As Loki's legs grew cold from kneeling in the snow for a lengthy period of time, a gust of wind rushed into his face and swept his hair from his slumped head.

Normally, such a chill would cause even the hardiest frost giant to involuntarily shiver, but the ache in his heart had rendered him numb. He looked down at his hands, still feeling yours within them, yet his attention was drawn to the delicate impressions in the snow. Your footprints.

"Eden," he smiled, before sighing and resuming his depressed mood.  "I wish that you were mine." He spoke sadly to himself.

He reluctantly recalled his first encounter with Magritte and compared it to his first meeting with you. Magritte awoke dormant emotions of self loathing, instilled him with insecurity, and made him ashamed of his heritage. As a result, he disregarded his senses which implored him to flee the entire time; especially at the awful wedding. How he wished he had just listened to his intuition.

But you, he was drawn to you like a moth to a flame; you lured him in, and his senses were lit up; elevated positively by your presence, constantly pumping happy endorphins around his body.

Now, as he thinks of you, the nagging voices that control his senses once again pleads, urges, and roars at him, but not to run away, but to reach out to you, to fight for your heart, and to not let you go. And as his mind became overwhelmed by the increasing volume of these utterances, Loki realised that disregarding his better judgement was what got him into this mess. Ignoring it led to the greatest error of his life. So why was he continuing to dismiss the power of his intuition?

"I can't let you go, Eden. I'm holding on to hope that you will be my future. Whether friendship or something more, I need you."

As a surge of fresh optimism flooded his system, he leapt out of the snow smiling. He looked up to the sky as twilight rolled in, then looked towards the palace, grinning wider at knowing you were inside.

"The gods heard my desperate call of your name and sent you to Jotunheim. Fate brought you to me for a reason."

Loki believed from the depths of his heart that it was true. He wasn't going to abandon a chance to pursue your affection; when would he have this rare opportunity again?

He overlooked your rejection, and instead evoked the positive feelings of butterflies that he was certain you also experienced. He inhaled deeply and expelled all negative thoughts with his exhalation, allowing them to dissipate with the breeze.

He began walking towards his palace without a concrete plan and without knowing how he would pursue you, but he had full confidence in his capacity to succeed.

On his way to the palace, he saw a guard carrying a heavy-looking case that he presumed contained your belongings. He ran towards Dagr and examined the trunk.

"That looks heavy..." he smiled.

***

You walked in silence with Ovahh towards your chambers, admiring the regal furnishings that reminded you so much of Asgard's palace. You realise that Loki must have drawn inspiration from his mother's designs in order to combine his and her tastes within his own palace.

Ovahh abruptly stopped and opened a large door, gesturing for you to enter while waiting outside.

You hesitated to go in since you didn't want to say goodbye to him just yet. You noticed that during the sombre stroll to your room, you sensed some animosity between you and Ovahh, and the unusually large distance he kept between you was a dead giveaway. It wasn't just a precaution in case he ran into you; he was entirely kitted out, with almost no Jotun skin visible. Therefore, you knew his hostile attitude towards you was due to the previous encounter with Loki.

"Have I done something to offend you, Ovahh?"

"No, princess Eden." His reply was formal and flat. Gone was his happy demeanour.

You frown, "That is a blatant lie."

"Princess Eden, your room has already been preheated; leaving the door open will only allow the heat to escape; please enter where you will be more comfortable."

You grumble at his command, but you comply and access your room, only to abruptly turn around and stare at him in the doorway.

"There, I am inside. Now, will you talk with me as you once did. Where is happy Ovahh?"

"I must go, princess Eden. Please rest, and I will ask the palace personnel to supply you with warmer clothes."

You huff in annoyance, and Ovahh turns to leave, but you quickly grasp his cloak and drag him into your room. You slam the door shut and brace yourself against it to prevent his escape.

"Enough with this absurd title nonsense. We survived a deadly storm together, and thus we are friends now, so address me by birdy or by my name!"

Ovahh stared at you in shock, gazing at the small Embrodi princess who just flung a large frost giant into her room.

"Eden, you can't do that! And I can't be in your room!"

"Well I did, and you are."

"You are extremely odd, Birdy." He grinned wide, unable to stay mad at you.

You released a breath of relief. "Well thank the gods you have came to your senses. Now tell me, why have you been so uppity with me?"

