Once more, you experience a soft touch on your face, but just like the other times, your eyelids were too heavy to open.

Your body was still incredibly weak, despite the fact that your mind felt energetic.

While your consciousness screamed at your body to move, you employed a tremendous amount of willpower to overcome your fatigued limbs. Eventually, after exerting a considerable amount of force, your eyelids began to flutter open.

You expected to find yourself still in Jotunheim with Loki by your side, the person who you believed had been caring for you during your time of recovery. However, to your shock and horror, Caspian was sitting next to you in your Embrodi quarters, his long fingers gently stroking your face.

You ignore the agony that radiated throughout your body in order to sit up and push yourself away from him.

"What you are doing here?" You scanned the area in quest of Loki or any familiar face. "Where is Loki?"

His sharp features turned even colder at the mention of Loki's name.

"He is where he has been for the last three weeks." He spat, evidently irritated.

"Three weeks!" You exclaim. "I've been asleep for that long?"

"No. You were unconscious for a full week in Jotunheim before Magritte informed your father of your deceit. You were supposed to be in Asgard!" He scorned angrily. "You can imagine how furious your father was when he personally went to Jotunheim to retrieve you, only to find you incapacitated and ill. He quickly took you from that desolate place and returned you home, but not without a struggle to pry you from the hands of that barbarian!"

"Loki.." You murmur, your heart ached as you imagine the turmoil it caused him to have you ripped from his embrace.

"I of course offered my aid. I have tended to your body as you recovered.... bathed you even." He smirked while extending his arm and caressing your bare skin with his fingers. "Such a pleasure that was."

You shudder and abruptly pull away from his touch, while hurriedly bringing the covers over your body, which was clad in a white nightgown. The fabric was so fine that it was virtually see-through, making it quite revealing.

"This is not my gown?" You peeked under the covers and looked at what you were wearing.

"Do you like it? It is the finest satin available. The manner in which it delicately caresses your body and accentuates every contour could make one's mouth water. I dare admit, more than my mouth was salivating when I first dressed you in it."

You clung to the bed covers more securely as his remarks disgusted you.

"Where is Loki? Tell me, please."

He exhaled in obvious irritation. "Like the filth that he is, he camps at the palace gates in squalor with the rest of his tribe, hoping to catch a glimpse of you, his apparent queen." He pouted mockingly at Loki's show of devotion.

"I know what you did, Caspian! You released the Kellite during the meteor storm, disguising it within a natural event so it would go undetected! You attempted genocide!"

Caspian scoffed. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Eden." He smirked as he forcefully grabbed your hand and held it in place despite your efforts to remove it. "Jotunheim was afflicted by a dreadful disease that ravaged the land, but have no fear, they recovered and no one perished."

"Are they truly safe?" You question. "Do not lie to me, Caspian!"

"I'd never do such a thing, my dear Eden." His sickening grin twisted your stomach.

You knew he was lying. You saw the kellite for yourself within his museum of oddities and then in Jotunheim. However, you pray to the gods that he was truthful, that Jotunheim was now safe, and that they successfully managed to create the risky cure that you had noted down.

Did it truly work on saving the children, did it help in purifying the waters to save the life tree?

You desperately needed to speak with Loki or your father in order to obtain more information.

"Father! Sanfil!" Your throat was sore as you called out, causing your voice to sound hoarse.

"Sssh!" He snarled, quickly clamping his hand over your mouth to silence you. His face drew disturbingly close to yours which heightened your unease.

"Dearest Eden, whilst I adore these little snippets of conversation, it always ends the same way. Me, pinning you down and forcing you back to sleep when you get too boisterous."

You exclaim in fear as the horrifying realisation that he's been putting you to sleep dawns on you, and when he perceived that you had become aware, he smirked.

"That look of knowing never gets old." He chuckled.

Now it was abundantly clear. The reason your mind felt refreshed and alert while your body remained feeble and unconscious was because he intentionally kept you asleep. He did so regardless of the fact that you had fully recovered and were healthy.

