#it makes me feel light and floaty and it’s a beautiful privilege still being here having loved them for half my life

[blossoms-phan]

ok time to watch now 😁😁

[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Of Blood and Roses

Chapter Twenty-Four

Master List  |  Loki Laufeyson Master List

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Loki x Lauren  |  Word Count: 5233 Warnings: none

Lauren took Sif by the wrist and gave her arm a tug. “Don't fuss. You look wonderful.” The woman had been plucking at her skirt since they'd left the room.

“It tickles,” Sif muttered. “And clings. How does one make the material so thin and floaty?”

“Well, it is magic made fabric. I’m sure Loki can make it do whatever he wants it to,” Lauren shrugged.

The dress he’d created for Sif had a bodice like a gold filigree breastplate upon the deep plum fabric, which fell around her hips, gradually fading into a burnt orange at her thigh and a paler version of the same colour at her ankles. Swirls of plum and gold swooped and looped through the skirt, while patterns of abstract flowers were pressed here and there. Her arms were bare, but the back and neckline were high, and though the fabric swept around her legs in flutters and rustles, Sif walked with a sure stride.

The twins had curled and combed and teased her dark locks into a beautiful updo they’d added small pins with golden roses on the ends to keep the style in place. Sif’s eyes had been darkened, her lips brushed with colour, and Anneke had produced a small bottle of scent completely different from Lauren’s.

Sif now smelled of lavender and gardenias with a little citrus mixed in. It was heady, sweet, and just the slightest bit tart. It reminded Lauren of the woman herself and made her grin broadly when the twins added a few drops to a fresh bottle of oil and proceeded to cover Sif’s hands and arms and throat in the gleaming confection. They’d even added a touch to the oil they’d used to smooth the small amount of frizz in Sif’s hair.

When Sif looked at herself for the first time, Lauren almost cried. She looked stunned by her appearance and near to tears. Excitement burned in her eyes, while nerves coloured her cheeks.

Still, Sif wore more weapons hidden on her person than anyone else Lauren had ever known, besides Bucky. It was a wonder she didn’t clink as she walked for the sheer number of daggers strapped to her thigh. Lauren had, of course, returned her single silver blade to hers beneath the shimmering golden gown.

Loki, she knew, would be ecstatic with the twins choice for the evening. The dress was a strapless sheath of pale gold fabric overlaid in a loose, transparent cloth. It flowed out around and her, shimmering and shining like golden fire every time it caught the light. A large bow whispered against her bare back, but when the twins had offered jewelry for the night, Lauren had declined, choosing only the earrings Loki had bought for her at the market in addition to her torque. With how bright her dress was, Lauren didn’t feel the need for further embellishments.

Anitra had worked her hair up into a series of twists, knots, and braids, and added the gleaming oils to Lauren’s skin and hair. It was a decadent pleasure, being attended to in such a way.

“Do you think… Thor will like it?” Sif murmured, running her hand down her bodice for the sixth time.

“I think he’ll love it. It’s you, but with an added pop of colour. You look perfect, Sif. I swear.” Before she could ask again, or fiddle with her skirt, Lauren plopped her kitten down in Sif’s arm. “Here. Have a kitten to calm your nerves.”

Sif chuckled when Socks began to purr with his big motor. “How does that work so well?”

“Cats are magic,” Lauren smiled. “Felix, my cat at home, can always tell when I’m feelin’ a little blue. He’ll come crawl on me and purr his heart out.”

“Maybe I should get one,” Sif chuckled and rubbed Socks’ ears.

“Or you could wait a while, and I’ll just get you one.”

She shot Lauren a frown. “Why would you… oh!”

Red flushed Sif’s cheeks as Lauren laughed. “It’s only fittin’ as Thor got me mine after my marriage to Loki.”

“You’re so certain this will all work out. I’m terrified we’ll fail.”

