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“There is only one god and his name is Death, and there is only one thing we say to Death: ‘Not today.” – Syrio ForelHe wasn’t more than fifteen, but the weight of his father’s name bore down on him now. Heavy chains clinked against each other as the young lord dragged his feet towards the Iron Throne. Lord Julian Dayne of Dorne did his best in keeping up with the four guards. Two of them pulled the chains in their hands, sending Julian forward. He winced. His small cry of pain echoed in the throne room.He cursed at himself. ‘Fuck,’ he thought. ‘Fucking Elves.’ Julian looked up towards the King of the Nine Kingdoms. The man who stole his father’s and brother’s lives. Julian watched King Malekith scratch his cracking chin. Julian remembered his lord father’s angered words. He spoke against the King’s Request. A navy blue letter wrapped in gray and gold was torn to pieces after his father spent only a minute reading the contents. “He wants the Sunspear,” his father told the family. “He wants all of them, just to take power away from us. I told you, Mariah, he’s going mad.” His mother told him that he would eat his words, and he did. Before Julian stepped foot inside the throne room, he was taken to see his father. His head pierced through a spike at the entrance to the Red Keep. A warning. An intimidation. A reminder. Flies flew around, eating his eyes, and blood caked around the wood. Still, his father’s head on a spike would be more of a welcome sight than meeting the King of the Nine Kingdoms.Malekith’s face stretched into a smile. Julian squinted to see his sharp teeth. The King leaned his body forward on the throne. It did not squeak or moan underneath his weight. It stood rigid, its place in the room more permanent than any man who sat upon it. That was a promise that repeated in Julian’s head. His father told him this much. They may swear fealty to him now, but that meant nothing if a better, stronger man came along.However, Julian’s father was dead. What did a dead man’s words mean against a King? Julian’s eyes wandered away from the throne. A lump formed in his throat. His brother, who was only four years older than him, was dragged out of the dungeon last night. A dark elf displayed his brother’s head on his spike. He did not wave it around in victory. It stood as still as the Iron Throne. Wet blood decorated the metal. Julian tore his eyes away from the painful image. At the edge of his vision, Julian saw a small audience gathered there. Dark elves watched him silently through their metal face masks. Cowards. What did dark elves have to fear from him? He allowed himself a small smirk. He must be so dangerous to make all of this fuss. They were long living beings who hid behind their metal faces while his golden brown skin made him look richer than all of them. “Young lordling,” the King’s voice caught Julian’s attention. Malekith laughed. “Tell me, lion cub of Dorne. How loud do you roar?”“Louder than Death,” Julian said his house words with pride. Malekith hummed. “Bold words. Shame your father and now, brother, couldn’t roar loud enough.”“I’m not scared of you,” Julian growled. His curls acted as his mane. He lifted his wrists towards the towering throne. “Clearly, you fear a lion cub more than I fear a near immortal king.”“I would be careful with your next words, child,” Malekith frowned. He stood tall. His black cape brushed the sharp edges of the uneven swords that melded the chair together. He climbed down from the high point with a particular balance. When he reached the bottom, his glare narrowed on the child’s face. “Give me what I want and you may live to see your family tomorrow.”“You butchered my family.”“I butchered your brother and father,” Malekith corrected. “Your mother and sisters are untouched, but that all depends.”“All depends on?”“Where is it?”“Where’s what?”“The Sunspear.” Malekith’s voice echoed in the throne room. His fists tightened, digging his nails into his palms. “Where is it?”Julian smiled. His glee took some court members aback. Few looked back at their king, waiting for his response. Julian snorted, coughing to cover up the sound. He cleared his throat. “It’s not here.”“I know it’s not here, you idiot,” Malekith spoke through his teeth. “Tell me where it is.”“Why would you think I would know?”“You’re of House Dayne, are you not? Or are you a bastard like your sister?” “There’s no bastards in Dorne,” Julian said, taking offense. “Only people.”“Tell me where the Sunspear is or you will face the same fate as your brother.”Julian looked to his brother’s head. The spike went through his eye, leaving a nasty image burned inside Julian’s head. He remembered when Mose taught him how to spar with swords. Mose moved his fingers to hold it with the right grip, but even then the sword was too heavy to hold up with one hand. When Mose’s friends started to tease him, Mose hit one in the nose with the hilt of the sword. Mose was a talented fighter, but someone bested him. Julian didn’t have as much training as his brother, nor the skill. His eyes found the King’s.“You’ll never find it,” Julian said. “Asking me where the Sunspear is like asking a Frost Giant what Dorne heat feels like.”“You are of House—“I just told you I don’t know—King Malekith snapped his fingers. A dark elf guard cut Julian’s ear. He cried out in pain, falling to his knees. The pain rang in his head. His fingers touched his ear. Pulling his finger back, he saw the wet, red color. “Do not interrupt me again, Lord Julian. You know where it is.” Malekith surrounded himself with a glowing red liquid. Julian watched the first of the four guards lock his chains into the ground. The second followed suit. His mouth ran dry. He looked to his brother’s face once again, attempting to find courage. He heard footsteps behind him, the last of his chains locking into place on the ground. All four guards had left his side. The Aether started to whisper towards the lion cub. For a moment, he thought he heard his father.His house words tingled at the tip of his tongue.“You would rather perish now than tell your King where the Sunspear is?” Malekith’s voice lowered into a whisper.Julian puffed out his chest. Aether colored the walls and floor around him red. Its power thundered inside of his small body. His heartbeats grew loud. He would not cry, not now. He was a lion. He was a Lord. He would face Death with his teeth bared, roaring into whatever came next. He did as King Malekith asked and chose his next words wisely.“You are no King. You are dust hiding behind a metal face.”King Malekith released the power of the Aether from his hands. It consumed the teenager’s body running through all flesh and muscle. The throne room heard the young lord scream until a crack sounded off in the air. It echoed in the chamber as the Aether moaned. Red liquid returned into Malekith’s hollow necklace, congealing back into a stone.Dust in the air settled. A new singed mark replaced where Lord Julian and his chains used to be.“Louder than Death,” Malekith tsked. “No one is louder than me.”
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“I must be as strong as my lady mother.” – Sansa Stark“Don’t be so loud, she’s right there,” a handmaiden whispered a little louder than she meant to as Lady Cecelia walked by. Her ears tickled at the mention of her. Highgarden was not like the rest of the nine kingdoms, but one thing was still the same: people still gossiped about one another. Cecelia said nothing, turning into the next room.She started pacing this morning after she heard her father and his closest advisors were still locked behind closed doors. A fortnight ago, a royal courier from King’s Landing arrived with a navy blue letter with the King’s seal. The King’s Request, it was named. Not long after, another message arrived from Casterly Rock. Cecelia wasn’t allowed to see either message. If she had to guess, it was a request to come to King’s Landing.No one had been to King’s Landing for twenty-five years. Cecelia studied history enough to know that King Malekith was different from his predecessors. Kings hosted tournaments, feasts, and diplomatic meetings for the lords and ladies. Her father, Ser Petra, and Maester Lagos complained about this so much that Cecelia and her sisters repeated the same words over and over again with mocking faces. “Twenty-five years.” Cecelia shaped her mouth like a trout, wagging her finger towards Dahlia. Dahlia responded by pushing out her stomach, imitating her father. “The King has no regard for any of us.” Amaryllis, the youngest, giggled along with her older sisters. The three girls loved making fun of their father as much as they loved sweets. It was only a delightful game. Others did the same as well. After all, it was Ser Petra who put on funny voices with her when she was Amaryllis’ age. Cecelia turned back into the hallway, two figures appeared behind her. “Lady Cecelia,” one called out. Cecelia continued the same path through Highgarden again for the fourth time this morning. More theories popped up inside her mind. She already disproved the first one. Malekith’s son was too young to have his own tournament. He was only Amaryllis’ age. She threw the second theory out the window as well. Her father and his advisors wouldn’t lock themselves in a single room all night for the news of a royal pregnancy. “Lady Cecelia?”Her third theory disturbed her. Cecelia knew of her father’s distaste for the King. Her mother shushed him whenever he spoke his mind too freely. ‘He’s only asking because he’s supposed to. He doesn’t want to ask. He wants to take from us. Selfish bastard.’ Lord Garth crushed the navy blue letter in his hands and demanded a private audience. That was yesterday afternoon. Cecelia had her own friends across the nine kingdoms, namely Lady Sif of House Westerling. They never spoke traitorous words out loud, but hints were there.She remembered Sif describing King Malekith’s last visit to Casterly Rock. How all the Dark Elves wore metal faces. Each with intricate and sometimes frightening designs. King Malekith’s metal face stood out. His was a pale white mimicking a skull. What frightened Sif the most was not his metal face, but the unease of the red stone necklace he wore. Lady Sif heard whispers whenever she was in his presence. Whispers Sif was certain weren’t of human origin. “Lady Cecelia!” Cecelia gasped, snapping out of her deep thought. As she turned, she masked her own fright for surprise. “Sorry! Deep in thought.”“We know, ma’am,” Dyana nodded. “Are you alright?”“I’m fine,” Cecelia said.“You walked by the kennels three times already without cooing at Mary’s new pups,” Elise pointed out. Cecelia’s eyes widened. “Mary had new pups?! I thought she was too old—“No, she didn’t.” Her handmaiden reached for her. “What’s wrong, my lady? Dyana has been ordered by your mother to serve you a calming tea if you don’t stop. She’ll force-feed it if she has to.”“What? No, I wouldn’t,” Dyana reacted.“It’s nothing,” Cecelia waved off. Her arms linked with her handmaidens. “I could use some calming tea anyways. I am thirsty.” Cecelia glanced at the set of guarded doors behind her. Two guards stood emotionless as she heard her father’s voice yell from behind them. Whatever they were arguing about, it had to do with those two messages.When Lord Garth and his advisors finally emerged, the sun was saying its last goodbyes for the day. Amaryllis tugged at Cecelia’s skirts in the family sitting room. “Lia,” Amaryllis murmured. Cecelia’s mind was far from Highgarden once again. She thought of Casterly Rock. Sif’s home sat on higher cliffs overlooking the sea. Cecelia had been there several times before. Sif and herself often joked Casterly Rock was more of her home than Highgarden. Her mother told the same story every year for her name day. Lady Magnolia was far from home, but it didn’t matter. Cecelia wanted to be born among sea salt and sky instead of a rose garden. Her cries were heard first at Casterly Rock, and when she arrived home at Highgarden, she was greeted by blossoming flowers, green grass, and smiling faces. How blessed the nine kingdoms was with another beautiful high lady.Lady Magnolia remembered even the Queen expressed jealousy over how beautiful she was described to be.“Cecelia,” her mother’s voice broke through. She turned to see her mother standing in the doorway. Her face read serious, but she hid heartbreak in her throat. “Your father and I need to speak with you.”Cecelia linked arms with her mother as guards escorted them. Cecelia entered the darkened room, guards shutting the doors quietly behind them just like they had yesterday afternoon. The throne room’s windows were closed. The last of the sunlight streamed through highlighting all the wrong angles. The branch-like beams that once looked like strong trees on the ceiling, now looked like a frightening forest. The banners hung along the room stared at her instead of greeting her. Lord Garth sat in his respective throne. Most described him as a large, happy man with friends in all corners of Westeros. He sat like a deflated sack of potatoes in his chair. He wouldn’t meet her eyes.“Papa, what’s going on?” Cecelia broke the silence. “You’ve been in here for more than an entire day.”“I know.” His hands ran down his face.“It’s those messages isn’t it? What news came from the King?”“Cecelia, when you were born, I was so happy,” he started, avoiding her question. “I had secretly hoped for a boy because I wanted an heir. Then, the wet nurse handed you to me, and I was in awe of you, Cecelia. I fell apart. You were so small and vulnerable. I promised myself that morning to protect you and your sisters from everything.” Lord Garth sighed,
letting out more than just a breath of air. “Papa, what news came from the King?” Cecelia repeated. Her mother’s hands landed on her shoulders. A new calm washed over her. An ocean wave of salt and murky waters colored her mind. The sound alone would calm her but it described how fragile it all was. In seconds, ocean waters turned to disasters no matter how calm it sounded before.“King Malekith is no longer suited to lead us. There are many of us who wish to remove him from power.”“Be careful of what you say—“A rebellion against the king is already moving, my love,” Lord Garth reached for his daughter. “I need you now more than ever.” Cecelia found her father’s hands. Strength returned to her, reminding her that she is made of the thick roots this house nurtured. “Whatever you ask, I will do with honor.” Cecelia stood with her back straight. Her house words came to mind. “Forever growing.”Lord Garth offered a sad smile for her. His hand clasped over hers. “Gardeners take their time raising our flowers. I’m proud of the time I took with you.” He exchanged a look with Magnolia behind her and returned his gaze to Cecelia. “An alliance had been proposed between three houses. House Odinson, House Westerling, and us. I believe in Lord Odin’s vision for the future. He and his men are taking charge of this rebellion.”“Of the Iron Islands?” Cecelia asked. Her mind formed the map of Westeros. She thought of the small set of islands to the west. How stubborn their men were. How detached they were from the rest of the kingdoms. The Iron Islands didn’t believe in the Faith of the Seven, like King’s great grandfather commanded the rest of the kingdoms to. They baptized their people in the sea, swearing their loyalty to the Drowned God. Their ships were terrorizing weapons. Not even pirates could best them in battle. A man of Pyke knows the sea better than a pirate knows how much gold he stole.“Other lords, including myself, believe Lord Odin is a just man. King Malekith has gone too far this time. He sealed his fate with that damned letter. However, there is a lot of mistrust among everyone. We need to secure this alliance. In order to secure our place in this rebellion, you will be married.”“An arranged marriage?” Cecelia reacted. Her heart sank, but she kept calm. “Not uncommon. Who is my husband-to-be?”Lord Garth tightened his grip around his daughter’s hands. “The Storm’s Son, Loki Odinson of Pyke Islands.”
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"Maybe magic was once a mighty force in the world, but not anymore." – Maester LuwinThe people of Highgarden tensed with the news of an uprising, Lady Cecelia’s betrothal, and the arrival of Iron Islanders. Weeds multiplied inside the cracks while ivy tightened its grip on the castle walls. Dyana sneezed. Particles of her allergies spread around the immediate area before she could cover her mouth. She gave a short apology to the septa, Maybe, before she flitted off inside. Dyana came from a decent merchant family. Her father made oils designed for hair, promoting health over looks. Many doubted the success of such items until Lord Pacha of Highgarden generously paid for several stores of his products in advance. Dyana considered herself lucky to be handmaiden to Lord Pacha’s granddaughter. Cecelia, like every other Highgarden lady before her, was kind, generous, and intelligent.However, her future at Highgarden hung in the balance now.New questions fired inside her mind in the last few days. What if things changed after Cecelia’s wedding? Could Cecelia take her into a different house? What if she had to stay here? It wouldn’t be so terrible to become Lady Dahlia’s handmaiden. At eleven, she would be flowering soon. Dyana looked up from her basket of fresh flowers, seeing the same paranoia from other people who worked in the castle. Perhaps Cecelia’s pacing last week was more justified than she thought. Not that it was any of her business anyways. Dyana knew better than to ask her Lady about her personal feelings. It crossed an invisible line. Besides, it made it easier when nosy wenches asked about ridiculous rumors that flew into her ears. Dyana couldn’t gossip about what she never knew. She sneezed again, catching this one with her handkerchief. “Bless her, Mother,” Cecelia said, looking up towards the ceiling.“Thank you, my lady.” Dyana tucked back some of her hair. Cecelia sighed.“Has anyone ever told you how beautiful your hair is?” Cecelia smiled towards her. “The way your curls look so perfect each day. All of them consistent, tight circles.” “Thank you, my lady,” Dyana flushed. “But, I am not as beautiful as you.”“You are!” Cecelia stood straight up, walking over to her. “Every woman is blessed with her own beauty. The Maiden gave you your wild and generous hair. I’m surprised no one hasn’t proposed to you yet.”Dyana continued the task at hand, sorting the fresh flowers in the vase before her. “I don’t believe I’ve caught anyone’s eye yet.”“Which is why we have the Crone,” Cecelia mused. “To remind us men are idiots.”“Come on now, not all of us are idiots.” Dyana reacted to the new voice in the room. Her gaze fell over to Ser Xerxes. Like her, Xerxes had the same copper skin. His head shaved of any hair at all, but Dyana didn’t mind. Her eyes focused on his muscular shoulders and arms. She often liked to watch him spar or train with the other warriors at Highgarden. She often recalled how sweat beaded on his forehead only for drops of it to stream down his neck and into his armor.“Oh? Care to defend yourself then?” Cecelia challenged. Xerxes held up his hands in surrender. “What is it that they say to Death in Essos? Not today?”Cecelia hummed, crossing the room, passing by Dyana. Dyana watched his eyes follow Cecelia’s backside. Dyana may have beautiful hair, but she wasn’t a Lady of Highgarden. Xerxes didn’t even so much as acknowledge her presence whenever Cecelia was around. Dyana wanted to be jealous, but Cecelia was too kind, too wonderful to be angry with. “What do you want, Xerxes?” Cecelia asked, picking up a letter.“You haven’t respond to my inquiry,” Xerxes said. “About the caravan.”“And I told you that none of that is under my control. The men of Highgarden serve my father, not me.”“Yes, but you do decide who gets to go with you?” Xerxes gestured towards Dyana. “What about Dyana? And Elise? Are they going with you?” Dyana’s stomach flipped when he said her name. She looked towards her Lady in a slight panic.“Of course, they’re coming with me. Why would I leave my best girls behind at Highgarden? See, I told you,” Cecelia playfully nudged Dyana’s arm. “Men are idiots.”“But, you can’t choose which men go with you?”“No! How many times do I need to repeat myself? I know nothing of armies and military strategy. That is entirely up to my father, and soon, my husband.”Xerxes made a disgusted sound which caught more than Dyana’s attention. When she looked to her lady, Cecelia’s eyes narrowed. Dyana quickly thought to close the door, so no one else could hear. The last thing Cecelia needed was another rumor flying around about a lover’s quarrel between her and her childhood friend, right before Loki’s arrival.“Your husband,” Xerxes spat. “You would leave important decisions up to a man you haven’t even met yet?”“Isn’t that how arranged marriages usually work?” “You really have no idea what you’re getting into.”“I didn’t ask for this!”“Really? Because ever since your news of your upcoming betrothal, you’ve been giddier than the Fat Friar when there’s cake at dinner.”“What’s your point?”“He’s the Storm’s Son!” Xerxes yelled at her. Dyana winced. She wished she didn’t know this side of him. Ser Xerxes upheld a knight’s morals better than more than half of the men serving in King’s Landing. Xerxes was obedient to his Lord and grateful for his knighthood. He defended the weak and innocent, training young boys who came from unfortunate circumstances. He was a good man. Dyana couldn’t understand why he would yell at her Lady like this.“Loki Odinson practices dark magic, Lia.”Cecelia scoffed, waving him off. “Those are just rumors.”“I’ve known men who have seen it! Honest men who suffered at his hand. He’s of the Iron Islands. Do you know how they treat their women over there?”“Why does this matter to you?” Cecelia yelled back. “No one is forcing you to marry him.”“Yes, but if you allow me to go with you, I can protect you, Lia.”“Protect me from my own husband?” “Yes! Did you think that this vicious bastard was going to offer you his hand and ride with you into the sunset? Either you don’t care or you’re an idiot,” Ser Xerxes’ words burned. Dyana looked to her Lady. Cecelia’s mouth formed a straight line. She passed a letter to Dyana.“Dyana, please deliver this to Maester Lagos for me. And tell Elise I will be late to my aunt’s garden.” Cecelia’s eyes did not look away from Xerxes. Dyana took the letter, offered her quickest curtsy, and sped out of the angry room. When her nose breathed in the fresh air from outside, she thanked the gods for the fresh, positive energy. She told Elise everything that transpired in front of her. Of course, Elise had her own opinions.“Where does he get off calling her an idiot like that?” Elise growled, carrying a basket of supplies. “She knows Elvish, the Common Tongue, Dwarvish, and more. What does he know? How to swing a damn sword?”“I think he was too angry. People say things they don’t mean when they’re angry,” Dyana pointed out. “Remember when you said those mean things to me?”Elise nodded. “That was different. I was jealous, but I suppose you’re right. Everyone at Highgarden knows how much Xerxes cares for her. I guess it’s no wonder why he’s so angry. I would feel the same way if my first love was getting married to someone else.”Dyana tugged at her sleeves, sighing. “Cecelia is excited to get married though. That letter she had me deliver was addressed to Loki.”“Really?” Elise bounced. “Did you read it? What did it say?” Dyana exchanged a look with her. Elise whined, nudging at her friend. “Oh, you’re too good of a handmaiden! Always following the good book and rules.”“Is that truly so bad?” Dyana gave her a smile. “What our Lady writes to her future husband is her private business. Not ours. Besides, what if she wrote something personal?”“You mean something scandalous?” Elise mused as they entered Lady Rae’s garden. The simple garden sat a little away from Highgarden, just a few feet into the forest nearby. It housed two important items dear to Lady Rae. The grave of her beloved cat, Petunia, and a small altar dedicated to the Lost Ones. An old myth known to many in Westeros. Their existence was lost to history as no one knows if they went extinct or not. Lady Rae was considered slightly mad for maintaining her altar dedicated to them. Elise set down the basket, pulling out the items carefully. “Cecelia does favor poetry. Maybe she wrote him a poem?”“He’s from the Iron Islands. I doubt they’re civilized enough for that,” Dyana argued. Elise set candles in their rightful places, lighting them. “That’s not what I heard. Loki and his brother, Thor are exceptional at military strategy. Apparently, Lord Garth is offering his entire army for Loki to command and use.”“A learned mind? Cecelia would like that. If she didn’t write poetry, what would she write?”“I’m not so sure.” Elise’s blonde hair fell into her face as she bent forward, setting a clear crystal orb in its place on the altar. Dyana tucked it back for her. “You’ve been with her longer than I have. Has she ever had any crushes before?”“Well, there was Xerxes,” Elise said. “But, that faded out after she met Orthorion.”“Orthorion Reyrona? A light elf?”“A very interesting light elf from Riverrun, yes.” Elise gave a wicked smile. “She was smitten with him for quite some time. They even kissed. I helped her with that one.”“What happened?”“He stopped answering her letters,” Elise shrugged. “She was heartbroken for a long while after that, but then you came along! And well, you know what happened from there. Oh.” Elise reacted. “She does not look happy.”Dyana turned around to see a steaming Lady Cecelia arrive to her late aunt’s garden. She took her spot in the middle of both of her handmaidens. “Thank you both for meeting me here,” Cecelia said, keeping up appearances. She set an offering by the crystal orb. Fresh rabbit meat she swiped from the kitchen. “Everything alright?” Dyana asked.Cecelia shook her head. “Let’s not talk of that here. I don’t want to burden the Lost Ones with personal issues.”“Are you sure?” Dyana asked. “Didn’t you say you cried to The Lost Ones about your miseries? Aren’t they here to listen to you?”“Sometimes, we must be the ones to listen to them,” Cecelia said. “They need someone to talk to, too.”The three joined hands. Dyana breathed evenly along with them. When her father began to find success in the merchant business, Dyana found a small bit of misery. Not everyone thought she was beautiful like Cecelia did. Some of her old friends cracked eggs above her head, or pulled at her hair. They insulted her even further with nasty words. Their words still echoed inside her mind.When she found a new sisterhood, Dyana felt safe. Still, there are those here who would seek her out purposely and blame her for things she never did. Dyana only trusted her Lady and Elise. She found solace in Cecelia’s words from earlier. Why would I leave my best girls behind at Highgarden? Dyana was one of her best. Maybe Cecelia didn’t need Ser Xerxes to protect her. Maybe, she only needed her and Elise.
Together, they said the words.Lost Ones, we seek you out.Whether you are hiding or survivingWe will find you and love youWe will feed your starving belliesKeep you warm with our fireWith us, you are safe.
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“I will not hurt her. You have my word.” Ramsay SnowCecelia practiced smiling in the mirror. She sighed, dissatisfied with her face. She looked down to Elise and Dyana who made adjustments to her green dress. Dyana fastened a metal belt around her waist, clicking two halves of a rose together. A polite knock sounded off at the door. Her septa let herself in, clasping a hand over her heart.“Lady Cecelia! You’re up already?” Septa Maybe toddled over to the windows, opening the curtains to reveal the morning sun. “What in seven hells are you doing?”“Our lady was anxious all night. We finally got her to settle on this dress,” Elise spoke. “It took us eight dresses to get here.”“Green?” Maybe looked at her up and down. “Our house colors?”“No! His colors!” Cecelia argued. “He told me so, in a letter. He likes green!” Dyana and Elise exchanged looks, but Cecelia didn’t notice. She kept her mental notebook open, all the details of her betrothed organized in her mind. The Storm’s Son was a nickname his people and many of Westeros gave him, but he wasn’t a fan of the nickname. He preferred the color green because it was the color of grass, the woods, seaweed, and all things alive. He kept his mind sharp with books, and he was looking forward to seeing Highgarden’s expansive library.Cecelia kept the most precious detail to herself. Loki never had lemon cakes before.Septa Maybe hummed. “It seems unbecoming for you to want to appease him this much, dear. Besides, his house colors are gray, not green. That’s our house colors.”Before Cecelia opened her mouth, Elise did it for her. “You’re wearing green! End of discussion.” Elise shot a nasty look towards the septa. Maybe turned, closing the door behind her. “Remember what I said the other day?” Dyana spoke up. “People say things they don’t mean when they’re upset.” Cecelia’s mind turned from Loki to Xerxes. It switched between them all night long. She thought of Xerxes’ warnings and allegations. After Dyana left, Xerxes spoke his mind, leaving no room for subtlety. He told her several stories about his cruelty to his own men. How he would discipline them with his magic. Once, he hung a man by his neck, and then tossed him overboard so he could be dragged by the ship. Xerxes shamed her for her ignorance. How dare she get excited to wed a man she barely knew?“Xerxes has no right to tell me those horrid rumors believing them to be true. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with being a little excited.” Cecelia smoothed out the front of her dress.“Absolutely nothing wrong with it at all, my lady,” Elise chirped. She fastened the last of the sleeve’s buttons, stepping away. “Shall we fetch breakfast now? I think we deserve it.”In the past few days, she avoided Xerxes at all costs. Why should she say she was sorry? Xerxes inferred that she was a romantic idiot. Xerxes was the one to tell her one story after another about Loki’s anger. How his magic made him powerful, manipulative, and selfish. It was enough for Cecelia to want magic for herself. If she could, she would silence him for a week.Cecelia droned on about the soured conversation between her and Xerxes in the days that passed. She criticized herself for fueling the same rumors she hated. It wasn’t the first time they fought like a married couple. Ser Xerxes had no hold on her heart. She told others that he felt the same. Ser Xerxes was a sworn sword to Highgarden, nothing more. No one seemed to believe her.Cecelia’s eyes narrowed on Ser Xerxes as he crossed her vision in the feast hall. She bet half of Highgarden that he felt her eyes on him. Her glare burned as much as his words did. He refused to look her way. Cecelia sent mental curses his way, secretly hoping he could read minds and hear her.Many finished their breakfast and began to prepare for the arrival of Loki and half of the Iron Islands. A pair of wenches collected dirty dishes, whispering to each other, taking turns looking at Lord Garth’s daughters. Cecelia pretended not to mind; she needed to set a good example to her sisters. Amaryllis sat in her lap, eating the last of her porridge. Elise gulped down another cup of coffee. “Why are you looking at him like that?” Dahlia said a little louder, jarring Cecelia’s attention.“He’s an idiot, and keep your voice down.” Cecelia said.“Why is he an idiot?” “All men are idiots, Dahlia,” Elise told her. “Even Papa?” she raised her brow towards Cecelia. Cecelia bit her tongue. Anger rose and fell like waves inside of her. She glanced over to her father, remembering the promise he easily broke. His people surrounded him as he left the feast hall, Ser Xerxes and Ser Petra tailing behind. Ser Petra carried Briar Rose, wrapped in the House Grover’s green colors.It was a little under two years ago on her name day. Lord Garth kissed the crown of her head nineteen times. One for every year. The day’s celebration winded down when he brought her into the throne room. Lord Garth carefully unwrapped something precious and sacred in front of her. Cecelia gasped, touching her chest. Happy tears rimmed her eyes. Her fingers ran along the metal, feeling a sense of pride for her house. Cecelia picked up her family’s ancestral sword, Briar Rose. The weight of it made her feel stronger, more capable than her male peers.“Highgarden will be yours one day. It is only fair and right that you decide who your heart belongs to as well.” Her father’s promise echoed in her head. How easily his words meant nothing when war was on the horizon. How stupid Cecelia felt when she believed him.“Especially Papa,” Cecelia responded to Dahlia. Everyone stopped their daily duties to gather in the courtyard, even those who weren’t meant to be there. A caravan of people dressed in grays and murky blues stood out against the lush greens that surrounded the castle. The weather seemed perfect despite the anger she felt. She kept a good hold on Dahlia. If anyone quelled her frustration, it was her sister. A horse carrying a golden-horned knight entered first. His size intimidated a few. Some took a step back while Lord Garth stepped forward. He took off his helmet to reveal the dark skin underneath. His black beard trimmed, framing his face well. His golden eyes enticed the women.“Well fuck me,” Elise said out loud behind Cecelia. “That’s what a King should look like. Shit.”“Elise! Dahlia is right there,” Dyana whispered back. Cecelia covered her mouth to prevent her sudden laughter. “Ser Heimdall! An honor to meet the man behind several legends,” Lord Garth clasped his arm in true Iron Island fashion. “An honor to be welcomed in such a manner, my lord,” Ser Heimdall spoke. “Oh gods,” Elise reacted. “His voice.”Two other horses followed suit. The first carried an older woman. Her hair flowed like sails on a ship. Cecelia felt both drawn to and intimidated by her. What kind of woman opted to ride like that instead of enjoying the comforts of a carriage? She dismounted on her own as well, none of her own men offering their hand to help. The second horse slowed. Its rider had shorter, blonde hair. His blue eyes sparkled with the same sort of trouble Cecelia saw in Orthorion, the Light Elf from Riverrun.“What kind of water do they drink in the Iron Islands?” Elise commented again.Dyana sighed. “Elise—“I will not be scrutinized for using my eyes.” Elise leaned forward towards Cecelia’s ear. “Is that him? Loki?”“Lady Frigga,” Lord Garth greeted the older woman kindly. Lady Magnolia curtsied giving her own greeting. Cecelia studied the blonde, noting he did not leave his horse.“I don’t think so,” Cecelia whispered back. “He seems too much like sunshine to be the Storm’s Son.” More of the caravan filled the courtyard. Men and women lined up. Their axes, swords, and daggers displayed at their sides. Each wore an armor with a Warhammer etched onto their chest plates. Cecelia’s eyes scanned among them until her ears tickled with a horse’s speedy footing. A fourth horse galloped inside the courtyard, breaking just before her family’s feet. Its rider jumped off easily. Like Ser Heimdall, he wore a horned helmet as well. Gray and green leather armor covered his features. He kept his horns on, greeting Lord Garth as if he was a fellow warrior. “My lord,” he said.“Loki, the Storm’s Son,” Lord Garth greeted. Cecelia’s eyes focused on him. His dark curls brushed his shoulders. His shoulders heightened his stature, making him look bigger than Ser Xerxes. Lord Garth held out his hand to Cecelia next to him. “Allow me to present my daughter, Lady Cecelia Grover.”Cecelia stepped forward. All fell silent in the courtyard, waiting for their first words to be exchanged. Loki reached for her hand, brushing over her knuckles with his lips. His eyes fixated on her, instilling a new feeling inside. Color rushed to her face, almost freezing her.“My lord,” she curtsied. A lump formed in her throat. “My lady,” Loki responded, a small chuckle left him. “I am no lord.” He lowered his voice, speaking in her ear only. “But you are certainly a lady of Highgarden.” Loki offered his arm, linking them together as they entered the castle. As they passed by Xerxes, Cecelia didn’t need to make a new bet. She definitely felt his eyes glaring at them.
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“It is not those foes who curse you to your face that you must fear, but those who smile when you are looking and sharpen their knives when you turn your back. You would do well to keep your wolf close beside you.” - Melisandre Loki heard his chamber door open, waving away the illusion in front of him, but it was too late. His companion already saw the last of it disappear away. “She’s still on your mind, isn’t she?” Fandral prodded. “Don’t,” Loki shook his head. “And don’t tell my mother.”Fandral raised his hands in surrender. “Then, I saw nothing, my friend.” Loki crossed the room, glancing out the window. Outside, people tended to the dogs and horses by the stable. The smell reached Loki’s nose quicker than he anticipated. He wrinkled his face. Four days into his stay and he would remember that smell all the way back to the Iron Islands. “The last thing I need right now is my mother up my ass,” Loki said. “My father has already made a home in it. I don’t need my mother there too.”“You know, plenty of lords have mistresses. The brothels in King’s Landing—Loki shot a look to Fandral. “You know what happened last time I was caught at a brothel.” Fandral shifted his weight back and forth. The floor creaked beneath him. Niether of them were used to beautiful hardwood floors like this. Every step they took, they felt as if the floor would give out or break from underneath them. Fandral nodded his head to the door.“We should go. Lord Garth is expecting us soon,” Fandral said. The pair travelled in mostly silence. With a Highgarden knight as their escort, Loki allowed himself to ponder. He listed off everything he knew inside his mind. King Malekith sent out a specific demand disguised as sympathetic plea. He called for certain Houses to give up locations or weapons containing precious stones. Malekith claimed enemies from the East threatened the peaceful sanctity of the nine kingdoms. After House Dayne publicly refused to give the Sunspear to him, he killed all their males, thinking the women of House Dayne would give up the Sunspear.They fled.Loki chuckled. “What now?” Fandral said.“If the King wants the Space Stone, he’ll have the worst time finding it. He’ll find the Drowned God before he ever gets his hands on it.” Loki explained. “Should you be talking about this so freely?” Fandral looked around him. He lowered his voice. “Didn’t your father execute one of the King’s spies from his own ranks?”“So?”“What if there’s spies here?”“So, you don’t trust us.” The Highgarden knight halted. Loki narrowed his eyes. The Storm’s Son towered him by a few inches.“I don’t trust anyone. Life is easier that way,” Loki said, allowing himself to look down on the knight.“Not even your own mother? Your betrothed?” the knight questioned.“Trusting a King got us here. My father trusted his own sworn sword and executed him.” Loki continued. “I trusted a woman and—“Loki,” Fandral grabbed him, pulling him back. “You must forgive us, Ser…?”“Xerxes,” He shifted his weight, eyeing Loki carefully. “Forgive us, Ser Xerxes,” Fandral repeated. “We’ve travelled a long way with little rest.” Ser Xerxes huffed, but continued forward escorting them towards Lagos’ chambers. Loki wished he had Maester Solomon here, but his presence was more needed with Lord Odin and his elder brother, Thor. Loki pushed down creeping feelings of favoritism as the trio entered the intimate room.Maester Lagos’ private chambers sat between Highgarden’s library and a balcony growing different sorts of herbs and plants. Of course, they preferred natural remedies, an intrusive thought crossed his mind. A thick paper map was weighed down on the center table. Heavy gray stones sat at each corner. One wall had more maps pinned. One of Highgarden, one of the Iron Islands, one of King’s Landing, and the last one of the North where the Frost Giants resided. Light filled the room enough for Loki to study each of his new allies’ faces. Maester Lagos wore typical robes for a Maester, his beard as long as the nights he stayed up reading. He hadn’t been formally introduced to Ser Petra, the so called ‘Brown-nosed Knight’, but Ser Heimdall seemed to get along with him. Frigga said her goodbyes to Lord Garth as she left the room. Her eyes found Loki’s before she disappeared, giving a curt nod. Two more of Lord Garth’s men flanked his future father-in-law.“Vassal houses,” Loki muttered. His eyes became distracted when he saw her dress. Cecelia held her hands together in thought. They slowly moved into and out of each other. Fingers caressing her palms and the backs of her hands as if she casted a spell on herself. Another intrusive thought came to mind. Does she know magic? Loki shook his head. He watched Ser Xerxes cross her path, attempting to settle in close to her. She didn’t notice him at first until he said something in her ear. Her eyes looked up to meet Loki’s, and he looked away. He wasn’t sure why, but her attention overwhelmed him.“Shall we begin?” Lord Garth clapped his hands together. “As we all know—“I must apologize, my lord,” a vassal lord next to him interrupted. He gestured towards Cecelia. “We cannot begin with her here.”Lord Garth straightened his back. “I beg your pardon?”“This is sensitive information, my lord. There are some things young women shouldn’t be involved in.” The lord said out loud. Loki watched Cecelia flinch. “And why not?” Loki spoke out. His words caught the eyes of everyone in the room, including Cecelia’s. He remembered what Thor told him before they left. 'Highgarden women use the bed as we use our swords. Careful of Lady Cecelia, she might bewitch your heart, then again that might not be such a bad thing.' Loki remembered to breathe.The vassal lord chuckled. “Women do not have the capacity to deal with such things.”“I requested her presence,” Loki snapped. “Lord Garth has allowed me to invite whoever I deem worthy to be here.”“And you chose your betrothed?” The lord started laughing out loud. “Imagine that as wedding gift to your—“I wasn’t finished,” Loki cut the lord off. His green eyes darkened. “Or should I remind you that Lady Cecelia outranks you, my lord? If Lord Garth perishes, Highgarden is hers. Then, she will be making the calls on where to put you and your sons. So, if I were you, I would share kinder thoughts regarding your next leader. If not, I will take great pleasure in helping her place your men on the frontlines like bait meat.”Silence fell over the room immediately. “I knew they raised you to be vicious,” Lord Garth smiled. “You are exactly what we need.” Loki nodded, and took a small glance Cecelia’s way. A necklace with a small pendant sat on her chest. He remembered a small detail from her introductory letter. She liked necklaces. As he thought of gifting her one, another woman came to mind. The thought of her chest clouded his judgment.Loki switched his attention back to the map.“So, it’s confirmed, then?” Ser Heimdall said. “House Dayne is in hiding with the Sunspear?”“Yes.” Maester Lagos nodded. “Spies from the South report that a King has placed a new, more loyal house in charge of Dorne. House Rocke has deployed assassins in search of anyone with information regarding the Sunspear or Power Stone.”“Poor things,” Cecelia said. “What happens if he gets the Power Stone?”“I imagine he’ll use it to gather the other ones,” Maester Lagos explained. “The Infinity Stones individually have their own powers, but together, in the wrong hands, could mean the end of Westeros entirely.”“How many does he have now?” Cecelia asked.“Just one. The ancestral stone of the Dark Elves,” Loki answered. He met her eyes again, feeling a new sense of kinship radiate between them. Loki gestured to his neck. “The Reality Stone. He wears it around his neck. Never takes it off.” Loki watched something click in her eyes. She studied the map of King’s Landing behind him. “And the Space Stone?” Lord Garth looked to Loki. Loki smirked. “In a safe, secure location, my lord.”“What happens when King Malekith comes knocking on your door demanding to have it?” The same vassal lord questioned him. “Then we will meet him in battle,” Lord Garth said. He pointed to Riverrun on the table, a green stone and a yellow stone lied near it. “The Light Elves have the Time Stone. Lady Olastina is stubborn enough to not give it away. The Space Stone and the Time Stone can be advantageous in active battle.”“How do you propose we get it? All Elves hate working with humans.” The vassal lord crossed his arms. Loki rolled his eyes. He wanted to question why he was here until Lady Cecelia spoke up.“They’re cautious people.” She said. “They’ve lived a long time and experienced all kinds of humanity.” Loki ran his thumb at the bottom of his lip, hiding the smile he wanted to show. “You make it sound as if there’s an existing friendship between you two,” Loki said. Cecelia walked around the table. Her eyes met with her father for a long moment. When he nodded at her, Cecelia moved the Mind Stone from Riverrun to Highgarden.“They made the discovery years ago. Keeping two Infinity Stones near each other proved to be a little more than they could handle,” Cecelia explained. Loki’s ears perked up. His attention solely belonged to her. Cecelia tapped her fingers on the map. “Highgarden has been keeping the Mind Stone since then without King Malekith’s knowledge. He still believes it to be with Riverrun.”“Then, how did you come to receive the navy letter?” Loki asked.“The King has eyes everywhere,” Lord Garth answered. “Either he knows we have it, or he has no idea where any of them are and expects us to turn them over.”“All of this because of whispers from the fucking East,” Ser Petra chimed in. “So, what’s our first move?”“Securing the roads. If his men can’t travel anywhere, he can’t get the stones,” Lord Garth made marks on certain points on the map. Loki stood behind Cecelia, looking over her shoulder. He didn’t intend on the simple action becoming intimate, but he couldn’t help his eyes follow the lines of Cecelia’s backside easier than the road lines on the map. Her father and his vassal lords’ voices filled the room, but the details were all but gone in his ears.That’s when she came back to his mind again. Lorelei’s long, dark hair. Lorelei’s wicked laugh whenever she convinced Loki to do something terrible. Lorelei’s fingers all over his body. His desire grew. Lorelei. Lorelei. Lorel—“Loki,” Cecelia’s voice broke his thoughts. “I’m sorry, my Lord.”Loki shook his head. “No need to call me a lord, my lady. I told you, Loki’s fine.”Loki watched Lady Cecelia’s face light up like a blossoming flower. “I was hoping maybe this afternoon you could join me in the gardens.” Her hands folded behind her this time. He couldn’t see, but he could guess. ‘Anxious thing,’ another intrusive thought crossed his mind. He remembered his conversation with his mother. He needed to say yes. He needed to try.“Of course,” Loki offered a warmer smile and a nod. “I would very much like that. There’s not many gardens on the Iron Islands, after all.”
