You left the ball not long after your outburst. Huggin and Thor thoughtfully walked you back to your chambers while Queen Frigga helped soothe Odin's bruised ego.

You were saddened. Desperate to continue searching for Loki, but Thor held you back. He reminded you that Loki was a person who needed to calm down on his own. He needed to rationalise his thoughts, and sort the chaos in his mind before he could talk.

"It was better to wait until morning" he insisted.

The worry on Thor and Huggin's face was still evident, but you closed your door after saying goodnight, and they reluctantly left. You had hoped to find Loki inside your room, but as predicted he wasn't there.

You turned around and faced the lifeless room, your eyes immediately trailing to the bed. It was empty, and cold looking, you couldn't bare to sleep in it, not without Loki.

You instead idly drag your legs towards the chaise lounge, but stopped when you caught a glimpse of your reflection in the full length mirror.

You positioned yourself in front of it, but hated what you saw.

Anger bubbled up inside you seeing the blue necklace still sitting delicately around your neck. You angrily ripped it off and tossed it on the floor. It hit the ground and slid to a stop under the bed.

You looked up to face your reflection and stared at the beautiful gown made by Loki. Your eyes grew glassy but you tried hard to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

You gently glided your hands over the soft material, and replayed the memory of him holding you. His perfect form dressed in his glorious leathers and his gleaming helmet that crowned his head. It was imagined so vividly.

"Loki" You sob, now unable to hold back your tears. The sobs becoming uncontrollable as the ghost of him was seen so clear. You wished you could simply pluck him out of your mind and have him in front of you.

Your knees grew weak as emotion poured out of you. You opened your red rimmed eyes and sighed deeply before continuing your walk to the sofa.

You just about made it before you collapsed down, hitting the foam seats hard. You immediately gripped the fluffy pillow, and held it tight against your curled body.

As you lay still, you see a hint of green underneath a small blanket. Your eyes suddenly filled with longing upon realising what it was.

You manically gripped at it, bringing Loki's green tunic to your nose, and inhaling his familiar scent.

You held it close to your heart as you sank into the cushions, his smell bringing you comfort. It cradled your pained heart, but also made you miss him more.

You bury your face into his tunic, continuing to weep until your eyes eventually started to close, his scent soothing you into a slumber.

—————————-

"Wake up"

You jolted your eyes open and sat up, letting go of Loki's tunic to grab the hilt of your dagger still strapped to your thigh.

You were in a deep sleep when you heard your own voice alert you out of it, your senses telling you danger was around.

"Who's there?!" You yell out into the darkness, your hammering heart the only noise you could hear.

You dart your eyes to the furthest corner of the room sensing a presence and you quickly jump up. You slowly began backing away, never keeping your eyes off the darkened corner.

You felt the back of your legs hit the bed as you approached it. It startled you, causing you to stumble down and sit perched on the mattress.

"I may not see you, but I can sense you. Come out and show yourself!" You order. Your voice was defiant yet there was still a hint of nervousness in your tone.

Your hand never left the dagger, you were ready to defend yourself should whoever lurks in the shadows pounce.

You suddenly see a red glow light up the corner, and your eyes widened seeing who it was.

"You!" You gasp.

Your mystery helper remained expressionless, his face merely watching you, studying you.

He walked further out of the shadows and revealed his entire form. Although, dressed in all black and with jet black hair his face was the only part highlighted clearly.

"Why are you here?" You ask.

He narrowed his eyes, gazing at you harder.

"Answer me!" You yell annoyed.

"What, no thank you? Did I not help you earlier?" He replied smoothly, confidently.

"So you sneak into my room for praise?" You ask, doubting his motives.

He remained silent, yet still stared intently.

Feeling peeved by his silence you simply gave him want he wanted.

"Fine, Thank you. Now, please leave" You command.

"I feel short changed with that less than sincere gratitude. I also feel mere words simply isn't enough to compensate me for my help"

You narrow your eyes, and look at him scornfully. You knew he didn't just come here for a simple thank you.

