You and Loki finally settle into the domestic life you deserve, and you couldn't be happier. (Or, a complete fluff bomb where Loki gets his happy ending.)
A/N:
hello! i'm so new to writing small one-shots, so i hope this one is good :) i'm still working on Hold My Hand, and I'm like 3/4 done with the next chapter, but in the meantime i wanted to write some fluff <3
You loved to watch your garden bloom in springtime.
You watered each and every plant with such tender care and love, humming sweet songs to yourself as you went. There was something about gardening that felt so right, so at peace, that you dedicated your life to exploring it. To expanding it as far as you could.
After Thor’s coronation, and the declaration of Loki as his royal advisor, you and Loki decided to take a step back from the spotlight that came with being members of the royal family. As the Prince and Princess of Asgard, you of course had certain responsibilities and functions you must attend, appearances and galas and whatever else the good King Thor could come up with. But a quiet life was all the two of you desired.
The years hadn’t been kind to Loki. He still grieved the life he once lived, and mourned the person he was before. In all his time with you, he had learned to release the anger he held toward his father and brother. He met you at a dire crossroad in his life, on the verge of acting drastically in an attempt to prove that he was worthy of the pride Odin showed Thor, despite Loki’s true parentage. You, though. You’d shown Loki unconditional love, without lies, without secrets.
You were there when Odin fell into Odinsleep. When he woke, only to pass not long after. You were there when time took Frigga as well, her bright, twinkling eyes fading into beautiful and revered memory. You held him when his shoulders shook in grief and pain for months following. And you loved him even more as he became the man his mother always knew he could be.
When Loki had presented this lovely place for the two of you, a modest countryside home - or as modest as a Prince can get - you couldn’t believe it. He knew, and listened, to your desires of a simpler life. One where you could use the gardening knowledge you’d gotten from Frigga during your lessons, where you could learn to be a homemaker without the bustling of staff around you. You’d wanted a quiet home for your future children, where they would learn of a life without the pressure of royal perfection.
Thor was all too happy to allow the move. With Loki as his advisor, they had fitted a device that strengthened Loki’s ability to travel in and out of the palace with ease, and for Thor to reach you if needed.
But in the evenings, when Loki’s work was done and your garden was glistening in the setting sun, you lived the life you’d always desired. Sitting by the fire with each other, limbs tangled, cheeks flushed, speaking in hushed voices about the events of the day, you felt your heart grow every day for your husband.
-
As you continued to garden, you heard the telltale sound of Loki returning, and you hurried inside to greet him.
“Hello, darling,” He said, his eyes brightening when he saw you.
You smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck and placing a gentle peck on his lips. “How was everything today? Did the two of you sort out the final arrangements for his,” You lifted your hands to motion air-quotes, “‘post-coronation’ ball?”
He rolled his eyes, chuckling. “We did. He insists it’s not to celebrate the coronation itself, but to celebrate the new start for Asgard, but I saw him choosing the drink list.” He lowered his voice, pressing his forehead to yours as if guarding a secret between your bodies, “Between you and me, I do believe our lovely King plans on letting himself particularly loose at this ball.”
You laughed, tossing your head back. “He was always a partier, was he not? Don’t think I don’t remember the stories of the Mighty Thor, protector of Asgard and resident drinking champion.”
You had been around for many years, and Thor never changed. Your brother-in-law was always lighthearted, trying his very best to make the people around him laugh even when the pressure on him was tremendous. Watching him grow over the years, you could see Loki realize how much work Thor was putting in to be the leader Asgard needed, and even now you could see the respect and pride Loki had in his brother despite his antics.
That night, after the two of you had enjoyed a meal together, you lay in the bath before bed. You sat between Loki’s legs, his arms wrapped tightly around you as your back pressed against his chest.
“You’re so beautiful, you know,” He said quietly. “I worry I do not tell you enough.”
You leaned your head back, pressing a light kiss under his chin, smiling at the way he still shivered slightly at your touch. “You tell me every day, my love.”
“Perhaps I should tell you twice daily.” He pressed a kiss to your ear. “Or thrice.” His hands rubbed up and down your arms.
You hummed. “Prince Loki, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were up to something right now.”
He let out a low chuckle in your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. “My dearest. You should know by now, I am always up to no good when I am with you.”
-
Later, you laid in bed sated and happy, facing each other in the soft candlelight.
“Thank you.” You said simply, watching as his face crinkled in confusion.
“For what?” He asked.
You rested a hand on his cheek and he leaned into it, pressing a kiss to your palm. “For loving me.”
His eyes opened slowly and you basked in the way he looked at you with a sort of reverence, as if he was worshiping you. “I will always love you, my heart. You have shown me what it’s like to grow, to bloom. You are my ray of sunshine and I am the garden you have tended with such love and care, and I swear to you until my dying breath that my heart is yours.”
You leaned in and kissed him with wet eyes, and neither of you got much sleep that night.
