Queen Frigga rounded a corner in a hurry and rushed into the palace common room.

"Has Loki arrived yet? The guests are appearing rapidly," she inquired urgently.

Before Thor had a chance to answer, she paused her anxious pacing and stared at him incredulously, directing her anxious disdain towards Thor who casually lounged in his favourite chair.

"Why are you slouching around? Go and greet our guests."

Thor reluctantly sat up, not pleased with having to play host for the palace gala, not when it was primarily planned by Magritte.

"Loki arrived not long ago, he hides in the library."

Frigga's heart bloomed, "He's here?" She smiled, "Hmm, I wonder why the library?" She said aloud, knowing the reason perfectly well.

"Well, mother, it is the farthest room from Magritte's chambers, her loud screeches don't penetrate that far into the palace."

Frigga sighed, "Yes, I am aware. For even I have found myself residing in the safe haven that is the library a lot during these past few months. Magritte's presence in the palace has been unsettling to say the least. Her grating voice is heard almost everywhere."

Thor agreed but quickly added, "The guards have complained, and the only solution father has come up with was to offer them ear plugs. And the poor maids who suffer the brunt of her forceful commands are contemplating leaving."

Frigga raised her brows in shock, "How is it I am not aware of this? She has gone too far if she is forcing my loyal staff to resign and seek work elsewhere!"

"Our palace personnel can not face you mother, their guilt at leaving there queen is immense. They have instead come to me to put in their resignation, it seems they have no qualms with the notion of leaving me—their next king." Thor tried hard not to sound offended, and slightly rejected.

"Well, before the torment of Magritte, it was the outlandish behaviour of you Thor, the drunkard prince who constantly left horns of ale everywhere. I am pleased to see that Lady Sif has settled down your boyish nature. I shall have a word with Magritte, I will not lose good staff....However, the talk will wait until after the headache of the ball is over."

Frigga hurried towards the door but paused in her haste to leave when she reached the doorway, and turned to face Thor. "I know you care not for this ball, but out of this awful tragedy that is Loki's marriage, some good may come of it. His standing within the realms will be greatly improved, so behave tonight, and try to support your brother."

Thor curtly stood up from his comfy chair, "I may not care for the festivities, but I care for my brother and wish him nothing but happiness and respect. Respect he should have had from the very beginning. I will never not support him, in all his endeavours."

Thor's unexpected words took Frigga by surprise, and she smiled at him warmly, "You should use words like that my often my son, and perhaps, on occasion, direct them at Loki. I know he'd appreciate it."

Thor frowned, "He'd think I was taunting him, mocking him with such kindness. Even from me, it feels unnatural for him to receive kind words of support." Thor sighed, "Maybe one day he will not be so dubious of my warmth."

Frigga moved from the doorway and embraced Thor, "In time, I know he will realise his worthiness of love, and that's when you'll notice a positive change in him and see him flourish."

"I cannot wait for that day, mother."

Frigga smiled, "Me too."

***

It has been a few months since the unfortunate wedding, as well as the humiliation of returning to Jotunheim without a queen. And since Magritte got back from her extended honeymoon, Loki has skipped the customary family breakfasts. He chose to occupy himself in his own realm, opting to face the shame and pitying looks of his people than return to Asgard and bump into her.

So now being back in Asgard after months of being absent, it felt almost alien to Loki. However, immediately upon entering the palace he heard Magritte's stern orders towards the maids. Her voice churned his stomach so much that he sought solace in the farthest part of the palace, and a place he knew she would never venture; the library.

As a form of distraction, Loki sprawled out on the plush sofa and glanced up at the high ceiling while tossing an empty goblet into the air. He made a concerted effort to force himself to think of nothing, opting for mental silence over the stream of unpleasant thoughts that have tormented him ever since he met Magritte.

He didn't look forward to the ball, or any interaction with pretentious royals, and he couldn't even distract himself with a book as he idly waited for the event to start.

In his perception, the royals were the ones responsible for his shackling to a hateful woman. He didn't blame his parents, not once. It was himself and the original ignorance of the realms leaders that brought about his pain. Costing him to make the biggest mistake of his life.

"My son..."

Loki abruptly sat up, having not heard his mother walk into the library.

"Good evening, mother"

Frigga had yearned to hear Loki's voice, as his absence had been sorely felt. Yet hearing it carry an undertone of sadness only made her feel more guilty. 

