King Loki

Chapter 26
Cephera hadn't exactly stayed away from Loki after their first night together, but she was determined not to be a simple bedmate. She was adamant about not making the same mistakes she made with Krystoff.
Her relationship with her former lover had been one of physical attraction and possession. He saw her as his and only wanted her for her body, nothing more. Cephera had known that but felt guilty as her only reason for being with Krystoff was to have a child. Her reasons were no better than his.
She wouldn't have it like that this time. Loki made it clear in his advances since that first night that he wanted her for more than a single fling.
What surprised her most was his accepting nature. She didn't have to always deny his advances for him to read her emotion level and back down. The contrast between how he treated her and Krystoff was astounding.
Krystoff always made her feel bad anytime she denied him for any reason. Telling her that this could be the time they would have a child. She'd give in every time and the sex would end up feeling more empty than usual.
Cephera couldn't help but embrace the differences. She gave in to Loki's touch far more often than she meant to and the emotional feelings that came with it were strong. She never regretted it and always woke feeling calm. This is how such a relationship should feel.
Her comfort level grew the more days that passed. Soon he began to invite her to accompany him into his political meetings, not as a servant who stands to the back of the room, but at his side. Shocking her when he'd ask her opinion on the matter at hand.
He involved her in his everyday things that she simply hadn't ever thought he'd do. Her freedom to roam was now unbound by any escort. No guards watched her room, when she slept there, and she was free to consult with Steve Rogers whenever she liked.
It was during this level of comfort that she decided to push the envelope just a tad more.
Things had grown quiet between the Spire and the Resistance. Since Banner's recapture no more attacks had occurred. It made for some peaceful weeks, but it also gave Cephera plenty of time to think.
She tried not to make a habit of asking things of Loki while they lay in bed after sex. She was afraid he'd think she was using him. So on this day she waited until his last appointment of the day ended in his throne room and approached her topic.
"I've been thinking," she began stepping around his chair to stand before him. He reached out to take hold of her and most likely pull her into his lap but she stepped back just out of his reach.
He gave her a quizzical look. "What about?" He asked her, sitting back and relaxing instead of chasing her.
"You've no need to keep Tony locked up as you do...," Loki began to shake his head immediately before she'd even finished.
"Stark trusts me about as much as I trust him. His freedom is not something I'm willing to bargain." He told her. Cephera pursed her lips, determined to get something out of this.
"Pepper then. It saddens me that she cannot spend time with Tony aside from being a reward for his good behavior. Maybe by allowing them to share that room it could help bring Tony to your side." Cephera doubted that would ever happen. Tony was very set in his ways. Still, the thought of him and Pepper reunited on a more permanent level made her happy.
Loki pondered her words. "I'll agree to allow them to see one another at the very least once a week, for a trail period." Loki agreed, clearly wanting to come to an arrangement that would keep him in Cephera's good graces.
She had noticed how willing he was to do many things for her if it made her happy. She wondered what his motives where. It was hard to believe that he went from seeing her as a power toy to a paramour so quickly and easily. Yet he doted on her like a man courting a woman, a man possibly harboring deeper feelings.
He was far too complex a man for her to know for sure what he was thinking and she certainly hadn't a clue what to think of his current behavior. All she knew was that, right now, she was happy and he was the center of that.
XxX
Loki watched Cephera smile as she accepted his counter-offer regarding Stark's current lonely state. He's never thought he'd find a simple smile so enlightening.
Loki was drowning.
Drowning in mixed feelings and complicated thoughts revolving around the woman stood before him.
He thought his plan simple. There had been no real emotion behind his decision to make Cephera his. She'd been his only option so he'd taken it, but she changed things. He felt bad when she was unhappy. He found himself thinking more about how to make her smile return than about his next political meetings.
He yearned for her nearness, her approval.
These things were dangerous feelings. She meant something to him and the thought of letting her go caused him confused feelings of emptiness. He was fond of her very nature. Her goodness and her morals. Loki was struggling to control his newly felt attachment to her, and he was failing miserably.
Forgetting where he was, he once again bent forward in his chair, reaching out toward her. This time she didn't move away, she allowed him to pull her toward him where he leaned toward her, his lips brushing across hers, tempted to kiss her. Guards were standing about the room, servants running around and Loki's vision was tunneled toward Cephera.
"Can I tell him the news myself," she asked when he neglected to complete the kiss.
"You may," he agreed, his gut tightening at her little hop and bright smile. What was he doing? There was no way this would last like this. There was much she didn't know. Things that Loki still hadn't gotten under control. He was setting not just himself up for failure but Cephera.
He should have never began this relationship. Should have never allowed her to invade his mind. With every passing day they spent together, the more attached he found himself becoming, but it was too late for him to turn back now. Loki had more problems than he had solutions and one day that would catch up to him.

Notes