-
You were gardening again.
You woke slowly in the morning, a note on your bedside table left behind by Loki as he left for work.
I hope you dreamed of me, It read.
You stood in the light of the sun, enjoying how it always felt on your skin. You loved its warmth, the comfort it could bring you as you knelt in the soil, adding to your beloved display.
Life continued, slowly. Asgard changed for the better, while Thor ruled with a kindness the kingdom had not seen in a long time. Loki worked tirelessly beside him, returning to you with proud eyes each day he was able to make a positive change. Every hand he shook, every expression of gratitude he received, showed him that he was worth everything.
At nights, when you were alone, the two of you had long conversations like you were still in your youth; whispered jokes and quiet giggles, secret glances at each other as you sat in different parts of the room. You couldn’t have asked for anything better.
And, when the time was right, your family expanded, and the sounds of small feet became a welcome addition to your lives. As you sat listening to the giggling of your children playing in the garden, your husband’s warm laughter behind them, you smiled to yourself.
A/N: THANK YOU for holding tight while i've been drafting. i am so sorry it's taking me so long between chapters, i work full time and have severe ADHD, so i find myself so burned out so quickly. i'm working on it :)
Fic summary: When a young village girl begins to exhibit magic she should not wield, the Firm takes her in as one of their own, to be trained and raised as Princess of Asgard. (Or the one where Loki meets his match and falls head over heels (and is embarrassed about it).)
Chapter summary: You have an unfortunate run in with your new betrothed...and it doesn't go well, to say the least.
Word was sent to your parents of your new arrangement as Thor led you to your chambers. The silence was suffocating as your mind ran a mile a minute.
How would this arrangement work? Did Prince Loki know? Was this his doing? Why would they set you up with the Prince, rather than punishing you? Your stomach swirled. What would your life be like with him? Would he be cruel? Would he take pity on you?
“My lady,” Thor began, his voice filled with discomfort. He came to a stop in the center of the hall and turned to you. “I apologize that this has been sprung on you.”
You cleared your throat, head beginning to pound as you shoved back the tears you wanted nothing more than to let fall. You wrung your hands as you looked up at him. “Thank you, your Highness…I am just overwhelmed. Does Prince Loki know?”
His eyes dropped. “I do not know.”
Your chest tightened. The Prince was not told about his arranged marriage. And I am here to bear the brunt of his inevitable anger.
“If I may ask, my Prince–” You started.
Thor raised a hand. “Please. You will be my sister soon, no matter the situation. Call me Thor.”
You nodded, appreciating that Thor seemed to be genuine and kind. “If I may ask, Thor, do you believe Prince Loki will be angry?”
Thor’s face was grim. “I am unsure, but…” His face twisted into a grimace. “I believe so. But if he is a good man at all, he will not blame you.”
You hoped so.
Thor walked you the rest of the way to your rooms in silence, though slightly more comfortable than before.
-
Your chambers were amazing.
The floors were marble, with gold detailing and fixtures. A large, plush bed with a light pink canopy sat against a floor length mirror facing the cities and gardens below. You observed the other furnishings in awe as you stepped into the room. An attached bathroom held a bathtub the size of a pool. You were overwhelmed as you took it all in.
Yesterday, you’d woken up as a poor girl in the outskirts of the village; a family shunned for your oddities. You could never have believed that in less than twenty-four hours, you would be a ward of the Royal Family, arranged to marry their youngest son. Though your fate as the wife of the cruel son was unbearable, you knew that this was the better path for your life to take. The Norns would not have sent you here if you were destined to suffer in this place. There must be some reason your life so drastically changed.
You spent the remaining time in your afternoon outside. Thor had left you with the knowledge of how to get to the gardens if you wanted to explore the palace grounds, so you’d figured it best to familiarize yourself with the layout of the wing you resided in and its surrounding area.
Your walk was peacefully quiet, the occasional member of the housekeeping staff passing by you and nodding politely. You would adjust to having staff cater to you, but it was surreal to be treated like you were anything but the village pariah.
When you reached the gardens, you drank in the view. Rows of ornamental shrubs and flower arrangements, gardeners tending to the plants all over. You walked through slowly, enjoying the soft fragrances carried by the breeze. Deciding you needed a moment to take in your new surroundings, you followed a path deeper into the garden, leading to a secluded area with a small bench for you to rest on. You sat, sighing.
Looking out past the greenery, you drank in the kingdom of Asgard in its entirety. The view of the village, the city line, people moving about their daily lives as small as ants from where you sat. It almost made you feel smaller, to realize that you had always just been part of an almost anonymous whole. To see everyone now, small specks in your view, set your new path in perspective. How many times did the King and Queen sit in these gardens, looking down at their subjects? How often did any member of the royal family enjoy watching the village like children staring at farm animals through slats in the fences?
You heard a snap sound from behind you. Whirling around on the bench, you met a pair of green eyes looking sharply down at you.
