This chapter is a bit long. I suck at writing some party atmosphere but as usual, I tried my level best. And sorry for updating so late. Inwas grounded and... leave it.

Enjoy!!

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"Loki?" Rose peeked inside Loki's room and found it empty. "Where did he go? He was not even in the library." Rose walked out of the corridor and crashed into someone so hard that she fell on the floor. 

"Ouch! I'm so-"
"Are you blind, Midgardian?" Rose's eyes snapped up and met a glaring grey ones.

"Oh! Not you again." Rose mumbled rolling her eyes and rubbed her elbow. Neith snickered and offered Rose her hand. Rose stared at it suspiciously.

"Oh come on, Midgardian. I'm not killing you." Neith mocked and her smirk widened when Rose placed her hand in hers.

What Rose didn't notice was Neith's grey orbs turning to black for a second or two and the jolt of energy passing through her body.

Rose didn't remember Loki's warning.

"Thanks Neith-" Rose looked around to find Neith already walking away. She huffed. "Whatever... She doesn't deserve my thanks." She turned the other side and was about to start walking when she was confronted by Fandral.

"Ma chérie! How is your health?" He asked, kissing her knuckles. "I'm alright now, Fandral." She smiled. "Where are you going by the way?" She asked.

"Just wandering around. No work and didn't feel like training." He shrugged and ran his fingers through his tousled dirty blond hair. "Did you prepare for the Ball dance?"

Rose shook her head, her eyes widening. "Dance!? I- no... I don't even know how to dance." Rose frowned. "Is it really important?"
"Of course! It is! And being a guest to the royal family, you have to dance tomorrow." Fandral informed. She gulped nervously. "What will I do now?"

"If you want then I can teach you how to dance." Fandral offered, a charming smile on his face. Rose looked surprise. "Really! That's so sweet of you Fandral! But..."

"But?"
"How will I learn dancing so quickly? The Ball is tonight." Rose huffed sadly. Fandral smiled and took her hand in his. "Why torment your pretty head when I'm here to solve your problems? Don't worry. It's not too difficult. Just some basic steps."

"When do we start then?"
"If you don't mind then...now." Rose nodded quickly. "Sure!"

"Okay, the first thing to remember is that while dancing..." Fandral lifted up her chin with his finger. "don't look down. Looking down will mess up your steps. Just follow your partner's movement and try not to step on his feet." Rose laughed. "Frankly speaking, I don't think I can avoid stumping anyone's feet. I'm extremely clumsy."

Fandral laughed with her. "Well your clumsiness makes you different from others." He said winking. Rose smiled, rolling her eyes. "Stop flirting, Fandral." He faked a hurt look. "I said the truth."

"Woah! Thanks a lot for telling me the truth. Now will you start?"

Fandral laughed again. "Okay okay miss feisty!" He placed his right hand on her lower back and guided her right hand to his shoulder. He took her other hand in his left one and then grinned. "First step completed." Rose's cheeks lined with baby blush at the close proximity. He smelt like spices and it was tingling her nose.

"Now follow my steps. One two front. One two back. One two front and then swirl." He swirled her around. Rose blinked rapidly. "Woah! That's simple!"
Fandral nodded. "This is basic steps. Now you have to manage your steps according to the rhythm of the music." Rose nodded.

They continued practising the steps and Rose stepped on his feet almost six times. "Oh sorry!" She bit her lip, cringing. Fandral shook his head and swirled her around. "It's fine. Now on the count of three, dip."
"One, two three-" he dipped her and Rose shrieked. "Wow! Let's do it again!"

At last, Rose decided that it was enough practice. "You are a quick learner, ma chérie! Impressive!" Fandral complimented, kissing her knuckles. Rose grinned. "Thanks a bunch, Fandral! You are a good teacher!"
"Oh! That's nothing. So, where will you go now?"

"To run a bath. Do you know where Loki is?" Rose asked. Fandral thought for a moment. "Umm...I saw him last at the sparring ground with Thor. They were training. Maybe he's in the library now." He informed her.
"Sure?"
"A bit sure."

