Completely panic stricken, Loki recoiled away from Belle, his eyes never leaving the shocked faces of the guards.

They didn't have to speak a word, as they drew their swords and inclined them towards him.

He turned slightly, and caught sight of himself in the reflection of the polished stone wall, and his own slim face stared back at him....his illusion had slipped.

"Loki Laufeyson..."
One of the guards spoke at last,
"...you are a traitor to Asgard, a threat to the house of Odin. Surrender yourself willingly."
He ordered.

Visibly shaken, Loki fought back the fear he now felt. He would not allow these fools to ruin everything he'd strived so hard for.
He knew how this was going to end, but he attempted to settle it amicably for appearances sake..

"In the absence of Thor, I am the rightful king of this realm."
He pointed out, keeping his voice calm.

"You were reported dead!"
The other guard fired back,
"You cannot be trusted...what have you done with the Allfather?"

Taking a step forwards, Belle instinctively placed a hand on his shoulder, which he promptly shrugged off dismissively.

"The Allfather has entered the Odinsleep....I have done nothing to him. Now as your King, I command you to sheath your weapons."

As he anticipated, neither of the guards complied, opting instead to charge at him, wielding their swords aggressively.

Belle let out a scream, but in the blink of an eye Loki miraculously disappeared, then reappeared behind the unwitting men.
With a flick of his wrist, he'd conjured what looked like a plume of ice, freezing them both in their stride.

"Loki, stop!"
Belle cried out, forgetting all formality,
"You don't have to do this, you're going to kill them!"

Choosing to ignore her, he continued to freeze them until they were completely unrecognisable as men. To the untrained eye, they appeared to be nothing more than two solidly frozen blocks of ice.

Her hand flew to her mouth, as she observed his pale skin changing in texture, turning a pale shade of blue, whilst his beautiful emerald eyes glowed red now like rubies.

The temperature in the hallway around where they stood had dropped dramatically, a frosty mist clouded the air and through the shrouds he saw Belle staring at him aghast.

"Now you see me, Belle...."
He proclaimed, his tone mocking,
"...Loki of Jotunheim...the monster that parents tell their children about at night."

Despite his bravado, he felt extremely self conscious of her eyes on him. He knew he most likely looked horrifying to her. Any attraction she previously felt for him would no doubt be long gone now.
And who could blame her? He couldn't even stand the sight of himself in this form.
But it came with the territory. And in this instance, was regrettable but necessary.

Ever since his dealings with the Jotuns and their casket of ancient winters, he'd been able to wield frost giant sorcery as a weapon.
Prior to that he'd only ever been able to conjure smoke, water and occasionally the odd flame of fire. But he found ice to be the most effective method of disabling his enemies.

"A-are they dead?"
Belle stammered from behind her hand, which was still clasped to her mouth in shock.

"What of it?"
He exclaimed,
"I did what I had to do in order to deal with the problem." 

"How can you be so heartless, those men-"

"Those men were my enemies, so do not dare speak to me about callousness or compassion..."
He interjected curtly,
" ...this is who I am."

Belle shook her head in disbelief, she could feel herself crumple on the inside but desperately tried to not show it.

"But why are they your enemies? What is it you're hiding? Is self preservation all you care about?"

"Yes..."
He replied bluntly,
"..It is...well that and power. Not that it is any of your damn business you mewling quim!"

Reeling backwards at his words, she felt as though she'd been literally winded by his harshness. She never knew that mere words could cause so much pain, but they cleaved through her like a blade drawing blood.
Hadn't they just shared a moment?

But it clearly meant nothing to him, as he continued to bark at her,
"If you hadn't laid your hands on me you stupid girl, this wouldn't have happened in the first place!"

"I never meant for this to happen, I'm sorry...I just thought-"

Her words trailed off as he strode towards her purposefully, his figure cutting through the mist and causing it to disperse. His usual form had returned, and whilst his appearance was now less intimidating, the expression he bore was one of pure rage.

"You just thought what?"
He demanded, as he loomed nearer.
Straightening to his full, impressive height he towered over her, making her feel incredibly small in comparison as she stood cowering against the wall.