“If it didn’t matter, Sif, you wouldn’t be so scared. But it does matter. Be honest with Thor. Speak your worries to him. Communication is key in a good relationship.”

“You clearly communicate with Loki which is strange to see. He always kept everything to himself, or brushed off concern for his well-being with a laugh and a snide remark.”

“Sometimes I wish we’d found each other sooner so that he wouldn’t have been so alone. He’s got a gentle heart beneath all the bluster,” Lauren murmured, her strides slowing as they walked into the feast hall.

The table was empty of all but Fandral and Volstagg.

“It appears we are either early or they are late,” Sif murmured, leading the way through the hall.

Before they’d gone more than a dozen steps, three women rose to block their way. All of them dropped deep curtsies. “Princess Lauren. I’m Lady Haddy, and these are the ladies Marisa and Anna. We were wondering if you would be opening space for your ladies soon? We’d love the opportunity to attend you and help you learn the ways of Asgard.”

Slightly taken aback, Lauren didn’t let it show when she smiled kindly to all three. “I’m afraid I’m not certain yet. Between the combat trainin’ and the seiðr lessons, along with the ridin’ lessons I’ll be givin’, it may take me some time to get my schedule sorted out.”

“Combat training?” said Haddy.

“Seiðr lessons?” said the second.

“You’re giving riding lessons?” asked the third.

“Her Highness is a very accomplished rider,” Sif interjected. “Volstagg’s daughter will benefit from that talent.”

“I have a daughter roughly her age,” the third one - Anna, Lauren thought - said. “Utterly besotted with the beasts. But my husband has no love for them, I know nothing about horses, and we’ve found no one willing to teach her. By chance might we impose to add another to your class?”

“If she’s truly interested, I don’t see the harm,” Lauren tilted her head in agreement. “Tomorrow, after lunch, you may bring her to the barns, and we’ll get the two of them sorted. Baron the stablehand will also be learnin’.”

She blinked her brown eyes rapidly. “A… stablehand? In the same class as my daughter?”

“He’s of the same age and needs the practice.” Lauren eyed her carefully, beginning to doubt the validity of the woman’s words. “Along with proper equitation, your daughter will be required to muck out her horse’s stall, groom, and saddle her mount, and care for it properly after the lesson.”

“Muck?” Anna squeaked.

“If she wants to ride, she must also learn the responsibilities which come with havin’ a horse. That includes shovelin’ the shit.”

All three women gasped.

“Your Highness! You can’t be serious?” Haddy exclaimed.

Lauren waved a dismissive hand. “I shovelled stalls for three months before Teddy let me anywhere near the back of a horse. “Ridin’ is a privilege earned through hard work and proper care,” he told me, and I’ve never forgotten it. If y’alls kids want lessons with me, you can bet they’ll be given a shovel, and a brush, and a comb to deal with the not so fun parts.”

“Here, here!”

Lauren turned and smiled at Daven, Volstagg’s wife. “Lady Daven.”

“Princess Lauren.” She lowered into a quick curtsey. “I for one have no concerns with you insisting Hedda care for the less tenable responsibilities of having a horse.”

“And havin’ my stablehand join her in the ring?”

“The more, the merrier,” Daven stated. “She has been quite full of herself since you offered to teach her. If the lesson is not a private one as she assumes, it might bring her back to earth.”

“Excellent!” Lauren clapped her hands. “She may join me in the barns tomorrow after her lunch then.”

Daven swept her another curtsey and nodded to the three ladies and Sif before gliding off to make her way to the table in the center of the room.

“If you find your daughter is still interested, Lady Anna, you know where I’ll be.” Lauren nodded her head and walked away, leaving them gaping behind her.

“That was very well done,” Sif snickered.

“Hm,” Lauren snorted. “It was the same test I used to give the parents of people who’d stop me at competitions. If they balked at horse care, they would likely be nothin’ but trouble.”

“Understandable,” Sif agreed.