"And what repayment do you have in mind?" You say through gritted teeth, knowing exactly what sort of compensation he wanted, and it was not coin.

"Well, Princess. Seeing as you asked, I'm just going to go ahead and say it.....I want a kiss"

You scoff "Absolutely not!....now leave"

He remained still, straight faced, and unmoving from his spot. His gaze never breaking eye contact with you.

His cool demeanour annoyed you, and his idleness grated on your nerves. You stood up intending to leave the room, but made the foolish mistake of taking your eye off him.

You suddenly see a flash of red in the corner of your eye, and although you turned quick, within a split second he was gone. All of a sudden he reappeared in front of you, forcing your body back onto the bed.

He was quick, but so were you. You reacted instinctively, grabbing the dagger and positioning it against his throat. 

He gazed down at you as he caged you against the mattress, his whole body towering over you. He smiled smugly, not yet realising you threatened him with a blade.

You smirk, flitting your eyes to your blade, making him aware that you have him in a vulnerable position.

His eyes widened in surprise, now feeling the daggers tip press into his delicate neck.

"Back away or you die" Your tone was full of warning.

His lips turned up into a smile, as be looked at you curiously. Wondering if you would actually do it.

Your heart beat fast as he remained still. Not seeing him move away, or heeding your warning made you nervous. But you pushed the blade down slightly harder, piecing the first layer of skin. Showing your authority.

To your surprise he didn't even wince, he causally continued looking at your features, as though mesmerised by your face.

"I could kill you" You breath out.

"I'm not afraid to die" He whispered.

Your rapid breathing accelerated when he suddenly pushed himself harder into the blade, risking a fatal wound just to reach your lips.

Your eyes widened feeling his lips gently ghost over yours. You automatically push yourself further back into the mattress, trying to escape his kiss.

"Please don't" You utter lowly.

Feeling your warm breath against his lips as you spoke made him breathe heavy, you felt his chest rise and fall against your own. His lustful eyes moved from your lips and stared directly into your eyes, but he sighed when he saw the fear behind them.

The fear you suddenly felt was not from him, but from what you would need to do if he continued his amorous advances. You feared killing him. Killing anyone in fact. You never want to end a life.

He pushed himself away, leaving your body entirely. And you sat up and observed him as he slowly walked backwards, his eyes still remaining glued to your form.

You release a held in breath, sighing in relief, and thankful he listened.

"Who are you?" You ask.

More silence, he became more and more mysterious as time passed.

"Not a talker..Hmm?....fine,..:.Friend? or foe?" You ask frankly, yet were unsure why you'd ask such a direct question, most mad men would never be honest enough to admit that they planned to hurt you.

Your question made his lips turn up, a grin encompassing his otherwise expressionless face.

Ah, finally some emotion

"I haven't decided yet" He said coolly

You gazed ahead trying to sense who he could possibly be and what he wanted with you.

His dark broody eyes stared at your features as you wracked your mind with guesses of what he wanted.

You sensed more movement on his usually stern face, you see he now smiles wide, enjoying the animated expressions you make as you think.

"You helped me with Beren, you controlled his speech, preventing me a criminal charge, why?"

"I don't particularly like elves" He said nonchalantly.

"You also addressed the crowd, belittling Odin with his lack of security comment, why?"

"I don't particularly like Odin either"

You breath out a frustrated sigh "am I going to milk answers from your mouth all night? You snap.

He chuckled "Who said im staying the night, unless of course you want me to" His demeanour finally perked up, showing some expression. With a raised a brow, a cheeky grin spread wide on his face.

You rolled your eyes, suddenly feeling he was more friendly, than villainous. Your previous trepidation began fading away.

"Well if you're not going to talk, I'm going to bed, I have an angry god that I need to seduce and make up with tomorrow morning. So if you don't mind, I'm going back to sleep"

You pulled up the blankets and laid down under the covers, fluffing your pillow before getting comfortable for the remainder of the night.

