Chapter 9 –
The sound of laughter filled the air as the children chased each other around the large gardens. Natasha sat on one of the small benches as she leaned her elbows on the rail of the gazebo, her chin resting in her hands as she studied her daughter and her young friends. There was no way to deny how happy Rowan was to be back in Asgard. As she sat there observing her daughter, for a moment, it was as if they had never left. As if somehow time had rewound and all the sorrows of the past months were nothing more than a silly nightmare.
"Did you enjoy your talk with your brother?" the black widow inquired as she watched her daughter narrowly escape being tagged by the young boy who was currently it.
"I don't know if I would use the word 'enjoy' but I didn't hate it," he remarked, a half-smile playing against his lips as he took the last step up so that he was standing at her side. "You didn't have to leave us alone, you know? It was nothing secretive that he had come to discuss."
"I know," Natasha replied without emotion as she continued to monitor the game going on in front of her. "But Rowan was anxious to come and play with her friends. Were you with him this entire time? Or have you been up to some other sort of mischief?"
"I just got my family back," he answered solemnly, a hurt look in his eyes as he stared at her forlornly before turning his attentions to the children as he continued to speak. "Do you really think I would risk losing you again?" Natasha felt a twinge of regret for asking the question but she couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't as if he had never lied to her before. The black widow watched as the young boy neared their daughter again when suddenly he tripped over a small rock that appeared out of nowhere.
"Loki," she admonished as she turned to face him. "It's just a game." The young prince shrugged his shoulders sheepishly as he sat down next to her.
"There was an attempt made on the dungeons last night," Loki revealed, his entire visage changing in an instant with his words. "Three warriors were captured in their endeavor to sneak in."
"To free Tyr?" Natasha gaped as she turned away from the gardens and focused on her husband. His emerald eyes like stone as he sat beside her. She could tell that this news bothered him greatly. "No one has ever escaped from there. They were fools to try it."
"That is what Thor assumes," the young prince advised as he reached for a strand of her hair and began playing absently with the long, red curl.
"You don't agree?" the black widow probed.
"I don't believe he was the one they were after," the trickster remarked slyly as he continued to twirl her hair languidly between his fingers.
"Well, there are more than enough prisoners housed in that place. I suppose it could have been anyone," she stated in her business like tone. "Who do you think they were sent to free?"
"All three of them once belonged to the same battalion as Skurge," Loki disclosed as he finally let go of the ringlet and rose from the bench, strutting slowly toward the middle of the gazebo before he turned back to face her once more.
"Skurge?" Natasha said as she stood up abruptly, astounded at his words. "After all these years, why would anyone want to try and help him escape? Did you tell Thor of your suspicions?"
"Thor is never easily swayed from his beliefs," Loki quipped. "As to why now? That is anyone's guess. The fact is that there are many soul's inside those dungeons whose first order of business would be to deal with me if they ever got freed. Whether it is Tyr or Skurge or even Malekith makes no difference. I only tell you my suspicions because I wish to keep nothing from you. I want you to know that you can trust me to tell you everything." There was supposed to be no escape from these dungeons of Asgard but just the sound of those names gave her pause especially the dark elf. If any one of them wanted revenge on Loki she knew exactly who they would go after, their daughter. Just the thought sent a shiver through her spine.
"Do you think they were working alone?" Natasha questioned worriedly as she turned her gaze back to her child.
"Probably not but it doesn't matter," the young prince soothed as he moved closer and placed his arms around her gently, resting his chin tenderly against her shoulder. "It will take more than brawn to win anyone in that place their freedom. It has mystical properties. No one has ever escaped."
"But it is not impossible?" the black widow contemplated. "Just because no one has succeeded yet doesn't mean that it will never happen."