A blur of blue arrived in their path when Nesper, son of Ulf, bowed deeply. The royal blue overcoat was heavily embroidered in threads of gold depicting leaves which reminded Lauren of those from a ginkgo plant. A short tunic in a lighter shade allowed the front of his pants to be seen, highlighting the elaborate codpiece when he rose from his bow. Some kind of bird had been emblazoned there, complete with sparkling gems and fancy stitching.

Lauren gave an inelegant snort and covered her mouth with her hand as she looked toward the ceiling to keep from laughing in his face.

“Your Highness. How pleasant it is to see you again. Have you perhaps had a chance to look over my book?”

She swallowed hard and promised herself she would not let her eyes drift below his neck. “I’m afraid not, Lord Nesper.”

“It is Sir Nesper. His father, Ulf, is the Lord,” Sif murmured.

“Ah, of course. Forgive me my blunder,” Lauren nodded. “I hear Lord Ulf is goin’ to assist in the mediation between the Morinian and the Zendally.”

“He is?” Nesper mumbled before pasting on a smile. “Of course he is. Father is quite adept at negotiating. I’m certain the King will sorely miss his counsel. But about my book…”

“I’m afraid another was recommended in its place, Sir Nesper. Perhaps when I have more time to waste.” Lauren dismissed him with a nod and walked around him.

“And just who was so kind as to suggest an alternative?” Nesper asked between gritted teeth.

“I was.” Joran arrived from behind Nesper and lowered into a deep bow, his helm held beneath his arm. “Princess. Lady Sif.”

“Joran,” Sif nodded.

“Commander,” Lauren smiled. “Perhaps you’d be ever so kind as to escort us to our table. It seems the night to be waylaid.”

“I’d be honoured, my lady.” He rose from his bow and turned to lead the way, his hand settling on the hilt of his sword Lauren assumed was a warning to keep anyone else from trying to stop them.

Lauren hooked her arm through Sif’s and followed after Joran, smiling and nodding when people offered quiet greetings. No others rose to block their passage, and soon Joran arrived at the foot of the stairs. “Lady Sif. Your Highness. Have a pleasant evening.”

“Thank you, Commander Joran,” Lauren smiled. “You’ve been most kind.”

“An honour, my lady.” He offered her a final bow and walked off.

“I think Joran has a crush on you,” Sif whispered in Lauren’s ear.

“What? No!” Lauren gasped. “That’s in no way a smart idea.”

“He won’t do anything about it,” Sif murmured, leading the way up the stairs. “Just pine and create poetry full of suffering.”

Lauren frowned. “You’re puttin’ me on!”

Sif’s eyes gleamed with playful amusement. “I assure you I’m not.”

“What are you teasing our fair princess about?” Fandral asked, rising when they approached the table.

“Joran’s smitten with her, but he’s too much honour to ever do or say anything about it,” Sif teased.

“It would go nowhere even if he did!” Lauren squeaked. “Why is it everytime I turn around, someone’s gotta tell me about someone else's feelin’s?”

“Are you one of those women who can never see the attention they acquire, Princess Lauren?” Daven asked, hiding her smile behind her cup.

“Oh, well, if you were to ask Loki he’d likely tell you yes,” she blushed and reached for her wine glass. The deep red liquid pleased her nose, and the taste sang when it touched her tongue. “That’s lovely,” she sighed and shot a look at Fandral. “This isn’t one of your concoctions is it?”

“No, fair princess,” he chuckled. “That is Xandarian Blood wine. For the colour, highness. They do not put blood in it.”

“Good,” she sighed in relief. “It’s very nice, but I’m not sure I could drink it if they did.”

“You’d be surprised,” Volstagg chuckled. “Blood sausage is delicious.”

Lauren’s nose wrinkled in disgust, but she hid it in her glass.

“I don’t like it either,” Sif whispered near her ear.

Socks leapt from the arm of Sif’s chair to Lauren’s lap and placed his front paws on the table. He gave a soft meow and looked at her quizzically.