As she approached, she smiled meekly, her heart tortured with remorse. He moved along the seat and gave her a space to sit down, however, he wasn't sure if she even wished to. He had purposely not visited Asgard for a while, and he knew it would result in his mother being upset, and possibly angry with him.

"May I sit, Loki."

He looked up at her from his lowered position and frowned, "You never have to ask."

She felt her heartstrings tugged by his words, and she pondered how anyone could hate her son. He was so deserving of being loved in return for all the love he gave, and it baffled her how people could be so cruel. She gently sat down next to him, but her contempt for Magritte just grew.

Frigga twiddled her thumbs, her mind racing with all the things she wanted to say but couldn't find the right words. Loki noticed her agitation and knew she was feeling overwhelmed with emotion. He gently took her hand and soothed her nervousness.

"Forgive me mother, I should have come sooner."

Frigga turned her head to look at her son with tear-filled eyes. "I am the one seeking forgiveness, and I would understand if you never wished to visit me again because of what I have done."

Loki brought his mothers hand to his lips, and delicately kissed it. "You and father had the best intentions for me at heart. Forgiveness is not needed."

Frigga stuttered back a sob, but couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheek. "You are worthy of so much more, Loki. I wish everyone could see what I see." She placed her palm flat against his chest, and felt content at feeling his heart beat against it. "You are burdened with always the rain, and never the sun. But one day, a beautiful sun will seek the comfort of your rain, and together you will bloom."

Loki sighed; normally his mother's life analogies consoled him in troubled moments, but not this time.

"The trace of hope I had died months ago. I am content with my rain, for it is all I have ever known." He stood up and brushed down his leathers, then looked down at his mothers bowed head.

Another tear rolled down Frigga's cheek as she felt the gentle touch of his lips atop her head. Yet there was nobody there when she looked up to meet his gaze. Loki had already left the library.

***

As the festivities began, the music blared and all the royal guests were present except for the small kingdom of Embrodi.

"Only one more carriage is yet to arrive, King Odin." A guard confirmed.

"Well, keep the doors open and guards stationed at the steps, King Hoyd has confirmed attendance, expect his arrival."

A grating screech of laughter was heard within the grand hall, and Odin immediately winced, his eardrums vibrating. He reached into his pocket and frantically searched in vain for the foam earbuds he always kept on his body.

"Looking for something, dear husband?" Frigga approached.

He smiled at his queen, mesmerised by her beauty. "Oh, just the usual, I seem to have lost my Maggy blockers. I don't suppose you have a spare set?"

"You are forever misplacing them, but lucky for you, I keep an abundant supply." Frigga extended a discreet hand, and he quickly plucked the ear buds from her palm as if he were conducting something criminal, before inserting them into his ears. When the noise of Magritte was finally silenced, he let out a sigh of relief.

"Has Loki approached her and the circle of monarchs yet?" Odin enquired.

"I imagine he's working up the courage. I've been watching him from afar, he saunters around the less crowded areas of the room. I thought best not to push him. The mere sight of her sends his stomach into spasms."

"She has that effect on people who see through her falseness. I truly wish I had saw the real her before I announced the marriage." Odin sighed.

"It is best not to simper on what ifs and should haves. We made a mistake, and now our son pays the price. Let us work on a solution to remedy it."

"No amount of offered riches has swayed her towards an annulment. She insists on staying put." Odin said frustratedly.

"Then let us make sure she does her duty well, let the realms see our sons greatness. Maybe if they see Loki as great, in time her heart will soften for him." Frigga, still hopeful Magritte would be a little less cruel in her ways. 

Odin connected his forehead to Frigga's and released a deep sigh, "We both know that her heart is as hard as dwarven ore, impermeable to any kind of warmth or kindness."

"This can't be his future, Odin. I refuse it." Frigga said sadly.

Odin placed a chaste kiss upon her lips, and spoke with reassurance. "I will not stop until my son is happy. You have my word, my queen."

***

Thor caught sight of Loki wander around like a lost puppy and witnessed the crowd divide to avoid touching him. He let out a sigh of disappointment at the continued unfair treatment of his brother, even in his new role as king. However, Loki was used to being overlooked, so the fact that the crowd would openly disperse whenever he past didn't bother him. But he decided to came to a stop and stand next to a pillar within the far back of the room.

