Coffee and Books 1

Chapter 19

Astera has just finished putting on my make up, when Sharon comes in the room, garment bag in hand. "Do you mind if I get dressed here?" she asks, holding up the bag.

"Of course not, be my guest," Lady Eir replies courteous.

The blonde woman zips open the bag and takes out a long, sparkly black dress. It's strapless, with a split all the way up to her thigh on one side. It looks great on her.
My eyes grow wide when I see her put a small holster on her thigh, hidden by her dress when she stands up straight again.
"I take it you and Steve are not here just for fun?" I ask carefully.

She smiles at me. "Oh, I intend to have fun tonight, don't worry. It's just a precaution."

"Did the men work things out?" Lady Eir asks Sharon, who nods in reply.

"They have found some middle ground, however small. So when they've put on their fancy clothes, we're good to go."

I put on my heels, and Astera gives me a little gold purse. It sparkles a bit when you move it in the light and it's a perfect match with my shoes. I tuck in my phone, some Kleenex and a lip balm. That will have to do for the night. It's been a hot day and the evening is still warm, I should be fine without a jacket.

When we get back to the living room, the cooks are almost done cleaning up. Steve is standing next to the couch, sipping on a glass of water. He looks splendid in his black tuxedo and white shirt, but he's no match to the Asgardian gentlemen. Heimdall is dressed in white trousers topped with a white tunic, decorated with gold thread. A gold cape hangs from his shoulders, fastened with gold clasps. His dreadlocks are tied back with a gold pin.
Thor is equally impressive, but looks more like a warrior. He's wearing fancy looking armor, his breast plate decorated with the image of a big hammer. He also wears a cape, but his is red. I look around for Loki or Stark, but they are nowhere to be seen.

"The car will be here in half an hour," Heimdall says to us. And right on cue the male cook brings a tray with coffee and tea from the kitchen.

Thor is standing in front of the large windows, looking over the city. I stand next to him. He has a grave look on his face.
"Everything alright?" I ask, handing him a cup of coffee.

He just nods, taking the coffee from me. After a moment of silence Thor speaks up. "My brother... is very angry. He feels betrayed. I could convince Stark to dial down the restrictions, so Loki still has some of his magic. But I don't know if Loki will come out of his room to go to the gala." Thor looks down to me. "But don't worry, I would be happy to escort you, lady Ylva."

"Thank you," I tell him, but I feel my stomach twist at the idea of going without prince Loki. "Maybe I can convince him to go?" I ask, a little doubt in my voice.

"You could try, my lady. But my brother is very strong headed," Thor says, shaking his head a little.

"Oh, but I am too," I quip, trying to sound more confident than I really am.

"Alright," Thor smiles. "Second door on your right."

I get another cup of tea from the tray and head over to Loki's room. Standing before his door, I take a deep breath. Then I knock two times. "Loki? It's me."
No answer. The door remains shut.
"Loki? Please open the door," I plead. "I've got tea for you." I knock again. "Come on, Loki. Open up. Your tea is getting cold."
I have to wait a full minute, but then the door cracks open. I push the door to let myself in, Loki is nowhere to be seen.

Just like Lady Eir's, Loki's room has a small sitting room, with an open doorway to the bedroom. There is a door to my left, and I guess that's the bathroom. This room is decorated in cream and green. Long velvet curtains hang in front on the windows. They're almost closed, a narrow streak of light coming in from each window, leaving the rest of the room in shadows.
I put the tea on the coffee table. There is a big couch, which looks very comfortable. And books, books everywhere. Some are neatly organised in cabinets, but there are also stacks of books scattered across the living room floor.