“You are the one my parents have decided I will settle down for?” His voice was sharp, dripping with venom. “How pathetic.”
You stood quickly, running your clammy hands down the front of your skirt. “Prince Loki. My name is-”
“I do not care for your name. Do not assume I care for you at all, girl. You are merely a pawn in my father’s games, and I refuse to play along this time. I merely wanted to get a look at you, and I see now that there is not much to see.” His eyes roam over you with disinterest.
Your cheeks heated as your heart pounded in your chest. You felt a stinging behind your eyes and tried to blink away the beginning of tears before he could notice. “I apologize, your Highness, but I have as little choice in the matter as you do. The Allfather-”
“The Allfather does not speak for me. And I will see to it that this is rectified immediately.” With that, Loki turned and stalked out of the garden.
You pressed a shaking hand to your chest, exhaling slowly. You felt your heart thumping under your chest as you were filled with a sharp sense of unease. You had known that the Prince had a temper, and could be downright unpleasant, but the way his eyes had roamed over your body like you were nothing cut through you. When he was finally gone, you allowed yourself the moment to cry, hot tears spilling over your cheeks.
This life is not the one you wanted for yourself. Of course, you were not stupid. You knew this would be difficult. You knew your life was never meant to be a happy one, being born with a curse such as yours. But you never could have imagined that being brought into the palace, something that every other Asgardian would view as a blessing, would be something so miserable.
You decided to walk back to your chamber, eyes puffy and red. You just wanted the day to be over, to have a reprieve from the awful day you have had thus far.
Of course, you have never been one to experience good luck, and you walked straight into Thor on your return. You slammed into each other, knocking you off balance. He reached for you, straightening you before you could fall. You see him scan you for injury, landing on your puffy face.
“What happened, my lady?” He asked, voice full of concern. His gentleness in contrast to the abrasive cruelty of his brother spurred on another round of tears, and you let out a sob. He hushed you, guiding you into another room and seating you at a small bench.
When you are able to calm down, you recount the conversation you’d had with Loki in the gardens. You watched as Thor’s face turned from surprise to disappointment and anger as his brother’s behavior.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to speak poorly of him,” You started, hiccuping. “But I do not understand what I’ve done wrong.”
He shook his head. “You have done nothing wrong. My brother’s words are meant to hurt. He knows destruction and how to bring it, and he lashed out at you. You did not deserve that. I will not speak to him about this, my lady. But I must inform my parents of his behavior.”
You nodded, sniffling again. “Thank you, Thor. I appreciate your comfort and understanding.”
“You do not need to thank me. It is only the right thing to do.”
Thor guided you back to your chamber as he made small talk about the palace grounds. You told him of your visit into the gardens before your confrontation with Loki, and how beautiful you found it. He seemed pleased.
In your room, exhausted, you decided it would be for the best to lay down. Despite the fact that the sun had not yet set, you could not imagine being forced to face the rest of the day.
-
You woke in the morning to the sun illuminating the room. For a moment, you could almost hear your father’s humming, or your mother’s soft rustling as she moved about the house trying not to wake you. Then your surroundings settled on you, and you sighed as you blinked up at the ceiling with watery eyes.
A soft knock at the door persuaded you out of bed. You stretched, standing and feeling the cool tile beneath your feet. You padded to the door, opening it tentatively to see a small girl who looked to be part of the palace staff. She gave you a small smile, curtsying.
“Good morning, my lady. Are you well?” She asked.
“Y-Yes, I am,” You say, awkwardly.
She seemed to sense your discomfort. “My name is Camille. I am tasked to be your lady-in-waiting.” She shifted on her feet, wringing her hands.
Your stomach turned. You didn’t want to make the poor girl uncomfortable, but the idea of having someone assigned to cater to you felt wrong. You sighed quietly, forcing a smile.
“I’m sorry. I was unaware,” You said, trying your best to look reassuring. “Please, come in.”
She gave you a small, hesitant smile, entering the room. She walked toward a door to the left, opening it wide and stepping in. Inside was a large wardrobe room. As you followed her, your jaw dropped at the sheer size of it. The room was the size of your family home, full of casual dresses and gowns, shoes, and accessories you could never have even dreamed of owning before.
“While you were away yesterday, Her Majesty had us stock your wardrobe. The size is approximated, as you seem to be similar to Her Majesty in stature, but if anything does not suit you, please let us know.” She explained, motioning to the hanging dresses. “I will go over with you the dress occasions, but you will never have to worry. When it is time for a particular event that requires dress assistance, I and my co-lady, Lille, will be here with you.”
Your head spun. Still taking in the room, her words only served to overwhelm you. You knew nothing about how to dress as a member of Asgard’s high society. What if you made a fool of yourself, or worse, embarrassed the Royal Family at an important engagement?
Camille seemed to sense your nerves. She rested a gentle hand on your forearm. “I know it’s a lot to take in, my lady. But I promise, we are here to help you.”