"Brother, are you going to avoid the company of the realms rulers all evening. If so, what was the point of this whole ball?" Thor grumbled, having snuck up on Loki.

"I'm not avoiding, but merely observing my...." Loki grimaced, scrunching up his face in disgust before continuing his next words. "—Observing my wife."

"That was hard to say wasn't it?" Thor said with remorse.

"Extremely," Loki asserted. "But if she isn't doing her duty as influencer to higher my position, it may be a great excuse for her to leave the marriage. The contract states she must better my standing. If she does not, it may be a cause to terminate our marriage without needing her approval."

"And is she doing a poor job?" Thor asked.

Loki leaned back against the pillar, and frustratedly folded his arms. "She embodies all the worst qualities and characteristics of a spoiled brat. But, admittedly, she talks only of me so far. Her complementing words that honour my ruling ability almost sound convincing. The leaders are impressed."

"Well that's great, Loki." Thor swatted his brother on the shoulder. But Loki merely glared, "No Thor, it is not great. I wanted an excuse to release her from the marriage contract, remember."

"Ah... yes." Thor said glum. "It seems she is far too clever for that."

"But I am more so." Loki flashed a grin. "I care not for the acceptance of other rulers, I never have. Jotunheim will thrive without needing to be in the popular kids circle. I refuse to be as fake as she is."

Thor observed as Loki coolly approached Magritte, who was surrounded by a select group of royals and nobles. And when Magritte noticed Loki approaching, she stuttered and fumbled her words.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you are enjoying the occasion." Loki grinned confidently at the subdued audience.

After a moment of silence, King Leoni of Vannaheim spoke.

"King Loki, we wondered when you'd have time to join us. Your lovely wife, Magritte, tells us you are a busy king, rarely having time away from Jotunheim."

The first responding king set off a wave of approval to others for further discussion.

"How admirable to focus on your kingly duties first and foremost. I remember as a new king and new husband, I didn't leave my royal chambers for weeks, for the pleasures of my wife was far too enticing." King Asten added, eliciting a small chuckle from the group.

"Perhaps it is the frost giant in me that makes me different, but I much prefer the warmer weather of Jotunheim than the icy touch of my dear wife." Loki smirks at witnessing Magritte's face overcome with embarrassment.

The curious onlookers stood in stunned silence, not knowing what to make of Loki's declaration. Yet when Magritte let out a sudden, uncomfortable laugh, everyone in the room took it as a joke and joined in.

"You are lucky Magritte is so forgiving with such brash humour, King Loki. My husband would never be able to say something like that without getting a severe reprimand from me." Lady Morganna stated.

"What can be a more severe sentence than the punishment of marriage. I am already living my worst nightmare." Loki continued, and more chuckles was heard.

Lady Morganna glanced at Loki in surprise, "You keep that mischievous talk up King Loki, and you'll be sleeping in a separate bed." She said amused.

"Separate bed, and entirely different realms it seems. Maybe if I push too far, she will grant me a divorce."

Magritte's face flushed with shame as the crowd howled with amusement. And to Loki's shock, she instantly connected with his arm and spoke out loud, "I told you he was humorous, his improper jests is what warmed me to him."

Loki gave Magritte a devilish smile, "I had no idea you could feel such warmth, I feared your heart a block of ice. Perhaps your time alone in the glowing plains, simmering in the hot springs thawed your icy heart, Maggy?"

She held back a scowl but again, laughed off his retorts to conceal her contempt.

"Maggy?..." King Leoni repeated and arched a brow, "We were not aware that you had a nickname Magritte..." she saw the glimmer of disapproval in his eyes.

"I- um" Magritte stuttered.

"My wife loves her name shortened, but I also have another name just for her, would you like to hear it?"

Putting on his slyest grin, Loki smirked at Magritte, while the crowd listened intently.

"It's a sweet term of endearment, one that describes her exactly, it is... maggo—"

"Have you all seen the wonderful condition of my skin!" Magritte shouted out loud, startling the group.

She extended her arms and proudly displayed her pale skin. "After soaking in the mineral dense springs I found myself to be supple and soft, it was a wonderful trip away, I highly recommend."

Magritte released a relieved breath when the mass drew their attention back to her, each stroking her arm to feel the softness of it. Yet King Leoni's inquisitive mind was suspicious. 

"Did you not attend your own honeymoon, King Loki?" King Leoni quizzed further.

