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Hands ran down the rich fabric of your dress. While they shook with nerves, you took in the quality of the material. Far finer than anything you’d ever worn before – you’d readily admit that. The urge to crush the silk within your fists to try and find some semblance of calm was staved off by the worry that this clothing was far above your station as it was. It was borrowed, so you had a duty to ensure it was returned in the pristine condition it was gifted in. Also, possibly, so you could return it once it was finished with.
Still, fingers trembled. With the pressure upon your shoulders for today… And also, with excitement.
A shaky breath passed over your lips, however butterflies still stirred within your stomach. You bit your lip to try and contain the excited giggle threatening to burst forth.
“Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
The honour would be all yours.
When the door opened behind you, you spun. There was no expectation to see anyone today. Your father –
… A deep sadness took root, along with worry and anxiety. Your father was still missing. No one had heard from him and despite his treatment you couldn’t help but worry about his wellbeing. Such was the thoughts of a child of a parent. You’d been taking care of him since your mother died, and now he was out there, on his own…
But this was to be a happy day. It was to be your day.
For once.
Yours and Loki’s.
A grin spread across your face at the thought.
“My Lady,” Thor greeted as he beamed at you. “You look absolutely splendid.”
Once again, hands ran down the fabric of the skirt. “Really?”
His face softened at the sound of your small, quiet voice. Your eyes fluttered closed at your obvious show of vulnerability and uncertainty. It hadn’t been intended, however it was out in the open now and there was nothing to be done about it.
“Of course!” His enthusiasm bolstered your confidence that little bit more. “Are you well?”
“Yes,” you nodded. “I am. I’m ready.”
Thor grinned. “I am pleased to hear it. So will my brother. He’d been pacing a hole in the ground since he awoke this morning.” His eyes sparkled in his amusement. His smile was hidden beneath his now bushy beard.
“How is he?”
“Excited.” Thor stepped up closer. He placed his hands upon your shoulders, stilling anxious movement and grounding you for just moment – everything you needed. “Anxious, much like you,” he chuckled, “but excited. Thrilled, just like the rest of us. He can’t wait to see you,” he added softly, giving your shoulders an affectionate squeeze.
A deep sigh gushed out of you. “Can we go now?”
Thor chuckled. “I was on my way to escort you, My Lady. Yes, of course we can go. Everyone is ready for you.”
With your father’s absence, Thor had offered eagerly to walk with your today – your wedding day. He was quite insistent on it, actually. Eager, in an endearing way. You couldn’t bring yourself to say no, however his presence was welcome. You’d found a confidant and a new friend, in Loki’s brother, and cherished it.
You hadn’t had many in the past. Hadn’t been able to strike up many friendships. You’d kept everyone at arm’s length. If they didn’t get to know you, they wouldn’t find out about your mother or your father’s issues. It would save you having to explain it all. Save yourself the emotional turmoil of it. The only one who’d managed was… Loki.
Your future husband.
You practically skipped over to Thor in your haste. It made him laugh. Once more, his eyes sparkled with delight.
“You look beautiful, My Lady.”
“Thor…” A blush spread across your cheeks and nose.
He squeezed the hand which had curled around his elbow. “I mean it wholeheartedly. You are a vision. And I can’t wait to see my brother’s face when he finally lands eyes on his bride. It will most certainly be a sight to remember.”
You couldn’t stop the smile from overtaking your face.
There was a quiet murmur beyond the doors closed before you. Two guards stood to attention, professional as always, on either side of the door, remaining stoic as you had a silent breakdown about walking out in front of the whole court.
“Thor?”
“Yes, My Lady?” Bless him, his answer was immediate.
“You won’t leave me, will you?”
He took a second to scan your face. “Never.” His voice was gentle. He gave your hand a squeeze. “I know how daunting it can be,” he reassured, “however, everyone is here for you. You and Loki.” A grin spread across his face. “They’re overjoyed to see their Prince wed, especially to you.”
You faltered for a second. “They are?”
Thor nodded enthusiastically. “Keep your head held high. Shoulders back.” You obeyed immediately. “And remember who you’re walking towards once those doors open.”
The words settled upon you. You gave them a moment to sink in and once they did, you remembered yourself. Suddenly, the thought of walking this gauntlet through a large Asgardian royal court you did not know wasn’t so bad… Because Loki would be waiting for you at the end of it.
A slow smile spread across your face.
“Exactly,” Thor chuckled. “Ready?”
“I’m ready, Thor.”
He nodded to the guards and the doors opened.
And everything else faded away. Because as you looked down the long walkway to the base of the throne, you saw your future at the end of it.
Loki was deep in conversation with Odin and Frigga. A small furrow creased his brow, however when they looked up once the doors opened, as did he.
And when your eyes met, he took your breath away.
Adorned in all his finery, he made your heart stutter.
The rest of the world fell away.
There was no sound as you walked by Thor’s side. You didn’t hear the excited whispers of the court. Didn’t see the heads straining around others in the packed room to catch a sight of the future princess. In fact, you weren’t even sure, if asked, you could recall the walk down the long walkway.