You attempt to resist him, but his large arms envelop you and force you flat to the mattress. You felt yourself sink into it due to his forceful nature.

"There there, I must insist that you get your beauty sleep. I am still working on convincing your father of my plans to wed you. He is slowly breaking. His grief clouding his judgements. A brain is so much more mailable when torn in misery."

At the sight of the tiny needle in his hand, your pupils dilated and you fought to release a muffled scream. He pinched it to your neck and released a tiny drop of sleeping aid that coursed through your bloodstream. Instantly you felt your eyelids become weighty.

Your body went flaccid before your mind could delve into oblivion, and while you were paralysed and defenceless, you felt his hand slide down your body. His fingers delicately swirled your nipple, and before your eyes inevitably yielded to drowsiness, the lustful look he gave you conveyed that he took great delight in the fact that you were unable to resist.

***

Having not seen you since the day you left Asgard and barred from visiting you ever since she learned of your return home, Frigga marched into your room.

She was full of rage due to King Hoyd's strict rules that prevented any visitor from seeing you, but when she entered your chamber and saw you lying still and motionless, her wrath subsided and she was overcome with sorrow.

She was unprepared for such an emotional outburst; she knew you were unconscious, but seeing you so still and not your usual vivacious self caused her to weep.

She hurriedly approached you and grasped your hand, tears already streaming down her cheeks.

"Oh my dear child." Her motherly instincts compelled her to brush your hair between her fingertips. "I am sorry that I have not come sooner."

Your mind was alert, but your body refused to function. You yelled at yourself to wake up and grasp her, but you were in a deep state of paralysis and could only faintly hear her familiar voice floating around you.

"Have you now resolved your concern, Queen Frigga? You have observed my daughter and can confirm that she is still sleeping. Therefore, I politely ask that you depart." King Hoyd was abrupt with his assertion.

His tone towards the queen made you feel sad. This was not how your father usually conducted himself around esteemed royals.

Queen Frigga was about to respond with a snappy retort when she noticed a tacky ring bearing Alfheim's sigil affixed to your finger. She knew you'd never wear something from Caspian by choice; it indicated that he had been here and had placed it on you himself.

She narrowed her eyes as rage boiled within her, but promptly swallowed it in order to question the king with composure.

"You say none has been allowed to visit Eden during the month of her being home?"
.
.
.

"That's right."

Frigga noted how long it took him to reply. It revealed his hesitation.

She cautiously pressed for more details in a gentle way.

"But I am aware that Alfheim has offered you their help."

King Hoyd was driven to respond to the back of Frigga's head as she continued to talk without looking at him.

"They have." His response was brief and abrupt in the hope that it would end the obvious interrogation. But his short replies only increased Frigga's suspicions. She believed she was being deceived and was determined to uncover the truth.

"Surely, in order to offer assistance, they would need to see Eden and evaluate her condition."

When an uneasy pause ensued, she turned her head to glare accusingly at him.

He fumbled clumsily while attempting to formulate an appropriate response. However, his eyes were drawn to Frigga, who, while delicately caressing your hand, appeared to be pointing out the ring on your finger.

The moment King Hoyd noticed the ring, he realised that his deceit had been exposed. He had no doubts that Frigga had found out about Caspian's presence in the palace and could no longer keep it a secret.

"Caspian has been acquainted with Eden for some time. I permitted him alone to visit her."

She abruptly stood up and glared at him. "I put my faith in you when you stated that you permit no visitors, and I gladly stayed away because it meant the likes of Caspian were also barred from entry. I naively believed you!" She yelled in anger. "How could you foolishly allow him to stay alone with your unconscious daughter?"

"What are you implying! She is completely secure in his care, he has even expressed his desire to marry Eden."

"You can't possibly grant that, she is not awake to accept his proposal."

"She may never awaken! And should she do, who knows what defects will plague her. But Caspian has declared his devotion to her regardless."