“I think he’s learned he can mooch from the table,” Lauren giggled. “But it looks like we’re early tonight, so you’re just gonna have to wait.” She scratched his soft ears.

“Nesper seems quite intent on having you read his book,” Sif smirked.

“Don’t remind me.” Lauren rolled her eyes. “First the library, now here. The man can’t seem to take a hint. My gran would call him slicker than owl shit and tell him he could kiss her go-to-hell.” Sif burst out laughing as Lauren’s fingers flew to her mouth. “It seems the wine is rather potent.”

“I’m so happy you’re Loki’s Ástvinur, Lauren,” Sif giggled. “There is no one like you in all the realms.”

Lauren blushed at the praise but looked up when the sound of flapping wings preceded the two ravens. One landed on the back of her chair, the other the empty chair beside her.

“Eat?” croaked Muninn

“Hungry,” added Hugin who leaned over the back of her chair to gently pluck at Lauren’s hair.

“Y’all are just gonna have to wait till the others get her,” she scolded the two greedy birds.

“Actually,” Fandral smirked. “You can begin the feast, princess as only one member of the royal family must be in attendance to call for the food.”

She blinked at him. “I… I have no idea how,” Lauren admitted, looking down from the high table to all the eyes watching her expectantly.

“Stand up, hold up your hands for quiet, and call out, “Bring on the feast!’” Volstagg said, his grin wide as he rubbed his hands over his considerable girth.

“Nice and loud, Lauren,” Sif said as Lauren lifted Socks to the table and stood on shaking legs. “You can do it,” Sif encouraged.

Lauren took a deep breath and lifted her hands, causing the hall to plunge into silence. “Bring on the feast!” she shouted. The sound carried, and the room erupted into cheers. She blushed, but smiled and sat down swiftly.

“Well done, Highness,” Daven beamed.

“Very commanding,” Fandral grinned.

“Indeed. She has lungs like Thor,” Volstagg teased.

“Oh, hush,” Lauren mumbled into her glass, equal measures pleased and embarrassed.

Sif leaned closer and nudged her elbow. “You did that perfectly.”

“Thank you, Sif,” Lauren smiled. “This is so much easier with you here.”

“What are friends for, Lauren?” Sif smirked and refilled Lauren’s wine glass.

“Question?” Lauren asked, blushing a little harder.

“As you're the colour of a summer rose, may I assume it's a scandalous query you're about to voice," Fandral asked, leaning closer.

“Um, well… I just noticed Nesper and his… uh, colourful addition to his pants.” She felt her face burn. “Is that somethin’ y'all do or…” Lauren gulped from her glass when Fandral's grin turned wicked.

“The fancy codpiece caught your eye did it? He and his friends are trying to bring it forth as a new fashionable trend. Personally, I do not think I need to call further attention to my manhood when his reputation preceeds me, but to each their own. Why? Did you find it to your liking, princess?”

“Lord no!” Lauren burst out in giggles, shifting a little when the servants arrive to set platter after platter on the table. “That was a fashion on Earth back in the middle ages. I nearly bust a gut tryin’ to keep from barkin’ a laugh in his face.”

Volstagg snorted as he snagged a platter of meat from a passing server and plopped it down in front of him. “Pompous windbag. His father is a great man. Unfortunately, Nesper didn’t inherit Ulf's good sense.”

“I will happily run him off for you, Highness, if that's your wish?” Fandral offered, half rising from his seat.

Lauren waved him down. “I'm perfectly capable of runnin’ him off myself if necessary.”

“And Joran seems to pop up whenever you need assistance,” Sif teased.

“Hush, you!” Lauren squeaked. “Loki growled at him in the library already. Don't be goin' and makin’ things worse when there's nothin’ there!”

The table as a whole laughed, and Sif patted her hand. “I'm just teasing. We all know you, and Loki only have eyes for each other.”