"I didn't mean to make you worry," Loki whispered softly, moving his mouth closer to her ear as he brushed his lips softly against her skin. "Our family is safe, my little spider, I promise you that." She turned her body to face him, her eyes locked on his. He took her face in his hands and kissed her gently as all her anxieties seemed to disappear under the onslaught of his lips and the shelter of his arms.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Rowan interrupted as she flew up the stairs of the gazebo. "Iona is going riding. Daddy, can you bring my horse's home so I can go with her? I want to show her BJ."
"Your horses are at home, Sweetie, and that is where they are going to stay," Natasha corrected. "Besides, it would be cruel to bring them all the way here and back in such a short span of time. We will be returning to Earth in the morning."
"But…" Rowan began before she stopped as her dark green eyes fell upon her father. "Yes, Mommy," she amended quickly. "I'll go tell her I can't right now. I'll be right back."
"What was that all about?" the black widow remarked sternly as she turned around towards her husband. "What was that look you gave each other? What are the two of you up to?"
"Come now, my little spider," Loki grinned, brushing the backs of his fingers against her cheek. "It's nothing so sordid I promise. I just informed her of my pledge to be on my best behavior while we are here and suggested that she may wish to do the same."
"In other words, placate your mother and see if we can't get her to agree to what we want?" she deduced, her eyes narrowing in annoyance as her gaze never wavered from his. He gave a low laugh as a self-deprecating grin began to curve along the edges of his lips. "How am I supposed to fight you both?" she lamented.
"I'm sure you'll manage, my darling." His grin widened deepening the dimples in his cheeks. The twinkle in his eyes assuring her in no uncertain terms that he was going to do his best to change her mind. "You can be quite stubborn." With a flourish of his fingers a single pink rose appeared in his palm, he leaned forward sweeping his lips tantalizingly over hers before placing the flower in her hands. Her insides crackled with excitement as he hooked his finger around the belt loop of her jeans. "Although, I have been known to be quite persuasive on occasion," he jested. It wasn't fair the way he affected her, she thought to herself as she felt the smile begin to form upon her lips against her will. Just one look into those piercing green eyes, the barest touch of his hands, or simply nothing more than the nearness of his long, slender frame made every cell in her body jump to life and her willpower plummet into oblivion.
"I'm back," Rowan crooned as she hopped up the steps to reach her parents. "Shall we go now, Daddy?" Loki nodded thoughtfully as he bent his elbow and offered his wife his arm.
"And what have my two conspirators cooked up for this afternoon?" She chided lightheartedly as she hooked her arm through his and descended the steps.
It was impossible to deny as she walked through the halls of the Royal Palace with her daughter skipping jovially at her side how near perfect these past two days had been. Nor could she ignore the fact that there was a part of her that was as reluctant to leave as they were. As strange as it was, Asgard had been the only real home that she had ever known. She had no memories of her childhood unless she counted the psychological conditioning and torture that she received at the hands of the red room. Her life on Earth had barely been more than a series of ongoing missions in her role as a trained spy and assassin. First brainwashed and against her will and then later for Shield by her own choice. A home, a family those had been gifts given to her by Loki. Here on this planet.
"You are deep in thought, my darling," Loki remarked as he tugged softly on her arm. "You are walking right past the dining hall." He pointed at the entranceway as he gave her a slow teasing smile.
"Good evening," Frigga beamed from the doorway. "It is such a lovely night. I thought we could dine out on the balcony."
"Where is Odin?" the young prince inquired as he strutted across the threshold. "Did he decline to partake in our little family supper?"
"He shall be here shortly," His mother answered warmly as she tweaked his chin playfully. "Behave."
Natasha strolled through the room and out onto the balcony as she watched her daughter begin to recount every second of the day's events to her grandmother and uncle with vigorous enthusiasm. She wished she could share in her child's zeal but she couldn't seem to get out from the pensive mood that had settled over her. She felt torn. She knew that her husband and daughter wished to stay more than anything and she longed to give them whatever they wanted. Nevertheless, there was still part of her that felt it would be a mistake.