Rose nodded. "See you tonight then. Bye Fandral and thanks again." Fandral smirked and leaned down and kissed her cheek. "See you soon. Practice again. I'll look forward for a dance with you, ma chérie." Rose flushed. "Ye-yes sure!" Fandral let out an amused laugh and walked away chuckling.

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Rose popped in her head as her eyes found the one they were searching for. She tiptoed near the figure sitting on the chair and let out a deep purr near his ear, startling him.

"Holy Norns! Rose!" Loki exclaimed, clutching his chest as Rose doubled up laughing. "Oh my! Your face was priceless!" She cackled, slapping her knees.
Loki huffed. "Haha very funny." Rose wiped her tear and snorted. "I know."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled her nose in his damp hair. "You took a bath?" She asked, rubbing his cheeks with her fingers. Loki hummed as he kept his eyes locked on his book. "Mhmm..."

"You smell good."

Loki arched his brow and smiled. "What do I smell like?" Rose sniffed his hair and then his neck, tickling him in the process. "Mint and...vanilla. Woah! Yummy." She nipped his earlobe, purring like a kitten.

Loki chuckled. "Why are you here, Pud?" Rose stopped nipping. "To disturb you of course. I love to disturb you." And then went back to nibbling his ear.
"So you won't let me read?"
"Nah. Stop reading. I feel so lonely." Rose whined, nuzzling her nose in the crook of his neck.

"Aww Kitty. Come here then." Loki cooed and pulled her on his lap and cuddled with her. He kissed her cheek and ear. "Do you feel lonely now?" She shook her head. "If you keep cuddling me, I won't feel lonely." Loki beamed. "As you wish, my Love. Purr for me?" Rose purred and mewed.

"Did you select your dress?" He asked, resting his chin on her head as she curled up on his lap like a cat. "Yes. But it's not black." Rose replied.
"Mother won't allow you to wear black. She hardly considers us to wear black in such special occasions." Loki informed. Rose hummed softly.
"So what are you wearing?" He asked.
Rose shook her head and whispered. "It's a surprise."
"Okey!" Loki whispered back.

"Umm Pudding?"
"Mhmm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Mhmm."
"Did something happen between you and Steve?"
"Hmm?" Rose turned her head up to look at Loki.

"I mean did you two quarrel about something? A bad fight?" Rose shook her head. "No. Not that bad. But I stole his crackers and he slapped my butt so I slapped him back. And it continued till Natasha came and separated us. I tore his hair." Rose added with a proud grin.

Loki snickered. "You did a good thing but..." He gulped, trying to find correct words to express his question. "I mean something really bad like... Did he blame you for something that is too too harsh?"

Rose straightened her posture and faced Loki, her legs securedly wrapped around his waist and hands placed on his chest. "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. "What is the matter?"

Loki shook his head in a dismissive manner. "Nothing like that, darling. Last night, you were apologizing to Steve for some unknown reason and I was just curious." He shrugged at the end. He thought that if it's not even a true event, why worry her about it?

Rose 'oh' ed and placed her head back on Loki's chest. "What is Idun's apple?"
She asked suddenly. Loki lifted up his head from her hair. "An apple that grants immortality. Why?"

"Allfather tried to offer me one."

Loki's heart leaped up hearing that. He grabbed her shoulder and pushed her to meet her eyes. "What!? What did you say?" Rose got a bit scared.
"I said Allfather t-tried to offer me one apple. Are you angry at me?"

Loki quickly shook his head. "No! No my Love. Not angry but... shocked." He blinked rapidly and rubbed his temple. "Idun's apples are not for any mere mortal till Odin gives them himself to that person. Why in the whole nine realms would he offer it to-"

"He said that he has admitted the fact that we are made for each other but I being a mortal, our relationship is not possible. So, he said that I can have one apple so that we can stay together for long long period of time."

Loki took in a deep breath, processing the news.

Finally, Odin excepted her. Great Norns! It's a big step in our relationship.

"Did you except the offer, Rose?" He asked, his heart thumping hard for some odd reason. Rose stayed silent, looking down at her hands. Loki tilted her face up holding her chin. "Rose?" He called her name, worriedly. Rose bit her lip.

"I-I don't know what I should do, Loki. I mean I love you and I want to spend our whole life together but... I can't see my family getting old and dying while I stay young. I feel conflicted. Is it wrong?"