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“We don't get to choose whom we love.” - Jaime LannisterCecelia had a reputation to uphold, few knew of her greatest weakness. She came from a line of cunning women who navigated men’s minds as well as men navigated war. Her late aunt, Lady Rae, had a long line of husbands. Six hearts absolutely devoted to her, and six deaths that no one ever dared questioned her involvement in.Before she passed, she confessed to two of her husband’s deaths to her, teaching Cecelia her first important lesson about men. Sometimes, the gods didn’t answer your prayers. If you truly needed something, pray for strength and do it yourself. Her grandmother gifted her knowledge and an escape. Through a secret door in her bedroom, Cecelia could sneak into a private library tower. She never thought to use it as more than a small escape from everything. But if needed, Cecelia could hide away from an enemy. Men did not hide as well as women. However, she second guessed that second lesson as Loki and she stepped into the main garden. Cecelia only knew so much about him from his two letters, and he only just arrived. She watched his face brighten in the sunlight. His eyes hungered at the massive amounts of blossoming flowers, green trees, and hanging fruits. A stone pathway craved their path towards fountains, benches, and through trellises of flowers. As much as Cecelia wished they were alone, others roamed the gardens as well: ladies of vassal houses, gardeners, children, and worst of all, Ser Xerxes. She kept her focus on Loki’s eyes. They ate their fill with every turn he took.“This is incredible,” he remarked. “I’ve heard wonderful things about the gardens, but none of it does this justice. It feels like I’m walking in a dream.”Cecelia laughed. “There it is.”“Oh?” Loki reacted. “Am I predictable?”“No,” Cecelia shook her head. “I’ve heard variations of the same thing. ‘I must be dreaming.’ ‘It feels like a dream.’ You’re not the first.”“Would you blame me?” Loki’s eyes scanned the garden again. “The only beautiful thing in the Iron Islands is…” His voice trailed off. He cleared his throat. “Sorry, I didn’t hear the last part?”“It’s not important,” Loki offered his hand to her. “Please, let’s continue.” Cecelia took his hand, letting the blunder slide. “You’ve told me you’re very big on reading,” Cecelia changed the subject. “Do you have any favorites? Many Maesters and writers retreat here. I’m certain we can arrange a meeting.”“How kind,” Loki frowned. “But, I believe we should focus more on the war effort at the moment. Anything else seems selfish.”“Oh,” Cecelia reacted. “I guess you’re right.” Wind blew between them. Cecelia let go of his hand, letting his fingers slip. Before real quiet could set in, Loki took her hand again, clasping his other hand over hers.“My Maester, Solomon, retreated here in his youth,” Loki pulled her closer, tucking her arm into his. “He told me of another young fellow he befriended. He was a High Lord, a talented poet, visiting here on his own retreat. He wrote some of the most memorable and romantic poetry to his lover, a High Lady. I’ve forgotten their names, but Maester Solomon read them all. He never loved anyone, but he felt like he experienced love by reading what he wrote. If Highgarden has that book, I’d very much like to read it.”Cecelia went silent. She swallowed the lump in her throat. She gave Loki a small smile. Cecelia continued forward without responding. “I’m sorry,” Loki apologized. His brows knitting together. “Have I said something offensive?”“No, not at all,” Cecelia spoke in a high-pitched tone. She cleared her throat. “No. You’ve been wonderful. You’re wonderful. Not that you’re only wonderful. As in ‘oh, you’re wonderful’ meaning you’re actually awful. No, no. You’re actually wonderful and incredibly attractive and—oh, I’m doing it again.” Cecelia closed her eyes, wishing she could shut her mouth and disappear entirely. She unwrapped herself from Loki.“What? Rambling?” Loki snickered. “It’s perfectly—“Don’t laugh at her,” Ser Xerxes interrupted. Cecelia gave Xerxes a look.“I wasn’t laughing at her.” Loki said.“You were. Just now.” Xerxes argued, stepping forward. “Funny, the Prince of Lies is caught in a lie and he won’t admit it.”“I wasn’t lying,” Loki responded. “Then, what were you doing then?”“I was only going to explain to my lady that rambling is perfectly fine,” Loki’s eyes shifted to her. Cecelia bit her lip down, keeping quiet. She felt a mixture of feelings. My lady. He said. He called her, ‘my lady’. How was she supposed to respond to that? Speak her mind in front of men in a war meeting? Easily done. Argue with Xerxes about how stupid he was? She did it every day. But respond to him earnestly after he expressed desire to read her favorite book?“We only just met. Both of our families expect us to get married within a short amount of time.” Loki said. Cecelia found his eyes. “I understand. Admittedly, I’m nervous, too.”A new feeling overcame Cecelia in that moment. Her fussing over every word in her two letters, rifling through different dresses, and erratic nerves were validated. Xerxes was wrong. She smiled warmly towards him. “You’re full of shit,” Ser Xerxes said.“Xerxes!” Cecelia yelled.“Excuse me?” Loki stepped forward. “Say that again.”Xerxes stepped out of formation with the other two personal guards. He faced Loki with a smirk on his face. “I know you’re full of shit.”Loki glowered at him. Cecelia watched Loki’s hands ball into fists. She looked to Xerxes who grasped the hilt of his sword. She rushed to Xerxes’ side. Securing her hand over the sword, she pinned his hand to the hilt. Xerxes softened his features. He gave her a coy smile. Cecelia matched his smile for a moment, and then turned to Loki.“I have to apologize, my lord,” Cecelia drew Xerxes’ sword, keeping it at her side. Both young men watched her intently. Xerxes’ eyes brightened while Loki’s narrowed with curiosity. “My men do not have the same manners as yours. Here in Highgarden, sworn swords run their mouths instead of obeying their superiors.”A smirk grew on Loki’s face. He shifted his eyes to behind Cecelia. She approached Loki with Xerxes’ sword in hand. “You’re really going to take my sword? Just like that?” Xerxes yelled loud enough for many to hear. A few heads turned, watching the scene develop.“And you’re still disrespecting your lady,” Loki yelled back. He brought his smile towards Cecelia. She kept Xerxes’ sword by her side. “Do all of your men talk back to you like this? Or just him?”“Just him,” Cecelia tattled, hiding a small laugh. She watched Loki’s eyes brighten on her. “Watch this,” Loki said. Cecelia turned her eyes towards Xerxes and his two men. Loki positioned himself behind her. His hands raised above her shoulders. Cecelia’s excitement got the better of her as she started to hear dark whispers in her ears. Her smile faded. Her brows knitted. Loki’s whispers illuminated his hands.Loki pushed his hands forward, sending a green light towards the three Highgarden men. Xerxes dodged it immediately by diving into the ground in front of him. The light hit the other two, sending them back into the garden walls. Cecelia turned around to face Loki’s smiling face. “What did you do?” “I punished them. For running their mouths.”“So, you do use dark magic. It’s not a rumor.”“I said there’s many rumors about me. I never said I didn’t use magic.”“You lied,” Cecelia brandished Xerxes sword. Loki smirked. He walked forward while Cecelia walked backward. Loki grabbed the tip of the sword, pointing it at his neck. Loki let the blade dig into his flesh. His smirk quickened Cecelia’s heart, making it harder for her to breathe. Thoughts fired off in her mind. His fingers glided down the blade, making the metal sing.“I’ll let you kill me now if you really believe I’m lying to you,” Loki said gently. “But know this, kill me now and this rebellion dies here. You need me. Power is fragile, my lady.”Cecelia furrowed her brow, digging the blade into his neck. She slid it slightly, causing him to bleed. Loki’s wet blood dripped onto the blade.“If you think I need you, you’re an idiot.” She said. “One, you have fifteen thousand men ready at arms. Nine thousand of them are with your brother, Thor. My father doesn’t even need to use a quarter of his army to eat yours alive in open field. Two, we have the Mind Stone. We can easily control you and your army if we wanted to. And three, this rebellion doesn’t need an ego-heavy lordling like you think it does. But, I guess you’re right.”Cecelia took the sword away from his neck. “Power is fragile, my love.”“Clever girl,” Loki laughed. “Wonderful girl.” Cecelia heard the words, but not the compliment. She stormed off. Xerxes was right. If she were unruly, she would’ve swung Xerxes’ sword at both of them. Instead, she settled on giving it to Dyana, tasking her with the duty to give it back to her personal guard. A headache formed that afternoon. She enjoyed the silence and the gentle manner Loki displayed. Even at dinner, they would speak to each other as new friends, excited to learn about the other’s ideas and opinions. Now, it was soured by a miscommunication.Cecelia looked over his second letter in private, reading the same sentences over and over.
I know the burn of rumors. How they affect one’s thoughts about one’s self, ruining any confidence one may have gained. Whatever you have heard of me, it’s not true. Just as I have heard so much about you, but will withhold judgment until I meet you. However, I have heard something that I cannot stop thinking about.
Is it true that you were born by the sea? If so, it seems you and I are made from the same waters. It makes me wonder if this arrangement is more fateful than it seems.
Cecelia resisted crumpling the letter in her hands. Loki was right, too. He never denied doing magic, only asked her to dismiss rumors. Still, what kind of man punished their sworn swords using dark magic? She has only seen a fraction of his cruelty, and he brushed it off as nothing. The way he spoke and how he did things intrigued her. Cecelia remembered how violent men met their ends. Her late aunt came to mind. Cecelia recalled her aunt’s murderous confessions. She wondered if she would be able to do the same. If Loki ever went too far, would she resort to violence?A swift knock and a swing of a door interrupted her train of thought. “Cecelia,” Elise carried in a bouquet of yellow flowers. “Loki had these cut for you.”“Oh,” Cecelia smiled, and then laughed. “Gladiolus flowers.”Elise sighed. “I don’t know how you keep up with all of their names.”“They’re meant to look like swords,” Cecelia touched the petals, seeing the playful meaning behind them. “Strength and infatuation.”“So, he’s saying he’s infatuated with you?” Elise pushed forward a small box. Elise started off on another silly-fantastical rant while Cecelia opened the box. Inside, a small necklace tucked inside. A single pearl caught her eye. An apology? Or a truce? A new war raged in her mind. It didn’t matter whether Xerxes was right or wrong. What mattered now was if she needed Loki or did he need her?
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“I know what my father was. What he did. I know the Mad King earned his name.” – Daenerys TargaryenVulwin hid behind a curtain with his metal mask on and his hood covering his elvish ears. His septa, Renna, called out to him playfully.“Vulwin.” Her smile brightened the prince’s face. He giggled, hiding behind the curtain completely. Vulwin placed his hands over his eyes, hoping it would make him invisible. He heard Renna’s footsteps slow. “Now, where, oh where, has my little prince gone? I wonder where he went. If doesn’t come out soon, he’ll miss out on honeycakes.”Vulwin rushed out from behind the curtain, roaring. His hands turned to claws as he attacked the young dark elf woman. Renna picked him up, embracing him tightly.“Oh no! A terrible monster! Will someone save me?!” she exclaimed. The little prince threw off his metal mask. It clashed on the ground. Vulwin revealed his pale face and glowing blue eyes.“It’s me, Renna! It’s just me!” He smiled. Vulwin looked around the room, seeing no honeycakes in sight. “Where are the honeycakes?”Renna carried the Prince of the Nine Kingdoms to the next room. On the table, a pile of freshly baked Honeycakes sat, waiting to be devoured by Vulwin. His mouth salivated. Not much was denied to the little prince, but if anyone took away his favorite sweet, he would wage war. He smiled, showing all of his teeth. Not many of them were pointed yet, but a few jagged points made him look more ferocious than intended.Renna sat him in a chair, placing a plate in front of him. “I’ll make you a deal because you’re such a good boy. For every kingdom you name, you’ll get one honeycake. Fair?” Vulwin nodded enthusiastically. What an easy game! “Dorne!” He called out first. Renna placed a single honeycake on the plate in front of him.“Good, what else?” Renna asked.“The Reach! The Stormlands!” Renna placed two more honeycakes on the plate with a third in hand. “The Riverlands!”“What about up north?”Vulwin hummed. He shouted his next two answers. “The Jotun! And the Winterlands!”“Good!” Renna smiled. She scratched his unbraided hair. Vulwin couldn’t think of a more beautiful and kind woman than his septa. He loved his mother too, but Renna held a special place in his heart. Impressing her meant more to him than she knew. “The Iron Islands?” Vulwin guessed. His eyes shifted around the room. If he could find a map, he could guess the last two. Renna tutted. “No maps. You know the other two. Come on.” She wiggled two more honeycakes in front of his eyes.“The Neck and…” Vulwin screwed his face. “The Arryn?”“The Vale of Arryn, but close enough, little Prince,” Renna placed the last honeycake on the plate. Vulwin began to devour the sweets. Each honeycake baked to be as soft as his pillows. Honey dripped onto them with an earthy taste that delighted his mouth. They melted. He could taste the butter. If he could, he would turn into a squirrel or a rat and hoard all the honeycakes in the kitchen. Vulwin’s fingers began to stick together. He started licking them one by one. He heard heavy footsteps approach. His gaze turning towards Renna at the doorway. “Yes? What is it? The Prince is—“The King requires his presence,” the guard interrupted. Vulwin admired the polished obsidian metal. In sunlight, it looked like oil dripping a rainbow of colors. How even the darkest of colors could still be beautiful and colorful. That’s why his father was King. How the darkest of people could still be beautiful, colorful…good. “For what?” Renna argued. “If this is another demonstration—“The King requires the Prince’s presence.”“The King killed someone the last time the Prince was there,” Renna lowered her voice. Vulwin listened more intently. “It’s almost been a month now, and he still has nightmares about the reality stone swallowing him whole. I’m not taking him to court if he’s going to kill another man in front of him.”“That is not for you to decide.” The guard threatened. His hand gripped the hilt of his greatsword. “The royal family needs to be in attendance. No more questions.” Renna turned, walking back to Vulwin. Her hands extended towards his arms, surrounding him with warmth as she brought him close to her. Vulwin reached back for another honeycake. “We’ll finish them later. Your father wants to see you. It’s important you look your best, hm?” She dabbed his cheeks with a damp cloth, wiping the stickiness away. Renna snatched his metal mask off the ground, handing it to him. Vulwin watched the guards escorting him and his septa towards the throne room. Their faces covered by their helmets. He peered through the silted holes to see their same glowing blue eyes with little success. Their house logo etched on their chest plates was easy enough to recognize. A dark phoenix surrounded by golden light. The image confused him a bit. Why have a bright phoenix when all he really liked was the dark of the night. Going outside in the sun was fine as long as it wasn’t too hot. Dusk was Vulwin’s favorite. Renna and him watched many sunsets together. He pointed out the different colors, naming them. At night, he found it difficult to sleep. How could he? All the stars twinkled in the sky. All of them dotting out pictures of legends and the lost ones gone from history. His favorite part was when Renna told him the stories of the Lost Ones.As the small group approached the throne room, Vulwin caught a peek of the Lost One’s colors. A bit of black and red stuck behind his family’s navy banner. Vulwin turned his head away from the banner to be surprised by one of the Lost One’s skulls. Its head hung above the throne room’s doors. Its teeth bared, scaring Vulwin. He tucked his head into Renna.“It’s alright,” Renna told him. “They’re all gone now. Nothing to be scared of.”As the pair entered the throne room, Vulwin heard the whispers. He gasped, tucking his head into Renna further. He squirmed. His feet and hands desperate to hide completely in Renna’s torso. Renna struggled, shushing him. Vulwin heard the whispers call out his name as if they knew him. He hated the glow that emitted from his father’s neck. Renna’s voice softened in his ear. “Remember what we said? About the masks?”“We are safe if we hide,” he repeated. Renna nodded, helping him put the mask on. Vulwin watched Renna secure her own to her face. He liked the intricate pattern on her face. It was stars decorated above and around her eyes. She was easy to find in a crowd of unfamiliar people. Others’ masks were decorated with either their rank or their position in court. His uncle, Lord of Storm’s End, had a lightning bolt struck down the side of it. His father’s Master of Coin sported golden coins around his chin.Vulwin saw his mother as well. Like his father’s, the Queen’s mask was empty of anything marking her status or position. As if she needed nothing to say who she was. Vulwin found hers the most haunting. It was often her empty face that he saw in his dreams. Her empty face greeting him and saying goodbye. She always hid behind it. Renna told him to not cringe at her, but he always did. Something was wrong with always hiding.His father’s voice boomed in the throne room. “There are traitors among us and around us,” his father said. Traitors. He knew that was a bad word. It meant someone who wasn’t a friend. An enemy. “Many have refused to turn over their artifacts and heirlooms to me. As if they think I’m the bigger threat than the East is!” Vulwin quickly switched his attention away from the red light around his neck. He couldn’t bury himself into Renna with the mask on.Instead, he watched a squad of people approach the throne. Vulwin’s eyes widened at the sight of their faces. They were human, but their faces were frozen just like his metal mask. They stood just like his father’s solders. Relaxed, standard poses with hands behind their backs, waiting. “Selfish people. Cowards, all of them,” Malekith said. “First, Dorne, and now Riverrun. Highgarden, Iron Islands, and Casterly Rock have all reported a unified refusal.”“An uprising, my lord,” his father’s Master of War sounded off. “We must start planning to—“No plans,” Malekith held his hand up. He paced the base of the throne, pointing at the squad. “We nip this in the bud now. Punish them for their disobedience. I am their King! They will listen to me or face the consequences. All of you!”The squad stood at attention. All moved their feet together, standing straight at the same time. None of them bore his father’s navy color. All of them were not as well-armored as the royal guard, but they all had the same sword. “You were brought here because you are the best. I expect results. Your job is to assassinate whatever names I give you. Understood?” Malekith ordered. Silence followed. Malekith started to list off names. As he listed off a name, a single assassin fled the group, leaving the throne room without another word.“Lord Walder Duskheart of the Eyrie! Lords Thor Odinson and Loki Odinson of the Iron Islands. Lady Cecelia Grover of Highgarden! House Dayne of Dorne!...”Vulwin watched each assassin run off in different directions. Renna groaned in disgust.“I hate assassins,” she muttered under her breath. “Swords only loyal to coin.”
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“You need to take your enemy’s side if you’re going to see things the way they do. And you need to see things the way they do if you’re going to anticipate their actions, respond effectively, and beat them.” – Tyrion Lannister“I was going to give you a nasty look, but I see you’ve already got one.” Frigga said. Loki rolled his eyes, knowing exactly where this was going.“How much disrespect do you tolerate from your men before you punish them?” Loki asked. “I wasn’t born cruel. I learned it from somewhere, mama.” When Loki was born, he was smaller than anyone expected. While his older brother ran along the coastlines and punched out men bigger than him, Loki was confined to his bed. Maester Solomon and Frigga
kept a watchful eye over him, never knowing how his sickness would manifest from day to day.“Using magic against our new allies is a stupid way to impress a girl,” Frigga explained. “Do you have any idea what I just sacrificed for you?”“Oh, this again,” Loki groaned. He raised his hands into the air. “Oh, go on! Tell me what else you sacrificed for me. How difficult it is to be the mother of the Storm’s Son!”“She is much more intelligent than you think.”“I’m aware.”“You’re not.” Frigga pointed to the seat next to hers. Loki collapsed into it, making a bigger sound than he needed to. Frigga sucked in her teeth. “What?” Loki reacted.“You think you’re the smartest person in every room you walk into. You have no idea who you’re about to marry.”“Yes, I do,” Loki argued. “She’s a high lady. She is intelligent. She and I enjoy the same things—“She knows where the Space Stone is.” Frigga said. Loki froze. Giving his mother the most befuddled look he could muster, Loki cleared his throat. Laughter left his mouth as he wagged his finger at her. “You’re very funny. I’ve learned my lesson!” Loki laughed, raising his hands, feigning surrender. “You’ve got me!” Yellow light surrounded Loki’s wrists and pinned them to the table. The slamming notion shook the tea cups and glassware. Loki struggled against his mother’s magic. Frigga slammed the chamber doors closed with another snap of her fingers.“I took tea with her after your attack on her men. She was clearly upset, and someone needed to smooth things over. She told me what you said to her. That she needed us.” Frigga glared at Loki. “She’s the key to this entire alliance. I promised Lord Garth her happiness with you, and your arrogance led us here. What did you say to her? How does she know?”“I don’t know,” Loki answered immediately. “I haven’t told anyone.”“Did she use the Mind Stone on you?”“I—no, I would remember,” Loki avoided his mother’s eyes. “Wouldn’t I remember that?”“You need to fix things with her. Now.” Frigga snapped her fingers, releasing Loki from her magic. Loki nursed his wrists. “I am trying,” he said.“Try harder,” Frigga responded. Loki furrowed his brow. “You know, this wouldn’t have happened if you chose Lady Sif for me and Thor for Lady Cecelia.”“It wouldn’t have worked.”“Why not? Highgarden has the bigger army, bigger resources, and the Mind Stone. Clearly, Highgarden is more important than Casterly Rock.”“Because your father doesn’t trust Thor with Highgarden. He trusts you.” Frigga continued. “Why do you think your father is at Casterly Rock? Because he wants to see his ‘favorite’ get married and be merry? No, Thor needs to be watched. You don’t.”“He trusts me that much?” Loki questioned. “After what happened with Hela?”Frigga reached over to Loki, caressing his hand. “No one blames you for Hela.” “That’s a lie.”“Don’t dwell on the past, Loki,” Frigga reassured him. Her chamber doors creaked open. “Go find Cecelia. Befriend her. Her mind needs a companion like yours does.”Loki sighed. Guilt followed him here to Highgarden. How many times had he thought of Lorelei? Even walking in the garden with Cecelia, he thought of her. He wanted to blame ‘old habits’, but how far could that excuse go? He promised Frigga he would move on. That he would be on his best behavior for his new betrothed.There was no magic to get rid of tainted memories. His maester suggested playing the same conversations over and over again to give him solace. It never did. Loki held onto the smallest of details. The way her laugh sounded. The way her lips said his name. Maybe if he wasn’t so blind, he would have noticed what was really happening. Maybe if he had listened to Hela, things would be different.At first, he sought out Ser Heimdall. Wise in his years and even better with people, he was certain Heimdall could provide some needed advice. When he learned Ser Heimdall was training, Loki steered clear of the area. Since his attack, a slight rift caused both Highgarden soldiers and Ironborn warriors to grow suspicious. Ser Heimdall was better at diplomacy than he ever was. Perhaps, under Heimdall’s guidance, both sides could become friends united under one cause.Loki didn’t need to befriend Lady Cecelia. She would be his wife. He needed for her to be interested in him. He tried the library, the feast hall, and now her bed chambers with no success finding her. As he headed towards the main courtyard where he’d been before, his mind reminded him of the facts he knew.In all interactions they shared, she wore nothing resembling the Mind Stone. It wasn’t on her person. He recalled his words to Lord Garth. “In a safe, secure location, my lord. King Malekith would sooner find the bottom of the sea before he finds all the stones.” How could she possibly know where it was based that information? It was nothing. She must be bluffing. Or maybe, she did use magic and he couldn’t remember.Maybe, she outsmarted him.Loki grunted, passing by another small garden. He heard giggling. Loki peeked through a lattice wall. There. Behind bushes in the dark shade, Fandral spoke gently to a handmaiden. Loki pulled himself away silently, smirking. If only things with Cecelia had been that easy to repair. He continued through the castle until he found another wandering handmaiden. She quickly directed him towards a small garden away from the castle.“Lady Cecelia visits her late aunt’s garden often,” she claimed. “But, if she isn’t there, she usually wanders through the Labyrinth. I wouldn’t go in there if that’s the case.”“Why?” Loki asked.“Not to offend you, my lord, but you would get lost within it.” The handmaiden chuckled. “Most do. Even me sometimes.”He wanted to second guess the handmaiden. He attempted the Labyrinth against the handmaiden’s advice. When he finally found an exit, several hours had gone by. Loki was certain he missed lunch entirely. As he approached the small garden, he spotted the top of her head. He cringed, rolling his eyes. So, the stereotypes about Highgarden people always spending time in the garden, the intrusive stereotype played across his mind. He sounded like a hypocrite. He spent just as much time looking out at the sea, digging his toes into the sand. This was no different.“Cecelia?” he called out when he neared her. She turned her head, spotting him. She quickly turned her head away. He stepped into the garden, realizing this was not the same kind of beauty as the ones inside and surrounding the castle. Pebbles and small stones dotted and sectioned off little areas. A grave for a cat stood near the entrance. Catnip planted around the mound. Wildflowers grew in an organized chaos. It wasn’t trimmed back or maintained, but the colors were nice to look at. Cecelia stayed kneeled at a small altar. None of the seven gods were on display. A small slab of meat, two candles burning, and a crystal orb sat there.Loki raised a brow. “I’m sorry to disturb you.”“You should be. I’m busy.”“I’ve realized I have made a mistake.”“Is that how you treat all your men?” Cecelia turned back, shooting him a disgusted face. “If that’s so, maybe I should’ve listened to my sworn sword more carefully then.”“Ser Xavier?”“Xerxes.”“Does it matter? He doesn’t respect your authority. You even pointed it out yourself. How are you going into this war when your own sworn sword undermines you?”“I will not punish my men with violence.” Cecelia responded. Loki watched the wind extinguish the candles on the altar. She started to close the space between them. “That is who you are. The Storm’s Son. Fearful and manipulative, right?”Loki’s chest took in the sharp chill in the air. “Oh, and should I assume all the things I’ve ever heard about you are correct? Every little claim about your beauty, your mind. You couldn’t even hurt a single petal on a flower because of who you are!” “And who am I?” Cecelia looked up to him. Loki felt it again. The feeling he wanted to push down desperately. She challenged him. Her mind was a labyrinth in itself, and the desire to explore her was growing.“You are not what I expected you to be.” Loki said, relaxing his chest. He watched her face soften.“What do you mean by that?”Loki glanced at the altar behind her. “We really don’t know each other very well. Only what others have told us about the other. My mother claims my arrogance is ruining us before we can even start. My opinion is something else entirely.”“You blame me?” “I underestimated you,” Loki corrected. “She informed me that you know where the Space Stone is.”Cecelia smirked. “And that bothers you.”“No,” Loki started. “I just—“They told me,” Cecelia nodded behind her. Loki flickered his eyes towards the altar again. He admitted he wasn’t familiar with all sacred customs of the Nine Kingdoms. Loki
enjoyed hearing tales of the Drowned God’s justice. How traitors were dragged down into his clutches. Their last breaths wasted as they tried to swim away. The Faith of the Seven
and the Old Gods had more tales, just like his own god. He never judged. Religion was for those who lacked hope in the science of action. But, the Lost Ones were not gods. As far as Loki knew, the Lost Ones were hunted down. Their skulls hung in distinct order in the throne room. Loki flickered his eyes back to Cecelia. His mother promised him that he would marry someone who was worthy of him. He was told of her beauty first. How it seemed like an ancient magic that Highgarden women, including Cecelia, were made to look like works of art. He agreed. Her hair grew long and strong as roots in a garden. Her eyes held your attention like a fire kept warmth. It was constant. His mother was right. She was a dangerous creature. And now, she claimed that dead creatures told her where the Space Stone was.“Is this a joke?” Loki raised his brow.“No,” Cecelia told him. “They told me.”“Where?”“Here in the garden?”“No,” Loki closed the space between them. He breathed on her face. It was his turn to be the monster. No one outsmarted him. He would have Highgarden, her army, and his lady obey him. Loki held her wrist, pulling her to him. “Where is the Space Stone?”
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“Is it so far from madness to wisdom?” – Daenerys TargaryenLady Cecelia was always aware she would never marry for love, but only for the advancement of her place in Westeros. She already experienced the consequences when she wanted to choose her heart over her responsibility to her family. The first time was when her mother sent her to Riverrun with her father. Xerxes, only a squire, was too comfortable in Cecelia’s presence.“We can’t have Xerxes cuddling up to you like that at feasts,” her mother told her. Cecelia kicked a table, knocking over a bowl of soup. It splattered across the floor. The peace-making token ruined.“We’re just friends!” Cecelia screamed through her tears. “How dare you take me away from my friends? An entire half-year in Riverrun? Winter will be here by the time I get back!”“I see the way he looks at you.” Lady Magnolia folded her hands. “One day, you will marry—“Someone equal to you.” Cecelia finished her sentence with frustration. “I know, mother.” Cecelia threw herself into her bed. Lady Magnolia sighed, sitting on the bed next to her. Her finger tucked back a strand of hair. “I hate it when you call me that.”“It’s a fact. You are my mother,” Cecelia grumbled through the sheets she stuffed her face in. “And you are punishing me.”“I’m not. I’m giving you an opportunity.” Magnolia kissed the crown of her head. Cecelia stiffened at her touch. She refused to give her any leverage, any affection. Magnolia walked towards the door of Cecelia’s chambers. “One day, you’ll understand. Your father and I met a week before our betrothal. Together, we built a family, a home, and a Highgarden we are proud of. I promise to give you the same.”As Loki pulled her towards him, his voice cutting into her, Cecelia wondered how many more lies her parents told her. She wished she listened to Xerxes. He told her the truth. Loki was a young man of rage and storm. It didn’t matter his blue eyes made her catch her breath. The Drowned God must have blessed him with a piece of his own soul. “Where is the Space Stone?” He asked. “You don’t believe me.” She said. Loki’s nostrils flared. “How do you know where it is? Who told you?” Cecelia felt the wind blow between them. Cold air raised goosebumps on her arms. Her eyes glanced back at the Lost Ones’ altar. Only honesty now would give both of them what they wanted.“I’m not like you. I don’t lie,” Cecelia told him gently. “The Space Stone is with your sister.” Loki’s face dropped. He stepped back a few paces, looking between her aunt’s altar and her. He started to stammer. A rapid mixture of emotions flipped through Loki, confusing her. There was anger in his hands. How they itched to preform magic. Panic in his eyes. His couldn’t meet hers. His shoulder drooped, and then he swiftly grabbed her again.“Who do you think you are?” Loki’s voice lowered. His hand gripped Cecelia tighter. She winced from the sudden pain. Green magic surrounded her arm. It snaked up her arm and across her chest, constricting her breathing. “What do you want?”“Wait, please—I don’t understand!” Cecelia breathed harder. “I’m telling you the truth. The Lost Ones—“Do not exist!” Loki screamed.“Don’t say that!” Cecelia shook her head. “Not here. Not in their place.” She trembled. Her eyes darted back and forth to the altar and him. Loki loosened his grip.“You’re actually telling the truth,” Loki said. His head start shaking slowly. “Oh gods.”“What?”“You’re just as mad as her, aren’t you?” Loki’s words pierced her. “That’s what’s wrong with you. I didn’t think you were an idiot, but this is worse. This is much worse.”Cecelia bit her lip down. Crying in front of him was not an option. She pushed him away. Loki won this battle. She retreated back to the castle. Cecelia made herself into thorns. She wanted to sob all the way back to her room, but as her mother taught her, appearances mattered. She passed by a few stable hands. They greeted her, but she ignored their warm hellos. Cecelia pushed past Dyana, knocking her back into the castle wall. Elise grabbed her arm, slowing her down. Cecelia pulled at Elise’s grip.“Let go of me!” she shouted. Cecelia hit Elise’s arm.“Lady Cecelia!” Elise winced. Cecelia bit her lip down harder, realizing what happened. She took in a sharp breath and held it there. She was making a scene. She looked to see Dyana and another house servant close by watching her. Elise reached for her again.“No, no, don’t touch me! I’m not going mad! I’m fine! I’m not—Cecelia cut herself off, taking off again. Her hands turned into fists, opening and closing like heartbeats. She needed to get to the labyrinth. Word of her physical outburst would reach her mother soon. Panic shook her to her core. Her mother was going to think it was happening again. ‘No, it’s not happening again. This is just an outburst. A small incident,’ she thought to herself. ‘You’re not mad. You’re just having a bad day.’Her septa told her to say that to herself. Not all days were meant to be good. Some days, a young woman needed to express her displeasure and disgust. Some days were bad. That’s all. It doesn’t last forever. It’s only a day, and tomorrow would be a better one. ‘We’re in a war now. Tomorrow will be worse,’ she cringed at the truth. ‘You’re expected at another war meeting tomorrow. How are you even going to stand in the same room as him? He thinks you’re mad.’Cecelia quickly entered a side entrance for the labyrinth. Green hedges lined her vision and nothing else. Just different routes to get lost in. Finally, a place to be alone. Her thoughts unraveled with every corner she turned into.
‘You did it again. You were naïve to believe someone cared for you. Just because he was kind in his words. And in the small, fake little actions. You fell for it. Again. When are you going to learn real men are never like the men in the songs and stories and the books? How many times are you going to learn? Stupid bitch.’
Her face exploded into a mess of tears and snot. She wiped away half of it on her sleeve, moving forward. She shuttered at her own words. She wouldn’t let anyone call her sisters or her handmaidens a bitch or stupid. Yet, she called her that and worse multiple times a week. Her arms held herself tighter. Maybe, she could give herself all the love she needed.
‘You are just like Aunt Rae. You’re going to die alone, just like she did. Not even the gods can help you.’
Cecelia took a sharp left, entering a semi-circled pattern of the maze. If she could remember which turns to take, she knew her mind was still sharper than her father’s. When she was younger, Lord Garth challenged her to timed maze runs. Both would run in at the same time, and only one victor emerged. Lord Garth beat her a handful of times before she figured it out herself.Her mind was her favorite thing about herself. She wasn’t mad. She wasn’t an idiot. She was a brilliant thing with an unkind affliction. Every mistake, every miscalculation amplified inside her mind as if she ruined all around her. But, not here.Here, she couldn’t make any mistakes. She knew which path to take and where a turn would land her. If she kept right, the labyrinth would spit her out in front of her mother’s and sisters’ chambers. If she stayed the course all the way to the end, she would be standing just outside the feast hall doors. Cecelia veered left and down, heading towards Maester Lagos’ chambers. She didn’t need him. She needed the map. The cruel voice inside challenged her. ‘You’re going to figure out how to fight this war on your own? You can’t even fight.’“No,” she told herself out loud. “But, I know where three Infinity Stones are. That’s more than King Malekith.” The cruel voice turned ambitious. Her mother often had to silence that part of her. Appearances mattered to people who paid attention. Outsmarting her father’s vassal lords felt as good as chocolate tasted, but it did not make for good relations among everyone in the Reach. She remembered her father’s vassal lord, Lord Demetrius, who questioned her place at the war meeting. He was right, in a way. Not many women were welcomed into battle plans.But, she knew where three Infinity Stones were. Well, two, at least. The Mind Stone laid still inside Briar Rose. A careful elvish blacksmith placed it inside the hilt of the greatsword. Another light elf hid away the infamous yellow color, replacing it with an opal-like appearance, a sign of true friendship between Riverrun and Highgarden. It belonged to her until her betrothal was announced. Now, it belonged to Loki.She doubted Loki truly knew what he had. She held onto her cold bitterness for him until the Lost Ones called out a name to her. Cecelia heard the Lost Ones call to her before when death was involved. She would hear a name, a hint, or something that would signify a message. Cecelia never claimed to speak to ghosts, but many claimed she did. After Frigga sent for her, the Lost Ones cried for her. They begged for Frigga. Hela. Hela. Hela.As if something from the sea mourned her, Cecelia listened to it cry in despair. She did not know Hela, but like every other name the Lost Ones gave her, Cecelia wept. How unkind her death was. How the world punished women like Hela. In between the ethereal cries, a feeling erupted in her gut. The same feeling that the Mind Stone gave her. The same way her cruel voice turned ambitious. Something in the Infinity Stones called to her power, or desire for it.Orthorion would know where the Time Stone would be. They haven’t spoken in years, but a friendship that was never poisoned still grows slowly over time. He would tell her and help her. They were on the same side.As Cecelia walked, a bouquet of flowers caught her eye. Some petals and leaves scattered around it, as if someone threw it down in anger. The familiar yellow flower called a single name to mind.“Loki?” she gasped out. As she picked up the bouquet, she tended to the remaining petals and straightened the tether around the stems. He had been here. Many tried the labyrinth and failed to succeed. Cecelia spoke to the bouquet gently. “He must’ve thrown you down when he was lost. It’s not your fault.”She smiled at the flowers, wondering why he was here and why he would even have the flowers in the first place. Did he come here looking for her? Was it another action of kindness? A playful flirtation? Was he going to say he was sorry? All of the questions silenced when she felt the hairs on the back of her raise. Cecelia turned to see an armed stranger nearing her. She brandished a curved sword and an emotionless face.“Lady Cecelia Grover of Highgarden,” the assassin stepped towards her. “You are sentenced to death by King Malekith.”
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“The unseen enemy is always the most fearsome.” – A Clash of KingsLoki watched Cecelia leave his presence. His anger bubbled underneath his skin. He eyed the Lost Ones’ altar with a new resolve. He stomped over to it, kicking away the candles. He picked up the orb in the middle and flung it towards the tree line. The meat offering landed close to the orb. As a final act, Loki turned over the altar completely, a piece of stone cracked when it hit the hard dirt. Loki stormed back into the castle, confronting his mother immediately. He found her answering a letter.“She’s mad. You chose to marry me to a mad girl,” Loki said. Green magic shut the chamber doors. Frigga’s attention did not waver from the paper and ink. Loki took in a deeper breath. “She’s my punishment for Lorelei, isn’t she?”Loki watched his mother meet his eyes with an anger so rare that it sent chills down Loki’s back.“You were right. She knows exactly where the Space Stone is,” Loki explained. “But, she claims that the Lost Ones told her.”“The Lost Ones?”“She’s either lying or she’s mad. And, she’s not very good at lying.” Loki elaborated. “I guess I should be grateful. I’ll be leading thousands of men into battle against a King with an Infinity Stone. At least, I’ll die as hero of war and my poor, mad wife will mourn me like she mourns over myths. At my funeral, make sure sweet Cecelia doesn’t try to talk to me in the afterlife. I have no more words for her.”“I take it that you did not smooth things over.”“Smooth things over?” Loki laughed. “Did you listen a word I just said?”“I heard you.”“Is she my punishment for Lorelei or not?” Loki slammed his hand down. “Do not say her name in front of me ever again.”“Answer the damn question.”“These narratives you come up with in your head,” Frigga started. “Do they satisfy you? Or are you miserable enough to drag everyone you love down with you?”Loki scoffed, pushing more paper towards Frigga. “You can tell him that we lost Highgarden. Tell him it’s my fault.”“Lord Garth and your father made an ironclad agreement about this. You will marry her. Stop with your dramatics and apologize. I didn’t raise you to be an arrogant bigot.”“No, you just raised me to be the bigger monster than Thor.” Loki stormed out of Frigga’s chambers, returning to his own. When he opened the door, he smelled the same horse shit that spilled through his nearby window. His nose wrinkled in disgust. If he didn’t know any better, he would swear Lord Garth put him in this room on purpose. He made it across the room towards the window in a few strides. He shut the window and locked it behind him.“I swore I closed this when I left,” he said aloud to himself. “Must be the damned handmaidens…” Loki’s voice trailed off. His eyes narrowed at the hearth. Briar Rose, his new sword, was missing from its place. He was honored to receive the sword when he arrived. He promised Lord Garth to take great care of both the familial heirloom and take greater care of the other jewel of Highgarden.He ran his hands through his hair. “Great,” he sighed. “Now the sword’s gone. Fuck!” He groaned with his head in his hands. Loki heard a creak from the wardrobe beside him. He eyed the door for a moment. Squinting at the small sliver of darkness just inside, Loki creeped closer.An assassin sprung forward. He lunged at him with his own dagger. Loki dodged. The assassin lunged again, but Loki caught his arm. Green magic surrounded the assassin for a moment. The assassin pulled his arm away before Loki trapped him. A dagger appeared in Loki’s hand. He turned it in his palm, striking the assassin. The assassin tackled Loki to the ground.Loki caught sight of Briar Rose, attached to the assassin’s side. Loki took his dagger pinned the assassin to the ground. The assassin landed a punch in Loki’s gut. Loki groaned. The assassin quickly took Loki’s dagger out of the ground, but the dagger disappeared. It appeared again in Loki’s hand. Loki dug the dagger in the assassin’s back. The assassin fell to their knees. Loki pulled the dagger out. He grabbed the assassin’s hood and dragged the dagger across his attacker’s throat. Blood gushed onto the floor and on his blade. As the blade disappeared from his hand, Fandral busted in through the door, followed by two Ironborn. The dead assassin’s body thudded on the floor in front of them.“Loki!” Fandral exclaimed. “There has to be more than one,” Loki said, catching his breath. “He couldn’t have been working alone. He knew where my chambers were.” “Inform Lord Garth,” Fandral told the Ironborn. Soon after, Highgarden guards barred the doors and windows. Ironborn patrolled the castle, weapons ready in hand. The first assassin’s body was laid in front Lord Garth. His glare cut into his gate guards. Ser Petra rushed inside the feast hall, a few more Highgarden men followed him.“My lord! We found Amaryllis and Dahlia. Both are with Lady Magnolia. Secured in the East Tower.”“And Cecelia?” Lord Garth asked. Ser Petra looked behind him. Two of his men shook their heads with worry.“We cannot locate her, my lord.”Loki’s heart dropped into his stomach. A sick feeling overwhelmed him. His fingers wrapped around the hilt of Briar Rose with purpose. “I know where she is,” Ser Xerxes stepped forth. “She’s outside the castle. In Lady Rae’s garden. She tends to the Lost Ones’ altar.”“No, she isn’t.” Loki argued. “I was there with her earlier, and…”“And what?” Lord Garth eyed him like prey. Loki chose his next words carefully.“We shared a disagreement. She rushed back inside. She’s here.”“And why should we believe the word of a man who attacked our men?” Ser Xerxes inspired a new fear among the small group gathered inside the feast hall. “How do we know you didn’t send the assassins? You easily killed one of them. Or so it seems.”“You really think I would plan this?” Loki said. “We share a common enemy.”“Enough!” Lord Garth turned to Ser Petra. “Search the castle grounds with Ser Xerxes. Loki and I will lead in searching the castle.” Men divided themselves into two parties. Loki eyed Xerxes carefully as he gave him a scornful look.“Did she say where she went?” Lord Garth caught Loki’s attention. “She didn’t,” Loki responded, hardening his expression. He watched Xerxes climb onto a horse and gallop off towards the castle gates. “She was upset with me. If I’m completely honest, I was surprised she didn’t hit me. She cut my neck with a sword last week.”“She’s her father’s daughter,” Lord Garth nodded with a smile. “Short tempers.” His eyes directed towards the labyrinth’s entrance. “In there.”“There? You’re joking,” Loki said, his eyes wide. “She could be anywhere in there.”“She knows exactly where she is. I doubt the assassin will have such luck.” Highgarden men funneled into the maze. As they took different directions, Loki noticed some had different methods. He watched one man stick his arm out, always touching the right wall. Another man left a trail of breadcrumbs behind him. When they each took different turns in the labyrinth, Loki was left alone.Calling out her name would be too dangerous. Cecelia must have her own method of getting through the maze. Breadcrumbs seemed too juvenile for her. He studied the tall hedges, finding no broken branches or dents in them. He bit his lip, thinking of a new idea. He cringed. If it didn’t work, he would look like a fool. Loki’s hand waved in front of him. Cecelia’s illusion materialized in front of him. She wore the same green dress the day they met. Painted gold roses sat on top of her curls. She smiled at Loki, making his face soften.“Come on, follow me,” she said so sweetly. She held out her hand for him. “You won’t get lost. I promise.”“I know,” Loki gave her a hopeful smile. “You’re the one who is lost. Take me to you. Help me find you.” She nodded quietly and led the way. Loki watched the way she moved through the maze. Her hand did not stick to one side. She left no trace of her behind her. She strolled through the hedges without any aid or stress. Lord Garth was right, and so was his mother. Loki pondered the idea of her in his head. Her honey sweetness was genuine enough, but what lurked beyond that worried him. The illusion stopped at a fork with three different routes. Her head turned and studied each one.“What’s wrong?” Loki asked. She turned around to face Loki. Her swollen eyes shocked him. Tears ran down her face so easily. “I’m sad.”“I’m sorry,” Loki swallowed. “I said something I shouldn’t have.”“No,” she shook her head. “I’m always sad. I came here to be alone. I want to be alone.”“No, no, no.” Loki reached for her. His hand passed through the illusion. “I need you to take me to you. You need help. You’re in danger.”“Leave me alone,” she said through the tears. The illusion ran away from him. Loki took off after her. She took sharper turns. His feet hit the ground harder. Loki watched her skirt fly along with her hair. Painted gold petals broke off, spinning in the wind she created behind her.The illusion turned into the center of the maze. His hand passed through her again, but she was gone. Loki unsheathed Briar Rose, looking around carefully. All was quiet here except for the fountain streaming water in the center. Four benches marked each direction. North, South, East, and West. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Cecelia’s hair near the North side.He started to approach until he heard a rock tumbling behind him. He turned around coming face to face with the second assassin. She cursed at herself out loud. He lunged at her first with the greatsword. Its blade missed her. She threw a dagger his way. Loki dodged. Briar Rose’s blade came down on her. The second assassin caught it, smiling at him.“You’re mine, Stormshit,” she mocked him. Loki pressed the blade deeper into her hand.She yelled in pain. Loki slid the blade in her hand, cutting her deeper. He kicked at her chest, sending her backwards. She scrambled back to her feet. Daggers flew by him, cutting into his shoulder. It burned. A new fear introduced into his mind. Her blades were poisoned. Confident he knew his opponent, Loki chased after her until he saw the assassin’s true target. Cecelia jumped out of a hiding spot. Loki caught sight of her holding her side.“Cecelia! Run behind me!” Loki shouted at her. Cecelia stopped short, changing course. Another dagger flew by Loki. It missed him by inches, but the blade cut across Cecelia’s face. She screamed, falling to her knees. Loki watched her hold her face in her hands.Loki threw down Briar Rose. In seconds, Loki’s magic picked up the assassin. Her body floated in the air, high enough for her to be seen above the maze. Her limbs writhed as if she could grab onto anything, something that could save her. Loki smiled, knowing exactly what he wanted to do next. His hands pulled downwards. The assassin’s head landed in the fountain with a loud crack. Blood spilled merging with the fountain water. The second assassin’s body slumped over. Loki rushed to Cecelia’s side. He fell to his knees before her. Cecelia covered her face with her dress skirt. Blood seeped through the fabric. “Cecelia, are you alright? Let me see,” Loki pleaded with her. His hands hesitated to touch her at first. She howled in pain. Loki spoke more gently. “It’s over. She’s dead. You’re safe.”Cecelia peeled the dress fabric off her face. Some of it wanted to stick in some places. Loki saw the full view of the damage. The blade had cut from under her left eye to the side of her nose. She held her side tightly. Loki stiffened.“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I ran in here like a—“This isn’t your fault,” Loki interrupted. “Don’t—this is not your fault.”“I just wanted to be alone.”“I know,” Loki nodded. “I know.” Cecelia let out another cry. Her fingers reached for his shoulders, and he winced. Cecelia buried herself in his chest. Loki went still. His hands slowly accepted the embrace. He held her head to his chest. His other hand placed firmly on her back, keeping her there against him.A rush of footsteps entered the center of the garden. Loki remembered his breathing. Whenever chaos erupted around him, he relaxed. As he inhaled, Loki watched a set of Highgarden guards rush to the fountain, discovering what he had done. As he exhaled, Cecelia was being pulled away from him. Her blood stained his chest.Loki heard Fandral yelling in his face, but all Loki focused on was his betrothed’s blood on his hands.