You only remembered arriving by his side.
There was a shaky exhale over his lips. His eyes scanned up and down your body, apparently too distracted or overwhelmed or both, about where to look. Where to settle upon. His hands gripped your elbows gently and he pulled you a step closer into him.
“My love…”
Your eyes immediately filled with tears. “Loki…”
“You are… Radiant.” Tears were filling his eyes as well. One dripped down his cheek, but you quickly lifted your hand with a smile and brushed it away with your thumb. He immediately leaned into your touch and his eyes fluttered closed.
“As are you.”
He turned his head and pressed a kiss against your palm. Once he pulled away, the look of delight on his face softened your heart even further.
“Are we ready?”
The Allfather’s voice startled you for a second and remembered where you were. Your audience. Heat flooded your cheeks while thinking of the number of eyes upon you both, however the King’s eyes were kind and patient.
“Ready?” Loki’s voice was soft – meant only for you. His eyes were searching, expression patient. However, there was an undercut of uncertainty. Worry. He gripped your elbows slightly tighter.
“I’m ready.”
You watched as he exhaled and his shoulders peeled down from his ears.
The resulting smile, which lit up his whole face, was one you’d remember for many, many years to come.
The cheers which erupted throughout the room were a surprise, first and foremost. You didn’t expect so many people to be so accepting of your wedding to their prince. Expected far less excitement. And yet, once you managed to tear your gaze away from the man who was now your husband, smiling faces were all that greeted you. The applause was thunderous, and a few whistles permeated the air as Loki turned with you, facing his people with his new wife.
He lifted your joined hands into the air and the throne room turned into a cacophony of noise.
He gathered you close when you flinched from the volume. With a wave of his free hand the noise dimmed somewhat, to a more bearable level. And when you looked up at him, he was smiling down at you fondly.
“Hello, my love.”
You couldn’t help the grin which spread across your face. “Hello, my husband.”
The look within his eyes shifted. It changed ever so slightly. Now, a hunger filled them as his eyes looked between both of yours, searching. For what, you didn’t know. But you found your heart full as you gazed back at him, unashamed at the intimacy of your small moment.
“Are you ready to meet your people?”
At the utterance of his words, anxiety curled within your gut. You felt your smile fall, no matter how hard to tried to pretend the prospect didn’t scare you. You’d practiced this – thinking about it often and rehearsing responses – but now it was here, you stalled.
However, with a comforting squeeze of your hand, Loki understood your perfectly, just like he’d always had. “It will be fine, my love. And I’ll be right with you.”
Your smile was nervous after you licked your lips and looked back up into his eyes – no matter how hard you tried to relax. But Loki saw you completely and nodded his encouragement.
And sure enough, he never left your side for the remainder of the day.
“Loki?” A giggled escaped over your lips unexpectedly.
And when he turned back to look at you over his shoulder, as he tugged you along the quiet corridors of the palace, his expression was so full and so in love you felt yourself melt completely.
You loved this man.
Your husband.
He looked so boyish and endearing, so carefree and happy. You knew you’d follow him to the ends of all the realms with that one look alone.
You’d both escaped from the stuffy banquet room. The party was in full swing and, honestly, you’d been having a blast, but one look from your new husband from across the room, and seeing the heat in his eyes as he set them upon you while some Lord chatted his ear off, you were more than ready to leave this party and begin your life together.
Thor had been the one to come to your rescue. He’d conjured up an excuse to easily to extract you both from those wishing to talk your ear off about – to be quite honest – inane things and sent you both on your way with a wink and a promise he’d cover for you.
“Not far now.”
Loki kept guiding you for a few more steps before he spun and gathered you into his arms in a movement so fluid it stole your breath. You found yourself – embarrassingly – panting as he dipped his chin and looked into your eyes.
You were in a darkened part of the hallway. No eyes were on you – they were all at your wedding feast, after all. The guards were all that remained however they were stoic and still as statues in their posts.
Not that Loki would allow anyone to spot you both, regardless. You knew him well enough and for long enough that you recognised the shimmer of his magic creating a bubble around you both to hide you from prying eyes.
His chin dipped, caressing your nose. His nose came to rest against your own and you sighed happily, content, as your arms wound around his neck. When his lips lowered to brush yours ever so gently you couldn’t help but let a whimper escape.
Of course, he smirked at that. He hummed lowly and continued his gentle caresses over your face – your cheeks, your nose, your forehead.
But, just like he knew you, you knew him as well. You curled your hands in his hair and twirled his tresses around your finger. Once it was taught, you gave a gentle tug which halted his movements.
When he pulled back, his eyes were molten.
“Careful, my love,” he purred.
To which, you just grinned back at him. “Or what?”
Your response sparked something deeper within him. His hands grew heavier on your hips. His grip tightened as his fingers dug into your flesh and the kiss he gave you had you completely forgetting the game you were playing. It rendered you speechless.
“Careful.” He nipped at your bottom lip, which you chased, unable to help yourself.
“We’re too far away.”