Lauren shook her head, a wry smile on her lips. “Well, just remember who my husband is. He's more likely to stab first and clarify things second,” she reminded them as she began to fill her plate, offering meat to the ravens, her kitten, and when the brush of fur came to her knees, she tore the legs off the cooked fowl before her, and gave them to the two wolves beneath the table.

***

The feast was underway when Thor, Odin, and Loki arrived, causing the three of them to exchange an intrigued look.

“She grows more comfortable in her position every day,” Thor smiled.

“Sif’s encouragement has been invaluable,” Loki murmured, his eyes on the table in the center of the hall. He could see her hair, but not what she was wearing from this angle. He found everytime she changed her clothes it gave him a thrill for she was so incredibly beautiful in her Asgardian garb.

Then, as if she could sense him, she looked toward the door, and a sweet smile broke upon her lips. Loki’s strides lengthened until he’d left his father and Thor behind and climbed the stairs two at a time.

She rose to meet him and took his breath for it appeared flames of gold rippled through her gown. “Loki! There you are. I started dinner,” she giggled, reaching up to hug him.

Her lips were right there, so Loki took them in a gentle kiss which transferred the flavour of the wine on her lips to his. “I see that, my heart,” he grinned, sliding his fingers across her bare shoulders. “And you’ve been enjoying the Xandarian wine.”

“It’s lovely.” She fluttered her lashes, pressed up on her toes to peck him another kiss, then pulled back to sit in her seat. “Everythin’ tastes so good, and I was just starvin’!” she giggled.

“A combination of training and lessons, I’m sure,” he said, nodding to the table when they bid him welcome. He shooed Hugin out of his seat, the raven fluttering off to sit on the back of his father’s looking fat and happy. There were crumbs on his chair, ones he vanished, understanding why Hugin appeared so smug, and why Muninn was dozing on the back of Lauren's. They were quite the spoiled pair, it seemed. The brush of fur against his shins only proved the wolves had already been begging at her feet as well but returned to his father's side when Odin took his seat.

She leaned closer, a glass of wine in her fingers, and whispered against his ear, “Among other kinds of exertion.”

The dim light did nothing to diminish the flush on her cheeks or the sparkle of naughtiness in her eyes. “My sweet,” Loki purred, leaning closer. “You’re a little bit drunk I think.”

“Am I?” she grinned. “Maybe that’s why I feel so soft and floaty. But I’ve only had two glasses,” she pouted. “I don’t think I’m that drunk.”

Sif held up three fingers when Lauren wasn’t looking.

He plucked Lauren’s glass from her fingers and drank the rest of her wine himself before placing a water goblet back in her hand. “You look lovely, pet. Like a shiny gold wrapped sweet in the candy store window. I want to unwrap your bow,” he whispered against her cheek.

“Tell me what you found out, and I’ll let you,” she hummed, a teasing smile on her lips.

“Many things, darling. I spoke with Father about you.”

A frown furrowed her brow. “Why do you look annoyed?”

He sighed and shook his head. “We argued. There is nothing new in that.”

“About?”

She was most persistent for someone who was a little bit tipsy. “Why he kept my background from me. It’s not something I wish to discuss here, darling. Please.”

Her glass went to the table; then her hands lifted to frame his face. Eyes big and green and gorgeous peered into his. “I’m sorry, elskan min. Sorry that he hurt you.”

“He had his reasons,” Loki sighed, resting his forehead against hers. “Good or bad, it doesn’t matter any longer.”

“It does matter. It matters because it hurt you. It matters because it’s still hurtin’ you.”

He closed his eyes; the feel of her emotions heavy in his chest. “I think it won’t matter what answers come. I’m not sure I will ever stop hurting. I want only to put it in the past. His approval and his affection are but teardrops in the ocean when it comes to yours. They matter little. Your love and faith are all I need.”

