Chapter 2
A week had passed since you met the Princes, and life had more or less resumed in its normal state. Cordelia was still getting into trouble, you were still being told you were incapable of raising her, the usual. Today was market day, and Cordelia was very eager to come along. It brought you solace and joy that she enjoyed being in your presence so much. At least she thought you were doing a good job. Her opinion was the only one that mattered.
You wandered over to the produce and spice stand, in need of some potatoes. This stand had the cheapest ones, and you were on a severely tight budget due to the flour mishap last week. You had learned over time which produce to buy where when the money began to slip away like sand.
You picked through the potatoes, finding some that fitted your needs, and brought them over to the stand owner.
“Fifteen pieces.”
You looked at him incredulously.
“Fifteen?? They were only nine last week…” you said, trying to reign in your shock. He only shrugged.
“What with the war, everything has been increasing in price. Including vegetables. Fifteen.”
“Please,” you said softly, voice cracking a bit, “my sister and I don’t have very much. Isn’t there anything you could do?”
“Well, perhaps if your little nuisance hadn’t caused problems last week, you’d have enough.” You felt your anger starting to boil up. He looked you up and down and leaned onto the counter. “But, I suppose a young lady looking like you could find… other ways… to make some money…”
You immediately flushed, your face contorted with embarrassment and rage. You forgot how to speak for a moment, his comment stunning you. Eventually your anger took charge and you shot him the nastiest look you could muster.
“Keep the damn potatoes,” you growled, pulling Cordelia behind you and away from the horrid man behind the stand.
“What did he mean when he said-“
“Don’t worry about it,” you said back, a little harsher than you intended. You softened your gaze and looked down at her. “Sorry, Lia. He just said something that wasn’t very kind.” She didn’t push it further, and you struggled to reign in your tears and embarrassment.
Suddenly you heard a shout and a clatter, loud enough to be heard down the street. You spun around to see the commotion, concerned and confused. There, back at the disgusting stand, was the stand owner holding his eyes and hollering, obviously in deep pain.
Then you saw him. Prince Loki, among others, clamoring over the man. “Apologies, Sir, how awful of a thing to happen…”
The man tried to hold his eyes open, enraged but unable to retaliate.
“N-not a worry, my Prince…” he managed to hiss.
You saw the Prince give him a gold piece and walk away. As he left the stand, his concerned demeanor slowly melted into a mischievous smirk as he dusted his hands off of some red powder. You could only assume it had been a hot spice. He seemed to see you, lifting his hand to a wave, when you heard Prince Thor calling him. When he turned to meet his brother, you pulled Cordelia along and ran home.
“But my friend!” She protested asking the way.
“We must be getting back, Cordelia…” You said, not wanting to face the Princes after what had just transpired. The embarrassment was too much.
You got all the way home, most of your shopping had going undone. You’d have to do it another night after work, which meant spending more money on keeping Cordelia at her nanny’s for an extra hour.
You sighed. You should’ve just paid the extra money instead of questioning it. Then all of this would’ve been avoided.
“What happened to shopping day?” Cordelia asked, lingering by the door.
“I’m sorry, Lia. Something… came up. I promise, tonight before bed we’ll go out to the shore and comb for shells.”
That satisfied her. In a better mood, she asked, “Can I have lunch?”
“Of course. Why don’t you go out back and play. I’ll call you when it’s time.” She bounced out to the backyard, letting the door slam shut behind her.
You placed your head into your hands, letting a few stray tears slip. Today had been absolutely dreadful, and what was worse, you had tore a good day away from your sister. But you wanted no less than to be at home, away from the terrible people of your district. To even suggest the notion of selling yourself for money was out of line. Who did that man think he was? Your life and the life of your sister was no concern of his. Granted, you knew some really had no other option to earn some money. You prayed you wouldn’t have to reach that point. You shuddered, remembering the way the man had looked at you. Like you were an object. A prize. It disgusted you.
You stood up, shaking away the negativity just enough to get to work on lunch. You began chopping a few vegetables before they went bad and tossed them in a broth. As you were stirring the soup, you heard a knock at your door. You looked at it, confused. You couldn’t remember the last time you had a visitor, aside from the messenger. Had you received a letter from your Father?