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“A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone.” – Tyrion LannisterCecelia’s fingers brushed over the bandage on her face. Healers left the room, leaving only a few attendants to clean up. Amaryllis and Dahlia watched her from the side of her bed. Cecelia straightened her back. “It’s not too bad, hm?” Cecelia offered them a smile. “I’ll be okay.”“Are you sure?” Dahlia frowned at her older sister. “I heard the healer say it was poisoned.” Cecelia forced another smile on her face. “I’m sure it was only a speculation. I feel fine,” Cecelia lied. Dahlia glanced behind her to see flowers on the nightstand beside Cecelia’s bed. “Does Loki like flowers?” she asked. “Everyone likes flowers!” Amaryllis exclaimed. “Not boys!” Dahlia argued back.“Boys like flowers too,” Cecelia laughed. “Papa’s favorite flowers are roses. That’s why they’re everywhere.” Dahlia crossed her arms. “Because that’s our family’s flower.”“Do you want to give Loki flowers?” Cecelia asked. Dahlia nodded her head, glancing back at the vase on the nightstand. “He saved you. And everybody’s saying he’s in a bad mood.”“You think flowers will cheer him up?”“Something should,” Dahlia shrugged. Cecelia often thought her sisters were more empathetic than she was. They took after their mother more than she did. He deserved a bigger thank you. Her assassin hacked into her side when she tried to run at first. She put her greatest strength to use and lost the assassin for a while in the maze. Hiding in the center was the best option. Guards were trained to find the center of the labyrinth within minutes. It was an odd defense, but Highgarden wasn’t known for being the best at military strategy.She didn’t expect Loki to find her first. Or, that he would save her in the end.She thought Loki wrote her off completely. She wouldn’t blame him. Another had done so before. Cecelia watched her sisters leave with a vase of flowers, arguing over who should carry it. Amaryllis’s hands reached for the vase, but Dahlia lifted it over her head. A bit of water spilled to the side of her.“Stop it! It’s my idea!” Dahlia shouted. Their septa picked up Amaryllis. She ushered Dahlia along while winking at Cecelia.“I think someone favors your betrothed. I would be careful if I were you,” the septa laughed. Dahlia blushed and scurried away from the room. Cecelia laughed. Her hand slid to her injured side. She breathed hard for a moment. Allowing the painful moment to subside, Cecelia closed her eyes. She thought of him. Even though he mocked her, he rushed to her side anyways. He wasn’t entirely bad, but her father wasn’t marrying her to an honorable man. Honorable men rarely win wars. As she looked out her window, she thought of her friend at Casterly Rock. Surely, Lady Sif would understand what she was going through. Sif had her own crushes, but she did have an eye for warriors. Thor Odinson would be a good match for her. No word from Sif came here since the navy letter. Cecelia grew bitter until reason echoed inside her head.Perhaps, Sif was instructed not to write to her out of safety and protection. Loki and she were attacked by assassins. The same threat could be headed to her. “Or maybe, she’s having more fun with Thor,” the cruel voice in her mind told her. She shook her head. Even if Sif was having fun, she would’ve told her. She remembered the dozens of letters they exchanged while sharing stories of their heart’s desires. Sif always claimed that Cecelia was meant for romance. She thought Cecelia lived exactly how the girls in the songs grew up. In beautiful lands where valiant knights and muscular heroes came to profess their love, Cecelia should feel grateful. She didn’t. Love came and left her before. Each time it burned something into her. This time, it felt cold.Loki was cruel. How did he know how to wound her mind in such a profound way? How could she go on to marry a man so deplorable? So brutal? Her face may be slashed, but her eyes worked perfectly. The memory played over again. How his magic lifted the assassin’s body high in the air, only for her to land face first into the fountain. It was enough to make her sick. Her mother told her there was more than one. Loki got rid of his own, and that’s all Cecelia wanted to know.“Dyana,” Cecelia called out to her. Dyana rushed to her side. “Get me Lady Frigga. I wish to speak with her.”The afternoon droned on and evening slowly ticked by without Frigga’s presence. Cecelia disobeyed her healer’s orders. Her feet brushed the ground at first. She slowly got to her feet, allowing herself to feel all of the weight. Cecelia carefully wrapped herself in a cloak. She pulled the hood over her face. Grabbing a book and a candle, she left her chambers.When Cecelia realized exactly where Loki’s chambers were, she snickered. Lord Garth wasn’t the type of father who did things in a subtle fashion. His duty to his daughters wasn’t seen as overprotective, but more like psychological warfare. Cecelia recalled Dahlia’s first crush.Ser Jude appeared to be the type of knight they sung about in songs. His hair was lusciously long, and his eyes captured Dahlia’s sweet, innocent ones. However, he was three years older than Cecelia. Ser Jude playfully encouraged Dahlia’s affections by handing her flowers after a tournament. The next day, Ser Jude woke up to all of his long locks missing. He gathered clumps of it in his hands, asking the healers what kind of disease would do this to him.Cecelia remembers how her father paid off Elise in jewels after the deed was done.She pinched her nose as she knocked on Loki’s door.“How many times I have to tell you, mama? Go away!” Cecelia heard from the other side. She politely knocked again. She heard a chair squeaking aggressively on the ground and then stomping towards the door. When the door flew open, she took a few steps back. Loki shouted in her face. “I told you I wanted—oh, shit. I’m sorry. I thought you were…”“No, no, it’s okay.”“Sorry, it’s just—My mother—“No, mine too, she’s been worried sick,” Cecelia laughed. Loki’s chuckle faded with hers. She looked into his chambers. “May I come in?”“Yes, yes, of course.”Cecelia went under Loki’s arm and into the room. She recognized the guest chambers. Other unfavorable men and women have stayed here. She noticed Loki’s details around the room. A few of his own books sat open on the table. His complete armor with his horned helmet hung in place, and Briar Rose sat perfectly above the hearth. Envy tugged at her edges.She turned to face Loki when the door clicked shut. His arm was bandaged. Loose clothes revealed more of his skin than she was prepared for. Around his neck, he wore stones stringed together forming a necklace she’d never seen before. His chest bore sigils she couldn’t read. His long black hair stuck out in places instead of his more formal, combed back hair style.“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting any guests today,” he apologized.“No, I should be the one apologizing. I’m the one responsible for all of this mess anyways,” Cecelia cleared her throat. “I have acted so childishly since your arrival here, and—“No, I’m the one who said we shouldn’t assume things,” Loki spoke over her. “And yet, I’m the one who called you ‘mad’ based on the wrong assumptions. I was in the wrong, not you.”“But, what about your magic?” Cecelia collapsed in one of the chairs. Loki sat opposite of her. She set the book aside, and tugged at her cloak. “I said some mean things too.”“You did, but nothing I haven’t heard before.”“For what it’s worth, I’m grateful for your magic,” she admitted. Loki lifted his gaze to match hers. “If you are a son of storm and rage, I’m grateful to have someone like you here with me.” Cecelia beamed at him. “You’re serious?”“I am,” she nodded. “I’ve never seen magic used in the way you use it, and what you’re capable of is terrifying. But, there’s more to you than that. I believe you would not have saved me if you were completely terrible.” Cecelia offered her hands to him. Loki slowly took them with his own hands. She continued. “I do not think you are cruel, but I think your cruelty is a rare strength that I will cherish. I am sorry for mocking you for it especially after it saved me.”Cecelia’s heart jumped when Loki’s eyes softened on hers. His intense focus overwhelmed her mind with the same romantic ideas she pushed away earlier. His hands squeezed hers.“I am sorry too,” Loki breathed hard. “I am not used to someone like you. Maybe after we are married, sometime in the future, I will be, but not now. I’m still learning you. You are…”“Complicated?”“No,” he chuckled. Loki turned her palm up in his hand. His finger traced the lines. “You are a labyrinth. Not a challenge, not complicated, but a brilliant system of pathways and turns. I don’t understand you. I underestimated you once. You taught me to never do that again, and so I won’t. I’m sorry for how I reacted about the Space Stone.”“And I’m sorry for how I went about it,” Cecelia frowned. “The voices called to me your mother and you arrived. I shouldn’t have been so cocky. I should have explained it more delicately. When they showed me—“Please, stop,” Loki held up his hand. “Not now. I don’t like talking about her.”“I understand,” Cecelia grabbed the book and offered it to him. “I wanted to properly thank you for everything, so here.”Loki’s hands brushed over the book. He read the title, and raised a brow. “What is this?”“The book you asked for, in the garden,” Cecelia said. “I believe your Maester told you about it. A High Lord writes about his love, a High Lady. You said you’d be interested in reading it.”“Oh,” Loki read the title again. “The Book of the Sun and His Lion. A Martell and a Lannister. Yes, yes, this is it. Thank you.”“Just, be careful with it,” Cecelia bit her thumb. “And don’t mind all the writing on the sides.”“Writing?” Loki flipped through the pages. Cecelia watched him carefully as he regarded her notes, citations, and other things. He tilted his head and looked up at her. “I don’t understand.”“It’s my copy.” Cecelia blurted out. She laughed, scratching the back of her neck. “Oh! I see. This is very personal,” Loki coughed. “And unexpected. Are you sure?”“I am. This is my way of expressing my gratitude. I don’t know how else to thank you for what you did.”Loki nodded. His fingers raised above her face. “May I?”Cecelia nodded. Loki’s fingers gently went over the face bandages. She found it incredible how his hands so capable of violence were the same hands that touched her so sweetly. Her heart thumped so loud in her chest, she thought he heard it. When he pulled away, Loki sighed. Their eyes found each other in the silence. “No one will ever cut you like that ever again,” Loki promised. “Tomorrow, our real work begins. We will give the King what he deserves.”
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“I will hurt you for this. I don't know how yet, but give me time. A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy, and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you'll know the debt is paid.” — Tyrion LannisterDyana watched Xerxes from a distance. She held a bowl filled with dirty, bloodied face bandages. She gripped them tighter when she heard his sword make a crack in an old wooden target. Sentimental thoughts wouldn’t help him now. Xerxes continued to hack his sword into the old target until it hit the ground. He breathed hard from his efforts.Tearing her eyes away, Dyana continued with the task at hand. The past two days had been exhausting, to say the least. After the assassins’ bodies were recovered, Highgarden still went under a full lockdown. Tensions rose among everyone in hiding. Prayers mumbled, wine drunk, and heated words were exchanged. Now, it seemed everyone was on edge. Dyana passed by a pair of wenches while entering the kitchen. Their mutual silence bothered her. She remembered when the same pair exchanged the daily gossip just a couple of days ago.“How is she?” a cook asked her. Dyana dumped the bowl of bandages into a basket filled with other linen. She sighed, looking out the window. “She’s smiling.” Dyana said.“She’s like her mother,” the cook responded. “Anything to keep up appearances. Tell her I made a special batch of lemon cakes to lift her spirits. Poor girl. Her pretty face is scarred forever. Good thing Lord Loki is already betrothed to her. It’s unlikely any other man would want her now.” Dyana glared at the cook, leaving him without saying another word.After recent events, Maester Lagos moved his personal items to a different room in Highgarden. As she passed by the newly designated ‘War Room’, she caught a peek inside before a vassal lord shut the door behind him. She saw Cecelia and Loki standing together, looking down where Casterly Rock stood. “Dyana!” She turned her head around looking for the source of the sound. “Dyana!” She heard again. Her head movements quick and decisive like a chicken’s. The loud whisper called out again. “Over here!”Dyana turned towards the opening of the labyrinth. Xerxes’ head tucked itself back inside the maze. Curious, she walked over carefully to him. Xerxes touched her shoulder, bringing her closer to him.“Xerxes?”“What did you see?” he asked. Dyana stuttered for a moment. “Just Cecelia looking at Casterly Rock. It was only a second.”“Was she with him?”“With who?”“Loki,” Xerxes glanced back at the war room, seeing two guards now posted at the door. “Shit.”“Yes, he was there.” Dyana blinked at him. “Aren’t you supposed to be in there?”“Yes,” Xerxes spat. “But, Loki banned me from attending any more meetings. That fucking bastard. My ‘false claims’ about him backfired on me.”“False claims?”“Don’t you think it’s suspicious that he single-handedly killed one of the assassins? And that Cecelia just happened to be missing? I went by the altar, you know. It was smashed to pieces. All of it. Cecelia wouldn’t do that. Something isn’t right about it.” Xerxes explained. “So, he banned you from attending any more meetings?”“All because I’ve inspired a rift between the Ironborn and us. He blames me, and Lord Garth is allowing this. Can you believe that?” He shook his head. “I was going to sneak inside there somehow, but now the guards are posted. I need to know what they’re planning. What if Loki takes more control away from her?”Dyana’s face pinched. She tilted her head to peek at the posted guards. Both were Ser Petra’s men. His men carried more weight than Xerxes did. Xerxes was a knight, but a lower one. Ser Petra’s men were seasoned in battle. Any knight in the Reach took their vows seriously, but Petra’s men did their duties with hard dedication. When she returned her gaze to him, Dyana flushed with color. Xerxes matched her gaze with his own fixed look on her. A pull tugged in her chest. “There’s a way we can spy on them,” Dyana revealed. “Through the hidden passageways.”“Yes, but only certain guards know about that.”“Certain guards and handmaidens,” she smiled at him. Her suggestive idea earned her a bigger reward that she didn’t expect. Alone together, they traversed in the darkened narrow hallways. Dyana easily hid her smile as he shot another compliment her way.“I always liked you better than Elise.” He laughed. “You’re much nicer than she is. You smell better, too. ” Every word he directed her way, she kept a recording memory in her mind. She planned to play his words over and over again that evening. The gap she felt between them filled by his sentiment alone. Maybe, he did notice her differently today.Her foot slid on a loose tile, but Xerxes caught her shoulders before she could fall. “Are you okay?” he asked. His grip on her sent her heart thumping. “Yes, sorry.”“No need to apologize, my lady,” Xerxes offered his arm. “These passageways are older than our ages combined.” Dyana took his arm. She inhaled the air to smell the musty air, but Xerxes’ warmth took over her senses more. She felt silly for thinking back to her nightly fantasies of them walking together like this in a garden. She thought ahead of herself. After they were done here, maybe they could take that walk through the garden. She could reassure him that he was a good knight and a protective friend, and maybe, Xerxes could compliment her even more.“It’s not far from here, just another two turns.” Dyana told him. The hidden door linking Maester Lagos’ old room to the system of hallways was never really used. It wasn’t really a proper door either. Xerxes blinked at the window-sized shape. He kicked away spider webs that covered the door mechanism. Xerxes reached for the lock, lifting it carefully. The metal sung louder than he meant it to, and both froze to the spot. Their ears fixated on the other side of the wall.“I don’t understand what’s so wrong about attacking now!” Lord Demetrius shouted. “We cannot let him get away with attacking Highgarden!”“I agree with Lord Demetrius,” Ser Petra’s voice chimed in. “If we do nothing, the King will grow bolder and quicker in his actions.” Dyana and Xerxes exhaled the breath they collectively held. They stayed quiet just behind the wall where the maps were hung. Dyana gently pushed a corner of the map away from the wall. Grateful for the mess of maps draped over the opening, she spied a few pairs of feet surrounding the war table. Loki’s feet paced out of sight while Ser Petra’s and Lord Garth’s stances were firm.“We would be foolish to attack now.” Lord Garth’s voice filled the room. A sense of calm washed over Dyana when he spoke. If this was his rebellion, Dyana would feel more motivated, more certain that the Nine Kingdoms would be in good hands.“You propose we wait then? King Malekith has burned down Sunspear. And news from the northeast says he’s after the dwarves.” Lord Leyton of Hightower had a balanced voice as well, but Dyana remembered how many wives he had. Something about him churned her stomach.“Lord Leyton is correct,” Lord Demetrius continued. “We need to answer back now. Or else, he’ll send a bigger army this way.”Lord Garth’s feet disappeared from Dyana’s sight. His voice filled the room again. “While our numbers alone are bigger than the King’s army at the Capital, we cannot act by ourselves in this. We’ll stand out as brash and aggressive. Our armies will unite as one after both weddings take place. Lord Odin is leading our charge, not me.” “And Lord Odin will screw us over eventually,” Xerxes whispered in Dyana’s ear. “It’s like none of these men remember who we’re allies with. The Ironborn love no one but their own, take care of nothing but themselves. It’s even in their words. We do not sow.”Dyana carefully shuffled to Xerxes’ side. Cecelia stood quietly in the background. Her eyes were on her father. She may be nodding intently, but Dyana knew her well enough. Cecelia’s mind could be far away from here. Loki slowed his pacing near her. He glanced her way and offered her a small smile. When she smiled back, Xerxes scoffed.“How can she agree to marry him? She barely knows him.” He said. A nerve struck in Dyana’s chest. The things he did before, his kind words to her, all sentiment disappeared. A green poison colored her words.“She didn’t agree to it. Lord Garth and Lord Odin arranged this marriage. It’s not like she asked for any of this to happen.” Dyana said. “I didn’t bring you here to criticize my lady.” Lord Garth neared the unlocked hidden door. Dyana and Xerxes sucked in their breath. “Lord Odin specifically trusted his son here with us. What do you think Loki? How should we make them pay?” Dyana heard another set of footsteps, lighter than her lord’s.“My lords, what does King’s Landing receive from us at this time? What exports do we give them?” Loki asked. Dyana followed Loki’s finger move across the map. Lord Leyton cleared his throat, interrupting the silence from the rest of the room.“Fruits such as apples, melons, grapes. The finest of wines are said to be made in the Arbor as well. Horseflesh, of course,” Lord Leyton chuckled. “And of course, one could argue we produce and train the best knights on the Nine Kingdoms.” Loki’s fingers slid across two more lines as if his finger created a border.“Food and wine, then. We close the Goldroad and the Roseroad to anyone travelling into the Reach and stop our trades, cut off their supply. If King Malekith desires to cut roses, then we cut him off from us.” Loki stepped away from the map. Dyana finally let go of the breath she held in. She glanced at Xerxes who seemed to have no comment, but a listening ear.“If we close the roads, we can focus on supplying ourselves and training what men we have instead of having them harvest food for the King,” Loki continued. “What say you, Lord Garth?”“It’s a better plan than attacking.” He said. “My lords? Sers?”“How do propose we close the roads? Many of our people have business they rely upon at the Capital.” Lord Leyton asked.“Either they suffer or change their business,” Loki snorted. “It’s a rebellion, people are going to have to suffer at some point. Better to suffer without money than to die with Infinity Stones involved.”“He has a point, my lord,” Lord Demetrius chimed in. “We can adapt. That’s what we do. We grow in harder circumstances than most. We can still provide work. For example, if we hire local farmers and train them to be armed men to patrol the roads they know instead of tending to—“You’ve got to be kidding me, they’re actually listening to him,” Xerxes spoke up again. He shook his head. “He must have enchanted the room somehow when he touched the map. Drawn a sigil or something.”“I don’t know military strategy, but if Lord Garth likes it then it can’t be that bad, can it?” Dyana responded back. “He’s only a few years older than us! And they’re listening to him as if he’s a seasoned warrior.”“He’s Ironborn isn’t he? Isn’t that why they’re vicious? They blood them young there.” Dyana pointed out. Xerxes started to leave without her.“I’m done here. They’re doomed.” Dyana peeked again where Xerxes stood. Loki approached Cecelia, handing her a scroll. She nodded with enthusiasm as they approached the maps together. Cecelia pointed out where different houses were along the Goldroad and Roseroad, explaining who lived there. Loki stood silent adding no sarcastic comments like Xerxes did. Loki was not what Xerxes thought. What monster would take the time to learn his lady’s land? What could he gain from that?
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Some wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word.” – Ned StarkLoki preferred the intrapersonal maze of Cecelia rather than the physical mazes inside Highgarden. The annotated book of poetry perched in his hands seemed to be a key. He nibbled on his breakfast as he flipped to another page. She curated lovely handwriting when she cared about the letters, but when she was excited, her penmanship scribbled across the pages. Loki noticed the doodles of roses and few other flowers in the corners or to the side. He never gave her roses. He thought it would be too obvious, but he remembered she was ‘The Rose’ of Highgarden. Cecelia probably received hundreds of roses before. He never gave Lorelei flowers. Usually, he gifted her small precious stones or seashells he found along the coastline. She kept them all in a bowl. Her favorites stayed in her pockets or were made as necklaces. As easily as one can turn a page, the illusion of her sat in front of him.“What are you reading?” Lorelei asked. She tucked her copper red hair behind her ear. Her face sat in her hands. “Poetry,” he answered. Loki spied the pearl hanging around her neck. She groaned, rolling her eyes around. “Poetry is for the rosebuds in the Reach,” she mocked. “Or for the old men at Oldtown.”“Not this one. This one is written by a lord. A Martell from Dorne. All of it dedicated to his lioness.”“A Lannister?” Lorelei played with her hair. “And here I thought you only liked redheads.” Loki reached for her hair, but he pulled back when he remembered. Guilt dropped in his stomach as if he swallowed a rock. He returned to his reading. Lorelei’s illusion leaned forward. Her cleavage distracting Loki from the words on the page.“You know I can’t read when you do that.”“Do what?” she flirted.“That.” Loki gestured with the book. “You’re doing it on purpose.” His eyes flashed back to the page. He heard her voice, but not her words. Loki focused on the Dornish verse in front of him. ‘And my eyes were quills, my mind a scroll. I would memorize her and write her as a book for me to read only. Her body, her skin would be pages for me to touch and read over and over again.’Cecelia wrote her own thoughts underneath it. Her handwriting was careful. Thoughtful.‘If only. How can anyone blame me for yearning for something like this? How consuming it must be to be so deeply in love. I want it so bad for myself. To be driven mad by thinking of my lover. I want to be overwhelmed by their body, curious and lustful in every look I give them.’The room quieted. Lorelei’s illusion faded herself away. A mixture of guilt and relief washed over his senses. Her illusion only disappeared after heated words were exchanged between them. He replayed their last argument so many times. He knew his lines better than an actor’s. Loki sighed, remembering the pearl again. He recalled the soured memory of giving Lorelei that pearl. On his knees, he begged her. Lorelei seated in front of him. Her hungry gaze on Thor, not her lover before her.After everything that transpired, he promised himself he wouldn’t plead for anyone’s love. He looked over Cecelia’s handwriting again. How she hungered for something deeper than the surface. How she desired to be consumed and to consume another. He wouldn’t have to plead with her. He wouldn’t starve anymore.Loki handed a handwritten note to his handmaiden. “Take this to Cecelia. Tell her I’d like an immediate response if she’s able.”He wasn’t sure if it was the warmer weather or her dress that made him sweat in his own clothes. The Iron Islands tended to be colder and stormier than here, but his gaze could not tear away from her chest. Cecelia’s neckline plunged further than what he was used to. Her sides exposed her skin as well, making Loki wonder how the dress stayed together in one piece. “Are you alright?” she asked, laughing. “I told you to change before we left for the orchard. When you said you wanted to spend the day outside, I thought you would have dressed for it. Are you wearing armor?”Loki cleared his throat. “Leather. It’s fine leather.” Cecelia hummed. They walked side by side between rows of flourishing peach trees. Several sworn houses to Highgarden had orchards sprawling their acres. House Oakheart of Old Oak, an old and powerful house, was known for their strong trees and shaded grass. Cecelia’s personal guard kept their distance behind them. Loki glanced behind to see Ser Xerxes sulking while snacking on fruit. “Next time, wear less of that,” Cecelia gestured at him. “You should’ve worn that looser shirt I saw you in.”“Oh, you mean the one where you were staring at my chest the whole time?” Loki watched Cecelia’s face brighten. He chuckled. “You saw me looking?”“Your eyes were feasting on me like meat.” Loki reached for a piece of fruit. In his hands, the fruit grew twice its size. “Your appetite was at least this big.” Cecelia laughed, covering her face. Most of her face bandages weren’t needed anymore. The scar under her eye kept her from smiling most days since the attack. Loki wasn’t used to optimism, but he was certain her laughter described the sound of it.“Where did you learn how to do that?” she asked. “I was beginning to wonder when you would ask me that,” Loki responded. “I was a sick child. Smaller than most. Anyone bigger than me found it easy to pick on me.”“So, your Maester taught you how to defend yourself?”Loki tilted his head, giving her an uncertain face. “Sort of. I have vivid dreams. I never thought to mention it to anyone until the Drowned God came to me. Much like how your Lost Ones come to you.” Loki watched Cecelia’s attention perk up. Her arm tucked into his. The concentration of her focus on him spread a new infatuation inside of him. “Tell me,” she pleaded. “I like hearing about dreams.”“I was drowning. No matter how much I swam up or kicked my legs, I kept sinking. That’s when I saw him. His tentacles were impossibly long. His eye was wider than two of me. I don’t remember what he told me, but he surrounded me with dark ink. I remember inhaling it. Like a cold, wet air. When I woke, I could do this.” Loki touched a branch, making it disappear completely. “Incredible,” Cecelia said. “Can you make anything disappear like that?” Loki glanced behind them again. Xerxes tossed a peach towards Jonas, his squire. Jonas swiped a sword in the air. When he missed, the other knights tsked. They offered him another chance, encouraging him to try again.“Do you trust me?” He looked back at her.“Are you trying to trick me?”“No, no. I don’t want to scare you. That’s all.” Loki offered his hand. When Cecelia took it, she looked at him expectantly.“What now?”“It’s already happened. Come see.” Loki interlaced his fingers with hers. He pulled her towards her own guard. “I don’t understand. What’s happened?” “Just wait.” Loki told her. As they approached the small group, the knights and two squires did not react. They continued throwing peaches in the air and trying to slice them with their swords. They laughed with each other. A sting of jealousy riddled through Loki. Ironborn did not play around so effortlessly like this. Was the Reach so opposite of him? Cecelia made a small gasp.“You made us disappear,” she whispered. “Can they hear us?” Loki shook his head. Cecelia opened her mouth in surprise. She took advantage of her new joyful mood.“Ser Xerxes likes the warmth of a horse’s ass!” she shouted. Loki snorted. None of them reacted. They jeered with each other. Xerxes nudged his squire, challenging him to a small duel. Loki sighed. Maybe he was wrong about Xerxes. He was playful and encouraging. His own mentor was much less so. Loki remembered being kicked into the dirt when he missed his mark.Loki felt a good push forward, and then Cecelia calling out to him directly afterwards. “You’re it! Come get me!”A smile flashed across his features. Loki took off running after Cecelia. Her light dress made it easier for her to run. His leather only slowed him when he was running out of breath. She veered left. Loki kept sprinting after her, his fingers outreached towards her. Is this what he was fighting for? Is this what the war was about? The freedom for both of them to run carelessly after the other like children? A new resolve settled in his core. This rebellion would be worth it all if his own children and wife would be able to run like this without fear. She veered again, but Loki teleported directly behind her. He grabbed her middle. He pulled her to the ground with him. Cecelia squealed with laughter. Her hair spilling all around Loki’s face as his back hit the ground. He caught the scent flowers and fruit again. ‘She smells better than Lorelei. Dresses better, too.’ His lower parts took over his mind. Cecelia’s laughter faded as she laid next to him beneath another peach tree. She grabbed the fruit off the ground, blowing the dirt off. “I haven’t run like that in ages. Thank you.”“For what?”“For the temporary freedom,” she smiled back at him. “Since the attack, I haven’t been able to shit in peace. In fact, I don’t remember a time where Ser Xerxes truly left me alone. Usually, I have to hide.” Cecelia bit into the meaty fruit. Loki’s eyes widened. He watched the juice drip from the side of her mouth.“Hide? Like in the maze?”“No, well yes, but not always. I have several hiding spots throughout the castle.” Cecelia started to list off her hiding places and how she found them. Loki found it difficult to focus on her words. Just as he found it difficult to keep Lorelei’s illusion with him. His mind was occupied with heated thoughts. How her teeth dug into the peach’s flesh, tearing away at it. Its juice smeared all over her mouth. Juice dripped slowly from her lips and down her chin. All while she looked up at him with her eyes. He felt it once the first time they were in the improvised war room together, and then again earlier today. Her gaze overwhelmed him. Even when she spoke, her entire attention belonged to him. Loki watched her throat swallow another bite.He couldn’t take it anymore. Loki tilted her face to his. Kissing her firmly on her mouth, he moaned. She tasted sweet. Her sticky mouth attached to his so easily. Loki moved his lips against hers. His hunger started to unfurl when Cecelia grabbed his collar. She pulled him closer, inviting him to do more.As Loki opened his mouth to let her inside, a force pulled his whole body away from her. His head hit the ground with a soft thud. “Seven fucking hells,” Xerxes cursed at him. “I knew you were an indecent fuck. Just wait till I tell Lord Garth about your attempts to deflower his daughter before the wedding.” Loki scrambled to his feet, conjuring daggers in each hand. “Xerxes! Stop!” Cecelia shouted. “That’s not fair! We were just—“Kissing? Where were you? We couldn’t find you,” he said. “One minute you were there, the next both of you were gone.”Loki sneered. “It was just magic—“Magic?” Xerxes turned to Loki. “I guess that was your doing too? You really seem to enjoy putting her in danger.”“We were fine.” Loki said through his teeth. He gripped the daggers tighter. Xerxes grabbed Cecelia’s arm, pulling her away entirely. Cecelia fought against his touch at first. Before Loki could say anything more, Xerxes’s scolding voice took over.“Do you want another ugly scar on your face? Is that it? Because that’s what happens when you run off like that. Gods, you’re so stupid. Both of you are done here. We’re going back to Highgarden.” Just as quick as her joy appeared, it faded away. Cecelia’s quiet, anxious face returned. Her fingers brushed against her scar, and then her fingers fidgeted. She followed her personal guard out of the peach tree orchards. Loki jogged up to her side. He opened his palm to reveal a small rosebud blooming full into a flower. Cecelia gave him a small smile. Loki whispered into her ear, he adjusted his volume so Xerxes could catch his words as well.“The next time you eat a fruit like that in front of me, I’ll lose control entirely.” Loki watched Xerxes flinch. He chose his next words carefully. “I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to wait for our wedding night.”
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“Ooooh. 'The Queen musn't know.' I love conversations that begin this way.” ―Varys to Tyrion Lannister:Elise’s POV:There were many gossips in Highgarden. It couldn’t be helped. In the North, where it was frozen, there was much to do to keep warm. King’s Landing was filled with sin and the lowest people from Flea Bottom. Common and poor folk changed their morals every day to survive. In Dorne, people loved, held each other, and often forgave. Very rarely a Dornish being held a grudge, but when they did, it was for good reason. In Highgarden, where the sun shined and roses grew, there was nearly nothing to worry about.Nearly nothing.If all of the handmaidens, wenches, stablehands, cooks, and castle workers of Highgarden had a meeting about who was the worst gossip of the castle, all would be in complete agreement. Elise spilled every kind of bean her ears heard. It wasn’t completely her fault, she told everyone that her mother was much worse than her at her age. Elise claimed other people enabled her behavior, but no one would ever fuss up to it. Especially now.“You’re being an ass about this,” Elise kept her hand outstretched towards Maester Lagos. “Just give Lady Sif’s letter to me and I will hand-deliver it to my lady personally.”“How do I know you won’t open it and read its contents?” Maester Lagos narrowed his eyes. “That was one time!” Elise hopped in her spot. “Come on, it’s not like you’re dying to know anyways. I saw that other official letter from Lord Salix of Casterly Rock. There’s news! Now, you can either hand the letter to me or you’ll have to wait for Lord Garth to read it after his morning shit.” Elise gave him a smug smile. “Your choice.”Maester Lagos glanced behind him at the rookery. He only saw his flock of ravens. He sighed. Lagos handed the personal letter to Elise. She squealed and immediately opened the seal. Elise started reading while Maester Lagos waited, crossing his arms in an impatient fuss.Elise gasped.“What?” Maester Lagos reacted. “What is it?”Elise smiled in the same disgusting way a thief would after stealing a king’s gold. “Prince Thor has married Lady Sif. It says so here. In fact, he bedded her an hour after they were married. Lady Sif left no detail out.”:Cecelia’s POV:She read the letter three times over before she said anything out loud. Her face flushed with different shades of pink, red, and even pale white. Dyana watched her pace around the room. Elise kept her composure except for when she gave certain looks to Dyana. Cecelia tore her eyes away from the letter.“So,” she swallowed hard. “When will—when will I be getting—has my mother or Lady Frigga said anything about our betrothal to you?” Cecelia attempted to wet her dry mouth. Dyana hit Elise in her gut when she snorted at Cecelia. “Soon,” Dyana answered. “Lady Frigga and your mother almost have all the details together.”“Of course, she would plan everything,” Cecelia moaned. “She always wants control over everything in my life.”“My lady, I really think she just wanted you to rest,” Dyana responded. “It’s barely been a fortnight since the attack.” Cecelia dropped her shoulders. Everyone seemed to remind her about it. Her mind flashed back to the assassin’s body hitting the fountain again. She shuttered at the memory. “I heard your seamstress finished your dress last night,” Elise changed the subject. “Perhaps, we can visit her so you can try it on. You know, take your mind off things.”Cecelia nodded. “Yes, of course.” She dropped the letter. Elise picked it up, hiding it within the folds of her dress. Dyana narrowed her eyes. Elise shushed her as they left the chambers.:Loki’s POV:“It has to mean something,” Fandral tilted his head. The note lay unfolded on the table in front of the trio of friends. It contained one sentence. “Does Sif know magic? Maybe she casted a spell,” Gray Goodbrother chimed in. House Goodbrother once ruled the Iron Islands before House Odinson. Until Bor’s father considered their kingsmoot unlawful. Instead of betrayal and civil war, House Goodbrother worked hard to reestablish themselves as strong allies of House Odinson. Although, Gray and Thor infamously never got along despite both being proficient with an axe. “No,” Loki shook his head. “Perhaps, if we turned it upside down, it’ll show a different meaning.” Loki turned the note. All three stared for a moment. Shaking their heads, they made grunting sounds. Fandral hit Loki hard in the shoulder.“Didn’t Thor warn you about Cecelia before we got here?” Fandral theorized. “Something about her reputation?”“He said she was a persuasive, bewitching girl. That I would succumb to her charms.” Loki tapped at the note. “She’s no witch.” “What if we read it aloud? Maybe there’s a trick in the wording?” Gray picked up the note. He cleared his throat, reading the single sentence Thor left for Loki. “Witches bless thy member.”“That doesn’t mean anything,” Loki snorted. “This is more of Thor’s nonsense.”“You don’t know that. It could be a warning.” Fandral added.“Warnings carry more than a sentence,” Loki argued. “You agree with me, right?” Gray screwed his face. He scratched the back of his head. His thick, locked hair was the longest of the three. Like Heimdall, Gray pulled half of his locs back, keeping them away from his face. Gray started to pick at his pierced ear.“It seems to be a coded message. I agree with Fandral.”“Coded message? About what?” Loki exclaimed.“Come on, Loki. It’s right there.” Fandral hit the table. “It’s about your wedding night. Thor’s trying to tell you to be prepared.”“Prepared? Oh fuck off.” Loki rolled his eyes. “I will be her first.”“You’re sure about that?” Gray asked. Loki froze in his spot. Gray started laughing at his friend. “Clearly, her personal guard, Ser Xerxes, has a fondness towards her. Then, there’s Orthorion Reyrona.” “Who is Orthorion Reyrona?” Loki glared at his close friend. A jealous streak ignited in his mind. “Come on, you had Lorelei.”“Cecelia doesn’t know about Lorelei. She doesn’t need to know about Lorelei.”“And you’re mad because she had two someones before you?”“I—this—how do you know she’s had any of them? Hm? Cecelia would’ve told me. Besides, when I kissed her, she had stars in her eyes. There’s no way she’s ever—“Well, she is a flirt,” Fandral added. “Thor is partially right. I mean, how do you think House Grover even obtained that close alliance with House Reyrona? It’s not a secret. Lady Cecelia is a flirty, romantic creature. Practically everyone here says something about it.” Loki’s impatience started to burn. The single sentence note from Thor unearthed feelings he thought he laid to rest with Lorelei.Loki needed to break something. He stormed out of his chambers, heading directly towards Warriors’ Field where his men trained. He gripped Briar Rose tightly in his hand. Gray and Fandral tailed closely behind. Loki heard their jeering, but for his own mental health and their personal safety, he ignored the words. His feet strutted along a corridor with a fevered pace. His mind clouded with different questions and heated thoughts as if he couldn’t decide who or what to be angry with. He skidded to a stop when Cecelia and her handmaidens turned the corner, almost crashing into him.“Seven hells!” Loki shouted. He dropped Briar Rose on the ground after fumbling with the grip. “Oh! Sorry!” Cecelia reacted. Loki’s ears tickled with his set of friends laughing behind him. His eye also caught Elise attempting to contain her own laughter.“No, it’s my fault. I’m sorry.” He apologized. “Right,” Cecelia said. “Please offer your brother my congratulations. Sif told me nothing but wonderful things about the wedding.”“Including their time between the sheets,” Elise muttered out loud. A flush flashed across Loki’s cheeks.“Elise!” Cecelia and Dyana scolded her. Cecelia glanced back at Loki, clearing her throat. “I must be off. You know, for the wedding.”“Right,” Loki nodded quickly. “For the wedding.” Cecelia moved past Loki quickly. Elise tailed after her like a duckling to its mother. Dyana lingered. Her eyes caught on Gray for a moment. She excused herself, catching up to Cecelia soon after. Loki continued forward towards the Warriors’ Field. New questions rose and fell in his mind as he tried to decipher her. His emotions mixed inside his core. His stomach ached for what his mind lacked.:Cecelia’s POV:“That was odd, wasn’t it?” Cecelia asked her handmaidens. The seamstress continued tying her in her dress. “Usually, we exchange more thoughts than that. You don’t think he’s getting nervous?”“Loki is a confident man.” Dyana reassured her. “Besides, I’m certain he’s excited for it. Remember what he told you when you left House Oakheart’s orchards?” “Ooooh, what did he say?” Elise perked up.“After we kissed—“So, you did kiss him.” Elise interrupted. “Sorry! Sorry, keep going.”“After we kissed,” Cecelia began again. “Loki told me he couldn’t resist me. He said it was going to be difficult to wait for our wedding night.” Elise squealed, looking at Dyana. Dyana’s smile spread like butter across her face. “Gods, he’s going to devour you. I just know it!” Elise teased.“Elise—“It’s alright, Dyana,” Cecelia waved off. “Maybe I have nothing to worry about.” Cecelia looked at herself in the mirror, catching herself for the first time in her wedding dress. Her house colors seemed to match her betrothed’s favored colors. The sage green fabric made her look much softer, kinder, and more demure than what she saw herself as. Golden roses sewn into her shoulders and down the backside as if Cecelia was a walking garden herself. She liked thinking of herself that way. A garden that walked among her people, nourishing them with beauty and kindness. Cecelia saw her people’s faces after the attack. She smiled at them even if they looked away at her new face. She needed to show some kind of resistance, a motivating courage. As for the war, she knew what she heard and saw. She saw Highgarden men leave for their assignments at the new blockades for the Roseroad and Goldroad. She heard and dismissed rumors that King Malekith was sending his army this way. She knew he had one stone that burned Sunspear down. Cecelia feared what the king could do with two Infinity Stones. Marrying into a military alliance was a necessary action, one of very few things she could do for her own people. She heard that the stones’ magic was powerful and persuasive. Her father described it to her the same as the Lost One’s voices calling out to her. The comparison almost offended her. She visited the Lost Ones for a long session after the assassination attempt. They used to cry out Hela’s name. They showed her body holding the stone. Cecelia thought it was out of spite for Loki’s disbelief in them. After she fixed the broken altar, the Lost Ones called out a different name.Lorelei. Lorelei. Lorelei.She hadn’t told anyone about it. Not even Dyana or Elise. It haunted her differently than Hela did. :Elise’s POV:“That’s what she said?”“That’s what she said! It’s right here in ink!” Elise shared Sif’s intimate letter among the small group of castle workers surrounding her. They bunched together in the Servants’ Kitchen. Some nibbled away on day old bread. Elise sat at the head of all of them, showing off her daily findings like gold. “And you’d never guess what Cecelia told me later as well. Apparently, Loki can’t wait to get in her bed.”“I’ve heard about that,” Elise’s cousin chirped. He and another knight leaned against the entrance of the kitchen. Both of their shoulders were broad enough to hold their brains, if they had any. “I was there! Ser Xerxes found them laying together underneath a tree.” A collective ‘oooh’ sounded off across them. The second knight next to Elise’s cousin stopped leaning against the pillar. He quietly exited the room without anyone noticing. He walked down corridors with ease and through a part of the labyrinth to get to Ser Petra. He whispered into his superior’s ear. Ser Petra nodded.“Write it down,” Ser Petra ordered. “Then send a raven to the king.”
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“The two children could not have looked more different, him with his olive skin and straight black hair, her pale as milk with a mop of golden curls; light and dark, like Queen Cersei and King Robert. He prayed Myrcella would find more joy in her Dornish boy than her mother had found with her storm lord.” —Ser Arys OakheartLoki let out a cry. With clenched fists, a punch of magic cleared out the grand illusion around him. Lorelei instantly disappeared. Her scowl was the last thing he saw. Loki fell to his knees. His shoulders started shaking. He stiffened. His nails dug into his palms. How many more times would he torture himself like this? Frigga told him Lorelei wasn’t his fault. Still, she came so easily to him. She had a hold on him that he couldn’t let go.The annotated book on the table beside him became his new solace. Where Lorelei’s voice angered him, Cecelia’s thoughts distracted him. Escaping was easier than dealing with the past. As he turned the page, he noticed the note across the top. ‘Read when you think about him.’ Loki narrowed his eyes. He moved himself to his bed, laying on his back. A flurry of thoughts crossed his mind.Fandral and Gray joked about her involvement with other men before him. Loki wondered if she thought of Xerxes or Orthorion often. Jealousy started creeping into his mind until he read the poem.
I search for your footprintsIn where we walked togetherI see you in all the golden rays of sunThe yellow flowers and bright weather
I ache at your absence I cry and call your name in my sleepThe pain in my chest cannot be curedIt steeps The tea’s too cold, too bitter now
How do I breathe again?How do I find peace in the placesWe walked together?