"I feel only those already accustomed to the fiery pits of hell can tolerate such heat. I certainly did not go."

This time only half the crowd erupted in laughter at Loki's witty remarks as the mass became divided with suspicion. And now Magritte was becoming increasingly concerned as the group peered at her with questioning looks. She resented Loki for trying to tarnish her reputation and for diverting the attention away from her.

"Do you not wear your wedding band, King Loki?" Lady Morganna enquired, noticing no ring on Loki's finger. Loki had removed it soon after Magritte left for her solo honeymoon.

"I find it odd to flaunt the shackle that is a wedding ring. The weight of it is like a heavy burden. It is also a constant reminder of the awful day I made Maggy my wife."

As it now became clear that Loki's comments were less comedic and more serious, the audience started looking at him in bewilderment. Magritte took note and chimed in with an excuse right away. "I am having a custom ring fashioned for him because his skin has an aversion to gold." She laughed uncomfortably. "Please pardon us; I'm in need of a drink."

Magritte hastily pulled on Loki's arm, and away from her loyal following. Once out of ear shot, she angrily whispered, "What do you think you are doing?!"

"What? I merely state the truth." Loki grinned.

"I have worked hard to better your image with these royals and you are reversing it all! And how dare you insult me in front of them!" She puffed out her chest.

"I have decided that I care not for what these pompous royals think of me. I will behave how I like, and how I am. Perhaps a demonstration of my Jotun form might be in order.

"Don't you dare! No one wants to see such a savage guise. If they wanted to see monsters, they'd go to an exhibit."

The sly twist of Loki's lips told her that he was serious and about to embarrass her further. But before Loki could shift forms, she hastily whispered, "Think of your mother and father, they have put on this fancy ball in the hopes of bettering your position within the realms. You may not care what others think, but having a monster for a son that behaves in a deplorable manner at their own ball, would severely impact their own reputation!"

Her remarks drew a scowl from Loki, and begrudgingly her words had an effect on him. He decided against putting on a big show.

"I see through your plan, Loki; you want to get rid of me by any means necessary, including coercing me into agreeing to an annulment. Unfortunately for you, that's not going to occur." She grinned. "I don't understand what the big fuss is about. On the rare occasions we meet, you simply need to behave in a civilised manner and then once you have showed face, you may leave back to your barren realm of ice and monsters. Your lonely solitude remains unaffected, and you gain the respect of other royals."

"There is more monsters within this room than anywhere on Jotunheim." He glared.

"You're a fool to think that you're anything other than a monster, and your denial has made you blind to the truth. Take a look around; people go out of their way to avoid you. But by now you're so used to being shunned that you have reached a point where you no longer react. How sad," she mocked. "No one would have approached you if I hadn't been working that crowd. So again, you should be grateful for me. The very image of me by your side makes you so much more appealing, and somewhat normal."

Loki sneered towards the haughty royals and hissed, "I never want to be like them, if standing around comparing money and power is what is considered normal. While their people suffer with famine and poverty, the leaders parade around in flashy clothes and expensive jewellery. Yet, are still regarded as an effective ruler?!"

Magritte rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Who cares for the little people, they simply live to serve the elite. And if you had any sense, you'd use your kingly position to your advantage. Sell your frost giants as labour workers to other realms, you'd make Jotunheim filthy rich, not to mention open the doors to trade."

Loki stared at Magritte in disbelief, not sure whether he had really heard her vile words correctly: "You urge me to sell my people into slavery?"

"A few of the realms kings have already expressed interest, I could foresee the contract and—"

With a sudden yank on Magritte's wrist, Loki dragged her close enough to feel his hot breath on her cheeks.

"Talk of enslaving my people again to any other and you will be severely sorry, Magritte. I have never considered myself to be cruel, but after meeting you, I now believe I have the capacity to be as such. I'd take great delight in making your life a living nightmare. Do not test me, Maggy, for you truly will see a monster before you."

He deliberately isolated his Jotun form to his hand and tightened his hold on her wrist. Her mouth gaped open as she silently screamed, her face wincing at the sudden icy agony that her skin felt. For the first time, she experienced a glimpse of his frost giant lineage, which he had been careful to conceal up until now.

Loki allowed her to see a flash of red flicker in his eyes before he abruptly let go of her wrist and turned away, repulsed by the sight of her. He strutted out of the hall, while Magritte tried desperately to hide the hand mark that was lightly seared into her skin.