“You have it, peaches. Always,” Lauren whispered and kissed him softly, pouring all her love into it, warming the ache from his heart stone.

When he released her lips, he sat back to take her in. Ethereal and shimmering gold, she glowed with love and beauty. He couldn’t help himself. “Darling… I feel the overwhelming desire to give you a gift.”

“Loki,” she scolded, but he shook his head.

“No, no.” He held up his hand, drawing the eyes of everyone at the table. “It can’t be helped. You’re simply too precious for words.” A flick of his wrist produced a small box in dark green and gold paper, tied in a shiny black bow on the table before her.

She huffed a little breath, a blush of pink filling her cheeks, but she plucked and pulled at the bow until it came loose. Her kitten immediately dragged the ribbon from the table into her lap where Socks batted it around.

Lauren worked the lid off the top, gently removed the soft fabric covering his gift, and gasped in amazement, “Oh, my stars!”

“I noticed you lack an ornament for your hair tonight, my love,” Loki said when she gently picked up the glass flower from within the box.

“Loki, it’s beautiful!”

“Gorgeous,” Sif murmured in agreement, eyeing the ornament covetously.

Loki shot a hard glance at Thor who was watching the proceedings closely, then took the ornament from her and inserted the long pins into her hair behind her ear. He flicked his fingers to be assured what he said next would not carry beyond the table. “Such a beautiful woman should have a crowning adornment. Especially one who appears to be on her way to becoming an Earth Mother.”

The faces around the table lit up in excitement.

“How wonderful!” Daven exclaimed. “An Earth Mother!”

“Well, that makes much sense,” Fandral agreed. “No wonder the creatures of Asgard find you fascinating.”

“It quite suits you, Lauren,” Sif agreed.

“I'm afraid I don't know what that means,” Lauren said, looking at Loki.

It means, my love, that you're tied to the earth and nature. You'll have specific and unique duties to perform like the changing of the seasons.”

“I get to do what now?”

He chuckled softly. “Change the seasons. Four times a year you and I will ride out across Asgard so you may pull the veil of the season along with you. Spring will warm to summer. Summer will blaze into fall. Fall shall close around us in blankets of white. And in the spring, you'll ride out to melt the snows and return the flowers.”

She stared at him with her mouth open. “Al… alright.”

“You'll feel the ebb and flow of nature through the nine realms. Occasionally, we may even have other worlds ask for your aid in ending a drought or stopping a flood. You'll be quite beloved of all the people, my darling when the news is announced. For now, it's best to keep such things within our close circle. Until you are more comfortable in your nature.” He cast a glance around, receiving understanding nods from the others.

“That sounds like a pretty big responsibility, Loki,” Lauren murmured, fidgeting the ribbon in her lap and driving her kitten wild.

“It is a gift to our world and our people. An Earth Mother is rare and beautiful. Your kind are adored for your abilities, guaranteeing prosperity for our people. A blessing from an Earth Mother is something highly sought after. There will be many people who will seek your aid.”

“It is good she is also a truth speaker,” Thor added. “You will know who to help and when thanks to that gift.”

“How do you say no to someone seekin’ help for a drought-ridden crop?” Lauren asked.

“You listen, and you discuss it with me. We travel to the world and see the damage first hand. And you connect to the place through Yggdrasil. There will be times the world will speak to you, and you will be required to let what is happening happen,” Loki said.

She sighed and shook her head. “I feel very dense, Loki. I don't understand.”

He hummed softly as he thought how best to explain it. “There are forests on Midgard which must burn to renew themselves, are there not?” She frowned but nodded. “And if you stepped in and hindered the flame with rain, you would be doing more damage than good, yes?”

“Oh, I see,” she nodded thoughtfully. “And you're sayin’ I'm gonna know when to help and when not to?”

“Yes, my heart. It will be part of your gifts.” He tilted her chin up and dropped a soft kiss to her lips. “You'll be glorious at it. Already you make the land bloom.”