Ovahh subsequently turned around and sat on your bed. He slumped against the mattress and gazed upward at the canopy. The solace of being himself in your presence had returned.

"I think we have a situation here, Birdy."

You approach him and gaze over his anxious face while grasping the wooden bedpost.

"Well yes, I am aware. But that's why I am here, to help remedy the problem that has just started in Jotunheim"

He looked at you. "I'm not taking about that particular problem," he stated, sitting up. "But thanks for the awful reminder." He cradled his head within his hands in apparent despair.

As you took a seat next to him, he felt the mattress sag, and he turned to you with a sorrowful expression.

"He has never been angry with me like that before, that isn't how he usually is."

You presumed he was talking of his king.

"I confess that I found it unpleasant that he addressed you so abruptly. Based on your earlier statements, I assumed you could treat him as a friend as well as your king. But.."

"—He's just sad that you rejected him." Ovahh quickly intervened, rushing to Loki's defence.

Your eyebrows shoot up. "So this is why I was treated with silence. You are angry with me because you believe I cruelly rejected your king. Was I really perceived as so heartless?"

You sighed when Ovahh's silence confirmed your own query.

"I have not rejected Loki, I respect him as Queen Frigga's son and as the king of Jotunheim.

Ovahh gave you a puzzled look. "But you removed your hands from his, you became cold, as cold as the snow that surrounds you."

A look of shame rested on your face, "I did?..." You lowered your head, not realising you came across as so unfriendly.

"He simply wished to escort you to your chambers." Ovahh said sadly.

"Ovahh, this is an intricate matter, as I'm sure you are aware. My first encounter with Loki in Asgard evoked strong emotions within me, and I naively imagined a reunion where.... where a relationship may have formed. But now my heart is wounded with the damning knowledge that the very man who I envisioned a life with, is already married. So you see, I couldn't allow Loki to walk me to my chambers, for I cannot trust myself to be alone with him. Not just yet. I need to heal."

You poured out a piece of your heart, but when you turned to look back at Ovahh, he was grinning broadly.

"What?" You quiz.

"I'm relieved to hear that you didn't reject him completely." You sensed something else lurking behind his smile.

"And... what more are you concealing behind that cheeky grin? Ovahh."

"I also find it so satisfying to know that an Embrodi woman; the most beautiful Embrodi woman I should add, finds the Jotun physique so alluring that she cannot be in a room alone with one," he spoke with a restrained chuckle.

You jumped from the bed and turned around to glare at him. "Am I not alone with you?" You bark. "It is the entirety of your king that is enticing to me, not just his magnificent body." You inadvertently blurt out.

Ovahh slumped back down onto the bed, his hearty laugh echoing around the room. "Magnificent body..." He repeated your words with amusement and smugness. "Thank you, we are quite proud of it." He glanced at you, seeing your arms crossed over your chest and your cheeks flushed with anger.

"I think it would be best if you go now, Ovahh."

"Why? Should I be fearful of you tearing my clothes off to view my ... magnificent body." He laughed some more.

You scowled in response to his teasing, not in the least bit amused. However, before his laughter subsided, an abrupt knock was heard at the door, and you both turned to face it.

"It's just Dagr; he's been tasked with delivering your belongings. I'll answer it." Ovahh was about to get up.

"No, I will get it. You stay there and continue to wrinkle my freshly laundered sheets." You respond sarcastically, and as you make your way towards the door, you glance back and give him a smile.

Ovahh grinned and plunged back on the bed. Like you, he was fatigued from travel and appreciated that you let him lounge. In addition, his ribs ached from laughing so hard.

You open the door to find your trunk being held by a Jotun whose face is obscured behind it.

"Just put it near the fireplace, Dagr." Ovahh calls out, not bothering to look up from his comfy position on your bed.

You shift to the side to allow Dagr entry. Thor and Sif had nearly gave themselves a heart attack when they attempted to carry your case earlier, but Dagr brought it in with such ease that it appeared to weigh nothing.

"Ugh, my aching body. I require a vacation after all the difficulty you caused by getting lost in the snow, Birdy. Where do you suggest I should go? Preferably somewhere not too hot." Ovahh quipped. "Or perhaps a massage with your nimble hands would do the trick to relieve all my knots."

Even without looking at him, it was evident that he was smirking.

"And I suppose you have a glove large enough to accommodate your entire body? Or do you want me to suffer frostbite while I labour on your back?" You gave him an identically arrogant grin.

