"What?" Loki demands, I felt his anger settle in my skin, I found that my eyes were watering but I couldn't let myself start crying again. "Why? Why you of all people?" He says, sadness and anger practically boiling inside him. I sat up in the bed, my back resting on the headboard. I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, shame married my guilt and had children of pity and culpability, families of remorse and longing growing in a matter of seconds, multiplying like bacteria. I clenched my eyes shut before looking at him.

"He t-told me if I refused he would have no choice but to banish me from Asgard," I say, ashamed that I told him I would go through with it. "You didn't answer my question," Loki gritted, shifting so he faced me. "Why you?" He demands, his eyes desperate for an answer. I gave him a sympathetic look, then look down. I didn't want to tell him, but he had to know. Loki knew what I was thinking and he says "Show me," I just nod, too exhausted to fight him.

I let him slip into my mind, and I imagine the visions I had, my private conversations with Thor, Odin telling me to keep my being from Loki and all others, him telling me when I had to marry thor, me healing my ankle, everything I could imagine that would explain it to him.

When I open my eyes, Loki stares at me with confusion in his eyes. "So.. you're a god? Sif's a god.Why did he pick you? This is Asgard, why does that make you different?" Loki says I sense his impatience in his tone. "I guess it has something to do with me being his admiral. But, I don't know who my parents are, maybe they're Royal or something..? The point is I can't get out of it, " I tell Loki. He sighs, his breath is shaky as he glares down at the floor, so intensely I half expected the carpet to squirm away from his scrutiny.

"Thor is doing everythi-" "Thor is a coward!" Loki erupts. I grow quiet, I know right now I shouldn't defend Thor. Loki's breathing slows, indicating that he calmed down. Loki stares at my wrist, the one that bears the bracelet that he gave me.

"Can you promise me something?" He asks me. "Anything," I whisper.

"Please, don't take this off," Loki whispers, he touches my wrist that bore the bracelet, tracing the emeralds encrusted in it. I nod, and I dare draw closer to him, as selfish the idea, I wanted him to make it alright. I needed his hands and his lips to make our problems disappear. I pull closer to him and met our lips gently, bracing my hands on the bed as I leaned into him, my lips moving in sync with his. He cups my waist with his hand and draws me against him, tugging me into his embrace, he sighed against my lips, and though his skin was pressed into mine I felt his distance, could practically see him floating away from me. I break apart our kiss and connect my forehead with his. "I'll do everything I can to get out of this, Loki" I whisper, our breaths mingling and his lips hovering over mine. His fingers fold into my hair, pulling me as close as he could get me as he kisses me. After a moment he pulls back, seeming more distant than before.

He kisses my forehead, then says "I know you will, love," He starts begins to walk away, and right before he leaves, I reply, "Wait." I call. He looks at me and walks back over. "Will you stay with me?" I ask, biting my lip shyly. He sits next to me hesitantly, he seemed far off into his head and I couldn't even begin to comprehend what he could be thinking . "Of course."

We nestle next to each other in my bed, and he pulls me up against him as I drift in his arms.

-

The next morning, the previous day came rushing back as soon as I open my eyes. I have to go to an engagement party, with THOR.

I groan and roll out of the bed, literally roll, my body hit the floor with a thud. I groan again, throwing my hand over my head with an exaggerated sigh. I stood up and wobbled on my feet, rubbing my eyes as I adjusted to the sunlight that poured through the window. I notice something on my nightstand and I sit back onto the bed, reaching for it. 

On my nightstand was a note that read, I went to go get dressed, I'll wait for you outside your door. -Loki. On my dresser was a dress, it was navy blue and red, Thor's colors. I groaned again, dragging myself to the dress. I picked it up and examined it, it's most definitely Thor's colors alright. I resisted the vile rising in my throat at the thought of me marrying him, being with him and bearing his heirs. There was nothing wrong with Thor, of course, but Gods the man was like my brother. I'd never in my life put myself in a romantic scenario with him.

