chapter 11

You fell into a peaceful sleep after finally coming to terms with Loki admitted in a way to having affections for you. All night you dreamed of being in his garden with him, resting comfortably in his arms enjoying the comfort of each other's company. As morning approached you opened your (e/c) eyes blinking as the sunlight filled your room. A blissful smile graced your lips as you slowly got out of bed, you saw the tiara sitting on your night stand and smiled gently running a finger over the gems. 'I have to tell him.' you thought as you scrambled to get dressed. You picked out a simple green dress, brushed your (h/c) hair leaving it down letting it frame your face naturally. 

You made your way to the dinning hall to join the others for breakfast. Frigga, as well as Odin was present but both princes were absent much to your dismay. Your smile faltered slightly as you took your seat next to Nat and Asora. Nat raised an eyebrow as you were uncharacteristically quiet. 

"You ok, (N/N), you seem down this morning," Natasha asked you quietly trying to to cause unwanted attention. You looked up at her and gave a small smile, you didn't know if you were allowed to tell her about Loki and the tiara. 

"Yea just didn't sleep very well.. Nightmares," you lied, she looked at you and nodded knowing you would tell her later. 

After breakfast was finished Odin dismissed everyone, telling everyone that the Fighting skills event was to take place later that afternoon. Everyone bowed to him and left to prepare for the event, well everyone except you. You needed to find Loki. 'Where could he be? I know he wasn't on a date with anyone as the others were at breakfast.' You thought growing more and more anxious as time passed on during your search.

You checked the library, no one. You walked to his room, passing by one of the maids asking if she had seen the prince. You frowned when she said he had left early that morning and hadn't been seen since dawn. You sighed deciding to check the stables hoping maybe he was checking on Romeo and Juliet as it had been several days since he had taken you to his garden. 

As you made your way towards the stables you were caught off guard as a hand grabbed your arm pulling you into a small room. You turned to address your captor when you saw it was Sigyn. You rolled your eyes as you shrugged your arm from her grasp. 

"What do you want now?" you asked unamused, 

"I told you to stay out of my way, you filthy mortal. You bribed the Prince into giving me a low score in the last event just so you could gain favor with him," she spat at you angrily. You laughed watching her reaction.

"Oh my, that is funny Sig, maybe you're just jealous because I have natural ability and both mortal women beat you. Listen I don't care what you do to me, but if you so much as threaten Asgard and the royal family you will regret it." You stared into her eyes threateningly as you stepped closer before walking out of the room before she could retaliate. 

You finally reached the stables, you smiled finally hearing his voice. You stood outside the door and listened to him. 

"I wonder if she feels the same about me as I feel for her." Loki spoke softly to Romeo hearing the horse neigh softly "I haven't even told her about my true heritage and what really happened with New York. What if she rejects me when she finds out?" he continued not knowing you were listening, 'What is he talking about, I am crazy about him, and I don't care about his heritage. And Thor already told me he was being controlled when he attacked New York.'  You sighed and decided to confront him. 

"Loki?" You spoke softly walking into the stable, he spun around shocked wondering how much you heard. "I think it's time we talked, can we go to your garden first?" He smiled and nodded 

"Yes, I suppose it's time you heard my story. Before I ask you to be mine." 

You nodded, shortly both of you arrived at his garden, he held your hand as you both walked along the path to get to the willow tree where you had your date with him. 

Loki pov

"I gave lady (Y/n) a tiara," I say while stroking Romeo's head, "I lost my nerve and wanted away before she could really say anything… I wonder if she feels the same about me as I feel for her." Romeo neighs. I sigh. "I haven't even told her about my true heritage and what really happened with New York. What if she rejects me when she finds out?" 

"Loki?" 'Oh no… I wonder how much she heard…' "I think it's time we talked, can we go to your garden first?" I sigh but smile quickly and nod. "Yes, I suppose it's time you heard my story. Before I ask you to be mine," I add that last part very quietly. 

Normal pov

"Loki. If you're worried about what I think about you and New York, " you began speaking softly yet carefully, "Thor has already explained you didn't know what you were doing. He said you were mind controlled so I don't hold that against you." You smiled softly before sitting on one of the exposed tree roots. "Now tell me about your heritage… please," you said, patting the seat next to you.

Loki pov

'She knows… She doesn't hold it against me…' "Now tell me about your heritage… please?" I sit down where (Y/n) was patting for me too. I sigh. "I'm not Asgardian. After the war between Asgard and Jötunheim Odin went into the temple on Jötunheim he found a baby small for a giant's offspring. Abandoned, suffering, left to die Laufeyson. Odin took me and raised me here…" 

"So you're a frost giant?" I nod. "Yes… I'm sorry I didn't tell you before and I understand if-" she cuts me off. "Can you show me," she asks excited. "I can…" Her eyes light up. "Will you? Please?" I look into her eyes. "You really want to see that?" She nods. I sigh and close my eyes,  my illusion falls. I open my eyes and look into hers. She runs her fingertips over the lines on my face. As soon as she does she leans in and kisses me. I start to lean into the kiss, cupping her cheek softly before pulling back, remembering Jötuns cause bad frostbite to non-frost giants.

