An abrupt banging was heard, and upon closer inspection, it was determined that it was the sound of pots being struck within the kitchens. While it perplexed you, Suri's sudden alertness indicated that it meant something.

"Oh, what now?" Loki sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

"Not to despair, King Loki. This signal indicates that supper is prepared." Suri was swift to offer comfort, but even more swift in grasping your hand and yanking you out of Loki's arms. She was bursting with beans, her energy bouncing off the walls.

"Excuse us, but we need to prepare for dinner." She winked at you, and Loki observed her action, which piqued his interest.

He watched you attentively as you were hastily led away and dragged back inside the modest dwelling, where you encountered Tres once more.

"Hi Mama, bye Mama" Suri's voice travelled as she whizzed passed her mother, who was busy plating food.

"Suri, I will need your help!" Tres called out, her cheeks flushed from the hot steam that rose when the lid of a large pot was removed.

You cast your eyes over the steaming wesson head. It's roasted eyes still within it's socket, staring at you.

"Oh gods." You mutter to yourself.

Suri carted you down a lengthy corridor before stopping in front of a door.

"This room is mine. I am privileged to have functioning plumbing. You may use it to freshen up and take a shower, but caution, the water is extremely cold." She unlocked the door and urged you in.

As soon as you enter, you are greeted by jars upon jars of what you presume to be Suri's collection of buzzing frost mites, all lined up along the window sill.

"Don't mind them, they will only hiss momentarily, and will settle when they get to know you." Suri reassured after seeing your face grimace.

"They are larger than I anticipated." You exclaim with intrigue as you peer inside one of the jars. "I expected them to be the size of small ticks, but they appear to be the size of plump grubs."

"That is because I keep them warm and fed. Generally they are no bigger than a dot."

"Why do you continue to keep them?" You inquire, your curiosity getting the better of you.

She fidgeted with her thumbs, and you noticed for the first time that she was hesitant to respond.

"I.. I feed them to my .. pet."

"You have pets in the badlands? Can felines or friendly canines survive out here?"

She continued to gape at you with restlessness. It was odd, even for her, and now a pit of dread began to develop in your stomach. 

"Oh Suri, please don't tell me that you have a domesticated wolf or Wesson hiding under your bed!"

Her eyes enlarged with astonishment. "How did you know that I keep it underneath my bed?"

You let out a startled shriek and leaped away from the bed, clutching onto the wall.

"Perhaps get the leash ready, Suri. I do not wish to be your pets dinner this evening."

Suri giggled heartily. "There is no beast beneath my bed, Eden. I don't believe it is even deemed an animal."

She swiftly dropped to her knees and made her way halfway under her bed. As she spoke, her voice was muffled.

"I discovered it years ago, after a massive storm caused a landslip. I believe it was expelled from its natural habitat within a mountain."

Your curiosity was evidently piqued. Because you found yourself bravely detaching from the wall and hovering over her legs that protruded from under the bed.

She very carefully retreated, and you gasped when you caught sight of a potted plant in her hands and not a presumed creature.

It quivered its leaves upon the daylight touching it, and Suri quickly apologised, not to you but to the plant. She thrust it into your hands before rushing over to the drapes and closing them.

The plant ceased its furious vibrations as the room became darker, and you gazed at it in awe.

"Suri! Do you know what this is?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "It looks to be a plant, a plant that I have named, prune."

"Prune?" You question.

"Because when I feed him fattened frost mites, he drains them of their blood, leaving behind something that resembles a prune." She smiled.

"It seems fitting then." You chuckle. "However, the proper term is a Sedenia. They prosper in naturally dark areas, so a mountain cave would be an ideal habitat for them. You said a landslip may have caused its uprooting?"

"Yes. It was a devastating natural disaster. Many were injured. But it perplexed me how a plant could thrive without sunlight."

You continued to observe prune while lightly touching its flowering bud.

"Not everyone demands sunshine and gentle winds to flourish. Some of us excel in darkness and violent storms."

As Loki enters your mind, a grin crossed your face. Your personalities were a perfect balance, combining elements of light and dark, rain and sun, warmth and cold. Together, you both grow and flourish.

The plant responded to your touch, perceiving your Gaia powers. Right away, your heart wrenched, and you felt what it was feeling.

"You poor thing, you miss your home." You sighed.

"Did I not care for it enough?" Suri looked sad.