Wiping your hands on a rag, you walked to the door and cracked it open. Immediately your eyes widened and you swung the door completely open, dropping down into a curtsey.
Why is he here?!
“Please, please, don’t feel the need to do that,” Prince Loki assured. You slowly rose, shock still evident on your face.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, my Prince?” You asked, voice shaking a bit.
“Please, ‘Loki’ will do just fine.”
“I-it is… improper…” You croaked.
“I am giving explicit permission,” he offered gently.
You simply nodded. “W-would you like to come inside?”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
He stepped inside your small cottage, taking a look around. As you shut the door, you spoke,
“I know it isn’t much, but it certainly fits my sister and I.”
“Where is the little one?”
“Ah, she’s out in the backyard, doing who knows what. I was preparing her lunch when you arrived.” You returned to the pot and stirred it again, the soup nearly finished. “Were you perhaps wanting to stay for a meal?”
Loki shook his head. “No, don’t feel as though you need to feed me. I can’t stay long anyhow.”
“Really, it’s not an issue,” you offered.
“It’s mighty kind of you, but I’ll be alright.”
Silence filled the room for a moment before finally he broke it.
“I, uh… I heard what that shopkeeper had said to you.”
You stopped stirring for a moment, tensing up. You quickly shook it away, resuming your cooking.
“Not a worry. Doesn’t matter.”
“It was inappropriate for him to speak such things to you.”
“His opinion matters not. He seemed to have gotten his due punishment.”
You heard Loki chuckle. “Yes, I suppose he did.” You looked at him suspiciously.
“You don’t mean to tell me you did that on purpose?”
He only shrugged and folded his arms. “Had it coming.”
You looked down at your hands, a bit flustered, but also a bit guilty. “You didn’t have to do that…”
“I simply defended your honor. There was nothing that man could have done to me.”
“But your reputation-“
“Is already tarnished as it is. It makes no difference.”
Why would he do that for you? Not that you enjoyed seeing people in pain, but it was still flattering he had defended you.
“Thank you,” you almost whispered.
“Of course,” he offered.
“Is there a particular reason you came by?” You assured, changing the subject. “Not that I don’t enjoy your company, I just don’t typically have the pleasure of hosting company.”
“I simply wanted to check on you. After the incident at the market, you sped off pretty quickly.”
“Well, that’s very kind of you. I am alright. It just startled me.”
Silence over again ensued, neither of you sure what to say.
“How did you know where to find me?” You asked.
“I asked around. It wasn’t hard to locate the cottage near the shoreline.”
He paused for a moment while he looked around before announcing,
“Well, I suppose I must be off. I abandoned my Brother to come visit, he’ll be missing me.” He sounded a little disappointed, but did very well to hide it. It left you wondering what he was disappointed about.
“Thank you for stopping by. It was nice to have your company again.”
“My pleasure.”
“Would you perhaps do one more thing for me?” You asked nervously.
“I’m not sure, I’ve done so much already,” he said, placing a hand to his forehead in a mock-exhausted façade. He flashed a smile and you chuckled.
“Would you bring Cordelia inside? It’s time for her to eat lunch, and I know she would just be devastated if she knew you were here without saying hello.”
“Ah. Of course. I’ll fetch her.” He smiled and walked out the door to collect your sister. You could hear a faint squeal, making your smile grow. With so much wrong in her life, you found great joy when she was happy. You were glad the Prince could provide that for her.
You set her place at the table as they came in, Cordelia holding very tight to his arm and rambling on about something.
“Come, Lia. Release your Prince and come eat your food,” you said with a laugh. She reluctantly let go and sat down at the table.
“Are you staying to eat too?” Cordelia asked, her mouth full. You quietly scolded her as the Prince laughed.
“Unfortunately not. I’ve got my Brother to fetch and much to do. Though I’ll try my hardest to see you soon.”
“You promise?” She asked. You shook your head and smiled at the ground.
“I promise,” he responded.
“Let me see you out,” you said, walking with him to the door. You opened it up and he stepped outside, turning sound to face you once more.
“One more thing, I brought this for you,” He said, reaching down beside the doorframe and picking up a basket of produce. Your mouth gaped, shocked at what he had done. “I realized you had to pay for the flour incident last week, and I know you needed some shopping done today.”