"Is something wrong?" He spoke tenderly as he leaned against the rail of the balcony. His eyes sought hers thoughtfully. "You're awfully quiet all of a sudden."
"On the contrary, everything is wonderfully right." A slow smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she gazed up at him.
"But?" His sultry voice lofting over her as his hand went about her waist to pull her closer. A chill darted down her spine. It was like fireworks were being ignited underneath her skin every time he was near. She melted against him as he whispered in her ear. "You must try not to think so much, my darling. Thinking can be dangerous." His tone was playful and light but his eyes grew deadly serious as they fell upon the figure of Odin who had just entered the outer room. "This should be an interesting dinner," he quipped. Loki glanced back down at her and laughed mirthfully. "Eh heh heh heh, don't look so worried, my little spider. I do wish you'd trust me but that's my fault." He paused for a moment before smiling wickedly. "I have a proposition for you. If I make it through this entire evening without so much as crossing my eyes at the old man than we get one more day of reprieve before returning to Midgard."
"A reprieve? You make it sound like going back to earth is a death sentence," she replied casually. He gave a crooked smile that failed to touch his eyes.
"I prefer it here," he said wistfully. "And so do you. Admit it, my little spider. If not for my unfortunate confinement, the idea of leaving Asgard would have never crossed your mind." She couldn't deny the truth of his statement but she refused to concede the point as she remained silent. He grazed his thumb lightly across her bottom lip before leaning in and kissing her softly.
"The palace was not the same without you running through its halls. You have been greatly missed." Odin divulged as he walked onto the balcony with Rowan's tiny hand entwined in his. She could see the instant tension that rippled through the young god's body as he raised his eyes to the doorway. Natasha reached up and placed her hand along her husband's cheek as she directed his thunderous gaze back to her.
"I'll take your bargain," she whispered. "But you better sheath those daggers in your eyes or you will have lost our little wager before the food has even been served." Instantly the good humor returned to his face as the corner of his mouth upturned in a slight smirk.
Natasha watched in admiration as her husband maintained a calm and amenable demeanor throughout dinner. She was astounded at how well he held his acerbic tongue in the All-Father's presence and even more amazed at the way he managed to carry on conversations around the table without incorporating or excluding his father from the mix. It was quite a sight to behold.
"Tell me another story about when you were kids, Uncle Thor," Rowan grinned as she kneeled on the chair at his side, her elbows leaning against the table as she rested her chin in her hands.
"First things first, pumpkin," Frigga entreated as she stood from the table. "Come with me to the kitchen's so we can thank Fendora properly for all her hard work on this delicious meal and then you can help pick the dessert for this evening." Rowan hopped down from the chair and followed after her grandmother eagerly.
"Loki," Odin began brusquely, the moment they had left the room. "What reason do you have to be spying on the Weapon's Vault?"
"I know not what you mean? Is this some sort of riddle?" the young prince replied passively, his sparkling green eyes without a hint of emotion as he leaned back against his chair.
"There was a disturbance in one of the mystical bindings guarding the doors which means someone attempted to pass through it using magic," the All-Father divulged.
"That alone should tell you that it wasn't me," the trickster smiled slyly as he continued to hold his father's gaze. "If I had wanted inside than your infantile little alarm would have never been tripped."
"There were several new traps set in place during your absence," Odin stated evenly as he observed his son closely. "Did that surprise you?"
"During my absence?" Loki inquired. There was a slight edge to his voice as he tapped a finger lightly against the table. "You say that like I was on a holiday."
"Father, surely any effort made against the vault must be tied to those traitors that were captured this morning." Thor broke in. "Have your inquisitors retrieve the information of who was behind it from them."
Although Loki's outward appearance remained serene Natasha could feel the resentment and animosity rippling through their bond as he sat there stoically like a statue.
"Is there an item in the vault that could be used to grant freedom to those in your dungeons?" Natasha probed.
