The next morning, she’s woken up by a knock on her door. Lune turned to look at the sun outside the windows. Judging by its position in the sky, she presumed it must have been somewhere around four. She opens the door only to find Loki, dressed to go on a horse ride. She smiled at him and he smiled, or rather smirked, back.

-I remembered you told us that horse riding is one of your passions. Would you like to join me? I know it is early in the morning, but it’s the best time to go on a ride, he said. 

Even though she has just woken up, the fact that he's taken the time to invite her and to remember what she liked makes her want to go out as soon as possible.

-I would gladly go with you. Could you give me five minutes to dress comfortably? 
-Of course, Milady. 

She closed the door and went to her dressing room. She was impressed by the countless dresses that were made for her. She chose a brown leather corset with a white shirt, black pants, her dark crimson leather riding boots and finishing the look with an inky cowl. She opens the door after getting dressed and sees Loki, still waiting for her. He gives her his arm and she takes it. They walked to the stables where, unlike for the rest of the world, days start with the sun. There, he led her to her mare.

-Do you need help to prepare her?, he asked nicely, even if he was pretty much sure that she would not. 
-No, thank you, I can handle myself, she responded cheerfully.
-You can call me Loki, Lady Lune, he says with a little smirk floating on his lips. 
-Then, I guess you can just call me Lune, Loki.

His smirk just grew bigger, turning in a sincere smile as he switched around to prepare his own mount. Lune finished first and went out with her horse. A few seconds later, he joined her, already on his own. He was about to get down, to help her get on her snow white mare when she jumped easily.

-Loki, meet Misty, Misty, this is Loki, be nice. The girl said while she flattered the enclosure of her mare.
- Lune, this is Spirit, he said, while the elegant black stallion shook his mane.

They pushed their horses to follow the path made of rock around the gardens. In the morning sun, the blooming flowers shined brighter than ever with their pastel colors and the dew only helped in the best way, diffusing their tones and shades all around.  Little did they know that, as they passed through the gardens, sitting on her window sill, Frigga was watching them, a light smile on her lips.

After some time, the silent pair decided to get off the tracks and started to venture into the forest. Once or twice they stopped by a river to let their mounts hydrate, while their riders sat down on nearby rocks and watched the nature all around them. On their trip, Lune secretly tried to get them to stay away from her cottage, as she was not ready yet to show it to anyone or to tell the many stories it contained. The prince didn’t seem to realize this, much to her relief. They continued to ride until they were back in the enclosure of the golden citadel.

They pass by the Rainbow Bridge and Loki proposes to stop to let her see her father. They traveled all the way to the Bifrost  and stopped by it. Lune practically jumped down off her horse and ran to her father. She knew this was not the way she was supposed to act in front of a prince, but she felt comfortable enough around him to act like her true self again. However, of course, she would never imagine admitting this to him, or to anyone else, really. Probably even to herself, to some extent. Loki followed her, slowly and calmly, a slight smile upon his face. When he entered the Bifrost, he saw Lune, wrapped up in her father’s arms. He thought about leaving, giving them a little bit of privacy when Heimdall opened his eyes and lifted them to Loki. 

-My prince? You brought my daughter here? That early in the morning? He questioned, with a blank tone of voice.
-Yes. I was awake for some time, but I thought too that it was too early for her to go on a horse ride, he answered. She chose to come. I have to admit, she is an incredible rider, you taught her well. On the other hand, my brother won’t wake up before at least another three hours, that I can assure you, he added with a small chuckle.

The trio laughed for a little bit before Heimdall declared they had to go back to the castle. Lune reluctantly agreed and, after short goodbyes, she and Loki left, admiring the still rising sun as they progressed towards the palace. 

 A refreshing morning wind blew over them as they rode, making this out of time moment even more magical. Her tied back hair got loose of its careless lacing, letting it flow and cascading down her back before catching in the wind along with her cape. She smiled with all her teeth, even cracking a slight laugh. She turned to her left to her companion, who kept trying to get the hair out of his face. She laughed even harder, which got the prince to grin. As they looked at each other, Loki spoke up. However, because of the increasing breeze whistling in their ears, all Lune could make out of his speech was his lips moving. When he realized she did not understand a word he said, he simply smiled to himself, looking back to the road ahead.

As they approached the stables some time later, they saw Thor, standing in his silver armor. Lune turned her head at Loki who seemed annoyed by his brother's presence.

-I thought you had said that he would not wake up until a few hours? 

-I think he wishes to pass the day in your presence. Have fun, Lady Lune, he said as he went into the stables, ignoring his brother's greetings.

-Good morning Milady! I see my brother woke you early this morning. You should have told him that you wanted to sleep! Care to join me today? I'll show you the beauty of the castle.

-Good morning to you as well! I would gladly join you. Just let me change my clothes, I am not dressed correctly.

-Ok course. I'll be waiting for you in the great hall.

He then went into the castle as she went into her room. She changed her horse riding combinaison for a dark blue dress with a silk and linen corset underneath. Now that her daily activities would change, her clothing had to evolve with this as well. Whereas before she could wear more simple clothes for comfort and practical purposes, her new lifestyle required her to dress according to the royal etiquette.

She put her necklace back on and sighed. She was really upset that Loki left her like this. Even if she knew she needed to give Thor a chance, she already felt that the two relationships she could have would be very contrasting. Although she and the younger prince seemed to share a very quiet and peaceful nature, his older brother and Lune, on the other hand, appeared to like some sort of action around them to mix into the quietude of life. Only time would tell what her heart truly wanted between these vastly different souls and lives. But deep down, maybe, her conscience knew that they simply looked too different from each other. Maybe she already knew…

*******
Hey! Sooo sorry for the long wait! We hope you liked this chapter and don't forget to tell us how are we doing!

1319 words