You close your eyes, feeling assured with having your dagger concealed under your pillow. Yet you somehow knew it wouldn't be needed anymore tonight.

You suddenly felt the mattress dip in front of you.

You opened your eyes and immediately saw his face staring back at you, his body laying comfortably on his side.

"That side of the bed is reserved for Loki only, leave!"

"I'll leave should he walk in, but I highly doubt he will. Not any time soon anyway"

Your heart hurt hearing his words, even he felt how upset Loki was.

Your mind wandered to Loki, wondering where he was. Thor said he was likely blowing off steam somewhere secluded, that it wouldn't be long before he came back demanding you were his and his alone.

You hoped it was true but a niggling feeling inside you kept pushing your hope aside.

"He'll be back, maybe at any minute and you won't want to be in his warpath should he see you on his side of the bed. So leave me be"

You watched him as he stared at you blankly, before rolling over onto his back, tucking his arms behind his head.

You gazed at him perplexed. He was just so odd.

He sensed you gawking at him, and peaked at you from side eyes.

"You know, it's rude to stare"

"And it's also rude to invite yourself into the bed of a Lady" You snap.

He let out a small laugh.

"Touché"

You couldn't conceal your smile hearing him repeat a Midgardian word. It peaked your curiosity further.

"You're not like other royals" He says directly.

You wasn't sure whether to take that as a complement or to take it negatively.

Were you too plain? too common? making it clearly obvious you wasn't born royal.

He saw your mind in thought, your expression saddened.

"It's a good thing" He adds, now looking at you. "All royals I've met are pompous and snobby. They care for no one but themselves. Always wanting more wealth, fame, power. Power and control of the people, and of the realms. You on the other hand, I don't think you desire that?"

"I've never craved such power over people" You admit

He smiled "yes, I thought so. I felt it. I'm glad I didn't-.."

He suddenly pursed his lips, stopping himself from finishing his sentence.

You stared at him in wonder, his odd, yet bold behaviour tickled you.

"He who does not desire power, is fit to hold it, maybe you should reconsider" He says, rolling back  on his side, continuing to look at you.

You arched a brow, wondering what movie he took that line from. You giggle internally having a strong urge to be corny.

fuck it, he'll never know, I'm just going to say it.

"With great power, comes great responsibility" You reply, forcing back a smile, and trying to remain serious. "And I don't want such responsibility" You add.

He looked at you surprised "oh, you know Voltaire? I've always admired that reference"

Shit.

"Um.... Yeh, yeh, sure" Not having any clue who Voltaire was. You naively thought that famous quote was an original Spider-Man phrase. Uncle Ben, fucking legend.

He looked at you dubiously "You were referencing uncle Ben from Spider-man wasn't you? Not the writer, philosopher and untiring advocate for freedom that is Voltaire"

Your eyes widened "you've watched spider-man?!"

You grew even more curious, needing to know who he was.

He chuckled "I dabble in watching movies when on Midguard, but I prefer reading. You should read, it's very enjoyable"

You scoff, looking offended. Does he think you're an uneducated royal with no hobbies other than attending balls.

"I have you know, I own a book store, and I've read every book inside. I have hundreds of books!" You admit smugly.

"Hmm hundreds,....I have an entire cave full of books. Thousands that I've collected over the years. I've also read every one" He said, proudly.

Thousands... wow, impressive ...wait, a cave?

"You live in a cave?" You ask curiously, cocking a brow.

"Yes it's a cave, and yes I do occasional reside there, but I'm a roamer, I don't stay in one place, I like to roam freely. But that's getting harder these days"

You sensed his sadness, his bitterness "why?"

