The Wedding

Odin had sent for Loki after lunch, and he was escorted to him by two Einherjar that were standing guard flanking his front doors in the hallway.

He paused just outside the King's door, unsure of how their conversation would go. Loki had worked through most of his resentment issues with his mind healer. He had done the hard work while he was confined to his small cell, journaling daily and being honest during his appointments with his healer. The man had told him not to expect an apology from the King, even though he was owed one. Reiterating that Loki has no control over how others perceive his trauma. Expecting Odin to act differently would only set him up for disappointment.

Loki had wished he had been notified before being suddenly sprung from prison. He felt like he could use the advice of his therapist before being brought up to live under the same roof as the man he once called Father.

He took a few deep breaths before knocking softly on the door. He told himself whatever the next few minutes entailed, he could only control his own thoughts and actions and reminded himself to keep his expectations low.

"Your Majesty," Loki said tentatively as he quickly bowed when he came to stand in front of Odin's desk.

Odin looked up at him for a moment, taking in the sight of him, trying to recall the last time he saw him not in chains or imprisoned.

'I could have done it, Father! I could have done it! For you! For all of us!'

Pain stabbed his chest, and he took a moment to look down and arrange papers on his desk before he motioned for Loki to sit.

"I trust you slept well?" He cleared his throat to fight the lump that had formed there.

"Very well, thank you."

"And you find your accommodations suitable?"

Loki fought to suppress a laugh as he nodded, "Suitable? Yes. The upgrades are exceptional."

"Very good." Odin pulled a thick report to the center of his desk, "I was just going over the results of your physical. I am happy to report you are in very good health."

"Good health for an Asgardian? Or..." Loki raised his eyebrows to him.

Odin took a deep breath, not wanting to get baited into a fight, "Good health period. While you are in this form you are, for all intents and purposes, Asgardian. With only a few minor differences."

"Such as?"

"You are already aware that you have a lower-than-average body temperature."

"Yes." Loki waited for him to continue.

Odin hesitated a moment but eventually went on with the findings, "You have a better sense of smell, sharper vision, and better hearing than the average Asgardian. You are stronger without needing to add mass. There are a few minor hormonal differences as well." He stopped himself from continuing, not wanting to reveal anymore.

Loki nodded and studied his hands in his lap, "I am no more than an animal disguised as a man."

Odin scoffed, "You are a highly intelligent and educated man."

"A well-trained dog."

"It took very powerful seiðr, but as far as anyone is concerned, you are as Asgardian as anyone else in this realm."

"Apart from the senses and strength needed to stalk, hunt, and capture prey. Like an animal." He looked up at Odin with a hurt expression on his face.

Odin had no response. What argument could he make to counter? The beings on Jotenheim did use their abilities to find food and mates, but they were also a somewhat civilized society. They had questionable practices, but they also had infrastructure and a government. They were intelligent beings capable of horrendous acts while also having a community and families.

He looked back down to the file, "I did not want there to be any surprises. Nothing hidden, lurking in your cells waiting for an opportunity to proliferate."

"Mother," Loki swallowed thickly, "Mother said the healers told her she would not suffer. Was that the case?"

Odin let out a shaky breath, "She became weak, but she was not in pain. She passed peacefully in her sleep."

Loki nodded again but could not speak. The lump in his throat threatened to choke him. The two men sat there quietly for a few minutes, silently mourning, and grieving together, for the woman who was such an integral part of each of their lives.

Odin sniffed, wiped his nose on his handkerchief, and blinked away the tears that were threatening to spill.

He cleared his throat, "Since everything checks out, I am arranging for the ceremony to be performed tomorrow."

Loki stood as Odin stood, "So soon?"

"It will be a small, intimate wedding. No need for a big fuss. I have sent for your crown to be brought up from the vaults. I expect you to have it on when you are delivered to the altar." Odin reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small velvet box.

"But-"

"Have you changed your mind?"

"No! No, I just thought I would have more time to acclimate."

"Tomorrow, you wed." Odin looked at him thoughtfully, "Will you be requiring a companion again tonight?"

Loki wanted to say no, remembering the rejection he felt when he woke up alone, but ultimately, he could not turn down the opportunity. "Can I have two?"