"I can certainly get one fashioned, it may take some time due to my large size, but I'm happy to wait; your touch last time was a pleasant experience."

You both jumped in response to the sudden sound of your trunk hitting the ground hard and sharply turned your heads in the direction of whom you believed to be Dagr. However, to your complete surprise, the Jotun whose visage was hidden behind your trunk was actually Loki in his Jotun form.

Since his regal cloak was now removed, your eyes were drawn to his sculpted physique, which you could now see in greater detail. Looking at him sent your heart into a flutter, and if Loki had been paying closer attention, he would have noticed your obvious lustful gaze as you surveyed his body. However, he was intently preoccupied with Ovahh, who was leisurely lounging on your bed.

Loki narrowed his eyes on his guard, and upon seeing his king, Ovahh leapt to his feet, his heart pounding rapidly.

"Don't get up on my accord." Loki spoke abruptly, and Ovahh hovered anxiously, uncertain of what action to take. "No, really, Ovahh, sit back down. I wouldn't want you to develop additional back knots". Ovahh detected the authoritative tone behind his sarcastic command and warily sat back on the bed.

"Next time, should you require respite Ovahh, might I suggest your own bed." Loki added curtly. His eyes aflame.

"You didn't have to carry my case for me, King Loki." You quickly try to diffuse further altercation.

Loki addressed you with a softer tone of voice. "Please Eden, refer to me as Loki."

You smiled meekly, "Loki" you murmured.

"Originally Dagr would have delivered your case, but I believed hearing a knock on your door and opening it to an unfamiliar face would frighten you. I was unaware that Ovahh was still in your presence, much less in your chamber." He returned his gaze to Ovahh. "I believe, regardless of which realm one is from, whether it be Asgard, Embrodi or Jotunheim, it is not customary to enter a guests quarters, and certainly not take a seat on their bed."

As an embarrassed Ovahh attempted to rise from your bed, he was met with a slow, disapproving head shake from a glaring Loki. He sat back down, still confused about the proper course of action. Sit, stand? He had no idea.

"I invited Ovahh into my chambers." You speak up, your claim surprising Loki. "You see, he appeared upset and in need of consoling." You add.

"Hmm" Loki hums, taking a step towards you. "It is very considerate of you to attempt to console my guard." He paused, staring into your eyes. "But I wonder, does your consolation extend to me?"

You gaze into his features, "Are you upset?"

"Can you not tell?" He took another cautious step forward, bringing himself close enough for you to peer into his towering Jotun eyes. "I need your consolation, Eden. Can you help me feel better?"

If his seductive voice wasn't enough to test your restraint, his red orbs that bore into your eyes captivated you. They were like magnets, pulling you in with his puppy dog gaze, making your heart skip a beat.

"Um.." Your etiquette lessons were completely disregarded as you found yourself ungracefully mumbling. "Uh..umm.."

Now feeling put on the spot, you felt compelled to lend him your ear so he could vent his frustrations. "Okay....take a seat." You extend your hand to indicate that he should sit in the chair next to the desk.

Loki considered the hard, uncomfortable-looking wooden seat that you offered him before gazing back at Ovahh, who had relaxed back against your pillows but quickly sat upright once he noticed his king glaring.

Loki's frown revealed his displeasure with the less than cosy chair, and you stared in incredulity as he ignored it completely and headed straight for your luxurious four-poster bed. He casually strolled to the side not occupied by Ovahh and perched himself down, experimenting with several positions until he found the one that felt right.

You were completely taken aback by the spectacle in front of you: two large Jotuns, comfortably seated on either side of your bed, a bed you had not yet had the opportunity to lie on.

"Well," Loki said, fluffing up the pillow behind him before resting back against it. "I'm sad, let us talk." He exaggerated a pout.

You did a quick glance at Ovahh, who was just as shocked as you. He discreetly shrugged his shoulders, unsure of how to perceive his kings odd behaviour. Just a moment ago he was angry, and overloaded with sorrow, yet now, he's acting almost silly, mischivious even.

You could tell that the pout he was giving you was exaggerated, and you pondered if Loki knew that appealing to your empathetic side would give him the opportunity to speak with you. The fact that he was in your private quarters and now sat on your bed after you made it plain that you and he must maintain strict professionalism at all times, proved his unwavering determination. You could not deny that you were impressed.