"Not at all." He kissed her lips. "I understand your situation, Kitty. But the decision is yours to make. But I will support you in either case. If you don't want to have immortality, it's still fine. I'll never leave you till your last breath. I love you now and I'll love you then too."

Rose smiled a bit and hugged him. "I don't want to eat that apple. Sorry Loki."
Loki rubbed her back. "There's nothing to be sorry about it sweetheart. As I said, I'll support you in either of the case. What I need is you to be happy. If you're happy," he kissed her. ",I'm happy."

"And you know what else Allfather said?" Rose prompted.
"What?"
"He said that he loves you like his own son whether you think of him as your father or not. He cares for you, Loki." Loki tensed and clenched his jaws.

Lies lies lies lies.... Now his lies are becoming more pathetic day by day... Goddamn fricking lies!! Loves me like his own son?! The audacity-

"Ouch! Loki!"

Loki snapped back from his daze to find Rose rubbing her wrist. He blinked slowly. "Wh-what?" He noticed red fingers imprint on her delicate wrist. "You squeezed my wrist, dumbo." Rose said snootily. Guilt replaced his annoyance and he rubbed her red wrist with his cool one. "Sorry... extremely sorry Pud. I just zoned out and-"

"Let me ask you something. Did you get to talk with that bitch?" Rose sudden change of topic caught him off-guard. "What?" Loki asked, leaning towards her. "I said that day when you left Asgard leaving me here all alone, did you talk with Neith?" Rose elaborated her question. Loki nodded, his face grim.
"That whore tried to touch me." He growled.

"I heard that she's an orphan. Allfather said-" Rose was interrupted by Loki's scoff. "Orphan! That slut killed her own parents with her own hands." Rose's jaw dropped in horror. "What!?"

Loki scoffed again. "And she was proud while saying her deeds."
"Does her brother Table knows about it?"
"It's Tybalt and I don't know if he knows or not. Afterall he's her brother. Same fucking crazy and lowlife excuse."

Rose remained silent for a moment before speaking again. "It seems she can fit in our group of I-killed-my-parents." Loki frowned at her. "You're seriously a fluff, Rose. How many times do I need to say that Ripper deserved his death. Laufey deserved his death but Neith's parents didn't. They were so respectful and charitable. That woman is a murderer." They remained silent again.

"Drop the topic. I forgot to show you something." Her frown dropped and a excited smile replaced Rose's face. She fiddled with pouch tied around her waist and pulled out two rings.

"For us! It's a set of couple thumb rings. I couldn't stop myself from buying it." Rose chirped placing the rings on Loki's big palm. "The thick one is yours and this one is mine. Cute, right?" Rose asked, her eyes big with expectations.

Loki silently studied the delicate rings with intricate designs and a smile spread out on his face. "It's lovely. Couple rings, mhmm?" He smirked and Rose blushed, giggling. "What? I thought it was cute. Now wear it!"

Loki wore the ring and Rose grinned proudly, quickly wearing hers too. She clasped his hand and studied their hands together. "Aww! It looks so beautiful!" She squealed. Loki chuckled. "Indeed it is. Now Pud, have you taken your bath?"

Rose bit her tongue. "Oops! I forgot! I should go now." She got down from his lap and smoothed down her dress. "I'm so excited for the ball! Are you going to wear your horns?" She laughed seeing the expression Loki made. "Sadly no. But they are my beautiful horns. Don't tease me."

"Reindeer Games! Hahaha! LoL! Your horns mumph-" Loki sushed her, locking his lips on hers in a short but deep kiss. "Now look at your face silly." He smirked at her red face. She pouted angrily and stomped away.

"Byee Rudolph! Kiss your cow horns for me!" She yelled from the door.
"Aww! Go and change your diaper baby girl!" He teased back and laughed hard when he heard her curse him. He looked down at the ring and smiled. 

"I love this silly so much...so much that it hurts." He chuckled softly. "What did you do to me Rose?"

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Rose POV

Getting ready with two women prodding and poking you around and applying the types of makeup that I've never seen before, made me tired.