You nodded, swallowing hard. “Thank you,” You croaked. “I’m sorry. I just…I am not yet used to this.”
She smiled at you. “I understand. If I may, my lady, can I familiarize you with your options? Please stop me if you have any questions.”
-
After what felt like an eternity, reviewing corseted versus non-corseted gowns, day dresses, evening gowns, riding gear, shoes…your head felt tight. Camille was extremely helpful, answering all of the questions you had. But still, it felt like so much to take in.
With her assistance, you had chosen a simple day dress, pale yellow and simple. She directed you to the main hall, where meals were held, for breakfast.
You ran into Thor at the entrance to the hall, and relief filled you. You weren’t looking forward to entering the hall alone. His face brightened.
“Good morning! I trust you slept well?” His voice boomed.
You smiled back at him. “Good morning, Thor. I did, thank you.”
He nodded, pleased. Offering you his arm, he turned toward the door. “Shall we head inside?”
You took his arm gratefully. “We shall.”
-
Breakfast was…awkward. Odin sat at the head of the table, his face stern. Frigga, to his right, and Thor, to his left, looked at the empty chair beside Thor in exasperation. You sat beside the Queen, fiddling with your hands beneath the table. All of your plates remained untouched.
Loki was late. Again, if their exasperation could be interpreted properly.
Odin sighed, a low rumbling sound. “The boy does not show respect in even the most mundane of moments. It is a wonder he even fulfills his general duties at all.”
Frigga shook her head. “He will show. A lack of faith in him only serves to push his behavior further.”
“You think this is a result of lack of faith? This is insolence at its finest, a show of disrespect toward the very simple rules we ask him to follow. Thor has no issue with them, yet the boy persists in defying me.” Odin’s voice hardened.
“Please, dear,” Frigga said, “Do not pit your sons against each other in that way. Loki will show.”
As if on cue, the doors swung open, echoing to the table. Loki, with a smug smile curling his lips, strode to the table. He sat beside Thor, staring at Odin defiantly. “Good morning, everyone,” He spoke smoothly, beginning to gather food on his plate. He ate slowly, tearing a piece of toast and slathering it with jam before looking around the table. “Oh,” He started mockingly, “you all didn’t have to wait for me.”
Odin’s neck strained, his brow furrowed. “You disrespect the palace staff, you disrespect your post, you disrespect your family. Is there nothing that you are willing to do? Do you even think to behave yourself?”
You sat silently, looking firmly down at your hands. You didn’t want to be involved in this conflict, and you feared if he noticed you, really noticed you, he would do it by force. You didn’t understand why Loki’s tardiness was so important, but you were not going to question it.
Loki sneered. “My apologies, Father. But perhaps I have better things to do than posture as the obedient son. I stand in for mischief, after all.”
Odin’s voice tightened. “It should not be posturing. You are a Prince, and you need to start acting like one.”
“Or what?” Loki challenged.
“Loki, please,” Frigga started, her voice pleading, but Odin’s voice filled the room.
His fist slammed on the table, rattling the dishware. You flinched, looking up. “I will not tolerate your disrespect any longer, Loki! You are not here for-”
“Odin!” Frigga exclaimed over him. “Do not continue this here. Please.”
Loki’s face was frozen, contemplative. “What am I here for, Father? I am an heir to the throne of Asgard. I will fulfill my duties as needed, but I will not be your pawn.” His eyes flicked to you, and you felt your heart seize. “Particularly in terms of the joke of a marriage you are trying to impose on me.”
Frigga placed a soft hand on your upper arm. “Loki…we were told of your behavior and, ahem,” She cleared her throat delicately, “opinions of this arrangement.”
He rolled his eyes. “Of course, the golden boy came running to Mother and Father, didn’t he, after the pathetic thing told her woes?”
Thor tensed. “Brother. Your cruelty is needless. Your ire at me is allowable, but not toward her.”
“You defend this wretched woman, support her weaseling her way into our family? I am not surprised by your nobility, brother, you have always wanted to be the knight to every weak maiden you encounter. But you, father, I am surprised at.” He bared his teeth. “I mean really, to think that this woman,” He spat at you, and you could hear your own heart pounding, “is doing nothing more than plotting her way into a Prince’s bed is pointless. I’m sure her family will be pleased to have a Princess for a daughter, no less-”
“That is enough.” Your own voice shocked you, hard and unwavering. “How dare you speak of my family. You know nothing, you arrogant, spiteful, disrespectful man. My family is cursed because of me. Because of my ability. It is a curse, and you will not sit here and spit on them and spit on the sacrifices they made for me.” You blinked away traitorous tears, pulling in a shuddering breath as your anger consumed you. “You have disrespected me, you made me feel like I was nothing but a speck beneath your shoe, and I can take that. I am not unfamiliar with men who believe themselves to be wolves when really they are small and pathetic and insecure in themselves. But do not disrespect my family.”