Odin laughed despite himself, "Some things never change." He walked around the desk. "Here." He placed the small box in Loki's hand. "She wanted you to have it."

Loki opened the box and closed it quickly, "You should keep this," he said as he tried to hand it back.

"I have no use for it," he absent-mindedly turned his wedding band he still wore on his finger, "That ring has been in Frigga's family for many generations. We never had a daughter together..." his voice broke and he cleared his throat, "Well, like I said, she wanted you to have it. Put it on your bride tomorrow."

Loki lifted the lid once more and looked at his mother's ring. The ancient ring she never took off. The wide platinum band housed an oval dome-shaped diamond. Simple yet stunning. A truly unique piece, he never saw her without it.

He swallowed thickly as he stared at it, "I look at this ring and," his eyes brimmed with tears, "she feels closer somehow."

"Your mother wore that ring every day for thousands of years. I would not be surprised if she were still connected to it from the beyond."

oOXOo

Loki woke up alone again the next morning with an aching throb in his head and a dry mouth. He had fallen asleep with a beautiful woman tucked under each arm, now his bed was cold and empty.

He sat up slowly and vaguely recalled how so many empty bottles of wine and spirits came to be scattered around his room. His sheets were in shambles. A wide smile broke across his face as he remembered the two women, drunk and naked, jumping on his bed while he watched them.

They were fun.

He hadn't bothered to remember their names, referring to them separately as One and Two, but frequently getting them mixed up as they played drinking games, chased each other around the huge apartment, and carried on long into the night.

He had taken them each separately, and together a couple of times. He sat back and watched as they pleasured each other until he could not stand to just watch any longer and joined in. His favorite part of the night was when he had them both on their knees in front of him and he had the privilege of both of their pretty mouths on his cock and balls at once.

"Mmmm..." a contented sigh escaped his lips as he laid back down on his pillow, rubbing a hand over his forehead. His bed was so comfortable, he did not want to move, but he needed to get up and drink some water.

There was a soft knock on his bedroom door before Greta entered carrying a wooden box under her arm and a pitcher of water. She set the box on a small table near his closet and poured him a tall glass of water.

"Your Highness," she dropped two fizzy tablets into his glass and handed it to him as he sat up, "Your crown has just been delivered. I was told to have you presentable by half five. You have plenty of time to recuperate."

"Thank you." He took a few large gulps, "It seems I cannot drink like I used to."

She smiled as she started picking up the floor, "I would say you are in a fairly good state considering the number of empty bottles I am finding."

"I am usually very tidy."

"Think nothing of it, My Prince. I am pleased you had a good time." She placed the bottles on a tray near the door. "Would you like for me to draw a bath now, or would you like to stay in bed a while longer?"

"I will think on it while I have another glass of water." He held it out to her, and she refilled it from the pitcher.

"How 'bout a hearty breakfast in bed, then a hot shower and a nice long nap?"

"Sounds perfect."

"I will go fetch a platter." She smiled as she carefully removed the tray of empty bottles from the room.

This is so much better than prison. He had missed being tended to.

He held the cool glass to his forehead and closed his eyes. Despite the forced marriage, he was happy to be out of the dungeon, he never wanted to be in a situation where he took these comforts for granted again.

oOXOo

After his filling breakfast, he felt worlds better than he had when he first woke up. When he came out of the bathroom after his shower, he found his room in pristine condition, with fresh bedding, and new blooms in the flower vases.

When he woke from his peaceful nap, a jolt of nerves overtook him when he saw his clothes set out for him. His finery and regalia lying nearby.

He donned his trousers and boots. Greta helped him into his dress shirt and waistcoat. He stared at his reflection in the mirror as he slid into his dress coat. It was asymmetrical, buttoning along a diagonal line. His medals of service in Odin's army were pinned to his chest. His golden aiguillette was brought over his shoulder and secured to the golden buttons. The coat was thick, rich forest green with black trim that matched the snug black trousers and tall black boots.

Greta came to his side and opened the black lacquered box that held his formal circlet. It was solid gold and heavy on his head. A thick band inlaid with old-world patterns held up the spires that peaked evenly around his head. Precious gems accented the scrollwork, adding to its luster. It had been so long since he had worn his princely attire, he barely recognized himself. Few events called for the formal crown, he had usually worn his leathers and helmet for most occasions.