“You really didn’t have to do this…” You said, staring shocked at the basket in his hands. Why in the world would he do this for you? No one has been this kind to you in years. Tears began lining your eyes.
“I insist. It won’t do me any good if it comes back with me. No sense in letting it go to waste.”
He placed the basket in your arms whilst grabbing one hand of yours, placing yet another kiss upon it. The butterflies in your stomach returned, fluttering at his tender and gentle gesture.
“Until next time, fair maiden.”
And with that he walked off, leaving you stunned at your front door. You slowly closed it and walked back to the kitchen, your face frozen with surprise.
“What’s that?” Cordelia asked, pointing at the basket.
“A gift,” you said softly after a moment. From what you could see, the basket contained various fruits and vegetables, including the potatoes you had needed. There were also a few spices, a luxury you typically couldn’t afford.
After Cordelia had finished her meal and resumed her playing outside, you began unpacking the basket, a small smile on your face. You removed a few items before your eyebrows furrowed. In the middle of the basket, beneath the produce, was a small burlap bag. You set down your produce and grabbed the bag, eyes widening as you heard it jingle. Slowly you opened it up and gasped. Your hand flew to your mouth, almost dropping the sack from your other hand. The bag was filled with gold pieces, more than enough to last you a good long while.
You sat down stiffly and let out a breath, realizing you hadn’t been breathing. You couldn’t possibly understand how Prince Loki had decided to bless you with such kindness, and furthermore you couldn’t understand how nobody else could see this side of him. Did they all truly think so little of him? Did they simply not give him a chance?
You clutched the bag close to your heart and let a few tears slip, feeling truly blessed by the youngest Prince’s actions.
-
The week passed uneventfully. You hadn’t seen Prince Loki at all, and you were yet to thank him for his generous gift. You figured the next time you saw him you would invite him, and possibly his brother, over for a treat. Heaven knows you could afford it now. It was really the least you could do for him.
You figured you’d just pick the ingredients up while you were at work, you heading there currently. Cordelia was at her nanny’s, hopefully behaving herself, leaving you alone with your thoughts and with Miss Ideline. You weren’t looking forward to it. After the flour incident, she had begun treating you even colder than she had before. She barely looked at you, and when she did she wore a horrid sneer on her face. She spoke to you as if you were nothing. It was beginning to make work even more unbearable, but you needed the money, so you took it in strides and kept your chin up as much as possible.
You turned the corner to the shop and stopped in your tracks, letting out an exasperated sigh. Of course today would be extremely busy. The shop was bustling, which made sense with the spring festival coming up. Everyone was prepping for their meals and spreads, which meant a busy day, and most likely week, of work for you.
You walked in the door, pushing past people, when you heard your name being barked.
“Get up here and tend to the payments!!” Miss Ideline yelled over the customers. Her tone indicated the volume was not the only reason she was yelling at you. You let out another sigh and ran to the back counter, taking over for Miss Ideline so she could resume aiding customers.
The day had nearly passed with the work never slowing. You took your previous customer’s payment and looked down to put it away. While sorting out the pieces, you heard,
“Quite a busy day, isn’t it?”
You looked up and saw Loki in front of the counter, dressed in commoner clothing and a hat. You gave a relieved smile and nodded.
“Indeed. Haven’t had one break yet. People are very eager to get the things they need.”
“Yes, the spring festival is coming up. I’ve heard it’s a popular event in this district.”
“Very.” You gave him an odd look, asking, “Why are you dressed like that?”
“Ah, I was going for discreet today,” he said, raising his arms and gazing at his attire. “I knew there’d be many in town, I didn’t want the attention.”
“That’s understandable. Do they celebrate the spring in the main district?”
“To a degree, yes, but I doubt it’s as large as it is here. It’s the summer that we tend to go all out for.”
“That sounds lovely. The summer is a big celebration here too. We tend to celebrate the beginning of all seasons, it brings a aura of-“
You heard your name barked, causing you to jump a bit.
“Get back to work, speak with customers on your own time. I could easily replace you, don’t forget your place,” Miss Ideline hissed, grabbing your arm a bit harshly. She let go and you rubbed your arm. You looked sheepishly at Loki, who had a glare lining his face, gazing at the shopkeeper.