"You have done an excellent job, Suri; it is a blessing that you discovered it and kindly decided to provide care." You gave her an admiring gaze. "Such a plant was determined to be extinct aeons ago. They were once harvested mercilessly and used in potions for their magical properties. Hardly ever did it succeed. But what the selfish did not realise was that if they had simply kept them in their natural environment and tended for them, they would have had a greater chance of the Sedenia granting what they desired. But sadly, the majority of people in the past lacked patience, their greed demanding immediate gratification without regard for the extinction of an entire species."

You sat down on a chair and admired it in amazement.   "But you survived didn't you little one. Taking refuge within a realm much less greedy."

"Be careful, it has a mouth." Suri warned. Noticing that you continue to stroke it with your fingertips.

You laughed lightly. "I am aware. And inside appears to be a shrivelled prune. But I expect it has never bitten you?"

She shook her head. "Never."

"That is because they are too good for this cruel culture of mankind. Never resorting to harm."

"You know a lot about plants."

"I should hope so. Plants are my bestowed magic. We are connected, the earth and I. This is why I am here; to assist Jotunheim in overcoming this pandemic."

"Is my pet lonely?" Suri asked with remorse.

You sighed before answering. "It is. The fact that it does not illuminate its foliage while sheathed in the darkness demonstrates this. Usually, they glow; vibrant and happy."

"Then I must find its home." Suri said, determined.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance with that. You can direct me to the location where you discovered it, and I will be able to detect if others are nearby."

"You can do that?" She exclaimed.

"Yes."

Tres's sudden angry cry echoed from the kitchen; she was frustrated that Suri hadn't come back to assist serve.

"I better go and assist Mama. You may put Prune near the shadowed corner. I will leave you here to prepare yourself."

You carefully position the rare sedenia plant, or, prune, in the shade, and allow your magic to flow through its veiny leaves, infusing him with happy endorphins. Instantly, the leaves appeared less wilted and its stem greener.

When you turned around, Suri was positioning the skimpy Docat outfit that you were obligated to wear on the bed. Once you saw it set out, you heaved another anxious breath.

"How does it look even smaller after being unfolded?" You murmur to yourself.

"I will be back soon." Suri stated.

As soon as the door clicked closed, you let out a long, exasperated sigh. Suri's departure left you standing motionless in the middle of her room, yet after a brief moment of regaining your composure, you begin to prep yourself by first using her facilities to freshen up.

However, upon entering the shower, doubting that the water was as cold as she claimed, you squeal and rush out, your bare body shivering as you discover that she was indeed telling the truth. You pondered how the water did not freeze within the pipes. Surprised that water even exited the shower head. 

You hastily dab at the cold water that still pooled on your body, frantically attempting to remove the goosebumps that prickled your skin and get warm. But you jolted in fright when an unexpected visitor rushed through the bedroom door.

"Lady Eden! Are you well?"  Xanda exclaimed in a panic. "I heard your scream."

Startled at seeing someone else within your private quarters, you clung to the towel and desperately tried to conceal your modesty.

The instant Xanda realised that you were unclothed, he averted his gaze downwards.

"Oh gods, Xanda. Close your eyes!"

He squeezed his eyes tight while still continuing to look down. "I'm sorry. I thought perhaps a Wesson had broken inside."

"I am confined to a bedroom! How could a Wesson conceivably gain access?" You suspiciously question.

"I...I.. uh.." he hesitated, having no excuse, no justification.

To your utter astonishment, he boldly opened his eyes and stared, unable to resist looking at you. His eyes swept over your body, which was only partially hidden behind a small towel.

"Excuse you!" You scorn, gripping the material closer to your body. "Only my king is permitted to observe me in such a state! Please exit."

A deep snarl erupted from behind Xanda. He swung around and glanced uneasily at a furious Loki, who's crimson eyes fixed solely on him. Loki drew nearer, his form imposing and menacing, forcing Xanda to take a step back and enter your room further.

"Did Suri fail to convey the message?" Loki's tone was as fiery as his eyes. "This is my female, bound or not, she is claimed. Therefore, depart, lest you incur the wrath not of your king, but of a vengeful god!"

Xanda didn't need to be told twice, Loki's words flowed like venom that dripped from his tongue; poisonous, and infecting. He quickly dashed passed him and exited the room. Loki turned around and violently slammed the door shut, causing you to flinch. You stared at him as he continued to give you his back, and when he didn't turn to face you, you wondered why.