"My lord, I just thought that...maybe you...f-felt something...for me."

The sadness in her voice, and the way her bottom lip quivered caused conflicting emotions within him. Her recklessness had almost cost him the throne....yet much to his eternal shame and disgust, he'd loved every second of their brief, yet luxurious kiss.

His brittle heart had soared. Her act of honest affection was like nothing else he'd ever experienced. She was so pure, so untainted. Coupled with her exquisite beauty, this made her a rare and precious treasure....and like a treasure he wanted to keep her. To cherish her. She was his jewel, his find.
After all, she harboured feelings for him, isn't that what the Norn queen had said?

He should have been ecstatic. Deliriously happy at this knowledge.
But there were problems. Frankly, serious issues....he was Loki, the God of mischief, harbinger of chaos, the unwanted bastard son of a Jotun. A half breed, a fallen prince, a traitor and the father of lies...and he could not allow himself to forget it.

Happiness was not for him and satisfaction was not in his nature. He knew she was not destined to be his. If he kept her, he would tarnish her, take away her purity and destroy her.
He was a monster, she had to see that now. And in order to fulfil the prophecy he knew, as much as it grieved him to do so, he must thoroughly break her heart.

"Feel for you?"
He sneered, feigning indignation,
"I am a GOD you dull creature, and you're nothing but an ignorant, deluded child. You know nothing of the ways of the worlds, or of matters of the heart. Love is nothing more than sentiment, borne from childish need, and if you thought that I could possibly care for you then you truly are a stupid wench."

She attempted to escape his verbal attack, to run passed him, but he side-stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

"I'm not done yet!"
He yelled into her face, causing her to close her eyes,
"I never want to lay eyes on you again, I am sick of the sight of you. Your very presence irritates me, and if you ever come back here I will strangle you with my bare hands, do you understand?"

Unable to take any more, Belle pushed passed him, suppressing a sob, and fled back along the hallway the way she had came.

He allowed her to go, and did not follow her. Instead he just stood listening as her pitiful sobbing faded into the distance as she headed further away from him.

It was done now. She would flee back to the cottage, and find solace in the arms of Sir Sigurd. He would comfort her and console her. And she would fall in love with him now she realised what a charming man he was, especially in comparison to the monstrous Loki.
The prophecy would be fulfilled. He'd saved himself.

But why did the victory leave such a bitter taste in his mouth? And why did he suddenly feel as though his chest had been trampled on by a stampeding herd of Bilgesnipe?

His hands clenched into fists so tightly, he was sure he'd drawn blood with his nails, and turning on his heel he stormed off in the opposite direction, towards his chambers.
Once inside, he slammed the door aggressively and used his power to let out an external outburst of angry energy...a flash of light streaked through the room, emitting from himself, causing everything to break and shatter....save for the enchanted mirror on the wall.

************

Choosing not to run, so as not to draw unwanted attention to herself, Belle walked as quickly as she could out of the palace, through the courtyard, and began making her way along the earthen path towards the town.

She felt relieved to be away from the staring guards, and once she was alone on the deserted track she allowed herself to cry some more. Dissolving into tears, she wept as she walked.

How could she have been such a fool? He was right, he was a god...and a wicked one at that. The books she'd read had been correct. But she didn't just feel humiliated, she felt completely crushed inside.
She didn't want to explore the reasons why.
Since meeting Loki she'd tried to dismiss any feelings she had for him by convincing herself that she'd merely developed nothing more than an innocent crush.

Yes she'd read of his history, and knew his father was a frost giant. That had never perturbed her. In actual fact, she had always believed that there was good in his heart but no one had given him the love he so desperately needed. And now he seemed convinced that he didn't deserve it.
This was what made him evil. Not his parentage.
And although his Jotun form might be considered beastly by the majority, it was his actions and attitude that upset her more than anything.
His behaviour had appalled her, not his physical transformation.

Then, quite unexpectedly she heard the unmistakable sound of hooves pounding the ground, which startled her.

Turning quickly, she was both surprised and confused to see a white horse cantering in her direction. She couldn't understand how she hadn't heard it approaching sooner, but assumed it must've been due to her being too absorbed in her thoughts.