"You truly are a new Princess, so innocent and naive to the realms around you. You'll be kept safe in your royal bubble, toasty warm, and fed lavishly. Kept unaware of the poverty and hardship that others face daily. Why does it get harder for me to roam freely these days? Well Princess, that's down to the great ruler of Asgard, the big, one eyed coward that sits on a golden throne. Like other leaders he keeps his people compliant by restriction and hunger. Control their movement around realms and he knows exactly where you are. Restrict the amount of food you can eat and you bend to his will when he offers you more"

You looked at him surprised, but then you truly thought about his words. It actually wasn't as surprisingly when you think about it.

The short time you've been in Asgard, Odin treated you like pond scum until you became something he admired. The new Goddess with half of his force. Of course he would be unfair with his ruling, his people were just as expendable it seemed. Why would he care for their happiness.

"So all the people of Asgard are unhappy and are impoverished?" You ask skeptical, you do remember seeing happy towns people.

"Not all, some are happy with his reign, because they reap the rewards of his restrictions. The lower classes who've lost land, and lost jobs, are desperate, so they work cheap, making the wealthy more wealthy with cheap labour. They can't even travel to another realm seeking better lives because of Odin's travel restrictions and agreement with other leaders. The bi-frost isn't open to all" He exclaims.

"I'm sorry, I-I didn't no. But it sounds similar to my home. Midgard has places that are also led by dictators, people are poor and malnourished there too"

"Yes I know, but your people rose up, they fought their injustice. Voltaire, a French mortal, he was a great advocate for freedom of speech, for rights to the people, he was even imprisoned when he rioted against his government. He stirred the pot, making more people gather and cause change"

He suddenly shifted closer towards you on the bed, keeping his voice lowered.

"The force you have inside you, even in its uncontrolled, untamed state could bring realm leaders to their knees. It makes sense Odin would make you an honoured Princess, he wants to keep you close, too scared that you'll attempt to over throw his throne"

"I don't want his throne, I don't want Asgard" You whisper, matching your volume as low as his.

Your sudden confession made you realise you really didn't want Asgard, you missed home.

"It takes just one good ruler to start a chain reaction, if the highest leader changes for the better, the other sheep follow suit. You may not want Asgard, but maybe Asgard needs you. It needs a new ruler. A fair and just ruler. You, the people need you. I need you"

You look at him curiously....

Great, I'm stuck with a modern day Voltaire, a madman who wants me to bring down Odin.

"Who are you?" You ask again.

"I am a friend. A friend to all the people who want equality, who want fairness"

"And what do I call you, friend?"

He smiles "My name is....Kai"

"And tell me Kai, what would Odin call you?"

He grinned darkly "Odin calls us mutineer's, because we rebel against his authority"

"We?"

"I am part of a collective, mainly peaceful but days are growing darker, times more challenging, the group want to step up, to react differently"

"You mean with violence"

Kai hesitated "with force, and we could use your help"

"Oh, and what help is that Kai" You say, amusing him.

"To put it bluntly, and to keep things Frank between us. I will simply tell you. I think you should use your force, overthrow Odin, kill him, or imprison him, either one. You become leader, sole Queen, because let's be serious, his sons are equally as deranged as him, both separated from the real realm problems. I can be your consort, help you rule fairly, if you wish.or not. Then, we take down the corrupt system, we revolutionise all of Asgard, and watch as all leaders follow you in your pursuit to better the realms....then we fall in love, have passionate sex, it doesn't matter which order and -"

"You truly are a madman" You announce out loud cutting him off from his crazy ramblings.

He narrowed his gaze and abruptly stood up, pacing the room.

"Madman! If fighting for justice and change makes me a mad man. Then...then fine, so be it. I'm mad, actually, I'm more than mad. Furious. I'm a furious man" He declares huffing and puffing.

You watch him with an amused expression, as he continued his pacing.

"You know, change doesn't just happen over night. It's a lengthy process" You say.

He stopped, and turned to look at you. "Well, thank you for that piece of obvious advice, I shall take heed of your words" He says mockingly.

"Hey, I'm just saying the truth. Don't chew my ass" You say grumpily

His eyes widen, a grin spread on his face "chew your ass?"