My soft and warm bed seemed to call me and I wanted to embrace my pillow and loose myself to pleasurable sleep. But no. I have to keep sitting and allow them to dress me till my new Momma and new friend think that I look like the angel which I'm not.

Seriously, except for pretty looks what else do I have that makes me an Angel?

And then, there is Loki.

That man is really trying his best to get a peek of me and everytime Momma had to whack his head and shoo him away. My poor Lemon...

Oh! And the dress! For the first time in forever, I felt like a princess. A Disney Princess. The gown was soo beautiful and comfortable. Not at all itchy and hugged my curves perfectly. It was off shoulder and uncovered till my midback. The colour was almost same as my unique eye colour. The only difference was that my eyes were a shade aqua blue while the dress was baby blue.

Yeona applied some type of lipstick on my lips. The makeup kits were not at all like we have back in Midgard. They were made of natural ingredients and were absolutely safe to use. No side effects. No doubt that the women in Asgard lack skin problems.

Momma Frigga did my eye makeup and it was striking! Just like my dress which has little purple and blue flowers, she did exactly the same around my eyes. Very small and cute floral pattern around the end of my eyes.

I was looking like some garden fairy. Some poofs and puffs and lo behold! Flowers!

Momma Frigga had even arranged a matching necklace set and a tiara with small flowers and stones. I'm being pampered like anything! Yeona did my hair and as always, did an awesome work. I'm saying you, this girl is so talented. She would have made a lot of money in Midgard.

Why the hell am I saying Midgard?! It's Earth! Earth! Ugh!

"Aw! Look at you! You look like an Angel from Valhalla!" Frigga kissed my cheek. "I did a wonderful job!" Yeona sighed happily.

I grinned and swirled around. "Thank you so much for dressing me up." Frigga shook her head. "Oh it's nothing. Afterall you are my soon to be  daughter-in-law." Oh! Not that again. As expected, I blushed.

"Now wear your heels and mask. Then you're ready to go!" Yeona piped in.
"I won't leave now. Let me help you with your dressing. Nicholas is going to have a hard time controlling his racing heart tonight." I winked and she flushed.

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"Do you think it's necessary to do this tonight?" Tybalt asked, his eyes wandering over the guests in the Ball room.

Neith nodded. "Of course. I've seen her past. It's the only way to break this mortal. And you have to do it, Tybalt." Her voice was low but threatening. "I can't wait anymore. Break her apart. No mercy."

Tybalt took a deep breath. "I don't feel good about it. What if-"
"You get caught?" Neith smirked and patted his arm. "Just do exactly what I have said and I am sure, you won't get caught. No evidence should be left behind."

"But Neith..." Tybalt placed his mug of beer on the table. "... I think I am starting to like her. She's so enthralling and brave and looks so fragile... I-I don't want to hurt her. Can't I just try to win her heart?"

Neith cursed under her breath and forced a smile. "Look my dear brother... I know that you like the girl but she can never be yours. She's Loki's soulmate. You'll get a lot of women better than her. I'll bring you a woman of your dreams but not this one." She rubbed his arm.

"I've waited a long for Loki, brother. I've made so many sacrifices. I don't want to fail now. Do you want me to fail, Tybalt?" She asked, her voice filled with emotions. She knows how to manipulate her brother. Tybalt clenched his fist and shook his head. "No sister." Neith smirked. "Good. Just let me once marry Loki. My powers and your position will increase. We get so much for just harming a single worthless mortal. We don't want to miss this chance, do we?"

"No sister."
"So will you do it?"
"...yes sister."

"Brilliant." Neith smirked and rubbed her palms. "This New Moon Year will mark my victory. Be careful Midgardian..." She snickered. "Be careful..."

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"Ooh! Waiting for her, huh?" Thor nudged Loki's arm with his elbow, grinning widely. Loki scowled. "Of course. What do you think I'm doing here then?"

Thor fixed his mask. "Don't scowl brother dearest. You'll get wrinkles." Loki rolled his eyes. "Why are you here?"
"Aw! Can't I have a sweet conversation with my baby brother?" Thor pouted.

"Our conversation is anything but sweet and if you call me baby once more, I swear you'll have daggers sticking out of your sides." Loki faced Thor. "Now tell me the real reason you're here."

