Freeze

A week had pass since Thor had asked Cora to escort him to the land of the Dwarves. In that week, Cora had meant with countless designers from all over Asgard, she was measured and asked all kinds of questions as to what she would like to wear while in Nidavellir. Thor was by Cora's side helping her make decisions as well as Cora helping Thor with his own decisions partitioning to their trip. Their clothing had to match, they had to seem educated on the Dwarves vast knowledge of war and craftsmanship. Thor spent hours with Cora between meetings with the King and the Warriors Three, together they studied books and scrolls on Nidavellir and the Dwarves.

News of Thor's journey spread throughout Asgard, along with the fact that he was bringing Lady Cora with him. In the Palace servants gossiped about Thor and Lady Cora's new found friendship. In the past six months everyone noticed that Lady Cora and Prince Loki no longer spent time together, no one knew why, but now with Thor in the picture they had come up with their own ideas. Like wildfire rumors spread of Thor's secret engagement to Lady Cora when some villagers saw the two walking around in the street. The sight of a red ruby resting on Lady Cora's hand was proof enough for them that Thor had stolen the young woman's heart.

The rumors found their way to all ears, Odin was pleased by the news and Frigga was saddened, but neither said a word to the Prince or Lady Cora. Though it wasn't the King and Queen that mattered, it was when the rumors found there way to the youngest Prince, Loki that trouble hit.

It had been another day for Loki, ever since he pushed Cora from his life, Loki had taken to spending his time in the fields with Archer, his horse or barricaded by books and scrolls in the library. On this day, Loki had been on his way to the stables. He had spent the morning hours in the library and felt like it was time to get some fresh air and stretch Archer's legs. Walking down the halls, Loki felt the change in the air, but he didn't understand why. He noticed more eyes on him then usual and they weren't judging, they were looking at him in...pity? The whispers were to hushed to be heard clearly, but Loki knew it must have had to do with him, but why? Glaring, Loki grabbed the nearest servant and slammed them against the wall.

“What has happened in the Palace?” Loki growled and the servant gulped.

“T-Thor has asked f-for Lady C-Cora's hand i-in marriage, my Prince,” The servant stuttered out in fear and Loki's eyes darkened. “I-it has been s-said t-that they will b-be going to N-Nidavellir in the u-upcoming weeks. W-when they c-come back...”

“What?!” Loki snapped his eyes narrowed. Seeing the fear in the servants eyes, Loki's mind started to question everything his had heard the past couple of days. He knew that Thor had been called to Nidavellir, for what? He did not know, he didn't really care. Loki had heard that Thor was bringing a female companion with him, but he never heard a name. Could it be true...could Cora and Thor really be engaged without Loki's knowledge? “Tell me,” Loki hissed.

“...They are to be wed,” the servant whispered and Loki felt his heart drop to his stomach. Loki removed his hands from the servant and stalked off. He wanted answers and he was going to get them from the only person he knew wouldn't lie. Lady Cora.

Loki sped down the halls like an oncoming storm. Everyone moved out of his way and avoided his gaze. He's body had seemed to grow larger and larger with each thought that passed through his mind. He may have pushed Cora out of his life, but he never wanted to push her into Thor's arms. Loki would be dammed if he let Thor marry Lady Cora, yet alone touch her. In Cora's hall, Loki's steps had started to falter. What if it was a trick? What if this is what Cora had wanted? Loki shook the thought from his mind, Cora had been clever, but not clever enough to pull off such a ploy. No, these rumors were real and Loki planned on putting them to rest.

In front of Cora's door, Loki squared his shoulders and knocked three times on the wood. Something crashed on the other side and Cora's voice was muffled by the door. The door opened, “I was wondering when you were coming ba- Oh! Thor...what are you doing here?” Cora asked staring up at the large God.

Thor stared down at Cora, his blue eyes ran over her scantly clad body and he smiled softly, “Have I interrupted you? Forgive me...may I come in?” Thor asked and Cora nodded her head. She stepped to the side and Thor walked inside while Cora shut the door behind him.

“I thought you were with your father?”

“I...I was, but I excused myself. I needed to see you.”

“Me? What for?” Cora questioned as she walked to her bed chambers and Thor followed.

“I've missed you,” Thor admitted and Cora turned to face him.

She searched his eyes and was startled by the truth she found, “We have only been apart for a day. Surly you could not have missed me that much? Though I would be lying if I said it did not make me blush.” Cora walked up to Thor and placed a hand on his armored chest, “How long do I have you?”

Thor wrapped his arms around Cora's waist and pulled her close, “For however long you would have me,” Thor stated and Cora smiled.