"Did I do something to offend you? Is that why you do not turn around?"

You could hear Loki's heavy breathing as he braced his arm against the door.

"If I turn around and view you in nothing more than a towel, I fear for my lack of self restraint. The mere glimpse I caught have rendered me weak; I battle my urges as we speak. That is the reason I cannot gaze upon you."

You smile timidly.

"So I am too enticing and overly alluring when I am scarcely covered?" You start walking towards him.

Loki senses your approach and immediately his body tensed.

"Don't Eden," he pleads.

"Don't what?" You teasingly ask.

Your body was now merely inches from his back that as you spoke he felt the warmth of your breath against his neck. "I want you to look at me. Give me your full attention." You request.

"Eden, this is torture."

"Then why are you holding back? Look at me, see me, Loki."

You heard him release a long sigh as he struggled to overcome his desires and return to normal breathing. However, unable to refuse you, he gave in.

"Step back, darling."

You beam a grin having obtained your desired outcome, and retreat two steps backwards and wait.

"Are you safely away?"

Before you answered him, you allowed your towel to fall to your feet.

"Yes."

As Loki slowly turned around, he was taken aback by the sight of you completely naked. And while the passion in his stare grew, so did the widening of his eyes.

"Holy Valhalla!" He exclaimed.

You giggled bashfully at his response to seeing you nude for the first time.

"Forget dinner, I'm currently craving something other than food!" Loki's Jotun appearance instantly transitioned into his safer Asgardian form, and he strode forward without giving you a chance to comprehend the switch. 

His hands found your hips and he lifted you effortlessly, your legs winding themselves around his waist as he did so.

"Loki... what are we doing?" You ask in alarm as he unexpectedly carries you to the bed— Suri's bed.

"I'm claiming you as mine."

Your back met the soft blankets as he excitedly laid you down and positioned his body between your legs. Yet, this was an unforeseen event and actions were unfolding so rapidly that your mind could not keep up.

His hips, which nestled between your parted thighs, squandered no time and began gently grinding. Your eyes drift to the back of your head as you feel his clothed erection rub against your aroused clit, providing you with immense pleasure.

You whimper out protesting words that were barely discernible. The sheer exhilaration of being under him rendered you nearly speechless.

He nips at your neck, his groans audible in your ear as he enjoys the sensations of your writhing body against him.

"Oh, Eden. I want you so desperately." His breathy voice was muffled as he stubbornly refused to detach his lips from your neck.

"Loki, this is dangerous... If bear catches us..."

After his hand caressed your breast and caused you to lose your train of thought, your voice drifted off into the thick, lustful air.

"I am the king; no one can stop me from having you," he groans his assertion as he presses his hips harder against you, causing your core to quiver, demanding to be filled.

Both of you were in a state of extreme desire; his hands firmly grasping and examining every part of your body, while yours were ferociously pulling at his leathers.

"Oh gods, Loki. I need you." You frantically claw at his belt, barely managing to slide your hand inside to gauge his hefty girth before the door violently bursts open.

Loki jerked his head in its direction and saw Bear, the enraged Docat leader, whose black eyes were so inflamed with rage that they almost appeared as red as a genuine Jotun. His indignation at discovering you both in a lover's lock right under his roof while unmarried was blasphemous.

Loki's brows shot up in shock and alarm as he witnessed Bear stride inside and grab the tip of his ear without hesitation, tutting at him as he dragged his body away.

Suri had thankfully sneaked inside and concealed your modesty by having a blanket at the ready.

"My house, my rules!" Bear roared as he continued to drag Loki out of the room by his ear while he continually resisted. As soon as he had him in the hallway, he let go, and Loki confronted him fiercely; his chest rising and falling as they stared each other down.

"Loki, don't!" You exclaim from within the doorway.

You noticed the green radiance emanating from the palm of his hand. He was preparing to enact revenge for his humiliation.

"Please, king Loki, my father is simply an enforcer for the rules. Please respect the docat lifestyle," implores Suri.  She feared for her father's welfare, knowing the king was much more powerful, as did everyone else. But Bear was obstinate, preferring to partake in a fight and lose, rather than forsake his principles.

Loki turned to you, while swiftly refastening his belt. His features softened when he took hold of your face and tenderly held you.

"I will meet you at dinner, my queen."