You turned around and began the short walk towards the desk while concealing the small smile he drew from you. You intended to sit in the chair that was initially offered to him; however, a smooth, disagreeing tutting that emanated from Loki's lips pulled your attention back to him.

You stared at him incredulously and without amusement as he patted the mattress and gestured for you to sit beside him.

You snorted and asserted, "This is where I draw the line. I have not shared a bed with a man, and I don't appreciate being beckoned to one by someone married either, regardless of whether it's just to sit!" You unwittingly blurt out.

Loki stifled the anger he felt at hearing the word married, and instead focussed on the other words you said. He smiled broadly at you, and Ovahh abruptly sat up. Now, both men stared intently at you, surprised by your proclamation that essentially disclosed that your virtue goes untouched. That you were an innocent virgin. A rarity these days, as the younger generation of royals indulge in the pleasures of the flesh within risqué parties, those Magritte often frequent.

Seeing their grinning faces made you realise your mortifying error and now you felt extremely humiliated. You needed to get them out of your room, quick, before a barrage of enquiring questions begin.

You feign yawning in the hopes that exaggerating your fatigue will convince them to depart. "I am exhausted from my travels as you can imagine. Perhaps the consolation can wait until—"

Loki stood up abruptly, "Of course, a nap is in order, we can join for dinner this evening."

You arched a brow. "But the hour for evening dinner has long passed."

"Then a late, late, supper... Or, very early breakfast... whichever you prefer to call it, either way, I will knock on your door in a few hours." Loki asserted.

"I'll likely be asleep and not hear you. I'd not wish to keep you waiting outside my door. Perhaps we should delay until tomor—"

"I can be quite persistent in my efforts."

"But you may stand all night and—"

"I have nowhere to be, and sleep does not come easy for me."

You exhale a relenting sigh, knowing that regardless of what you say, Loki will continue to pursue a late, late, supper with you. He was indeed very persistent.

Loki saw the defeat on your face and grinned. He moved towards ovahhs side of the bed and peered down at him. Ovahh was uncertain of what he was supposed to do, so rather than acting in error, he remained immobile. However, the abrupt shove of his feet from the bed, made him quickly realise that Loki wanted him to get up and leave with him.

"Goodnight Bir— Princess Eden." Ovahh quickly addressed you by name and title so not to displease Loki further.

You scrunch your brows. "I will see you at the late, late, supper, won't I?"

Ovahh cast an uncertain gaze at Loki, but it was clear on his kings face that he didn't want him there. Loki desired privacy with you.

Sensing that both of them were preparing an excuse, you spoke up before they could do so.

"You must be hungry Ovahh, you have done a great deal today. Join us, please."

Since you invited Ovahh yourself, Loki had no grounds for argument; and despite his satisfaction at having persuaded you to come, he was worried that his previous angry outburst towards Ovahh scared you, and now you were too frightened to be alone with him.

"I will set the table for three." Loki asserted. "Ovahh will join as I do not wish for you to feel uneasy in my presence alone."

Loki abruptly turned towards the door and ovahh diligently unlocked it for his king. Loki exited first, then Ovahh with obedience followed, but he silently mouthed the word "Virgin?" along with a curious glance before closing the door.

Your face burned instantly, Of course Ovahh would be that brazen. You knew more probing questions about your personal life were on the horizon, so you make a mental note to start planning your response.

Now that you were alone, you mindlessly drag yourself to bed, not bothering to get inside the covers, and sigh in satisfaction at how soft it felt against your body.

As you lie still and reflect on the days series of misfortunes, from getting lost in the snow and fighting off a wolf, to meeting the king of Jotunheim who happened to be the man with raven hair you'd been searching for, your mind wanders.

You pondered whether your time in Jotunheim would expose you to more perplexing events. While you hoped it didn't, you somehow knew that this was only the beginning of forthcoming difficulties. The greatest obstacle you face however, were your very apparent shared emotions with Loki. Your feelings for the married monarch were immoral and improper, and you began to despise yourself for such weakness.

"Mother would not approve," you mutter to yourself. "Father would hate me." You add.

You grasp a pillow and scream into it, releasing all of your pent-up emotions on the helpless object. Yet, as you inhaled deeply, a calming aroma flooded your nostrils, and your anger for yourself was replaced by more hurt, and sorrow as the scent of Loki saturated your senses.