“I do, don't I?” she giggled.

“Oh, yes, my darling. You certainly do.” She would be a wonder.

***

Amazement filled him watching Loki with Lauren. Thor wondered if he'd ever be able to turn a phrase so perfect to make Sif blush in such a way.

She looked stunning tonight with her hair upswept leaving her long neck bare. Thor wanted to place his lips there, feel the beat of her pulse as it quickened. He wanted to take the golden roses from her hair one by one until the mass of it was spread out over his pillows. He wanted to see her in all her glory, soft and warm against his sheets. He just wanted her.

He wanted her at his side always, where he could speak his troubles and rest in her embrace. Where they could work together toward the betterment of Asgard. He wanted to rule with her by his side, and raise their children up to be the next King or Queen of Asgard.

She looked up from her place beside Lauren and pink washed into her cheeks when he didn't look away. He hoped his appreciation of her gown and her appearance showed in his eyes.

His brother and father had been most explicit in their insistence he not give Sif a weapon as his first courting gift, but he wasn't stupid. Weapons were easy. He could give them without revealing his true feelings. Now, though, he no longer had to hide those from her and had the perfect present in mind. One difficult to acquire, but he wasn't about to fail, and he wouldn't demean the gift by asking Loki to create it for him.

“Loki,” Thor murmured, drawing his brother's attention. “I will need you to take my place tomorrow to see petitioners.”

Loki arched a brow. “And just what will you be doing, brother dear, that will keep you from such a chore?”

“I have a journey to make and will be leaving in the morning to go to Vanheim.”

“My king, I shall meet you at the Bifröst at sunrise,” Sif said, Fandral and Volstagg nodding their agreement.

“Not this time,” Thor murmured. “I will ask you to stand in support of Loki. Hogun has gone ahead to see his wife and family and will meet me there.”

The three looked surprised and slightly hurt, but nodded their agreement.

Loki only smirked his wicked grin, having figured it out. “Gladly, Thor.”

At the far end of the table, Daven began regaling them with a tale of Aggie, her youngest, drawing the attention of everyone, but Thor found his gaze drifting back to Sif. He knew her face, knew every curve and angle. Tonight, though, he found her lovelier than ever with her eyes darkened and her lips and cheeks brushed with colour. Beneath the scents of food and the one which he’d learned was distinctly Lauren, he could smell the sweet, tart scent of something new.

It spread an ache in his stomach the likes of which he had not suffered from since he was a youth feeling the first blush of desire. When Loki’s foot connected with his shin, Thor grunted and shot him a glare.

Loki leaned closer, and a flick of fingers preceded the sound of the rest of the room cutting out. “If you keep staring at her like she is a sweet you wish to devour, you will give yourself and her away.”

“I can’t help it,” Thor muttered, shifting toward his brother. “She looks incredible.”

“Make sure you tell her so when you ask her to dance,” Loki smirked. “Are you heading to Vanheim for what I think you are?”

Thor grinned into his ale. “Maybe.”

“An excellent choice for a first gift.”

“I hope so. I’ve wanted to get her one for some time, but…”

“It is a very telling gift,” Loki agreed.

Thor sipped from his cup before asking, “You don’t mind seeing the petitioners?”

“A triviality of ruling I have no love for, but as long as I am not called upon to do so often,” he shrugged, “I will step into your role for a day.”

“Good. Perhaps Lauren would like to sit in?”

“And be bored out of her mind? Are you trying to see I never have sex again?” Loki scoffed and rolled his eyes.

Thor chuckled at him. “It is not that terrible.”

“It is mind-numbingly boring,” Loki groaned. “But if it secures Sif as your Queen, I will suffer through it.”

“I’ve never dared let myself hope…”

“Seize the dream, brother,” Loki murmured as he sat back. “It’s within your grasp as long as you don’t screw it up.”

The smirk on his face had Thor rolling his eyes as the noise of the hall rushed back in.

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