Choices

Note: up to and including this chapter, it's been 16 years and 4 months since Loki and Cephera first met. Still a long ways to go. As you can imagine time jumps will become a significant part to play as the story progresses. I still have over 380 ish years to cover. @-@
Chapter 44
(1 years later)
"Princess," the title made Cephera turn from the view of the city. She was stood on one of the curved terraces that connected another part of the castle. It had rained earlier that day and now that the sun was out she was dry. She'd forgone hanging out with Loki to spend time out in the gardens to enjoy the warmth of the rain.
"Lord Bjorn," she replied with a kind smile. He was wearing a cloak made to protect him from the rain. It was hanging back over one shoulder and she couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't removed it. He had to be warm.
"Please, just Bjorn is fine." He told her. When he smiled he tilted his head down, but still stared at her.
"And I am just Cephera." She commented in return. When people addressed her at 'Princess' it reminded her of Kat and Krystoff, two people she didn't want to think about right now. She was glad that being in Asgard separated her from them and that drama.
"I am glad you have survived whatever had happened between yourself and the prince." He told her his smile hinting on the edge of amusement.
"No, it is Loki who is lucky to have survived me." She responded with a tiny laugh. It was mostly true, but really Cephera could never do real harm and Loki knew that.
"Please forgive me my lady if I do not cower in fear in your presence. You're much too beautiful to be such a harmful creature." Cephera's cheeks heated up at his compliment. A bold compliment from a man she'd met only a few short times. He was smooth with his words and yet he seemed a little surprised by his own nerve. He cleared his throat. "I hear Thor returns this week for his two months and that there is to be a celebration for his continued success in the other realm..., I was hoping you might accompany me to it." Cephera stared at him unsure what to say.
She'd never taken a date to a party, let alone be asked. She always went at her sisters side and just enjoyed herself as she was. She gave Bjorn a good look over this time. Not quite as tall as Loki, he still stood higher than her. He had board shoulders, much like most Asgardian men, and muscled arms. His hair a dark brown to match his equally dark brown eyes. He was handsome.
"I'd ahh," Cephera wasn't sure how to respond. Really, she was taken off-guard and flattered. "Sure." She finally said, why not? Why shouldn't she try it out. He was sweet and deserved a chance.
"Many thanks, I look forward to the weekend," he said stepping forward and sweeping her hand up to his lips and kissing the knuckles. She watched him walk away grinning and glancing back at her from time to time. The notion of having a date was strange and exciting.
"Who's that?" The all to familiar voice of Loki had her turning the other way.
"How long were you watching?" She asked him.
"Right before he asked you to the celebration." Loki responded, his tone was neutral, but he had that look in his eyes. The irritated one.
"His name is Bjorn." Cephera told him her cheeks turning red all over again.
"He seems like boring fellow, nothing like me." Loki commented snorting and crossing his arms.
'Exactly, nothing like you, which is just the kind of man I need.' She secretly thought to herself. "No one is, nor ever will be like you Loki." Cephera licked out her tongue and willed her stomach to stop its jumping.
"Really, you could do better." Loki continued.
"I believe he deserves a chance." She countered, feeling defensive.
"I'm just giving my opinion." Loki replied, and although he sounded to be bored his face looked dark and almost angry. A hidden thought was running through his head no doubt. Cephera was tempted to use her anklet, but shoved away the thought. Loki was just being difficult, as usual.
"Well I've already said yes, and I'm looking forward to it. Don't you have a taken woman to sulk over?" Cephera near snapped the words.
"I'm working on that." Loki assured her. She frowned. The woman Loki had become infatuated with almost a year ago turned out to be a woman name Sigyn, a lady from a high household just outside Asgard. Sigyn was due to be married to her long time fiancé Theoric. As far as Cephera could tell, Sigyn was extremely happy with him and Loki was wasting his time.
"Have you even spoken to her?" Cephera asked.
"I have, though I'll admit she didn't seem happy to hear of my adoration of her. In fact, she seemed afraid." Loki licked his lips and growled. "I blame the damn rumors of my past misdeeds for that."
"Consequences Loki." Cephera reminded him. "Just like there would be consequences if you interfere with Sigyn's happy life." Loki glared at her.
"She can be happy with me, she just doesn't know it yet. There is another year left before they marry, I will see to it she understands her mistake and comes to me." Cephera shook her head. She thought that Sigyn being engaged would have deterred Loki, but she had been wrong. It was like swinging a forbidden fruit under his nose and telling him he couldn't have it. The temptation was there and a challenge had been set. This spelled disaster, and Cephera wasn't sure how to stop it.
***
For Cephera the week dragged on. She was excited to see Thor and Sif. It would be their first time seeing them since the'd been sent away. Loki was not impressed by the celebration, he felt that if this was meant to be a punishment for Thor, then giving the elder prince a pat on the back for anything would only stroke his ego.
But Odin was simply rewarding his son for a job well done. Only good news had come back from Muspellheim. The punishment was meant to teach Thor and Sif the value of working together to aid the worlds, not to fail in the task. Cephera thought it was wonderful they were doing so well.
The day before the celebration, Cephera had spoken to Frigga about her date. Cephera was nervous and her sisters advice was that romance was a waste of time and that Cephera should just jump right for Bjorn. There was also a comment about making Loki jealous, but Cephera counteracted that with the fact that he would only be jealous if he cared for her in a romantic way. Seraphina quickly kept her comments to herself and so Cephera went to Frigga.
"Just enjoy yourself, don't over think things. If at the end of the night something comes of it then follow threw with whatever you are comfortable with. Do what feels right, be yourself and have fun." That was what she'd said, and Cephera couldn't argue with that advice.
Now she sat with Frigga doing her hair. Thor had arrived home hours before and they were all washing up and preparing to celebrate. Cephera's palms were tacky. She kept wiping them off in the skirt of her yellow and white gown. The dress made of lace, it was light and airy. Having no straps she had only a delicate shawl to keep her arms warm should she get cold. The dress tying beneath her breasts and flowing to touch the tops of her feet. The shoes she wore had a very small heel to give her a little extra height for dancing. She'd worn them only because her sister insisted.
"There, all ready." Frigga had placed Cephera's hair completely up so it wouldn't interfere with her face while she danced. "You remember what I told you?"
"Yes." Cephera answered.
"I wish you all the happiness in the world. You're all growing up so fast it seems."
"When I look in the mirror I still see a girl, not a woman," Cephera said staring at her reflection. Even though her looks had changed, she didn't feel the rest of her had inside.
"Trust me, you've changed more than you know." Frigga had the knowing smile flashing across her face, the one no one ever questioned they just took her word for it.
Taking a deep breath Cephera stood and fixed her dress. Grabbing her shawl, she and the Queen made their way down to the throne room where Thor's achievements would be announced and then the celebration would begin.
(Sorry short chapter. My job got me super stressed and this was all I could manage. That and it's my 1 year anniversary with my amazing boyfriend! Next chapter will have some fun times and funny moments. :)

Notes