Right to the Night

Chapter Five

 Elisabete was gathering her things from her quarters as the other maids were leaving. Iona came up to Elisabete with a furrowed brow and mean stare as she leaned against the wall. Elisabete quickly glanced at her and continued putting on her coat. She hoped that Iona would be on her way but she remained there as if expecting an answer out of her.

"What is it, Iona?" Elisabete inquired.

"Why were you taking my spot with Sif today?" Iona inquired.

"The king demanded I work with her. When I said you were her personal maid, he struck me." Elisabete told her.

"He struck you?" Iona asked as her entire posture and expression changed.

"Yes, he did." Elisabete replied.

"So, was that your punishment? Him hitting you?" Iona inquired.

Elisabete opened her mouth to reply but couldn't find the right words. She thought back through her whole day and shook her head as she chuckled softly.

"It wasn't, well...at least I don't believe it was." Elisabete told her.

"How can you not be sure of his punishment for you?" Iona laughed.

"He struck me because I interrupted him. He didn't hit me because of what happened." Elisabete told Iona.

"But he did punish you like he said he would?" Iona asked.

"He did but I don't know what it was since he never said what it was going to be." Elisabete explained.

Iona scoffed as she crossed her arms over her chest. Elisabete finished buttoning up her coat and began to change her shoes to her boots. Iona examined her face and furrowed her brow when she saw no marks on her face.

"Are you certain him hitting you wasn't it?" Iona asked.

"I am, Iona. He told me he gave me my punishment but I have no clue what it was. Him hitting me was for my outburst in the throne room and he made that very clear." Elisabete explained to her.

"Well, just be glad you got through the day. Good night, Elisabete. Get home safely." Iona told her.

Elisabete nodded her head and watched as Iona left. She was all alone in the maid's quarters and continued lacing up her boots. Once they were on, she stood to her feet and grabbed her bag. When she turned around to exit the quarters, she inhaled sharply, clutching the strap of her bag upon seeing Loki standing in the doorway. She immediately bowed her head and kept her eyes on the floor at her feet. He looked her up and down before smiling to himself and walking over to her. He stopped a few inches away from her and placed his finger under her chin. He chuckled softly as Elisabete jumped slightly at the contact. Loki pushed her head up to face him and kept it in place by holding her chin between his thumb and forefinger. Elisabeth's eyes surveyed his face trying to read his expression to make sure he wasn't angry or displeased with her.

"Have I done something, my king?" Elisabete asked.

"You have done nothing wrong." Loki replied.

"May I be on my way?" Elisabete gulped.

"First, hear me out." Loki told her.

Elisabete nodded her head and let out a breath as Loki let go off her chin. Her body then tensed as Loki gripped her forearms, however, her body relaxed under his touch when she felt that his grip was gentle.

"You must understand that I never wanted to hit you. I'd never do that to you and you know that, girl. I respect you...as my maid. I have been under a lot of stress with the matters that deal with this realm, and I know you are aware of that. I shall never lay a hand on your pretty face again. I'm sorry I had to punish you like this. My emotions got the better of me and they shouldn't have. I hope you understand just how much...just how much you mean to me. I am truly sorry for my actions and did only what I thought was right. I hope I never have to make excuses like this to you ever again." Loki explained to Elisabete.