"He's stunning," Fandral whispered to the others, who instantly agreed.
"But he's small." Volstagg added.
"Hush!" Sif interrupted. "Look, it's snowing!" She looked up at the sky, from where little white snowflakes floated down. "It hasn't snowed in years!" She turned to the others, excitement in her voice.
"Do you think-" Hogun hesitated before saying, it did sound ridiculous, but he had to voice his thought. "You think this is happening because of the prince's arrival?"
"You mean the smaller one?" Volstagg asked. The Jotun king, Helbindi had visited Asgard a few times before, for all the discussions regarding the marriage, but the hot, scorching weather had refused to give up. And tonight, the younger prince had simply set his foot on Asgardian lands, and the foul weather had backed away, welcoming him with a pleasant snowfall.
"Maybe." Sif wasn't sure. But it could be possible.
"So the young prince is the harbinger of pleasant weather, here to rid us of the heat?" Fandral grinned. "I like him already."
The Lady and the Warriors were not the only ones pleased with the cool weather. The arrival of the younger Prince was a lovely treat to all of the Asgardians as well. The snowing had already impressed everybody; the uncomfortable heat fading away under his charms and grace. He was dazzling, his beauty winning the hearts of all the people.
The crowd cheered with each step he took, children on fathers' shoulders to get a better view, young maidens just as dazzled with all the exotic jewels and garments.
But Loki did not see anyone of them. His eyes were glued to the golden prince of Asgard. There was something different about him. Even if he were standing in the crowd, Loki would recognize him as the All-father's first born. His golden locks, his sun kissed skin, celestial blue eyes that seemed to expand into eternity as Loki stepped closer and closer to him; they all called out to him in a different octave. Soon, they were so close that the Jotun prince could not stand the intensity with which the Aesir was looking at him.
Nobody had done that before.
He looked away, a strange warmth rising in his cheeks, hiding behind Helbindi. For once in his life, he was thankful that he was smaller than his brother.
"Thor." Frigga whispered from behind the golden prince. "Close your mouth, honey. This look doesn't suit a prince." Thor immediately shut his mouth. Had he really been staring at the Jotun prince with his mouth open all the time?
He looked up to his to-be husband again, who had disappeared behind the Jotun king. But before he could relish in the exotic beauty again, he realized how fast everything was happening. The Jotuns had already approached the royal podium and they were facing him, Helbindi first, Loki behind him, and the two guards at the steps, on opposite to the Warriors. The All-Father and Queen Frigga stood in front of him, welcoming the guests.
And soon, the grooms were asked to step forward.
Thor breathed in audibly when he faced the Jotun prince so close. This close, he could feel the silkiness of the raven hair, the delicacy in the detailed markings on his body, the cool that radiated off the azure skin, the light from the flames that caught in the jewels of his elegant headdress and reflected off in Thor's face. He had a sudden urge to run a hand down the cerulean skin, and he almost did that. But then he remembered the burning touch legend, and stopped himself. (And he also remembered that he was facing so many guests out there! What would they think?)
All this while, the matrimonial rituals were being performed, but Thor's mind refused to pay attention. He was busy trying to somehow catch the attention of his prince, who refused to look at him. He would look at anywhere but him, and this was really troubling Thor now.
"And now, you secure this alliance with a kiss."
"Wha-?" Thor was not sure if he had heard correctly. Did the All-Father really ask him to kiss the Jotun? Wont he get burned if he did that?
"Don't worry, My Prince." Helbindi laughed at the confusion on Thor's face, and decided to clear all doubts. "Our young prince here is a powerful sorcerer; with his enchantment you can endure a Jotun's touch," he whispered, keeping his voice low enough for only Thor to hear.
Thor looked at the Jotun King, and then at Loki again. There were faint lines painting his cheeks, and by Valhalla! Could Jotuns really blush?
But, could the devil speak the truth? Slowly, Thor raised his hand, bringing it close to the azure skin. Just a moment of hesitation, but the downy skin was too tempting to let go. Thor's fingers cast a ghostly caress along the delicate jawline, before he gently held Loki's chin between his fingers.
And then he gently bent in to kiss his husband.