chapter 8

Nobody's pov

It was a quiet sunny day in the realm of Asgard, the competition was well underway and already one maiden had been dismissed. Prince Loki had been escorting the maidens on various dates. Loki stood outside waiting for Lady Sigyn to accompany him on a walk through the market, wanting to show her more of the culture of Asgard. 

Loki's pov

I was waiting for Lady Sigyn. She curtsies as soon as she arrives. "Hello, Prince Loki. My apologies for being late I had to make sure I looked my best for you." She winks and smiles. I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes instead I offer her my arm. "Shall we get going?" She nods. 

We are walking through the market when Sigyn looks at something and makes a disgusted face. "What," I question. She turns to me and smiles. "Just a Midgardian. I think her name is (Y/n)." She pats my arm. "Don't worry she'll probably be out soon. I don't see her lasting very long," she "assures" me. "And how long do you think you'll last?" She looks a little offended. "Till the last maiden has gone home," she says very sure. "And how do you think you'll manage that?" "Well, I'm smart, beautiful, cultured, graceful and nice." 

"And humble too," I mumble under my breath. "What did you say?" I clear my throat. "I just said that was very impressive." She nods and picks up a little trinket. Her eyes go wide. "This is so beautiful! If I got this I'd have to rush to show all of my friends," she looks at the price tag, "Aw, I don't 

Both have enough to buy it…" 'Anything to get rid of her.' I smile and hand the merchant the money. "It's yours." "Thank you Loki." She runs off to go brag. I roll my eyes and keep walking. 

Normal pov

Everyone was out in the commons room of the guest wing. You and Natasha were working on your sewing skills after Dracora let it slip one of the events was embroidery skills. Jörð and Angrboða were braiding each other's hair. Sigyn was on her afternoon date with the Prince. 

"How do you think it's going with Sigyn and Loki?" You whisper to Natasha trying not to show your slight jealousy. She simply shrugged not really having an opinion. 

Suddenly the door was pushed open Sigyn was smiling from ear to ear. "Girls I just had the most amazing date," she began to gloat. "Ooh, what happened," Lady Zidka asks. Sigyn pulls out the trinket. "We went to the market. He bought me this. He called me smart, beautiful, cultured, graceful, and nice. I'm pretty sure he was going to kiss me." She sighs dreamily. 

Both Jörð and Angrboða fawned over the trinket admiring its beauty. Zidka rolled her eyes wondering just how much of Sigyn's story was true. (Y/n) simply stood up and walked out of the room. Everyone watched after you, Sigyn smirked thinking she had caused you to withdraw from the contest. 

You walk the palace grounds only to end up at the stables. Animals had always calms your nerves and you were feeling an emotion that you didn't understand. Walking into the stables you saw the black horse from before going over and petting him softly. 

"Hey pretty boy. You're looking sharp today." You smiled when he neighed, shaking his mane in response. 

"It looks like Prince Loki picked a favorite maiden and I don't know why, but I feel saddened by it. I mean he's a prince so a Midgardian like me wouldn't stand a chance." You talk to the horse as if he can understand you. 

"I mean sure I have magic, I am smart, deadly when needed.." You sighed looking down not realizing the prince had walked into the stables. "I'm nowhere near as beautiful as Angrboða or Sigyn. There's nothing special about me." The horse whined in protest, his head turning to look at his owner. 

"That is where I must disagree with you Lady (Y/n) while Sigyn may be pretty on the outside… true beauty comes from within. You are beautiful," Prince Loki spoke softly, trying not to startle you. 

You turned around slowly to meet his eyes seeing him holding the reins to a pure white horse. "Oh Prince Loki, I'm sorry for bothering you. I'll go." You spoke softly petting the black horse once more. 

"Well, actually I remembered you said you love animals so I got you a horse of your own. " he gestured to the horse beside him. You can name her anything you like. "

Smiling, you walk over and pet her. "Juliet" you say softly watching her nuzzle your face in happiness.

"A beautiful name and coincidence. My horse is named Romeo." Loki smiled before asking. "Would you like to go for a ride with me?" 

Looking at him slightly surprised you nodded speechless at his kind gesture. 

Loki's Pov

I was bringing the horse I had bought for Lady (Y/n) to the stables when I heard her talking. "It looks like Prince Loki picked a favorite maiden and I don't know why, but I feel saddened by it. I mean he's a prince so a Midgardian like me wouldn't stand a chance." 'What is she talking about… Ugh, what did Sigyn say?' "I mean sure I have magic, I am smart, deadly when needed…" I smile softly. 'Yeah.' "I'm nowhere near as beautiful as Angrboða or Sigyn. There's nothing special about me." 'Alright time to put a stop to this.' 

"That is where I must disagree with you Lady (Y/n) while Sigyn may be pretty on the outside… true beauty comes from within. You are beautiful," I say softly trying not to startle her again. She turns around slowly meeting my eyes with her beautiful (e/c) eyes. 

"Oh Prince Loki, I'm sorry for bothering you. I'll go," she says softly, sounding a little nervous. "Well, actually I remembered you said you love animals so I got you a horse of your own," I gesture to the horse, "You can name her whatever you like." She smiles beautifully then walks over and pets her. "Juliet," she says very softly. "A beautiful name and coincidence. My horse is named Romeo." I smile. "Would you like to go for a ride with me?" She nods.

 "Why do you think I have a favorite," I ask softly. "Sigyn told us all about your date," she replies even softer. 

I glanced ahead as I got Romeo saddled up, growling under my breath. I couldn't just send Sigyn home even if she failed a test because of a deal made with Odin, for if I did (Y/n) would be sent home as well. Sighing, I was growing fond of her and I saw her as a friend, the only true friend I had. I couldn't risk it. 

"She was just trying to make everyone envious. I haven't chosen a favorite, as it is still too soon in the competition." I spoke sincerely then asked. "Would you like to see my other favorite spot in Asgard?" I smiled as she hoped upon Juliet nodding waiting for me to show the way.