You realise you just said a earthly word, he probably thinks it's something sexual.

Urgh.

"It is by no means anything sexual. It's just an expression. Meaning do not come at me harshly"

"That's a shame. Your ass demands to be chewed, and I'm more than willing"

Your face heats to boiling, you felt the hot flush rise up and settle in your cheeks.

"Enough of that. Stop flirting. Because you and me, we, are never going to happen" You say adamantly.

He grinned wider, and slowly walked towards you with his hands rested behind his back. His eyes glued to you. He stopped when he reached the bed, and hovered over you.

"You know, many famous martyrs who fought the system were told their ideas, their thoughts, and their strong desires were never going to happen. But they proved them wrong. In the end, most got what they wanted" He bent down, placing his face right next to yours.

"Fight hard enough for what you want, and I wholeheartedly believe you'll get it" He says suggestively, while staring into your eyes.

"Well I hope you win your rebellious battle against Odin" You say lowly, trying not to stare into his dark eyes, but they were hypnotic.

"I wasn't talking about my rebellion" He admits, suddenly leaning lower for a kiss.

You quickly rolled over towards the other side of the bed. Escaping his forced kiss.

You sat up on your knees, and glared at him.

"Do not try that shit again! My heart, my body, my lips. They belong to Loki, and Loki only. So cut that seductive flirting crap out. Got it!"

He smirked, "I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"

You rolled your eyes, slumping back onto the bed

"Let me guess, another Voltaire quote?" You ask, turning your head to stare at him.

He excitedly jumped on the bed and laid beside you "Exactly right, Ma Belle!.. already you know me well"

"Ma Belle?" You question.

"That's my name for you, Voltaire was French, he'd often give cute nicknames to the people he liked. I like you, and what struck me when first seeing you, was your beauty. That and the blue dress....that dress left nothing to the imagination, it was ... very ..very arousing" He admits closing his eyes.

Your cheeks flush pink yet again, but his closed eyes grabbed your attention.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm imagining you in that sheer dress again" He admits. Opening his eyes to look at you.

You suddenly ball a fist and punch his arm "you're going to be a handful aren't you?"

"Ow, no need for violence Ma Belle, but I believe the correct Midgardian term is pain in the ass" He says while rubbing his sore arm.

You chuckled. He was a pain in the ass but he was growing on you. His oddness, and even his attempts at kissing you were adorable. Although, you do believe deep down he respected your boundary.

"And Ma Belle? What does it mean" You ask.

"It means My beautiful in French"

You smiled, you do like terms of endearments thanks to Loki.

Loki...

Your mind drifted to Loki again. It didn't take long for him to pop back into your head. Consuming your thoughts again.

"What do you see in Loki? He's an Odinson, and Odin's entitled offspring bow down to his every demand"

"Loki doesn't, and Thor, well. He's learning not to, although I imagine it will take time for him to truly unleash himself from Odins belt. It's ingrained in him to follow his father" You say sadly.

"You believe Loki doesn't follow his father?" He says surprised.

"Loki doesn't, he's as rebellious as you" You laugh.

"Oh you think so huh" He says sarcastically.

You stare at him dubiously "what are you not telling me?" You ask.

"You think us mutineers are new. When in fact we've been around for hundreds of years. Each time we come close to a large following, making a harmless scene to raise awareness, we're forced down, and the last few times it was Thor and Loki, the Princes of Asgard"

You looked at Kai surprised "Loki?"

He nodded.

"Forced by Odin no doubt" You say quickly, shutting down the conversation.

"Ma Belle, your Loki isn't as sweet and innocent as you think he is. He and Thor were quite exhilarated to rampage through a non violent petition. But what they don't know is, their angst against us just fuelled our need for change, we grow stronger and our numbers are bigger"

"No, I don't believe it. Loki wouldn't fight against a good cause. His exterior may look tough, and he is, but inside, his beliefs are right, are fair, as is Thor"

Kai looked at you skeptically "you really are a new Princess. ......Naive and gullible" He said the last two words in a whisper, while rolling over and staring up to the ceiling.