The table was silent for a moment. Thor looked at you in shock at your outburst, Odin’s face arranged in a similar way. Frigga beside you kept her face composed, but you noticed a slight tick in her cheek. You glared at Loki, your ragged, angry breathing filling the room, before he smirked at you, raising an eyebrow.
“She has claws, I see.” He spoke. “Glad to know you at least will have a backbone.”
With that, Loki stood, the sound of his chair scraping on the floor echoing on the walls. “I will take my leave.”
You let out all of the air in your lungs as soon as the door slammed shut behind him.
A/N: A longer one this time! I decided to try and get the chapters to a better length so there's more to read per update. :) Still no Loki, but I promise he's coming! Little more drama this time though ;)
Warnings: None!
You returned home quickly.
As you thought, your mother was waiting by the front window. It had been over an hour since you left, and she worried that you had been taken or lost.
“Where have you been?” She hissed as she swung the door open, grabbing your arm tightly. She yanked you inside, shutting and latching it behind you.
You looked at your feet. “I am sorry, mother. I didn’t mean to worry you. I lost track of time.”
“Lost track of time? The sun is merely fully set! How am I to believe you simply lost track of time?” She looked angry, but you recognized the look of fear in her eyes. You had truly worried her.
Guilt tore through you. How could you just leave your family in the morning? If this was how your mother reacted when you arrived home late, how would she cope with you being taken from her as she had feared your entire life? How could you stand here and reassure her, knowing that when the sun rose next, everything would change?
“I truly apologize. But I am okay.” You soothed, trying to ignore the way your heart ached. “Everything is fine.”
-
You slept fitfully. Thoughts of the palace dungeons, your parents’ arrests, and your siblings being sent to an orphanage or adopted away filled your mind in cruel spirals.
I can’t believe how irresponsible I was.
The only thing you had ever been asked was to be careful. To be sure that no one was around. But you had become careless after years of routine. You’d become used to and spoiled by the uneventful nature of your practice. Why wouldn’t you? After so long of being in complete solitude, you had never expected the young Prince of all people to stumble upon your little spot in the forest. Why had he been there in the first place? Perhaps you could ask in the morning, when he arrived to whisk you away from your family, your life.
You listened to the soft breeze coming through your window. The sky was a soft indigo. You had barely been able to close your eyes before the sun began to rise again. How soon will he arrive? Will my mother see him, as she enjoys her sunbathing in the early hours before work? Will my father spot the carriage and run home, hoping he would not return for the day missing his eldest child? Will the village all watch as you are escorted away, and inundate my family with questions?
Before you knew, the calming indigo turned into the sunrise blue you’d been dreading.
-
You sat straight up in bed, your hair a tangled mess from tossing and turning all night.
The distant sound of a carriage was the first you heard of your impending doom. You ran through your regular morning routine: a freezing bath – you were far too anxious to wait for it to warm of all things – carefully brushed your hair and changed your clothes. While you were certain imprisonment waited for you on the other side of an opulent horse drawn carriage and the palace doors, you at least did not want to give the Allfamily reason to see you as nothing more than dirt on their shoes.
The carriage drew closer, and you knew it was time.
You quietly moved across the house, careful not to step on the spots you knew the floorboards would creak. As expected, your mother was out front, enjoying the early sun. Nerves slithered up your spine as you straightened, prepared to face her fear.
As you stepped out the door, she spoke without turning. “They are coming for you. Am I wrong?”
You paused, heart in your throat. “How did you know?”
At that, she turned, a sad smile curving her lips. Her eyes, you saw, were glistening. “I saw the royal carriage last night and…I didn’t want to believe it. But I knew that we would have heard if something happened in the village, and when you arrived so late…” She trailed off, blinking away some of the moisture in her eyes, before continuing, “I knew. Who found you?”
You finally allowed your eyes to well up, a tear escaping before you are even able to force it away. “Prince Thor. Prince Thor saw me, mother. But I swear, I promise you I did not realize he was present with me in those woods. You know I have vowed to you to be careful and I was, but he was there anyway…I didn’t know what to do. His Highness should be nearly here by now, and I will be taken to the Palace. He promised no harm would come to me, or to our family.”
As you stared back at your mother, you realized how tired she seemed. The beginnings of wrinkles around her lips from frowning, the creases between her brows. She had wisps of gray hair framing her face. Was this because of you?
All of your life, you’ve been different. Not being able to play with the village children because of the risk of accidental magic had done damage to your family’s reputation. You were a freak, an outcast in this village, and your parents were too by association. Even your siblings, who were not cursed as you were, had to endure ridicule and shunning from their peers as their parents forbid them from interacting with such an odd bunch.
