Regal Maneuvers
The morning light had streamed into the windows of Queen Freya's chambers, illuminating the room and her faithful handmaiden, already busy with the morning tasks, in an early golden glow. The girl with chestnut hair took much care in drawing the queen's bath, setting out her fresh garments, and even making the bed. It seemed the tasks were never-ending, but she didn't dottle. By the time the afternoon rolled in she had moved on to watering the flowers around the room and opening up the windows so that the chambers wouldn't be too stuffy.
The queen had been taking a moment to look out one of the large windows, enjoying the breeze and birdsongs that filtered in. As she did so a knock sounded on the doors and her handmaiden went to greet it. The girl's pale green eyes peered out as she slowly opened the door, and she caught sight of the young prince. She bowed. "One moment, sire." *She quietly said before retreating to the Queen's side.
She quietly whispered to the Queen, not wanting to break the peaceful mood. "It seems it time for your appointment with the Second Prince, your majesty."
Queen Freya simply nodded and stepped out more towards the door before calling out. "Come in." Her voice rang clear as a bell and the doors soon opened. Loki stepped forward onto the threshold and bowed towards his mother, making sure to note Salvia's presence over her right shoulder as well. The servant was in a deep bow, eyes trained on the floor.
"My son!" Freya stepped forward. "What a delight to have you visit me in my chambers."
Loki smiled warmly before stepping closer, allowing the doors to fall shut behind him. "Why hello, mother. You look ravishing as always." His voice was playful with flattery.
The queen led Loki to a small seating area in the chambers, just two green velvety chairs with a small table to the side between the two. She motioned for him to take the seat across from her. As they sat, Salvia took a stance next to the table and began pouring drinks. First a glass of red wine for the queen, and then a steaming cup of green tea for the prince, making sure to add two tablespoons of honey, the way he had always preferred it. She set the drinks down quietly, bowed, and took a step back to her typical place behind the queen.
Loki's bright green eyes flickered over to Salvia briefly before meeting his mother again. "Pray tell, what is the occasion for such a formal chat, my queen?" His voice held a hint of sarcasm on the title.
Freya looked at him slowly, taking in every mannerism and movement, a sly gleam in her eyes. She took a sip of her wine and cleared her throat before beginning. "I realize that with your studies, many other matters have fallen to the side. And while I am quite proud of your mastery in the mystic arts, I do wish to give you a push in a new direction." She watched as Loki practically hung from her words, unsuspecting. "Especially with certain circumstances taken into account, your father and I have deemed it time and have been in search of your bride."
The prince's widened and he nearly spat out the tea he had been sipping on. Salvia took a quick step forward and offered a napkin to the prince with a bow of her head before retreating. His face dropped a bit as he recovered and wiped at his mouth. Again his eyes found themselves on the girl before returning his attention to the queen. "Wait-what do you mean you have already been finding suitors, mother? I'm perfectly capable of finding my own."
Queen Freya nodded at his assessment. "I'm quite sure that you are, but your father and I wish to make sure your partner is fit to marry into the royal family. No mere goddess will do." She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Your brother has already gone about falling in love with a mortal woman. We wish for you not to follow a similar path."
Loki reached towards his cup again, taking a swig of it before replying. "This goddess you've found may just be 'mere' to me. I have no intention of following in my brother's footsteps, but I am not going to let you choose my wife for me."
Freya, who had taken notice of his wandering eyes, had a smirk working its way to her lips. "Are you certain you wish to turn the offer down before knowing who it is we've chosen?" She looked knowingly at her son. If given the chance, she was sure that Loki could find himself a bride she would approve of, but she only had one option in mind. "Your father has planned to announce your betrothal to the woman at tonight's feast."
Salvia hadn't dared to look up throughout the conversation, keeping her face plain and unaffected, but her hands had slowly been closing around the material of her skirt, tightening with every mention of the prince's potential marriage. She couldn't say they were truly friends anymore, and certainly couldn't say such a thing when it came to Thor. Much had changed since she had been taken in as a servant to the royal family, but her feelings for the younger prince had never faltered, though she told few of them.
Again, Loki's eyes flickered over to her and a hint of worry crossed his face as he glanced towards her hands. He shook his head, clearing his thoughts before continuing. "I do understand where you're coming from, mother, but...my heart will likely not be set on it. I will know when and where to find my own soulmate." His tone was serious, yet there was a dash of fear in it as if he could do something to offend his mother and be scolded.
Freya only smiled as she turned and looked towards Salvia, gesturing her hand in such a way as to dismiss the girl. Salvia bowed and followed the order, exiting the room, but not before closing the doors securely behind her. The queen then turned to her youngest child, her tone stern but loving. "Your father and I have looked well for the perfect woman to be your betrothed. Even she is unaware of the choice yet...but I feel you will approve." She stood. "I suggest you attend the banquet tonight. Your father is to announce the betrothal. I just wish you to trust in me." She smiled softly, walking Loki to the door.
The man nodded, slightly annoyed that she hadn't given in and allowed him to choose as he pleased. But he knew there was no point in further arguing with her. "...alright. I'll see you tonight, Mother." He said before walking out of the queen's chambers. His shoes clacked against the tile more loudly than normal and his gaze was firmly trained down, his head hung in defeat.
Salvia watched as he trudged away. Soon she returned to the Queen's side in his absence. Busying herself, she brought out the Queen's garments for the banquet and had the queen sit at her vanity with Salvia brushing out her long hair. Her face was distant as her hands moved, and she was slightly less gentle with a small tangle than was characteristic of her. Frey looked up to watch her in the mirror, concerned and saw the girl's pale green eyes seemingly lost in thought.
"Darling Salvia?" The queen stated, calling her by sweet names as she often did. "What do you think of Loki being betrothed?" She asked as she started to touch up her makeup.
Salvia, still seemingly distracted replied softly. "I find it suiting that our Prince finds a partner. I believe it best for him and for the kingdom." Freya stayed silent, mulling over the girl's words before nodding, not questioning her further. Soon she dismissed the girl to ready herself for the banquet ahead.