You watched him angrily, you heard his whisper clearly. You wondered if you should come back with a snide remark. But your eyes grew tired and sleep called to you.

"You should leave now" You command.

You took a deep breath and pushed away your annoyance, curling up onto your side.

———————

Your eyelids flutter hearing a gentle knock on your bedroom door.

"Loki!" You say excited, opening your eyes and immediately trying to sit up, yet arms held you down.

You look over and see Kai, fast asleep next to you, his arms tightly wrapped around you.

Your scrunched your brows, annoyed that you fell asleep, and pissed that he stayed the night and slept on Loki's side of the bed.

"Kai get up!" You whisper loud, shaking him forcefully with your arms.

"Urrhhh, Ma Belle, it's still early, don't royals get to sleep in" He says groggily.

Another knock taps on the door, this time slightly harder. Your heart quickened, worried Loki was about to barge in and see a sleeping man next to you.

"It's Loki, get up, you rebel!"

He rolls onto his back, his pale face covered with his messy black hair. You see his deep onyx eyes open, and peak through his dishevelled strands.

"Loki...hmmm, maybe I'll just stay here. Let him find me. I'll explain how good our night was last night, because I have to admit. I throughly enjoyed your company"

"Argh!... I have no time for your games, and flirtatious ways Kai, get up and piss off. I need to sort things with Loki"

"Wow, your mouth is so dirty for such a princess. Do I need to wash it out with soap" He says, amused at your potty mouth.

You look at him scornfully "Kai ... I swear, anger me for real and I will zap you into a dust of blood and guts"

He looked at your serious expression. "You can do that?"

"Yes! Yes I can. And I have...it's messy, and I like these sheets. So don't make me do it" You jest, pushing him up and out of your bed.

He looked down at you, as he stood up and stretched his body. "That power could come in handy. For when we take down Asgard and crown you Queen"

"Urgh, Kai, leave the delusional nonsense behind. It was a fun chat, but come on. I have a relationship to save, I'm not in the mood for this right now" You say standing up and pushing him towards the balcony.

"Where are you pushing me?" He asks confused.

"To the balcony, you can make your way down from there, and go back to your man cave" You say, huffing and puffin, struggling to move his muscular body.

You just managed to get him on the balcony when you heard another knock on the door.

"Maybe I should answer" He says amused.

"Don't you bloody dare Kai!" Your face now red and flustered.

Kai suddenly grips your cheeks, smoothing his thumb over your flushed skin.

"Ma Belle, I adore your rosey cheeks. How about a kiss before I go, hmm?"

Your rage boiled inside you, annoyed with his constant flirting. You expelled white magic around him and forcefully lifted him up.

"Bye Kai, good luck with your revolution" Your last words rung in his ears as you flung him over the balcony, his body landing safely albeit with a hard thud, outside the palace grounds.

You peaked over the balcony because your empathetic heart needed to make sure he was ok, and you saw him stand, looking a little flustered and dazed but otherwise ok-ish.

Pretty sure that hard landing will result in a bruise.. but no broken bones...ah, good enough..

You quickly dash back inside the bedroom and flung open the door.

"Loki!" You yell out excited.

Your face turned sombre when you saw it was just a maid, waking you for breakfast.

With magic you changed out of your green dress, and walked eagerly towards the breakfast hall, desperately hoping to meet Loki.

You barged through the large doors, and saw everyone except Loki sitting at the table. Your heart dropped, and the ache from last night resumed, dulling your eager excitement.

You sat down slowly, whispering a clearly disappointed "good morning" to everyone.

Thor and Huggin greeted you, but your eyes remained stuck to the table.

You felt a warm hand cup yours as you reached for a silver spoon, and the ache in your heart got stronger.