Meanwhile, a small carriage pulled up outside Asgard Palace.

"Eden! We are already late! We have no time for a stop in the gardens." King Hoyd exclaimed, exasperated that you decide now to make a pit stop in the palace gardens.

You tried to ignore the small garden alongside the palace steps, but as soon as you stepped out of the carriage, your eyes were pulled to the collection of plants.

"What is one, two, or ten more minutes of being fashionably late, father. I wish to see the flower that is blooming under moonlight, it is extraordinary." You exclaim.

There was a groan from King Hoyd as he stopped halfway up the steps. "Not ten minutes Eden, I grant you two at most! Then meet me in the grand hall."

You look up at your father with a beaming grin, overjoyed at the prospect of spending some unsupervised time in the Asgardian garden.

"I promise, no more than ten minutes"

"Two, Eden!"

"Yes, that's what I said," you respond innocently.

Your father rolled his eyes and proceeded to ascend the stairs. He looked back as he reached the top and observed you already pulling out your small pocket sketchbook, eager to take notes and drawings of the new plants you had yet to discover. He smiled, seeing the look of marvel on your face, then left to enter the palace.

"What a beauty you are." You mutter to yourself, eyeing the fine patterns found on the purple petals.

There was only the faint light of the moon to guide your way as you lost yourself in the shadow of the garden. You knew two minutes had passed, but you couldn't help yourself; you seldom knew when you might find yourself in Asgard again. Furthermore, you discovered several dying plants in need of your magic touch, which you promptly provided, bringing them back to vibrant life.

Feeling satisfied that you had explored enough, you left the garden and began walking up the palace steps, fully immersed in rereading the notes you had written. But as you hurriedly turned a bend towards the top, you collided with a solid object, sending your book tumbling to the ground.

Without even looking to check who you stumbled into, you drop to one knee and humbly pick up your book while apologising. The stranger, though, had done the same thing, and now you were both crouched over, fingers probing the same book. Yet, you remained idle, as you finally glance at the stranger infront of you.

You felt a tiny flutter in your chest the moment your eyes met, and it grew stronger the more he stared at you. For what seemed like an eternity, you knelt there, hunched over, staring at one other, neither of you ready or able to move or say a word.

Loki was frozen stiff, transfixed by the ethereal glow that seemed to surround the girl he had bumped into. Never before has anyone left him so speechless.

Feeling your chest about to explode with the mass of butterflies you felt, you reach for your book, but you quickly halt your movements when you hear him speak.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you in the dim light." Loki finally broke the silence. "Although I should have," he whispered, "you shine as bright as the sun."

Loki's heart was pounding; he couldn't believe he'd just said something so brazen. But he couldn't control his inner dialogue and his thoughts just blurted out.

His words caused an immediate heat to rush to your face, and you hurriedly turn aside so he doesn't notice how pink your cheeks have become.

"It was my fault entirely, my nose was buried in the pages. I should have looked to where I was going." You stand up and brush down your dress, forgetting all about your book that was still on the floor. Loki picked it up, and stood up.

The moons glow highlighted the smile he now had as he read the front cover and instantly a nervous knot formed in your belly. Never before had you seen a man so strikingly attractive; his pale skin and raven black hair, styled in waves, were unlike any you had ever seen on a man. And admittedly, you believe you have found your type.

Instead of returning your book to you as you expected, he opened it and peeked inside the pages, turning your face red all over again.

In a flash of shame, you snatched the book from his hands. But when you saw the look of surprise on his face at your sudden grab, you felt compelled to apologise.

"I'm sorry, I um, this isn't a library book, but my own personal notebook." You admit.

"I sincerely apologise, I didn't mean to pry in your diary."

"Oh, no, it is not a diary, but my documented notes and drawings on plants."

"Well that certainly makes more sense, I thought it were odd that a girls diary be titled, "My noted observations on botanical research and floral matter." Loki said amused.

You giggled and nervously tucked a stray hair behind your ear as Loki watched you with rapt attention, his ears perking up in joy at the sound of your laughter. When you realised he was still staring, your gaze returns to his and more awkward exchanges ensued.

Embarrassed, you shyly reply, "It is my calling—nature. I take note of all that I see, to learn, and gain knowledge. Asgard seems to have some species of plants that I've yet to inspect."