You held the pillow tightly against your body, imagining that it was him you felt in your embrace. Your eyes filled with tears, and you found yourself crying; weeping once more as you were reminded that this immense love you have for the king will never amount to anything; he will never be yours.

The warm solace of your father's embrace was required more than ever as you wished you had someone to console you. Now, genuine exhaustion causes you to close your eyes and drift into a light sleep. 

***

After Ovahh had closed the door to your chamber, he turned to leave, only to be met with Loki rigidly  standing in front of him with his eyes staring intently. He inhaled sharply, fearing that his ruler was about to launch another verbal assault against him for entering your room and sitting on your bed.

"So? Did she speak of me?" Loki hurriedly inquired, snatching ovahh's hand and dragging him out of earshot of your lodgings. 

Ovahh's brow furrowed; was his king angry, sad, upset, or happy?  Loki's erratic emotional displays left him genuinely in the dark.

"My king—"

"Come on, Ovahh, it's me; you're wasting valuable time by using titles. Call me Loki."

Now, Ovahh's brows were elevated and he was completely perplexed.

"Ovahh! Did Eden mention me during your time alone with her?" Loki was impatient with the uncharacteristic silence of his guard.

"We had a short exchange of words, but it was in confidence, my ki— Loki."

Loki frowned. "You would keep secrets from me—your king?"

Ovahh desired nothing more at this point than to roll his eyes, as his king's mood swings had returned, and his formal title had been reinstated.

"If I reveal anything that Eden has entrusted to me in confidence and she discovers that it has spread, she will never confide in me again and will not trust any Jotun."

Loki listened to Ovahh's logic and sighed as he did so. "You are right." He started walking slowly towards his regal suite, and Ovahh followed him, relieved that Loki had not pressed him for more information.

"Do you forgive me, Loki?" Ovahh nervously asked.

Loki halted, and turned to look at his guard quizzically. "Forgive? For what?"

Ovahh spoke timidly out of shame. "For the lapse with my words, my disgraceful error. I stated that it was not my fault that you were rejected by Eden. I didn't mean to say it, and based on what I know now, it is false. There is no rejection." Ovahh's gaze was lowered in humiliation. But he looked up when he heard no response from Loki.

Loki was smiling, his face brimming with optimism and joy.

"Firstly, there is nothing to forgive, as it is I who should apologise. So... I am sorry. And secondly... Eden didn't reject me? How would you know unless she personally said otherwise." Loki's grin widened, and ovahh's visage sank as he realised he had made another blunder. 

"Please do not become arrogant; if she discovers that I told you she hasn't rejected you but is afraid to be alone with you as she fears it will test her restraint, she will punish me severely. And you know that the rumours about Embrodi women being fiercely loyal are genuine."

Loki's grin spanned his entire face. "This explains why she wants you to join us for late, late, supper; she cannot trust herself with me alone." He laughed in relief and draped his arms around ovahh's shoulders as they walked together towards his royal suite. "Oh, Ovahh, even in my Jotun form, my queen finds me enticing. How could I attract her more? I need ideas, and we have only hours to implement them before the late, late, supper begins."

"Queen?" Ovah repeated in surprise. "You wish to seduce, Eden? But to what end? You are wedded to another."

"I don't know how, but I'll find a means to escape this binding with Magritte; I cannot give up my heart's desire to be with Eden. I must try, Ovahh."

Ovahh saw the fighting desperation in Loki's eyes.

"Then I will assist you with your plans; I have a few suggestions that may appeal to Birdy."

The notion that you could be Queen of Jotunheim excited Ovahh. And now, Loki and Ovahh met each other's gaze with a sly grin and a mischevious gleam in their eyes.

Upon entering Loki's regal quarters, Ovahh wasted no time in getting to the point.

"Now, about your attire" Ovahh inspected Loki's leathers.

Loki cast his gaze downwards and peered at his outfit, then looked back at Ovahh confused. "What of it?"

"It needs to be gone."

"Then I will alter it, a different colour perhaps? Would she prefer me in more green?"

"I think she'd like to see you in more blue." Ovahh smirked.

"I have blue leathers?" Loki stated, oblivious to the fact that Ovahh was not suggesting leathers.

"Why wear such apparel when you have naturally blue skin? For your late, late, supper with Eden, you will embrace and flaunt your Jotun skin with pride."

"I am to wear nothing?" Loki's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Pretty much." Ovahh smirked some more.