"My dear, have you seen Loki?" Queen Frigga asked, concern in her voice.

Your eyes darted up hearing her worry. "No, have you not seen him either?" Your eyes scan Huggin and Thor, the question aimed at them too.

"No sister, I did knock on your door early morning. I'd hoped with no answer it meant you and Loki had made up, I didn't wish to invite myself in, incase I saw another act of nakedness.....I've learned my lesson"

Your face blushed pink, embarrassed at learning Thor once walked in on you and Loki being intimate.

You suddenly felt sad, although it was an embarrassing moment, you wished you still had that memory. You wondered what other treasured memories were lost. What other loving, funny, and romantic memories were gone.

A tear rolled down your cheek, feeling some of the hurt that Loki was constantly filled with. He must still grieve for all your lost memories, a painful reminder each time he looked at you.

And now, now he thinks you betrayed him too.

"Where can I find him Thor?... I need to make things right"

"I truly don't no" Thor admits.

"I know someone who might know, but you won't like it" Huggin chimes in.

The ache in your chest rattled at hearing his words, and an intense sickness came in waves, that churned your stomach.

This was your body telling you it knew exactly who Huggin referred to. You pinch the bridge of your nose and sigh. "I'm guessing that someone is a one winged raven?"

"Correct.... I'm Sorry" Huggin replied.

"Why would he know?" Thor asks.

"I went to Munnin this morning, handing him his breakfast. He had fresh wounds, and mentioned Loki inbetween his mad ramblings. I didn't think anything of it but now Loki's gone. So I wonder if he went to see Munnin last night"

You immediately stand, pissed that Loki would again go to Munnin.

"Right, I'm going to Munnin" You instruct.

You looked to Odin who remained silent the entire time, you guessed because he was still reeling from the ball fiasco. He was trying hard to remain civil even after the big fight between you both.

Yet he looked at you in surprise as you announced you were going to Munnin, shocked at your fearless attitude.

"Odin, I won't be so forgiving should you deceive me a second time" You made your eyes flash white with your magic, making your point even more fierce.

He stirred in his seat, but said nothing.

You walked out of the hall not bothering to see if he would reply, and strutted straight to the lowest level of the palace where Munnin was held prisoner.

—————-

Oddly, your heart didn't pound inside your chest from nervous trepidation as you approached Munnin's foul cell.

Maybe it was because you were immortal. A Goddess always armed with magic that cured your fear of him. Or maybe it was because he sat, lonely in the corner of the room looking a shell of his usual conceited self.

His face looked miserable as he stared into space, not focussing on anything. You could almost feel sorry for him, almost.

You waved your hand over the coded door, and it slid open. Immediately your nostrils were hit with an offensive smell.

You stood still for a moment watching him. He remained glued in place, cradling his torn off wing.

He was truly broken.

Good

Your eyes scanned the room, the mess was not unusual for him. He wasn't a particularly clean bird, unlike Huggin.

"Is it really you?"

You eyes dart to the sound, and immediately you see him madly trying to scramble up. But his body was twisted around chains, his footing caught and he fell hard, knocking his teeth against the hard floor.

Your brows scrunched together

Oooof that must of hurt

You watched as he tried to untangle himself, the poor sob desperately trying to clear the way to get to you.

You sighed, irked at his slowness.

You daringly stepped towards him, and kneeled down, much to his shock.

He stared at you, his eyes blown wide as you came face to face with him, he could lift his hand and touch you, grab you, hold you. But you were unafraid and he was struck, unable to comprehend your fearlessness.

Munnin's heart boomed alive feeling you so close.

How he wanted to touch you, feel your skin on his once more, yet, although he could attempt it, he didn't. He wanted you to stay, stay with him as long as possible and grabbing you would make you leave.

"Seems you've got yourself all tangled here Munnin"

His heart beat fast against his chest hearing you speak his name.