Loki extended his arm and motioned for Bear to lead the way. When they both departed, Suri closed the door, bracing her back against it and expelling a relieved sigh.

"You are incredibly fortunate! Had my father caught Loki during penetration, his rule would have been to remove the offending appendage!"

You looked at her in horror.

"Heavens above! You can't be serious?"

"It is the Docat way."

"And I thought my father was extreme." You frown.  "What do you say, prune, is that a bit excessive?"

You peer into the shadowy nook and observe the potted sedenia. Its foliage immediately ruffled in response to your question.

Suri's countenance lit up as she admired your ability to communicate with prune.

"See, even prune agrees with me, Suri."

"What a delightful gift you have!" She squealed.

Tres called out once more from the kitchens with another loud voice. However, this time it was for both of you.

"We are late for dinner." Suri exclaimed. "They are already waiting. Come on, you must get dressed!"

As you hurriedly dressed, the air was suddenly permeated with the scent of Wesson. While it did not appear appetising, it smelled delectable; however, you were so hungry at this point that you would have eaten a scabby horse if it had been served to you.

"Lady Eden, you look stunning!" Suri expressed admiration for you in traditional Docat attire. She shifted her attention to Prune. "Does she not look lovely, prune?"

You adored that she endeavoured to communicate with prune despite not receiving a response from him as you did.

You nervously smoothed down your outfit, which consisted of a petite skirt and an even shorter off-the-shoulder crop top.

"Are you sure it's not a little too revealing for a casual dinner?" You inquire hesitantly.

"Oh, but this is no ordinary meal. This is an opulent banquet. It is not often that our king of Jotunheim visits the badlands, so all the single women will wear traditional attire in the hopes of attracting his attention."

"Excuse me?" You stared at her in disbelief.

"Not I, obviously. My joy is Ovahh. And I am pleased to announce that my father has approved of our engagement, to the delight of my mother."

You had pondered the source of the deafening disturbance that you heard earlier. Now you realise it was Tres, shrieking with joy at the news that her daughter, destined to be a spinster, had been accepted by a man.

"The king is spoken for, Suri. Don't these women know that!"

"As I stated, Eden. Prior to marriage, everyone is open game. Including males. And they have been informed that he is in the process of dissolving his current marriage. Therefore, they will endeavour to acquire the monarch for themselves."

"They?"

"The three female Docat's who have recently come of age."

You scowled.

"Are they pretty?" You ask, self doubt surging through you.

"Oh yes. Very much so."

For once, you wish Suri didn't have such honest transparency. A little white lie to soothe your insecurities wouldn't go amiss right now.

"May I offer you the use of my cuff" Suri presented you with a gold coloured arm band.

"It's beautiful, Suri."

"I know, and one would never guess that it was made from the excretion of my frost mites rather than gold."

She anticipated that you would grimace at the thought of a bracelet made from hardened and cured insect faeces. However, you were accustomed to working with manure when fertilising your Embrodi garden and this only made you examine it more attentively.

"Fascinating." You murmur. "Such a clever use for excrement."

Suri quickly and unexpectantly hugged you.  "I like you Eden. You accept me." She rubbed her face on yours, just how Ovahh had done, and drew back, exhaling deeply.

"Ovahh is right, that is a very good feeling. I should like to rub faces each day."

You emit a small chuckle. She was indeed Ovahh's ideal match; she was just as adorable.

You stand back and present yourself. "How do I look? And be honest."

You had no idea why you said to be honest. You believe Suri was incapable of lying. She spoke with nothing but absolute candour.

"You are very shapely, and your rump is attractive. But you have small breasts. Yet do not worry, when you have your first child, most times they stay bigger, even after milk production has ceased, and then you will be perfectly proportional."

"Well, thank you for your honesty, Suri." You conceal the small anguish in your heart. You began to despise these petty reminders that you would never become a mother. Childless and now apparently always burdened with little breasts.

"Oh, don't forget the poop cuff." She said. Placing it on your arm.

"We can't forget that crucial piece." You smile, your ensemble now complete.

***

You hear chatter accompanied by deep rumbles of laughter that indicate they originated from males. You smiled as the unmistakable voice of Loki rang out. You knew he was in the dining room, surrounded by male Docats, and just a few strides away.

Relief flooded through you as based on the cheerful tone, it appeared the earlier conflict had been resolved and forgotten.

