His Dove (Loki Laufeyson)

Part 55 (In Love)

In honor of getting my first thousand reads since making this new account, here's the next couple parts!
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Fjolnir was quite the gentleman at the feast, pulling my chair out for me and asking if he could sit beside me in front of the warriors, an attempt to prove his seat wasn't assumed, that he was a friend rather than a partner.

Sigurd sat on my other side, and we three discussed all the differences between our upbringings.

Sigurd and his father had left the island after what he described as a 'vicious battle', where he grew up in a small village in Vanaheim. It was a stark difference to my own upbringing, and even more different to Fjolnir's. It seemed as though the two men had never had a real conversation, hardly knowing one another outside of their stations.

I couldn't help but glance at Loki throughout the evening as he sat beside his mother, the blankest of expressions on his features. I wasn't sure a court face could get better than his in the moment, especially as I felt his growing anger swarm around him.

Calm down, love.

Loki looked at me when I projected the thought to him, his face softening slightly.

I am calm.

You may be the best liar in the realm, but the way the air feels tonight tells me otherwise.

Loki ignored that, simply resuming his conversation with Frigga. I'd have to admit that hurt a bit, but I didn't try to let it get to me, knowing his frustrations were likely overwhelming him in the moment. It couldn't be easy, having someone who knew your every little emotion.

When people began dancing, I almost cringed. Thor had taught me a couple dances during some of Tony's parties, but I had yet to really master any of them. I declined when Fjolnir tried to get me to dance, but he persisted.

"Come on, princess. Just one dance, then I will happily escort you to your chambers. No one will think anything of it; it's perfectly normal to dance with many people throughout a night here."

I huffed as he spoke, but did appreciate him taking his time to ensure he explained to me what was and wasn't deemed romantic on Asgard and Vanaheim. He was patient with me on that subject, something I couldn't help but adore.

"Fine, one dance."

Fjolnir grinned, grabbing my hand and leading me towards the others.

I didn't recognize the song, but it was rather slow. The dance, however, was thankfully one of the classic ones Thor had showed me how to do, I think just so he'd have a partner to dance with on Earth. It wasn't necessarily a romantic dance, but it did require about as much contact as slow dances at prom.

Throughout it Fjolnir was respectful, keeping his hand on my lower back and making sure it didn't stray, as well as continuously looking at me, what I was positive was him checking for signs of discomfort.

He'd make quiet jokes about the others as we did, keeping me relaxed and happy as he elegantly glided me around the dance floor. Overall, he was quick to make sure I was comfortable and enjoying myself.

When it ended, he bowed to me. I could feel his father's disapproval from across the room at the action, which only added to the slight rose that flushed my cheeks. When he inclined himself again he took my hand, kissing the top of it gently.

"You know that dance." He mused as he walked me away from the floor.

"Thor taught me several years ago, I believe during one of my brother's expo parties." I replied with a smile at the memory. "Thank the gods, otherwise it would've been awful."