Odin is making a statement by putting him in these clothes, he realized as he slid his formal black gloves onto his hands. He was dressing him in a way that would make it impossible to mistake him for anything other than a prince.

"There we go." Greta pinned a single white rosebud boutonniere to his lapel and stood back to admire him. "Well..." She took a deep breath, "Dare I say that you have never looked more handsome."

Loki laughed, "We have only known each other two days."

"On the contrary, My Prince, you have only known me for two days. I have known of you for your entire life."

"You've got me there." Loki chuckled then took a deep breath as he admired his reflection, "Are you married, Greta?"

She gave him a tight smile. "I was."

"But you aren't now?"

"He left some time ago." She smoothed Loki's lapels.

"I am sorry."

"He wanted children. I didn't." She shrugged her shoulders, "It was for the best. He is happy now."

Not knowing what to say, he adjusted the cuffs in the sleeves of his coat and checked that he still had the ring in his pocket.

oOXOo

The palace sanctuary was decorated with thousands of white roses with the tips of their petals brushed with metallic gold paint. The roses were tucked into boughs of greenery, large, extravagant arrangements, and around the gold candelabras that held hundreds of white taper candles.

The entirety of the council, minus Viggo, were all seated in pews near the front. The rest of the guests were all strategically picked by Odin. Ambassadors from nearby realms, high-ranking officers in Odin's army, Frigga's sisters, and the former ladies' maids of the Queen.

The invitations arrived the day before, attendance was not optional, and the event was not named. The attendees were commanded to come to be witnesses, but they did not know what they were there to be witness to.

At precisely six o'clock, the guests were instructed to rise as Odin made his way to the front. A long golden cape billowed behind him as he strode tall and confident down the aisle. His heavy gold crown atop his head and his golden spear firmly in hand. Despite his advanced age, he exuded power and dominance. He had exchanged his usual gold armor for his formal kingly attire, a black suit adorned with a multitude of medals and other royal regalia.

He made his way behind the altar, up to a small dais that held an ornate golden chair, serving as a throne. He stood as he watched the rest of the procession that followed him.

Next through the doors were Odin's Royal Officiant and his Royal Archiver. The Officiant carried an ancient religious text, and the Archiver was followed by a regally dressed page boy who carried an ornate scroll perched atop a large, black velvet pillow trimmed in gold cord and tassels. They took their places, the cleric behind the altar, and the archiver standing off to the side of the King.

Loki was the last one through the doors before they were closed behind him.

Murmurs followed him as he sauntered his way up the aisle. He stood tall and proud with a small smirk tugging at his lips, pleased with the chaos and surprise that his presence had caused. He looked for the face of his future father-in-law, furrowing his brow when he came up empty.

His heart dropped sharply when his eyes landed on a face he never thought he would see again.

Anina.

Anina was seated alone at the end of a front pew, nearest to the wall. The shock on her face was evident as she looked at him with wide eyes and a gaping mouth- like she had no idea why she was there. Surely Finna had told her of their arrangement? And where were the rest of her sisters?

Odin tapped his spear to the floor halting the whispers and excited titters.

The room was completely silent for a few minutes before the doors in the back opened again. Framed in the doorway was the silhouette of a veiled woman in a form-hugging gown carrying a bouquet of gold-tipped white roses.

Loki's heart rate picked up as she took her first tentative steps into the sanctuary.

White? Really, Finna? Loki laughed internally; all the Realm knew she was no virgin.

The dress had long lace sleeves. The bodice was tightly fitted over her full breasts and cut low, and covered with the same sheer lace. The dress followed the line of her small waist and flat stomach, over the curves of her hips, down her thighs where it gently started to flare out above her knees.

He could not look away from those delicious curves. Loki raised an eyebrow; unease nudged the border of his conscious thoughts. He remembered Finna to be taller with smaller breasts and narrower hips.

Loki tore his eyes away from her body, trying to make out the features of her face through the lace veil. It did not help that her face was down, watching her green and gold slippers as they peeked out from under her dress as she slowly walked to the altar.