“Then we mustn't waste any time,” Cora exclaimed and she pulled herself away from Thor. “Dress down and join me for food and drink.” Cora walked away and Thor watched her hips sway from side to side. Easily, Thor took his armor off and crawled onto the bed with Cora. Stretching his legs straight out, Thor leaned back and rested his head on Cora's stomach. She curled her body around him and intertwined their legs with a light smile on her face. Thor placed his hand on her thigh and traced small circles with this thumb. “Tell me my Prince, what are your plains for tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” Thor repeated in a questioning tone of voice. Cora nodded her head and plucked a few grapes from their vines. She held one to Thor's lips and Thor happily opened his mouth, letting Cora drop the fruit in. Thor let his eyes wonder around before he answered, “The dress fitting is tomorrow is it not?”

“They have finally made the gowns!” Cora gushed. “I am excited to try them on, will you be here with me?”

“If you wish...”

“Very much so. I want to know your thoughts on each gown, Thor. We are one, it is only right that you have a say in gowns. I do not wish to make you look a fool,” Cora explained and Thor nodded his head.

“Very well, I shall be here by your side.”

“Would you spend the night?” Cora questioned propping her head up with her free hand, while she fed Thor more grapes. Thor again nodded his head and Cora grinned, “Wonderful,” she breathed and plucked a strawberry from the dish. Holding it over Thor's lip, Cora watched with mesmerized eyes as Thor bite into the berry, it's juices trickling down his chin into his beard. Thor moaned loudly at the juiciness of the berry and he reached up to wipe his mouth with the back of his large hand. Cora giggled and Thor laughed, his blue eyes sparkling. Cora took the end of the strawberry and tossed it in the bowl with a smile on her lips.

“Why do you look at me like that?” Thor questioned with a raised eyebrow and Cora blushed.

“Forgive me...” she whispered and quickly looked away from Thor.

“Tell me,” Thor begged and Cora shook her head. “Tell me or I will make you,” Thor threatened and Cora just looked at Thor unimpressed as she plopped an orange slice in her mouth. Thor watched Cora chew, he made sure that she swallowed it all down before he made his move. Like lighting (no pun indented) Thor grabbed Cora's hand and pulled her on top of him. She screamed and it turned into laughter when Thor placed his feet on her hips and lifted her up into the air, his fingers interlocked with Cora's.

“Thor!” Cora squealed. “Put me down!” she laughed and Thor shook his head.

“Tell me why you look at me with such wonder and I will put you down,” Thor stated and Cora laughed trying to get down herself, but it didn't work. “Give up?”

“...Yes,” Cora giggled and Thor bent his legs slightly, making Cora's face come closer to his, so close that their foreheads and noses touched.

“Tell me,” Thor ordered lightly and Cora managed to free one of her hands. She cupped Thor's face and he flinched feeling the cool metal of her ring. Thor wrapped his fingers around Cora's hand and pulled it off of his face. He looked at the ring and Cora watched him, she watched as different emotions flashed in his eyes.

“It's beautiful,” Cora whispered and Thor's eyes locked with her own as she spoke. “A beautiful ring fit for a Queen...” Cora stared at Thor and smiled sadly. “A Queen that is not me,” she stated with a light squeeze to Thor's hands.

“You...you do not wish to be my wife?”

Cora made a face and before Thor could say anything more, she pressed her lips to his. Cora pulled her face away from Thor's and sighed, “Will you put me down now?” Thor lowed his legs and set Cora back on the bed. Without a word, Cora moved so that she was beside Thor, cuddled in his embrace. “Will you do something else for me, my Prince?”

“Anything,” Thor promised and Cora picked her up. She stared into Thor's eyes and traced over his face with her fingertips. Thor sighed and closed his eyes, he loved it when Cora touched him in such a loving way.

“Stop this illusion,” Cora requested and Thor's eyes snapped open only to find that Cora was staring at him with a knowing look in her eyes. Thor smirked and crashed his lips into Cora's, she kissed him back and she moaned when she felt him change underneath her. Cora broke the kiss and she stared into the blue eyes of the only man she had ever loved. “Loki...” She breathed out and Loki grabbed hold of Cora's hand pushing it away from his face.

“You knew,” Loki stated and Cora nodded her head.

“I knew as soon as you touched me.”

“You let him touch you?” Loki questioned his voice taking on a sharp edge and Cora pulled away from Loki. She sat up on the bed and wrapped her arms around herself. “You are marrying him then?” Loki's voice was filled with disgust and he sat up as well now, no longer on the bed. He stood, shaking as he glared at Cora.

“I-”

“Do not lie to me,” Loki hissed and Cora hugged herself tighter. Loki looked away as hate burned inside of him. His arm shook in anger as he thought about Thor touching Cora. “And here I thought-”

“You thought wrong,” Cora whispered, but Loki heard her loud and clear. Without a word, Loki got off the bed and he stormed out of Cora's bed chambers. Cora sat on the bed and listened for the door the slam, when it did her heart broke into a million piece and her tears fell.

Notes

Cora's outfit

“Do not lie to me,” Loki hissed and Cora hugged herself tighter. Loki looked away as hate burned inside of him. His arm shook in anger as he thought about Thor touching Cora. “And here I thought-”