Thor smiled sheepishly. "Well, I lost my circlet that we had to wear today. Umm... Can you help me find it?"

Loki sighed. "Oaf... " He took off his own golden circlet from his head. He waved his hand over it and changed it to a silver one with rubies instead of emeralds.

"But... What about you?" Thor asked. Loki shrugged in a dismissive way. "I don't need it. I don't like extras." He handed it to Thor. "Thanks a lot brother. You saved me from possible humiliation-."

"Once again." Loki added with a smug look. Thor huffed. "Yeah... Once again, you saved me from possible humiliation." Loki smirked and fixed his own mask, his eyes hovering over the guests, scanning for a particular brunette.

"Wait a minute... " Thor grabbed Loki's wrist and stared at the ring. "Who gave you this?"
"Of course Rose."
"You know right what ring is this?"

Loki nodded, a big smile spreading on his lips. "It's a wedding ring. She doesn't know about it. Rose thinks that it's some sort of cute Bf-Gf thing." He chuckled, recalling Rose's excited face.

Thor laughed, shaking his head. "Are you planning to tell sister?" Loki shook his head. "Nay. I'll keep it as a sign of our courtship. No need to embarrass her."

Thor was about to say something when Odin and Frigga approached them. "My sons." Frigga hugged them and Odin sent a acknowledged nod. "Did you met our guests?" Odin asked. The brothers nodded.

Loki kissed his mother's cheek. "You look lovely, mother." Frigga smiled and leaned to whisper in his ear. "Wait till you see her. She's here."

Loki spun around, his eyes searching for his pretty maiden with long hair and he found her. He felt his lips part slightly as he took in her appearance.

She looked so bewitching. Sublime. Delicate. Like a flower bloomed in all it's glory. His legs started approaching her. He found himself being pulled towards her as if he's lured by her alluring beauty. Just like a bee is attracted to a heavily nectared flower.

She didn't look seductive or desirable in a negative way. She looked angelic. Innocently pretty. Divine.

On the other hand, Rose too couldn't tear her gaze off him. She had pictured him wearing something like his Asgardian outfit or armour just like Thor but holy Mary, he looked so appealing like a candy and Rose found herself drooling.

She walked near him and almost squealed seeing his bright lush green orbs twinkling beneath his black mask. In place of his usual simple back slicked hair, there were tiny braids woven together.

"𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴... 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨...𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. "

Loki kept staring at her, his expression unreadable and it was making Rose nervous. "Hey...umm... I know that I look like some fricking garden pixie and..." She smoothed down her frock. "How do I look?"

Loki blinked slowly and placed his hands on either side of her face, cupping her cheeks. He closed his eyes and leaned down, placing his lips softly on hers, kissing with utmost care and love. The crowd noticing the kissing couple, started to cheer loudly, Thor being the loudest one while Frigga and Odin smiled. But the cheers didn't deter Loki who continued to kiss her gently, trying not to mess her lipstick. Rose smiled against his lips, her palms pressed flat on his chest.

After they pulled back, Loki beamed and pecked her forehead lovingly.
"Did you get your answer?" He asked. Rose's fair cheeks turned a lively shade of pink.

Odin started giving his usual boring welcome speech which all of the people present in the huge hall pretended to listen with rapt attention because they knew better than to tick off the King.

Rose stifled a big yawn and continued to gaze at the big table full of different types of delicacies and deserts. The aromas tickled her nose and her stomach grumbled. No sooner had Odin finished his speech with 'enjoy yourselves', Rose grabbed Loki's hand and dragged him to the food counter.

"OMG! This muffin is so good!" Rose exclaimed, taking a big bite. Loki huffed, shaking his head. "You can't be that hungry, Pudding." He smiled at her, amused. "The Ball has just started. No one is eating now." Rose rolled her eyes and pointed her thumb to her left side. "Look over there."

Loki turned his head and groaned seeing the scene. Volstagg and Thor already had started to devour while a good number of girls flocked near them, swooning over Thor.

Loki facepalmed. "Right... What else did I expect?"

"Have a bite." Rose brought the half eaten muffin to his lips but he shook his head. "I'm not a glutton like you a -mmph!" Rose stuffed the muffin in his mouth and grinned. Loki scowled but the scowl gradually vanished as he chewed slowly, savouring the taste.