"My son loves her! And accepts her wholeheartedly. How dare you allow Caspian around her yet leave my son to reside on the borders of the palace! He has camped outside the walls for the last four weeks and yet you still deny him any knowledge of her condition!" Queen Frigga was furious.

"May I remind you that Asgard was responsible for sending her to that deathtrap of a realm! You and your son are fortunate that I even permit you to enter onto Embrodi soil."

"It was Eden's choice, she was never coerced!"

"You took advantage of my daughter's desire to help those in need. It was the disease that afflicted Jotunheim that has brought about her current condition... She died Frigga! Her heart halted for an extended period of time. Caspian has been nothing but helpful during this difficult situation. And I... I am sincerely considering his request to transport her to Alfheim."

"You can't be serious?" Frigga yelled. "She cannot be taken to Alfheim! She can't be around him alone!"

"She is not alone. She will have Magritte who will tend to her while Caspian puts all his effort into finding a cure. I am confident that she will wake."

Frigga breathed rapidly, her mind whirling in response to this revelation. "When? ... When will she be moved?"

"After tomorrow."

She gasped.

"So this is the reason why you permitted me to visit her now. You know the Elves will never allow Asgard or Jotunheim entry onto their lands. We may never see her again!" She exclaimed in disbelief. "And yet you still decide to discard Eden in Alfheim."

The use of the term discard made King Hoyd furious.

"I will disregard your harsh words without retaliation because I believe your concern for my daughter is genuine. However, it is best that you say your farewells now, as I will no longer be receiving visitors. I wish to spend Eden's final hours in Embrodi in peace."

"And Loki? Can he not come and say goodbye?"

"No!"

"Please, I beg of you. He loves your daughter."

"He groomed my daughter! God knows what unholy things he forced her into. A married king. You should be ashamed of his monstrous ways."

"My son is no monster! And his sham marriage to Magritte is in the process of annulment. There is no one else in these realms who will love her as fiercely as he does!"

"And yet he failed to protect this fierce love!" He scoffed before experiencing sudden chest discomfort and instinctively clutched his chest.

Sanfil, who was standing within the doorway, immediately rushed forward and grabbed his king.

Frigga observed with dread.

"My king, you must rest; your heart cannot sustain so much turmoil." Sanfil led his ruler out of the room and seated him in the palace common area.

Frigga resumed her seat besides you and began stroking your cheek.

"My dearest daughter, how I wish you would wake. Without you, neither Loki nor your father will survive."

"She cannot go to Alfheim."

Frigga turned around to observe Sanfil lingering near the doorway. She stood up and regarded him with intrigue.

He carried himself in a sombre manner as he drew closer towards her.

"Eden has never liked Caspian." He firmly asserted. "I've always trusted her intuition. If she voluntarily travelled to Jotunheim then I'm confident that she did so with full knowledge of its perils. But within my heart, I am sure that she would never desire to enter Alfheim."

"Convince your king, he needs to know how you feel." Frigga urged.

"Don't you think that I've tried? Caspian has whispered enticing promises in his ear. Now, king Hoyd views him as his only chance to save his daughter. My words simply fall on deaf ears." He sighed, his spirits low. "You must take her before Caspian does."

Frigga regarded him in surprise, alarmed by his sudden proposition.

"You realise that Asgard risks a war between Embrodi and Alfheim should we do as you suggest and kidnap her."

"I am conscious of the dangers posed. And if you approve, I would like to proceed." He stared attentively at Frigga's expression of doubt, and he recognised her concern that this could be an elaborate ploy, but he hoped that she would trust him.

Frigga scrutinised him carefully, allowing her instincts to guide her response, and as she gazed upon the tough exterior of a seasoned high ranking officer, she saw the caring sincerity behind his eyes.

"I have the means to sneak you in tonight; you may take her to Asgard and conceal her within your walls until I can convince my king of his error. I will make him see sense, I just need more time." Sanfil began to beg as he grew desperate.