When she eventually arrived at his side, Loki watched her intently as she curtsied deeply to the king. The long hair under her veil did not look blonde. His heart hammered in his chest as he looked over to Anina, the look of horror on her face, her hand shaking as she brought it up to cover her mouth. She gave him a small shake of her head as tears filled her eyes.

The bride righted herself and turned to face Loki. He wasted no time bringing the veil over her head. He staggered back a half step.

Not Finna.

For a split second, he thought he was looking at the face of Lady Agda, Finna's mother and the Queen's dear friend who had passed away ages ago.

This woman was stunning. Tendrils of golden copper locks hung down from her braided hair. He knew he had seen those amber eyes before, but it took him a moment to place her face.

No...

"Lady Eisa?" he whispered, not believing his eyes. "Is that you?"

Her cheeks blushed and a sweet smile broke across her face as she stared up at him.

"My Prince," she curtsied to him daintily.

His mind immediately traveled back to a time after a long military exercise with Thor, Lord Viggo, and a handful of troops. Her nanny had brought the girls down to the gates to greet their father upon his return, but the youngest one had wandered away and found him in the stable grooming his black mare before he put her away. With a captive audience, she went on to tell him story after story about events at her school, life with her sisters, and any other topic that popped into her head as she fed carrots to his horse.

Loki remembered patiently interjecting 'oh, really' and 'indeed' every so often to the little thing while he went about his work as she went on and on, barely stopping to take a breath, staring up at him with those big amber eyes and a wide smile on her face.

Surely Odin did not expect him to marry this... child? How old is this girl? Where was Finna? Where was the girl's father? What in the Hel is happening? Is this real, or is he caught up in some strange dream? Did these past couple of days even happen? Or is he still on his narrow cot in his damp cell?

Jumbled thoughts crashed around in his head like boats in a hurricane. He did not hear the passages being read from the sacred texts. He did not hear the songs that were sung. He could only hear his own racing mind as he stood stock still, staring at this woman with the eyes of the little girl who gave him toothless grins as she broke protocol.

Agda's baby daughter. Anina's baby sister. Just a baby.

A child.

No, a young woman. A quiet voice in his head cut through the noise of his reeling thoughts.

Loki's gaze traveled from her eyes, along her cheekbones, lingered briefly on her full lips, down her tender neck, across her delicate collar bones, to the deep cleft of her cleavage between her tempting breasts, rising and falling with each soft breath she took.

Fuck!

He looked away quickly and raised his eyes to stare at the ceiling above Odin's crown, squeezing his hands together tightly behind his back.

Are you truly so desperate? You fucking monster!

He looked at the King; he was watching him intently with a stern look on his face. Loki narrowed his eyes at him. What was this bait and switch?

'You will marry the high-born daughter of the Viscount Lord Viggo...'

'Tomorrow, you wed...'

'Put this on your bride...'

Loki had to fight to maintain his composure, his jaw clenched tightly, and his breaths were coming quick and shallow.

He never said her name.

He never said HER name!

The officiant cleared his throat again. Loki looked at him as if just realizing he was there.

"I said, please join hands."

He quickly slipped off his glove and took her hand, surprising himself. All the years in the dungeon had made him complaisant, following orders without a second thought, lest he receive a punishment. As he picked up her outstretched hand, the man bound them together with a white cord, tying a thick knot.

"Lady Eisa, do you swear to be a faithful and obedient wife to your husband? Do you swear to put his needs before your own? Do you swear to comfort him and ease his burdens until death do you part? Do you freely choose this man to be your husband?

"I do."

"Prince Loki, do you swear to be a faithful and protective husband to your wife? Do you swear to put her needs before your own? Do you swear to provide for your wife and children up to and after the time of your death? Do you freely choose this woman to be your wife?"

Loki looked at the girl, she was looking back at him expectantly, chewing on her bottom lip. He looked over her shoulder to Anina; tears were streaming down her face as she shook her head 'no' to him. 'No. Please, no.' she mouthed to him, her eyes pleading, hands clasped together in a begging pose.

He needed to put an end to this farce.

He opened his mouth to refute when he saw the King shift forward in his seat. He looked up to him and saw the stern resolve on his face. The look in his eye told him there was only one response he would accept. He nodded his head ever so slightly to Loki, telling him to get on with it.