I will search for a new yellowOne that does not look like you
It was as if Cecelia knew exactly what he needed to hear at that moment. How well-timed her notes and his thoughts aligned. The book had given him another set of directions in her mind’s maze. He set the open book on his chest. His eyes searched the ceiling. Someone from before had hurt her. Someone cut into her chest and seared her heart. Inspiration struck him. He moved hastily out of his bed and into the quiet, late-night corridors of Highgarden.A smirk flashed across his features when he climbed outside her tower. He thought of one of the poems. The Martell climbed up towards his Lannister lover one evening. They spent the night together in secret. He crooned songs to her while kissing her. Loki remembered the line Cecelia circled. ‘And while our houses resemble the sun, we loved each other at night.’ Highgarden had a golden rose as their house marker. His own house took a golden kraken. The only thing similar between their symbols was gold. He reached the top. His hands hung onto the bannister of her private balcony. He pulled himself up and over as silently as he could. Loki invited himself into her bedchambers. He made three long strides into the space until his heart caught in his throat.Sitting up in bed was a wide-eyed Cecelia. Her shaking hands held a dagger pointed towards Loki. Loki shot his hands up in surrender. “It’s only me. It’s just me,” Loki spoke. “You’re okay.” Cecelia lowered the dagger immediately. She tucked it away as he approached her side.“I’m sorry. I thought—“No, I should apologize,” Loki interrupted. “I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted to see you. I couldn’t sleep.”“Oh, I see. I haven’t been able to sleep well either,” Cecelia said. Her eyes pointed towards the open balcony. “I don’t want it to happen again.” Loki closed his eyes, cursing himself internally. How stupid could he be? Sneaking into her room late at night was a terrible idea. Of course, she would be frightened. Last time he checked, sneaking into women’s bedchambers uninvited usually meant they were in grave danger. “I must confess,” Loki said. “I was reading the book of poems you gave me and I thought of you. I wanted to recreate the Balcony Poem.”“You mean the one where they spend the night together?” Cecelia said. Loki relished how she squirmed in her spot. “Where they spend the night kissing each other?”“Yes, that one exactly.” Loki reached for her hand, kissing the back of it. “Surely, you’ll forgive me for not thinking clearly. My mind was occupied.” He pulled at her bringing them closer.“I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know if we should. Ser Xerxes is posted just outside. He’ll hear us if we’re loud.”“Oh, what will he do? Tattle again?” Loki rolled his eyes. “How will they punish us? Make us get married?” He smirked again at her. Cecelia stayed still, unresponsive to him. He cursed Xerxes inside his head. His hands ran over hers. She was warm, refreshing to his cold touch. Before the silence could bother him, he spoke again. “A game, then?”“What kind?”“We can ask each other any question we want. Anything that piques your interest. The other has to answer the truth.”“And the catch?”“If you do not wish to tell the truth,” Loki met her eyes. “Then, we kiss. The game is lost by whoever loses their cool first. Or, if Xerxes interrupts us again.” Cecelia sat up straight in bed. A warm smile matched the warmth from her hands. “May I ask the first question then?” She asked. “Has there been anyone else before me? I mean, anyone dear to you like I am now?”Loki cleared his throat. He decided to choose his words carefully. “I don’t believe there’s been anyone who held my affections as gently as you.” It was satisfying to watch her melt. Her eyes filled with a softness only saved for lovers. He wondered if he was first she looked at this way. “What about you? Has there been anyone else before me?”Cecelia bit her lip. She tucked a loose hair behind her ear. “I’m sure Ser Xerxes made his involvement obvious. Although, nothing ever happened between us. I was sent away to Riverrun before anything could happen. That’s where I met Orthorion, and—well, let’s just say he did not hold my heart gently.”Loki’s face fell. He nodded for a moment, letting his words marinate before he said them. “Your notes. I saw one that piqued my interest tonight. It was above a poem about heartbreak. Did Orthorion hurt you so badly then?” Cecelia nodded, saying nothing more. Loki filled the silence with more of his own thoughts. “The more I read your notes, the more I’ve come to understand something about you. You yearn for a deeper connection. For someone to love you entirely and care for you. Much like the relationship you have with the Lost Ones.”“Y-yes,” Cecelia nodded. She narrowed her eyes. “Is that your next question?”“I suppose it is. Tell me about them. Why talk to dead myths?”Cecelia started to lean forward. “Maybe we should kiss instead.”“No,” Loki pressed his fingers on her mouth. “I brushed it away too easily. I want to understand. There’s something deeper there, isn’t there?” Cecelia sat back quietly. She looked towards her open balcony window.“You told me of your vivid dreams with your Drowned God. I have dreams of flying. Sometimes I am one of them. I see Riverrun and King’s Landing. I fly easily over the Wall. They take me so far away. I don’t worship them. They’re not gods, but they were real. I know hearing voices isn’t normal. But, they always tell me the truth. They take me to places I’ve never seen. In turn, I listen. I give small gifts. They know me better than everyone else.”“Tell me something only they know,” Loki leaned forward. His curiosity and his hunger were at odds with one another. Parts of him wanted to touch her as she sat in delicate clothing in front of him. Other parts desired a connection, a meeting of minds. His lips parted. Loki watched Cecelia’s eyes look away from him. Her fingers weaved in and out of her hair. ‘Sweet, anxious thing’, he thought to himself. And she was sweet. He barged in here, forgetting how ill-mannered he was being, and she not only forgave him, but welcomed his company anyways. Cecelia tasted like peaches. Her warmth was not conditional, it was generous. Cecelia was the definition of summer. Warm, enticing, and free. Silence filled the space between them again. Loki took advantage of her absent-mindedness. As she thought, Loki took her hand in both of his own. His fingers ran across her palm lines. “No judging,” she said. “Of course,” Loki nodded. He placed her hand on his chest, keeping it there. “Ironborn’s honor.” Cecelia sighed. Her shoulders and gaze dropped.“I’m jealous of you.”Loki blinked at her. The words did not register in his head until his mind repeated the sentence over three times. He must have misheard her. Loki cleared his throat and leaned closer to her. “I beg your pardon?”“I’m jealous of you,” Cecelia repeated louder. She jumped at her own increased volume. Cecelia glanced over to her bedroom door. Her face flushed as she started to whisper loudly to Loki. “I wish I had the same gifts as you. Your magic is so useful for so many things. I wish I could do what you do.”Loki’s face fell. He started shaking his head. “No you don’t.”“What do you mean? Have you seen yourself? You’re incredibly powerful,” she told him.“That’s exactly it.” Loki opened his palm towards the open window. The sky rumbled for a moment until both heard a loud crack in the sky. Heavy rain showered Highgarden. Loki watched Cecelia’s face go from awe to admiration. Her eyes looked over his hands. His hands returned to hers. Soft and powerless, but the growing desire Cecelia was gaining over Loki made his walls weak. “Just because I’m powerful doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing.”“Making it rain isn’t terrible. It’s useful.” She argued. “It is when you do it to sink your enemies’ ships into the sea,” he confessed. His mind flashed back to a stormy day. He remembered smirking at the sight of scrambling men. They ran like ants with nowhere to go. He looked down on them as if he was the Drowned God, committing their fearful faces to memory as the tides dragged them down into the water one by one. “You have no idea how many terrible things I’ve done. What you saw in the courtyard that day that was only a fraction of what I could do.”“Do you feel any guilt about it?” Cecelia asked. Loki let out a breath of laughter. “I’m not sure if you’ll like my honesty.” His desire grew in earnest as his eyes flashed towards her mouth. “Maybe we should kiss for this one.”He inched closer to her. Her eyes fluttered for a moment until she raised her hands to his face, stopping him. Her thumb brushed across his lips. Loki watched her carefully. He noted her hunger in her eyes. “You’re right. This is a risky game, isn’t it?” Cecelia held his gaze. Every second that passed, Loki found it more and more difficult to not give into what he wanted. Cecelia dropped her hands to his chest, pushing him away slowly. “I think I lose. I’m sorry.”“You don’t want to anymore?” Loki asked. “Have I said something wrong again? I do not wish to fight with you. It’s only a game.”“I’m afraid if we start, I won’t want to stop, and Xerxes will barge in again,” Cecelia laughed at herself. Loki smirked her way. He took her hand from his chest, pressing his mouth against it. He hoped the action would satisfy his growing hunger. Her hand wasn’t as soft as her lips. “One last truth then, since I owe you the truth.” Loki said. He spoke softly in her ear. “I have no guilt. As far as I see it, the whole nine kingdoms could burn under my touch and I wouldn’t care as long as you could sleep at night.” Feeling confident, Loki gave into his hunger. His mouth met hers firmly. Her hands ran through his hair. She moaned into his mouth. Loki pulled away first just to watch her. She was right, she did lose. Her eyes indicated she was half here with him and half inside her mind.Cecelia blinked, returning to the conversation. “Will we do this again?”“I’m afraid so. You make it very difficult to say no, Cecelia.”
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“Everyone isn’t us is an enemy.” – Cersei Lannister“What did he say after that?” Elise leaned forward. Dyana did the same. Her eyes glanced behind Cecelia. Dyana’s dark eyes returned to her lady with a slight warning in them.“He agreed that we would do it again,” Cecelia lowered her voice. “He told me it was hard for him to refuse me.” The trio giggled amongst themselves until Dyana straightened herself. Cecelia could feel an irritating presence behind her.“Oh please, don’t stop gossiping on my account,” Xerxes said in a gallant voice. “Unless you’re talking about me.”“No one’s gossiping about you, you egg.” Elise said. Xerxes ignored Elise entirely. “I’ve come to remind you there’s a war meeting going on, and you are late for it.” He placed his hands on his hips. “Tardiness isn’t becoming on you.”“I’m not going. I have bigger things to work on. My wedding is soon.” Cecelia stood up, facing him. She smoothed out the wrinkles on her dress. “And your wedding is more important than Odin’s Rebellion?” Before Xerxes could roll his eyes, Cecelia shot back at him.“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, maybe you’re too busy attempting a war between us and the Ironborn, but our people are suffering.” Cecelia said. “They’re scared. They look at me and tell their children that this will happen to their face if King Malekith comes anywhere close to us. Rebellions are nothing without our peoples’ support. The Reach needs inspiration.”“What we need is a leader who makes the right calls. You need to attend the war meetings. Not sit here and gossip with your little ladies about how you dream of a bloodlusting idiot every night.” Xerxes said.“I’ll remind you that Loki has Briar Rose, not me. My father chose to give him the key to Highgarden’s army. If my father trusts him, why can’t you?” Cecelia narrowed her eyes at him. Xerxes ran a hand down his face. Cecelia hated how the sun agreed with his dark skin. An artist could cut white marble to wear the same expression as he did now and it wouldn’t do Xerxes justice. Poets couldn’t accurately describe how Cecelia felt when he stepped into her personal space.“You know why. This isn’t about Loki. It’s about you.” Xerxes said. “It’s always been about you.” The sincerity in his words triggered her. Her gaze burned him.“If you cannot swear fealty to Loki, then maybe I should replace you with someone who can.” Cecelia said. She heard Dyana gasp behind her. Xerxes flinched, but said nothing else. Cecelia watched him leave her presence for a few steps before she tore her eyes away from him. She returned to her seat, feeling the tension she created.“You said you and Loki played a kissing game?” Elise asked. “Blossoms or thorns?”“Yes, right, no, it wasn’t blossoms or thorns,” Cecelia struggled to answer. “It was a truth telling game. We asked each other loaded questions, if we didn’t want to share the truth, we kissed. It was odd for a kissing game, I think. But, he won.”“Of course he did,” Elise said. “Ironborn men are such sexual beasts aren’t they? I’m surprised he hasn’t bedded you yet. I mean, given everyone else’s record. Ser Fandral has been making his rounds at Highgarden with several women and I heard Goodbrother is very gentle with his hands.” Elise pointed her stare at Dyana. Dyana stood still. Cecelia reached over with her hands, touching her handmaidens.“I am glad you’re both thinking about this. After I marry, it is my job to secure good marriages for you both. It will look good on all of us if I help arrange marriages with other Ironborn men.”“Wait, so you’ve considered it?” Elise smirked. She nudged Dyana next to her. “Thank the gods. If I may be so selfish, I’d like to have an opportunity with Ser Heimdall if I could—“No,” Dyana reacted. Her head shook. “They’re not sexual beasts. They’re just beasts. How could you even consider marrying us to them?”Cecelia was taken aback. “Dyana—“Xerxes was right. You’re not seeing things clearly. Ironborn men are not marriage material. Did you think they’re all filled with pretty words like your Loki? Speaking of which, he is the Storm’s Son. He’s not one of your romantic heroes. The only reason you’ve haven’t seen it is because he’s trapped in this pretty garden cage. Just you wait until war actually breaks out.”“I’m not forcing you to—“No, but you are using us,” Dyana gestured between herself and Elise. “Arranging marriages for us to make you look good. Unbelievable. Get your head straightened out.”“That’s no way to talk to our lady,” Elise argued. Her blonde hair whipped around as she faced Dyana head on. “Ease off. She didn’t choose this, remember? We should at least consider ourselves lucky. We have options of who to marry. She never did.”“Oh poor Cecelia!” Dyana snapped. “How awful it must be to be so rich and powerful and beautiful! Pity our lady! Coddle her! How could she possibly try to lead us when her father gives a piece of metal to another man? Oh no! Now, all she can do is open her legs and give sons to him!”“You’re out of line!”“I’m out of line? Look at you, you can’t wait to fuck all the Ironborn men available to you. Now, who’s the real beast? And you,” Dyana pointed her gaze at a shell-shocked Cecelia.
“You should heed Xerxes’ words more carefully.”“Why do you always defend him?” Elise growled.“Because I care deeply for him, Elise!” Dyana’s confession rang through the courtyard. Many workers paused for a moment. Dyana’s words punched Cecelia in her gut. Dyana’s breath shuddered. “I don’t want some fucking Ironborn. I want him. And both of you treat him as if he’s the biggest walking idiot. He’s kind! He has never hurt anyone. He takes his vows seriously, and he cares deeply for your safety.”Cecelia opened her mouth until Dyana cut her off.“Don’t. I don’t care what you say. None of it matters. It’s clear he doesn’t want me anyways.” Dyana walked off. Cecelia’s fingers reached out to her. Elise grabbed her lady’s hand, lowering it.“Are you alright?” Elise asked. “Do you need to go to the maze?”“Did you know?” Cecelia turned to her. Elise shrugged.“I had my own conclusions. This isn’t your fault though. I’m grateful that you can secure us better marriages than we could on our own. I can’t imagine my lowly status would get me anything better than a butcher’s boy.” She tugged on Cecelia’s arm. “Let’s leave. Get your mind on other things, hm? What about spending time with Amaryllis? I bet…”Elise’s voice trailed off. Cecelia’s anxiety held a knife’s edge to her throat. It made it hard to focus on anything else other than Dyana’s words against her. How much did she lie to herself to make it all okay? To make herself happier about it all? Loki was filled with pretty words and heated thoughts, but she could not forget who he was. Was she truly so blind that Xerxes risked his own position to tell her the truth? Several summers ago, the Ironborn rebelled against King Malekith for their independence. She was only a small child, but she remembered watching boats leave Lannisport with Sif. Their sails raised high and mighty in the harbor, proud to be fighting for the King. Cecelia remembered her own judgements against the rebels. They must be traitorous to the core, war-hungry and starving to be defeated at the hands of her father and others. Now, they were all allies.She wondered how Loki saw it all. It was his grandfather who led the rebellion only to lose horribly. Loki was used to winning. It’s partially why her father agreed to the marriage. As long as he held Briar Rose, all of Highgarden’s men, including the entirety of the Reach, were his to command. She was told she had no power without it, but Xerxes reminded her again and again, she was of House Grover. No one would ever dare disobey the orders and desires of true Grover blood. Xerxes reminded her of the power she alone held. Warriors’ Field came into her view. Ironborn and men of the Reach did very little training, and more of challenging each other’s egos. Cecelia scanned them all finding nothing but man’s classic weakness: their pride. Some Ironborn warriors laughed at a Highgarden knight attempting to swing a battle axe properly. Another Ironborn slammed another man into the hard ground. Cecelia cringed. They were beasts. The more she watched, the more Dyana was right. An invasive thought flashed in her mind.
Maybe you are a bad friend. How could you even think about marrying Dyana to a man like that?
“Cecelia?” The familiar voice snapped her out of her thoughts.“Hm?” She reacted. Loki let out a breathy chuckle.“I was asking if you’ve come to watch me train.” Loki’s smirk cut into her. Both of Loki’s arms were exposed. She could see the definition in his muscles. “I already see your handmaiden attempting to flirt with Heimdall again.” Cecelia turned to see Elise. Heimdall smiled her way as Elise bit her lip down hard. Her hand reached to touch his armor, but Heimdall stepped away from her touch. Loki laughed. “I’m afraid she’s not taking the hint.”“It’s all harmless fun for her. I’m sure she won’t be too heartbroken.” Cecelia said. “I was told I missed a war meeting?” “It wasn’t anything important,” Loki told her. Cecelia raised a brow. “Are you sure? Ser Xerxes told me it was.”“I thought we agreed Ser Xerxes has bad intentions and war meeting matters are not to be discussed with him,” Loki said. “I wasn’t discussing war meeting matters with him. He only meant to escort me there.” Cecelia said. “What was discussed at the war meeting?”“I told you,” Loki said. “Not important.” His hand reached for her shoulder, brushing away her hair. A sly smile flashed across his features. “You’re wearing one of your prettier dresses again. I must confess, I’m beginning to prefer you in these dresses, even if they’re not practical.”Xerxes’ warnings and judgements about Loki itched inside her head. She couldn’t easily shake the thought away. She needed to scratch it. Too much had already plagued her mind as it is. “Do you think I’m stupid?” she asked. Loki’s face fell. “No, I don’t. Why would you ask me that?”“Then, why are you choosing to tell me how pretty my dress is instead of answering my questions?” Loki laughed at her. “Am I being punished for using my eyes? I thought you liked it when I told you how pretty you are.”“Is that all you think of me? That I’m a pretty, silly thing?”“No! Cecelia, I’ve told you before. I value your mind. I enjoy knowing your inner thoughts. You intrigue me, fascinate me,” Loki stepped into her personal space. His hand reached for hers. “And you are pretty. You are both.”“So, tell me.” Cecelia pulled away.“Tell you what?”“What happened at the war meeting?”Loki scoffed. “It wasn’t important—“Bastard!” She growled. Cecelia felt a set of hands pull her back. The edge of an axe appeared under her chin. Cecelia stopped breathing. Her eyes did not leave the weapon. It was happening again. Someone was going to cut into her again. Panic started to set in as the Ironborn warrior spoke.“You arrogant bitch,” he spat at her cheek. He was twice as big as Loki. His face was burned red from the sun. “You dare speak to your husband, our commander, this way? You’re made of soft flesh and flower petals. I could break you in half with my bare hands. Who do you think you are?”Cecelia struggled to answer. Tears rimmed her eyes easily. She attempted to answer, but the warrior holding her shook her hard. His mocking laughter frightened her. “How shall I punish her for her behavior, my lord?” The warrior asked. Cecelia switched her gaze back to Loki. His smirk turned into a deep scowl. Green magic surrounded his full being in rings. They swirled in a downward pattern and into the ground like continuous snakes. The beautiful blue color of his eyes were gone and replaced by a black only seen at the bottom of the sea. Cecelia screamed. She squirmed and fought against the warrior’s grip on her until she dropped to the ground. Both her hands caught her. She looked behind her immediately to see the warrior suspended in the air. A small ring of green hovered around his throat. It tightened. The warrior choked. His hands clawed at his neck. His sunburned face turned redder from the lack of oxygen.“Let this be a reminder, to all of you,” Loki said every threatening word carefully. Cecelia turned back to see his hand extended towards the warrior. His claw was slowly turning into a fist. The tighter his grip was, the closer the warrior was to having no air. “If any of you lay a hand on my lady again, you will wake up in Hell tomorrow.”Loki jerked his hand. The warrior’s neck snapped. As the warrior’s hands fell to his sides, his dead weight hit the hard ground. Cecelia’s mouth hung open at the sight of another dead body. As Ironborn men surrounded the new corpse, Cecelia’s shoulders flinched at Loki’s touch. She yelped out loud.“It’s only me, you’re alright,” Loki helped her off the ground. Cecelia stiffened. She caught Loki’s hurt reaction. His normal, blue eyes avoided her gaze. “I think it would be best if you leave now. Elise can take you wherever you need to be.” Elise appeared next to her, and Cecelia flinched again. She forgot her handmaiden was even here. Cecelia felt how tight Elise’s grip was on her arm. Her eyes hadn’t looked away from the warrior’s body either. Now, she too saw the horrors her betrothed was capable of. Guilt spread through her as she started to reconsider arranging marriages for Elise and Dyana. As they started to leave, Loki called after her. His hand reached for her face, but Cecelia recoiled. Loki pulled away, tucking both hands behind him. He made himself bigger by standing like a true commander.“Can I see you tonight?” Loki asked. She kept her mouth shut, nodding at him. Loki gave her a small smile. “Until then, my lady.”Elise guided both of them away from the Warriors’ Field. Xerxes’ words pounded in her head like a drum. She couldn’t ignore it now. Loki was a deadly man. She had seen it twice now. If she refused to see him tonight, would he punish her too? Why would her father give away Briar Rose, a sword of honorable dignity, to him? How much did either of them know of Loki?It had only been a little over a month since his arrival here. How much could anyone truly know of a person in a short timeframe? Whispers from her aunt’s garden clouded her mind. The Lost Ones spoke one name in her ear. Cecelia glanced back at Loki, hearing the same name over and over again.
Lorelei. Lorelei. Lorelei.
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“Always keep your foes confused, if they don’t know who you are, what you want, they can’t know what you plan to do next.” – Petyr BaelishTwo of Petra’s men walked down the corridor at night when all of Highgarden seemed to be asleep. They stepped in good timely order. Their armor was clean, but scratched. Xerxes nodded at them as they took their place in front of Cecelia’s bedchamber door. “Good evening,” Xerxes greeted them. They said nothing to him, only staring at him, waiting for Xerxes to decide what his next action would be. Xerxes tutted. “Alright then.”He continued down the corridor away from Cecelia’s room. ‘Proper bastards,’ he thought. ‘Any man who works under Ser Petra automatically thinks they are better than the rest of us.’ Xerxes reminded himself that this was only pettiness. His real mission was still ahead of him.He wasn’t at all shocked to hear of the earlier incident at Warrior’s Field. It churned his stomach. Xerxes would never think to harm one of his own men even if it was Ser Petra or any of his patronizing men. It wasn’t written word for word in a knight’s vows, but it was implied. Any fighting man shouldn’t harm those who also sit at their table. As he passed into the main parts of the castle, he cursed at his lord’s tapestry. A golden rose stood out against a green background. Growing strong. “All of you are idiots,” he spoke to himself. “How could anything grow in a garden if thieves keep taking all of the fruits of our labor? It’s in their words. We do not sow.” Xerxes remembered Loki’s charged words at the orchard. He knew Loki said it near him on purpose. “The next time you eat a fruit like that in front of me, I’ll lose control entirely.” Even Loki’s desire had to be feral. If Lord Garth was there to hear it, Xerxes would feel vindicated. Loki spoke to her as if he was incapable of self-control. It disgusted him. Cecelia deserved better.Xerxes paused at the edge of the courtyard. He kept himself hidden. He searched Cecelia’s tower for movement. His own suspicions from the night before were confirmed. He watched Loki pull himself up and over her balcony, letting himself inside. Xerxes stiffened. His anger pulsated in his arms. Something had to be done. Someone needed to do something.Xerxes veered away from the courtyard, going deep into the castle. His destination as clear as day in his mind’s eye. If he could prove that trusting Loki was wrong for the Reach, it would slow down the entire rebellion, but it would keep Cecelia and everyone else safe. All Xerxes needed was evidence. Loki’s bedchambers sat unguarded. Even though he was also attacked by the same assassins, no one thought to protect him or his assets. Xerxes slipped inside. To the left, Briar Rose sat above the fireplace. She was as perfect as the day Xerxes first laid eyes on her. He dragged his finger across, making the metal sing a soft tune. She was untouched, unharmed by anything that was thrown at it. Many of the Reach called her ‘The Keys’ as her ownership indicated several assumed titles: Commander of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, and often-rumored, Owner of Lady Cecelia’s heart. “It’s a real shame,” he said to the sword out loud. “You deserve better, too.” Xerxes continued to look around the room. His unkempt bed seemed normal. He touched the firm bedding to test if Loki had cursed it with magic or not. Cecelia’s favorite book sat open on the bed. Xerxes scoffed. “So, that’s how you’re bewitching her. Of course. Everything she thinks is written right there for you.” Cecelia wouldn’t even let him touch it, and here Loki had the privilege of reading all of its contents. He flipped through a few pages.His eyes caught onto his name in her handwriting. ‘If Xerxes were a Prince, he’d be Dornish. Forgiving. Loving. He probably wouldn’t like the heat. Still, he would make a nice Prince.’ Xerxes tore his eyes away. He didn’t need to know she thought of him as a Prince. A silly fantasy. A romantic dream. Xerxes swallowed the romantic ideas. He wasn’t here to win Cecelia back. He was here to protect her. Cecelia was too naïve for her own good. He was her personal guard. He was doing his job.Besides, it was clear. Her heart moved on from him long ago. He convinced himself that the handwriting he saw was faded ink. Loki’s armor contained no secrets. No magic that could prove his point. He looked over the different pieces of leather and metal armor. His eyes rolled when he took in the size of the horned helmet. He thought it made the Storm’s Son look like a large, angry goat. Then again, maybe it wasn’t even Loki’s to begin with. Many sons of Pyke knew how to steal or plunder by the ripe age of seven. It was entirely possible Loki wore another man’s armor as a trophy, a tactic, a reminder to those who doubted him. Xerxes took in the golden horns again, thinking how expensive it must’ve been for a blacksmith to make it. Another idea flashed in Xerxes mind.It could also be possible that King Malekith himself gave it to him as a gift. An incentive to ruin Odin’s Rebellion before it even started. The Iron Islands had little morals. Family loyalty didn’t matter as much as power and influence did. It would be harder to prove. Loki would be smart enough to burn or destroy any correspondence between them. Xerxes saw an open box near the sink basin. Inside, several stones of different colors piled on top of each other. Some were different shades of brown and sand tones. Others had brighter colors like emerald, blue sapphire, and one with gold specks. One didn’t need to dig too far at the Iron Islands to find precious stones and metals. Some of the rarest metals in the known world were imported from Pyke’s caves and grounds. His fingers brushed over them, almost enchanted with the small collection. His attention turned towards Loki’s crowded table of items. Small maps of different territories of Westeros laid open, layered on top of each other. He spied a worry stone being used as a weight to hold down a corner. A large piece of parchment was draped over half the table. Rows of dark sigils were painted across it. Some had been crossed out and repeated with different variations. One was circled. And another looked suspiciously like House Grover’s rose. At the bottom of the page, Loki’s only readable note scribbled in large letters. For Cecelia. Pieces came together in Xerxes’ mind. A new fear instilled inside of him. His lips tightened in a firm line, and his nose wrinkled. He hated how his gut told him the character of a person before he had any kind of evidence. “You’re sick,” Xerxes attempted to understand the sigils. “She already adores you and you’re going to entrance her anyways. You lot only respect the dead. Never the living. Damn the living and those who are blindly loyal to you.” Xerxes spat the infamous Odinson words out loud in a mocking tone. The same words any sailor or warrior from Pyke would say as they departed from land or from each other. “What is dead may never die.”Xerxes heard a distinct drop behind him. He turned sharply around to see one of Loki’s precious stones wobbling on the ground quickly. A stream of light emitted from it. Before Xerxes could stop it, light encased all around him, transporting him somewhere far away, somewhere he’d never been.Xerxes opened his eyes at his new surroundings. A young woman stood inches from him. Her black dress matched her hair as if she was in constant mourning. This wasn’t Cecelia. Xerxes took a few steps back, intimidated by the dark woman’s presence. This woman covered everything about her. Her eyes pierced like needles. Her long hair reminded him of Loki’s. Xerxes turned to see the full room. Stone walls built like a fortress around him. The wooden floor did not creak when he put his weight on it. It held on strong, like a ship’s deck. The open window behind the dark, young woman hung open. No door to close it with. The elements streamed in. Xerxes could smell the sea salt and feel the bitter, cold wind. The dark, young woman’s voice seemed older than she was. It was low and seducing in the same way a siren’s voice would be right before they dragged you into the water. “We’ve discussed this before. The Space Stone is none of your concern.”“But my lady, it’s only just a curiosity. Their magic is so legendary,” the second voice pleaded. Xerxes felt a pull towards her. She was warm and pretty in the same way a siren would be when they first appeared to a sailor. Her red hair hung past her shoulders. Her big eyes batted at the dark woman. “Please. I just want to know more.”“Lorelei,” the dark woman spat. “It’s time you know your place. Accept it. I’m not teaching you magic nor is my mother. The Space Stone is none of your concern because you are just a lady-in-waiting.” “But, my lady—“Enough, Lorelei!” Her voice rang through Xerxes’ ears and all light shut away from him, leaving the wobbling stone on the ground. He picked up another random stone, whispering the words over it. “What is dead may never die.” The stone took him to the doors of a feast. He heard cheering and drunken songs just standing outside the large doors that went well past his height. He peeked inside to see the room encased in yellow candlelight. Pyke’s biggest and boldest all celebrated with one another. No one seemed sober. Xerxes watched a group of them almost fall on top of each other in laughter. He heard heavy breathing behind him. Xerxes’s vision peered through the dim hallway he stood in. In the corner, he saw the same warm redhead girl named Lorelei. Her back was against the wall. A lover buried himself in her chest. He stepped closer. Trusting his gut, Xerxes stared the lover down.Xerxes’ toes curled. He thought of a dozen curses as he watched Loki pull away. Loki reached into his pants as Lorelei hiked her own skirt up. Xerxes turned away immediately knowing where this was going. He flinched when he saw the dark, young woman from the previous stone.“What the hell do you two think you’re doing?” her voice harrowed the air, breaking away all sexual tension. “Hello, Hela,” Loki hiccupped. He mocked her. “What the hell you do you think we’re doing?” Lorelei giggled. She slipped a hand into his pants. Loki laughed, followed by a moan. Hela made a disgusted sound. “I don’t care who you fuck,” Hela responded. Her gaze pointed at Lorelei. “But not her. She doesn’t care about you. She doesn’t care about anything.”“You’re just jealous,” Loki sneered. “Because no one wants you.” Lorelei started kissing his neck. Lorelei stormed off and Xerxes followed. Both disgusted by the public display of affection they were forced to watch. Xerxes returned to Highgarden as the second stone faded. Curiosity got the best of him as he picked up the third and fourth stones.Xerxes put together more piece of the story. Loki taught Lorelei magic. His lessons included creating and maintaining illusions, creating copies of oneself, and even how to conceal objects. And after every lesson, they finished it with pleasuring each other. Xerxes learned to pull himself from the stone’s vision before they got too far. He picked up a gray stone, it was smooth except for the sigil carved into it. It took him to Hela. She wore her own leather armor. Her long hair disappeared into her own metal helmet, monstrous antlers that curved and pointed in different directions. Xerxes imagined her swinging her helmet at someone’s face and it would be enough to kill a man. “We need to watch her more closely. Her father, too.” Hela said to an older man seated in front of her. The dark room had enough light for Xerxes to guess who exactly sat on the Lord’s chair. Lord Odin scratched his graying beard. “Because you think they’re going to betray us?” “Loki is teaching Lorelei how to use magic.”“There is no law saying she cannot learn.” Odin shrugged.“You do not understand,” Hela said. “They want to find it and take it from us.”“And you are being paranoid. Lorelei and her father are from loyal houses.” Odin said. “Her father is preparing to take great care of the Space Stone and guard it in the name of our House. Lorelei, well, she’s the first of many bedwarmers your brothers will take.”“Brothers?” Hela reacted. “Don’t you mean just Loki?”Odin laughed. “Oh, my poor girl! I saw her emerging from Thor’s chambers the other day.” The next stone took Xerxes outdoors again. The wind whipped between the pair of siblings as Loki kept walking away from Hela. “You’re so fucking bitter, aren’t you? You just want to drag everyone down with you. Why else would you lie?” Loki yelled at her.“I’m not lying! She doesn’t love you!” Hela pulled at Loki’s arm. “You have to stop teaching her magic. She’s just using you.”Loki narrowed his eyes. Hate filled them as venom poured from his lips. “Why would my future betrothed use me?”“Future betrothed?” Hela said in shock. “Father’s going to let you marry Lorelei?”“No, of course not! That’s why we’re leaving and eloping together. We’ll both be far from here and away from you,” Loki said. “Where will you go?”“I imagine the weather in the Reach will be lovely this time of year. Imagine, dear sister, Lorelei and I laying in some field together happy and in love while you and Thor rot here waiting for father to die so you can fight over his throne.”“You really think she’ll marry you?” “She loves me!”“Does she?” Hela peered into her brother’s eyes. “If she really loved you, then she wouldn’t need magic, would she? She has you. Having you and all of Westeros to explore together should be enough, right?”Loki’s nostrils flared. “She loves me.”“Test her, then.” Xerxes felt the stone whip him back into Loki’s bedchambers. He caught his own breath, searching for another stone to try. His eyes caught onto a small sack. Xerxes pulled at the strings to reveal one black stone inside. He whispered the words and immediately his senses were overwhelmed by his new surroundings. He almost lost his balance on top of a cliff. Thunder rolled, signaling another storm was coming. At the bottom of the cliff, ocean waves crashed against rocks. The castle stood off in a distance. If anyone called for help, no one would ever hear you. His stomach curdled at the idea. His attention snapped to the sound of a cruel laughter.Lorelei stood at the edge of the world. Her bare feet tottered in the balance. She circled around Hela. Her hair whipped in the wind. Xerxes noticed how tight Hela held her side. When she winced, thunder rolled again.“I’m going to make you regret this!” Hela shouted. “When I’m done with you, there will be nothing left for the sea birds to even pick at.”“I’m not scared of you.” Lorelei pulled a greatsword out of thin air just as Loki taught her. It looked greater than Briar Rose. Heavy, thick, and much bigger in size, Lorelei held it as if there was barely any weight to it. “Tell me where it is.”“No!” Hela said. Lorelei turned her free palm up, lifting it. Hela’s body levitated from the ground. She squirmed and murmured counterspells, but nothing worked.“Lorelei! Stop it, please!” Loki pleaded. Xerxes observed the disheveled villain. He slowed his running. He couldn’t catch his breath fast enough. Loki wore no armor, only a normal shirt. “Let my sister down. Now!”“Tell me where it is, Loki.” Lorelei’s voice warmed at his presence. Loki shook his head. For the first time, Xerxes saw real fear behind Loki’s eyes.“We can leave,” he breathed out. “Odin can exile us and we can live the rest of our lives together. Just let her go. Please.” Lorelei sunk the giant greatsword into Hela’s chest. Xerxes covered his ears at the sound of Loki’s rageful scream. He fell to his knees, noting how the grass stopped moving in the wind. Nothing moved now. All became still. Xerxes jerked his head to see Loki’s eyes fill with a darkness that chilled him. Xerxes crawled over to the cliff’s edge. Even the ocean waves froze in their place. Silence filled Xerxes’ ears with dread. His stomach dropped as he saw Lorelei’s body suspended high over the cliff’s edge. “Did you ever love me?” Loki’s voice haunted Xerxes. “No, your sister was right. You should’ve listened to her.” Xerxes watched the giant greatsword slice Lorelei in half. Her two halves fell separately down below. Loki dropped his hands. He crawled to his sister, wrapping himself around her chest. Loki screamed into her body. The sky rolled with thunder loud enough to crack the sky open. The stone whipped him back into Loki’s chambers. Silence filled his ears again. Xerxes scrambled to his feet, taking the sigil-marked paper and the black stone with him. Cecelia needed to know that Loki killed his last lover, and that she was in danger.
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“Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some, are given a chance to climb. They refuse, they cling to the realm or the gods or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is.” – Petyr BaelishFew, simple things pleased King Malekith, the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm. His long title was one of them. Whenever it was announced, he relished every syllable, noting his own importance to the realm he devoted himself to. Another was the sound of footsteps approaching the Iron Throne. It didn’t matter who it was, all that mattered was the small sound of footsteps coming to him. He sat high above his court. Swords melted by the Lost Ones’ fire all piled on each other to form one, sacred seat. He enjoyed his point of view, looking down on those who came to grovel or were escorted in chains by guards. Today, it was the Lord of the Eyrie. His footsteps sounded like a small thudding, more than a waddle, but less than graceful.Lord Wilfig of House Arryn appeared to be like any other dwarf lord. His roundness was more defined by his hard work rather than a sloth attitude. He held his head high. His beady eyes took in every detail of the massive throne. Malekith smirked. He would bet a hundred golden dragons that dwarves made at least half the weapons that formed his throne. Lord Wilfig bowed low before him.“My lord, thank you for your gracious invitation,” Lord Wilfig said. The reality stone glowed red around Malekith’s chest, making him sit straighter. He smiled down to the lord with arrogance.“The pleasure is mine, Lord Wilfig. You are the first to truly answer my call,” Malekith said. “Your call or the stone’s, my lord?” Lord Wilfig explained. “I can see it glowing from here, and your eyes, my lord, they’re red.” Lord Wilfig squinted up towards the king. Malekith’s nails dug into the arms of the iron. His brittle nails began to chip at the set metal.“And who are you to tell me the stones have more power than I? What stone are you hiding?”Lord Wilfig rose his hands calmly. “None, my lord. I only mean to inform you that your vessel that holds the stone weakens your constitution. It is you who should be commanding the stones, not the other way around. My people can help you there.”Malekith studied his court’s reaction to Wilfig’s words. They exchanged quiet words with one another, but none looked up to him in concern. Wilfig showed no signs of aggression and acted respectfully, even pointing out a flaw in design. But dwarves can lie. Malekith remembered the little things the most.“Why do you come here with no Infinity Stones, Wilfig?” He asked. “It seems you have nothing to offer me except your own criticism.”“Correct, my lord,” Wilfig bowed. “The Eyrie holds no Infinity Stones.” He seemed to growl at the statement as if he said it in deep shame and disdain. “It seems my people could construct an untouchable fortress with impressive quality, a place perfect for keeping such precious items, and yet none offer the opportunity to protect even one. I come here offering you the truth and an opportunity. My people work hard. We are a proud folk, and we deserve respect. Just as we respect our rightful King.”“And who is your rightful king?” Malekith asked.“You are, my lord. King Malekith of House Harudheen.” Lord Wilfig spat at the ground a few times. “And fuck Lord Odin of the Iron Islands. Fuck Lord Salix of Casterly Rock. Fuck Lord Garth of Highgarden. And Fuck Lady Olastina of Riverrun, the light elves who think they are better than you.”Malekith sat back in the throne. His ego warmed by the loyalty of Lord Wilfig. Malekith felt the stone glow and warm against his chest again. He could not feel the change in his eyes, but he looked on Lord Wilfig’s reaction. Wilfig stood tall throughout the exchange except now. His stance wavered. Malekith spoke again, feeling the red power in his voice. “If you cannot offer me a stone, what can you do?” “I hear you’re having trouble with the remaining members of House Dayne,” Wilfig started. “Entrust us with them. A few days in our sky cells will break them and reveal the location of the Power Stone. Likewise, I can also tell you how to obtain the Soul Stone.” Malekith’s ears perked up. His interest brought him to the edge of his seat. He started to heed the dwarf lord’s words more carefully. “And as I heard from your Master of Coin, the Reach has closed its borders to any elf-kind. But not us, not dwarves. I can reach out towards the alliance in desperation for you, my lord. My men and I can ruin them from inside.”The grand offer was tempting. Better than he expected from someone who had no stone to offer. Malekith knew how diplomacy worked. The world did not give out free favors. “And what do you ask for in return?” Malekith looked down. His disdain noted by his turned lips. “Long ago, we ruled Riverrun. We built the beautiful palace from the roots up. Since the Harudheen Dynasty and the Elven Civil War, we have been forced out of our ancestral home. We built the Eyrie with pride, but we do not forget our roots, my lord. Lady Olastina of House Reyrona defies you and tarnishes Riverrun. We ask to help you defeat the Light Elves and our ancestral home back with all lands attached.”“Riverrun?” Malekith raised his brow. “I’m surprised you do not want the Iron Islands. All the metal and materials you could ever want are there. You could build the best weapons the realm has ever seen.”“As tempting as it sounds,” Lord Wilfig bowed low before the king. “We want our rightful home back. If you agree to these terms, I promise my people will fight like hell against any and all false kings.”Malekith smiled as he chewed one of his nails. There were good people in this realm who loved him. His victory was in his sights. Lord Odin’s defeat was certain now.“Yes,” he nodded. “If you can deliver on your promise, I will give you Riverrun and all of its lands.” Malekith started to descend the steps from the Iron Throne. He barked his next orders loud and clear for his court to hear. “Everyone out, I wish to speak with Lord Wilfig alone.” He could not see their faces, only the masks they wore. Their cold faces decorated in swirls, lines, and symbols all turned away. Malekith noted his squirming boy carried in the arms of a wet nurse. Only his mask faced him now. The prince’s hand waved at him. Soon, all of his court was gone. Malekith’s personal guard stood silent and close by to him. He approached Wilfig, comparing their size. He, a dark elf, towered over the shorter dwarf. Yet, Malekith felt as if Lord Wilfig had more pull in the conversation now.“You mentioned you know the location of the Soul Stone?” Malekith asked.“Aye, but it’s not as simple as you think.” Wilfig lowered his voice so his words could not carry throughout the room. “Indulge me in a history lesson, my lord?” Malekith nodded. The dwarf had already proven himself loyal and impressive. Wilfig weaved his tale. “Your kind, all elves, had destroyed the Lost Ones long ago. They were the original guardians of the stones. Now that they are all gone, the humans and elves have taken most of them. Except one.“The Frost Giants of the North said it best. The Soul Stone has no home but the soul itself. It has no permanent location. I suspected the Frost Giants had been keeping it selfishly, but after my visit some years ago, I learned the truth. The Soul Stone belongs to the being who understands its power and makes an equal sacrifice for that power.”“I see.” Ideas formed inside Malekith’s head. “The things one must do for the good of the realm.”Lord Wilfig nodded along in silence. Malekith studied his new ally, regarding him entirely. Perhaps, he underestimated the true hard working people of House Arryn.“I will release the women of House Dayne to you. Keep me updated with their progress. The Sunspear is somewhere in Dorne, I know it. We have been unsuccessful so far, but I believe with your help, our luck may turn around.” Malekith looked down at his necklace again. He pulled at the chain. “You say if I can provide you with the correct materials, you can give me a greater vessel than this? One that could hold more than one stone?”“My lord, dwarves do not make vessels, we make weapons.” Lord Wilfig smiled proudly.