Despite no one being aware of just how “odd” you were, your appearance was always a giveaway. Your father used to chuckle every time he shattered your heart by saying, “Dearest, we almost handed you over to the local orphanage. As soon as you were laid on your mother’s chest, I felt there was no way you could possibly be ours. But by the time you began to speak, I realized just how like me you truly were.”
He was, of course, speaking of the snow white hair and singular golden eye you were born with. There was not much you could do to change the fact that you were a freak, but having to face your own monstrosity in the mirror had been too much in your adolescence. You knew looking at you reminded your parents of the burden they had been handed.
Your mother still had not responded. She looked away from you, back toward the sky.
“Will this be easier?” You asked, softly. Your voice sounded like that of a child’s to your own ears.
Silence came, before she responded, “If you are asking if you being taken from us will be easier, I am not sure. I love you. You are my child. You are my heart. But I cannot lie and wonder if the village will accept us. If they will accept your sister, your brother. If your father will be able to make sales, finally, without buyers worrying that the pieces are cursed as we are.”
Your heart ached. “I am sorry, mother. For all that I have put you through. I am sorry that you were cursed with me as a daughter.”
At that, she whipped around to face you. “No. Never apologize to me for that. Do not apologize to me for having been born. It has not been easy, I will be honest with you. But having you as a daughter has been beautiful, and losing you will be one of the hardest things I will ever have to do.” She cupped your face, wiping away the tears that fell with her fingertips.
“I love you, mama.” You said, sniffling. You had not called her that in years.
“And I love you, little one.”
-
The carriage arrived shortly after.
As it pulled to a halt, reality set in. You were terrified.
Prince Thor emerged with two guards, and smiled at you as he approached. You dipped into a low curtsy, as did your mother beside you.
“Good morning, my Lady. And I suppose this is your mother, yes?”
Your mother smiled politely. “Yes, your Highness. My daughter has told me that you have come for her.”
“I have. And I make the same promise I did to her, no harm will come to your daughter or your family.”
She nodded. “Thank you, your Highness. Your graciousness is appreciated.” She turns to you, eyes flickering with fear before she pushes it out of view. “Good luck. I love you. I will inform your father…that he missed you.” Her smile falters, realizing she will have to explain your absence to the family.
You stepped forward and hugged her, memorizing the scent of warm air and flowers in your mother’s hair. The way her small frame wrapped you up just as it did when you were a small child. “Thank you, mama. Please apologize to papa for me, and give the littles the most love.”
As you stepped away, Thor led you to the carriage. He offered a hand to step in, which you accepted, thanking him. Before the carriage could pull away, you stared at your home in the corner of the village, the trees waving goodbye to you as the breeze carried one last breath of the scent of your family and the life you knew.
The palace was a beautiful sight. Under better circumstances, you would have been in awe at its size and opulence. However, all it symbolized to you right now was the ending of all you had.
“You seem nervous.” Thor noted from across from you. He had been quiet most of the ride, and his voice startled you.
“I will not pretend, my Prince. I know I should trust you at your word, but…” You trailed off, gnawing on your bottom lip. He nods, a small smile curling his lips.
“Aye. I understand the fear of uncertainty. But truly, my lady, you have nothing to fear. I have spoken with my mother and father and they have assured me that no harm will come to you. I would not allow it.” He reassured, and you feel the rope around your chest loosen marginally. You can see in his eyes that he is genuine.
The carriage ride had been smooth, as you watched the countryside blend into the city, before the stone turned to gold, with perfectly trimmed lawns and shrubbery. Even the air seemed lighter here, you noted. You wrung your hands together in your lap as you watched the smaller royal buildings come into view. Stables, supply buildings, and extravagant gardens passed by you, taking your breath away. You couldn’t help the gasp that escaped you as you truly got to see the palace up close.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Thor said, breaking into your thoughts. He was smiling at you again, watching your reaction.
You felt your cheeks warm at being caught gawking, and cleared your throat. “It is. I have only seen it from the village. I have never imagined being so close.” You say, adding, “Your Highness.”
Thor nodded. “After living in it my whole life, I have to admit that its beauty becomes something of a routine. Seeing it through new eyes always reminds me. How exciting, to see the wonder in someone else.”
You smiled at him. Thor’s reputation made sense. You found yourself able to relax the more you speak with him, and it allowed you temporary relief from your anxiety.
The carriage came to a slow stop. Your breath caught for a moment, your heart beginning to race again. Is this where they take me? Has Thor been misleading me so I would not put up a fight? You barely had the chance to spiral before the doors were opened, flanked by two royal guards. Thor exited first, before turning and offering his hand. You took it and stepped out, careful to stay steady on your feet.
The guards turned silently and led you toward the doors, tall and intimidating. They swung open, and you quietly gasped as you took your first look into the palace. The floors were covered in a red and gold rug, with pristine white columns running up and down the hall. The walls held millennia of Asgardian artwork, as well as portraits of the Allfamily. As you were led to the throne room, your eyes could not absorb the surroundings quick enough. You drank in the view of Asgard from the windows and admired the gold and jeweled vases and art pieces. In that moment, you had never felt smaller. You, a girl from the village, were walking through the hall for an audience with the Allfather and Allmother. Through this hall that held thousands of years of Asgardian history, wearing a dress full of hand-stitched repair patches and holes not yet big enough to waste thread on. You looked down at your hands, squeezing them together tightly.