The rider was a woman, riding sidesaddle due to the striking red dress she wore. Her long golden hair billowed in the breeze as she rode along. She was rather pretty Belle thought, although the sharpness of her features made her look quite aggressive.

"Are you ill my dear?"
She suddenly called out to Belle, as the horse drew nearer.

Hastily wiping the stray tears away, she forced a weak smile,
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for you concern."

She set off walking again, but the woman was not convinced by her answer and slowed the horse's pace so that she was in step with Belle.

"Are you sure? You seem upset...."
She stated,
"...and in a hurry...are you fleeing from something?"

Belle shot her a suspicious look. Unsure of how to respond. She saw the way the woman was studying her expression, and it made her feel slightly uncomfortable.

"Or is it a someone?"
She persisted.

Belle didn't answer, but the way she stiffened slightly caused the woman to smile a knowing smile,
"Master or lover?"

Belle frowned,
"What?"

"The person you're fleeing from, are they your master or lover?"

"Neither!"
Belle responded flatly, her brow furrowing deeper.

"Ah but I was correct in thinking you were running from someone, wasn't I? You're clearly upset....usually only a lovers quarrel leads to such tears."

Stoping dead in her tracks, Belle turned to look up at the curious stranger,
"I'm sorry, I don't really wish to discuss it-"

"Do you love him?"
The woman cut her off mid sentence,
"Is that what the tears are in aid of? Does he not love you in return?"

"Excuse me?!"

"Come now child, there's no need to be defensive. I'm a woman of the worlds. I've experienced love in all its complexity..."
She looked sympathetically at Belle,
"....it's female intuition. I know men. From one lady to another, when I see someone in want of guidance then I like to assist."

Belle's indignation subsided, and disarmed by the woman's kind words her resistance wavered.

"It's complicated..."
She admitted somewhat reluctantly,
"..I might love him....I mean I could, but....I don't think he would allow it. Something evil has taken root in him."

The woman surveyed Belle closely, listening with great interest,
"Perhaps he's cursed. If his heart has been frozen, and no love exists in it, there's only one solution as far as I can see."

Belle blinked, eagerly awaiting her response.

"A kiss borne of true love....is enough to melt a frozen heart, thus breaking the curse."

Belle felt a pang of disappointment, and shook her head,
"Then I am not destined to be his true love....a kiss happened, and nothing changed in him..."
Her face flamed with embarrassment as she confessed her impulsive actions to the stranger.

"True love does not happen over night my dear, an icy heart takes time to thaw...."
She remarked with a wry smile,
"...you can't expect one hurried kiss to be enough. It will take time and patience. He needs to learn to love another, as well as earning their love in return."

"He did kiss me back though, and I was certain he would have kissed me again-"

The woman chuckled, and shook her head,
"His primal instincts and animalistic urges may run riot, but you mustn't mistake lust for love. Such men can be very seductive, but succumbing to their charms doesn't guarantee a place in their heart."

"But he pushes me away, so how can I even get close to his heart or to him when he won't allow anyone to love him?"
Belle cried in anguish.

"Allow it? You must not give him a choice in the matter! Do not permit him to push you away. You must not lack conviction. It takes courage to take on a beast, and I'll wager he is beastly in his behaviour. But if he matters that much to you, I'm confident you could be the one to win his heart....that is, if you want it."

************

It was some time later back at the palace, Loki had since dealt with the inconvenient task of removing the frozen guards, and returned to his chambers where he was now pacing back and forth amongst the furniture and possessions he'd destroyed, his agitation increasing with every step.

"Will you be still dark one, you're making me most nauseas."
The voice of Karnilla echoed from inside the mirror,
"You've been drinking too deeply methinks."

"That has nothing to do with anything!"
He snapped, still clutching an empty goblet in his hand,
"Do not begrudge me a few cups of ale after what I've had to endure today."

"A few cups perhaps, but the entire flagon? You need to ensure your wits are not dulled by alcohol. You must remain alert and on your guard-"

"You need not remind me of that, confounded woman!"
He shot back, no longer willing or able to feign politeness for the queen's benefit,
"I never allow my guard down....it was a momentary lapse of concentration, I assure you it won't happen again!"