Loki knew immediately what you meant and opened a portal to his bedroom.
All that echoed down the hall was your trailing peal of laughter as the shield he’d placed around you both faded while he tugged you through eagerly.
“What do you picture when you think of our future?”
The question stirred you from your dozing. You think he may have asked you twice already, because it was followed by an, “are you awake?”
Your husband had thoroughly tired you out after the ceremony and banquet after your wedding.
You hummed and stirred, tugging yourself from the pull of sleep. It was difficult. The way his fingers were lightly caressing your upper arm as you curled deeper into his chest was so distracting it was difficult to think and function properly at all.
“The future?” Your voice was hoarse with sleep.
“Yes. Have you had any thoughts?”
You sighed, content, and pressed your cheek into his bare chest.
Sometimes you really couldn’t believe how your life had turned out.
“I’ve had lots of thoughts,” you replied sleepily.
“Care you share?”
A slow smile spread across your face. Always.
“I see…” You hummed in thought. “I see us on many an adventure. I see us living life together, side by side. Happy. Supporting one another in every way we need. Never apart.” There was more, however your dozing brain was struggling to conjure it up. “I see… everything, Loki.”
You felt his chest rise and fall with his sigh.
“What do you see?” Snuggling in closer was easy – too easy. However, it didn’t bother you so much when you remembered you could now – with abandon. You even hooked your leg over his, securing Loki against you.
He laughed softly at your clinginess but never shifted. In fact, he pulled you in closer. You almost whined when he stopped caressing your upper arm gently with his fingertips but supposed you couldn’t complain too much when his arms wrapped around you even tighter and brought you even closer into him.
You couldn’t bring yourself to complain about that at all.
“I see…” He paused for a moment. “Everything, too. I see us facing whatever trial may befall us, together – as a unit. I see…” He trailed off, faltering for a second.
He stopped for so long, you lifted your head and shifted to prop your chin on his chest so you could see his face. You cocked your head to regard him curiously.
“What else, Loki,” you prompted.
He looked sheepish for a moment. Hesitant. Instantly, you softened.
“You can tell me anything.”
When his expression lost its uncertainty somewhat, you found yourself smiling at him.
“I know, my love.” He carded his hand through your hair and let his hand drop you cup your face so his thumb could brush over your cheek. “Well…” He sighed deeply. “I know this is not solely my decision – it is mostly yours, however I know it is something we decide together. But, whatever decision is reached – I know there are ways around what I desire.” He looked so nervous, your heart melted.
“Ask me what you wish to ask, Loki.” You knew what he was getting at, however, wanted him to say the words himself. You wanted him to finally advocate for himself and his own wishes. Something he’d never often had the opportunity to do before, as he’d told you many a time.
This would be the beginning of many new things. You’d make sure of it.
He swallowed thickly. “I see… a family. One we call our own. However that comes about, I do not care. But I see children.” He faltered on the last word. Children. You heart skipped a beat at the mention of them. “Maybe,” was added hastily. “Or… something to that nature, at least. That’s not to say – I mean, if it is something you did not want, it does not mean I would be unhappy,” he stuttered. “My life is complete with you by my side, is what I mean to say, regardless –”
His breath caught in his throat, silencing him. Strangling him in this babbling.
He was flustered!
Bless his soul.
“Loki?”
His head whipped down to look at yours. Panic was clear in his eyes.
You cupped his chin and reached up, drawing him in close. The panic abated a bit as confusion took over for a short moment. When you pressed your lips to his, all the tension peeled away from him.
“I want everything.”
He blinked, then understanding dawned. The pure joy which lit up his face caused your heart to stutter.
“And like you said, however that comes about, I will be more than happy. Whether it is children, or not, I do not mind either. Because I will be doing it with you. We will make it ours.” You proceeded to make your point by poking him in the centre of the chest, causing him to grin. “The logistics don’t matter, so long as I’m with you.”
He leaned down and kissed you until he stole your breath away.
“I love you.” The words were breathed against your lips. They were desperate, full of love and joy.
“And I love you, husband. My Loki.”
He hummed. “I am definitely yours, my love.”
“Good.” You scooted up the bed in a fit of boldness and curled your hand around his neck, pulling him for an even deeper kiss.
In response, Loki rolled you over. He now hovered above and kissed you senseless. When you finally recovered, you find your husband staring down at you adoringly.
“What do you say we get started on that little family.” You lifted an eyebrow biting your lip in excitement.
To which, Loki just blinked and stared at you.
“After all –” You licked your lips nervously, your bravery waning for a second after his lack of reaction.
The movement of your tongue distracted Loki completely. His eyes were drawn there as you shored up your courage.
“The fun is in the trying, isn’t it?”
The room filled with a pregnant silence. You, waited for his reaction. Loki seemed stalled. Stuck on the words you’d spoken.
But when he suddenly surged forward and claimed your lips with his as his hands wandered affectionately, you were left with no doubt about his joy at your suggestion and how much it meant to him.
You couldn’t want to start a family with your husband.
Your Prince.
Your Loki.