Frigga pondered his plan, and while doing so she looked around the room and noticed the many tokens of affection. Gifts, flowers and poems that Loki had sent you everyday during his absence.

He was clinging to the last of his hope, despite being trapped outside the palace barriers and going crazy with uncertainty of your well-being. Frigga knew that his fragile psyche in this state would not last long before he simply burst through the palace walls and snatched you. And the repercussions of this action would be severe.

She also knew that if he discovered that Caspian had been granted visiting privileges and that you were intended to reside in Alfheim, he wouldn't hesitate to launch an attack and immediately declare war.

She heaved a sigh, knowing what she had to do to prevent her son from committing a severe crime.

This was not how she had hoped for things to unfold as she desired to maintain a cordial relationship with Embrodi. However, she had no choice but to agree to Sanfil's proposition and discreetly take you away in the dead of night, despite the danger to her own realm.

"I will come at nightfall." She confidently declared.

"And King Odin? He will be in agreement with the risks?" Sanfil questioned.

Frigga smiled. "A war does not phase my husband. Not when his family are threatened. His sons are his legacy, and as Eden belongs to Loki, she is now our family too."

Sanfil breathed an air of relief upon learning that the great King Odin would assist in your protection. His hope was refilled that all will go to plan.

"Then come with only one other person whom you trust. But Loki must not know. Caspian and my king both keep watch over the palace. The abrupt disappearance of Loki and his Docats that prowl the walls will be cause for suspicion."

Frigga contemplated whom else she could ask for support, someone who cared about you and could maintain strict confidentiality.

"I know exactly who to seek the help of. He will be discreet, you have my word."

Sanfil nodded in affirmation, confident and hopeful that the agreed-upon plan will be successful.

***

Caspian made an appearance into the palace shortly after Frigga's departure, but Sanfil made sure to keep a close watch from the doorway as he sat beside you.

He spoke without bothering to glance back at Sanfil since he despised the palace staff, believing them to be inferior.

"There is no need for you to be a useless shadow; I can monitor her all by myself." He sneered.

"Eden leaves for Alfheim tomorrow. I wish to see her for as long as possible before she departs." Sanfil tried to reply with an answer that wouldn't instigate an argument. He wanted this evening to go smoothly before the planned rescue took place.

"I suppose it's best you do. Once she crosses the borders of Alfheim, it may be a very long time before you see her again." He turned to look at him, but only to display a malicious grin of gleeful satisfaction.

"You would prohibit my visit?" Sanfil asked in disbelief.

"Consider it small retribution for all the times you made excuses for her and prevented me from visiting."

Sanfil discreetly clenched his fists tightly and dug his nails into his palm to control his escalating fury.

However, the inquisitive nature of Caspian's intellect led him to notice Sanfil's anger management technique, and he laughed as he turned back to gaze at you.

"She will no longer have a security guard making petty lies to be away from me." The arrogance in his tone was evident as he further mocked Sanfil by demoting him to a mere security worker.

He grasped your limp hand and placed it to his lips. "She is delightfully obedient when asleep. It feels rather refreshing that she doesn't resist my touch. Submission suits her."

He moved his hand up your body, purposely allowing Sanfil full view of his palm smoothing against your breasts before he reached your face.

Sanfil's fury boiled over, and he inched forward in an attempt to restrain Caspian, but he stopped himself quickly. He knew that Caspian desired this response and would use his assault as a reason to remove you from Embrodi tonight instead of tomorrow.

The disgust that settled in Sanfil's stomach shocked and revolted him. Now he worried for your purity, and not just your freedom.

Sanfil remained in the room and observed Caspian with vigilance. However, Caspian quickly grew bored when he couldn't elicit any sort of reaction from him and promptly left.

Once alone, Sanfil gently touched your hand and stared at you with remorse.

"He will never take you, Eden. I will die before that happens."

