Beauty in the Beast

Chapter 14

Just a short chapter today. Just in between breaks from homework and because I don't want to make you brilliant people, who have helped this story become so popular, wait. Just Loki in this one and I warn now that it's sad okay? Good. Well...enjoy!

Lots of Loki love from me!

- Z xx

The trip from the gateway to the frost giant palace was a long and chilly one. Loki had been walking for days now in the arms of the frost giants, and his stamina had begun to diminish. His heart felt heavy with emotion and exhaustion and his body felt numb from the blizzard that flew around them. He was still be held onto tightly by the two frost giants, who seemed perfectly content with the planets climate, while Laufy strode ahead. Loki glanced up and saw another mountain they had yet to climb. Just the thought of having to heave himself up the steep rock made him feel faint. Whilst deep in thought and without realising, Loki had slowed his walking speed. One of the frost giants pushed one of its huge hands into the centre of Loki’s back.

“Move.” It said gruffly. Loki obeyed and sped up to match their strides; however it wasn’t long before his strength began to fail on him once again. Loki’s eyes began to go out of focus and his legs began to shake underneath him. The frost giant had had enough “I said move it!” He ordered with a shout. Loki tried to obey but his body refused to cooperate. Another shove was sent into the middle of Loki’s back to push him forward but his legs did not move. Instead Loki fell to his knees with fatigue onto the cold snowy floor. The frost giant stopped and attempted to pull the prince back up, but to no avail. “Get up.” The frost giant growled menacingly. Loki didn’t move for he was too weak. The frost giant began to lose its temper “If you do not get up now then I shall personally make sure that you will never walk again.” It whispered into Loki’s ear with hatred. Loki’s breath became shallow as he forced out a weak reply

“Please… I just… I need to…rest” he pleaded. The frost giant laughed in disbelief

“Rest? Rest?! I’ll make sure that you rest.” It said before untangling its whip from around its body. Taking a couple of steps back, the frost giant began to swing the rope. Then he brought it down hard on Loki’s back. Loki yelped in pain as the whip’s tip stung his back, and then breathed out when he felt the rope being whipped away. However this relief was short lived as Loki felt the rope burn into his spine once again, leaving a bleeding stripe scorched into his pale skin. Never had he experienced pain like this. Meanwhile the frost giant showed no signs of stopping. Again and again, he brought the rope down on Loki’s back, leaving a series of blistering streaks scattered across his back. Loki whimpered in pain. This was it. He was going to die. The frost giant was going to whip him until there was nothing left. This thought calmed Loki. But this would not be the end. Laufy turned and walked back to where the prince was being tortured. Seeing the prince in such a weak state made him feel sad in a strange way. He’d seen enough

"Leave him.” He calmly ordered the frost giant. The frost giant, who was blind by rage at this point, ignored his command. Laufy stepped in and grabbed the frost giants arm before he was able to strike again on Loki’s back “I said that’s enough” he spoke sternly to the frost giant. The frost giant stared Laufy in the eye before slacking his arm and wrapping the whip back around his body. Laufy released his hold on the frost giant’s arm “Let him rest.” Laufy signalled to Loki with his head as he spoke “And give him some water. I need him to remain strong.” Laufy finished. The frost giant bowed in acknowledgment before Laufy turned away. Loki forced out a reply in gratitude

“Thank you.” He croaked. The frost giant turned to Loki and bent down

"As soon as me and you are alone, you are going to pay. Just wait. I’m not done with you yet.” It said menacingly before thrusting a container of water at Loki’s feet. Loki snatched up the container greedily and gulped the water down, ignoring the stench that came from the container. Tears sprang to his eyes as he imagined the pain that was awaiting him. Quickly he wiped them away.

Stop being so selfish! This could have been Laila. Would you rather her, receive this torture? No, then stop worrying about yourself. You are doing this for her. To protect her. If being in here assures her safety then that is what you have to do, regardless of how long you have to stay here. Loki scolded himself. With this in mind Loki brought his legs up to his body and lay against the chilly bed of snow; providing an instant relief to the bruised and bleeding lines on his back, and closed his eyes to sleep; the only place where peace would visit.

So that's it! Like I said, it's short but I'll try and get chapter 15 up within the next two days. If not then it'll be at the weekend. Did I ever mention that I love you guys. You are seriously awesome people and I can't thank you enough for the support you're giving this! Please read, comment, vote and hate! As usual I love to hear your thoughts. To anyone who hasn't commented, please do! It doesn't take long and it really helps to know what you think, positive or negative. :D - Z xx