Yet, your anxieties got the best of you, and you remained idle. Suri turned around and regarded you. However, she appeared to comprehend your anxiety this time.

"Wearing so few clothes is unfamiliar to you isn't it?"

You nod.

"This is Jotunheim. Docats and the Jotnar are used to seeing this traditional outfit. They will likely not even notice you."

Her words made you feel at ease. You disliked being the focal point of attention. So understanding that you will blend in unnoticed calmed your racing pulse.

"Thank you, Suri." She pulled your hand forward, encouraging you to continue. However, an unfamiliar female voice uttering Loki's name caused you to stop a second time.

Your heartbeat accelerated once more as you listened attentively. "Oh, King Loki, you are so charming and humorous. It would be a privilege if you would accept my fruit."

"Oh no." Suri exclaimed in alarm. "I had hoped that Sanna would not be present. She possesses a set of unique assets that attract males. And I hate to say it, but the assets she uses to lure men are her large breasts."

Suri looked at your perky yet minuscule chest with remorse.

You scowled. Again.

"I will not be intimidated by a pair of large breasts!"

You quickly stride forward and burst through the room, but you immediately avert your gaze downward upon seeing the entire room filled with blue men lounging on lavish floor cushions. You momentarily observed a few females, and you now fear seeing one of them hand-feed Loki.

The room fell silent, and you immediately sensed that all eyes were on you. You turn your head to covertly observe Suri while narrowing your eyes into a glare.

"You said that they won't even notice me!" You murmur abruptly. Now you felt ridiculous. Even lovely, innocent Suri was able to fool you.

Still not looking up, you frantically tug on the hem of your skirt in the hopes that it will miraculously grow longer. But Suri's firm elbow poked into your side, and her powerful voice compelled you to reluctantly look upwards.

"Keep your head held high. You are our future queen." She proclaimed.

As you suspected, the many males in the room were indeed staring at you, their dark eyes almost gleaming at observing you dressed in traditional Docat attire.

Instantly, your eyes locate Loki among the swarm of blue Docats that surround him. His awestruck gaze had not left your figure since you entered the room.

His adoring smile was accompanied by crimson eyes that drank in your body, igniting yet another surge of desire for you.

"I've selected the ripest blackberries, King Loki." The same voice spoke, interrupting your hypnotic gaze on Loki.

"Sanna," you muttered to yourself. Your sight was drawn to her blue form, which was stooping over and offering Loki a berry with her hands.

"If he accepts her offering, it indicates his interest in her. I trust the king is familiar with our customs?" Suri looked at you with concern. 

"He better not eat those berries!"

But, Loki did not even acknowledge her; his eyes never left you. He abruptly rose from his lower position on the ground, causing her to stumble backwards, and she grumbled in response to his blatant dismissal.

Loki strutted over to you and stopped a few centimetres away. Your heart rattled nervously in your chest as his huge stature towered above you, his Jotun form impressive.

"There are a hundred individuals in this room, yet the only one I am searching for is you. You leave me breathless, my queen."

Heat. Hot surging heat caused your cheeks to burn a fierce red, and your pleasurable region between your legs to tingle.

He reached out his hand and hovered it over your face. Even without direct contact, his chilly skin soothed your warm flush.

"You're burning up, my love. Is it I, who causes your body to react this way?"

"Only you can set my heart ablaze, igniting embers that will burn forever."

He exhaled heavily, and the refreshing scent of mint flooded your nostrils.

"As much as I adore seeing you in these fine traditional silks, nothing can compare to when you're naked. Every second that your bare body is not under my fingers is torture."

"Then, let's make this dinner brief." You say provocatively, taking a step closer.

Loki drew a deep breath, experiencing a mixture of dread and excitement at having you so close to his Jotun form, his native and more powerful appearance. He adored that he observed the same lust in your eyes when he was in any form he took. It remained constant.

Xanda suddenly approached you, and Loki noticed his broad eyes travelling the length of your body as he spoke.

"Never has a goddess entered the badlands. This evening, your beauty bestows upon us a fragment of Valhalla."

Xanda snatched your hand and placed a chaste kiss to your knuckles. Instantly, it made Loki's red eyes alight even hotter. Witnessing him touch your delicate skin sparked an increase in envy. He wished he could accomplish the same miracle in his Jotun form for longer than one minute.

"You exaggerate, Xanda. But thank you."

