"Loki?" Poppy asked. The Duke shot up from his chair and walked over to Poppy. "I'm promise that I am not doing anything unfaithful to you." The statement made Poppy's face contort in confusion. "I mean that much is obvious. Steven isn't the type of person to just stand and watch that on the sidelines." Loki pouted. "That means you think I am capable of being unfaithful."

Angelica watched as the air around Loki completely changed. He was like a puppy in front of her. Steven grinned with pride as she watched Angelica sneered at the young masters close relationship. 'That's right! Wallow in defeat!' Steven huffed.

"I mean that would have to mean that we are in relationship in the first place for you to be unfaithful to me." Poppy shrugged. Loki's heart sank.

Was he upset that she said they weren't in a relationship? 'What is this?' Poppy crossed her arms, "but I will say that you guys being in black clothes, smelling like beer and food, and with a woman of unknown origins is a bit suspicious."

"I can explain," Loki protested. Poppy raised an eyebrow, "go ahead." He nodded, "this woman is Angelica Throne. She is a siren and possibly the reason for all the monster attacks." Poppy nodded in understanding. "That doesn't explain the fact that you didn't tell me you used to be engaged. Why did you break up?" Angelica huffed and leaned back into the couch. "Because I killed his father."

"What?" Both Steven and Poppy asked in unison.

•••

Now everyone was sitting down, drinking tea and eating snacks. Poppy seemed to be in a better mood but her response earlier was really messing with Loki. 'I thought she would be upset when she met Angelica. Mad at me? But she is drinking tea and eating cookies. Did I think too highly of myself. Does she... not like me?'

Steven had to agree that what Poppy said was a harsh burn. 'Even I thought she was falling for him.'

Poppy munched on the chocolate chip cookie and audibly moaned. Loki smiled, "I used your cookie recipe. What do you think?" Poppy nodded happily, mumbling her praises through a full mouth.

Steven was even more confused now. 'On the outside they seem like the perfect couple. She even admitted that she felt safe around him... don't tell me. Has the Duke been ... friend zoned?' Fear filled Steven's stomach. ''it would make sense. If I think about it, have they even done anything that would seem truly romantic. The tea parties and late night chats. I mean she does all that with Wilbur and I.'

Steven looked up to Poppy. Poppy looked up at him and grinned with crumb covered cheeks. 'This is serious. I think I need to step in now. Operation Cupid!'