Kari scoffed. "A privilege? I know nothing of the man father and neither do you, so how for one second can you call it a privilege, he could be abusive, cruel and sadistic for all you know."

"Hold your tongue Kari; this is Prince Loki of whom you are speaking of." Her father chastised.

"Names and titles do not exclude a person of being capable of such crimes, if anything, it protects them."

"But it does not permit you to assume them capable of them either. For as much of a chance that there is of Prince Loki of being as you accused him of being, there is an equal chance that he is anything but, he could just as easily be a caring and doting husband." Eirik retorted.

Kari very much doubted it. He was a prince and a warrior, so she was willing to wager he was spoiled, egotistical and crude. And he being the second prince and not the first born; which made her think that he also harboured bitter sentiments towards his brother; so hardly a man that could be likely to dote on her. But she was forced to concede and in turn hope that her father was right, and that Loki may not be as bad as she feared.

She was brought to the palace to meet Loki and get to know him a little before their wedding. Kari was forced to admit to herself that the palace was very much to her liking. She was welcomed by the Allmother, Queen Frigga, who smiled at her with genuine joy on seeing her, and she was shown to her rooms. The Queen informed her, that she and Loki would be dining together alone on a terrace overlooking the gardens at noon for their lunch. Kari nodded and bid her farewells before turning around and deciding where in the beautifully decorated room she would place her different belongings.

All too soon, a maid called to her chambers, informing her that her lunch was served and for her to make her way to the aforementioned terrace and luckily, the maid showed her the way ensuring that she got there on time. The maid, who she now knew to be named Mischa, left her at the doorway before bowing politely and continuing with her work.

After quickly checking herself over to ensure she was presentable, Kari walked slowly onto the terrace. There, with his back turned to her, looking over the gardens was Prince Loki. She had seen him from afar before on a few occasions, but never had she taken the time to pay any true heed to him.

He was tall, thin, with dark hair and pale skin, many of his features not often associated with Aesir men, but he had such grace, it made him look all the more regal. He also seemed to exude confidence, and was always so stoic looking, those features concerned Kari. She had heard him being called the God of Mischief, but she could not imagine for one moment, someone as stern looking as the man in front of her to hold such a title.

As though sensing that he was no longer alone, Loki turned. His face showing his displeasure and contempt, it caused Kari to take a step back. "So you are Kari Eirikdottir." Kari nodded. "I am Loki." He bowed slightly, his features unchanging.

"Your Highness." She curtsied in return, her voice shaky.

"We are supposed to eat alone with one another in hopes of actually getting to know one another." He indicated to the two chairs. Taking the hint Kari walked over to the far one and sat, placing her hands in her lap and staring at them, terrified to touch anything. Loki studied her closely for a moment before he too sat down. A servant brought out some food, bowed and left. Loki began to eat silently while Kari simply stared at the food. "I hope you are not awaiting a written invitation." He commented coldly. "It is not poisoned."

"I am simply not hungry Your Highness." Kari just stared at her plate.

"It is most frowned upon in all society not to look at a person when you are conversing with them, which is even more so with royalty."

Kari forced herself to look up, straining with her reluctant body to look him in the eye. "Sorry." She murmured.

"I see you are as happy about this situation as I." He commented, placing another forkful of food into his mouth.

"You are a prince; surely something of this nature was almost a guarantee for you. I on the other hand, was only informed about it the day before yesterday."

"As Asgard is not currently at war with any realm, or indeed trying to strengthen any bonds with those she is allied with, I had hoped not to have been forced into such a marriage."

"Yes well, the daughter of Asgard's chief armour supplier is clearly the best your parents saw fit to give you. You must have annoyed them a great deal for them to land you with one such as me."

"You do not think very highly of yourself with a statement such as that."

"I am aware of my position in life, as I have been informed that I should consider myself highly privileged to be able to become your wife."

Loki became somewhat indignant. "Do you think yourself not?"

"I do not know anything about you, being you wife could be a living Hel for all I know."

"Well it is clear which one of us is getting the better end of the deal here. As you state, you hold no titles, you should be grateful."

Kari rose to her feet. "Grateful? It appears the only thing I have to be grateful for is that this palace is so big that I may be able to spend much of my days well away from you. I am sure that there is a library or drawing room that will ensure that I do not have to lay eye on you or you on me, you pompous snob." She turned and stormed back into the palace leaving a very flabbergasted Loki in her wake.