"It best not."
Allowing his offhanded remark to slide because of his intoxicated state, Karnilla fixed him with her steely gaze,
"What did you do with them?"

Loki rubbed at his temples with his long fingers, willing away the headache that had been plaguing him for hours now.

"I put them with the others...."
He answered at last,
"I masked them both and myself with an invisibility spell, and removed them by hand....my arms still ache from their weight-"

"But the threat has been removed, so there is no need to fret..."
She pointed out,
"....surely such a minor incident, and some manual lifting does not warrant such heavy drinking....or for you to utterly wreck your room! You need to be honest with yourself and face up to the fact that your current mood is because of the girl isn't it?"

Visibly bristling at the mere mention of Belle, Loki whirled around to face the mirror.
"Don't be so ridiculous, Karnilla, I am glad to be rid of her, she was a liability and too much of a distraction."

"Hmm...is that so?"

"Of course it is!"
He yelled, anger and something else began swirling in the pit of his stomach....perhaps it was just the potent Asgadian ale, he reasoned with himself....
"I've fulfilled the prophecy....I quashed any misbegotten feelings she may of had for me, and she'll no doubt be in Sir bloody Sigurd's arms right now as we speak."

Registering the queen's amused expression caused his agitation to increase and his paranoia to grow.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that? I hadn't even given her another thought since she left. I haven't....it's the truth!...So what are you implying?"

"You're drunk Loki, and please don't insult my intelligence. You're the god of lies, so I'm not inclined to believe your false claims."

Filled with indignation, he pointed at her accusingly, and was about to reproach her but her reflection deliberately dispersed, much to his irritation.

Muttering curses under his breath, he snatched the ale flagon from the floor where he'd placed it due to all the tables being broken, and proceeded to pour the last dregs of it into his goblet.
He'd just downed it in one, when suddenly there was a knock at his door.
He didn't even have time to change his appearance, when without giving permission to enter, to his utter astonishment the door creaked open slightly and Belle's beautiful face peered around it.

The goblet slipped from his hand and fell to the floor with a clatter, but still he stood motionless and speechless, rooted to the spot gaping in disbelief as she boldly entered the room.

"Your highness..."
She said, curtsying,
"...pardon my intrusion won't you?"

Unsure whether his wits were failing him due to the drink, for a split second he suspected maybe Karnilla was playing a cruel trick on him.
The way she'd entered the room uninvited, and he swore there was a defiant air of mockery in the way she'd addressed him, surely this couldn't really be happening....

But as she closed the door behind her, he recognised the familiarity in the way she moved, her mannerisms, such as the way in which she bit her bottom lip when seemingly nervous, and her delicious scent; like a spring meadow on a summers day.

Regaining his senses, his shock gave way to fleeting anger. She'd purposely disobeyed him and stepped out of line.

"What are you doing here?"
He demanded,
"Your understanding is seriously lacking, did I not make myself perfectly clear?"

"What are you going to do to me?"
She challenged him bravely, calling his bluff.

She needed to see what he was really capable of.  She almost seemed to be daring him to do his worst. Which was a dangerous game for her to play.

Enraged, he surged forwards, his movements so quick she barely had time to register what was happening. His hand clasped her by the throat; his grip firm enough to frighten her, but not harm her.

"You dare test me?..."
He growled, his eyes distinctly bleary and she could smell the alcohol on him,
"...now might be a good time to beg for mercy. Please tell me you're going to try and appeal to my humanity."

"You don't have to do this..."
Her voice quivered in desperation,
"....there's still good in you, I see it...I've always seen it!"

Faltering slightly due to her proclamation, Loki loosened his grip slightly,
"Have I not told you before, you do not know me. I'm far darker than people say-"

"I think that you are not as dark as you want people to believe..."
She retorted,
"...I think that deep down, there's love in your heart...and for something more than power."

She saw the impact her words had on him, which was encouraging.
He immediately let her go, and took a step away from her.
He looked vulnerable now, not fierce at all like mere moments ago.

"You just have to believe that someone could want you."
She added, hoping that he understood what she was so desperately trying to say.

