Chapter 5
When Thor came back in late afternoon he was greeted by seamstress and her servants trudging around carrying different outfits. Outer quarters of his chambers was filled with stands carrying cloths made in soft materials like silk . chiffon,some cottons with glittering embroidery and beadworks!
Thor was confused.When he entered inner chamber, He found that Loki was being fussed over by two women trying to adjust the clasps of blood red tunic on him. The tunic had plunging neckline bordered with golden threadwork.He wore tight black leather pants. It was a definite male outfit, but had a soft alluring touch to it. Loki looked edible! Thor had to clear his throat before speaking. That caused Loki to whip his neck towards him, flush started dusting his face and neck running down and dissappearing into the bold neckline. Thor forgot that he was about to speak something.They both were awkward now.
" Doesn't he look gorgeous in your colours ,my king? " The seamstress who had followed him in asked.
" Uh? " Thor was still unable to speak. Loki's eyebrows rose." How eloquent,Thor" He read in his brother's expression.
" Whats all this?" He managed to ask.
" The steward had requested appropriate clothing for the royal concubine.We had made some after the announcement. The steward called us today for the fitting for tonight's dinner.I will be happy make more outfits according to Prince Loki's requirements,of course." She explained, dismissing her servants with a wave of hand.
" Oh.I had requested Kvasir the steward for dinner arrangements. I didn't know he will go to this length. Though Loki looks stunning, he will not be using such outfits.He is a warrior, not some woman to be decorated." Seeing the seamstress's puzzled expression he added, " I like him as he is, lady Hulda. I fell in love with him when he wore his former garbs" There was truth in this atleast.
" But his station as your..." she started
" Requires him to dress as I please.And I like him as prince Loki, in his normal cloths"He inturrpted before she could throw Loki's status in his face.
" Thor, " Loki said shuffling his weight from one foot to other, " She is right.I need new outfits.I can't wear my formar garbs Thor.I can't wear armour or vambraces or even capes.Even if you force people to call me Prince, the truth is I am not a prince anymore. I am not allowed the things that used to be privilege of my rank and family." Thor opened his moth to protest and shut it immediately.He had no argument.
" Still you should know that I would not force you to wear such revealing or uncomfortable cloths. We can have cloths made in your preferred colours." He amended.
" I would like that.But I liked some outfits from lady Hulda's collection.Can I have them?" Loki asked,his head inclined one side, looking utterly adorable. Anybody would give their life if he asked like this.
" Of course brother, you have no need to ask" Thor grinned.
Loki went out and brought a midnight black shirt with silver grey design and told him that he was going to change in bathrooms.
" Ah, he is shy of you" Hulda noted. And flustered when she realised her mistake, " I...I apologise my king, I should not have talked out of my place"
" Its fine my lady. See that you don't comment about our relationship outside of this chambers." Then he lowered his voice saying , "Would you send the red tunic to me separately if he doesn't choose it? I rather like it on him"
" With pleasure my king!" Hulda's smile was enough to cause him flush beetroot.Loki came back in Black outfit ,the long black shirt going midway to his thighs.He went to his wardrobe to get a fine brown belt to add over the tunic to accentuate his slim waist. He had managed to look sensual yet royal and classy at the same time.He turned to Thor and spread his arms, looking down at himself and asked,
" What do you think,Thor? Should I wear this tonight?"
Thor gulped and said, " You look wonderful Loki.You should wear this tonight", ' and You are going to be my death one of these days', he added in his mind. Loki smiled happily and went to select more outfits.
_@_@_@_@_@_
The dinner arrangements were made in a spacious room near feasting hall. The Alfheim's delegation was already seated when they arrived.
" Thor, the king of Asgard ! " Faradei greeted with a bow. He was a slender elf with fine features and straight golden brown hair that did nothing to hide his poited ears.
" Loki, my friend" He smiled carefully avoiding any title.
" Always with the sneaky, insults Faradei" Loki replied cheekily. Thor was confused, Loki should not be angry as he himself had said that he had no rank.
" Loki, he does not know that I have ordered you to be addressed as prince.I am sure it was unintentional" , he provided trying to save the evening from being ruined.
" He insulted you, foolish oaf." Thor frowned in confusion ,so Loki explained further, " I know my position has no titles. But he should have addressed you as 'his king' You are Kig of nine realms, not only of asgard"
" Oh!" Thor felt stupid.
" I don't know how much you decieve him in talks of treaty.Deference now Faradei!" Loki admonished.
" Of course.I apologize my king! Let me introduce my fellows to your royal concubine" Faradei said smoothly. Thor didn't know why he always felt angry when anyone called Loki his concubine, maybe the demeaning tone was the cause.But Faradei made it sound like a title, a privilege.Loki was nodding and smiling as the introduction were made.He was already friends with Faradei, Frida and Alfie. Having been met again and again over the years as ambassadors.Only new faces were two guards and a young elfin boy training to be a diplomat.He was staring at Loki with huge brown eyes, visibly impressed.
As the mead was served , initial awkwardness bled away as talks continued like old times. No further mention was made of Loki's punishment or his changed status.Thor loved the clever banter between Faradei and his brother.He never had the patience for talking, so he used to leave the duty to his brother. He used to drag him to quests forcing him to spend time with his own friends.But here, Loki was having his own friends and also followers judging by the young man's face.Thor never had gave it much thought before.
" Our young Feldon is quite taken by you Loki" Frida observed.
" I might have exaggerated his sharp wit and his seidr to Feldon" Alfie said casually.
" Ah.Youngsters meeting veteran! Careful Feldo, Loki might take advantage of you. You will find yourself in his bed before you know it" Faradei said causing Feldon to blush.
" Like you did with me!" Loki grinned.Thor's ears perked.He looked carefully,schooling his features.
" Say if you regret it.You were too bright to manipulate into bed my beast! You came willingly." Faradei ansered.
" Of course.But thats in the past." Loki said awkwardly looking at Thor.
" Of cource. Doused fires are not to be mentioned in front of new sparks" Faradei was nothing if not clever.
" No.Faradei, we are not..its not like that. Thor only did this to free me from prison. He doesn't even like men. Please don't mention this outside" Loki blabbered. If only Thor could take him aside and kiss the his stupid misunderstanding away.
" Oh. I see." Faradei didn't look convinced in slightest. Frida wisely changed the topic,
" Loki, you are menace to negotiate with.But its no fun without you.Aesir are dull and stupid, no offence my king" she added making Thor smile.
"none taken" he said.It was truth after all.
" Yes there are only two possibilities with them, either they agree or they want to beat you! How do you form treaties with them?" Feldon found the courage to speak but he was absolutely frightened darting glances to Aesir king .
" You speak truth,young man.But remember You don't insult those who can beat you, not in direct words . And if you want to do so you should not show your fear.Control your emotions." Loki adviced casually cutting his meat.Thor liked to see him like this happy, talking freely into his own field.This was no trickery, this was an art developed carefully and seemed to be given training of on other realms.Only aesir will look down on something like this.
" Would you like to talk in the negotiations, brother? " Thor asked. Loki looked up sharply.
" You know I can't " he said.
" Not as ambassador. But you can come with me, help me reform the treaty. Please Loki, you know I hate it. Can't you make this easy for me?" Thor said and waited seeing Loki contemplate the offer.
" Fine. I can attend at least " He said at last. He didn't see the smile Thor shared with the elves.
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