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“If we do it your way, kingslayer, you'd win. We're not doing it your way.”— Robb StarkLoki couldn’t decide what was heavier: the weight of Briar Rose hanging from his hip or the weight of last night’s events. Either way, his mind was busy. Someone in the castle knew where he was last night. While he spent time with Cecelia, they took a few items. Memory stones, his curated runes, and Hela’s Death Stone. He contemplated this as he was the first to arrive in the war room. He ran a hand down his face, squeezing his eyes. Maybe, it would stimulate him to stay awake.He studied the maps on the wall. Casterly Rock had already started on their work. In conjunction with his father, Lord Salix took over everything between his castle and the Iron Islands. Red markers dotted their progress. The Light Elves of Riverrun kept mysteriously quiet, but Loki was certain that Highgarden’s alliance could bring them into the fray. His eye dragged down towards Dorne. The King’s forces were marked gold. The Power Stone was still missing. If word of mouth was to be trusted, the women of House Dayne were now captured. Loki did not know the women of House Dayne, but he knew his mother and his late sister well. Frigga was more advanced in magic than he was, and no one could ever touch Hela. She was invincible. A touch of sadness spread in his stomach. If Hela was still here, she would have liked Cecelia. They had much in common. “Thinking of her again?” Loki swallowed the angry words that came to mind. His eyes easily found the illusion’s red hair.“You’re not really here.” Loki told Lorelei. “Does she know about me?”“You were Hela’s handmaiden. Of course she knows about you.” Loki’s attention returned to the maps. If he could focus on anything else, she’ll go away.“I wasn’t talking about Hela.” Lorelei pointed out. Guilt manifested itself in front of Loki. When he turned to respond to her, a new illusion was in front of him. Cecelia blankly stared back at him. The scar under her eye started to bleed. Loki looked on in complete horror.“Cecelia?”“I know, Loki.” The illusion echoed. “I know everything.” Loki’s back hit the wall of maps. It was her. She knew where he was last night. She knew his room would be empty. She could’ve easily sent someone. The memory stones. The runes. Hela. Lorelei. Fear sunk into him as his back slid down towards the floor. “You’re not real.” Loki shut his eyes. “I’m—this isn’t real.” Loki felt a firm hand on his head. He flinched so hard that metal sword scraped across the floor. Loki caught his breath once he saw who it was. “Sorry, mum.”“It’s alright,” Frigga’s warmth resonated in him. “You must be so stressed. The rebellion, your wedding in a few days, and now this.” Frigga gestured to Dorne. “Yes, I imagine Lord Garth will want to secure the Power Stone immediately.” Loki responded.“It’s consuming. Don’t let it drown you.” Frigga patted his back. “I see you and Lady Cecelia are getting along a lot better. Rumors have been flying around about you both. The things I’ve heard, some of it reminds me of Thor.” She laughed. Loki smiled. He hadn’t heard her laugh like since his sister’s death. Frigga asked. “Are you excited for the wedding?”The lies he wanted to tell seemed to be trapped in his chest, sticking to his ribs. His mind spent too much time far away from his mother. Loki opened his mouth to say something else. The door to the war room opened and more people entered, interrupting them. Lord Garth always seemed to have a flurry of people around him. His own vassal lords surrounded his personal space. Loki wondered what it was like to be the Lord of Highgarden. Having other people breathe the same air as you constantly must be uncomfortable. Maester Lagos trailed in slightly after them, carrying in new developments from his father, Odin. Ser Petra escorted in Cecelia. Her arm tucked in his.Ser Petra stayed close to her, but gave her enough space to breathe. Loki contemplated the reasons why it was Ser Xerxes, not Ser Petra, who was the head of her personal guard. Surely, Ser Petra was more experienced and had better intentions for her. As the flurry of Lord Garth’s vassal lords argued around him, Loki kept his locked gaze on Cecelia.She was still quiet. She did not look his way or even greet him. He must have been at fault somehow. Loki recounted everything he did right the evening before. He entered her room the same way. He even came with a gift. More flowers! He picked them up before he climbed her tower. She thanked him, but her body was stiff. As he went in to kiss her, she pulled away. Loki reached for her hand. She recoiled again just like she did at Warriors’ Field earlier.“What’s wrong? Have I offended you?” Loki asked. “I’m not sure how to word it,” Cecelia met his gaze. She looked to be in pain, as if her mind was fighting its own battles. “Why did you kill him?”“The man who attacked you?” Loki blinked. “He was going to hurt you in my name. I can’t have that.”“Yes, I understand. But, did you have to end his life?”“Yes,” Loki nodded. “A man who is loyal to me cannot truly be loyal if he threatens my wife. You are Lady of Highgarden and who knows what else you’ll be when this war is over. You deserve respect, even more so than I. I am a second son. You are the firstborn.”“So anyone who disrespects me is deserving of death?” “Yes!” Loki said it with more conviction. His brows knitted together. His hand reached for hers again. “Cecelia, the world is not a garden.”“I know that.”“You really don’t,” Loki continued. Loki cupped her face. His thumb ran across her scar. “In my world, people need to be used as an example for others. When it comes down to it, one of my men put his hands on you. I still blame myself for this. And though I’ve only known you for a little over a month now, I have a duty to protect you. I’ve said it before. I would do terrible things for you.”Cecelia shook her head, lowering his hand from her face gently as if she was taming a monster, not her betrothed. Her lips parted. “Maybe, we should end the night here.”“I don’t understand. Does it really bother you that I killed him?” He asked.“It bothers me that you see acts of violence as a confession of love, Loki.” Cecelia said. “You do not love me. That is not love.”Loki tore his eyes away from Cecelia in the war room. She was right. He did not love her. After Lorelei, he promised himself that his heart would remain as a vital organ for him to live, not to be used against him ever again. Ser Arys Oakheart ran his fingers along the eastern border of the Reach. Lord Garth hovered over the details.“And you’re sure?”“As certain as a winter storm in the North,” Oakheart stated. “It seems anti-elf magic is keeping all of the King’s men far away from our borders. The east has seen some conflict. Few lives have been lost to it, but the Reach is secure. We can consider ourselves safe.” Lord Garth tsked. “I wouldn’t be so cocky. Dorne is just south of us. Who knows how long this magic will last us? If we could secure the Sunspear, we can ensure King Malekith’s defeat. We should focus our efforts now on the southern border and Dorne.”“My lord, I do not think that will be a good idea,” Ser Petra’s voice divided the room. “Our forces are not ready for active war yet.”“What do you mean?” Loki questioned. “Highgarden has recruited and trained all available men, and my own men have been hungry for battle since the day we set foot on your lands.” “Loki’s right,” Lord Leyton chimed in. He walked towards Loki’s side. “I did not send my men here to be lazy. I believe we have been patient enough as it is. We are more than ready to go into war.” Loki watched other lords nod their heads along with Leyton’s words. Loki hummed. He did have friends here after all.Ser Petra shook his head. “I disagree. While none can match the Ironborn on the sea, they cannot fight well on land. Fishes out of water? Is that how the saying goes?” “I hope you don’t mean that as an insult, Ser Petra,” Loki sneered.“And this is exactly what I mean. The Ironborn do not take criticism well. Anytime my men wished to improve their fighting styles, they bested them or worse, beat them down. They’re disobedient and they wish to act like beasts instead of civilized men.” Ser Petra beckoned for Cecelia to come closer. He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Highgarden has known many intelligent women. Lady Cecelia has a quicker mind, and the love of the Reach. I had the privilege of watching her become the young woman she is today. To some of you, she is only a woman. To me, she is like my own daughter, so I say this with utmost sincerity.”Loki met Cecelia’s gaze. This time, her eyes burned into him. He admitted he was fearful of Hela and Frigga. What he felt now was different. The air grew heavy with something he couldn’t see entirely. Her glare turned cold, and it reminded him of someone. Thunder rolled outside the war room’s walls.“Briar Rose should be returned to Cecelia,” Ser Petra said. “After all, it belonged to her first.” Loki’s chest tightened as if Cecelia’s gaze pulled a rope around his neck, choking him. Before now, Loki only had pieces. He knew that his code of morals and hers differed. She seemed more faithful in the world’s goodness. She believed that people would always do the right thing, and Loki assumed he knew better. Now more of their conversation from last night made sense.“You do not love me.” Cecelia said. “That is not love.” Loki’s brows knitted together. He clasped his hands over hers. “But, I do care for you.” Loki frowned. “You understand that, right? Just as much as you care for me.” Cecelia calmly pulled her hands away from his. She tucked her hands into her blankets. “This was a mistake. I only agreed to see you tonight because I didn’t want to upset you.” She admitted.“You could never upset me,” Loki said. Cecelia whipped her face towards him. Loki remembered his cruel words at her aunt’s garden. “Let’s play another game. We can salvage this, I’m sure, and this time, I’m very certain I’ll lose.”“Do you understand what it means to have Briar Rose?” Cecelia changed the subject.“Yes, I do.” Loki laughed. “And I am grateful and honored to lead thousands of your men into battle.” Cecelia shook her head. When she tore her eyes away from him, Loki felt as though she had pulled a dagger out of his chest, leaving him to bleed there. Loki cupped her face again. Her flushed face was hot to the touch. His thumb brushed away a stray tear.“Are you okay?” he asked. “No,” she said. “Tell me.”“No.”“Why?”“Because you don’t understand what has been given to you.” All this time, Loki confused her kindness as desperation. A gimmick. An assumption of her character. Now, he understood. How stupid he was. He had forgotten that this was an arranged marriage. He was so focused on the idea that she was not his choice that he also forgot that he was not her choice either. The war room waited with bated breath for Loki’s response to Petra. His hand gripped the hilt of Briar Rose. It didn’t matter what Ser Petra thought, Lord Garth gave his army to him, not Cecelia.“My men may not always fight with honor,” Loki argued. “But, wars are often not fought with honor either. I’m sure you remember that. You fought against my grandfather in his rebellion. Did you fight with honor then?” Ser Petra kept his eyes on Loki as if the battle between could be won as a staring contest. Lord Garth threw his fist down on the table, jolting everyone.“Briar Rose belongs to Loki,” Lord Garth said. “Once he marries Cecelia, he will be next to become the Lord of Highgarden. You do well to remember that, Ser Petra. Maester Lagos, I believe you have news from Lord Odin.”“Y-yes,” Maester Lagos rifled through the letters in his hands. Some spilled forth onto the war table, knocking over a few pieces. Loki glanced towards Cecelia. Her fingers started to weave in and out of each other again. Guilt overran him. He made a step towards her.“Lord Odin has recently spoken with the Light Elves of Riverrun,” Lagos said. Loki sunk back to his place. “And the Dwarves of the Eyrie, House Arryn. All wish to meet somewhere neutral to discuss what is to be done with the current Infinity Stones.”Lord Garth nodded in approval. “A better idea than running ourselves into war haphazardly.” Lord Garth clapped his hands together. “It is settled then. After the wedding, we leave. Where to, Maester Lagos?”Master Lagos squinted his eyes at the handwriting. “Oldtown, my lord.”After the meeting finished, some vassal lords left right away. Others stood around. Loki pushed past them to get to Cecelia. She needed to know. Briar Rose, the missing items from his room, the runes he drew for her, all of it. He wanted to tell her everything. Loki caught a glimpse of her skirts turning down the hallway. He sprinted to catch up to her. His heart caught in his throat.Ser Xerxes looked at him with disgust. Cecelia untethered herself from his arm.“Cecelia,” Loki caught his breath. “We need to talk.”“I’m afraid I can’t.” she responded. “I’m due to speak with the cooks. Our wedding is in three days.”“Perhaps, tonight then?” Loki pleaded.“No, I’m sorry, we can’t,” Cecelia said. “Ser Petra knows about your evening visits. He didn’t share it with my father, but he did lecture how inappropriate it was. And he’s right. I’ll see you on our wedding day.” She turned away from him. Her name stuck inside his throat. Loki watched her handmaidens surround her again. Their faces covered in fear of him. Ser Xerxes and his men surrounded her. No one gave her no room to breathe.
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“Look around you. We’re all liars here. And every one of us is better than you.” – Petyr BaelishThere were two different kinds of storms known in the Reach. The first were thunderstorms. For those who grew up in the Reach, they could tell when one was coming just by sniffing the air. The second type of storm was more elusive. King Malekith and his family were plagued by it. It wasn’t a secret that madness had run in the royal family’s blood so deep that it was often said, “Every time a Harudheen is born the gods flip a coin.” Lady Magnolia did her best to hide Cecelia’s outbursts and high-emotional bouts. Cecelia was given several tools to help cope with it. The maze, a secret hideaway in her bedchambers, thin pieces of cloth to rip apart, and anything to distract her from what plagued her as well. The storm madness created in one’s mind always started with a single raindrop.For the past three days, the single raindrop turned into a shower of thoughts which turned into a storm. Cecelia spent more time contemplating her own questions than paying attention to anything around her. Rumors started to fly like gnats that Cecelia and Loki’s marriage would not only be an unhappy one, but a doomed one.Elise shut all those rumors away. Swatting and shooing them with better rumors, sweeter gossip than Cecelia’s. On the eve of her wedding, Cecelia found herself in front of a looking glass. Her fingers brushed by her scar, feeling along it. She noticed the bags underneath her eyes. She could already hear her mother’s fussiness about covering up imperfections like this. That she must appear poised, picturesque, and perfect.Did perfection even matter now? She wasn’t marrying a perfect man tomorrow. Loki threw insults and harsh words like daggers. She witnessed him murdering two people. Who knows who else’s blood was on his hands during his time here? She told herself she was being too harsh. She couldn’t deny the amount of flowers he gathered for her. Loki climbed her tower, read her words and regarded them as valuable. He told her how she was like a maze. Not complicated, but a system of thoughts, ideas, and words he wanted to explore. That he lusted after her. Flirting with him was much easier than Orthorion. He kissed better than the elf, too. Cecelia sighed with her head in her hands. Her heart swelled and quickened when he touched her. Her mind couldn’t erase the violent images. The assassin’s body cracking the ground was now replaced by the Ironborn warrior’s choking sound. Gasping, coughing noises filled her ears.“My lady?” Dyana called to her. Cecelia straightened herself, snapping out of her mind.“Yes? Oh, what is he doing here?” Cecelia reacted to Xerxes who waited in the doorway. His eyes focused on Dyana’s cheek. A bag was slung across his body. Cecelia’s imaginative mind conjured the idea that they came to help her escape her marriage. She shook it off. Her head was running way with itself. “Ser Xerxes shared some information with me that I think you alone should hear,” Dyana explained. “If Elise or anyone else hears about this, I fear it could ruin our current alliance with House Odinson.” Cecelia’s brows knitted together. Tension between Dyana and Elise stayed the same since Dyana confessed her feelings for Xerxes. As much as she wanted them to, Cecelia could not force her favorite two people to get along. She scanned Xerxes. He offered a lukewarm smile. Cecelia nodded, letting them inside. “Go on, show her,” Dyana told him. “I’ll keep by the door.” Xerxes emptied the contents of the bag. Precious stones, a larger, jagged black stone, and a parchment covered in runes. Cecelia’s eyes widened when she saw her name written in large letters.“What’s this?” she asked.“I’ll be honest. You’re not going to like what I have to say,” he explained. “I snuck into Loki’s chambers and found these items. Based on everything I found, I believe you are in danger. I believe Loki means to enchant you to keep you under his control. It’s all here. The memories in these stones, these runes, and—“This has gone too far, Xerxes.” Cecelia’s fingers pulled her eyes, making them sting. “I’m exhausted of your jealousy.”“This isn’t jealousy,” Xerxes said calmly. “Either he means to kill you and take Highgarden for himself or he means to control you.”“Then why come tell me all of this before the wedding tomorrow?”“Elise wouldn’t leave you alone until now. Please, I don’t want to argue with you about this. I just want you to listen.”“And do what exactly? I marry Loki tomorrow,” Cecelia started to raise her voice. “It doesn’t matter what lies you tell me about him now, Loki will have you removed from my personal guard the minute he has a chance.”“And I will accept that fate, but tonight I am still your personal guard.” Xerxes argued. “I care for you the same way I care for Dyana. You are my closest friend and my lady. So, I will not be doing my duty to you if I didn’t share what I know. Loki has lied to you about so many things. Have you heard of a woman named Lorelei?”Her name started to shriek in her head again. Cecelia winced. She wanted to cover hear ears from the pain of it. This name echoed in her head for days. She remembered Loki’s
plea with her. How he asked for to not believe what others said about him. A sick feeling sat in her gut. The Lost Ones never lied to her once.“No,” Cecelia sat in front of all the items studying them. “Tell me about her.” Xerxes picked up a few of the precious stones, holding them out to her. “Loki has these stones that take you back into memories, back to the Iron Islands,” Xerxes explained. “When I was there, I met her. Lorelei. She was Hela’s handmaiden. They argued back and forth about her learning magic and the Space Stone.”“You saw Hela?” Cecelia questioned. The haunted image of Hela’s body holding the Space Stone came to mind. A sense of dread came over her.“Yes. Hela refused to teach her magic, but not Loki. I sat in on their lessons. Loki taught her everything she knows.” A punch of jealousy hit Cecelia in her gut. She crossed her arms, holding herself.“What happened during these lessons?”“Illusions, concealing items, weather manipulation,” Xerxes listed off. “Even how to brutally hurt other people if needed. Loki even taught her how to—I’m sorry, I don’t—“What else did he teach her?” Cecelia’s voice turned cold. Xerxes looked to the ground, his feet shifted in place.“They were passionately in love. Him and Lorelei. After each lesson, they would make love to each other wherever they were. Loki taught her to be more creative in that area.”Cecelia’s back tightened. She sucked in all of the air around her. How stupid she was. He said he didn’t have anyone else before her. She confessed to her own past, and yet he kept his hidden. Not only that, but he taught Lorelei everything. They had all of each other. She eyed the items again with a hardened face.“There’s something else you should know,” Xerxes added. Cecelia braced her for another truthful dagger to sink in her belly. “Loki planned to elope with her. Hela confronted him about it, telling him that it was all a farce. Loki seemed determined to run off with her.”Jealousy and anger froze her to her seat. The Lost Ones told her the truth again, but this time it cut deep into her core. It was clear as day now. He shared his magic with her. He shared all of himself with her. He wanted her. He chose her.And she was secondary.“And then what happened?” she forced herself to say the words. Xerxes glanced to Dyana, nodding at her. Dyana silently closed the door behind her, leaving her and Xerxes alone.“Hela never trusted Lorelei. She did everything she could to stop her from getting the Space Stone. Do you remember the Lost Ones showing you Hela before? With the stone?” Xerxes asked. Cecelia quietly nodded. “Then, what you’re about to see shouldn’t shock you too much. But, I’m sorry.” Xerxes dropped the stone in her hands. It felt heavy and cold to the touch. He said the words. “What is dead may never die.”Thunder rolled in Cecelia’s ears. Hair spilled in and out of her face. Her hands grasped onto it, pulling all of it to one side. She was on her hands and knees on top of a cliff. Now, Cecelia understood what Loki meant before in the courtyard. There was nothing green here. Nothing grew here except anger. She looked in front of her to see Hela screaming on the ground. Metal piercing through her chest, sinking deep into her. Her killer stood directly above her.He red curls flowed like a ship’s sail in the wind. Her hungry eyes and satisfied smile reminded her of a direwolf ready for its supper. Lorelei. Hatred burned Cecelia’s skin. If any of this were real, Cecelia would take Lorelei’s sword and skewer it through her ears. Hela’s breathing became shallow. Cecelia heard her last gasping words. “Protect the stone,” Hela said in between coughs of blood. Hela’s eyes searched the sky above her. “Something wicked means to exploit them. Protect the stones.” A bloodcurdling scream tore Cecelia’s attention away from Hela. That’s when she noticed the silence. The grass between her fingers did not move. The hairs on the back of her neck rose. All Cecelia could hear was Lorelei’s screaming. She watched her body split in half. Blood spilled like rain from her stomach’s remains as her lower half dropped into the sea. Her top half soon followed. Cecelia turned to see Loki’s blackened eyes staring at the spot where Lorelei once was. His hands lowered back to his sides.She had seen those eyes before. When they killed his warrior. Cecelia gagged. Before she could throw it all up in the memory, Cecelia was pulled back into her chambers. Her sickness spilled on the ground next to the chair she sat in. She quivered in her seat. Her chest tightened with every new breath she took.“He killed her.” Cecelia said to Xerxes. “You said he loved her and he killed her.” Xerxes grabbed her arms firmly. His voice filled with a familiar warmth.“Now you understand. He is the Storm’s Son. He manipulated that storm you were in. He is capable of awful things.” Xerxes held Cecelia’s face. “Listen to me, Highgarden will not survive this war if it’s left in Loki’s care. He kills his own men. He killed his lover. He doesn’t care who dies as long as he gets what he wants. Lord Odin cursed us with his son so that your father wouldn’t be a threat to grab the throne. I need you to promise me something.” Xerxes spoke to her slowly but clearly. “You marry him tomorrow, but you cannot consummate your marriage. Loki cannot have Highgarden. You cannot lose control of your people.”The world around her grew out of focus. Her labored breathing did not settle. Xerxes shook her slightly.“I need you to say the words. I need you to promise me, Cecelia.” “I promise. Loki will not share my bed.” Her bottom lip quivered. She bit down hard to keep the best composure she could manage. Dark thoughts clouded her mind. Her inner voice chastised her. How could she be so stupid? To believe and lie to herself about the truth of it all? Cecelia stared at herself in the looking glass, disgusted with what she saw. “I’m sorry. I really am. I know how bad you want to be happy with him,” Xerxes said. “But, it’s for the good of our home. You have to protect Highgarden.” Xerxes left Loki’s items with her. His gaze lingered on her as he closed the door behind him. Her room was now hollow, just like in Hela’s death. The curtains at her windows hung still. Embers barely burned in the fireplace. Everyone was now gone. Her composure started to crack. Silence did not last in Cecelia’s head for long. Her inner voice came back.
Look at what you’ve done. This is your fault.
Crying would not satisfy her. Her irritation at herself grew to a climax. She needed something to keep her here. Something to remind her how stupid she had been. Her nails dug into her skin. She dragged her nails across her arms repeatedly. Her fingers purposely tore at her own flesh. Now, she wasn’t perfect, but a true reflection of what she really looked like. Cecelia pulled at her own flower petals, plucking and crushing herself into something small. Every time she repeated the action, things felt easier. Her nails kept digging into her skin. Burning it. Irritating it until her fingers felt wet. Cecelia looked at the slight amount of blood accumulating underneath her nails. Good. You deserve this. Her inner voice said.
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“I wont share your bed not until you want me to.”“What if I never want you to?”“And so my watch begins.” – Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark:Cecelia POV:Exhaustion stung her eyes as Cecelia’s handmaidens scrubbed her skin. Dyana and Elise giggled excitedly with her two new handmaidens, Amales and Marysa. They were Loki’s first wedding gifts to her. Amales had hair that shined in the sun with hands that reminded Cecelia of Xerxes’. Marysa was bigger than her own handmaidens. She brushed through Cecelia’s hair so tenderly that Cecelia had to fight against falling asleep in the tub. It warmed her that Dyana and Elise got along better today than the previous days, but weddings had that effect on people. “My lady, what happened here?” Amales asked, lifting one of her arms. The scratches from the night before swelled. Her skin itched and every time Amales scrubbed her arm, it made her wince. Elise and Dyana glanced at one another. Elise beckoned for Marysa and Amales to come away from the tub for a moment, taking them into the next room. It didn’t matter if they had the conversation in front of her or outside where the pigs shit. Cecelia remembered Dyana’s face when she first saw Cecelia’s self-inflicting violence. Dyana stared at it in horrific silence. Later on, Dyana was trained to know the signs. No doubt Elise was going to teach the new handmaidens the same thing. When her handmaidens dressed her in her gown, long, lacy sleeves covered all of her arms. She noticed how quiet her new handmaidens were when they tied her hair. “You know, you wouldn’t believe what I heard the other day,” Elise began, breaking the tensed silence for everyone. Amales’ and Marysa’s faces brightened again as Elise spun another tale.As her handmaidens buzzed around her, Cecelia caught a look at herself in the looking glass. Cecelia felt along her face scar, feeling the elongated protrusion. She frowned and tugged at the long sleeves that covered her scratched up arms. One or two warm tears escaped her eyes. She did not look like any of the beautiful princesses who married their true loves at the end of happy stories. She looked like the monster that should’ve been kept in the tower.:Loki’s POV:Loki studied the roses all around him. They seemed to grow like weeds in Highgarden. Whatever joy everyone else felt around him, it didn’t affect his feelings at all. He wanted to be happy like everyone else here at breakfast. Cecelia hadn’t spoken to him since the last war meeting. Anytime he tried meeting with her, Xerxes and his men stood in their way with the same excuse on their lips.“Our lady does not wish to spoil her reputation before the wedding.” It stung in his chest, but he chose to respect it. Something about the excuse still bothered him. He spent the last three days thinking over his last few interactions with her. Something went wrong somewhere.His mother’s guard laid a familiar weapon in front of Loki. All air escaped from him as if a punch from the past hit him in his core.“This is Hela’s.” Loki said, looking up to Frigga. She nodded.“This is our wedding gift to you, my son.” Frigga pressed her lips to his forehead. “Your father and I thought it should belong to you.”“He thought it should belong to me?” Loki looked to the vicious blade. Widowmaker was a thick, curved dagger. Hela wrapped its hilt in leather. Small, intricate skulls were carved into the handle. Loki tightened his grip on it. “I thought Odin still blamed me for that.”“Your father is proud of you. Why else would he allow you to lead one of the biggest charges in this war?” Frigga smiled down at him. Her attention snapped to her right. “My lord, you were right. It is a beautiful day to have a wedding.”Lord Garth wagged his finger towards her. “I told you, didn’t I? Ah! An obsidian blade! How rare and gorgeous is that? May I?” Lord Garth tested Widowmaker, slicing it through the air a few times.“It was my late sister’s,” Loki explained. “What is dead may never die.”“What is dead may never die,” Lord Garth repeated the words solemnly. His hand connected with Loki’s shoulder. “I come with my own gifts. Walk with me.” Lord Garth guided Loki away from the wedding breakfast held in his honor. They entered a private garden away from prying ears.“My gift to you is the most valuable of them all: knowledge.” Lord Garth told him. His hand rested on Loki’s shoulder, pulling him closer. “Briar Rose is more than a sword, it’s a vessel.” Loki raised a brow at him. “I beg your pardon?”“The Mind Stone,” Lord Garth said. “It’s disguised as the opal stone inside the hilt there. See?” Loki took another look at the hilt. The last of the puzzle came together and the slow realization of what he held humbled him. Now, Cecelia’s words made more sense. Loki realized ‘The Keys’ he held had much more power than he anticipated. “Your call to secure our borders was clever. Now that we have protected our own, the real work begins. Think of this gift of knowledge as a reward and a sign of trust.” “Thank you, my lord,” Loki nodded. “Trust me when I say Briar Rose and her integrity will be taken care of.”:Cecelia’s POV:Cecelia and her handmaidens turned the corner in the sept. Each held on to a different part of the flowing dress. Flower crowns adorned each of their heads. While Cecelia was no queen, she wore her flower crown like one. Painted golden roses allowed her to feel like she was truly fulfilling her comely nickname. Cecelia heard a soft gasp, followed by a booming voice.“My girl!” Lord Garth held his arms wide open for her. Cecelia came alive as she quickened her pace towards him. His embrace nearly crushed her. She definitely heard one or two cracks in her back. He stood back, admiring her from a different distance. “Good thing you got your mother’s looks. I would’ve made you an ugly bride.” Cecelia hit him in his arm, smiling wide. She tucked her arm in his. His eyes looked down at her arm. Cecelia tensed. Her arms were covered in pretty lace, but the ugliness still stood out underneath. Her father cleared his throat, facing forward.“You know, I have thought about this moment since the day you were born,” he said. “I’ve pictured it in different ways, different houses, and different circumstances. But, one thing stayed the same. That I knew I would be able to look at you and be proud of the person you grew up to be.”“Papa—“You have taught me a lot. Many men around me took pity that I had a firstborn daughter. I truly felt bad for them. They think that having a son is the only source of strength for a house. You are stronger than you realize. You are smarter than what your demons tell you. You are meaner than the men who underestimate you. You are the strength of this house. That, I am certain. If you feel weak, just remember, roses grow back.” Lord Garth squeezed her hand as the doors to the sept opened. Her eyes drew upwards. The statues of the Mother and the Father greeted her with a solemn stillness. Even though they were made of stone, their eyes watched her walk down the aisle. Strings of purple wisterias, bright roses, and white lilies all wrapped around pillars and hung inside. Today was a beautiful day. She had dreamed of this day. Her eye fell towards the altar, and there he was.Loki wore his full regalia. His black hair tucked away in his golden helmet. His black cape overflowed past his feet. Cecelia caught a glimpse of his iron and gold armor. On his chest, a golden kraken faced her. Her new house sigil intimidated her. All her life, she loved her golden flowers, and now she adopted the sigil of a monster. As Cecelia came closer, she noticed Loki’s face softening with every step she took.:Loki’s POV:Loki did not believe in love at first sight. That was a fool’s tale sung by many bards who wished to make a quick coin. Thor believed in it. Thor had faith in people and in himself. When you grew up certain of yourself, hope was ingrained in you the same way the sun would kiss your skin. Love cut Loki open and left him bleeding. As Cecelia walked down the aisle towards him, his ideas began to change.She was a broken thing. The scar on her face was the consequences she faced because of him. She admitted to her heart being broken before, but she still saw value in caring for him. She was a haunted person. How she heard of his sister’s fate before he could even find the courage to face it himself. How she cared for dead things even when all flourished around her. Her ivory dress and golden roses enchanted him. He had never seen Lady Sif of Casterly Rock, but Loki was certain he got the better deal here. He itched to trace his fingers across the flowers petals and leaves painted on each shoulder. His impatience for their lips to meet again grew inside him. When their eyes met, the same overwhelming feeling came over him, but he understood it now. She was a beautiful, haunted, and broken thing like him. Loki reached for her hand, gently guiding her to stand next to him. Like clockwork, Loki untied his cloak. Cecelia turned away from him, facing the Mother. Loki cursed the seven gods between his teeth. What a crime it was to cover her pretty shoulders with his ugly cloak. The bear’s fur brushed her flushed cheeks.As the septon continued forth with the ceremony, Loki found it increasingly difficult to focus on any of the words. The seven were not his gods. Their words did not matter to him now. He recalled Cecelia’s words. ‘How consuming it must be to be so deeply in love. I want it so bad for myself. To be driven mad by thinking of my lover. I want to be overwhelmed by their body, curious and lustful in every look I give them.’ Cecelia stood in his colors for the first time, and he felt a possessive pride. He understood her poetic words now more than ever. Loki drank her in. He wanted her manicured hands to dig into his skin. His face in her chest, breathing her in. Her mouth around his own, devouring him alive. He desired to be haunted by her. For her to always be in his sights, to never leave him in complete peace, for her to lurk inside his mind. To be driven mad by her would be the only curse he would thank the seven gods for.The septon tied their hands together. Loki held her hands with a firm hold. He will not leave her alone ever again. Three days without her presence, without her summer warmth, had been too long for him. His gaze connected to hers. He blessed the gods for taking their time on her. Her gaze was sacred. Loki promised himself he would worship at her altar tonight.:Cecelia’s POV:The septon spoke after he tied their hands together. “Look upon each other and say the words.”She held Loki’s gaze. She had gotten used to their color, but not the intensity. This was different. It was distracting enough for her to trip over the first few words of the vows.“Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger,” they said together in a rhythm. Cecelia hardened herself as she said her vows to him in conjunction with his. “I am his and he is mine. From this day, until the end of my days.” The septon made his final blessing, giving them permission to kiss. Loki’s hands surrounded her face, bringing her to him. Cecelia felt a new pull inside her. His lips moved in a chaste, limiting way, but he pressed all of himself into her. It satisfied her the same way a good book ended. It left her feeling joyful and better for having experienced such a wonderful thing. He pulled away first, leaving her reeling. The wedding feast reveled with bellowing laughter and a band playing all sorts of merry tunes. Mouths tore away at ribs, sizable meaty cuts dipped in sauce. Different fruits were shared among friends. Dyana shared a bowl of cooked apple slices dipped in butter and cinnamon with Xerxes. Frigga smiled and clapped at one of Ser Heimdall’s jokes. Cecelia’s little sisters ran through the hall with other small children. A large portion of company wore flushed faces. Their words slurred and some belted out song lyrics in croaked and jagged voices, but everyone smiled amongst each other.Loki’s finger gently caressed the back of her hand. Cecelia flinched hard. Loki laughed.“I’m sorry,” he said. “You’re adorable when you do that.”“Oh, right.” Cecelia nodded, adding nothing else.“I see there’s lemon cake!” Loki excitedly said. “I never really had lemon cakes before. Maybe you could feed it to me?”“I’m not sure how appropriate that would be.”Loki leaned towards her. “We’re married now, sweet rose. Who cares what’s appropriate and what isn’t?” Cecelia moved her shoulders away from him. She looked another way. Loki scooted closer to her.“Are we people-watching now? Who are we judging?”“No one,” Cecelia answered. Her hands began to pull at the end of her sleeves.:Loki’s POV:Oh no. Loki watched her pull at the lace in her sleeves. She was stressed again. He tried telling himself that this was normal. Any bride would be nervous about their wedding night. If only she knew that she had nothing to worry over. Loki remembered the overheated feeling of a woman underneath him. How it turned him into a feral beast and how much he enjoyed it. Now that Cecelia was his and his alone, he figured he would enjoy it twice as much.Something in the way she said ‘no one’ stung the same way she said ‘I’ll see you on our wedding day’ three days prior. Loki straightened himself. His finger touched the back of her hands again in her lap. “I bet if we’re quiet enough, we could sneak off,” Loki scanned the room. “I’ve been to many feasts with drunken and excitable people. No one really notices you’re gone after they’ve begun to sing the Old Man and the Wolf.” Loki opened his hand in her lap. “Come away with me. We can go anywhere you want.”“And what if I want to go back to my bedchambers?” she asked. Loki smiled wickedly at her.“As you wish,” he said. They were careful in the way they moved together. Their chairs didn’t drag across the ground. Their footsteps were deliberate enough to get them past the feast unnoticed. He grabbed onto Cecelia’s hand. He squeezed it as they climbed her tower. As Loki closed her door behind him, he grasped her face again. His mouth met hers with ecstatic purpose. He did not limit himself like he did in the sept. His hands restrained her wrists to the wall, holding them above her head. He pulled away from her mouth, digging himself into her painted shoulder. “Wait, wait, please—Loki heard her cry. He stopped and looked at her with confusion. Cecelia held herself tightly. Her breath shuddered. She bit her lip down hard. He gave her space, and as he did he noticed how she wilted in her spot. How the petals in her hair fell to the ground, how her happiness vanished the second the door closed. His eyes searched for hers.“What’s wrong?” he asked.“I can’t. I’m sorry,” Cecelia responded. “Why?” Loki asked. Cecelia left him with a silent response. His hands found her shoulders, running them up and down her arms. “I thought you wanted this too.” His fingers touched her bottom lip. “I still remember the peaches you ate. I was jealous of them. I want you to devour me the same way.” Loki kissed her again, more gently this time. He took his time moving against her. His hand tucked at the back of her neck. He trailed kisses from her scarred cheek to the side of her neck. He would kiss the ink off her shoulders, literally deflowering her, and carve out his name into her skin. His own enjoyment increased until Cecelia’s words cut deep into him.“Did you say the same things to Lorelei?” Cecelia asked.Loki stopped. Ice froze over his back, stiffening it in place. His eyes darkened on his new wife. A new tension thickened in the air. “What did you just say?”“Lorelei, your former lover. Did you tell her the same things?” Cecelia asked.“Where did you learn that name?” Loki’s deep voice cut into her deeper. “Did the Lost Ones tell you that too? Just like my sister?”“I saw it.” Cecelia pushed past him. Loki’s eyes followed her to her table. His stomach soured. All of his stolen items sat there on display on her table. The runes he drew, other precious stones, everything he was missing was there. Cecelia picked up Hela’s Death Stone. “I saw what you did to her. Are you going to do the same to me?”Loki started laughing. It pained his chest. “Look at you, you’re back to assuming the worst of me. Our wedded bliss did not last long.”“Are these for me too? What are they? What are you going to do with them?” Cecelia pointed to the runes. “Cecelia, is this what has been bothering you for days?” He stepped towards her. His arms opened for her embrace. “It’s our wedding night. Let me just hold you—“How can I trust you to touch me after you lied to me?” Cecelia’s anger thundered quietly in her tone. “You told me you had no lovers before me.”Loki lowered his arms. His warmth hardened into ice. “I said no one has held my heart—“You lied,” Cecelia interrupted. “Twisting your words is lying. How can I trust you?”Loki shook his head. “I thought we were better than this. Gods! I should’ve known. You haven’t spoken to me in three days. I should’ve known—“I didn’t know about Lorelei until last night.”“And why should I believe you? You ransacked my room and stole from me. I told you. Hela is a difficult subject, but you went behind my back and found out for yourself anyways. Is gossip the only thing that gets you off?”“Gossip? You killed her! You loved her and you killed—He charged at her, backing her against the wall. His hands grasped her wrists pinning her there. Before he could say anything, Loki took stock of her. Cecelia’s eyes widened on him. She trembled. She yelped at his grip. Loki let go, realizing how his anger manifested onto her. His eyes drawn to both of her arms. The pretty lace could not hide everything from him. The red streaks stood out underneath. Loki knitted his brows together. He looked into her eyes, a new anger taking over him.“Show me.”Cecelia shuddered. She pulled at the strings of her wedding gown, loosening it. Like a mask, it all fell to the ground, revealing the truth behind it all. Loki studied her bare arms. Something dug into her arms. It left raised bumps, and some looked like they had bled but healed. Like an animal had attacked her.“Who did this to you?” Loki’s voice turned low. Cecelia looked down. Her shoulders quivered and she hid her face from him. Once he heard her crying, Loki’s chest tightened. His hands hovered over her, unsure where to touch her. He spoke more softly. “Tell me who did this to you.” Cecelia covered her mouth, muffling her sobbing. Her back slid down to the floor. Loki followed her there. His hand caressed one of her arms. He turned her wrist up towards him. His cool touch calmed her as he traced a rune onto her. When it was complete, the rune set into her skin, darkening like the ones on his chest. Cecelia’s breathing slowed. Loki touched her hot, swollen face cooling it with his fingers. Loki felt the wall building around him. Another layer on top of what was already there.
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"I am Sansa Stark of Winterfell. This is my home, and you can't frighten me." – Sansa StarkDyana could not take her eyes away from the rune on Cecelia’s wrist. It covered some of the damage Cecelia left behind, but it did not heal her. It appeared to be two ‘X” marks with a line striking through the center. Dyana snapped her attention towards Marysa who continued on with pleating Cecelia’s hair. “Marysa, what’s this?” Dyana gestured to the rune. “It’s a rune,” she answered flatly. Her lips parted and she offered a smile. “It’s meant to protect her. It only means Loki dotes on her. Frigga has the same one on her shoulder.” Dyana studied Cecelia’s face. Her silence only deepened since she saw Hela’s Death Stone. She didn’t blush or talk about her wedding night. Cecelia just sat there quietly, her hands folded on her lap. Dyana could see the gray clouds hovering over her lady’s head.Xerxes was right. Loki was starting to control her.Dyana excused herself from her lady’s bedchambers. Her skirts zipped by Elise’s. Elise reached for her shoulder.“How is she this morning?” Elise nudged at her friend’s rib. “They got her breakfast before I could. Was she naked when they found her? Is her face flushing from last night’s activities?” Dyana’s face hardened. “She was clothed completely. Loki wasn’t even there. She’s quiet. I think it’s happening again, what you told me from before. She’s barely said a sentence to any of us.” Elise pulled away slowly. Her face fell into a serious grimace.“Understood,” Elise dropped her act. “Her things are to be packed today. All of you leave for Oldtown tomorrow morning.”“All of you? You’re not coming?” Dyana raised her brow. “Does Cecelia know about this?”Elise shook her head. She searched the immediate area around them. They whipped their heads towards the sound of yelling. Two Ironborn soldiers came into sight at the end of the hallway. Elise kept her voice low and her eyes focused on the newly developing situation. “No. But it doesn’t matter. You are more than capable of handling your duties without me. I need to be here. I think you and Xerxes were right about something. I’m sorry for not listening to you before.”“Right about what?”“The Ironborn,” Elise’s gaze locked onto the increased yelling in the hallway. She heard metal scraping against concrete and more grunting. Dyana took a step towards the sounds. Elise grabbed her shoulder, making Dyana pause. “If you’re going to follow them, be careful.”Elise scattered off upwards to Cecelia’s bedchambers in the tower. Dyana stuck herself behind a pillar. She watched the soldiers come closer into view. She counted four of them in total: two Ironborn and two of Ser Petra’s men. One Ironborn led the other three. They struggled with keeping their captive subdued. Her heart caught in her throat when she realized it was Xerxes being escorted away in chains.She made a quick pursuit after them, but kept her distance. Dyana claimed she wouldn’t make a good spy for the realm. She often thought little of her own talents, but she pleasantly surprised herself as she took alternate routes and discreetly followed all four men into the nearby forest without much trouble. Any other castle worker went about preparing for tomorrow’s departure.The soldiers escorted a thrashing Xerxes down a path. One of Ser Petra’s men looked behind him once more before disappearing past the treeline. Dyana quickly changed course towards Lady Rae’s garden. The garden’s gate squeaked open as she pretended to gather flowers. He nodded her way and entered the forest, not thinking much more of her innocent actions. Dyana entered in the forest her own way. She pushed past branches and stepped only in the soft leaves, lessening the sound beneath her feet. It didn’t take long for her to see a small clearing. She looked behind her once again to see if anyone had followed her. The only thing she saw was Lady Rae’s garden just over ten feet away from the clearing, the Lost Ones’ altar sat empty. She positioned herself behind an oak tree. Directly on the other side, Loki waited patiently. Dyana scowled, but it quickly changed to fear when Xerxes was knocked forward into the clearing. He grunted as he landed on his knees in front of Loki. “Would you look at that?” Loki toyed with Widowmaker. “Now, all you have to do is swear fealty to me and this will all be over with.” Loki’s cruel laugh filled the space. Xerxes stood up, only to be jabbed with the handle of a battle axe again. He landed on his knees again. Xerxes eyed the Ironborn soldier with a burning hate.“I’m not swearing fealty to you.” Xerxes flared. “You’re the second son of Lord Odin. You rule nothing.”“I’m married to your lady now. That makes me the next lord of Highgarden.”“Lord Garth is a healthy man with a quick mind. I doubt you’ll get to be lord anytime soon.”“For someone who swore to be loyal to Highgarden and all of its highborn nobility, you sure are very disrespectful to your lady and her husband.” Loki smirked. He walked towards Xerxes like a snake crawling with its mouth open. “Some items have been taken from me. It happened shortly before the wedding. Last night, Cecelia returned all of my missing items to me.”“What? You think I did it?”“No, I know you did it.” Loki bent down to him. The dagger’s edge tucked under Xerxes chin. Loki carefully brought his gaze to his own. “Cecelia couldn’t have done this all by herself, and her handmaidens seem too fearful of my wrath. Who else could it have been?”“I did what I had to do to protect her.” Xerxes said. “Besides, Cecelia already told me you’re going to remove me as head of her personal guard.”“And rightfully so, you can’t even do your own job properly.”“What is that supposed to mean?” Xerxes spat. His brow furrowed.“The cut underneath her eye, losing her at the orchard,” Loki listed off. “And now, the clawing marks on her arms. You’re pathetic.”“Excuse me?”“I saw them when she undressed herself for me last night,” Loki explained further. “She was covered in them. Who did that to her, I wonder? She wouldn’t tell me, of course. She must have been protecting their identity from me.”Xerxes scoffed. “You think I did that to her? You really think I would harm my own lady?”“Why not? You have perfect cause. You’ve been angry and jealous of us this whole time. I’ve seen you take out your anger on her before.”“No, you did this.” Xerxes stood up, facing Loki directly. “I would never lay a harmful finger on my lady, but you, you already have a dead lover. And a dead sister. Whose fault is that?” Loki pressed Widowmaker into the front of Xerxes chest. The other four pointed their weapons around his neck. Dyana’s blood ran cold. “You’ve stolen from me.” Loki pushed forward. “You have seen my memories and showed my wife the worst of me, inspiring more doubt against me. And, you attacked her when she professed her love for me instead of you.”“That’s not what happened, you fuck—An Ironborn’s Warhammer swung near his head, missing on purpose. The weight of the hammer thudded on the ground in front of him. Xerxes flinched. He shut his mouth.“Give me one good reason why I should let you walk out of this forest.” Loki warned. Dyana swallowed hard. She pleaded with Xerxes silently, begging him to do something. She watched Xerxes bow his head. The Warhammer pulled back again. Loki nodded towards the Ironborn, giving him permission to follow through. A rush of courage found its way to her feet.“Wait!” she screamed. “Please!” Dyana’s hands reached high in the air.“Dyana!” Xerxes reacted. “What are you doing here?”“Lord Loki, please, I have very good reason to keep this man alive.” Dyana pleaded with Loki. A smile spread across his features. “Oh, this should be good. Go on, share it with us.”Dyana took one, longing look at Xerxes. She cared for him more than anyone else. He filled her thoughts during the day and visited her sweet dreams at night. She knew he was good. She knew he was better than Loki, better than all of the knights in Westeros. It didn’t matter if she wasn’t the object of his affections. If she could keep him alive in this world, it would be enough. She could do this one thing for him. Keep one good thing here in this world. “I am pregnant with his child, my lord.” Dyana said. Silence followed her statement. Loki’s jaw dropped open.“You people are filled with all kinds of drama aren’t you?” A wicked smile turned towards Xerxes. “Please don’t tell Cecelia,” Dyana added, grabbing Loki’s attention again. “She doesn’t know of our secret relationship. We couldn’t tell her because—because of the scandal it would cause. A knight isn’t supposed to sire any children, and I have vows of chastity. If Cecelia knew, it would cause her great pain to exile us from Highgarden.” Loki tsked. “And why should I care about the bad choices of a handmaiden and a knight?”“You shouldn’t,” Dyana chose her words carefully. “But, I am useful. I followed your men here without alarming them. I wouldn’t dare lie to you either. I can prove my loyalty to you as a spy, my lord.”He placed his hand on his chest as if to contain his laughter. “A spy? Combined with the Reach, I have access to all kinds of spies. All of them have more experience, more courage, and far more reach than you.”“Aye, my lord, but you don’t have a spy who is as close to your wife as I am.” Dyana said. Loki’s face fell. He narrowed in on her. Dyana continued, stringing the half-baked idea together. “Marysa and Amales are good gifts, my lord, but they’re too obvious. Cecelia won’t open up to new people. I have served my lady for three years now. I know her better than you do.”Loki gave her a warmer smile. He pointed his dagger to Xerxes. “I let him live now, keep your secret, and you’ll serve me as my spy?” Dyana nodded. Loki signaled to his men. All of them lowered their weapons. Xerxes stayed on the ground. His mouth hung open in shock.“Go, Xerxes.” Dyana said. “Go on, Xerxes.” Loki said. “You should heed her words now. After all, she’s carrying your child.” Xerxes moved to his feet quickly. He stole glances at Dyana as he and the four soldiers left their presence completely. The sounds of birds chirping in the trees took over Dyana’s ears. She sighed in deep relief. She closed her eyes for a moment letting herself feel Highgarden’s quiet peace one more time. She had the feeling it would be a long time before she felt at peace like this again.Loki started to leave, and Dyana called out to him. “My lord, please stay.”“For what purpose?”Dyana glanced towards Lady Rae’s garden. She smiled, knowing her timing was perfect. “Before I truly become your spy, I want you to see something.”Dyana guided Loki towards the oak tree again. She pressed a finger to her mouth and then pointed ten feet in front of them towards Lady Rae’s garden. Cecelia knelt down at the altar alone. She placed a meat offering, her wedding bouquet, and her golden rose crown in a row on the stones. Dyana studied Loki carefully. His eyes softened on her as if he was watching a frightful doe travel through the forest. He kept all of his concentration on her. If Dyana left him here like this, he wouldn’t even notice she’d gone. His soft demeanor cracked when he heard Cecelia’s voice.“I leave tomorrow. I don’t know if I’ll ever be back.” Cecelia’s lip trembled. “So, these are my last gifts to you. I got married yesterday to Loki. I know you’re not his biggest fan. No one is. If there’s anything you taught me, it’s that everyone needs someone. And he needs someone.” Loki’s shoulders dropped. His face wrinkled in pain. “I wish I could take you with me, but he doesn’t understand. I don’t think he ever will.” Cecelia kissed the top stone. She sniffled her nose. “Goodbye, my friends.” Cecelia turned away, closing the garden gate gently behind her. She gave the garden one last, long look before she tore her eyes away from it. Dyana told herself to remind Elise to take care of the garden in their lady’s stead. It was the least she could do for her. Loki broke the silence between them. “Thank you for showing me this. It makes me happy to know you truly care for your lady.”“Ser Xerxes cares too. I would reconsider removing him as head of her personal guard. She trusts him.”“You are bold, Dyana.” Loki nodded. “Consider it your first assignment then. If you can tell me who caused the injuries on Cecelia’s arms and prove Xerxes’ innocence, I’ll reconsider it.”