He didn't say a word, he just stared and watched bewildered as you untangled his chains, surprised you were not scared or squeamish to let your hand graze against his skin.

"There, you're able to roam the entire cell now, you don't need to be stuck in the corner"

You stepped back, picking up his books and piling them neatly on his table. You hear his chain rattle as you picked up an overturned chair and tucked it away under the table.

"If Odin's keeping you alive, at least don't be a slob, it won't hurt to tidy up after yourself"

You turned your gaze to him, he's now stood upright still watching you in utter puzzlement.

Seeing you confident and unafraid would usually make him mad, he wanted you to fear him, gaining satisfaction from your fear and screams.

Yet oddly as his heart beat alive once more his satisfaction did not come from screams anymore. Not from fear either. His heart pumps profusely seeing you act..happy.

Observing you, just being yourself made his usually dormant, rock of a heart feel soft, feel full. It was how his heart used to be many years ago, before he was consumed with rage and hate.

"I've missed you Peaches" he said smiling, not conceited, not darkly, or sadistic but happy.

Immediately all the dark memories sprung into your mind upon hearing the word Peaches. Your stomach lurched, and you felt sick.

Why is it that seeing him, or being around him didn't trigger bad memories, but a peach smell or the word peaches caused you to seize up.

Your mind wracked that concept, coming to the conclusion that at that time you were weak, helpless, a mere mortal. The smell of peaches, and the word said out loud reminded you of that.

"Do not call me peaches" you say sternly, the kindness you previously had in your voice now gone

Munnin's newly revived heart sank inside his chest.

"I'm-sorry" he said, causing you to gaze back towards him, finding hearing an apology peculiar and even he felt strange hearing himself apologise.

"Don't mock me!" you say, getting riled up

His eyes widened, "no, no, I'm not. Truly I'm sorry peac-" he stopped before fully completing the word peaches.

You suddenly became annoyed with yourself for displaying civility and offering a degree of kindness to Odin's raven, to Munnin who tortured you.

Damn me and my empathetic ways!

"Look, I'm here because I know Loki came here, and I want to know where he is. So tell me, what did he say to you?"

"He doesn't deserve your kindness, or your love, you deserve better" Munnin says, almost sounding sincere

"Oh, and I suppose that better is you hmm?" You say sarcastically

"No, I realise my ways were immoral, and whilst I want you, I know I'm not worthy of you. I'm sorry I hurt you, by the gods I'm so sorry" 

You watched in stunned silence as Munnin broke down, collapsing to his knees sobbing.

You scrunched your brows together, having no clue what to do. You felt the sincerity of his words, and you knew without a doubt the emotions that poured out of him were real.

But what the fuck

Munnin started crawling towards you, and you froze.

Not from fear but from intrigue. You knew how to handle the conceited, possessive Munnin, but the grovelling, heart full of guilt Munnin?

He reached your feet, and to your horror he started kissing your toes. You suddenly felt regret for choosing open toe sandals this morning.

You hear him moan behind the sobs as he kissed your feet.

There, there is the sly, sneaky raven...

You step back, breaking his lips from your feet.

"You had me going there Munnin, but you can't hide the moans of pleasure you get from touching my skin, a person who knows he's unworthy of me, would not creep in kisses"

He sat up on his knees submissively, and stared at you "I know I'm unworthy of you, I truly don't deserve you, but I can't help wanting you. You are the fruit I know I shouldn't have, but you dangle in front of me, provoking me, tempting me, and sometimes I will want to taste that fruit, even though I know having a bite will come with consequences. But I'll try, try my hardest to leave that fruit and never pluck it, I'll just watch from afar as it ripens in front of me, because I'm sorry. I am sorry"

Why is it he constantly refers to me as fruit, even in his metaphors?

"Fine Munnin, now tell me. Did Loki come to you last night?"

"Yes"

Your heart skipped a beat, you knew nothing good was going to come from Loki meeting Munnin.

Oh Loki, what have you done now.

"Tell me everything Munnin"