Loki furrowed his brow, studying you intently before widening his eyes in realisation. "You are a Gaia!"

You smile, "What gave it away? Is it the lingering aroma of dirt that I can't seem to shift?" You instantly regret your admittance and laugh uncomfortably.

Loki approached you, and to your mortification, he sniffed your body closely. "Not dirt, but a wonderful floral scent emanating from you." As he spoke you could smell the distinct peppermint of his breath.

He drew back, considerately giving you space.

"I've never met a Gaia; a mother of earth before, there are very few, if any left within the realms." You heard his tone carry a note of awe, which made you smile bashfully.

"May I?" He reaches out an arm in the hopes that you'll let him have a closer look at your book.

You hesitate, wondering anxiously if you should. But his genuine interest put your mind at ease.

You placed the book in his palm, and watched him intently as he meticulously flipped through the pages, taking his time to study every hand scribbled word and drawing you had made. A smile formed on his lips as he stopped and analysed one particular page.

"You have left a question mark on this flower, have you no luck in finding it?"

You stepped forward, your body coming very close to his that now you could smell his aroma, an earthy mix of leather and sandalwood. It was intoxicating. You peered into the page and sighed, "Galanthus, also known as the frost flower. The only plant to bloom in sub freezing temperatures. I've yet to venture to a place cold enough to actually see one in real."

"There aren't that many realms that contain ice and snow." Loki stated matter-of-factly. "So it's either tackle Asgards highest snow-capped mountain, or brace yourself for the icy storms of Jotunheim." Loki remarked flately, knowing well that nobody would volunteer to try either.

"Yes, I have imagined that both would be equally as hazardous, but I think I'd rather not hike up a steep peak. Jotunheim seems to be the better choice, and what an adventure that would be." You proclaim with a grin.

Loki glanced at you with intrigue, "You are so fascinating" he murmurs, and you peer at him timidly.

However, feeling too exposed by more of his slip of inner thoughts, Loki quickly added, "The frost flower, and your book, it's all very fascinating."

You respond with a quiet "Hmm," feeling a twinge of rejection, and carefully take the book from his hands.

Loki noticed a change in expression on your face and, fearing he had offended you, he swiftly overcame his shame and reluctance to appear vulnerable, "You, a Gaia, are the single reason of the fascination too."

This time, the flushing sensation spreads throughout your entire body, and not just to your cheeks as you look up at him with a broad smile.

Loki gazed at you and noticed that your cheeks were becoming redder and fuller. His heart was beating just as quickly as the thoughts that were flying through his head. "Is she smiling at me? ... Did I make her blush? ... Who is this beauty before me who stirs my heart?"

"Well, my father awaits me within the ball. And I am already tardy." You murmur.

You had the expectation that if you brought up the ball, he would offer to escort you inside, where you would then politely ask him to dance and continue the conversation.

"Of course, I am sorry again for keeping you. I hope one day to see your book published, it would be a wonderful addition to my library."

You started to say something, but a newly opened door let a torrent of loud music spill into the quiet hallway and the sound of your name echoed out.

"Eden, do I need to bring Sanfil here to enact force? I specifically said two minutes only!" The sound of your father sounding stern, flowed over the noise of the music. 

Hearing the word "force," Loki gave you a worried look, and your first instinct was to quickly reassure him, "That is my father, and force doesn't mean what you think it means." A timid smile sneaks across your face.

Loki relaxed his tense shoulders and his worry faded. "Your name is Eden?" He smiled. "Very fitting for a Gaia of nature."

Before you had a chance to further engage in conversation, the sound of your father talking with another person became louder as he drew closer.

"Eden isn't always so unruly, she just really likes plants. I'm sure she is around here somewhere, Lady Magritte." Your father glanced around for you.

The dissatisfied mutterings of a woman could be heard, and you noticed the dashing stranger in front of you flinch as if her voice were irritating to his ears.

You see his beautiful blue eyes narrow as he looked at someone in the distance, but before you could follow his gaze and see who walks with your father, he grasped your hand and placed a chaste kiss on it.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Eden. A real pleasure." He gently let go of your hand and abruptly departed, leaving you speechless as he darted down the palace steps. You follow after him but halt as you reach the top of the royal steps, where you watch your mysterious stranger vanish into the night with sadness in your eyes.

"The pleasure was mine." You whisper under your breath, disappointed that you never got his name.