Jadis didn't see Loki for three days. She wasn't surprised, but she wasn't happy about it. Perhaps the next time her father came to visit, which was rare, so it wouldn't be for months yet, she could inquiry about Loki. Although her father would likely have forgotten about him by then. Even though Loki was Grandmaster's favorite now, the others hadn't last long. With his wiles and charms, he may be able to last a few more weeks, or even still be allowed to live somewhere in the city at the end of it, but he wouldn't be paying her any more visits.
Jadis rolled her shoulders, stretching her neck side-to-side as she stepped back. She had been working for an hour or two on a large embroidery project. It was a thin tapestry, five foot tall, three feet wide. It had the city skyline across the middle. Three bodies were curled up below the city, facing the viewer, holding hands. There was a large form in the center, and two smaller ones on each side. Their knees were drawn up, heads bowed. A woman stretched across the top of the tapestry in a sleeping position. One arm was extended out with her head resting on it. Her blond hair draped down the sky, the ends almost brushing the top of the buildings. She was only an outline for the time being, but the rest of the tapestry was completed. She had taken up embroidery a few years ago, there were several large tapestries she had already made and hung around the house, most of them attesting to her pain and loneliness.

I need some tea. She walked down to the kitchen for a brief respite. After the tea was made and cooling, she remembered she had wanted to put the books she left out in the library away. So, she strolled over to her library that was stocked with books, couches, and pillows. Her father never denied anything she wanted, other than her freedom. A few books were on one of the end tables. She swooped by, picking them up, and delivered them to their respective shelves.

"You forgot your tea," Loki said behind her.

Loki?! Jadis spun around. There he was, his pale skin, black hair, green eyes. He was just standing there with a grin, her teacup in his hand. "Loki." She crossed the space between them, unsure what she was going to do, but wanting to be near him.

He set her cup down and pulled her into a hug, then pecked her lips. "I told you I would be back."

"Well, you are the god of lies," she said.

"Where did you hear that?"

"I asked Selene to investigate a little."

"Sneaky girl."

Jadis hugged him tightly. "How did you get my father to let you back?" she asked over his shoulder.

"I did what I told you I would. I told Grandmaster I wanted to teach you some new tricks. I promised him an Asgardian song and dance." He pulled back a little. "I've got two ideas for it, I'm excited to see you do one of them." He smirked.

She narrowed her eyes, turning her head slightly away from him. "Why do I have the feeling I'm not going to enjoy this as much as you?"

"Personally, I think we'll both like it," he said, leaning closer again.

"Hm." Jadis stepped out of his arms. "We'll see. I have to put away my things." She turned to go back to her embroidery room.

"You forgot your tea again." Loki was a step behind her, holding the tea in his large hand.

She twisted slightly without stopping to grab it. "Thank you." She took a sip of the now room-temperature drink and smiled.

"Don't tell me you actually enjoyed that now that it's cold," said Loki.

"I like my drinks cold." She turned into her embroidery room. Her work-in-progress was hanging on the wall, her tiny needles and thin floss waiting in front of it.

Loki stopped in the middle of the room while she started packing up her things. "Did you make all of these?" He was referencing the several tapestries she had on the wall.

She shrugged. "I embroidered them anyway. It gives me something to do. Most of the tapestries you see in the house are mine."

"They're lovely." He stepped closer to one to inspect it.

"Thank you." While she put away her things, Loki drifted around, looking closely at each of her tapestries. Her favorite was one of a woman with two almost invisible babies in her arms and an almost invisible man with his hands on her shoulders. Loki mentioned that was his favorite as well.

When everything was put away, they went to the sitting room, where Loki proceeded to explain the songs and dances he had planned for her. One of them included a revealing outfit and a sultry tune.

Jadis rolled her purple-ish eyes when he mentioned it. "No."

"Oh, come on," he said with a grin. "It'll be fun."

"I refuse to be turned into one of Father's floozies."

"You're overdramatizing. One dance isn't going to—"

"No, Loki." Jadis raised her eyebrows warningly. "I've been that person before, and I will not be that person again." She pushed her hair out of her eyes, looking away from him.

The black-haired man was quiet for a minute. "I'm sorry," he finally said. "I won't bring it up again."

Jadis sighed. "Thank you. Let's just work on the other song."

For the next hour, Loki taught Jadis the rousing song he had planned. He had a nice voice, and she enjoyed learning from him. After that hour, they had some tea, her cold cup long since finished.

"What's it like?" she asked him while they sat in the kitchen. "Having a brother?"

He rolled his eyes. "It is an extreme inconvenience most of the time. He interrupts whatever I'm doing often. And he always gets the bulk of the attention. But... it can be nice having someone by your side in a battle. I suppose."

She tapped her fingers around her cup. "Do you miss him?"

He shrugged. "No."

She half-smiled. "Liar."

"So what if I am?" He smirked devilishly at her. "You'll still love me."

Jadis snorted. "Love you? You are an arrogant one to make that claim."

"Perhaps." He rose to put his cup on the counter. When he passed her, he leaned down and whispered, "but you didn't deny it." She blushed a little as he continued on.

"Do you have any more plans for the afternoon or were you just here for the music lesson?" she asked, changing the subject.

"I have a few ideas what we could do with the rest of the day."

"And I have a feeling I have a few ideas of yours that I'll be shooting down for the rest of the day."

Loki had been visiting Jadis every few days, whenever Grandmaster allowed him to sneak away. If he wasn't with Jadis, he was with the Grandmaster. He was a strange man, but he enjoyed Loki's company, and Loki was enjoying living like a noble.

"Loki," Grandmaster said one day, taking a gulp of whatever alcoholic drink he had. "You've been spending a lot of time with Jadis." He paused, probably expecting the other man to say something. When he didn't, the lord of the land continued. "I wanted to make sure you're being careful with my treasure. She had her heart broken years ago by a criminal young man and I don't want it to happen again. It was so bad that she hid away in that house and asked me to ensure she never had her heart broken again." He placed a hand over his own heart, sighing.

Loki ground his teeth together, hearing lie after lie come from the white-haired man before him. He swallowed, composing himself. "Of course. I completely understand. I swear, that I would never do anything like that to your daughter. My only interest in her is to make you happy. By the way, her lessons are coming along splendidly. She'll be ready to present to you by your next celebration."

"Wonderful!" Grandmaster clapped his hands together. "I look forward to seeing what you prepared for me." He waved a hand, dismissing Loki.

As the black-haired prince walked out, he growled to himself. That man doesn't deserve Jadis. No, she doesn't deserve to have him as a father. If I could take her far away without getting the two of us killed, I would. He could suddenly see the two of them reigning as king and queen in Asgard, or at least living somewhere far away from the Grandmaster and this cursed planet. If only....

Only one chapter left! Thank you for the reads and the votes, please keep them coming! There is nothing more encouraging to me! 

Stay happy!

~AJ.