***

Loki pounded on the palace's gates, his agitation growing with each blow.

"Tell me, what news of my beloved!" He pleads, imploring the Embrodi guards that trailed the walls for any bit of news. However, they were pledged to silence and were only permitted to speak when King Hoyd authorised it.

Loki persisted in rattling the bars, creating such a loud racket that the irritated guards fled to the other side of the wall's defences to escape the noise. When he saw that they had moved away, he dejectedly slid down the wall.

However, he soon heard a whisper from above and glanced up to see a guard peering down at him from the top of the towering stone wall.

"You must stop your banging King Loki. Our king has given us no news this day."

"But it is nearing nightfall, and I have received no word!"

The guard could only look at him with remorse. He already took a risk by speaking with him.

"Please guard, go to see her, tell me anything, anything!"

The guard observed Loki's frazzled state. It was unbelievable to witness a royal in filthy clothes that resembled poorhouse attire; camping outside the palace gates. He felt sorrow for him. Never before had he seen a king appear so dishevelled.

"Come Loki," Ovahh said with sadness. "You must eat in order to maintain your energy." Ovahh led him away from the walls, and Loki staggered from his extreme exhaustion and despair.

"Wait." The guard abruptly spoke.

Loki spun around and gazed upward with hopeful eyes.

"I am to have my break soon. Give me a gift to take to the palace, and I will ask my lady who works in the kitchens to deliver it to her room. She will give me news of how Princess Eden looks."

Loki beamed him a grin, and felt inclined to know the name of the Embrodi guard who's small act of compassion greatly boosted his spirits.

"What is your name." Loki asked.

The guard hesitated, as no high-ranking royal had ever inquired about his name.

"F-Finnion." He stuttered.

"Then I truly thank you, Finnion, and I extend my gratitude to your lady as well."

Finnion smiled, and nodded with blushed cheeks.

Loki quickly dashed towards the small dwelling he had constructed as a temporary residence, though it was hardly ever utilised as he barely slept and rarely ate.

He quickly peered around for anything, but found nothing worthy enough. He had already given you everything he had on site. He opened up his palm and tried to conjure something beautiful, but his magic was weak because his body demanded sustenance and rest.

He sagged into a chair, his shoulders hunched over with the weight of his failure.

"I crafted this during the abundant moments of idleness that we've been forced to endure on this dreadful vacation. Maybe you could gift it to Eden." Ovahh spoke up.

Loki raised his head and saw Ovahh holding out a figurine that he had carved from Embrodi wood.

He delicately removed it from Ovahh's grasp and inspected the intricate details he had implemented into his work of art.

"It is us." Loki murmured, emotion filling him.

Ovahh smiled. "Yes. It is the three of us embracing with no barrier between us."

"It is wonderful, Ovahh. Your craftsmanship is unrivalled, and Eden will adore it." Loki fought back tears, feeling extremely grateful for his friend. "Thank you."

Ovahh wrapped his large arms over Loki's shoulders, and both hastily returned to the walls, hoping that the guard had not yet departed for his break. When Loki saw Finnion waiting for him near the gates, he exhaled a sigh of relief.

He excitedly handed the little figurine through the narrow space between the metal bars. "Take this to Eden. Should she be awake, or asleep, relay that Loki loves her, and that this gift is from her friend Ovahh."

Finnion nodded and placed the ornament into his pocket; however, before he could depart, Ovahh spoke up, wishing to convey his own massage.

"And tell Eden that I'm severely disappointed in my first ever vacation. Embrodi hospitality is brutal."

The kind guard chuckled before disappearing into the lowering sunset.

***

Anya walked purposefully through the palace corridors, clutching a small wooden figurine that her beloved Finnion had given her.

Normally, she would not dare leave the kitchens, where she was assigned, but Finnion's explanation of King Loki's desperate need for news of the princess prompted her to risk leaving.

