Cassandra limped into the bedroom, clutching her side. Master Li got in a good hit with his staff during training. Her ribs throbbed with a promise of a bruise. Tomorrow the sadist planned to start her with swords. She was so dead.

Stripping off her sweaty shirt, Cassandra dropped it on the bed and froze. A single perfect red rose lay on her pillow. There wasn't a note, but she didn't need one.

Bringing the rose to her nose, she inhaled the flower's fragrant perfume and smiled. Loki was something of a romantic. Cassandra had not predicted that. She twirled the flower's long stem between her fingers, considering what it meant. Was Loki finally ready to face his feelings for her?

Cassandra placed the flower carefully on the desk. Maybe she could help things along with a gentle nudge. She reached for a fresh sheet of paper and scrawled out a quick note. 'Take me on a date.'

She folded the page and scrawled his name across the front before placing it on his pillow. Satisfied, Cassandra went into the bathroom for her evening shower and then headed to the dining room for supper.

When she finished her modest meal of roasted lamb and naan bread Cassandra returned to her room to begin her evening studies. Master Wong was pushing her harder than ever trying to cram multiple years' worth of knowledge into a short timeframe. Cassandra worked nearly every waking moment from sunup to late in the evening.

Every part of her body ached from Master Li's brutal training. Her brain felt like it would explode from all the spells she'd been forced to memorize.

Cassandra turned on the desk lamp and began reading. She reached the section on water spells when a familiar voice spoke behind her.

"You have terrible handwriting." Loki remarked.

Cassandra twisted in her chair to find the god studying her note with a bemused quirk to his lips. "And you're so perfect."

"Why, thank you. It so nice to have one's perfection acknowledged." He said, deliberately ignoring the sarcasm. "I'm in a generous mood so I will honor your request for a date."

Cassandra bit her lip to keep from laughing. She could not help it. Loki's arrogance was off the charts. She decided to play along. "Alright. How about Saturday? Master Wong promised me the evening off."

That would give her three days to scrounge a decent date outfit. Loki would no doubt wear one of his signature suits. Cassandra refused to look dowdy in comparison.

Loki made a show of considering it then closed the distance between them. He rested his hands lightly on Cassandra's shoulders. "Be prepared to be courted like a proper Asgardian lady."

Cassandra had no idea what that entailed but cautiously smiled. "You better woo me good."

"Oh, I think I can manage." He said slyly and gave her a quick peck on the lips before darting away.

Cassandra shook her head at the suddenly empty room. She was going to have to learn how to access the Mirror Dimension if only to follow him with he fled.

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Saturday arrived and Cassandra was giddy with excitement over her date. After her training session she even hugged Master Li and thanked him, stunning the drill instructor. Even Master Wong's dour expression warmed her with affection when he scolded her for botching a spell and turned his desk into a tree.

Humming cheerfully, Cassandra entered her bedroom. She took a shower and shaved her legs and armpits. With no blow dryer, she used magic to dry her hair into soft shiny waves that she left loose down her back.

Studying the spread of new cosmetics on the counter, Cassandra opted for a mostly natural look. A little eyeliner and a rose red lipstick. She painted her fingernails and toenails with black nail polish.

When her nails were dry she slipped into a black Greek column-style dress with a deep v neckline that exposed a generous amount of cleavage. The skirt fell just to her ankles. She slipped her feet into matching low-heeled sandals and took a deep breath facing the mirror hanging over the bathroom counter.

Cassandra smiled at her reflection, pleased with her appearance. 'Eat your heart out Loki'. She thought smugly. The god would be a puddle at her feet.

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Loki adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit and tucked an errant strand of dark hair behind his ear. He splashed on a dash of cologne and nodded confidently. He would be his most charming self and sweep his little vixen off her lovely feet.

He loved her boldness in demanding a date. None of the Asgardian ladies from his past would ever be so direct, conscious of his princely rank. Cassandra knew what she wanted and expected to get it.

Loki respected that and also viewed it as a challenge. Whatever her expectations were he would exceed them.

He turned on a glossy black shoe and appeared before her.

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Both of them stared at each other floored by the other's appearance. Cassandra's mouth went dry as she gawked at the dashing vision before her. Loki had sleeked his glossy raven hair back, gathering the bulk of it into a top knot. He wore a jet black suit and a green silk dress shirt beneath, the collar opened to reveal the barest hint of a well-toned chest.

Loki looked damned sexy and sure of himself. Forget the date. She wanted to rip his clothes off and have her way with him. Right now.

Loki was not feeling nearly as collected as Cassandra believed. His heart beat erratically in his chest as he drank in her natural beauty. Her long dark lashes framed her beautiful brown eyes. The red lipstick contrasted perfectly with her pale skin.

Cassandra's dress hugged her gentle curves beautifully. With her hair hanging loose, she looked lovely and regal. Like an Asgardian queen.

A faint tremble went through his fingers as he offered his hand to her. "You look stunning."

Cassandra slipped her hand in his and beamed up at him. "Let's get out of here, handsome. I can't wait to see what you have in store for our date."

A/N: Chapter 30! I've reached a big milestone in the story. I'm so happy! Loki...top knot...🤤 'nuff said. As always comment, vote, and have a great day!