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“In the far southwest of Westeros, at the mouth of the river Honeywine, lies the great stone city of Oldtown. It is home to the Citadel, where men and boys from throughout the Seven Kingdoms come to receive their training as Maesters.” – Maester LuwinThey left sometime before the sun could kiss Cecelia goodbye from her home. Thousands of men and women started the journey from Highgarden south towards Oldtown. Lord Garth, Loki, and other highborn men rode on their horses. Most soldiers walked or guided other carriages and carts filled with supplies for the week long journey. Inside an ornate carriage, Cecelia stuck out her thumb towards the window. It covered her entire castle. “Have you ever been this far from home before, my lady?” Marysa asked. Amales leaned in closer to Cecelia. Dyana kept her eyes out the window. “I have,” Cecelia said. “But, it’s been a while.” Saying goodbye was never her favorite. Her mind flashed back to her family. Her sisters’ eyes swelled with bulging tears as they hugged her. Dahlia’s grip tightened on her so hard that Cecelia almost lost composure. “Why do you have to go?” she asked. Cecelia kissed her head. She lowered her voice down to a whisper.“I’ll tell you a secret.” Cecelia told her. “It’s because the Lost Ones told me to. They want revenge on the evil king. Take care of them for me.” Dahlia nodded, taking her new duties seriously. Her mother and father kissed each other just like they had before, with passion and certainty that they would see each other again. Her mother held her tighter today than she did on her wedding day. She kissed her hair, catching her scent one more time.Elise was the hardest. Leaving behind her longest and most loyal friend was a feat in itself. They’ve never been separated before.“Are you sure?” Cecelia asked. Elise’s hand brushed by her scar, kissing her cheek.“Aye, my lady.” Elise showed off her best smile, but Cecelia saw tears in her best friend’s eyes. “I’m more useful here. Besides, who else is going to keep tabs on everything? Hm?” They held each other, inhaling each other’s presence until Dyana pulled them apart. The last thing Cecelia saw of her home was Dahlia and Elise running after her carriage, waving their hands to her. As the caravan moved forward at a good pace, Cecelia’s chest tightened with worry. Sadness kicked in quicker than she would have liked. Her thumbs twiddled in her lap until a comforting idea popped in her head.“You’re from Oldtown, is that correct?” Cecelia asked Dyana. Dyana’s smile returned contentment to her core.“Correct, my lady. I was born there.” Dyana said.“What’s it like? Or, at least what should we expect?”“A bunch of old men, I bet,” Amales commented, making Cecelia laugh.“Actually, it’s filled with all sorts of people,” Dyana started. “It’s much bigger than Highgarden, more diverse too. Everyone from all nine kingdoms travels there. Light elves, dark elves, dwarves, and even a frost giant or two all hail to Oldtown for many reasons.”“So, you’ve seen one? A real frost giant?” Amales perked up. Dyana nodded. “They’re quiet. I don’t understand why people give them such brutal looks—Marysa laughed. “I mean, have you seen them? They look like savages—“You know, they say the exact same thing about your people.” Dyana shot a look towards her. A tension sparked between the pair. Cecelia broke the tension immediately out of fear. Things were already fragile between the two groups of people.“Maybe, we can visit your father, Dyana. I would love to meet your family, and see your father’s goods for myself. I’m sure Amales and Marysa would enjoy the perfumes as well.”“Oh? Perfumes?” Marysa smiled. Her face brightened. “Your father sells perfumes?”Dyana’s grimace half-melted away. “All kinds of beauty products.”“How exciting!” Marysa clapped. “Perhaps, we’ll find something Loki will find enticing.”“Don’t insult our lady,” Amales nudged Marysa with her foot. “Have you seen the way he looks at her? I bet he devoured you, didn’t he?”“What do you mean?” Cecelia half-laughed.“Your wedding night! Some saw you both run off together. He couldn’t even wait to do a proper bedding ceremony,” Amales laughed. Cecelia closed her mouth. Her mind wandered outside the carriage. Their heated moments played through her head over again. The way he kissed her, how he wanted her, and all of it ruined by keeping her promise and confronting a hard lie. Cecelia traced the rune on her wrist. She didn’t feel any different. She tested it the next morning by insulting Loki to herself. Nothing happened. She overheard her new handmaidens. They claimed it was her own protection. She didn’t believe them either.The further they travelled from Highgarden, the closer Cecelia was to Sif. She recalled Sif’s letter. How Thor was a warrior in practice and a warrior in bed. His strength wooed her. How she laughed and cried out his name during their first night together. She had never been so in love. Sif hoped that she would feel the same with Loki. Lying to others was a waste of time, but perhaps this time was necessary. Cecelia had no idea how to lie about it at all. The furthest she’d ever been with anyone was Loki, kissing her shoulders that night. She contemplated not sharing anything about the night at all. Maybe Sif wouldn’t even ask. Somewhere off the Roseroad, the caravan’s first encampment was set up. Soldiers’ tents created a border for the bigger tents in the center. The heads of the Highgarden regiment stayed in the bigger tents along with their maps, war plans, and needed supplies. Between every three or four smaller tents, soldiers built small fires to keep themselves warm and provided company for each other. Dinner was already served and eaten, the remaining scraps were given to the horses. Guards posted themselves around the border and beyond camp to guard for the night.Amales held out a delicate robe for Cecelia. She shivered, crossing her arms to find more warmth for herself. She traded stone walls for canvas ones. Her bed looked more for lovemaking than for peaceful rest. Marysa finished lighting candles around her, but Cecelia was certain none of them were for actual warmth. Amales tied the front of the robe loosely.“May I speak freely, my lady?” Amales asked.“Of course,” Cecelia said through chattering teeth. “You may always speak as freely as you desire around me. I find it more respectful to hear honesty than a veiled response.” Amales’ fingers lingered on Cecelia’s robe strings.“If I were Loki, I would find it very difficult to refuse you tonight.” Cecelia’s breath hitched. Her handmaidens left her alone in the tent, retiring back to their own. Cecelia peeked outside to see Ser Petra’s darkened tent and Lord Leyton’s dimmed one. Cecelia made herself comfortable between the plush furs and blankets. She tucked her head on her hands as she waited for Loki to arrive. Her eye lids grew heavier as the blankets warmed her barely clothed legs. When Cecelia heard birds chirping outside, her legs shifted between the sheets. Dawn’s light touched the edges of her vision. Her hands felt around her, noticing she was still alone in bed.Rain trickled against the carriage windows. Cecelia looked out again to see nothing but country grass and the less-manicured parts of the Roseroad. Cecelia enjoyed the newly peaceful quiet only Dyana could offer her. She enjoyed the company of Amales and Marysa, but she couldn’t help but feel grateful that they rode with Frigga today.“Lia,” Dyana called out to her. Dyana’s pointed gaze directed to her wrist. “I couldn’t help but notice. Does it hurt you?”“This? Oh no,” Cecelia responded. “Actually, I’m not sure what it does. He saw them. The scars.”“But, you didn’t tell him who inflicted those scars?”Cecelia shook her head. A shiver went down her back. “I don’t know if I can trust him anymore. He lies as easily as he can drink water. What if he never loved her? The other girl? I mean, how can you do that to someone you love?”“Has he ever hurt you?”“No, but since I know of his past, I’m scared he will now. However, this hasn’t hurt me at all. It actually calmed me down. Maybe that’s what the effects are. I haven’t had another episode yet.”“That’s good, my lady,” Dyana said. She tapped the roof of the carriage and it slowed.“Where are you going?” Cecelia asked. Dyana opened the carriage door. “I just want some fresh air. I’ll be back soon. I promise,” Dyana said. The day waned as the clouds overhead grew heavier and darker in color. Rain showered over the caravan. It ruined very little supplies, and the second camp took longer to set up. Cecelia and her handmaidens all laughed at a soldier who fell face first in the thick mud. They rushed towards her tent, hoping to keep themselves dry. Their own skirts grew heavier at the bottom as they found safe haven in Cecelia’s tent. When evening returned so did the inevitable. Dyana tied Cecelia’s delicate robe strings tighter than Amales did.As the last of the candles were lit, the waiting game began. Cecelia paced around her tent. Her slippers shuffled from one side to the next. She bit at her thumb until she heard canvas tent flaps moving. Loki stepped into the dimmed space. He ran a hand through his wet hair, drying it instantly. His eyes fell on her. She felt him drinking her in again like they did at the altar.“Hello you,” he sighed. “Hello,” Cecelia greeted. She gestured upwards. “Terrible weather today, but I suppose you’re used to worse storms on the sea.” Loki walked over to her. His hands cupped her face and brought his mouth to hers. A new warmth washed over her head and spread all the way down to her toes. His lips moved against hers slowly and with purpose. “You look beautiful tonight,” he said. His finger tucked where the robe knot was. He pulled at it. Cecelia pressed her palms on his chest, stopping his actions. “Are you upset with me? I’m sorry that I couldn’t visit you last night. I was—it doesn’t matter.”“No! I’m not upset.” Cecelia flinched. “You didn’t make me upset. I’m sorry.” She shrank in front of him. The more she avoided his gaze, the more he searched for hers.“Are you scared that I’m going to hurt you?” He asked. Loki touched her rune. “That’s what this is for. No one can hurt you when you have this. Not even me.” Cecelia’s eyes travelled to his armor covered body. The leather and metal dampened from the outside elements. Her hand rested on his chest.“What about your runes? The ones on your chest?”Loki pulled off his armor faster than she anticipated. She took a few steps back, watching him with flushed cheeks. He threw it all off until he bore his bare chest to her. Cecelia ate her fill of the new view. His stomach had strength carved into its features. Different runes inked across his chest. Loki sat on the bed, offering a hand to her.“I’ll show you. Come here.” He said. He placed her palm near his left shoulder. It covered a diamond shaped symbol. “This one is like a seed. For home, for grounding. Every person who’s sailed away from home gets it. A symbol of Ironborn men and women. It’s promise that we’ll return home.”Loki slid her touch to his sternum, covering an arrow pointed upwards. Loki explained. “This one my brother and I share, along with everyone else fighting in the rebellion. For strength in battle. Not victory, just strength.”“Why not victory?” Cecelia asked.“Because life is not meant to be a promised outcome,” he told her. Cecelia’s eyes hovered over his heart. A detailed rune caught her attention. This one was more than just thick, striking lines. It was art. The perfect circle had intricate, smaller runes forming it. They seemed to spell out a phrase in a language she didn’t understand. A crude snake weaved in and out of the small runes as if the creature marked its territory on his chest.“And this one?”“Ah,” Loki placed her hand over it. Cecelia’s breath hitched when she touched his heart. His heartbeat quickened, thudding against her fingers. “That one’s fear. Although, I think it’s working too well on you.” He let her hand drop back to her side. “I don’t suppose you want me here, do you?”“No, I do,” Cecelia said. She crawled onto the bed, laying down next to him. Loki’s gaze followed her mouth. His body mimicked hers. She bit her lip, nervous under the weight of his attention. “It’s cold here. Maybe if you could just keep me warm? Just to sleep?” He sighed and resigned to the events of the evening. Loki pulled the furs over both of them, covering them entirely. He brushed back the hairs in front of her face. The back of his finger traced the lines and curves of her cheeks, nose, and mouth.Two of his fingers glowed as he traced a second rune onto her neck. His gentle touch tickled her. Like the first one, she felt no pain. She studied his eyes. Their concentration on her throat raised a hot feeling under her skin. When he finished his fingers lingered on her face. His eyes returned her gaze. Cecelia touched the new rune, feeling along the newly raised skin.“What’s this one?” she asked.“For love,” Loki smiled. He kissed her forehead. “Because I don’t want you to be scared of me anymore.” She gave him no direct response. If her first rune really protected her, then would this new one influence her feelings? Loki kept the silence between them as his fingers continued brushing through her hair. With every gentle stroke, peace found its way into her mind. Cecelia thought sleeping with him would prove to be harder until his magic influenced a peaceful night for both of them. The next morning, Cecelia and Loki walked towards her carriage. Her dress dragged across the dewy grass. Loki handed off a book to her, titled Runes and Intentions. Xerxes’ horse slowed near her. He glared at her, raising his brow. Both caught his hateful look. Loki took his opportunity to kiss her firmly on the mouth while Xerxes watched. Then, Loki jumped on his horse, galloping off towards the front of the caravan. Xerxes’ face froze with question. Cecelia remembered her promise. She shook her head, answering Xerxes. It was for the best that they only slept next to each other.
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“There are truths in this world that are not taught at Oldtown.” – MelisandreLoki enjoyed old things. He cooed over old texts about magic. His eyes found delight in their yellowed pages. He often found value in shipwrecks where his brother and sister did not. He was told Oldtown was one of the oldest cities in the nine kingdoms, but he was not prepared for its prospering size. There were barely any ruins or any broken parts around him as if Oldtown did not show its own age at all. It grew new from its old roots constantly with newer buildings built in place of what was once there. The streets grew wide in all of the appropriate places and narrowed when there were secrets to discover. Its people bustled and pulsated the city. They moved without fear of the Highgarden Battalion entering the main street. Loki scratched his head as he approached Cecelia’s carriage. She took his hand. He gripped her fingers as gently as he could while she exited her carriage.“It’s big, isn’t it?” she said. Her eyes looked upwards and around their surroundings. Buildings scaled higher here than the Reach. Loki eyed a dark elf out of the corner of his eye. He watched the dark elf scurry into a shop with a basket of fruit.“Yes,” Loki answered. His eyes still on the shop’s entrance. “A lot more people here, too.” A mixture of Highgarden guards and Ironborn warriors surrounded the couple. They were outfitted differently than the rest of the army. Their helmets completely covered their faces except for the slits around their eyes. Their chests bore the kraken while the capes reflected the same House Grover’s colors, a unity of both houses. Loki and Cecelia’s new personal guard was appointed by Loki before they left. Xerxes rode just behind them on his horse. Loki glanced behind him, finding satisfaction that Xerxes would not have a chance to even breathe Cecelia’s air. Cecelia’s eyes wandered all around her. Loki laced his fingers with hers, keeping the wandering girl tethered to his side. He stared at his newest rune on her neck. He waited for Cecelia’s immediate reaction to their laced fingers. Guilt appeared at the forefront of his mind, but it was soon washed away with warmer thoughts. Cecelia didn’t curl away from his touch. She continued holding his hand as they walked towards Hightower together. His rune was slowly working. It didn’t matter how long it took, Loki relished how time worked its own magic. How small rewards seemed just as victorious as the big ones.Loki’s eyes followed Cecelia’s line of sight. Hightower stood leagues higher than every building there. He assumed that if he stood at the highest point that he could see the curve of the world around him. It curdled his stomach to think of something that high. At Hightower’s base, another army gathered around the entrance. Dwarves only reached half of Loki’s own height. Their thick beards reminded him of his own father’s. Some eyed the oncoming Highgarden Battalion sideways. They couldn’t gage whether to continue their casual conversation or not with Ironborn around. Loki recalled to one of the last meetings he had in Highgarden. He gripped Briar Rose tighter to his side.“Is everything alright?” Cecelia asked. Her full attention snapped him out of his own thoughts.“Y-yes,” he hesitated. He leaned into her, tapping his side. “Do you think they can tell? That an Infinity Stone is near?” Cecelia became rigid. Her eyes hardened on Loki as she looked between him and the dwarves.“You know?”“Your father told me on our wedding day.” Loki explained. He offered her a half-smile. “I see why Ser Petra wanted you to carry this now. You were right. I didn’t know how important this sword was until recently. I promised your father I’d take good care of it. I guess that makes us even doesn’t it? You know where one stone is and I know another’s.” Cecelia nodded her head, continuing her light silence. Loki sighed to himself. Trust was difficult when neither side said their intentions out loud.As the couple passed by the dwarven group, they crossed into Hightower’s entrance with all other important figures from the battalion. Lord Garth and his commanders followed behind Loki. Loki heard his mother rushing in from behind him. Her cheerful greetings directed towards his father, Lord Odin, who stood with his arms wide open for her. Frigga embraced him, kissing his cheeks and forehead. Her fingers smoothed his hair.“Is that him? Your father?” Cecelia asked. Loki felt his stomach wringing itself like a wet cloth. His grip on his wife tightened. “Yes,” He paused. His feet hesitated to move forward. “I suppose you should meet.” As they approached Lord Odin, Loki’s wrath shadowed over him. It didn’t matter if Frigga chose Cecelia for him, Loki remembered the cruel words Odin shared about his previous lover. How selfish she was, how deceitful and vile Lorelei turned out to be, and how it was Loki’s ignorance that fueled her. It was too late to defend Lorelei, but he could protect Cecelia from Odin’s unnecessary judgement. Cecelia was only a flower. Intelligent and cunning on her own, but still a pretty flower. His narrowed eyes carefully studied his father as Odin nodded towards him.“Loki!” Odin greeted. “My boy, look at you. Congratulations on your success on securing the Reach.”“Thank you,” Loki minced his words. “My wife, Lady Cecelia of House Grover.” Cecelia stepped forward. With perfect manner, she curtsied and offered her hand to Odin. “My lord. An honor to finally meet you.” Her smile painted across her features. Loki admired the way she molded herself to look and sound perfect in any given situation. His face softened only for it to harden within the next second.“From what Frigga has told me,” Odin began. “You were clever enough to figure out where our family kept the Space Stone, hm? Tell me, do the Lost Ones tell you everything? Or do you have ears listening to the sea?”“I’m sorry?” Cecelia reacted. Her smile faded.Loki’s tone turned dark. “Father—“Forgive me, I need to make certain that your intentions are true.” Odin stepped closer to her. Loki threw his arm in front of Cecelia. Odin turned to Loki, but kept speaking to Cecelia. “The last time Loki had a lover, the Space Stone was in danger. As future king, you must understand I can’t take that risk again.”“She’s my wife.” Loki corrected. “Not some lover. My wife.”“Oh?” Odin’s smile cut into Loki. “And you support your wife speaking to these Lost Ones?”“I do,” Loki said loud and clear. He felt Cecelia’s eyes on his cheek. “They made the stones. Besides, you should know better. The dead must always be respected. What is dead may never die.”“What is dead may never die,” Odin repeated back. Odin kept his smile, passing them by for Lord Garth and his party. A delighted greeting emitted from Lord Garth as he threw his big arm around Odin’s shoulders. Loki turned to Cecelia, an apology on his lips. Before he could say anything, a pair of muscular arms crushed his lungs, partially lifting him from the ground. Loki’s feet kicked into the air.“Brother!” Thor shouted. “Hello, Thor,” Loki wheezed. Cecelia laughed into the arms of another young woman. Her long, dark hair hung in loose waves. Her eyes struck him differently than Cecelia’s. They seemed more grounding. Her wide smile matched Thor’s. Cecelia looked at her with admiration and a love he almost felt envious of. She wore red the same way Cecelia wore green, with a sense of pride and belonging.“Loki! Meet my wife, Lady Sif of House Westerling,” Thor gestured towards her. Loki took her hand, kissing the top of it.“My lady, a pleasure to meet you,” Loki looked back and forth between the pair of women. “Cecelia has told me about you. Good things, I promise.”“A pleasure to meet you as well,” Sif nodded. “Lia has told me quite a few things about you.”“Lia?” Loki reacted, looking directly at his wife. “Short for Cecelia,” Sif explained. The sun from Hightower’s windows touched her cheek. Loki understood why she was chosen for Thor. The sun touched her the same way Thor smiled at her. She possessed a warmth that only his brother would get along with. Loki floated closer to Cecelia. Cecelia’s darkness moved quietly like clouds shadowing the moon at night. Loki appreciated his mother’s choice, fully understanding her reasoning now.Thor tickled Sif’s side. She giggled, slapping his hand away. Thor kissed the crown of her head, almost succumbing to leaving more than just one kiss on her face. It was clear. Their physical chemistry was not just a rumor.A need filled Loki’s stomach. His fingers reached for Cecelia, pulling her close to him. His hands grabbed her shoulders, bringing her back closer to his chest. He kissed her shoulder closest to the rune on her neck. “Loki,” she breathed out. She did not bend easily to his touch like Sif did with Thor. Her face turning a shade of red. “Not here.” Her shoulders tensed. Loki let go of her. “Sorry,” he apologized. Sif squealed as Thor tickled her side again. “Just you wait,” Thor teased. “We’ll be alone soon and you’ll be in so much trouble.”“Thor! You hungry creature,” Sif laughed so easily with him. It tugged at Loki’s chest. Loki felt a new prickling need in his core. His eyes hardened on his brother.A booming voice collected everyone’s attention. “Welcome, welcome all!”A man whose stature matched the height of his own home stood above them all. His light robes and slippers were dipped in lavender, detailed in gold. Lord Hightower clapped his hands together. The sound resonated throughout the hall. “Welcome to Oldtown, friends and allies,” his voice oozed in privilege. “From the dwarves of the Eyrie, to Houses Westerling and Grover, to my new friends of the Iron Islands. Welcome! It is high time someone does something about our current king. Lord Odin!” Lord Hightower gestured towards Odin. Lord Odin puffed out his chest. “A hero among men. An honor to be among you all here. My home is yours for as long as you need.”Loki’s chest tightened. It was never an honor to be in his father’s presence. It weighed on his shoulders heavy enough for him to roll them back to help him relax. How could anyone say it was an honor to be here with him when the Iron Islands rebelled against the nine kingdoms years ago? They fought against all of these people once, and now they felt warmed by his father’s presence? Loki felt shards poking through his core. He knew what insincere love was. How shallow it presented itself to please ears, but it faded so easily away if one thought about it deeper than intended.Loki watched the dwarves on the other side of the hall roll their eyes with the same disdain he felt. Perhaps, they too, saw what he did. Maybe they would make better allies than he thought. As Lord Hightower finished his welcome, the dwarves clapped as if invisible hands held their wrists and forced them to clap their hands together. “Lia! Come with me, there’s so much we should talk about!” Sif grabbed Cecelia.“Wait,” Loki hesitated. “I thought we could explore the city. This being our first time and all.”“Oh please? It’s been forever since I’ve seen her,” Sif said. Cecelia’s eyes focused on Loki’s resolve. Her eyes succeeded more in pleading than Sif’s words did. His shoulder slumped in defeat. “Keep your guard with you, alright?” Loki nodded. Cecelia jumped. She quickly kissed Loki’s cheek. Sif and Cecelia hopped off together like sisters. Thor’s hand slapped against Loki’s back, leaving a sting behind.“If our grandfather could see us now, he’d be proud,” Thor’s voice resonated. “Didn’t think we would get married to good women, did you?”Loki’s brow raised. “Judging by your stamina, I’ll be an uncle soon enough.”Thor’s laughed echoed deep in his chest and the walls around them. He patted his brother’s back again. “I like her.”“Sif? No shit.”“No, no. Cecelia. I like her for you,” Thor smiled. “Sif told me tales about her. And now, I see how she is with you. She complements you.”“You think so?”“I do. It seems your love is already marked on her.” Thor gestured to his neck. “How many runes does she already have?” Loki’s face brightened. “Only two. One for protection from harm. And the second for love.”“Love?” Thor questioned. “Does she not like you?” Loki’s mind prickled with envy. He rolled his shoulders back again while avoiding his brother’s gaze.“She does, but you were right to warn me about her. It seems other men have a bigger hold on her.”“Is she not true to you?” Thor said. “There are ways we can deal with that.” Loki shook his head.“No, no, not that. That’s what the second rune is for. Her faithfulness.”“I thought you said the second rune is for love.”“It is,” Loki said. “It’s to mark her for only me. Only I can touch her.”
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“Now, I have seven kingdoms to look after and three of them are in open rebellion.” – Tywin LannisterLord Garth was not the first to arrive to the meeting that morning. Lord Odin and his sons loomed over a pile of maps that detailed different locations of Westeros. Following behind him, Garth’s commanders spoke amongst themselves. They always shared his space, his air to breathe. Friendship was more important to him than power. He always thought that was why the Light Elves of Riverrun gifted the Mind Stone to him.With the ability to influence the mind and power of knowledge it held, it was best for the Mind Stone to be kept with House Grover. If King’s Landing was the heart of Westeros, Highgarden should be the head. Lady Olastina entrusted him with the stone almost raw, suggesting that House Grover keep it locked away somewhere deep in their labyrinth. Lord Garth decided to encase it in a sword by a Light Elf blacksmith’s hand. If elven magic disguised it, it would be that much easier to hide. Few common people of the Reach saw what real elven magic looked like. Cecelia knew. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the polished blade and stone. Lord Garth would never admit it out loud, but he cherished his eldest more than the rest of his daughters. He also wouldn’t admit to his wife how much he feared Cecelia. As her eyes lit up on the sword on her name day, Garth saw more than joy behind her eyes. Power was a seductive feeling that he’d seen in men before. He feared what she would be able to do harnessing that kind of power in her hands. His daughter possessed the same mind as his late sister’s. The same kind of weak mind that would succumb to a power like this. Lord Garth studied Loki for a moment. He felt relieved that Briar Rose and Cecelia were in the care of someone relentless. Someone whose cunning and darkness struck fear in their current King. Malekith would be naïve to underestimate Loki and Odin, he hoped.The remaining two lords entered the meeting room with their chosen men following behind them. Lord Salix of Casterly Rock stood in almost all golden armor that had been hardly scratched. Lord Wilfig of the Eyrie’s armor was built well for his figure, dulled by the years it carried. Lord Odin broke the tense silence first with an announcement.“It saddens me that the Light Elves of Riverrun will not be joining us today,” Lord Odin eyed Lord Wilfig near him. “However, we will do our best to represent their best interests at heart. I’ve gathered us all here to find an answer to where we should hold the stones and what is to be done with them.”“If you don’t mind, my lord, I believe the best place for the Infinity Stones is with us,” Lord Salix said. His golden armored glove contrasted highly with his slick, dark hair. “House Westerling currently holds no stones, but we are certainly the wealthiest among all of you here. We can afford to build a vessel so secure and strong to lock them all away. We even have scouted for a perfect location. Directly into Casterly Rock itself.”“And you would keep them locked away? Seal the vault shut?” Lord Odin asked.“Gods no. It only makes sense to use the stones as weapons for ourselves just as our ancestors used dragons as weapons.” Salix argued. “We have real threats out there in the world. Wildings, giants, and white walkers alike. We use the stones to defend ourselves and our homes. Nothing else.” The hair on Lord Garth’s arms rose at the mention of white walkers. He didn’t put much stock into Cecelia’s Lost Ones, but he did hear one too many stories of men choosing death over the Wall out of fear of something lurking beyond the tree lines.Lord Odin’s loud laughter jarred both Garth and Salix. A comically large smile took over his features as he wiped away a tear. A few of his own commanders behind him joined in his laughter. Garth noted how quiet both Thor and Loki stayed. “White walkers and dragons,” Odin shook his head. “Does everyone on the mainland believe in fairytales like Lord Garth’s daughter?” Garth felt the proverbial dagger pointed at him. “My lord, I’d be more careful of how you speak of history,” Lord Wilfig’s voice colored with something ominous. “Excuse me? You mean to tell me you agree with them?” Odin gestured to Salix and Garth.“Aye,” Wilfig nodded slowly. “At the Eyrie, we’ve built a Moon Door. Have you heard of it?” Odin shrugged. Wilfig drew a large circle on the table with his finger. “It’s an opening, right in the middle of my throne room. You open it to reveal the six hundred foot drop. From high in my throne, I can watch poor bastards drop all the way down to the rocky end of Giant’s Lance. I never see their bodies nor can I hear the crunch of their bones hit the rock. But, I will tell you what I have seen. I’ve seen more than a dozen Night’s Watch rangers leave their posts, committing treason. They will look me in the eye and choose the Moon Door over the Wall. Few of us have seen true horrors, but there must be something beyond the Wall that can make men choose to die in front of me rather than face whatever is back there.”Lord Odin’s face hardened. His lip curled as if he felt pain in his side. A tense silence fell over the room. Lord Wilfig laid his palms flat on the table.“We hold no stones either, and we are not a wealth house,” Wilfig continued. “But, we already have a vessel to keep the stones in. The Eyrie is impregnable. No one and nothing can reach us. Those who have tried find doom in our sky cells. Infamous for driving anyone mad. Let us take the stones and seal them in the Eyrie. No one, not even elven magic, could break them out.” “And you would seal them away? So no one can use them?” Lord Garth asked. He narrowed his eyes at his new ally.“That’s correct.” Wilfig nodded.“Including yourselves?” Wilfig hummed in disapproval. “And here I thought we were all meeting as friends.”“You’re mistaken,” Lord Garth changed his tone in seconds, lifting his hands in a form of surrender. His warmth was felt around the room. Like his daughter, he had a certain effect on those around him. “I only offer another idea just as Lord Salix and yourself. What if you did use them? What if we all did?”Lord Garth beckoned one of his lords to bring him an item. The older lord dropped a chained necklace with a small space to hold an infinity stone. He held it high for everyone to see.“This was made by one of my own blacksmiths. It’s similar to King Malekith’s vessel for the reality stone. We build vessels for stones that lack a home, and we share the stones amongst each other. They should travel between all of us and solve different issues in our kingdoms. Lord Wilfig, I’m certain you would find great use in wielding the power stone to create the greatest weapons this realm has ever known.” Lord Garth gestured to Salix. “And you, my old friend, would find use in wielding the space stone. Lannisport could be the greatest trading center in all of the known worlds with open portals to Essos, the North, and more.”“I mean no disrespect to you, Lord Garth,” Odin smirked. “But, you have an impossibly optimistic view of people. If we share the stones, how is that going to stop any one of us from hoarding all of the stones like our current king?”“We have power and solutions to solve our problems with these stones.” Lord Garth argued. “If we do not use them for the greater good and push us forward, then how do you think we should use them?”Lord Odin smirked. “You mean to make me a villain of my people before I even sit on the throne. I do want peace and clarity among all in Westeros. These stones are ours. I agree with Lord Salix. We should use them against our enemies. Just not the ones from stories and myths.” Odin’s finger tapped on a map of Essos. “Malekith has voiced in the past that our enemies in the east are growing stronger.”“I fail to understand why that should be our biggest worry right now,” Lord Garth said. “Are we not in the middle of planning a rebellion against a Mad King? Should we even take his word seriously? How are we even certain that anyone from the East wants to attack us?”“Lord Garth is right, Father,” Loki chimed in. “King Malekith is growing mad with the reality stone. He may be creating his own narrative with Essos that may not necessarily be true. We should focus on taking the stone away from him.” Odin turned towards his son. His eyes lingered on Loki’s face as if he waited for him to apologize breathing his air. “Well, if you’re so certain that the path we need to take, I suggest you use your resources.” Odin grabbed Briar Rose from Loki’s side easily and shoved the blade and its holster into Loki’s chest, pushing Loki back.“You have the Mind Stone right there,” Odin said aloud. Garth’s eyes widened. He caught Wilfig’s shocked reaction. It tinged with envy and a selfish anger that he and his allies in Riverrun claimed all dwarves were born with. Odin dug his finger into Loki’s chest. “And, you just married your pretty flower girl whose friends with the Light Elves. Get the time stone. Then, use your head and the two stones and take the damn thing away from him yourself. Unless, you can’t handle that in which case,” Odin turned to Garth. “Lord Garth will lead us into active battle at King’s Landing. I’m sure you can convince Riverrun to join us there.”“Of course, my lord,” Garth nodded. His eyes softened on Loki. He often judged a man on how he treated his children. Garth held his tongue, reminding himself that Odin was a better man than Malekith.“As for the Space Stone,” Odin continued. “House Westerling will keep it safe for us at Casterly Rock. Travelling by sea will be safest and prevent any of Malekith’s men from taking it on land.” Garth watched Wilfig wrinkled his face like a prune. “The rest of us shall focus on obtaining the power stone. The sooner we find it, the sooner we can end this whole damn thing.”
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“Love didn’t just happen to us. We built it slowly over the years, stone by stone…it’s not as exciting as secret passion in the woods, but it is stronger, it lasts longer.” – Catelyn StarkDespite his best efforts, his father’s actions still bothered him. Loki ran a hand down his face, dragging all the frustration down with it. He had secured the Reach. He created the border around all of its lands. He married Lady Cecelia of House Grover almost without complaint. Loki counted his favors for Odin in his head. He marked them off, slashing through each with an imaginary red line. Now, Odin wanted him to go to Riverrun. His task list never ended. Odin added one thing after another, and yet Thor contributed very little to the cause. Loki’s nails dug into his palms. Thor couldn’t be bothered with anything relevant to the rebellion. Thor was much too busy enjoying his new wife. Loki looked at his bed again. Blankets rose and fell in waves within its frame. Bitterness and envy reminded him that it was empty of another body. Despite being married, Cecelia rarely slept with him. Loki pretended not to be bothered. His mother and father rarely slept together. Perhaps, it was more normal than he wanted to admit. The contrast to his brother’s marriage still tugged at him.Thor’s attraction to Sif was clear. She warmed his skin and desire like the summer sun. It wholly surprised him that she wasn’t also blonde. Cecelia was different. She froze him with her piercing eyes. Kissing her tasted like ripe fruit. He repeated the orchard fantasy in his mind, but it never satisfied him. It didn’t take away from what the reality was. She was not here. Cecelia was somewhere else in Hightower.Out of the corner of his eye, Loki saw the illusion of her. Even Cecelia’s illusion contrasted greatly from Lorelei. Lorelei seduced him, teased him, and always interacted with him. Cecelia’s illusion cried by herself in the corner of his room. The longer he stared at her, the bigger her grazed marks on her arms would grow.“You’re not real.” He reminded himself out loud, tearing his eyes away. Her sobbing reached his ears. His heart sunk into his stomach. He needed to leave this room. He wanted to find the real Cecelia. His strutting pace sounded off clearly in the hallway. He heard another set of noises disturb the silence of night. A woman’s moans combined with a rhythmic squeaking caused Loki to stop in his tracks. His eyes found the bottom of Thor’s chamber door. As the moaning grew louder, so did her laughter. Loki heard Sif’s small pleas through the bottom of the chamber door.“More,” she said. “I want more.” Loki’s mind reminded him of another memory. How he heard Lorelei’s moans from Thor’s chambers before. How soft she sounded just like Sif. Loki lied to himself about it then, but now the trigger of the memory sent a rage through him. He continued strutting down the hallway. “Lorelei’s gone. She doesn’t matter now.” Loki reminded himself out loud. “Focus.” His fingers dragged across the smooth stone on the wall. He drew the rune on Cecelia’s wrist, thinking of her eyes. “Show me what she sees.”A small section of the wall disappeared, replaced by a view of bookshelves. A dim light shined on the spines of the books. It didn’t take Loki a second longer to figure it out.“Of course, you’re in the library.” Loki said to himself. “Another maze. I should know you better.” He turned back around, going back in the same direction he just came from. He heard Sif’s moans combined with Thor’s grunts from their chambers again. Loki sped by faster, pushing the sounds out of his mind. It was so easy for Thor to be loved, favored by not only his father but also the Ironborn. Thor thrived where Loki fell short. Loki proved that he wasn’t to be underestimated. If people were going to hate him, he might as well use that to his advantage. Fear wasn’t hard. He was satisfied in its results. He played with their loyalty the day he killed off an Ironborn in front of Cecelia.Was that the reason she refused to be touched by him?He grappled with it. Her fear of him manifested into the illusion he saw now. A repeated memory of their wedding night. He thought he enjoyed breaking people’s spirits until he watched her crumble into a shadow of the bold girl who threatened him with a sword. He missed the vicious look in her eyes. The poison from her threats stained him. It was clear since the beginning, she had no trust in him. She must have felt something for him. Loki played a memory in his mind as he ascended stairs. She knelt in front of her makeshift altar that he broke. If front of no one, Cecelia spoke about him with care. It drove him up the wall. Her enthusiasm in the orchard was clear. If Xerxes hadn’t stopped them, how far would they have gone? The rune on her neck was supposed to encourage more of it. She held his hand. She dutifully obeyed everything he asked for. It wasn’t enough.Loki stood in the threshold of Hightower’s library. A labyrinth made of bookshelves that stretched up three levels of the tower caused Loki to drop his shoulders. The only major light source was the moonlight creeping in through the windows. Everything stood still where the light touched. Books often meant solace. Now, he searched among them with unease. How many more mazes would he have to traverse to understand her?Loki eyed the nearest book. His fingers drew the rune again on its cover. He commanded. “Show me.”The rune changed its form to an arrow, pointing in an obscure upward direction. Loki looked up towards the second floor of the library. He caught a light of the dim, yellow lantern light moving in between the rows of shelves. He sighed into a relieved smile.“There you are,” he said. He moved quietly, imagining Cecelia as a deer. If he moved too loud, too brashly, she would flee from him. The last thing he wanted was to scare her. Her mistrust already wounded him enough as it is. Loki poked his head into a row where the lantern’s glow was the brightest. Cecelia faced away from him with an open book in her hands illuminated by the lantern’s light. Loki studied how her hair was braided. A new desire entered his mind. He imagine tugging on her hair while taking her. He thought of lifting her skirts and cloak. How her exposed legs would feel cold until he warmed her up again. One hand twisted in her braid, the other hand on her hip. Thrusting into her over and over, an excitement spread into his parts. How loud would she moan? Dust floated into his nose, making Loki sneeze out loud.Cecelia turned behind her. She froze in place, closing her open book immediately and hiding it behind her back.“Sorry, sorry,” Loki rose his hands in surrender. “It’s just me. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He cleared his throat. He noted that Cecelia’s silence came from shock, not fear. If she was truly scared, she would’ve run by now. “I couldn’t sleep.”Cecelia’s shoulders dropped. “Neither could I.”Loki eyed her hands. She kept hiding her book from his view. He stepped closer to her. He didn’t plan this far ahead. Words floated in and out until he decided on the new subject.