She adored Finnion's empathetic heart, which had gotten them both into trouble when they were previously caught in sneaky embraces. But this was a peril on an entirely different level, and she couldn't deny that she feared being caught by a particular elf who frequently roamed the halls, inducing fear in everyone at the palace.

Having passed the halfway point without being questioned by personnel, she felt confident that the worst was over. However, as she approached the doors to the royal suites, the sound of loud footsteps from behind the door caused her heart to race. She pressed herself against the wall and remained still, expecting someone to exit through the doors at any moment.

When the door angrily swung open and a stern-looking elf emerged, she quickly cast her sight downward, avoiding his piercing gaze.

She had hoped he wouldn't notice her and continue walking past, but he stopped and cocked his head to the side, studying her shy form with curiosity.

"Where do you go, girl?"

She breathed rapidly, unable to look at him.

"I..I ."

"There you are, Anya. Your assistance was required a while ago!" Sanfil pretended to scorn her.

"What need do you have for this girl?" Caspian questioned with suspicion.

He had specifically instructed Sanfil that only the required individuals were permitted to see you. And he made sure to instill dread within the Embrodi palace so that the staff would not be inclined to pass on information to Loki. So seeing an unknown girl attempting to enter the royal quarters made him suspicious.

"It is not your concern." Sanfil abruptly spoke.

"If it involves Eden, then it is entirely my concern! I am in charge of her care, am I not!"

Sanfil growled under his breath.

"Anya is required to pack Eden's essentials. She is familiar with what Eden needs for her duration in Alfheim."

Caspian released a pleased laugh. "Well, carry on." He permitted Anya to depart, but before she entered through the door, he called out to her once more.

"Make sure to pack the pink lace slip that is in the third draw, I quite like that piece of nightware."

With a small bow, she quickly retreated. However, Caspian looked directly at Sanfil before giving a small grin and disappearing.

When Sanfil walked inside your room, he noticed Anya hovering anxiously in the centre.

"Thank you guard Sanfil. I.. I was so scared of him."

"I noted your fear, Anya. But tell me. Why have you ventured from the kitchens. It is not wise to do so in such uneasy times."

"I know. But my betrothed, guard Finnon, sent me to check on Princess Eden. Please don't punish him. He passes information to Loki, who grows desperate each day."

Sanfil sighed. "Do not fret, girl. I know Finn. He is sincere and has a big heart. It is no surprise that he feels remorse for King Loki's plight. I too feel the guilt at not being able to update him."

"He asks of her well-being. What should I say?"

"Say what you see, young Anya." He slumped in a chair, exhausted.

Anya surveyed the room and observed the gifts and flowers, noting that each vase contained exquisite poems written in Loki's script.

"He truly cares for her, doesn't he?" She said after reading a short but sweet note of adoration.

"No man would stay in such filth, pleading each day for even the slightest bit of news, if his heart were not breaking. No king would abandon the security of his throne or kingdom if he didn't care. It is clear to see, young Anya, that the word care is insufficient to characterise King Loki's emotions. I don't recall ever having seen such passionate affection before."

Anya walked towards you and observed your sleeping face. "Even in sleep, I sense her goodness. I miss her." Anya said lowly. "I often watched her in the garden as she tended to her blossom tree. She was a curious princess."

"She is..." Sanfil corrected. "Not was."

"Is..." Anya repeated.

She placed the little wooden figurine in your hands and closed your fingers around it. "This is from your friend Ovahh, who wishes to see you again. And this is from your Loki." She placed a tender kiss on your cheek and whispered softly in your ear. "He wishes to relay that he loves you with all his heart and for you to wake up soon."

She turned towards Sanfil who still lounges in the chair, his eyes drooping from sleep deprivation. "May I take something of hers and give it to Loki?"

Sanfil, too sleepy, merely nods.

Anya searched the drawer beside her in hopes of finding what she was looking for. When she did, she smiled and continued talking to you as though you were listening.