Okay, blatant lie, I had a crush on him when we were mere children. But it wasn't as if that amounted to anything now.

I shivered and touched the fabric longingly, wishing I could be anywhere else but here. I began to wonder, would it be so bad to be banished? Live on Vanaheim, the haven of all species? I wondered what it'd be like to live deep in the woods of the Vanir, or maybe leave the Nine Realms completely, live amongst the stars and the other Planets.

I sighed in longing, but shame hit me hard in the stomach when I thought of Loki.

The man who cared for me, and whom I loved dearly, I bit my lip. How could I forget about him for one second? I almost kicked the wardrobe in my frustration, then I realize I was being dramatic
I set Loki's bracelet on the top of the dresser and picked up the dress, under it was a note: I'm sorry -Frigga I set the note aside and put on the dress. It was lacey and had an open back, the dress was long and reached to my ankles and brushed the floor.

The lace quarter-length sleeves hung below my shoulders, exposing my shoulder area. I slid on Loki's bracelet over the thin lace gloves, and after a second thought yanked them off and tossed the gloves into the drawer, then put on my shoes. I found a pendant and earrings waiting for me and frowned in distaste, decided to leave those behind. Considering that these were waiting for me, I realized servants had left these and made a mental note to acknowledge t with Cal. then exited my chambers, ready for the worst.

I open the door, Loki stands there, leaning against his door, waiting like he promised. "Morning, love." Loki mumbles, dazed. His sadness is so strong I barely need my powers to feel it in me. "I promise, Lyra. I will do everything I can do get you out of this," Loki says, grabbing one of my arms.

"What if your father banishes you?" I ask. He chuckles, "I highly doubt that. But just in case, would you come with me?" He asks, almost teasingly. But his face was nothing humorous, his eyes examining my dress and a scowl crossing his face.

"Of course," I say, I reach upward slightly, then give him a small kiss on the cheek.

"We have to go," I tell him, he nods and we start for the party. A frown gracing both our faces.

-

When we get to the place, Thor is the first person I spot. Mainly because he starts walking towards us. I could feel Loki start to get angry but I wave him off. "Lyra, could I speak to you for one moment?" Thor asks, looking at Loki. Loki scowls at him but walks off, but I knew he'd be listening. "Lyra, I'm sorry about this. My father isn't budging at all." Thor says.

I stare at the ground, feeling Thor's desperation in the air. "I'm sorry your father is making you do this," Is all I can I manage to say to him without somehow yelling at someone. Thor and I stand in silence. "What would your father do if he found out who it is I've fallen in love with?" I ask.

"I do not know, but I do know we should be advised to try and not tell him," Thor says.

I nod, and I hear Loki speak in my head, "I don't care what he would do to me, I just want you to be happy."

I sigh and meet Loki's eyes from across the room. "Please, whatever you do, do not draw attention to yourself," I say, giving Loki a pleading look. He doesn't answer me, which makes me worry more. I send him a look that's says it all and he looks away from me.

Odin starts up from his throne, gaining attention from everyone in the room. "You are all probably wondering why I have gathered you all here," Odin says, earning nods from the room.

"Well, today, we are celebrating the engagement of my son and the lady Lyra!" Some people cheer in the room, some people gasp, and some clap Thor on the shoulder and murmur a 'congratulations'. Lady Sif, who had been standing across the room, snagged my eyes and gave me an alarmed glance. I felt guilt for not coming to her at all to discuss this, she was my best companion, but I would confide in her later.

"I'm very proud to say Lady Lyra and my son, Thor, will be marrying and shall take the title of king and queen!"

I fought the vile rising in my throat.

-

The party was long and almost too much to bear. I wore that stupid dress and spent the whole time with Thor, looking around for Loki who had left after Odin's announcement.

Tomorrow would be Thor's crowning. And just a few days after, will be the day I will have to marry him.

It was a typical engagement, of a typical engagement was your best friend's father demanding you marry his son in a few days or say goodbye to everyone you've ever loved.

A typical engagement indeed.