“What were you reading just now?”“I wasn’t reading,” she lied. “But, you were. I saw you,” Loki said. Cecelia averted her gaze to the side. “It’s nothing. Just another boring set of poems. Nothing special.” She lied again. Loki avoided her gaze. His eyes looked around him. They caught the spines of the books. One title stood out to him ‘The Fair Maiden’s Love.’ The title next to it caught his attention too. ‘The Passion of Sunspear.’ Loki read other book titles above it. ‘The Heart that Connects Us’, ‘The Fire of Love’, and ‘The Heat of the Frost Giants’. Loki started to notice the theme.A mischievous smirk appeared across his features. A fire ignited in his core. His gaze fell upon Cecelia with fervor.“Oh, I see,” Loki said. He began to close the space between them. “You don’t have to hide it from me. In fact, I would rather you share your thoughts. I am curious to know what you’re thinking right now.” Loki watched color rush across her face. Her breathing pace quickened in front of him. Her eyes searched the air around him. Loki’s hand cupped her face, making her look directly at him. Her eyes withdrew from his line of sight. She didn’t weaponized her gaze. She was surrendering the one thing he wanted. Loki’s mouth dried of his clever banter.“What’s wrong?” He chuckled. Another flirtatious line shout out of him. “Is it truly that devious? I’m very open-minded. There are ways for me to use magic to give you what you want.” His fingers ran along the collar of her cloak. He peeked at the rune on her neck. Maybe she was truly shy. He did most of the initiating. She just needed to be encouraged. He drew the shape of it in his head while looking at her. ‘Kiss me.’ He thought. It was simple enough. They’ve kissed before. Loki’s eyes widened when Cecelia stepped closer to him. The tip of her nose touched his. Her breath shook. Loki closed his eyes, preparing to feel her lips against his. Nothing happened. Loki opened his eyes to see Cecelia stepping away. “I should go. It’s inappropriate for us to be here.” Cecelia remarked, dropping the book on a random shelf. Loki reached her in two long strides. He pulled her to him.“What does that even mean? We’re married!” Loki exclaimed. She avoided his gaze again. An anger grew inside of him. His hand squeezed her face, bringing her attention to him. “Look at me.”“Loki—“Why are you doing this?”“I don’t know—“Don’t lie to me.” Loki knitted his brows together. “Maybe I was mistaken, but I felt desire from you before. Do you even remember the orchard? Ever since we’ve been married…” His words trailed away from him as he thought more deeply about their wedding night. “Is it Lorelei? Is it because I lied to you about having a lover?”Cecelia’s breath shuddered. “Loki, please—“Because if it is, it doesn’t matter. It’s you. I want you.” Loki’s hands surrounded her face. His fingers laced in her hair. He brought himself closer to her. His nose grazed hers.“It’s late. You need to rest for tomorrow’s meeting.” She said.Loki pulled away slightly, enough to look her in the eye. Rage crept under his skin. ‘Don’t yell at her.’ He told himself. ‘She’s just a flower. A scared deer.’ Loki controlled his breathing, exhaling the frustration out of him.“Do you hate me now?” Loki asked. Tears formed in her eyes. Her sadness was no illusion now. Her tears grazed the grip he had on her face. She was hot to the touch.“No,” she answered. Loki watched her control her own rage. Her eyes pierced him again. Her gaze thundered like a storm. There was a wildness to her that felt like home. Her façade calmed in waves. It washed down to her swollen eyes. “I don’t hate you.” Loki sighed, touching her forehead with his. His fingers fell to her shoulders. This wasn’t love. She didn’t love him. He didn’t love her either. This was an arranged marriage, and maybe he needed to make peace that they weren’t going to be in love.“I don’t wish to be a stranger to you,” he said. “I know too much now. Your book of poetry. It has too much of you. I know what you want. I know you’re reading those books because you want it. To be desired. I want—Cecelia’s lips met with his. The kiss shocked his core. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her there forcefully. If he could keep her there, this could burn into his mind. He wanted to contain the moment. Loki moved his mouth against hers with more enthusiasm than she did. He felt it before. He knew the feeling of kissing someone who didn’t feel the same way. He let her go. His eyes fell over her neck. He drew the rune inside his head again. ‘Tell me what I want to hear,’ he thought.Cecelia caught her breath. “I want to know you. I don’t want us to be strangers.”Loki smiled. It worked. His smiled faded when his eyes caught sight of her wrist. There was a redness around her protection rune. As if someone tried to scrub it away. He swallowed hard. “Come to bed with me. We both need rest.” Loki offered his hand. “Just sleep, nothing more than that.” Loki thought of her throat rune, drawing it quicker now. He shouted the command. ‘Take my hand. Take my hand. Please take my hand.’ Cecelia laced her fingers with his. They left the library. Loki’s grip tightened. He added another task to his list.He would need to meet with Dyana soon.
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“Aye. Queen you shall be... until there comes another, younger and more beautiful, to cast you down and take all that you hold dear.” – Maggy the Frog“And then I told him that he was completely out of line for saying that,” Sif walked alongside Cecelia. Cecelia dragged her feet, making her skirts catch every bit of dirt on the ground. She yawned into her hands. Sif scoffed. “Are you even listening?”“Apologies,” Cecelia held her forehead. She shut her eyes tightly. Her fingers pinched the bridge between her brows. She wavered in her step. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”Both of the young ladies traversed Hightower’s hallways. Cecelia’s guards followed from behind while Sif’s guards paved the way forward. Both wished they had more freedom to explore Oldtown like their handmaidens. Instead, their freedom went as far as their circle of knights. Hightower’s windows were few and far in between. Cecelia’s eyes glazed over the boring grey-white stone walls. To her, the tower seemed more like prison than a lighthouse welcoming all. Each door was the same. Rooms were built to be of equal distance from each other. If she didn’t know any better, Cecelia thought she was walking in circles. Hightower was monotone, boring her as much as any polite conversation with a Maester-in-training.“You don’t seem like yourself, lately,” Sif pointed out.“I’m fine. I promise to go to bed earlier tonight,” Cecelia responded. Sif reached out for Cecelia’s arm, slowing their pace to a stop.“That’s not what I meant,” Sif eyes pointed at Cecelia’s throat. “What is that?” Cecelia touched her neck, suddenly remembering the rune. The raised edges healed to match her smooth skin.“Runes. Loki gave them to me. This one is for love,” Cecelia explained. She moved her shawl to expose her arm completely to Sif. “And this one is for protection.”“Protection?” Sif scoffed. Her next words bit at her. “What kind of protection? Your arm is covered in—“I know,” Cecelia said bitterly. She dragged the blue fabric over shoulder and arms again, hiding away the violent marks. “I did that.” Sif’s face dropped into guilt. Her brows raised together as she touched her core. “It’s getting bad again, isn’t it? Oh, I wish you would’ve told me earlier. Is it Loki? Thor has shared so many stories—“Please, not now,” Cecelia shook her head. “What were you saying before? About Odin?” Sif’s ears perked up. Sif’s excitement meant for a quicker pace in walking. They continued descending the lighthouse’s stairs into the next hallway. “I mean no disrespect to him, but it’s obvious. Magic just feels heavier. Which reminds me, what have you felt from the Lost Ones? Surely, they told you something,” Sif asked. Cecelia almost gave her a wild look. “Well, it hasn’t been good,” Cecelia lowered her voice. She eyed Sif’s guards in front of them. “They warned me. Calling out different names to me. I heard Thor and Loki’s sister’s name over and over. They showed me that one of the stones was with her. They told me her killer’s name, too.”“Hela,” Sif nodded. “Thor doesn’t speak much about her.”“Neither did Loki.” Cecelia’s mind flashed to her younger sisters. She thought of their laughter. How gleeful they sounded when Dahlia and her tickled Amaryllis. Their squeals sounded off like happy pigs. “I understand though. I don’t ever want to imagine losing a sister like they did. It wasn’t pleasant.”“So, you saw her die? Did you happen to hear any bell chimes?” Cecelia raised her brow, shaking her head. “No, this was in one of Loki’s encased memories. It happened before the war started. Sif died outside on a cliff far from any bell chimes. Honestly, what kind of question is that?” Sif held herself. Her eyes glazed over on the white-grey stone. Cecelia knew that look. Sif was not here. She was somewhere else. Sif’s dark eyes shadowed in Hightower’s lack of light. Tension grew strong between her shoulders. Tales of white walkers and giants frightened Sif since she was a child. Even the Lost Ones gave her night terrors. Cecelia remembered sleeping next to Sif in their childhood. The giant waves washing up against Casterly Rock casted them into a peaceful sleep. Some nights stayed tranquil. Other nights, Sif woke up screaming thinking all of Casterly Rock was set on fire by the Lost Ones. Lord Salix often said how good Cecelia was for Sif. If it wasn’t for her presence, Sif would’ve grown up petrified of magic.“I went to see Maggy,” Sif admitted.“Maggy the Frog?” Cecelia exclaimed. “For what reason? Why didn’t you tell me?!” Cecelia smacked Sif’s arm. Sif winced. “I know how stupid that was. I really regret it now.” Sif accepted her small punishment and rubbed her arm.“What happened?”“I asked to see my future—“You didn’t,” Cecelia interrupted.“So, I gave her a taste of my blood—“Sif!”“And what she told me haunted me.” Sif said. Sif started to shake like a leaf barely hanging to a tree. Cecelia eyed the opening at the end of the hallway. Missing the sharp winds of Casterly Rock, Cecelia dragged Sif through the door. Their circle of knights followed them outside on the battlement. They were high enough to be intimidated by the drop, but low enough to see people walking around the base of Hightower. The air blew between them. Cecelia felt more like herself now more than ever.“What did she tell you?” she asked. “Death will follow you away from home, touching those around you. When you hear two chimes of the bell, know that death is just two steps behind you.” Sif’s gaze floated over towards a bell tower. “I haven’t heard any bell chimes yet, but one thing is for certain. Magic is getting powerful again. It’s these stones. I just wish Lord Odin could see that. When I told him there were darker forces at work, he mocked me.”“Maybe Hela would’ve agreed with you,” Cecelia remarked. “When I was reliving the memory, she called out to them. The Lost Ones.”“I thought the Ironborn worship the Drowned God?”“Yes, but Hela was calling out to the sky. In her last moments, she was looking up, not down into the sea.” Cecelia said. “I’m not even sure what to think anymore. Loki doesn’t even think the Lost Ones are real. He just thinks it’s a silly myth I’m holding on to like everyone else.”“I don’t like the power Loki has over you,” Sif said.“What do you mean?”“He’s rude and arrogant. He can perform magic, draw these weird runes all over you, but he thinks the Lost Ones aren’t real?”“They’re not weird,” Cecelia touched her neck. “I think they’re beautiful.” Sif reached out to touch Cecelia’s face. Her thumb grazed along the scar underneath Cecelia’s eye.“This is beautiful. That thing on your neck is not. It’s a curse.”“A curse? No! These runes are a part of Iron Island culture,” Cecelia explained, showing off her wrist. “Frigga has this same one on her shoulder.”“Well if they’re a part of the culture, then how come I don’t have any?” Sif questioned her. Cecelia crossed her arms against her chest.“Thor isn’t trained in magic. Loki is.”“Loki is also proficient in lying and manipulation. Do you have any idea what he’s capable of?”“I know what he’s capable of,” Cecelia swallowed her growing rage.“And you allowed him to curse you?” Sif leaned forward, pointing out her wrist. “This one can’t even protect you from yourself.”“Loki is not a bad person.” “If he’s not a bad person, then why do you recoil from him?” Sif’s tone darkened. Cecelia chuckled, letting out the punch she felt from her friend’s words. “Excuse me?”“Thor and I saw it from the first day you both arrived here from Highgarden.” Sif continued. “You cringed when Loki kissed you on your shoulder. You can’t stand him. The only reason you’re defending him now is because of the curse he put on you.” Cecelia’s eyes widened. A fury of words filled her mouth. Her stomach wringed like a cloth. She opened her mouth to vomit it all out until her eyes fixated on someone at the base of Hightower.Accompanied by two other dwarves, Lord Wilfig greeted an unmarked knight on his horse. They easily hid just around the corner from the main gate. Hightower’s base was stout enough to only guard their lone main gate. No one could scale the slippery and steep base. One of his dwarves stepped forward, handing over a small chest to the unmarked knight.“Sif? Is your father allies with the dwarves?” Cecelia asked, keeping her line of sight downward. Sif’s eyes followed, seeing the unmarked knight. He wore a dark cloak, carefully keeping his identity hidden. Lord Wilfig handed the small chest over.“No,” Sif answered. “We outlawed unmarked knights when we entered the alliance with Odin. My father didn’t want Odin to think we were hiding anything from him.” The unmarked knight rode away from Lord Wilfig and the two dwarven men. He took the route less travelled that wrapped around the back of Hightower where the lesser used docks would be. Cecelia narrowed her eyes, watching the horse disappear from her sight. A hand grabbed her shoulder.“Lia, look. He’s headed back inside,” Sif said. A tense quiet moment ignited between them as they watched Lord Wilfig retreat inside quickly. The bell tower started to chime its bells. The low, thunderous bell chimed twice. Sif gasped. “It’s the bells. Two times. That’s what Maggy told me.”Low whispers sounded off in Cecelia’s ears. The wind carried a message all the way from Highgarden to her high point here. An uneasy knot tied in her stomach. She recognized their voices.“House Westerling,” the Lost Ones whispered. The wind blew sharply between Sif and Cecelia picking up their hair with it. “Protect House Westerling.”
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“War was easier than daughters.” – Ned StarkHumid air swamped inside Hightower. The more Cecelia ascended the stairs, the harder her chest worked to breathe evenly. Sweat gathered across her forehead and warmer places. No one was going to sleep well tonight because of the god’s wrath outside. Cecelia cursed Lord Wilfig out loud. This was his fault somehow. When Cecelia reached her destination, she let out a singular, ‘Fuck.’ Her face screwed in anger at the guards posted outside the door.Lord Demetrius and his men glared at Cecelia. As she marched up to them, Lord Demetrius held out his hand. She glared at his chest plate with three oak leaves imprinted into the metal. ‘Who the fuck does he think he is?’ She thought. His brown hair unraveled from the hot air inside.“Whatever business you have, turn around,” Lord Demetrius said. “You can’t tell me what to do like a child,” Cecelia’s tone bit back at him.“I can,” Lord Demetrius chuckled. “Now that you’re married and Loki holds Briar Rose, you no longer have any say in war matters, young lady.” His diminishing words agitated her, unfurling something sharp within her. “You will let me pass through to my father. Now.” Cecelia ordered. The three Oakheart men laughed in her direction. Their squinted eyes turned up in a cruel glee. Lightning ripped the sky again. A sharp hot wind blew in, extinguishing the light in the hallway. The three men flinched at Cecelia’s wild eyes. “Should I repeat myself or do the Lost Ones need to speak for me again?”Lord Demetrius unsheathed his sword, pointing it at Cecelia. “Get back, you witch!” He barked. His sworn men followed his actions. Three swords pointed at Cecelia’s neck. “Or what?” She challenged. “I said, get back!” He shouted again. “You have no right!” Cecelia kept her stance until she heard the chamber doors open. Lord Garth’s eyes widened at the sight of weapons pointed towards her.“What is the meaning of this?” His rage concentrated on Lord Demetrius. “Put. Your. Swords. Down. Now.” With each singular word, all three men flinched. Lord Garth pushed past, grabbing Cecelia. He pulled her inside the room, throwing her off her own balance. She almost collided with three other lords, including Lord Wilfig himself. A chill went down her spine as she made eye contact with him.Cecelia heard her father’s rage, making her and the three lords flinch again.“What in the seven hells gave you the right?”“She was practicing witchcraft! Just now! Right in front of us! She was threatening us!” Lord Demetrius defended himself.“Oh, and you let yourself be frightened of what? A young woman?”“A mad witch!”“Don’t you dare—Lord Leyton and Lord Wilfig pushed forward and past Cecelia, hands on their pommels. “I believe this meeting is adjourned,” Lord Hightower announced just under his breath. He cleared his throat when passing by Cecelia much more politely than the previous two. She let the door shut completely as five lords started to argue amongst themselves. Her fingers laced in and out of each other as her eyes settled on the small table behind her. A map of Southern Westeros spread across the table. King Malekith’s men flooded the area except for the Reach. From her view, his men had taken back the Stormlands. Summerhall and Storm’s End both had large icons of a dark elf’s mask over them. Loki was smart to secure the border. If they hadn’t, the Reach and everyone north of them would be under the King’s turmoil. The chamber door slammed open, making Cecelia freeze in place. She turned to see her father’s contained wrath. He pinched the bridge of his nose.“Alright,” Garth said. “What was so important that you had to interrupt me during an urgent meeting?” Cecelia cleared her throat. “It’s Lord Wilfig.”“What of him?”“Sif and I were walking along the battlement this afternoon,” Cecelia explained. “We believed we witnessed Lord Wilfig and two of his men communicating with the enemy. He was an unmarked knight.”“An unmarked knight?” Garth crossed his arms. “You mean a spy working for us?”“No,” Cecelia shook her head. “He handed him a chest of gold. The unmarked knight took the route less travelled—“So, he paid the spy and the spy left—“No, Lord Salix outlawed unmarked knights. Our spies know how to blend in. He wasn’t one of ours. He belonged to the King.”“What did he look like?”Words caught in her throat. “I don’t know. I only saw a cloak. His face was hidden.”“Well, what was their conversation about?”“I was too high up in the battlement to hear anything,” Cecelia answered.“Lia,” Garth groaned into his hands. “You cannot interrupt me on a bad feeling. We talked about this.”“A bad feeling?” Cecelia raised her voice. “This isn’t a bad feeling. Sif and I heard a bad omen right after the unmarked knight left! And the Lost Ones told me to protect House Westerling. There are real people in danger here! Did you think I was having a feeling when I told you of the Space Stone?”“Do not raise your voice at me,” Garth matched her energy. “You cannot speak ill against our ally without real evidence.” “How can you rule out a real possibility? Even House Reyrona, the Light Elves of Riverrun refused to meet us here out of distaste for them. They are our oldest allies and they don’t trust the Eyrie. You don’t even trust the Eyrie. So, why trust them now?” Cecelia crossed her arms and stood up straight. “We need to tell Odin to cut off the alliance with House Arryn.” Garth’s laughter shrank Cecelia. She knitted her brows together. A heavy weight spread across her chest. It cemented her to the spot. “Do you really believe Odin will take your word? Consider your ideas as a real contribution?” Wrath sat low in her belly. Her father praised her as a brilliant daughter at all the times it did not matter. Whenever she was celebrated, Garth put her forward to boast about her as his greatest achievement. Her name day, common feasts, her wedding. All came to see the brilliant Cecelia. When it did matter, her father acted like the men he criticized. “You have the word and the absence of House Reyrona. Odin needs their alliance. They have the Time Stone. House Arryn has nothing.”“Cecelia, that’s enough. Lord Wilfig was speaking to a spy working for us—“No, he wasn’t. The Lost Ones—“Are not real!” He screamed at her. Silence stung the air in between them. Garth took his daughter by her shoulders. His eyes set into her. “All of the dragons died when the dark elves came to power. They slaughtered all of them. Their bones are trophies in Malekith’s throne room. When are you going to grow up and get it through your head?”Shock burned in her core. She blinked away the sudden tears. “Father—“You do not talk to dragons. The voices in your head are you. Perhaps, I should send you back to Highgarden away from all of this.” Garth frowned. He reached out to her. Cecelia smacked her father’s hand away.“No! Sif’s family is in danger! Sif saw an omen too. It wasn’t just me!” Cecelia pulled away. “I should’ve seen the signs since the assassin attack. I thought marriage would’ve changed you. Now, I hear all of these rumors. Are things getting bad again?”“No!” Cecelia screamed. She stuttered out words like puzzle pieces. “I’m telling you the truth! Why won’t you believe me? The dwarves are planning something! Please!”Garth shook his head. He calmly set his hands on her shoulders again. “They’re not planning anything. Lord Wilfig was speaking to a sellsword spy. That’s all. He’s unmarked because he belongs to no one. No one is in danger.”“Oh, fuck off!” Cecelia screamed at him. Garth pulled away in shock. Cecelia’s wrath outgrew her size. Her eyes darkened. “I have never lied to you. I have done everything you have asked of me. I married someone you chose for me. I have left my sisters and my home for this war, and yet I have no say in it anymore. And now when Lady Sif calls for our help, you tell me I’m delusional? When I have wronged you?”Garth’s tone carried a warning. “Cecelia—“If you don’t do something, I know who can.” Cecelia stormed out the doors. Her skirts flew with her like a raven taking off in flight.“Guards!” Garth shouted after her. “Apprehend Lady Cecelia! Arrest her immediately!”Her feet reacted first. She flew down the stairs, air catching her skirts. Her rage gave her the energy to push forward. Panic desired to crowd her head, but she kept her destination in mind. Loki would listen to her. He didn’t think she was mad. She remembered his confession to her in her tower. ‘As far as I see it, the whole nine kingdoms could burn under my touch and I wouldn’t care as long as you could sleep at night.’ He promised her. Loki would do anything for her.
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“Love is madness, and lust is poison. Keep your maidenhead. You'll be happier for it, and you're less like to find yourself in some dingy brothel on the Rhoyne with a whore who looks a bit like your lost love.” – Tyrion LannisterDyana tested Loki’s patience. Hot wind blew in from the windows they stood by. Her gaze glanced across Loki’s opened shirt. She saw hints of his inked runes on his chest, forming a new opinion. Maybe Xerxes was wrong. He was often too quick to judge a person, a situation, or castle gossip. Dyana wondered if Cecelia had seen all of Loki’s runes. She imagined Cecelia’s desire to scribble her own poetry about it. Still, Loki was no Xerxes. Loki’s fingers moved in circles around his temples. “So, let me understand this,” Loki began. “Xerxes has not spent any time around Cecelia in secret and kept his distance. Is this how you prove his innocence to me?”“He’s been good,” Dyana said. “That’s nothing. I can see that from far away. What kind of a spy are you?” He argued. His poisonous glare turned into words. “It leads me to think both of you are hiding something from me.”“I’m not.” Dyana struggled to keep her cool. He agitated her on purpose. She smoothed the front of her skirt, wiping away the sweat and anxiety she felt. “Then, tell me, handmaiden,” Loki started to close the space between them. “Why is it that I keep finding scratches or small cuts on my wife’s arms? She has a protection rune. No one can cause her harm, yet it’s still happening.” Loki’s fingers tapped against his thigh repeatedly. The correct answer stuck in Dyana’s throat. The secret she promised to keep within the walls of Highgarden burned in her mind. She looked into his blue eyes and wondered if he would drag Cecelia down into the deep, murky waters with him. This alliance between HouSe Odison and House Grover rested on the relationship between the only two people Dyana considered more frightening than the storm raging outside. Keeping this secret did nothing for Xerxes and herself.Dyana made a hard decision. “What if I told you her wounds are self-inflicted?”“I beg your pardon?” Loki reacted. Dyana shifted her stance. Her feet went side to side, swaying left to right. Her body moved with the sentences she carefully chose. “You once thought Cecelia was mad, correct?” “Yes, but those were just rumors.” Loki raised his brow. “Right?”Dyana eyed the door behind her, making sure it was fully closed. “From what I heard, it started with Lady Yara Grover, Lord Garth’s mother. She acted violently towards Lady Magnolia before she and Lord Garth were married. Lady Magnolia left Highgarden as soon as she discovered she was pregnant.”“—with Cecelia?”“Yes,” Dyana nodded. “She stayed with House Westerling at Casterly Rock for six years. She feared that Lady Yara would harm Cecelia. Then there’s Lady Rae—“—the garden with the dead cats and altar—“Yes,” Dyana nodded quicker. “Lady Rae was rumored to have killed all six of her husbands. Though, no one could ever really prove it. Lady Rae had her own troubles. The same troubles that everyone sees in Cecelia.”“But, Cecelia isn’t violent.” His words edged with something defensive as if he pointed a dagger to Dyana’s chest. “Not to you, she isn’t.” Dyana said. “For as long as I’ve been her handmaiden, she inflicted harm on herself and others. It’s why she lived in the tower, separated from everyone else. Why she was taught the maze. Why she ran from you after you called her mad. Didn’t you ever give a second thought as to why Lord Garth easily accepted your father’s marriage offer?”“Those are all just rumors,” Loki shook his head. “Cecelia asked me not to assume—“Do you believe in the Lost Ones?” Dyana interrupted. “Answer me honestly.”“No,” Loki said flatly. “They’re a myth.”“So, it was you who broke her altar, wasn’t it? Because you don’t think she talks to dead dragons either. Why are you coddling her then?” The question hung in the air like a dead man. Its weight only grew heavier between them. “She’s mad. That’s all there is to it. And if you truly cared for her, you would understand it’s getting bad again.”“Again? What happened before?”“It was shortly before I came into her service,” Dyana recalled. “Her aunt had passed on and the marriage alliance with House Reryona fell through. Cecelia couldn’t handle the heartbreak. So, she took Briar Rose and locked herself in the tower. From there, it gets muddied. Some people told me they heard ghostly voices, others told me they heard Cecelia screaming. It took them all night to get to her. They found her lying on the ground with the Mind Stone in her hand.”Dyana flinched at the lightning strike just outside the window. The black sky illuminated with white hot power darting across it. It’s been a long time since she heard a storm as vicious as this one. It was the gods punishing her for opening her mouth. She met Loki’s eyes. She noticed the white area in them growing larger. He was frightened. “After that, Cecelia told everyone that she could hear the Lost Ones. Everyone went along with it. We were told to. To please her.”Dyana searched Loki’s constant moving eyes. He flitted them back and forth, side-to-side as if he was slowly putting the pieces together. He opened his mouth. The first part of a word interrupted by the chamber doors shaking with hard, repeated knocking. Someone begged to come inside.“Loki!” They heard Cecelia’s cries. “Loki! Please let me in! It’s urgent! I need you!” Dyana snapped her head towards him. This was the last thing she needed. The gods must have been truly angry with her now. Panic boiled in her core. Bubbles of thought and assumptions popped incessantly without mercy.“Get under that table,” Loki nodded his head towards the corner of the room. “And keep quiet.” Dyana dove towards the table. She peeked behind the thick cloth that kept her hidden. Cecelia’s arms wrapped around Loki. Dyana watched his face soften, almost burying himself in her hair. His hand shut the doors behind her.“What’s wrong?” His serious tone flicked a switch in Dyana’s mind. It was the same serious tone that Xerxes spoke to her with. He did care for her.“It’s Sif. Her family is in danger. Please, I need you to listen to me,” Cecelia grabbed the fabric of his shirt. She tugged at him. “We don’t have much time. My father sent guards after me.” Loki took a few steps back. He lunged for the chamber door lock. Without touching it, the lock slid into place. A rune flashed over the door. “Why the hell would he do that?” Loki raised his voice. “He doesn’t believe me!” Her gaze hypnotized by his magic. She shook herself, continuing to speak. Her mouth moved faster than her thoughts. “Earlier, Sif and I saw Lord Wilfig speak to unmarked knight. He and two dwarven guards hid along the base. They paid him off with gold. He was clearly communicating plans with the enemy. She heard an omen, too.”Loki frowned at her. “That’s a hefty conclusion to make. Are you sure it wasn’t a spy?”“You don’t believe me either.” She shrank. Her hopeful look fell past the ground. Her fingers weaved in and out of each other again. Her nails seemed more pointed now than ever before. Loki grabbed her hands, stopping her momentum.“No, I—I think you’re right,” Loki said. Dyana watched Loki bring his arm behind his back. A colorful rock materialized in his grip. The same, small rocks she remembered Xerxes presenting to Cecelia. It started a dull glow. “I think we should help. If you say Sif’s family is in danger, then my brother is among them.”Excitement charged Cecelia’s movements. She quickly moved around the room with purpose. “We need to find and arrest Lord Wilfig. Then, question him. After we do that, we tell your father to sever ties with House Arryn. If Lord Wilfig doesn’t comply, kill him.” Loki held his hand high above her, bringing it slowly down. Cecelia ceased buzzing around the room.“Understood.” He nodded. A fast, hard knock rapped the chamber door. “My lord! Is Lady Cecelia with you?”Loki reached for the door, sliding the rock in his pocket. Cecelia rushed at him. “Wait! Wait—Loki shushed her. “It’s alright. They’re our guards, remember? They’re loyal to us. They do as I tell them to.” Loki’s hand slid down the door. The enchantment released. The door squeaked open revealing the guards waiting outside. Dyana sucked in her breath as she watched Ser Xerxes carefully step into the chambers. Cecelia hid herself behind Loki. Loki found Xerxes’ eyes and held him prisoner there. Dyana’s stomach clenched. She wondered what he thought of him now. She knew everything she said was true. She asked the gods for forgiveness. She never put herself before her lady. Not even now. It was only a matter of time before Loki knew the truth of Cecelia and the women before her. Loki lengthened the increasing silence by studying all three of the other guards that stood before him. Cecelia nudged at him.“Tell them. Order them to arrest him,” Cecelia said. Loki nodded and faced the guards.“It has come to my attention that Lord Garth has ordered for you to arrest my wife,” Loki started. He held his breath and avoided her gaze. His eyes fell to the ground. “Take her.”“Loki! No!” Cecelia screamed. Loki moved out of the way as Xerxes and three other guards surrounded her immediately. Each guard gripped a different part of her. Her arms, her neck, and her legs. She screamed, kicking her legs in the air. “You liar! You lied to me! What about Sif? What about your brother?”Cecelia’s wrists bound together behind her back. Dyana covered her mouth in shock. How quickly her lady turned from perfect manner to a yelling, beastly thing in seconds. Cecelia’s wild eyes frightened her. She screamed as her nails dug into the guard’s cheek. For the first time, Dyana believed in Highgarden gossip. Loki grabbed Xerxes’ arm, dragging him to the side as they pulled Cecelia out of the room. She continued to throw curses at Loki like daggers.“You fucking bastard! I trusted you!” She shouted. “Fuck you!”Loki closed his eyes. His defeated voice turned authoritative. “Xerxes, be kind to her. She hasn’t slept well.”“Always, my lord,” Xerxes bowed to him. His puzzled face faded as he followed the guards in pursuit. Dyana came to Loki’s side. Both heard Cecelia’s shouting continuing down the hallway. It echoed against the bare bones of Hightower, leaving a new haunted scar on Dyana. The silence that followed was the worst of the gods’ punishment. After a raging storm, there was always a mess behind to fix. To clean. To heal. Dyana saw nothing in Loki’s face as he stared through his open door.“I proved Xerxes’ innocence,” Dyana stated. “What do you want me to do next?”“Leave,” Loki ordered. The single word darkened the room they stood in. Dyana gasped at the lanterns and candles all blowing out at once, making everything inside the chamber black. Dyana rushed out. The door slammed behind her. The impact of the door’s wind hit her hair and skirts, blowing them forward.As she walked away from the chambers, she heard glass shattering against the floor and walls.
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Lord Fandral kissed Lady Elise’s temple and then held her close. Both of them finally caught their breath. Beads of sweat stuck to Fandral’s face. He chuckled while tucking a piece of hair behind Elise’s ear.“What is it?” she asked, enjoying the tender moment. The Lord’s bedroom was far away from everyone else in the Eyrie. Elise wondered more than once why she never heard any lovemaking from Lia and Loki. Now, she knew why. She could scream and squeal all she wanted, and no one could hear her. The bed was larger and warmer than anything she’d slept on, but it was the company she was most thankful for.“Just a thought, nothing more, love,” Fandral assured her. “Tell me anyways,” she smiled. Fandral cracked another smile. She always said that to him. ‘Tell me anyways’. It was almost like their first meeting eleven months ago. Fandral stormed out of the war room in Highgarden. He was tired of being surrounded by grumpy, old men who couldn’t agree on anything. He was tired of this war and it had barely started. He went to the kitchens to grab something. An apple. Maybe some bread. A lot of ale.He swiped a stein from a shelf and poured himself some ale. He gulped it all down and poured himself some more. He drank that too in less than a breath. Then he heard her.“Are you alright?” she asked. Her blonde curls were a mess. Her eyes had bags and her arms were filled with towels. Yet, she asked him how he was. Fandral shook his head.“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about me,” he waved her off while pouring himself another ale. “Tell me anyways,” she said. Fandral looked back up to her and saw her kind smile, and then he never wanted anyone else to smile at him again. After a long chat and more ale, Fandral found himself dizzy and drunk, but not enough to forget her. He gathered flowers for her and left them in places she would find. They would meet in secret and trade more than just stories. Fandral found himself disgusted whenever he would try to flirt and charm other young women. Some days, he woke up thinking of her. He had himself another moment by just looking at her.“What is it?” she giggled. Their noses brushing against each other.“It’s nothing,” he shook his head.“Tell me anyways,” she smiled. Fandral said something to her, he’d never thought he would say.“There are plans to move forward and leave Highgarden. Come with me, Elise.” They were never too far apart ever again. They rode together to the Eyrie. They stayed together at the Eyrie. Now, they ruled it as Lord and Lady. Fandral stroked her hair, listening to the fire crackle behind him. He shifted his weight above her. “I was thinking about us. Where we are. Who we are—“And?”“I never thought I would be here. I-I mean, Lord and Lady of the Eyrie. I’m a lord. I have a wife, and I love her. I’m rebelling against the king. And-and I want a family. With you. I can’t believe I’m saying that. I told myself when I was young that I would never marry and have children. I always wanted to fuck the first thing I saw, but here I am.” Elise giggled.“You are so stupid,” Elise took each side of his face and brought herself close. “You are worth much more than what you are selling yourself as.” “I am not worthy of you. How did someone like you fall in love with someone like me?”“Easy. You made me feel loved again after when I felt like I was worthless.” Elise kissed him. He kissed her back with dozens of small kisses covering her face. She basked in it. The love that grew in her heart had become a garden. Perhaps, it was time to build on the garden more. “Children? Are you sure? When we—“I know what I said when we started courting,” Fandral interjected. “Things have changed now. Our family will rule this seat for centuries. But we need a family first. What do you say?” Fandral’s face softened. He lived his life be carefree and lived life to his accords, but now what mattered the most to him was another’s opinion.“I would like to see a little lord or lady running about, I think,” Elise bit her lip before she smiled. Fandral buried himself between her neck and shoulder, holing her tight as he could.“I would like you to be a mother,” he whispered. “There’s so much love in you. I should expect our children to have their mother’s heart.” Fandral moved upward to look at her eyes. He compared them to nature. When she was upset, they were wet grass. Soaking up every bit of the pouring rain. When she was angry, they were a swamp. Thick and dangerously deceiving. When she was happy, they were the feeling of running in an open field or the color in her favorite dress. Fandral moved closer, but before they could begin. A sharp, constant pounding on their door interrupted the pair. The door swung open to reveal a knight, dressed in Iron Island armor, whose eyes were more than wide awake.“My lord, they’re here.” Is all he said. :Lia’s POV:I didn’t know what I was thinking. Maybe I truly missed home much more than I thought. Maybe I was hungry. I took a horse from one of my men and jumped on it. The horse flew and took the lead. He huffed and galloped his way all the way to the castle gates. I jumped off the horse to see the same sleepy knight, Ser Dunham. “Ser Dunham!” I shouted with joy. “Ser Dunham!” A snort and two cough later, I see the same big-nosed man guarding the gates as he did when I was young. His two small eyes lit up. “My lady? Cecelia? Is that you, Cecelia?”I nodded my head. “Yes! It’s me!” I laughed as I heard Ser Dunham make his way to open the gates. They flew open with Ser Dunham not falling too behind. His arms were wide and I jumped into them with all the energy I could muster. His big arms wrapped around me, and I felt it. I was home.The first place I went to was the first place I knew to find my mother and father. I ran into the queen’s gardens without much warning and hugged my father from behind. “Ah! Amaryllis what is—Cecelia?!”“Cecelia! Oh, it’s you!” My mother exclaimed. Her arms reached for mine and I found comfort in her embrace. “I’m home!” I laughed into her chest. I thought I felt joy before, but not like this. My face grew wet while my parents held me. This moment could last forever. In the past months, I felt so unsafe, angry, and lost. Now I was home. I didn’t need to worry any longer. I was safe.After what felt like happy hours, I was reunited with everyone in the castle. My people who also returned home found love and embrace with their families and friends. Loki’s men found friendship and returning hospitality. And the dwarves found a beautiful sanctuary. One that looked more beautiful than anything they had ever seen. Then, my father asked the question.“My dearest, why are you here? Where’s Loki?”I took my Lord Father into his war room. Many things had changed. He had raven messages on the walls. Reports and details from different spies and paid thieves were stabbed into the map and paper. He would not chance Highgarden again. “We were here in this forest. Loki and his sorcerers created a barrier around us. One could not see it with the eye, but when coming in a certain distance from it, it would ripple.” I explained to my father. He nodded for me to continue. “Something triggered that rippling. We had a sanctuary below the camp, so we hid down there. I do not know what happened above, but the dwarves heard screaming. So, I opened the door to our escape and it led me here.”“And what of the battle?”“What do you mean?” I asked. “I told you. We heard screaming. It didn’t sound good.”“Is he dead?” My father asked. I narrowed my eyes at him.“Is who dead?”“Loki.” My father said. I felt my entire self turn white. As if ice had casted it’s magic on me and I could not move. I felt my eyes go wide and my heart stop. Loki. He could be dead. He could be rotting in the ground and the fallen crown would remain. My hands shook aggressively while my breath had finally caught onto my emotions. I held my center out of fear of falling apart. My father held me up and watched my eyes water and blink. Realizing what he said may have been true, my father squeezed me against him.“Hold on, my brave girl. My good, brave girl. Hold on for me. Hold on for him.”Thus began my father’s search. He gathered up his best spies, scouts, and thieves. He told the spies to go to different kingdoms. Gather any intel from pubs, halls, or brothels and bring it back home. He ordered the scouts to search the forest. Find anything. Anyone. Bring them back home. Then, he asked a malicious thing of the thieves.Find who attacked us, then kill them. That night, I sat in my old bedroom, watching the fire crackle. The thoughts ran through my head faster than the horses my father sent out. What if he was dead? What if he was dead? What if he was dead? What if he was dead? The only question I didn’t want an answer to. I buried my head into my arms.“He’s going to be okay,” I quietly whispered to my stomach. “He wouldn’t leave us. Not now. He wouldn’t do that to us.” A soft knock on the door revealed my mother with a warm drink in her hand. She walked carefully over to me and sat with me. Her hand rubbed up and down my back.“Nothing yet,” she said without me asking the question. “Take this. It will help calm you.” The milky tea was warm in my hands, and it tasted sweet on my tongue.“There’s something I need to tell you. Something I couldn’t write in a letter,” I said.“Oh?” Her eyebrows knitted. “Is everything alright?”“I’m with child, Mother.”My mother’s face turned into ecstatic joy. Her arms wrapped around me as she kissed my forehead many times over. I could hear her squealing.“How wonderful! How absolutely joyous! There’s so much to do! There’s regular visits with the midwife and then there’s the showering and then—My mother stopped speaking when she felt my wet face. Suddenly, her joy had fallen back to the ground. She held onto me tighter. “But we don’t need to worry about that now. Right now, you just fall asleep and I will be right here by you.”The night had felt like an eternity as if the darkness would never fade or turn into any sunlight. Like the Long Night had come early. When sunrise did come, I was watching the gates for any man to come through them. My mother had to pry me away and lay me down. What else could I do? What more could be done? I cried into my pillow once more before finally slipping away from this world. I awoke to a gentle nudge in my shoulder. I turned to see my father who towered over the bed. He sat at edge with me, offering to hold my hand.“Father? I—“I’m so sorry.” My father let out a long sigh. A terrible feeling settled in my stomach. I started to shake my head. “No, no, no,no—My father squeezed my arm. “There was an attack on the Eyrie. An army of Dark and Light Elves. They took it and killed the Lord and Lady.”Elise.I felt the world falling apart. My stomach dropped through the floors and beyond that. I felt gravity push me down into the earth and I hoped it would. I didn’t want to come back up again. I collapsed into my bed and screamed. All I could was scream while several fluids cover my face. Elise was dead. She was a Lady. I had made her one. I left The Eyrie to my best friend and now she was dead.I saw her blonde curls and laughing smile. I would never see it again. I started to hit and punch at whatever I could get my hands on. This war had taken enough from me. It attacked my home. It took boys from their mothers. And now it took Elise. What if it took Loki too?
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:Lia’s POV:Beds were warm and soft in the early morning hours especially when your eyes roll awake for a moment and you realize you still have hours left to sleep. That was the comforting thought. The more time you could spend in bed, the more rest you would have. It was an absolute shame that I sat up, wide awake, my mind filled with anxious thoughts.It had been a week since the escape through a portal. My mother had claimed herself as Head Septa of my care which did not amuse any of the septas here who could have done the job just as well as she could. I had been stuck in this bed for a week because my mother insisted, ‘The more rest she has, the easier it is for the baby to grow healthy in her.’ I may not have agreed, but my parents did agree on one thing.The stress over the war was not good for me or the baby.Still, there was no news of Loki or his men or at least no news had reached Highgarden. I rubbed my belly in circles, hoping it would calm me somewhat. All I could think of was Loki’s corpse rotting in the forest without any chance of saying goodbye. I shook the thought out of my head and placed my feet on the ground in my old bedroom. I hoped walking around would help or at least distract me from those darker thoughts. My mother had kept it just the same even after we took the Eyrie and called it home. I had heard from a servant girl that someone had asked her if she would like to remodel this room, and she responded by almost throwing the servant out onto the streets for suggesting such a thing.As I looked around the room, things looked the same. There was a wide window with light curtains. Floral patterns and golden swirls ornamented the green background. A window seat was made for me when I started to read on my own. I remembered I would often stay inside during nicer weather so I could read in peace. I let my hands run over my stomach again. I remembered what my father did to me. He hid knowledge from me. I wouldn’t do that to my son…my son? No, I could be having a daughter. Why would I say daughter? Did it truly matter if this baby was a girl or a boy? I breathed for a moment. Letting my mind wander was not the best idea. I had a quick idea and opened my bedroom door to see Xerxes standing guard. He turned to me confused.“My lady? It’s late. What—“Would you come in? I can’t sleep.”As Ser Xerxes came into my bedroom, his eyes darted around the place. Studying each part as if he was never going to see it again. His wide brown eyes looked over my shelves filled with books. His fingers reached out to touch the spines, letting him feel the bumps and different thicknesses of each tome.“I didn’t realize you read so much, my lady.” Xerxes said. “I’ve read every book I got in my hands,” I chuckled. “My mother liked to brag to other noble ladies that I read faster and better than their children. She lost many friends that day.” I continued chuckling, but Xerxes continued to look through the books.“This whole shelf is nothing but romantic stories,” Xerxes smiled. “I didn’t take you as the type for enjoying these frivolous stories.”“Not every story needs to be educational and serious, Xerxes,” I grabbed a book off a shelf. “Sometimes we need stories to take us away and let ourselves escape. If we didn’t have stories like this, I figure the whole world would go mad.”“And that book?”“It’s my favorite one. My father had the author come talk with me about it and sign it for me. It’s about two lovers. One is across the Narrow Sea in Essos trying to find a way to come home to Westeros so he can be with his lover. They send love letters back and forth. It makes my heart swell.”“Love letters?” Xerxes smiled. “I’m afraid I’ve assumed wrongly of you. Back inside the hole underneath the camp, you seemed so calm and in order of everything. So certain that we would survive. I didn’t think you would favor things like this.”“Have you considered maybe I am both?” I placed the thick tome back on the shelf. “Knowledge is power. The more you have, the better you can use your own power. Of course, our king disagrees. He believes power is power, but he forgets his people are smarter than he is.”“Do you believe you’re smarter than the King then?” Xerxes laughed. It sounded deep, but it came out more as a titter than a belly laugh. “Maybe I could be, or maybe not.” I sat on the window seat. Letting my fingers feel the cold windows. “What about you? Do you enjoy romance and adventure?”“I suppose I do, my lady,” Xerxes nodded. His dark curls moved around his head. One fell to the front and he pushed it back.“Are you married? Do you have someone you care about?”“No, I am not married, but there is someone who has caught my eye recently.”I sat straight up. “Tell me about her. Does she live in the castle?”“Yes,” Xerxes said nervously. “She’s very comfortable here.”“How did you meet her?”“This war. I met her on the way here back from the Eyrie.”“Oh! So this is very recent then,” I stretched my dress as I crossed my legs on the seat.“Yes, you can say that,” Xerxes sighed. He glanced back at the books. “Does your husband Loki share the same enthusiasm for love and adventure as you do?” I felt my heart sink. The dark thoughts entered my mind once again.“He did. No, he does. I—“My lady?” Xerxes interrupted. “Are you alright?”“I can’t seem to get the thought out of my head. What if Loki and his men are gone? What if they are dead to the world and their bodies are just—I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t be—“No, I’m sorry,” Xerxes placed his hand on my shoulder. “You are not the only one who is concerned. I may be posted outside your door at all times, but I hear the others. Some are scared. Most are praying. I saw one of your sisters making a prayer wheel for Loki.”“Dahlia,” I smiled. “She was always the most religious one of us all. She’s read most religious texts from around the world, and her faith with the Nine is still strong. I admire her.”Xerxes nodded. “Your father has been working day and night to find Loki or any kind of news. He’s sent out his fastest eight riders. Two North, Two East, Two West, and Two South. He even went as far as to send ravens to Thor and Lord Odin.”Thor. I had forgotten about the sweet, princely man. Since Fandral and Elise’s wedding, all letters between Sif and I have stopped. I’m sure she was pressured to just the way I was. Sometimes going to war against family meant risking everything you had, and you prayed that the risk would pay off. I thought of their sweet blonde boy and I wondered how big he was. Was he walking? Did he say his first word?“I hope Thor will come through,” I said, sounding more defeated than I wanted.“Not Lord Odin?”“Do you not remember, Xerxes?” I questioned him. “Lord Odin was never Loki’s father. Loki was a trophy of war against the Frost Giants. He doesn’t belong on the Iron Islands. Surely, Lord Odin wants nothing to do with him. If there was anyone who could help him now, it’s Thor.”“You sound as if you don’t believe Thor will help.”“Thor believe Loki isn’t fit to be King of the Nine Kingdoms. He is, in a way, our enemy. Loki is fighting to be King. Thor is fighting for the right to be King.”“But both are for the same cause, my lady. King Malekith must die.”“Yes, but both brothers want different endings.”“And what do you want, Lady Cecelia?” The question struck me across my face. From hearing about King Malekith’s plan with his boy army and his madness growing to forcibly agreeing to an arranged marriage. From leaving my home and seeing it attacked to taking another home and giving it to my best friend. I watched my people die. I watched my soldiers die. Elise and Fandral. And now possibly Loki.This whole time and no one has ever asked me what I wanted from this war, not even my husband, Loki.“I-I don’t know,” I admitted out loud. “I want him dead. I know that much.”“Do you wish to be queen?”“I’m not sure. I don’t want to be queen to have power. Whoever ends up being queen should be ready to have her heart and mind open for the people she will serve.” Xerxes smiled at me. His hand almost reached for mine, but he held it back.“I believe you’ll make a wonderful queen. I’ve seen it.” Xerxes smiled at me.“Thank you for your kind words. I think I’ll be alright now. Thank you again.” “For you. Anytime, my lady. My sword is yours.” Xerxes bowed and left the room to return to his position outside. I climbed back into bed and felt my heavy eye lids droop and eventually shut to the world out there. The sleep was peaceful to say the least especially since my mother gave everyone strict orders to not wake me up early. The sun was high in the sky, but it was climbing its way up when I finally awoke. My mother and a servant promptly entered the room with a tray full of fruits and fresh milk. I spied pieces of toast already buttered. My mother opened one of the smaller windows to let in fresh air.“Good morning, sweet girl,” my mother sat on the bed and watched me eat. “How are you feeling?”“I had a hard time sleeping last night,” I said. “I can’t stop thinking about Loki.”“I understand. I’ve spent many night worrying over your father. Even now, I walk around the castle at night because the fear is so strong. Just have hope, my dear.”“Have we heard anything? Any ravens?”“Possibly. A raven came back early this morning from the North. Your father took it and went to his room filled with those dusty men.”“Mother, they’re respectable leaders and generals.”“They’re old and they smell.” My mother, Lady Magnolia, was named after a lovely flower, but she herself was not known to be as lovely. Some people have questioned where my sisters and I got our kindness. I usually point to my father, but that would only start an argument. “So, we’ll have an answer?”“By the afternoon. You know them. They can’t agree to anything, but I wouldn’t worry about that now. I have a very good friend of mine coming to see you. She helped me bring all three of my girls into the world, and now she’s helping you.”“A midwife?” I asked.“Yes, and a very learned one. She recently came back from Essos and learned their ways of childbirth and rearing. And she happily agreed to help you.”An older woman walked into the room. Her gray hair was braided with gold and red beads strung onto them. Her skin was a russet brown. It reminded me of the sands in Essos and how the continued forever just as the wrinkles on her skin seem to never have an end. She didn’t wear traditional dresses like any Westerosi woman, but had a bold-patterned fabric wrapped around her. “My, my,” she said. “You have grown into your own beauty, haven’t you?”“Thank you,” I said with an unfortunate amount of toast in my mouth. “I may know you, but you don’t know me. My name is Eir. I’m here to help you and your baby. Is this your first?”“It is,” I nodded. Eir had a servant place a bag nearby the bed. Eir sat down opposite of my mother and held my hand.“Then let’s get started.”