"What's wrong?" She asks slightly surprised. I look her over. She looked normal, no burns. 

"Normally Jötuns will burn people who do not share their blood," I replied, sighing in relief. 

"Oh, well because of the experiments I can't be burned in anyway." She smiled holding my hand looking into my blood red eyes affectionately. 

'She isn't scared… She's looking at me as if nothing changed…' I put my illusion back into place. She looks up at me and smiles. "Thank you, Loki. I know how hard that must have been." She rests her head on my shoulder.

"I'm just glad you accepted me, most people see me as a monster." I look down. 

(Y/n)'s pov

'He's handsome even as a frost giant,' I thought to myself as I looked affectionately into his now blood red eyes. "Thank you Loki. I know how hard that must have been," I spoke resting my head against his shoulder. Loki looked down, still not truly believing she saw him the same as she had.

"I'm just glad you accepted me, most people see me as a monster." he looked down. 

"You are not a monster, Loki. Especially not to me." You cup his cheek making him look at you. "I love you, and I'm going to prove to everyone you're a man worth fighting for." I said confidently, he smiled softly. 

"I love you too (Y/n), if I could I would stop the contest and marry you immediately." He leaned in, kissing you softly. 

"Well I do need to head back, I have to get ready for the Fighting event." I stood up holding his hand tightly. Loki nodded, both of us returning just in time. Lady Sif quickly helped me get some armor on so I was protected. It was surprisingly light. I smiled softly and walked over to join the rest of the ladies as we awaited instructions. 

"Alright Ladies, this will be the fighting skills test. In order to become my bride, you must be able to defend not only yourself, but also all of Asgard and me." Loki said after he took his place in front of us. You and Natasha rolled your eyes as both of you were more than qualified for this test. Lady Asora looked quite nervous as she spoke up. "Who do we have to go against?"

Loki smiled softly, "You will be able to either challenge each other, my brother Thor, the warriors three, or even Lady Sif. But…" he turned slightly to meet eyes with Natasha, his voice became quite serious, "Do not fight to kill, or fatally wound your opponent." Each of us nodded, after Loki explained the rules, Lady Sigyn stepped forward. 

"If I may, I would like to fight Lady (Y/n)" she said innocently with a hidden smirk. Loki nodded and looked at you. 

"Do you accept Lady (Y/n)?" he asked, You nodded smirking before going to the middle of the sparring ring. 

Thor counted to three and the fight began. Sigyn took a fighting stance. You smirked seeing how off balanced she was. You assumed your stance holding the sword you had been given. "My my Lady Sigyn, are you sure you want to fight me?" You taunted her. 

She lunged at you, only to miss as you quickly jumped to the side, your hair bouncing around your shoulders with the movement. You then returned with a strike of your own, just barely missing her arm as she slid to the side. "Ha, you missed, filthy mortal." she smirked and lunged again. 

As the fight continued both of your armor had become dirty and you were covered in sweat, Sigyn had a cut on her leg and right arm. "Damn you mortal how dare you injure me!" she spat at you as she moved in to strike. You tried to move to avoid a strike from her sword but tripped on a rock and she sliced your left arm. 

"Shit, you're gonna regret that." You glared at her, jumping up, kicking her in the chest and knocking her down. Sigyn rolled back panting hard, she swung her sword once more. "You will never have him, you're just a filthy Midgardian, He deserves a real noble woman," she sneered trying to break your mind. 

"You really think he would want a bitch like you? You may be a Noble woman, but you can't even think of anyone except yourself," you spat back, knocking her to the ground, holding your sword at her throat. 

Thor declared the Fight over, "The winner is Lady (Y/n)!" he bellowed raising your injured arm above your head causing you to hiss in pain. 

"Thor, you oaf, let her go, she is injured!" Loki said coming to your aid, looking at your wound. It wasn't too bad but still required stitches. You bowed to him thanking him for being concerned but told him you were fine. He nodded helping you to your seat as the next fight started. 

Loki's Pov

I watched in awe as (Y/n) fought against Lady Sigyn. Sigyn, was quite sloppy with her stances and strikes where as (Y/n) was quick, elegant and quite deadly, even when she wasn't trying to kill. 'She is simply magnificent, I can't wait to make her mine '  I thought as their fight continued, I frowned hearing Sigyn talk about (Y/n) not winning my heart just because she was from Midgard. I scoffed internally if only Sigyn knew that was one of the reasons I fell for (Y/n). (Y/n) had finally pinned Sigyn, I smiled proudly. My smile was short lived as Thor lifted (Y/n)'s injured arm in the air. I heard her hiss in pain. "Thor you oaf, let her go, she's injured." I walked over and examined her arm, feeling the glares from Sigyn and Odin. I led (Y/n) to her seat completely ignoring Sigyn not caring how it looked as long as my love was safe. 