-
Entering the throne room, you could hear a pin drop. Odin and Frigga, the Allfather and Allmother, sat at the end atop thrones of precious metals and jewels. You swallowed down your heart before it could crawl out, trying to keep its vicious beating in check. Thor walked ahead of you, bowing at the waist when he reached them.
“Father, Mother,” he starts, “I have returned with the girl from the outer village. Please, step forward and introduce yourself.”
You step forward, curtsying as steadily as you can manage. “Your Majesties, thank you for allowing me here today to speak with you.” You present your name, and the names of your family. Both nod stiffly. “If you, the Allfather and Allmother could be so merciful to spare my family. They are not like me, and have only ever wanted an honest life for themselves.” You pull in a deep breath, hating how your voice wavers.
Odin stands and stares down at you steadily. The look in his eye shows he views you as nothing more than a speck. Frigga, however, looks at you curiously. There is something more behind her eyes that you can’t quite place.
“Do not fear, child. We have decided to spare you and your family. No harm will come to them.” Odin’s voice booms, and you can feel its strength in your chest. His words make your shoulders drop in relief immediately, letting out a puff of air.
Frigga stands, approaching you. “What my husband is not clarifying,” She begins, with a glance at him, “Is that you will be spared, but you will not be able to return home.” This you expected, but it does not hurt any less to hear.
She continues, “You will be brought into the palace as a member of our family. You will be trained as a sorceress, working with me personally. You will live out a life as a royal, adopted as a ward.”
You nod. “Yes, your Royal Highness. Anything I can do, I will do with gratitude.”
She smiles at you. “I know you will, child. I can see your heart, and I know that it is good. That is why we have also decided to add an additional stipulation to your stay with us.”
Odin’s face crinkles slightly, before rearranging itself back to its stoic state.
What could they have me do? Live in the servant’s quarters? Do chores? Be an apprentice? Nothing they could ask of me would be an impossible task.
Something about this seems off, though. You can’t quite put your finger on it. “Yes, your Royal Highness?”
“We expect you to wed one of our sons.” She says resolutely.
Odin clears his throat. “We expect you to marry Loki. You are not true royalty, and thus would not be able to ascend to the throne.”
You freeze. Loki? The quiet son, the trickster god? All you have heard about him is negative. Cruel pranks, biting remarks, crude behavior toward village women. They want you to marry him?
Thor seems to sense your worry. “Mother, Father…are you sure? You know of his temperament.”
“This is not your concern.” Odin says harshly. Frigga glares at him.
“What your father means is that we are sure. We have discussed it extensively, and have settled on this being the best option.”
You feel sick. You are sure that this is not a face worse than death, of course, but of all of the things they could have asked of you, this is the biggest. Your hand, guaranteed in marriage to Loki Odinson.
A/N: Sorry I keep uploading these so weird, I upload on ao3 and then totally forget to put them here LOL...sorry :(
Warnings: None!
Thor watched you warily as he approached.
“I mean you no harm. You understand the situation I am in, though, yes?” He stepped closer, the sound of his footsteps drowned out by the rushing of blood in your ears.
This was it, you were sure of it. He, understandably, wouldn’t want to deal with the complications of reporting you to his parents and would instead choose to eliminate you here, in the forest. It wouldn’t be hard to stage it as a random animal attack, or a suicide, even.
“I will not hurt you.” Thor said soothingly. “Who are you?”
You hesitated. The risk of capture and potential punishment of your family weighed heavily on your shoulders. “I am of the village, your Highness.”
“And the magic you wield? How?”
“I was born with it.”
Shock painted his features. “Born? Miss, I do not mean to be rude. But I assume you know of the presence of magic in Asgard. Are you of nobility? It is just not possible for you to wield any form without noble blood.”
You straighten, squaring your shoulders. “I understand, my Prince. But I swear, I was born like this. My parents do not have the same curse, however, so if I could ask for them to be spare-”
“A curse? No, no, you are mistaken. Magic such as yours is a great gift. I only question because of your origins…are you certain that you are of the village?” Thor’s eyes were suspicious.
You’re confused. Your entire life, you’ve been told that this was not, and would never be considered a gift. A dark stain on your bloodline. Mother often cried her anguish at being given a child that was destined to be a monster; to resemble that of the Almighty was to be promised suffering. You were raised knowing that one day, you would face execution. To hear now, from the Prince of Asgard himself, that your curse was anything but was bewildering.