"So?" Rose asked, cocking a brow. Loki nodded and picked up another muffin. "A little food never hurts anyone."
"Exactly!" Rose laughed, clapping her hands.

Just when Rose thought she had eaten enough to last for more one hour, Loki took her hand in his and led her to the dance floor. Soft music floated in the air and Rose took a deep breath, relaxing her mind.

"From where is the music coming?" Rose asked softly, looking around. Loki kissed her knuckles. "There." He pointed out and Rose found a band of musicians on a raised platform. Loki placed his hand on her waist, pulling her closer and took her other hand in his. They swayed, losing themselves to the soulful music. Rose stared at his eyes, their bodies moving in perfect sync.

"I thought you didn't know how to dance." Loki said, twirling her round. The couples surrounding them were busy dancing. Rose giggled. "Fandral taught me. Thanks to him, I didn't embarrass myself tripping on my face." Loki smiled. "He did a wonderful job I see." He complimented and twirled her again.

Rose blushed. "Stop making me blush." She pouted. "It's not my fault that you blush so easily." Loki retorted. "Learn from me. How many times have you seen me blushing?"

"You don't blush because you are an ass." She stuck out her tongue. Loki snorted. "Hell no. I don't blush because I'm more composed." Rose stayed silent for a moment, thinking deeply and then suddenly smiled. "What if I made you blush? Hmm?"

"I'll do anything you say."
"Deal?"
"Deal."
"You'll let me braid your hair and will have to spend the day without undoing it. Ok?"
Loki gulped slightly. "...ok."

"Fine." Rose grinned and twirled around him. "I bet you will look too cute in a pink frock and two ponytails." Loki stumbled on his own feet but quickly balanced himself. He gave her a look. "What do you mean by that?"

"Aw c'mon Prince Loki." She winked. "I know everything that can make you feel shy. All hail Princess Loki!"

"SSH! Damnit!" Loki snapped making her giggle. Her giggle turned to laugh when she noticed his ear tips red.

"And what about your stuffed dragon whom you called your baby?" Rose smirked and his ears became red. "Will you stop?" He asked, trying to glare at her.

Rose clicked her tongue. "Nah nah nah. And do you remember you peed in your pants when you saw a baby bigelsnape for the first time?" The red tint spreaded to his cheeks, making them feel warm.

"You win. Now keep quiet or I'll trip you." Loki threatened. She scoffed. "You won't. Let me help you recall the age till you breastfed and AAah!" Loki grabbed her waist and lifted her up in the air, swirling and then brought her down for a final dip. Rose glared at him. "You are mean!" Loki shrugged. "That was the only way to zip your mouth shut."

"Why you little shit-" Rose started.

"Sister!" The duo whiped their heads and found Thor walking towards them.
He extended his hand to Rose with a warm smile. "Care for a dance?" Rose nodded happily and took his hand. "Can I brother?" Thor asked, grinning.

Loki nodded. "Go ahead. All yours." Thor led her to the dance floor and started dancing.

"Woah! You dance so good Thor!" Rose exclaimed, surprised. Thor laughed and dipped her. "I could say the same for you, sister. Almost all the eyes were on you both while you were dancing. Quite an eye-catching couple you two are." Rose chuckled. "Ah! That we are."

And then Fandral took her hand. At first she couldn't recognise him because of the mask but when he called her ma chérie she knew he was the charming flirter. "You look absolutely stunning ma chérie! The most gorgeous one in the hall." Fandral complimented, kissing her cheek. Rose blushed and smiled.
"You know how to make a girl blush, Fandral." He laughed at that.

"I see I've taught you well." Rose nodded. "Yes you did. Thanks a bunch for that." Fandral bowed as the dance finished. "Anytime anywhere in your service ma chérie." He winked and left. Rose was about to go back to Loki when a man in royal blue suit and dark blue mask blocked her way.

"I'm sorry I didn't recognise you Sir." Rose quipped, studying the man. He looked a bit familiar.

He took her hand and kissed her knuckle gently. "I'm Tybalt, my Lady." He introduced making her heart thump hard. She pulled back her hand trying not to be impolite. "You need something?" He nodded. "I need to talk to you. Dance?"

