Midnight in the garden of mischief & mayhem

Chapter 13

The weeks passed and I continued to familiarize myself with the palace and the goings on of the royal family. It amazed me how many people came in and out of the palace, always bringing complaints or requests. I began to develop a begrudging respect for Odin, who had to sit through countless pleas.

One night, about two months after I had moved into the palace, a ball was held in celebration of a battle that had been won with Jotunheim. Everyone was invited, and there was to be feasting and revelry.

When I heard of it, my first thought was to talk with Loki about the etiquette for such affairs. I opened the door to go find him and found him standing right there, hand raised to knock. "Loki," I laughed, " I was just coming to find you. Have you heard about the ball?" He didn't answer immediately and then I noticed how he wrung his hands nervously in front of him. "What's wrong?"

"It's just- I mean..." He sighed.

I grabbed Loki by the arm and pulled him through the door, closing it behind him. "What is it?"

"Well, we're expected at the ball tomorrow. Or rather I'm expected. But we've never been in public as a couple. Are you sure we can handle that?" He cast his eyes down, frowning.

I placed my hands on either side of his face, raising his eyes to mine. "Now you listen to me Loki Odinson. I can handle anything so long as you are by my side." A dazzling smile lit Loki's features and he pulled me into a tight embrace. "You do know of course that I may very well turn into a blubbering pile of mush in front of so many people."

I felt his deep laughter reverberate through his chest. "Somehow I think you'll be just fine," he murmured into my ear.

I only wish I had as much confidence in myself as he seemed to.

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The night of the ball crept up on me, and before I knew it I was dressed in the new gown that had been made for me. My reflection in the mirror reached up to smooth out a nonexistent wrinkle for the thousandth time. My nerves were buzzing terribly and I felt as though another ounce of stress would snap my fragile composure. My eyes found the enchanted pendant Loki had given me, a comforting warmth nestled between my collarbones.

A knock sounded at my door. "Allyra?" Loki.

"Coming!" I threw one final glance at the frantic girl in the mirror and hurried to the door.

Loki and I walked arm-in-arm down the golden hallways towards the ballroom. As we got progressively closer I could hear the sounds of merriment, voices floating from the half-open doors. When we stepped onto the threshold the large room fell utterly silent.

"Announcing Loki, prince of Asgard and his Lady Allyra."

All eyes were on us, and I wasn't sure I had ever been more uncomfortable.I felt Loki's grip on my arm tighten and his hand brushed mine comfortingly. I tried to breath as he led me down the steps and into the throngs of guests who had just begun to return to their conversations.

Thor found us, clapping a strong hand on Loki's shoulder and bowing slightly to me. "I feared you would never turn up, brother!"

"Yes," came a female voice from behind Thor, "We have been waiting for you." She was beautiful, black hair waving to her hips, and striking hazel eyes. What was most remarkable about this woman though, was how strong she looked, like she could easily out-fight most men of the kingdom. "I am Sif."

"Allyra," I replied, shaking her outstretched hand.

"Thor has told us much about you. He-" She was cut off, suddenly looking over my shoulder. "Allfather."

Shit. I turned around, an overly bright smile plastered on my face. There stood Odin looming above me with that same patronizing look he always had when he watched me. "Allfather," I murmered with a small, stiff bow.

"Allyra." He inclined his head slightly. "I was wondering if I could have a word with you." His eyes moved around the small circle of people standing around me. "Privately."

Oh gods.

I followed Odin through a small archway that led out onto the terrace. A few people were milling about, but none of them were close enough to overhear our conversation.

The Allfather leaned against the balcony railing and looked out across the city. "I wanted to speak with you about Loki."

My back stiffened ever so slightly and I held my breath as I waited for him to go on.

"At first, when he brought you here, I didn't like it. You see, Loki has always been solitary, preferring books to socializing. I didn't relate as well to him as I did to Thor because of his introversion, but Frigga did. She have him magic so he would never feel alone, and taught him every day. But still I never felt truly close to my son. I didn't know him. So when he showed up beaming with you...I wasn't sure what I should expect. I am sorry for my hostility but a king can never be too careful when it comes to his family."

That was it? He was worried I might be faking my feelings for Loki? "Allfather I can assure you-"

"There is no need. Watching you with him these last weeks...no one could doubt you love him. Would you forgive an old man his paranoia?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Of course." It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Odin's apparent distaste for me had plagued me for as long as I had lived in the palace. I meant to confront him about it but whenever I got the chance my courage would desert me.

"Thank you. Now, go enjoy the festivities with your friends. Eat, drink, have a wonderful night."

I curtsied and turned away, headed back into the throngs of people inside.

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My eyes scanned the crowds for the small group of warriors I had been speaking with only minutes before. Before I could spot any of them though, I felt a light tap on my shoulder accompanied by a light laugh. "Loki!" I turned around and faced him, my smile mirrored in his gleeful expression. 

His grin faltered. "What did my father have to say to you?"

"Nothing to worry about Loki, he was actually very nice."

He raised his eyebrows but said nothing. Silence stretched between us for a few moments before Loki suddenly blurted, "Come with me."

I didn't have a chance to respond before he was dragging me to the doors we had arrived through. "Loki-"

"Sh."

"But-"

"No questions."

I said nothing more, simply attempting to keep up without tripping over my own feet. He lead me, stumbling, out the doors, through the halls, and out into the gardens I had grown so familiar with. Our footsteps crunched on the white gravel in a steady rhythm, sending the echoes through the night. Before I knew where he was taking me, I stood in the doorway of our personal garden. 

Loki didn't stop, didn't even look back, still moving toward the moonlit arch. We climbed the stairs and walked to the fountain, sitting on its edge. I couldn't help but laugh, "Tell me again why we had to run?"

A light chuckle escaped Loki's lips, "Some things deserve haste."

His words confused me but a few seconds later I understood.

Loki slid easily onto one knee in front of me, "Marry me."

I gaped at him, completely taken by surprise. 

He took my astonishment for hesitation. "Allyra, for as long as I can remember, I never felt like I fit in, not really. I was always the outcast, Odin's second son. Not a warrior like Thor and therefore not really worth much. But then I met you that night, and you saw me. No one had even done that, no one had ever looked at me and seen anything but Asgard's youngest prince, but when you looked at me you saw me. When I am with you, my soul is home. I've always wondered where I belonged, and it's you. I belong with you, by your side. Forever. Will you marry me?"

It was all I could do to choke out a teary yes as he slipped the most beautiful ring onto my finger. And then he was kissing me and we were laughing like children again in our own little world.