You slip your hand from Xanda's when he attempted to kiss it again and step back, widening the distance between you and him. Loki noticed your effort and it eased his jealousy.

"King Loki, dinner is being served." Sanna approached Loki from behind and brazenly pushed her breasts against his back while placing her hand on his shoulder.

Loki caught sight of your narrowed eyes that focussed solely on Sanna. He recognised the look of jealousy on your face too.

"I don't believe we have met." You drew close to Sanna, compelling her to address you instead of Loki.

She observed your body, amused by your milky complexion in Docat attire. You saw her small smirk as she held out her hand, but you confidently grabbed it, taking her off guard when you roughly tugged her body towards you.

"The king is mine. Back off." You curtly warn in her ear.

"Until bound in marriage, he is not beyond seizing." She immediately added to her reply. "It appears that you need to adjust your top, as it is rather slack and empty." She retreated with a smirk of satisfaction on her face.

Your fists clenched tight as you observed her strut away.

"Everyone! Let us all eat." As soon as Tres spoke, the male Docats sat on one side of the room while the females resided on the opposite.

Loki regarded you longingly as you were escorted away, his eyes sparkling with yearning. 

You sat next to Suri, but you never took your eyes off Sanna. She pretended to consume daintily, taking small bites to make herself appear delicate, fully aware that other men were observing her. The hope that the king was among them.

She signalled with a raised hand, and immediately a younger Docat approached.

"Take this to King Loki and inform him that it comes from me." Sanna handed a folded serviette containing a handful of sweet, juicy dates to the juvenile operating as the help. You were aware that these dried fruits were Loki's favourite. You hoped he could resist.

As you observed her present Sanna's gift to him and murmur in his ear that it was from her, your heart ached. Your mood now low. You understood from Suri that these were mementos of affection. A method to demonstrate a desire to gain the devotion of someone you wanted to pursue.

You glanced down because you did not want to see Loki consume the dates she had touched and wrapped with her hands. Sanna smirked upon witnessing your sad expression.

Suddenly, the same young girl approached Sanna and handed her something. Her eyes brightened anticipating a token in return. However, Sanna's countenance darkened upon hearing the little girl mutter a message.

Suri laughed discretely after hearing what was said. You peered at her, and upon noticing your bewilderment, she leaned in close and whispered in your ear.

"Loki sent back the offering, declaring that he dislikes dates."

You were ecstatic because you knew that Loki adored dates. You gazed up at Sanna's face with an arrogant expression. However, you were not done teasing. You leaned over the table and grabbed the three juicy dates. She observed in shock as you stood up and sauntered towards the men's table, pausing in front of Loki.

His visage lit up when he saw you. "My queen." He said smoothly.

"My king." You replied.

He peered at the date you held between your fingers, and without instigating that you wish to feed him, he automatically parted his lips.

You glanced at Sanna, observing her dejected expression as you slid the date past his lips. He groaned from the sweet delight of being handfed by you, and instinctively you whimpered, your arousal surging, making you bite down on your lower lip, which displayed your rising lust.

Loud whispers were heard among the male Docats who were watching the entire exchange. They interpreted his acceptance of the fruit as an indication that he wanted to pursue you. But once you were done feeding Loki the third date, the single Docat's were fast to hold out their offerings, all aimed at you.

While you gazed at them in bewilderment, Loki acted swiftly, transforming into his Asgardian form to seize your body and place you on his lap.

"She belongs to me, gentlemen. This beauty is my Valhalla; her body is the land of milk and honey that I claim as mine."

You witnessed Sanna rise indignantly and storm out of the room. It amused you to no end. However, you were quick to be seized from within Loki's encircling arms, which dampened your triumph.

"An unmarried Lady must reside with the women. It is Docat nature." Tres scorned.

As she escorted you away, the familiar tutting of disapproval was heard, and now Loki knew where Bear, originally acquired it from.

"That was bold and daring." Suri whispered, amused.

You sat down at the women's table and saw that the other female Docats were awestruck by your provocative performance.

"Do not get any bright ideas!" Tres lashed out at them. Detecting their interest. "The males must accept your offering from afar." She declared.

"Why?" You question. "Surely if you know what you want then you should go for it. Why all this hesitation? Are we not strong, powerful women? Demand what you desire."

The younger women giggled and peered over to the men's table, waving brazenly at the ones they liked.