He knew at that moment he had to either agree and lose any hope of being friends with Anina again or refuse and return to his cell in the dungeon.

"I do."

The words rushed from his mouth quickly.

The cleric bound the knot with seiðr; Loki could feel the familiar tug of energy as the magic passed over his hand.

"Lady Eisa, place your ring on his finger and repeat after me."

She fumbled to pull the ring from a ribbon tied around her bouquet.

"With this ring, I thee wed." He stared down at her as she slid the ring over his knuckle, then bit her lip as she lifted her eyes to his again.

"Prince Loki, place your ring on her finger and repeat after me."

He was staring at his hand. "What?"

"The ring, Your Highness."

"The ring?"

Odin quietly cleared his throat.

"Mother's ring?" He hastily pulled it from his pocket.

"Place the ring on her finger and say the words," the cleric encouraged.

He held her hand up and slid the ring slowly onto her finger. It fit her perfectly. "With this ring, I thee wed," he said quietly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let it be known that on this day the vows have been made, and the knot has been tied. What the Norns have brought together, let no one break apart. By the power vested in me, by His Majesty the King, under the watchful eyes of the Nornir, and in the shade of Yggdrasill, I pronounce you husband and wife. Your Highness, you may now kiss your bride.

Loki looked at Odin and gave him a small shake of his head. He did not want to kiss this poor girl.

"Loki?" she whispered so quietly; beseeching.

He took a deep breath, placed his hands lightly on her upper arms, slowly leaned down, and placed a quick, feather-light kiss on her forehead.

The guests stood and applauded. Odin's council looked at each other, nervously, knowing that Viggo did not approve of this match, fearing repercussions from him for not stopping the ceremony.

Odin had a pleased smile on his face as he stood and tapped his spear to the ground. "I thank you all for coming to witness this sacred event," he motioned to the back of the room and a young page boy carried a delicate golden circlet on a green velvet pillow down the aisle. An older woman stepped over from the side and carefully removed Eisa's veil as The King came down from the dais. He stood in front of the newlywed couple and instructed Loki to help her kneel.

After the crown was placed on her head, Odin picked up her chin in his hand, "Welcome to the family, daughter."

Eisa bobbed her head respectfully as Loki helped her to her feet.

"As your King and ruler of these Nine Realms, I am pleased to introduce to you for the first time, Princess Eisa of Asgard."

The applause started again. Eisa blushed and turned her face away from the crowd, tucking her chin to her shoulder nearest to Loki.

As he stood there, next to her, her hand in his, watching her, his mind temporarily quieted. There were no panicked thoughts, no anger, no resentment. Just the sound of the guests and the image of her face blushing prettily.

No!

He shook his head to bring him back to the moment. He stiffened his posture and stood up straighter. Remembering that he was furious about being used and misled.

Odin raised his hand and the audience hushed.

"Today is a day to celebrate. I not only welcome the beautiful Princess Eisa into my family," he paused, "Today I will officially name my heir.

"After much discussion and deliberation, after listening to the advice of my council, my late Queen, and the voices of the people, I have decided the line of succession will remain as it was always meant to be. Today, I name my grandson, heir to the throne of Asgard."

The old man has lost his mind, Loki thought as the murmurs and whispers started again. I should have suspected Mother's death had broken him.

"Not yet." Odin smiled, "The future King of Asgard and protector of the Nine Realms will be born from the union of my son and his wife, carrying the name Lokison." Odin spread his arms wide then banged the butt of his spear to the ground loudly, "So it is written, so it shall be."

The Royal Archiver opened his scroll and read the official proclamation granting Loki a Royal pardon for his crimes on Midgard and naming him heir contingent and his first-born son heir apparent.

He stood still and stared straight ahead, not hearing a word the man uttered.

The tests, the cellular analysis, the intrusive medical exam, questioning me about my... Odin was not ruling out a hidden ailment. They were making sure I could still get my cock up! They were checking to see if I could impregnate this child!

Loki felt sick to his stomach...

The whore? Did she provide them with the sample he had refused to give them? He had certainly left plenty of his seed inside her before he had fallen asleep. The room was threatening to spin as his vision blurred.

"Husband?" The girl tugged gently on his hand. He twinned his fingers in hers and held on desperately as they were led back up the aisle to the exit.