Tilting his head to one side, he observed her closely. Scanning her eyes and face, for what she did not know....tell tale signs that she was lying, or telling the truth? She wasn't quite sure.

"Why did you come back?"
He was asking now, his voice dropping to nothing more than a whisper.

"I...I wasn't going to..."
She admitted truthfully, hoping that he'd appreciate her honesty,
"...then....something...changed my mind..."

Her words trailed off as he drew closer again, but this time there was no threat intended. On the contrary, his body language and expression was now the exact opposite.

"You're so...different..."
His voice now low and huskier than usual, he walked around her, circling her as a lion does it's prey.
"So pure...so innocent. Tell me, you ever been kissed Belle, before this day?"

She stared down at the floor, her face burning like a brand.
He took this to be a good indication that she hadn't, and it pleased him to know that he had been the only one.

He came to a stop behind her, and leaned in over her shoulder,
"Then I will be the first man to kiss you....to bed you..."
He rasped lustfully into her ear, his voice reverberating against her skin, sending shivers to her very bones.
"....whether you come willingly or not, you will be mine....and mine alone."

"N-no!"
She stammered, with as much conviction as she could muster.

Swallowing hard, she fought to ignore the sensation of her knees turning to water as a result of his explicit proclamation. She felt greatly ashamed of the thrill she felt from his words, and the closeness of his proximity.
But this was all wrong. He'd been drinking, and the woman she'd met on the road had warned her of mistaking lust for love. Succumbing to his advances was not the answer, no matter how tempting it was.

"You once told me that you never take women against their will..."
She reminded him, as he attempted to snake his arms around her waist. She hurriedly caught his hands in hers, preventing him from embracing her.

"You should also recall how I said you wouldn't be able to resist, should I attempt to seduce you."
He countered, grinning wolfishly

"Yes, well.....you're not thinking clearly sire. You're only going to regret it once sober."

Instantly confused, Loki's dark brows beetled together as she slipped out of his reach.
Now it was his turn to feel the sting of humiliation.

"Forgive me...I was overcome by..."
He hesitated, not daring to verbally admit how he so desired her,
"...the alcohol.."
He lied grossly, looking shamefaced now,
"...it affects everyone differently."

"Mm"
She folded her arms and shot him a deliberately sceptical look which caused him to avert his gaze, and he pretended to be suddenly fascinated by a broken cup which lay on the floor.

Following his eye line, Belle crossed the room and crouched down to pick it up.
"So what happened in here? There hasn't been any more trouble has there?"

"I see your inquisitiveness hasn't waned any."
He exclaimed, his tone heavy with sarcasm...Although he was grateful for the change of subject.

"And neither has your moodiness."
She retorted, rising to stand whilst surveying the damaged cup closely.
"Your moods are capricious."

"And your impertinence is incorrigible!"
He did his best to sound offended, but failed miserably.

"I think you like having me here really."
She ventured, hoping for a positive response.

Without acknowledging her comment, he leant back against the wall, silently marvelling at this strange, rare beauty who now seemed intent on clearing up the mess he had made.

"Leave that. The cup is damaged, it needs discarding."

"Just because something is damaged, doesn't mean that it can't be fixed, or that it isn't worth fixing."
She said poignantly, turning  to look at him in order to emphasise her point.

Their eyes locked briefly, causing the air to somehow thicken in the room, and the atmosphere felt hot and heavily charged.

Clearing his throat nervously, in an attempt to dispel whatever it was that had just silently passed between them, he remarked jokingly,
"Are you sure you didn't return because you'd rather polish my boots than work in the village library? Perhaps I ought to make you my designated caretaker, someone to help manage my personal, domestic affairs."

"My rates have gone up, you can't afford me..."
Smiling one of her most genuine, heartwarming smiles, those of which always managed to disarm him completely, she couldn't resist bantering with him playfully,
"....admit it, you're happy that I'm back!"

Unable to keep from returning her smile, he shrugged his shoulders in an attempt to appear indifferent,
"I'm not unhappy."

She let out a tinkling laugh, which made him feel warm inside, and at that moment he realised he never wanted her to leave.