do that.” Loki looked up at the sky and a smile broke out over his face. “It has begun.” Overhead a glowing celestial orb rocketed through the sky. Its tail sparked as it fought the Asgardian atmosphere.
“Do you think it will pass the correct spot?” you asked.
“Perhaps.”
The comet soared closer to the object of your attention: a relatively close moon, not your own, that filled the sky. Every two hundred and fifty years or so, the comet Orvar had the chance to pass behind the moon, creating a comet-lunar eclipse. When this happened, the reflection of the moon shown blue with the space fire around the comet. It was called the Belewe Moon. If one watched the comet pass by in a secret place, the observer was supposed to have good luck until the next Belewe moon.
“Do you want to see if we can see anybody else watching the moon?” Loki asked, walking towards the edge.
“No, Loki, don’t. Don’t ruin someone’s luck by spying out their hiding place,” you held him back and shrugged, “besides, if, by peeking you give our spot away, you’ll curse us both with bad luck.”
Loki nodded in agreement.
You sat on the grass and laid back to watch the sky. Even with the brightness of the comet, you could see billions of stars. Loki laid next to you, hands behind his head. You twisted to lay your head on his chest, breathing in time to the rise of his breath.
“What luck do you think you’ll have?” he asked.
You thought for a moment then said, “maybe I’ll marry a husband who’ll build me a library. I know it won’t be as big as the one here, but it’ll be mine.”
“Marry?” Loki’s breath hitched beneath you. “You are not old enough for that yet. And we’re still in school.”
“Not for much longer,” you sighed, “Mother and Father have been discussing taking me out of school. A boy is coming tomorrow. They say I might be betrothed to him.”
“Betrothed? What is this, the Dark Ages? Nobody does that anymore.”
“They do here at court.” The comet continued its path, finally drawing close to the moon. “We wouldn’t have a ceremony till years later, but… I’m of an age where they must start thinking about it. And at this stage, I have a choice. They told me I can say no if I wish.”
“Then say no.” Loki’s chest was tight. You rolled over so you could twist to look directly into his eyes.
“Why should I? I have not met him yet.”
“But you’ve met me,” Loki smirked at you, but his eyes claimed something deeper.
“I don’t think you are on my parent’s list. You are too above my station.”
Loki turned to lay on his side; you did the same. “Then it will help your family even more. I’m a prince of Asgard. You are an intelligent young lady of the court. There couldn’t be a more perfect pairing. And Father favor’s Thor, so he will be the one to have an arranged marriage for the throne.”
“You speak like it is so easy, Loki,” You rolled back onto your back. “There are more politics involved than you think.”
Loki looked down to his feet, so close to yours. “Then I will learn the politics.” He glanced at you, but you were watching the sky. “Y/N?”
“Hmm?”
“If I learn the politics, and if I can convince our parents that the match will be good, would you at least consider… me?”
Orvar was just touching the inner edge of the moon. You two were so young. What could you possibly know about marriage? The first glimmer of blue started to glow around the moon. It gave you an idea.
“Do you think you could wait for me?”
“What?”
“If I have not married by the next Belewe Moon, nor you, would you marry me then?”
Loki laid back with a confused huff. “Yes. But that is not for another two hundred and fifty years.”
“Exactly. If no suitors have caught my eye by then, my parents will want to take any proposal given to them. It will help you sway them even more. But you would have to promise. I do not want to wait that long with the false hope that you will back out, married or not.”
“Agreed.”
The comet was fully behind the moon now. The sky surrounding it burst into different beams of blue as the tail fully eclipsed the moon. You could hear soft cheering around the city.
“Y/N, I promise you by the light of the Belewe light: if neither of us has wed by the next moon, I shall wed you without hesitation.” His voice was strong.
“I promise you, Loki, by the light of the Belewe light: if neither of us has wed by the next moon, I shall wed you without hesitation.”
The cheers died off as Orvar passed the point of illumination. The moon lost its halo, and the sky was as it was before.
Loki took your hand and squeezed it. He continued to hold it till the comet was out of sight. He successfully escorted you back to your room without incident. You fell asleep with the courage that he had the luck, and skill, to make it back without getting caught.
The Next Morning
“What do you think of him, Y/N?” your mother asked you. The boy jumped out of the transport and took a small bouquet from his father.
“He’s cute, I guess. But looks are not everything,” you replied. You could feel your parents grinning at each other over your head.
“Sindri,” your father called out, “welcome to Asgard!”
“Thank you, my friend. May I introduce my wife, Erna, and my son, Theoric.”