Once outside, he dropped her hand quickly. A small reception had been set up in the open-air courtyard outside the sanctuary.

"Eisa!" Anina came rushing up to her sister, pushing past all the other guests waiting to congratulate the bride and groom.

"Anina! What are you doing here?" Eisa looked at her, the shock evident on her face. "I thought Groa was coming today."

"Groa-" Anina shook her balled fists in front of her as she took a deep breath, "The midwife has ordered Groa to bed rest. She asked me to come in her stead. She did not tell me it was your wedding!"

"She did not know. Is Groa unwell? Is there something wrong with the baby?" Eisa put her hand over her heart, her eyes wide with concern for her sister.

"Her blood pressure always gets too high as birth becomes imminent. The baby is fine; she will be fine. She just needs to stay off her feet for a while. What the Hel just happened in there?"

"Was it not obvious?" Eisa tilted her head to her sister.

She let out a frustrated groan, "Loki!" She looked at him pleadingly.

Loki shook his head, "Anina..." he reached for her hands, but she pulled them away. "I did not know! Please..."

"What do you mean, you did not know?" Eisa narrowed her eyes at him.

"I did not know I was marrying your baby sister. Anina. Please, you must believe me. I thought I was marrying Finna."

"What?!" Eisa practically screeched. "What are you saying?"

"Finna! Really? That doesn't make me feel better, Loki!"

"There seems to be a misunderstanding. I will talk to Odin. I will get this annulled. Please, Anina, I will-"

"How could you say that"?" Eisa looked at him with tears in her eyes.

"This is exactly what I was afraid of, Sister. You must see reason. He will only break your heart."

"What?! No, it's not like that." Loki put his hand on Anina's arm. "I never agreed to marry her. There has been a mistake."

"How do you accidentally marry someone, Loki?!" Anina hissed through her teeth.

"I did not know!"

"She is my baby sister!"

"Enough of this!" Eisa stepped between the two, "Anina, I am not a baby! I am a woman grown and I made a choice."

"You were wooed by the thought of living out your childhood fantasy. A rational person would have thought this through."

"Are you calling me irrational?"

"You are usually very smart and perceptive, but this was a VERY stupid mistake."

Loki looked at Anina, offended, "I am not going to hurt her. I am not going to lay a finger on her."

"It is too late for that, Your Highness!" she spat. "She has always dreamt of this day. If you cast her aside, you will break her heart now. If you stay with her, you will break her heart later. It does not matter!"

"Anina! The King chose me! Loki needs me! I am to mother the future King!"

"Listen to yourself!"

"You listen to yourself! You are ruining my wedding day!" She stomped her foot.

"Are you going to resort to a tantrum?" Anina laughed, "Eisa, honestly. You think you are ready to be a wife and mother?"

"I am not throwing a tantrum; you are seriously pissing me off! This is exactly why I did not want you here today."

"Because I see the folly in a secret marriage to the fallen Prince behind our father's back? Because I disagree with you making the biggest mistake of your life?"

"Are you jealous?"

"What?! No!"

"You sound jealous. I chose my husband and you had to marry the man who gave Father the best price for you!"

"Eisa! Frode and I are very happy! This has nothing to do with him."

"Then it is about him!" She jabbed a finger in Loki's direction. "You are jealous I married your friend."

"We were much more than friends, Eisa!"

Eisa staggered back like she had been slapped. She looked between the two of them, blinking back tears. Motion in her peripheral vision caused her to turn her head. The entire chapel had emptied and were now standing feet away, watching the whole spectacle unfold.

She looked back to Anina, "I will NEVER forgive you for this," she whispered through a clenched jaw as she shoved her bouquet into her sister's hands.

Eisa turned on shaky legs and walked out of the courtyard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note: Even Asgardian weddings aren't exempt from family drama.

Loki calls Eisa child and girl, but in human years she would be around 22 and Loki would be around 36. A big enough age gap to be noticeable, but not so much to make it icky. If that makes sense.

In the next chapter, Odin clarifies to Loki exactly what is expected from him. Eisa's wedding night does not go as planned.

Eisa's Dress Inspiration

Can't Forget the Shoes

Loki's Crown Inspiration