“Look, perhaps you should go. If she gets anymore ammunition against me, she won’t hesitate to fire me. I really enjoyed seeing you here. It was a nice relief,” you said softly, a sad smile on your face.
“You said you haven’t had a break yet? Don’t you think it’s time for that?” He said, gazing back at you. You shook your head, looking down to the ground.
“I’d rather not ask.”
“It is a necessity. She surely cannot work you to death.”
“She can do what she wishes, so long as I get paid,” you said. Loki opened his mouth to speak when suddenly the door opened and you heard your name called above the bustle of the store. Looking to the entrance, you saw Cordelia, excited as ever to see you. Trailing behind her was her nanny, looking exhausted. Cordelia ran in the store and ran into a man carrying at least seven large jars of jam. Before you could say anything, you heard the shattering of glass upon the ground. The store quieted a bit as you heard Miss Ideline screech. She grabbed Cordelia by her forearm and pulled her close. As Cordelia’s face filled with fear, yours filled with rage.
“You little brat!! Look at all the trouble you’ve caused! You’re a good-for-nothing nuisance! All you harbor is chaos! Disgusting little child!!”
“Get your hands off of her!” You yelled as you ran to Cordelia, face red with fury. Miss Ideline turned to you.
“And you! You’re just a little pest who can’t do anything right, including raising this child! I ought to get Lord Tivert to take her away! Get out of my store!! Your work here is finished! Never come back!!”
For once you stood your ground, ripping Cordelia’s arm from her grip. “Fire me for all I care! Never lay another finger on my sister, do you hear me?! You’re a horrible, wretched old woman!”
You stormed out of the shop, Cordelia trailing behind you whilst gripping your hand. You rounded the corner and took a breath, when you heard Cordelia sniffle. Looking down, she was doing all she could to keep her tears in. You quickly bent down and scooped her into your arms, cradling the now sobbing child. You stroked her hair and let her cry. How could they all be so terrible? Not one person said a single thing. Not one soul jumped to defend the child.
“A-are they gon-na take m-me away??” She sobbed. Your heart shattered.
“Never.” You pulled her from you and held her face in your hands. “I will never let them take you away from me. Cordelia, accidents happen. You simply got excited, and that is perfectly alright. They will use anything they can against us, but I swear to you I will not let them take you.”
“B-but they took aw-way your work…” she hiccuped. You pulled her close again, soothing her and calming her down.
“I will find something,” you said firmly. Then the doubt began to creep in. “I’ll find something…”
You weren’t sure you convinced her, you could hardly convince yourself. You pulled her back. “Let me see your arm.”
There were a few marks, sure to leave bruises. You cursed the old bat for laying a hand on the girl. You gave her arm a small rub and smiled.
“How’s about we take a stroll on the beach?”
Cordelia nodded her head slowly, when suddenly you heard a voice.
“Would you care if I joined you?”
Cordelia, for once, didn’t jump to embrace Loki, but instead cradled closer to you. She was embarrassed and sad. It broke your heart. You looked at her and smiled.
“What do you think? Should we let the Prince join us on our journey? Perhaps he can find you all sorts of shells…”
Cordelia cracked a small smile and nodded slowly. She let go of you and walked over to Loki, who bent down and pulled her into an embrace. He looked over her shoulder to you, giving a sympathetic look. You just turned your head away.
Loki pulled back from the embrace and asked, “Would you like to ride on my shoulders?”
Cordelia grinned and wiped her face of tears. She crawled over onto his shoulders, perching herself steadily. Loki took hold of her legs and stood, shooting Cordelia high into the air, giggling and holding tight to his head. The sight brought a smile to your face.
“To the shore?” He asked. You gave a small nod and the three of you set off. Loki was sure not to bring up the incident, but rather spoke to Cordelia about the many different types of shells and fish in the sea. He explained how he loved to read and learn new things, and how he was glad his knowledge could be of use to someone. Cordelia asked many different questions, some bordering into fantasy, but Loki always obliging.
You finally made it to the beach. Loki bent down, allowing Cordelia to slide off his shoulders and into the sand.
“Don’t forget to take your shoes off, Lia,” you reminded her. She quickly stripped the shoes off and ran towards the water. You walked slowly closer to the water with Loki by your side, now unsure of what to do or say. There were so many emotions bottled up inside you, but you had taught yourself to only cry when alone, for Cordelia’s sake. She was already so sad, you didn’t think it necessary to make her feel worse.