Normal Pov

As the evening continued Lady Asora fought with Lady Sif, she was a rather good fighter but in the end ended up losing. Lady Dracora took on Sir Hogun, she was very quick and light on her feet, she easily had him pinned. 'I think he has a crush on her, he obviously let her win.' You thought. Natasha challenged Thor and no surprise she won as she always does when they spar, Thor even had several injuries. You smiled at your fellow Avengers happily glad that Natasha finally enjoyed herself even if just briefly. Lady Angrboða fought Volstagg holding her own quite well, they eventually called a tie as both were evenly matched. Lastly Lady Jörð was called to challenge someone. 

You felt sorry for the young woman, she looked at the sword she was handed as if it would bite her. She had tears in her eyes. You got up out of your seat walking over to her. 

"Hey it's ok Lady Jörð, do you want to fight Lady Sif?" you asked her softly gently wiping a stray tear away before the other women could see. She shook her head, soon Loki joined you both.

"What's wrong my dear?" he asked gently.

"I am sorry Prince Loki…" Lady Jörð looked down ashamed speaking softly "I..I can't fight. My father never taught me. I don't want to embarrass myself." Loki nodded, "You do realize if you refuse to complete the competition you will be eliminated." she nodded "I… I refused to fight" 

"Lady Jörð has refused to fight. You are eliminated from the contest, I thank you for trying your hardest and you are now free to return to your realm." Loki said sadly as he kissed her hand, maids came to escort Jörð to her room to pack and then leave. Shortly after you were all dismissed, Natasha escorted you towards the infirmary to get your wound taken care of. 

"Alright spill it (N/n), where have you been all day?" Nat asked as you walked back from the infirmary. You blushed looking around to make sure you both were alone. 

"Loki, admitted he loves me. He gave me a tiara with my name on it, then he kissed me, but he disappeared before I could tell him how I felt. So I went to find him this morning. I think I love him too." Nat looks at you dumbfounded, she couldn't believe what she just heard, you fell for the guy who destroyed New York. The same man who took control of your cousin, and treated you like a maid when he first saw you.

"Please tell me you're joking, we are only here because Thor asked us to," She said, still shocked. You sighed. "Nat I know you don't want to believe this, but I mean it. I am falling for him, and before you bring it up, New York wasn't his fault, he was being controlled just like Clint had been. So I don't hold it against him. Now I'm tired, it's been a long day." You shut the door in her face not knowing Sigyn had been secretly listening.  

Sigyn's Pov

As soon as Prince Loki finished explaining the rules I immediately spoke up. "I challenge Lady (Y/n)." I smiled trying to act innocently, she couldn't be that great of a fighter, she is from Midgard afterall. I heard her accept the challenge and we both made our way over to the sparring ring. Thor counted off to signal the start of the fight. I tried to take a fighting stance but it ended up being a weak one. 

"My my Lady Sigyn, are you sure you want to fight me?" She tried to taunt me. I lunged at her, only to miss as she quickly jumped to the side. She then returned with a strike of her own, just barely missing my arm as I slid to the side. "Ha, you missed, filthy mortal." I smirked and lunged again. 

As the fight continued both our armor had become dirty, were covered in sweat, I had a cut on my leg and right arm. "Damn you mortal how dare you injure me!" I spat at her as I moved in to strike. She tried to move to avoid the strike from my sword but she tripped on a rock and I sliced her left arm. 

"Shit, you're gonna regret that." she glared at me, jumping up, kicking me in the chest and knocking me down. I rolled back panting hard, I swung my sword once more. "You will never have him, you're just a filthy Midgardian, He deserves a real noble woman," I sneered trying to break her mind. 

"You really think he would want a bitch like you? You may be a Noble woman, but you can't even think of anyone except yourself," she spat back, knocking me to the ground, holding her sword to my throat.

Thor declared the fight over. 'No! She wasn't supposed to be able to fight! She's from Midgard! She doesn't deserve Loki's heart! At least I still have time to win him back.' 

"The winner is Lady (Y/n)!" Thor raises (Y/n)'s injured arm in the air. I have to keep from chuckling when she hisses in pain until Loki runs up to help her. "Thor you oaf, let her go, she's injured," Loki hisses. Thor does as he's told. Loki examians (Y/n)'s injured arm. 'She's barely hurt!' (Y/n) bows to Loki. He escorts her back to her seat. I glare at them and so does Odin. 'That should be me!' 

Lady Jörð refused to fight and we could finally leave. I was about to go to my own room when I heard Natasha ask (Y/n) where she'd been all day. 'Hm, this could be interesting.' I decided to eavesdrop. "Loki, admitted he loves me. He gave me a tiara with my name on it, then he kissed me, but he disappeared before I could tell him how I felt. So I went to find him this morning. I think I love him too," she confesses. This makes me incredibly mad. 'She's just after the throne! So am I but I deserve it! She doesn't! She's just a lowly Midgardian!' I bet she's even lying about the tiara, she probably stole it!

"Please tell me you're joking, we are only here because Thor asked us to," Natasha says. 'I sure hope she's joking.' "Nat I know you don't want to believe this, but I mean it. I am falling for him, and before you bring it up, New York wasn't his fault, he was being controlled just like Clint had been. So I don't hold it against him. Now I'm tired, it's been a long day." She slams the door.

I walk to my room to figure out some way to get her sent home.