“Yes. I am sure. If I may, your Highness, what will become of me now? I know of the punishments for wielding this power. I just ask that my family be spared. I have two younger siblings at home, and they are not like me. They need their parents, and deserve to have a long life despite my…shortcomings.” A lump formed in your throat. You thought of your family, who would surely be worrying about you by now. Your parents would not come to look for you, out of fear of being caught together and taken away, but your mother would stand by the front window gnawing her bottom lip, wringing her delicately wrinkled hands.
Thor hummed, eyes full of conflict. “I am sorry,” he started, “I will have to report you to the Palace Guard.” When you released a devastated huff of air, he continued hastily. “Please don’t worry, miss. I do not know what you’ve heard, but you will not be harmed. I cannot tell you now what your fate will be, but I can assure you that this is not where your life ends.”
Relief flooded your system, a fluttering feeling in your stomach overwhelming you. You felt your eyes stinging, and had to look away from Prince Thor to pull yourself back together.
“And my family?” You locked eyes with the Prince.
“You have my word that they will be safe.”
You nodded. What now? Do you just go home and gather your things? Do you leave now, and hope your family doesn’t come looking for you?
“Do we depart now? I assume I must follow you back to the palace.”
He shook his head. “No. I will return home tonight, and speak with my parents. A carriage will be sent to your home tomorrow, with a letter of explanation for your family. You need not pack much, as we will return you home before nightfall to allow time for us to arrange for a more permanent arrangement. Where in the village do you reside?”
You describe the route to your modest cottage, not far from where you stood.
“Thank you. Please, return home now. Do not worry. I will come with the carriage at dawn.”
A/N: I'm really excited to be writing something, and what a better place to start than with the best boy, Loki. We'll get to him soon, promise x
You knew that venturing beyond the safety of your home past nightfall was ill-advised. Your mother had all but confirmed that, as you swung your cloak over your shoulders and lifted its hood.
“Daughter”, she hissed. “You are aware of your curfew, are you not?”
“Yes, mother.” Tucking loose strands of wispy hair into the hood, you turned to her mother stoically. Each time you attempted to leave, your mother supplied a new justification for the systematic removal of your free will. No leaving before sunrise, after sunset, while the sun is at its highest and, if you should find yourself out during these times, your cloak and hood must be up at all times. “I do not understand, though. Am I not approaching my twentieth year? I see no reason to continue this with you.”
Defiance was a rough streak you had carried with you throughout childhood. Your father had told you, at one point jovially, that you’d gotten it from your grandfather. Now, he said it with his lips set to a hard line and clenched jaw.
“Your insolence will get you in as much trouble as my father’s did”, he told you.
Though, a bit of trouble was never enough of a deterrent. You frequently found herself narrowly avoiding it at every turn in your life. Always living a bit outside of your parents’ rules, you found comfort in blurring the line between outright disobedience and malicious compliance.
Now, outright disobedience was something you knew your parents would just have to accept. You were an adult now and, you decided, could choose for yourself what risks you would take.
As you shut the door of your home behind you, you inhaled the sweet scent of the night air. Nighttime has become like an old friend to you. While your family chose to remain in fear of the outdoors and what it may bring, you found comfort in nature. Peaceful, beautiful, safe. You turned, heading into the woods just behind the modest cottage on the edge of town, following the path you had created into a clearing. It was not so far that you could not hear your mother’s calls for curfew as a child, but far enough that you could not be seen. That much was imperative.
-
As you reached the center of the clearing, you tipped your head back and allowed your hood to fall. The wind softly caressed your cheeks and you smiled as you reached up to unfasten your cloak, wrapping it into a bundle and placing it on a stump along the edge of the clearing.
You always loved this feeling. The beginnings of your seiðr uncoiling in your lower abdomen, the tension loosening from your shoulders. This was a beautiful sensation, and one you knew you had to savor before returning home. Dropping your shoulders, you allowed the magic to flow to your fingertips, a faint yellow glow beginning to radiate from them. It manifested a small ball of energy between your palms, and you slowly rotated it. These small moments are all you had. Mother would kill you if she knew how far you had advanced.
As the ball increased in size, you balanced it over one palm, rotating slowly. It’s then that you heard it.
Snap.
The magic dissipated as your head snapped to the side. No. No, no, no.
Snap.
“Is someone there?” You called, voice cracking. You knew what would happen if you were discovered. Magic like yours was solely that of the Royal Family of Asgard. Odin, the Allfather, would have your head quicker than you could even take your next breath. If you were found, you’d be reported to the Royal Guard and executed. Your family…they would likely face severe punishment, if not death, for hiding you.
Snap. “Please. If someone is there, please spare me. My family, please. I’m doing no harm.”
“Breathe, my lady.” A deep, yet soft voice emerges through the brush.
You turned, eyes wide, scanning your surroundings for the speaker. Your eyes locked on a familiar pair of blue ones, and in that moment, your heart stopped.
Prince Thor. Firstborn son of Odin and Frigga, King and Queen of Asgard.