"When my love, Finn, went away, I gave him a lock of my hair. I don't think you will mind if I take some of yours and give it to your own love." She snipped a lock of your hair with the scissors she found and secured it with a small ribbon. "This will keep his heart strong princess Eden. But do try and wake."

Anya stood up and placed your lock of hair securely in her pocket. She snuck past a dozing Sanfil, so as not to disturb his much-needed rest, and exited through the doors.

***

Loki sat cross-legged on the ground, his eyes continually scanning behind the palace gates for the guard he had come to know as Finn. However, his gaze was fixed on a young woman who was attempting to remain inconspicuous by sticking to the shadowy walls.

"Psst." She called out. Not yet noticing that Loki was on the ground and already waiting.

"Have you news for me, Lady."

She jolted when she heard a voice coming from the darkness.

Loki rose to his feet and approached the gates, his form now discernible from the flickering flame torch that was affixed to the wall.

"King Loki, I presume." She recognised the look of love sick despair.

"Yes. Though, having been reduced to living in squalor, I do not feel regal. I am surprised you recognised me."

She chuckled. "It is because of your bleak appearance that I recognised you. Only love could bring a king to sit in the dirt.... I am Anya, Finn's betrothed. I have news of Princess Eden."

Loki clenched the bars with both of his hands and waited with bated breath while his eyes pleaded with her to divulge all information.

"She sleeps still. But she looks well. Her cheeks were rosey. I have relayed your message into her ear and placed a kiss on her cheek. She looks confortable. Not cold and sickly." She reassured.

Loki exhaled in relief. It was information he desired to hear. Four weeks ago, his mental image of you was pallid and limp. Knowing that you looked well helped mend a portion of his heart.

"So she, she was not blue?" He warily asked.

Anya arched a brow and looked at him with confusion. "Blue?" She repeated.

"Her skin..."

Anya shook her head, still confused, but answered the best she could. "No, she was not cold, her skin was flush and vibrant." Anya assumed Loki was referring to the occurrence of blue skin when exposed to extreme cold.

However, Loki enquired because the last time he saw you, your body flickered in blue hues and your eyes occasionally turned red. He was concerned that your body was still continuing to have an adverse reaction.

"Here. This is for you." She held out her hand.

Loki observed as she opened her palm to reveal a lock of hair, and immediately he knew it was yours. He snatched it from her hand, not meaning to be so rough, but it was a piece of you, and he was desperate to feel you.

He brought it to his nose and inhaled. The comforting aroma of you brought instant calm to his broken heart.

A tear rolled down his cheek as he expressed gratitude. "How can I thank you, Lady Anya."

"No compensation is required. I only ask that you do not tell of my participation to prince Caspian. He scares me."

Loki's visage darkened, and he swiftly seized her wrist to prevent her from fleeing before he could obtain an answer.

"The elf is in the palace? How? When?"

She saw the dread in his eyes and quickly answered him. "He frequents the palace often. Taking charge of her care."

"I have seen no carriage. No visitors who have travelled this route." He stated in shock.

"There is access from the back. He takes an alternative path to avoid you." Anya's wrist began to hurt as Loki's growing rage caused him to unconsciously grasp her tighter.

"You are hurting me, King Loki." She cried.

Loki released his hand, and begged for her forgiveness. She stepped back from the gate and cradled her bruised wrist.

"Please. I must go. I have said enough." She dashed off while pulling her hood over her head, vanishing into the darkness.

"That evil, conniving elf!" Loki growled as he strutted towards his tent and barged through to find Ovahh sharpening his blade.

"I had a feeling I would need this." Ovahh said, holding up his sharpened knife. "I assume, by your sudden rage, we now take to fighting instead of frolicking in the dirt?"

"I gave King Hoyd my patience out of respect for Eden. But he brought my wrath upon himself."

Ovahh stood up and sheathed his dagger on his belt. "It's about time we got our queen back."

"Ready the Docats. We storm down the gates!" Loki commanded.