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Vanaheim, your homeland, your realm. You and the caravan of distinguished guests from Asgard have arrived via the Bifrost, stepping into the vivid, lush landscape of your world. Awaiting your arrival are elegant carriages, prepared to transport you all to the heart of the city and onward to the royal palace for an evening of grand festivities, setting the stage for tomorrow's main event.

The All-Father would not be attending, a fact you were well aware of. Instead, he had dispatched Thor, his heir, to represent the Aesir over the next two days. Thor stood by the royal carriage with Loki at his side, the pair engaged in casual conversation as they awaited the signal to depart. They were dressed in their traditional royal attire, appropriate for such occasions—Thor in his customary red, gold, and blue, and Loki in his signature gold and green.

You had chosen to wear the colours of your realm, sapphire blue and moonlight silver, reflecting Vanaheim's renowned coastline and the bluest seas in all the Nine Realms.

You sigh, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension weighing on your mind. The coastline stretches into the distance, the sun slowly descending. You notice a chill in the air, unusual for this time of year, but the thought quickly dissipates as your focus shifts to the true purpose of your visit. You must uncover who is behind these attacks and put a stop to them, no matter the cost.

However, that is not your only concern. Tonight, the inner circles of Asgard will discover the full extent of your identity in Vanaheim. While you are known as a beloved ambassador, everyone harbours secrets. And tonight, yours will come to light.

You spot Fandral leaning against one of the carriages further down, engaged in conversation with Hogun and Sif. As if sensing your gaze, his eyes meet yours. You haven't spoken much to him since the incident at the Alfheim border, but now, with nerves churning in your stomach, you find yourself taking a tentative step toward him. He straightens from the carriage, while Sif and Hogun remain absorbed in their conversation, oblivious to your approach. You take a few more steps down the line of carriages when a gentle hand on your shoulder stops you, causing you to turn around.

You don't catch the frown Fandral sends Loki's way as the prince seizes your attention. Loki's hand lingers on your shoulder, his smile gentle. "Well, don't you look enchanting."

Your heart skips a beat at Loki's unexpected compliment, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through you despite the chill in the air. His words momentarily steal your composure, and you find yourself at a loss for a witty retort or deflection.

"Thank you," you manage to say, a soft smile tugging at your lips. "You clean up rather nicely yourself," you add, noticing the intricate details of his attire—the delicate embroidery that hints at his skill with magic, the fine craftsmanship that speaks of Asgardian royalty.

Loki's smile widens fractionally, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he regards you with an intensity that makes your pulse quicken. "I do try," he replies smoothly, his voice low and intimate. "Shall we?"

You frown, somewhat perplexed, as Loki extends his hand to guide you towards the royal carriage. Shaking your head gently, you gesture casually behind you. "Loki, my carriage is over there, with the other council members," you point out. His smile widens in response.

Loki's smile deepens into a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement at your correction. "Ah, of course," he says, his tone light yet tinged with a hint of playfulness. "But would it not be more enjoyable to ride in the company of someone who appreciates your presence as much as I do?"

You can't help but chuckle softly at his audacity, his charm working its way past your defences despite the gravity of the evening. "Flattery will get you everywhere, won't it, Prince Loki?" you reply, teasing him gently as you nod towards your intended destination.