"Ladies!" Tres scorned.

You and Suri laughed discretely, but her mother's contemptuous expression indicated that she heard.

***

"The Wesson was perfectly cooked, it was truly delicious, Tres. Thank you." You praise, before saying goodnight.

"Your welcome, dear. I am glad you enjoyed it. Now, follow Suri and she will escort you to your bedroom for the night."

Before you could be ushered away, you spied Loki swiftly approaching.

"A few words before my queen departs for the evening."

Tres narrowed her eyes but didn't object. Loki guided you to a quiet corner and spoke in hushed tones.

"Your lustful display caused quite a stir, darling, not just to the Docat's, but to my loins." He grabbed your waist and drew you into his body with ardent desire. "I must have you tonight, Eden. I don't believe I can endure this torment much longer. I need to feel you."

"I will come to you. Wait for me." You quickly  whisper.

He emitted a low growl in your ear as he began nibbling your neck. His pants were already becoming restricted as all his blood rushed downward.

You both attempted to halt your intimate display, but were unsuccessful. There was something about the desolate regions that triggered your desire for closeness and warmth.

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as his lips trailed your neck, your mouth agape as your core flourished under his touch.

But a strong throat-clearing from behind you quickly extinguished your passionate impulses. Loki and you turned to see Bear and Tres with their arms crossed and features contorted in disapproval.

You quickly unlatch from Loki and step away.

"Well, goodnight, my king." You said nervously.

"Yes, goodnight, darling." Loki shifted uncomfortably.

Suri appeared and took you away, once again guiding you down a long corridor.

"Tonight, Mama will make you sleep in my chamber. Due to its close proximity to Ovahh's lodgings. I am compelled to reside in a different room, which is conveniently close to the kings. They have shifted us because they do not want us to be close to those we love."

"Clever," you say. Keeping your plan to slip into Loki's room a secret.

Suri pushed open the bedroom door and lingered in the doorway. "I'll wake you up early so we can unite prune with his kind while the others are sleeping."

"Are you certain that it is prudent to depart without Loki or Ovahh for protection?"

"The location where I discovered him is not far; we will return before they awaken."

You reluctantly consented. Though you were apprehensive about concealing it from Loki.

You enter your room and observe prune still seated in the shadowy corner.

"Please feel free to wear any of my nightgowns," Suri said as she quickly shut the door. You pondered why she left so abruptly; you were not fatigued and she could have stayed.

"Why is she in such a hurry to sleep?" You directed your question to prune. He glowed then dimmed in response.

"Yes. I have no idea either." You reply. Slumping down on the bed. "The Docat way," you sigh.

You gaze upwards in silence, anxiously awaiting the cessation of the commotion. You knew that once the outside noise subsided and everyone was asleep, you would depart in quest of Loki's room.

"What do you think, prune? Is the coast now clear? I have not heard any noise for some time." You inquire while laying on your side and gingerly stroking the sedenia plant's leaves.

Every time you conversed with it, you detected a more cheerful disposition.

"I wish I had a sign." You sigh.

You closed your eyes but quickly sensed that a light had turned on. However, upon opening your eyes, you realise it wasn't a light bulb, but rather prune, vividly glowing. 

"Is that my sign to go?" You ask.

It flickered its illumination, and you smiled, interpreting its action as an immediate affirmative.

You vaulted from your bed and dashed towards a jar, plucking the fattest frost mite from within and feeding it to prune.

"Tomorrow, you will be united with your kind. I promise." His emerald leaves fluttered, and you knew he understood.

Excitement coursed through you as you approached your door and took hold of the handle. However, the haunting image of Tres, camping out in the hallway flashed in your mind.

To be more reassured you leaned your ear against the wood and listened for any sign of a body on the other side.

"I think it's clear, Prune." You whisper. Hearing nothing.

Hesitantly, and while remaining deathly quiet, you turned the handle, opening your door to just a fraction in order to peek outside.

The hallway was dark; quiet, and sensing now was the right time, you seized your opportunity, and crept out.

As you discreetly strolled along the darkened corridors, flashes of you and Loki entwined in a much anticipated lovers embrace, both thrilled and panicked you.

The knowledge that you were going to lose your virtue this night was a little daunting. But you drove away your nerves and smiled to yourself as you stealthily continued. Deciding to remain energised by the notion that you were finally going to give yourself freely to him. To Loki, your king.