“I’m sorry.”
You kept your gaze out on Cordelia, who was walking through the water and picking up random objects. After a beat, you said,
“I just don’t understand it. How they could hate her so. I could care less what they do or say to me, but her? I just can’t wrap my mind around it…”
You could feel your walls beginning to break, tears starting to well. Oddly, you found you didn’t mind all that much. It felt safe speaking with the Prince. You, however, still wanted to keep it from Cordelia.
“You know, we weren’t always treated this way,” you said, your gaze shifting from Cordelia to the horizon, as if lost in memory. “My Father was loved by the district. Honored and respected by all. I remember when I was younger being spoiled by everyone. Even when Cordelia came around, they tolerated her chaotic nature because, well, she was our Father’s daughter.” You scoffed a laugh. “I wonder what he would think knowing how they treat her now. I often think about when he hopefully comes home. I wonder if they’ll continue to treat us like vermin, or if it will revert back to how it was.”
You turned your head in Loki’s direction but kept your gaze from meeting his eyes.
“We haven’t celebrated the spring festival with the district since my father left. They don’t want us there. I always do what I can for Cordelia, giving her our own makeshift festival at home. She seems to like it.”
“How long has your father been gone?” Loki asked softly.
“Three years. He writes to us as often as he can, but with the enemy getting closer and trickier everyday, there isn’t a lot of time for him to dedicate to writing. Not to mention, there really aren’t that many bold enough to deliver messages to battle zones.”
“Perhaps you should tell him.”
“There’s nothing he could do from where he’s at.” You looked back at Cordelia, hands full of shells and stones. You felt the tears rise, bordering on spilling out. You choked a bit on your breath. “I can’t lose her… I’ve lost too many already. If I lose her… That’s it. I’ll be alone. My Mother’s gone, who knows if my Father will ever return, not a soul in this forsaken district has an ounce of care for me… I have but her… if I lose her, I’ll have no one…”
“You will not be alone. I swear it.” You turned to look at him, sympathy and determination in his eyes. “I swear to you, here and now, I will not allow your sister to leave your care. If it takes talking to my Father, so be it. They may try, but I will not allow it to hold.” He to hold of your forearms gently. “You and your sister will be together. And you will never be alone, you have my word.”
You stared at him in shock, the tears finally falling down your cheeks. You pulled him in quickly and embraced him, him holding you tightly as you cried.
As your crying subsided, you released him and wiped your tears away.
“Thank you, my friend…” you said quietly.
“Always,” He responded.
“Please, let me make this up to you. You’ve done too much for me and my sister. Please, come by this weekend and join me and Cordelia for dinner and dessert. Bring your brother along, it’s not an issue. But please, allow me to gift you with something as you’ve done for me.”
“You’ve nothing to feel indebted to. I’ve not had many friends in my lifetime, but you and your sister have given that to me. The things I’ve done for you have simply been acts of friendship. You don’t owe me for anything. But I will stop by and join your company. My Brother will enjoy the excursion as well.”
“I look forward to it. I do enjoy being in your company. It’s nice to have someone who enjoys being around us…”
“I agree. It’s a welcome change.”
Cordelia came running up at that moment, displaying her collection for the day. Loki helped bring them to the cottage for her, Cordelia even having him help her arrange them on her nightstand in her room.
You sent Cordelia to wash up and get ready for bed before seeing Loki out. He took a step out the door, but turned to face you one last time.
“You know, the palace is always looking for servants, maids, cooks, what have you. You should come work there. It pays well and you’re fairly close as it is. Perhaps a thirty minute walk.”
You gave him a surprised look, but pondered the option.
“I-I’m not sure… that might require Cordelia’s nanny to watch her for longer. I’m not sure they’d be willing…”
“You can bring her along. There’s a nanny in town that would be willing to watch her for a reasonable price. She watched me as a child, so she’s quite used to the mischief,” He chuckled.
“Loki, you’ve done so much already…”
“Think about it. It’s an option. And it’s one where you or your sister won’t be surrounded by the hurtful eyes of the public.”
He gave you a bow and walked off.
He was right. It was an option. Perhaps you would speak to Cordelia about it.