#i would like to log a complaint about how infrequently loki wears a loving expression in the mcu

[emeraldxphoenix]

The tipping point has passed; that moment where they felt just as settled in Vanaheim as they had in Asgard, before everything got messy. Now Vanaheim is unquestionably ‘home’, this realm’s queen their queen, and this realm’s people their people. They have a family here – one that loves them, and values them, and doesn’t cast them in the shadow of another or lie to them about their heritage; all while maintaining their relationship with Frigga and Thor through correspondence and occasional visits. In accordance with their new identity, they have adopted a new title – Loki, of Vanaheim – and a new, well-earned, responsibility – Royal Spymaster – and have taken to presenting themselves in the Vanaheim style. They wear clothes designed by the same tailors as the queen – sometimes green, sometimes blue, sometimes magenta – and have grown their hair to comply with the realm’s usual tradition, adorning it with braids and golden beads. All in all, they are not the same Loki who left Asgard: they are finally themself.

And as if that wasn’t enough, they are expected to become a parent within the year. A smile at the thought, emerald lips curling as they nuzzle more pointedly against their wife’s subtle pregnancy bump. Nothing can take away this joy, not even an Asgard delegation headed by Odin himself. Though it seems their wife isn’t so certain. Eyebrows lift slightly, questioning, probing without words, and the Queen sighs. She knows that they are determined in this; where before they have been uncertain, reluctant, fearful even, they are now completely sure of their place within this realm and at her side, and after ending the recent assassination attempts the people seem to love them too – what better time than to finally face the man who raised them?

“Yes, I am.” But she isn’t. Her repeated willingness to put them, and their marriage, above the diplomatic relationship with Asgard, and all the political implications of that, are a continual act of love the likes of which Loki has never before experienced. The Allfather never so much as considered putting his family above the interests of Asgard, and Loki never presumed to request it. Sigyn, however, does so without question, and often in spite of encouragement (from them) to do the opposite.

“Livsformål, I am very certain in the knowledge that, no matter what others may think of me, you consider me more important than anything else. How could I forget it after everything you have done for me?” They twist to press their lips to her abdomen through thin nightdress fabric. “And I know you will make whatever excuses, and issue whatever commands necessary.” They nuzzle her hand softly, twisting to kiss her fingertips, each one in turn. “But there must eventually come a time when Loki of Vanaheim, husband to the Queen and Royal Spymaster, father” – a meaningful glance down – “of the heirs to come, meets the ruler of Asgard. It seems to me that this visit is as good a time as any.”

@emeraldxphoenix said: "By your side is where I'm meant to be." in case you didn't know. | accepting.

She smiles down at them as they lie with their head resting against her abdomen, her fingers idly toying with the end of one of the braids scattered through her husband's long, dark hair. But there's an uncertainty in her gaze that she knows they pick up on purely from the slight upward quirk of their eyebrows, and she sighs. Odin and his delegation's visit is imminent now, and while everything is in order on both practical and political levels, it is the personal aspect which gives Sigyn pause.

She's managed to maintain good diplomatic relations with Asgard for six years, now, in spite of avoiding allowing such visits to take place. Loki's peace of mind took precedence - will always take precedence - and she would never for a moment have even entertained the idea of inviting Odin to the very place she had brought them in order to keep them safe from him. So she's attended any events where the Allfather would likely be present without her husband at her side, and denied him invitations to Vanaheim.

Because she may be a Queen, but she is also a wife.

Loki thrives here, and she's been reluctant to do anything which would jeopardise that. But after a long stretch of time in which they and Frigga had exchanged letters, Sigyn had gently asked whether they'd like to invite their mother to visit - and thank the Norns for Frigga, because when she'd arrived in Vanaheim it was like she immediately, instinctively validated every single choice Loki has made.

It had been exactly what they had needed - what they'd both needed, if she was being honest with herself. She'd always adored the Allmother, and having her support again was nothing short of a relief. That visit, coupled with the fact that Loki is currently high in the Vanir court's favour after thwarting an assassination attempt against their Queen, is what prompted the invitation to be extended to the Asgardian delegation. But she's still nervous; still worried she's risking her family's happiness for the sake of her Realm, and struggling to reassure herself.

"I know that you mean that - and I love you for it... But are you certain?" Sigyn is trying to approach this delicately, not wanting to plant any additional doubts in their mind, or make them think that she doubts their ability to cope with seeing Odin again.

"Even if you are certain now, you can change your mind once they're here; you only have to do what you want to do. I will make your excuses, and I will not have a word said against you in my halls - nor will anyone else." Her hand moves away from their hair, fingertips gently tracing their cheek. "You are far more important than anything else, my love. You know that, don't you?"