Chapter 16
Loki had found some solace in the hot perfumed water, but as his concerns about this past version of himself faded he could think only of Sylvie. She had been so patient and he wanted to do as she’d asked, but the desire to be back beside her was growing unbearable the longer he stayed in the bath.
Loki washed quickly and climbed out of the water, rolling his shoulders to dry his body and conjure his clothing. He took a deep breath and released it with determination as he went to find Sylvie.
Walking quickly down the corridor he suddenly heard faint voices. He followed the sound cautiously and stopped at the corner to listen, heart skipping as he heard Sylvie’s soft voice. Then he heard himself and his blood chilled, he hoped his past self hadn’t cornered her or grown suspicious.
“You were meant for more than ruling…”
Loki’s breath caught at her words, struggling to work out what had changed her mind. He hoped this wasn’t because of his sullen mood earlier; he’d been distant and she was now suddenly doing what she had convinced him not to.
“Thought you ought to know—in case you had any doubt.”
He smiled fondly, her words echoing the ones Mobius had said.
There was a distant crash and a moment later Sylvie turned the corner nearly running into him. He grabbed her swiftly and pulled her back to a nearby alcove, listening for the sound of his former self.
Loki couldn’t help but wonder if those words would make any difference. He remembered that clattering sound and how he had gone to find his brother. Thor had been furious, sitting angrily on the steps while he reeled from his argument with their father. It had been just as he had planned, Thor was always so predictable.
Loki hoped this version might take her words to heart. It might not stop them from going to Jötunnheim, but maybe, just maybe those words might stir something in his heart. With any hope it might at least give him the slightest pause before making a deal with The Mad Titan.
When Loki could no longer hear anything from the adjacent corridor he looked down to see Sylvie’s head rested against his chest. He leaned down to kiss the top of her hair softly, his eyes closing as his breathing calmed.
Sylvie pulled back slowly to look up at him and her eyes looked worried. He cupped her cheek and looked between her eyes questioningly.
“I couldn’t stop myself, I’m sorry…” she whispered.
Loki huffed a laugh, “Don’t be… I certainly wouldn’t have had such restraint,” he brushed her hair back as he gazed at her fondly.
“He isn’t you, but I still saw something of you in him… I didn’t expect to,” she murmured.
“What were you expecting?” He teased softly.
Sylvie rolled her eyes, “I wasn’t expecting to run into you at all, I just turned the corner and there you were…”
“Ahh, so only a chance meeting then… lucky me,” he smirked with a glimmer of mischief.
Sylvie returned his smirk with a sultry grin, smoothing her hands up his chest. She gripped the lapel of his robes and pulled him down slowly to kiss her. He went easily and drew her even closer, hands settling on her hips.
The fabric of her dress was soft under his hands and his grip tightened as she parted her lips in a gasp against his mouth. Sylvie’s body melted under his touch as he deepened the kiss.
Loki turned Sylvie to push her back gently against the golden pillar of the alcove. Sylvie sighed and tipped her head back as he kissed her passionately. He brought a hand up to tangle in her hair as he braced against the pillar behind her.
Sylvie’s hands slipped around his back and she allowed herself to fully enjoy the moment. She let out a hum which bordered on a moan and Loki’s breathing quickened even further at the sound. He broke for air and panted against her cheek as he kissed along her jaw down to her neck. She smelled like apples and red wine and he inhaled deeply, mouthing at her skin as she clung to him.
“Loki,” she whispered desperately.
He hummed into her neck as he kissed a trail down to her collarbone.
“Loki please,” she sighed.
He wanted to have her right there, but he slowed as he heard distant footsteps grow louder. Loki panted softly and pulled back, holding a finger to his lips in silence as Sylvie looked up at him in dazed confusion. He pulled her a little further into the alcove and tried to quiet his labored breaths as he listened to the group of footsteps pass loudly.
The boisterous sound of Thor and his friends passing was unmistakable, but thinking back he didn’t remember them having walked this way…
Loki rested his forehead against Sylvie’s in relief as they passed. She sighed and leaned up to kiss his neck affectionately. He exhaled a low sound of pleasure before suddenly freezing at the sound of a throat clearing nearby.
“So this is why you ran off so quickly…”
Loki turned to see Fandral smirking knowingly at him from the middle of the corridor.
“You sly devil…” the swordsman teased, voice soundly oddly proud.
“Fandral, I—” Loki started but was silenced with an understanding wave.
“I understand completely, not a word to Thor,” he gestured to zipper his lips and winked at Sylvie who gave him a tight smile before he trotted briskly to catch up with his friends.
“Wait for me, you lot!” he called amiably.
“Hurry up, Fandral! You’re tiny legs are no excuse!” Volstagg boomed in jest causing Thor to laugh uproariously as they continued down the corridor.
“You know Thor, I think your little brother may have a mystery woman…” the distant sound of Fandral telling on him immediately made Loki roll his eyes and Sylvie cover her mouth with a laugh.
“Really?! Do tell!”
Thor laughed and clapped Fandral on the back and their voices grew softer as they descended the far stairs.
Loki groaned in annoyance as he straightened his clothing and Sylvie’s giggles subsided. He sighed and tilted his head in mock reproach making her laugh even harder and he chuckled silently.
“That is going to take some explaining… I’m happy to not be the one who has to explain it,” he sighed.
“Oh don’t worry, they were all carrying plenty of ale, they probably won’t even remember,” she reassured him warmly.
Loki scoffed, “One can only hope…”
“Besides…” she ran her hands gently up his chest, “I’m sure it wouldn’t be the worst thing you’ve been caught doing…”
Loki smirked, “No… I suppose not,” he eyed her appreciatively, “‘…Prince of Asgard caught ravishing a breathtaking woman in a dark corridor…’” he smirked.
“Mmmm, I like the sound of that… let’s hope he tells your brother every detail,” she grinned.