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:Lord Tytus’s POV:The sun in King’s Landing was at its highest when Lord Tytus received news from one of his spies. The young man bowed his head and ran away to gather more intel at Tytus’ command. The rich and spoiled Hand of the King tapped his fingers against the wooden table he ate his breakfast at.“Sella,” he called out to his servant. A girl with gray eyes came running with wine in her hand. “Yes, m’lord?”“Come and sit,” Tytus invited her to a seat. Most servants in King’s Landing would be more scared than grateful to take the seat, but little Sella took it anyways. She had known nothing but kindness from the Hand. “I just got news from your cousin. Turns out, my plan worked.”“The castle with the moon door?” she asked with a small voice.“Yes, that one. It’s ours again,” Tytus smiled to himself. “And the dark monster is crippled.”“The Loki monster?” “Yes, that one,” Tytus patted the sweet girl’s head. “He won’t be bothering us anytime soon. Do you know what that means?”“We stay safe?” Sella asked. Tytus nodded.“And they stay far away from here. Away from the good people. So, the next time your father tells you that you are not safe here, you tell him that Lord Tytus said we were. Now, off you go.” He nudged the little one along as he continued with his breakfast. He had heard of small riots and rebels among civilians in King’s Landing. Speakers stood on boxes and shouted how mad the king was. Lord Tytus had to hide his king’s growing madness. But how?:Loki’s POV:Loki’s fingers brushed the snakes on his journal as he closed it. Another day without her. Although, he was happy that Lia discovered his secret and that she brought people to safety, Loki was more than upset. The first day he spent it in complete silence. None of his men spoke to him or even bothered to. Some men suffered the same fate. One day their wives and children were here, the next they were gone.It wasn’t long after the battle when Loki discovered the Eyrie’s fate. His informant had told him about Malekith’s banners flying there. Ser Fandral’s body and Lady Elise’s body were hung at the entrance, a lesson for those who dared defied the true king. Loki and his men held sigil for those lost in the invasion. A grand fire was built as Loki shared an inspiring speech with his men and any of the boys who would listen. He wrote in his journal about the boys’ eyes. How some of them cried at night. How some of them didn’t sleep at all. Loki stayed awake those nights with them, watching them wishing he knew what to do.Back in his makeshift tent, Loki rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling more defeated than ever. He may have won the invasion in the woods, but he lost the Eyrie and his best friend along with it. He thought of Cecelia and how she coped with Elise’s death.He smacked his fist against the wooden table and groaned. Loki was losing. Exhaustion came in waves and this one left Loki with a bigger headache than he needed. His eyes drooped. The weight of them kept slowly opening and closing. Loki struggled to open his eyes again until one of his men announced their arrival in his tent.“My lord?” “Lieutenant Kilgrin,” Loki addressed the dwarf from his desk. “What do you have?”“That’s the most polite question you’ve ever addressed to me, my lord,” Kilgrin noted. “Just because I’ve asked you a question politely doesn’t mean I still do not demand that answer, Lieutenant. Do not make me ask again.”“We were wondering what our next move is, my lord.” Kigrin had posed a good question. Loki had been thinking for days in the same spots in his tent and the rest of the campground. His tired eyes looked at the same snakes on his journal. Their bodies entwined and locked into the others’. He wished Cecelia was here. He always pushed him forward.Loki had shooed the lieutenant away without a satisfying answer. Truth was, Loki didn’t have a clue himself. He looked over paper maps and recent news from any raven he had. Loki had taken a part of Malekith’s boy army. The King’s army had taken back the Eyrie. Odin must be in the South by now talking with anyone who would be his ally. Thor and Sif had enchanted the hearts and minds of almost everyone in the Midlands. In the Crownlands, they were trapped by Malekith. The Frost Giants. Loki felt the enchanted sword by his side. He had received word that the Tribe Master had requested his presence. That all giants had abandoned Odin’s friendship. If Loki wanted the Frost Giants on his side, the time was now. The only people who stayed now were soldiers, his military men, and the captured boys. Loki looked over the map again. The only one who could stop him was Thor. The King’s men and Thor wouldn’t dare go into the north knowing what kind of enemy waited for them. It was settled then.The next day Loki’s men moved North with plenty of time to spare. The captured boys stayed tied and grouped together in metal cages. Loki’s generals stayed with him as he led the way out of the forest and towards The Twins.Of course that was part of his brother’s ‘newly’ claimed territory. Thor had been busy taking land and gaining allies since Loki’s taking of the Eyrie. Thor had allied with the Freys. Loki’s nose scrunched at the thought of talking to Lord Walder Frey and his many, many sons. He rolled his eyes. Loki could threaten the old man and his sons. One easy sword in one of their chests and he could gain passage. It didn’t matter who. Surely, Lord Frey had sons he could spare.
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:Lia’s POV:My mother told me that pregnancy made me glow. I wish I felt the same. I felt congested and lost so many nights of sleep already that I laughed whenever I looked into the mirror. I looked like a madwoman. Though, nobody seemed to comment on my appearance that much. At least, not to my face.It was days like these where I missed Elise the most. She would share palace gossip with me and tell me what I honestly looked like in a sweet way. I could hear her now. ‘Silly Lia, your eyes are so red I don’t think you could see any other color out of them.’ Her innocent teasing made me feel human, not like the other servants who were afraid to say anything honest with me.“Violet?” I asked my new head lady-in-waiting. “Any news of my husband?”She scrunched up her face uncomfortably. She did this every time I asked about him. “I’m sorry, my lady,” she said in her common southern accent. “Your father’s ‘bid me from sayin’ to you.”My father. Lord Garth Gardener of Highgarden was hiding things from me again. I thought he learned his lesson the first time around. The last time my father hid things from me, a rebellion war broke out and I was to marry ‘The Dark Prince of the Iron Islands’. Now, here I was, sitting by the fire with his child inside of me.I suppose my mother had something to do with this. I would argue, but she warned me to not be angry while I was with child. ‘What you add to the batter will bake into the cake.’ She told me. With all of her pregnancies, my mother read and read many books about many things. I guess she was right. My sisters and I adored reading. Perhaps, I should pay my Dahlia a visit. Her head was always in a unique book.“My lady, Ser Xerxes is here to see you,” Violet announced. I looked to see the knight in more normal clothing. He did not don any armor, but instead wore a cloth shirt which was more open than I anticipated. I caught a peek at his russet brown chest along with a peculiar battle scar, but I adverted my eyes. “Xerxes,” I greeted.:Xerxes’ POV:“My lady,” Xerxes greeted. He smiled down at his lady. Her hair was disheveled. Her eyes were not made of clear glass, but she was awake. And yet, she was still pleasing to his eye. He took a seat in front of her, hoping to provide her company when she barely had any. “I hear you haven’t been sleeping well.”“I haven’t,” Cecelia answered. She gave a bit of chuckle.“I wanted to bring you an aliment I used for when I couldn’t sleep at night, but I’m afraid your mother forbid me from giving it to you.”Cecelia laughed. When she laughed, Xerxes’ heart skipped another beat. “My mother,” Cecelia settled herself. “She’s controlling my pregnancy like my father tries to control the war.”“I don’t blame her,” Xerxes shook his head. “Any good mother would want their children to have healthy children.”“My mother only wants to control something. I suspect her world has been turned upside down since the invasion here. She needs to feel like she has control of something to feel normal. That’s why Dahlia’s grasp on the Nine was tightened. That’s why your peers have also found solace in them as well. We all need to feel control when things are falling apart.”Xerxes shifted in his seat. Uncomfortable with the idea that things were falling apart around him. His lips parted when he licked them. “I remember that invasion.”“Where were you?” she sat up. “In the heat of it. In the maze. I fought their ugly faces,” Xerxes sighed. “Killed a few of them.”“I’m glad you survived,” she smiled. “Was it rough? Was it the hardest thing you’ve ever done?”“I suppose,” Xerxes admitted. “I’ve been trained to defend Highgarden since I was young. I wouldn’t consider it the hardest thing because I was prepared for it. Would you say marrying Loki was the hardest thing you have ever done?”Cecelia nodded. “I understand.”“I had heard a strange rumor about that night,” Xerxes said. “Something I was told to never ask you about, but if I may, I’d like to ask my lady about it.”“You may,” Cecelia nodded. Xerxes bit his lip, hesitant now that he held onto the rumor for this long.“I heard you were also in the maze that night. Why? Do not be offended, my lady, but you certainly couldn’t take on the invasion by yourself.”Cecelia’s smile faded. Her face casted down as if a terrible memory had been called back to her. Xerxes opened his mouth to apologize for the comments, but Cecelia answered his question anyways.“I had done wrong,” she admitted. She fidgeted with the blanket over her lap. “I read my husband’s books and journals without his consent. I invaded his privacy, and he punished me for it.”“Punished you?” Xerxes reacted. “He put you in the maze as punishment?” His anger rose within him. Cecelia shook her head.“No,” she clarified. “Loki’s anger did not put me in the maze that night. I didn’t realize he possessed magical powers then. His anger blasted me from my seat. I was afraid of him, so I ran into the maze. I didn’t know enemies were already within the perimeter of us.”Xerxes’ anger rose ten times as high. His fists closed and opened. “He used his magic to attack you? Am I understanding that correctly?” he said, holding in the bubbling anger that threatened him to explode.“Yes, but—“Could you excuse me, my lady?” he interrupted her. When Cecelia nodded, Ser Xerxes swiftly exited the room. He waited for a reason. Any kind of reason. Now, he had it. This Dark prince had truly lived up to his awful name. He had hurt his lady. He had used dark magic on her and harmed her. He was not fit to be a king of anything.Xerxes stormed down a hall. His anger filling his face with red. He imagined his sword piercing into Loki’s chest several times. He wondered if the man even bled. This man couldn’t possibly be human. Xerxes turned down another hall and knocked on a wooden door three, quick times. The door clicked open and Xerxes found himself facing an older knight. One that had been at Highgarden this entire time. One that protected the Gardener family for most of his life.“Ser Petra,” Xerxes said. “Ah, Xerxes, how can I help you?” he smiled.“I’ve come to accept your offer.”“Oh?” Ser Petra crossed his arms. “What was the deciding factor?”“Cecelia. She told me what truly transpired that night of the invasion. Why she was in the maze that night. It’s true. Loki harmed her on purpose,” Xerxes spat.“So?” Ser Petra said.“Loki must die,” Xerxes said. He grasped Ser Petra’s left arm in his. “My sword is yours now.”“For the cause,” Ser Petra corrected. “Not for me but for the cause.”
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:Loki’s POV:Loki pulled his sword out of a man. He watched him bleed out and choke on his own blood. His eyes rolled back and his soul left his body. Loki looked to the struggling man on his left. Another one of Frey’s sons. Loki didn’t clean off his sword and poke him through the back, ending his life.“That was too easy,” he commented. Loki was surrounded by dead Frey men and women. King Malekith sent no support to his most loyal man. Walder Frey paid for it. His body was strung on the bridge. The rope twisted as his body hung there like seaweed sticks to the sea. Loki’s army moved on from the blood shed on the Twins and headed north towards his own people.He remembered tales from his mother when he was sick. Frigga would sit next to him and tell stories of the terrible Frost Giants.“They were savages,” Frigga said. “People who knew nothing but how to survive.” Loki considered himself a survivor of his own family. They fed him lies. Covered up his true heritage and for what? A lifetime of betrayal, war, hate? It hurt him to his core. To know that he did not belong his own family, but to a family who did not know him. The northern roads grew colder at night. He watched some of the boys freeze in their metal cages and look upon him with disgust. Other boys looked upon him with gratitude. Either way, Loki did not care of the boys’ opinions. They were safe from the mad king. He would return them home to their families. He would not stoop to the king’s level. The roads turned to ice and snow when his army reached the North. It was a large and wild land. Every southerner lived in fear of north’s men and the Frost Giants. Old magic was said to be more dangerous than the gods themselves. Still, Loki moved forward. He had no fear. He had old magic of his own. The Frost Giants did not live in a village like most assumed. They had a fortress built to last every winter that befell the Nine Kingdoms. Winterfell belonged to the men. World’s Edge belonged to the Giants. The fortress bordered the sea on the Grey Hills. Their homes craved into the frozen rock. Their fortress towered Winterfell by thirty feet. Any man who approached it felt the hard stare of the giants who guarded the gates and the road.Loki was at the head of his army when they approached the main gates. He was met with the same cold stare by three guards.“Who comes?” the first giant’s voice boomed.“Loki of House Laufeyson. Dark Prince of the Iron Islands. Future King of the Nine Kingdoms,” Gryff’s voice boomed back. He may be a dwarf, but his voice carried more weight than anticipated.“Loki…,” the first giant’s voice trailed off as he took in the sight of him. A long, black cloak covered Loki. His golden-horned crown stood out against the white landscape. His grey fur collar kept his face warm. His banners whipped in the wind behind him. His familiar blue eyes struck the giant. The first giant left the other two and the army waited in silence. Soon after, the gate was opened to World’s Edge. Loki and his army rode inside to discover the true size of the fortress which was unlike anything they have ever seen before.:Lia’s POV:Weeks went by without hearing anything of Loki’s status. No one said he was dead, but no one could confirm his safety either. My belly swelled to a larger size now. I could feel the weight of our child. My hand rubbed along the size of my stomach and I felt it. A kick! It was unlike anything I ever felt before. I felt so many emotions that I didn’t realize what I said.“Loki! Come here! Our child—My voice trailed off when I realized who I called out for. I felt myself sink into the chair I sat at. A tea made for a new mother’s health warmed me, but it was not the comfort I wanted. Out of the corner of my eye, a visitor came onto the balcony.“I heard you calling, dear,” Eir said. “Did you need something?”I shook my head. “I was speaking out of turn, I guess. I may as well be calling out to a ghost.” I frowned. Eir sat down next to me.“I heard what you said. Do you miss him?”“Very much so.”“I have heard tall tales of your marriage to him. I was there at the wedding. He didn’t look so happy.” Eir chuckled. I laughed with her.“He wasn’t. He didn’t enjoy the spectacle of it all.” I blinked and remembered a particular memory of that night.
“Did you like the food?” I asked him. “The fish was wonderful, but I’m sure you have had better.”
“It was okay,” Loki exhaled. He continued to look around at everyone else. His eyes narrowed to the right of me. I looked in the same direction, but I only saw Ser Petra talking to a high merchant.
“Is something wrong?”
“Don’t speak,” Loki answered right away. He kept staring at the pair, sitting forward a little more. I sat back, confused. People watching was interesting, but to do it so intensely was concerning. His eyes narrowed on Ser Petra as if he knew something.
“I remember Loki was suspicious of one of my knights that evening. Ser Petra, I believe,” I laughed. “I’m not sure why. He’s one of my father’s most loyal knights. He protected my family during the siege here. Loki just kept staring him down as if he meant to set him on fire.”“Men,” Eir said. “And they claim women are more emotional. Speaking of emotional, how are you feeling?”“It’s been almost three months, and I don’t know whether my husband is alive or dead. News of that battle is old and yet I know nothing of it. It weighs on me. Mostly at night when I can feel his absence. I want our child to have a father. I felt them. They kicked!”“Ah, my summer child. What you felt was movement,” Eir corrected me. “You are only four moons along in your term. The baby will kick later.”:Loki’s POV:Loki and three of his men were lead to the center of the fortress. A tall and narrow room with no windows. Candles lit in several corners gave the room a dim but manageable light. The current leader of the Frost Giants sat there. His eyes were darkened by the little light in them. His deep wrinkles could tell you stories of his long life. His face lit up when Loki entered the room.“Loki. Little Loki,” he chuckled.“Excuse me? I come into your home—The Leader raised his hand, and Loki shit his mouth slowly as if a ghost had gently squeezed his lips together. The Leader laughed and coughed as if he was clearing the dust in his lungs. His black feathered crown moved on his head.“I only jest,” he shook his head. “I never thought I would meet you. Now that you stand before me, I feel joy in my chest. My nephew has come home.” The wrinkles in his face deepened when he smiled. “Nephew?”“My name is Yik’in. Your father, Laufey, was my younger brother,” Yik’in explained. “A warrior and a hero if there ever was one. He carried our name proudly. He fought with dignity, divinity, and with grace. When we rebelled against the kingdom, I was so sure we would win. We only wanted to live by our code. Our laws. Laufey led the invasions. “He traveled along the border, going south, bringing blood and gold to the King. I didn’t think Lord Odin would be his end. I thought he killed all of you. Laufey, your mother, and you. News of your survival never reached here. I cried for years, feeling guilty and weak from it. My daughter, bless her, she wanted to be at peace with it all. Until I heard the news.”“News?”“Of Iced Steel and your touch,” Yik’in smiled. “I knew it had to be you. Only you. When the news reached me, I wrote to your father immediately. I wanted nothing to do with him and his rebellion anymore.”“Which is why you wrote to me?” Loki’s breath was shaky. Everything started to make sense. A weight Loki never knew was there lifted from his chest. He felt like breathing was easier here. Tears started to line his eyes. “You wanted me to come here for an alliance, but you wanted me to come home.”Yik’in’s arms reached out to the young boy. Loki embraced the old man and held him as long as he could. Loki fell on his knees in front of his uncle. His uncle’s hands touched Loki’s face, turning it blue under his touch.“Welcome home, Loki,” he said to him. Loki and his men were welcomed into the fortress. The Frost Giants had treated them warmly, feeding them hot food and good ale. Some of the men smoked sourleaf around the fire in bonding ceremonies. Loki found himself bonding with his uncle and helping him walk around the fortress and the surrounding under cities. “I am glad I have met you,” Loki said. “And I am glad that you support my cause. But why me? Why quit your alliance with Odin?”“Lord Odin is an awful man. He fights with little to no honor at all. I expect hi golden-haired son to be every inch like him,” Yik’in confessed. “I hate him. He took my brother from me. He took my nephew from me. He took my freedom from me, and yet he is a better man than King Malekith.” “And you think I am a better man than Lord Odin?” “I know you are. I have been following this war, boy. I’ve seen your victories and your losses. I’m impressed. You would make a better king than both of them combined.” Loki felt a warm feeling of pride wash over him. He felt the weight of Iced Steel at his side.“I hope I don’t disappoint you.”“You won’t. I have a faith in you that burns from the same fire that burned my hatred for those men. I heard they made you marry a southern girl. We can fix that. You could have one of our girls—Loki held his hand up. “No, I’m happy, uncle.”“Happy?”“Yes. Lady Cecelia is everything I wanted. I was arranged to marry her, but ultimately she has my heart and my child.” Loki’s eyes widened. His child. He was set on the task of being here that he had forgotten about his own future child.“Happiness and a child? Why do you look so worried, boy?”“I forgot I was having a child!” Loki put his face in his hands. He groaned. “Oh, I am awful.” Yik’in patted his back.“Boy, you are at war. Her belly swells. She is at work. You are at work. Let the girl worry.”“She is not a girl, uncle,” Loki’s tone changed. A darkness fell over his eyes. “If you support me as your king, I will remind you that she is your queen. You may be my uncle, but she is mine. That will be the last time you insult what is mine.”Two guards rushed to Yik’in’s side as Loki towered over him. Yik’in waved them away and looked at his nephew seriously. His old eyes saw a fire burned behind his young nephew’s eyes. The same fire that burned in Laufey’s eyes.“That is why you’ll be King,” Yik’in said. “You defend what is yours. You destroy your enemies. You wield Iced Steel as if it was made for you.”“You speak of me like I am your hero. I just threatened you,” Loki looked to his uncle’s guards.“I know. You threatened me. Your own uncle. I can only imagine the horrors that await your enemies.”“How many men will you give me?” Loki pushed his boundaries. Yik’in stood straight.“How many men do you need?”
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:Ser Petra POV:Ser Petra was knighted after he came to Highgarden, cleaning up his act. After fighting in illegal rings and sometimes going days without food, Ser Petra had grown very used to his cushy knighthood quickly. He deserved it and he had grown to be useful to Lord Garth and his family. His unmatched fighting skills with a sword and his intellect have made from indispensable to the ruling family. No one would suspect the most loyal knight to betray the house he served.He was there when Lord Garth had gathered his men around and spoke of rebellion, even treason.“He’s taking boys.” Lord Garth’s voice boomed. “Little boys from their families. First, it was the killing of innocents. Then, it his wavering mind. He is no longer fit to be king. King Malekith has given into the darkness that rules his mind. We must stop it.”“I don’t mean to question you, my lord, but how do you propose we take down the King?” Ser Petra asked, scratching his beard.“I’m glad you asked. I have been in contact with Lord Odin of the Iron Islands. He is planning for an open rebellion to take the crown himself. This is a man of power, knowledge, and value. I believe in him and his cause.”“So, savages from the Iron Islands and Highgarden soldiers?”“No. They are not savages. Iron Islanders have skills on the sea that we do not possess. We have advantage on the land and the numbers. Lord Odin has also spoken to Lord Steffon of Casterly Rock to join our alliance. We’ll seal these alliances with marriage. Lord Odin has two sons. I have a daughter. Lord Steffon has a daughter.”“You’re marrying your daughter off to a man of Pyke?” Ser Petra narrowed his eyes. “I don’t mean to criticize, my lord, but I fear he may not treat your daughter well.”“Any man who lays a harmful finger on any of my daughters will face a wrath that the Nine Kingdoms have never known. Besides, I’ve heard terrible tales spun about the Dark Prince. If he is as scary as they say he is, we will win this rebellion.” Lord Garth’s men cheered on while Ser Petra left the room. He took a vow that day. He swore he would protect the ruling family. He swore his sword to the King. He would not have that king removed.Ser Petra met with a pretty servant girl in the courtyard. She smiled brightly when she saw him at first, but then her smile faded when she saw the wrath.“Are you leaving for King’s Landing soon?” he asked her.“In less than a fortnight, why?” She batted her pretty eyes. “Did you want to toss around in the hay?”“No. I have whispers that need to be sent to the King and his small council. Lord Garth speaks of treason and an open rebellion.”“Rebellion?”“The Lords of Highgarden, the Iron Islands, and Casterly Rock are forming alliances with marriage. Soon, their armies will march across the Nine Kingdoms and they’ll attack the king.” The servant girl left sooner than planned. Royal spies couldn’t hold information like this for long, and Ser Petra was desperate to get to work. The Nine Kingdoms had been living peacefully for decades. He wouldn’t have this peace disturbed now.Whenever he could, he intercepted ravens. He listened carefully to Lord Garth’s words and deciphered them as best as he could for the royal spies that stayed within the walls of Highgarden. Of course, Lord Garth never suspected his own. Ser Petra thought himself as smater than the aging man.“What have you heard of the alliance?” a young spy asked him. “The Dark Prince will be here soon. I suspect the wedding will be soon after that. They want it to be hush-hush.”“How do you know? Has Lord Garth revealed any days? Any details?”“No. His lady wife handles all of the wedding crap. He is handling the rebellion. He will not make any moves until his daughter is married.”“Leaving him open for a siege,” the spy smiled grimly. Like a ghost the spy was gone and disappeared into the walls of Highgarden where most spies hide themselves. In the coming days, Ser Petra saw Highgarden at her best. People teeming with hospitality and kindness. The best dishes were set out and the palace was cleaner. He strolled down the hallway until he saw a posse of people heading in the opposite direction. Leading them all was Lord Garth himself. His voice still boomed in the corridors of the old castle. Next to him stood a young man. His long dark hair was combed back. Ser Petra judged his dark clothing. It looked as if he was attending a funeral, not an upcoming wedding. He noted the sword and daggers strapped to his sides. Ser Petra also saw the young man match his glare.“Ah! Ser Petra!” Lord Garth came closer. He gestured to the young man next to him. “This is the Dark Prince Loki. My daughter’s betrothed.”“My lord,” Ser Petra bowed his head. He looked towards Loki’s way again and noticed his younger features. “How old are you, boy?”“Don’t call me, boy,” Loki’s eyes glared. “I’m seventeen.”“You’re still a boy,” Ser Petra laughed at him. Although he planned for Highgarden to fall during a siege, he loved the girls. Cecelia, Dahlia, and Amaryllis would be safe should anything were to happen. He found himself smiling after meeting Loki. At least, they were around the same age. Ser Petra had spent his years in knighthood watching Cecelia grow up before his eyes. They were not blood related, but Petra had a paternal affection for her.They met again in another hallway just as a spy ran off and disappeared. Loki stood right behind him, seeing what happened.“Have you driven your squire mad, ser?” Loki asked. “He ran off in a hurry.”“I ordered him to do something of urgency. Can I help you, my lord?” “I was told that you possess knowledge of the Highgarden army. I had hoped to ask you questions.”“Questions? Why do you need to know?”“I am to lead them into battle. I want to know everything I can,” Loki explained, already bored of this transaction. Ser Perta started laughing.“You? A boy of seventeen? Lead an army? You must be as mad as the king!”“I am not. And I will be leading this army.”“Oh, I’m sure you will, boy,” Ser Petra left an impression on Loki. One that carried into the wedding. Ser Petra saw Cecelia smiling in her beautiful gown while Loki sulked and stared at Ser Petra from afar. He didn’t mind much. This was an evening to celebrate new friends and love. Not planning the undermining of Highgarden.As soon as Loki and Cecelia left, Ser Petra got to work in aiding as many spies as he could through Highgarden. Some had posed as servants, other posed as poets and intellects, some had posed as children seeking asylum from the war. Months had passed and he was among the first to welcome back Cecelia and her growing stomach back into the safety of Highgarden.He didn’t anticipate this at all.When visiting with the lady, Ser Petra took the time to ask careful questions as one of the royal spies poured tea for Cecelia.“Is it love that I see in your eyes?” Perta laughed. “I have seen you happy but not like this.”“Thank you, Ser Petra. You can say it is love.”“Your husband didn’t seem too happy on the wedding day. What happened?”“We grew. Our love needed tending and kindness. Now we reap the harvest of it.” Cecelia said, patting her swelling belly. Ser Petra smiled genuinely.“I hope for you sake it’s a boy. I heard from your father that Loki has declared himself to be a Frost Giant. He took his own sigil. Why?”“To be king. Loki wishes to take the Iron Throne for himself,” Cecelia said. The spy had stumbled over and stopped in her walk. She took a breath and continued. “Is she alright?”“She’ll be fine. How are you? How is the baby?”“We’re both healthy and fine. Lady Eir has been so incredibly helpful in that aspect. She expects me to give birth in the colder months coming.”“Ah yes, the harvesting months. What a wonderful time to have a child.” After conferring with the spies around him, it was final. Loki presented a real threat against the crown unlike his father and older brother who had lost so many battles. Both of their armies headed south towards the civil war that broke out against the noble elf families. If Loki was to die, so was everything that went with him, including Cecelia and her newborn.“Is there another arrangement?” Ser Petra asked the sell sword spy cleverly named No Face. No Face sighed beneath his metal mask.“No. Lady Cecelia and the babe must die. Either you do it your way or I’ll do it my way. Either way, it must be done. King Malekith wishes it.”“Cecelia is powerless without Loki. Tit was an arranged marriage between the two. She does not want the throne for herself. She never has. Her baby will be born into this world wanting nothing but life.”“Yet, the baby possesses Loki’s blood. The baby must die,” No Face warned. Ser Petra retreated back into his room, wondering if what he was doing was right for the realm anymore. :Loki POV:The chill of the North meant nothing to Loki and his new army of Frost Giants. They proudly marched out of the villages and homes to join his cause. Loki rode a new, bigger horse. She was black with eyes that looked like drops of blood. Caina, Loki dubbed her. He always wanted a good warhorse.“Where do we march, my king?” a frost giant rode beside him. He was tall and lanky like Loki was. He had dark markings around every inch of exposed skin Loki saw with his eye. “We march back to my wife, cousin,” Loki smiled. “She lives in the south where our dwarven and human friends wish to be right now.”“To Highgarden, it is.”As the troops approached a village, Loki had an awfully good idea. He turned to his cousin on his right.“Our warriors, they still needed to be blooded, am I correct?” “Yes,” his cousin confirmed. “Many of us have been trained, but we have not seen battle yet.” A mischievous smile played on his lips. His eyes turned dark.“Show me what you can do. Sack the village.”The small Northern village burned to ashes in only an hour. Several mens’ heads sat on spikes and decorated the border of the village. Loki rode Caina through the ashes and looked down upon his easy victory. Not much of the village was left except for food and its people. Children held onto their mothers’ torn skirts while they were captured. Each person filed into the carriages. Some men had to be chained and separated from the rest.Loki heard a man say ‘fuck the dark king’ and spit on the ground. That was his mistake.“What’s your name?” Loki asked of the man, a smile played on his lips.“Why does it matter?” the man yelled back. A frost giant soldier kicked the back of his knee which sent him down to the ground hard.“Kneel before your King!” the soldier said. Loki jumped off his horse and approached the burnt man. His clothes were dirty and parts of him were burnt. His beard caught the snow that fell from the sky. Loki’s sword touched the tip of his chin.“I have taken your home. I have destroyed everything, and yet you have the courage to tell me to fuck off?”“You’re going to kill us, aren’t you?” the burnt man said. “Doesn’t matter whose king. You’ll end up killing us anyways. You’re no better than the Mad King.”Loki put his sword to his neck, watching the man get increasingly nervous of his own fate. The burnt man closed his eyes and accepted what fate handed to him, a quick death. Loki put his sword down and knelt in front of the man.“I’m not like the Mad King. I can be merciful,” Loki told the burnt man. He took his dagger and shoved it into the man’s side. “See? I gave you the pleasure of watching your family come away with me while you lay dying here in the snow.” The burnt man cried out, holding his side and rolling on the ground. Loki left him there as he rolled and writhed.Satisfied with himself, Loki cleaned his blade until another cousin caught his attention.“My king, this one says she knows you,” this frost giant had a young woman chained to his horse. Her light red locks and sad eyes tied knots in Loki’s stomach. This woman did know him, and he knew her very well.“Lorelei?” Loki breathed out. The woman looked up to Loki with a grateful smile. A tear streamed down her cheek. She was dirty and bruised. Her shoes had very little to protect her from the snow beneath her toes. Her light clothing suggested her profession.“Hello Loki,” Lorelei greeted. “I knew you’d never forget me. I knew you’d come back to me.”
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:Lia’s POV:“Ser Petra? Tell me a story,” I smiled at my favorite knight. Ser Petra shifted in his seat. He had been my guest all week at my afternoon tea. He took a bite of an apple in front of him.“Ah, I have a good one. I remember when your mother was pregnant with you. She had this habit that you now have adopted.”“What? What is it?” I sat up excitedly. “Is it something I eat?”“No, no,” Ser Petra shook his head. “It’s a bit of a complicated story. You see, your mother was in a similar spot where you are now. Her mother surrounded her with comfort, food, and a midwife near her at all times. Apparently, it was tradition to be suspicious and overly-cautious in your family.” I laughed and gesturing to the air. Of course, my mother would put me through the same suffering as herself.“Please, continue,” I told him, enjoying this story.“Your mother ended up being so bored because her mother never let her do anything, so your mother held tea parties, hosting different people every week. She often told me I was a pleasurable guest.”“Tea parties? With everyone?”“Everyone. Including the kitchen girls who do nothing but gossip about others. Those were her favorite.” Ser Petra smiled at me fondly. “It’s good to see you home and safe. A pregnant woman should never be on the road to war.”“Yes, I suppose,” I looked away from the table and towards the sky. It wasn’t entirely blue, but it wasn’t going to rain. I knew. “What’s wrong?”“Here I am, about to be seven months pregnant, and I have heard nothing of my husband and the war for most of my pregnancy. No one tells me anything. No matter who I have tea with. No one gives me a hint of anything. It’s—“Maddening,” Ser Petra finished my sentence. He took a look around him and sat closer to me. “May I ask you something? Something very personal?”“Of course,” I nodded. “You’re like a second father to me.” Ser Petra cracked a smile and sighed.“I wasn’t thrilled to hear your father say he was planning to marry you off to him. I always wanted you to marry some boring lord somewhere, but I am not your father. When I met him, I was greeted with an arrogant, mean, and highly intelligent teenage boy. I feared he would hurt you or worse hate you slowly from a distance.”“But, you know that’s different now,” I touched his hand. “He loves me very much.”“I believe that and I’m relieved,” Ser Petra nodded. “Do you think he’ll make a good king?”“Oh,” I reacted. “I wasn’t expecting that question.” I started to laugh a little until I saw Petra’s face. His frown and waiting eyes told me he was more serious than I thought. “I believe my answer will be biased.”“If I believed that, I wouldn’t have asked you. You came into this war with an allegiance to one king, and now you support his son, why? Do you seek power yourself? Do you want to be queen? Would that make you happy?”“No,” you answered honestly. “I didn’t want to be queen. I had little desire in ruling over people, but then I saw the need. Loki is not the arrogant boy you think he is. He has mercy. He has taught me so much. Therefore, I am not the little naïve girl from Highgarden. I have seen parts of the world that are ugly and beautiful. The Nine Kingdoms deserves better than a man using children for war and using his own people to shield him.”“And what does the Nine Kingdoms deserve?”“Someone with love in her heart and another who is aggressive but smarter than his advisors. Ruling would not make me happy, but I will do what the Nine Kingdoms deserves. A good queen and a good king.” I looked at Ser Petra and noted the grays in his beard starting to show.“You’ve grown up and I blinked,” Ser Petra smiled. He took my hand and placed a chaste kiss on top. “Your husband is alive.”“What?!” I reacted. Ser Petra shushed me immediately, noting the other royal guards patrolling. “He won the battle and many other battles after that. I wouldn’t be so cross with him. Your husband has been busy sacking the North entirely. His army has gotten larger with every battle. Dwarves, goblins, frost giants—“He did it? He has the Frost giants?” I asked. Ser Petra nodded. “Your father is rethinking his original alliance with Odin, but he wanted to wait until after you had your first child. He wanted to see Loki as a father first before he made his final decision.”“Has Loki sent me anything? Letters? Anything?”“No,” Ser Petra confirmed. “Again, I wouldn’t be cross with him. Your young king has been busy.”:Xerxes’ POV: Every time Xerxes heard Loki’s name come out of anyone’s mouth, he wished he could hurt them. Even as Ser Petra stood in front of him now, giving him directions. “So, it’s true, he’s marching down here. Why?” Xerxes asked. “To be with Cecelia,” Ser Petra reported. “She’s going to have his baby after all.” The fire inside Xerxes pit grew louder each time it was fed with the reminder that he could never have Cecelia. It burned him, making him feel incomplete. “And what are we going to do about that?”“You said you wanted a chance to hurt Loki for what he did to Cecelia. I’m giving you that chance.” Xerxes laughed and his ears perked up. “You want me to assassinate him? And what do I get in return?” Xerxes strolled around the room. “You’ll have what you desire the most. A heartbroken girl who is more than happy to stay loyal to the crown. Once she marries you, she will no longer be a threat to the crown. You could have Highgarden.”The idea played inside his mind for days. If he killed Loki, he could have everything he wanted. Power, money, and the most beautiful girl in the Nine Kingdoms. No one could stop him. All he had to do was defeat the arrogant son of a bitch before he saw Cecelia. Xerxes would often let his mind wander to his queen. How soft her skin must feel, how the sun hit her hair, and how her laugh sounded like a song. He couldn’t find the words to tell her, but she must know. She must have an idea of how he felt for her. Cecelia was very smart and very kind. She knows. Xerxes didn’t need to say it aloud. “Xerxes,” a friend called out to him. “Did you hear me?”“No, I apologize Han. My mind was…never mind. What is it?”“He’s here. Loki and his entire army. They’re all here. I suspect someone is on their way to tell Cecelia herself, but you are her personal guard.” Xerxes felt his stomach drop. He had no time to think of a plan or even an idea on how to kill the young, dark king. His daydreams had the better of him entirely. He started running towards his queen. His heart beat loud in his chest with an anxiety he never knew before.Was it because he was so close to failure that he could taste the blood in his mouth? Or was it because he was so close to success that he could taste Cecelia’s mouth on his own? “Loki’s POV:Highgarden was just over the hill and a short road to the palace. He could see the size of it from on top of Caina. Joy was not the word he was looking for. Relief? No. Peace. It was the peace knowing you were there waiting for him just inside the castle. It was peace knowing you were safe this entire time. It was peace that he would greet his newborn with.Loki lost track of time he had been away. His snake skin gloves kept a tight grip on Caina. He beckoned her to go faster. Loki felt his heart leap into his chest. He never felt compelled to race his horse towards a woman before, but here he was reliving the romantic tales that girls passed around. He was living the happy ending. Caina galloped in front of everyone and everything. Her hooves hustled through like rain drops raced to kiss the earth. Loki started laughing to himself. He was so incredibly in love that he wanted to shout for you.“Lady Cecelia!” he sang into the air whipping around. “Sweet lady Cecelia!”As he approached the gates of Highgarden, he found them to wide and open. His horse came to a halting stop and Loki jumped off his horse. He heard a loud, booming laughter beside him.“Loki!” Lord Garth greeted him. He took a look a young, future king. Loki still donned his golden horned helmet, black and silver furs served well as an outer layer. Loki’s hair had gotten longer along with sign of facial hair. Iced Steel stayed attached to his side. “You’ve been busy, my lord.”“And here I thought you would be still fighting for my father,” Loki laughed with his father-in-law. They embraced tightly.“My daughter changed my mind. She speaks so highly of you,” Lord Garth said.“Where is she? It’s been so long. I was beginning to forget her sweet face,” Loki smiled. Lord Garth and Loki left the common areas, leaving everyone else to greet Loki’s army. Loki ascended stairs and followed hallways directly to your room. He remembered it only slightly now. He could see you now, happily waiting for him with a swollen belly. A pang of guilt hit him hard. He hadn’t been with you or his growing child for a long while. Would you be resentful? Understanding? You were all at war, in an open rebellion. Hopefully you wouldn’t be terribly mad. Then he remembered Lorelei. Loki’s hand touched your doorknob of your bedroom and stopped. How was he going to tell you? He needed a way to tell you somehow. Loki knew you wouldn’t like the idea of an ex-lover of his to stay inside the walls of Highgarden. Maybe he could explain it to you. You were reasonable. He opened the door to your room, finding it completely empty. Loki’s eyebrows knitted together. He heard a voice behind him laced with concern.“Loki,” Lord Garth held an older woman in his hands. Eir had a rope tied around her wrists and neck. Lord Garth loosened them and the older woman could finally breathe. ‘Eir, what’s happened to Cecelia?”Eir coughed and wheezed. She turned to lord Garth and Loki. “It was Xerxes and Ser Petra. They have her. Up in one of the towers.”Loki’s blood started to boil over. The same anger he felt towards Ser Petra returned to him in an instant. Loki’s nostrils flared evenly. He shot a look at Garth. Garth silently coiled the rope in his hands. “They have my eldest in a tower? As a hostage in her own home? In my home?” Garth said gently. He tied the newly coiled ropes to his side. His war hammer was in his grasp. Loki embraced Iced Steel in his own hands. They both could smell the shit of the men who they trusted in the air as if it left a trail of where they exactly were. Highgarden had several towers, but this particular one stood in the center of it all. Loki and Lord Garth started climbing the steps up the tower. Loki went ahead first. His fingers itched to hit someone. He trusted Xerxes to take care of his wife. So why exactly was he holding her hostage now? He suspected the honored knight, Ser Petra. When Loki and Lord Garth reached the top, they were met with the two idiots who made a terribly bold and ill-calculated move.“My lord,” Ser Petra said, facing Garth.“My lord,” Xerxes spat out like poison. Loki’s held Iced Steel in one hand. A poisoned dagger in the other. “Is my wife locked in there?” Loki narrowed his eyes.“Swear fealty to King Malekith and we will release your wife and child safely to you,” Ser Petra rose his sword. Loki scoffed.“So, we’re really doing this?”