The fathers continued to talk as you looked at Theoric. He was cute, in a way. His hands were shaking around the flowers, but he kept his posture straight and strong. You found his eyes observing you as well and looked away, blushing through getting caught.
“Here,” he said, holding out the flowers, “these are for you.” You took them. A few sprigs of baby’s breath surrounded a single, small, red tulip that hadn’t opened yet.
“He picked those himself this morning,” Erna said kindly. Your mother tapped you on your shoulder.
“Thank you. They are beautiful.”
“Perhaps you could show Theoric around the palace while we talk.” You clenched your jaw and looked up at your mother with pleading eyes. Could she be any more of a cliché? She didn’t give you time to reply or to complain before taking Erna’s arm and leading her inside. Your heart was thundering in your chest as you turned back to face Theoric.
“You don’t have to show me around,” he said, breaking the silence. “You can just show me your favorite place. If you would like.”
You nodded in agreement. If Thor and his friends saw you with him, you wouldn’t live it down for weeks. “Follow me.” You led him through back hallways to the library, opening the door with a flourish.
Theoric gave you a single nod as he looked around. “Your favorite place is… a library?”
“Yes. I have an impossible dream to read them all.”
“That is impossible.” Theoric walked to one of the bookshelves and pulled out a book. He flipped through the pages quickly, then shelved it with a huff. “Do you have any other favorite places?”
Your eyes flitted to the grassy alcove, but you played it off as thinking. “No. I have been known to stay here all day when I’m not called elsewhere.”
“How incredibly dull. How are you still sane?” He looked past you to the hallway. “I think we should get back. Mother said there was to be a lunch before they started discussing anything important.”
“My mother said the same. This way.” You took the short route to the small dining hall outside your family’s quarters while at court. You walked quickly, answering shortly to any questions Theoric had. Then he was silent. You turned around to ask if he was alright, but he was gone. Panic set in. While you had already eliminated him as a suitor, your parents and his would be furious if you lost him in the palace. You started to backtrack your steps, hoping he could not have wandered far.
Loki was deeply engrossed in a book when a disgruntled boy walked around the corner muttering about incompetent girls.
“You there! Which way to the dining hall?”
“Which one?” Loki muttered, refusing to look up from his book.
“The one Y/N Y/L/N was taking me to before she lost me around a corner. Would you stop reading and show me the way?”
Loki sighed and closed his book. The boy’s hands were clenched, as was his jaw, and he kept shifting his feet impatiently. Loki was going to take his time with this rude boy. There was no way you were going to choose this one over him.
“This way.”
Loki led him in circles for quite some time. He occasionally poked his head into one of the other small dining halls, feigning innocence. By the time they reached the correct hall, Theoric was fuming.
“I asked for guidance, not a tour. Everybody in this place is so incompetent.” He burst through the doors, starting chaos inside. Loki thought it best to slip away. Besides, he’d left his book on the window sill.
You burst in through the other doors as Theoric did. “Mother, I cannot find-“
“You! You lost me on purpose.” Theoric pointed at you across the table, face redder than a beet.
“It is not my fault that you could not keep up.” It was an accident. A gentleman would be understanding. You looked at your mother and sent her a curt nod. This was not the one. She sighed and looked at the other three adults, passing along your message.
“Father, I refuse to stay any longer.” Theoric turned on his heel to march out.
“Are you sure that is the right way, Theoric? Are you an expert of the palace now?” You smirked at his back, enjoying the way he flinched.
He stopped, flustered. He stomped his foot and waited for your father to usher his parents out the door. Your mother shot you a look. You were in trouble, but they’d have to find you first. Nobody knew the palace better than you, except maybe Loki.
Loki.
He had to know about this idiootti, this idiot.
You found him in his favorite window alcove, reading as always. He heard you coming and made room for you. You laid against the opposite wall so your feet could almost touch.
“How was the meeting?”
“A disaster. I lost him on the way back from the library, and he was extremely rude about it. And he thinks reading is dull.”
Loki whipped around to look at you. “What? A person who does not read considers it dull because they find themselves so.”
“I know that, and you know that. But I’m in trouble now for losing him, and probably again for not sticking around to see him off.”
“He wasn’t worth it.”
After a moment of reflection, you spoke up.
“Did you mean what you said last night? Or was it just the moon?”
“I swore, Y/N. I will never break that vow, no matter how many stars fly through the sky.”
Your heartbeat slowed. Calmed.
Loki handed you a book from his stack. You two sat reading in silence except for sound of the palace bustle below.
Our Deepest Desires 