Heck no. Her mind screamed.

"Two days earlier, you were trying to attack me. I don't see this is a good idea." Rose deadpanned. Tybalt smiled sadly. "My heartfelt apologies, my lady. I was a fool to behave like that. I was drunk and out of my senses. I'll do anything to earn your apologies." He pleaded so hard that Rose cringed.

"Just a dance, right?" Rose asked. He nodded. "Just a dance.

Here goes nothing...

They started dancing silently and Rose felt a bit uncomfortable with the silence. Tybalt broke the silence.

"Let me inform you that I am not at all like my sister." Rose looked up at him, surprised. "And you expect me to believe you all of a sudden?" Tybalt shook his head. "Of course not but I heard that you have a big heart. I've done a lot of bad works and I want to rectify my karma. I thought to start it with you." He offered her a genuine smile.

The gears in her head started to turn.
How can a person turn over a new leaf all so suddenly? But let's give him a chance.

"Okay..." Rose mumbled. "Do you know how your parents died?" She felt him stiffen. "Yes. Some dacoits murdered them. Still now I couldn't find them."
Rose felt her mouth become dry. Jesus! He doesn't know about his sister's doing!

"What if I say that they weren't killed by some dacoits but someone who is your very close?"

Tybalt frowned as they twirled. "I don't know what you are saying, lady." Rose took a deep breath. "Neith killed your parents."

Tybalt stopped dancing and stayed still. He then grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of dance floor. They stood near a pillar. "Do you even know what you are saying?" Tybalt growled. Rose remained calm. "I swear on my life that I speak the truth, sir Tybalt."

Tybalt remained silent and took in a shaky breathe. He ran a hand through his dark hair. "I-I don't know... I don't know what to say." His voice broke. "The woman I trusted the most.... I-I just can't believe it!" Rose felt bad for him. She patted his arm comfortingly. "It's better if you learn about her true facade. She killed her own parents. Maybe she won't falter from hurting you too."

Tybalt nodded and sighed. "Let me tell you something." He turned to look around and then continued. "She's trying to kill Prince Loki and you." Rose gulped as she felt her heart beat faster and louder.

"I'll try my best to help you. I must leave now. Stay safe and alert, lady." He kissed her knuckle and then walked away swiftly. Rose stayed rooted to the ground, processing the information.

"Should I tell it to Loki now?" She thought. "No. Let the party get over. I'll tell him once we are alone in the bedroom."

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Loki wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer to himself.
"What's the matter Love?" He asked, his lips brushing her ear. "You look so restless." Rose leaned against him. "Just a bit tired... I think haven't recovered properly." She answered.

Loki placed his wine glass on the table. "Then let's head to our rooms. We can-" "No! Wait." Rose stopped him. "You don't have to accompany me. The party is not over yet."
"You are more important to me than the Ball." He argued.

"I know that baby. But you're a prince. You're needed here. And I'm no baby. I know the way back to my room. You come when the Ball is over."
"Are you sure darling?" Loki asked worriedly, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Let me atleast drop you to your room." Rose shook her head. "No need Lemon. I'm sure."

She kissed him hard but his bottom lip before parting. "Such a tease you are." Loki smirked. Rose winked and waved bye before walking away.

Rose stepped out of the Ball room and was stopped by a server. "Do you need a drink milady?" She asked sweetly. Rose gazed at the tray of glasses filled with some greenish white drink. "What is this?"
"A sort of refreshing drink."

It won't hurt to try it, right?

Rose picked up a glass, took a gulp and sighed. "Wow! It's tasty!" She chugged it down in four eager gulps and after disposing away, resume her walk to her room.

After entering her room, she quickly changed into her PJ's and got ready for bed. She didn't know why but her head was thudding and a bit spinning too.
"Maybe it's sleep..." She mumbled. She was about to climb up her bed when rapid knocks caught her attention.

Thinking it's Loki or one of her Asgardian friend, she opened the door only to reveal someone whom she had expected to meet the least that night.

"Tybalt?"

Lots of hugs and kisses and warm cuddles from me!! Love you all 3000!
😘🥰🤗❤️