"There are many magical artifacts in our possession whether or not any of them could assist in such an undertaking I do not know," the King advised before his eyes turned to the doorway as Rowan and Frigga returned to the balcony. "It would be best to defer this discussion to another time."
"And why is that?" Loki said bluntly. His voice was smooth and his face showed not even a hint of expression though his blood was boiling with umbrage. "I care not if they hear your suspicions."
"Is something wrong?" The Queen frowned as she listened to his words, her gaze falling to Odin disapprovingly.
"Thor, I believe our little princess requested some stories," the All-Father pronounced as he stood from the table. "Regretfully, I must retire from your company as I have some business to attend to before this evening is through." Loki sat there unmoving for a moment as he watched his father make a bow toward Frigga before exiting the terrace. His eyebrows furrowed slightly before he stood up suddenly and strutted through the entranceway. Natasha was hot on his heels as he proceeded into the dining hall in the hopes of stopping him from doing anything rash.
"I'd appreciate in the future, if you have something you wish to accuse me of that you just spit it out immediately instead of spending the evening waiting for the perfect moment to pounce," Loki began coolly. "I hide nothing from my daughter or was it fear of mother's anger that kept you silent until they left the room?"
"I wish I could believe that you had nothing to do with it," Odin answered softly as he turned back towards his son. "I had hoped that you might have learned something from your punishment."
"I have not been near the weapon's vault today. Whether you believe me or not, makes little difference to me," the young prince proclaimed passively as Natasha paused a few feet away from them. "I'd hate to disappoint mother. If you are departing because you are afraid I will insist that you speak of your qualms regarding the vault in front of them, you needn't worry. I assure you that I can hold my tongue when the necessity arises. I do not wish for you to leave on my account."
"Your mother was aware from the start that I would not be able to stay for dessert," the All-father divulged slowly. "I do have a pressing matter to take care of, if you'll excuse me. Enjoy the remainder of your evening, my son."
Loki remained still as he observed his father depart the room. "So," he commented as he swirled toward her. "Did I pass or fail? To be precise, I never raised my voice. I suppose some of my remarks may have been a little argumentative but you heard him, yes? He didn't run off because of me."
"You came out here to get him to stay?" she said in disbelief.
"What did you think I came out here for?" His eyes narrowing as he closed the distance between them.
"I wasn't sure." Her voice dipped as she shrugged her shoulders. The truth was that she had feared the worst when he had followed after his father so swiftly. "We shouldn't keep everyone waiting." She took a tentative step back towards the balcony.
"You don't believe me, either?" The words were implacable and she could feel the weight of his stare as he studied her thoroughly. "You think I tried to sneak into the vault today, don't you?"
"I can't imagine that you don't have something up your sleeve." She admitted before adding more thoughtfully. "But if you say that you didn't than I believe you."
"You don't sound very convincing." Loki retorted, impatience creeping into his voice. "Your distrust is palpable. Well, this time I'm not guilty." His eyebrows furrowed as his tongue swept across his bottom lip for a moment before he pursed his mouth sullenly, his eyes in deep contemplation as he focused on her once more. "I hate this," he rasped, running his fingers through his hair in his frustration. "I want things back the way they were."
"We are together," she began hesitantly. "We're a family. What more is there?"
"Your faith in me, there is that." He gave a bitter laugh as he tapped his long fingers on top of the banquet table at his side. "There is that," he repeated, his emerald eyes unblinking as he held her gaze.
"Loki," Natasha breathed. Her voice was barely above a whisper. She wasn't even sure what she had planned to say. It wasn't as if she could deny what he could see plainly. There was a fear in her, a constant state of worry bubbling under the surface that had never existed inside of her before he had been taken from them. What was he up to? What nefarious plans for revenge was he concocting and what effect would it have on their family. Loki had never promised her perfection. He was the god of mischief, after all. She had known full well who he was and what he was capable of when she had surrendered to her desires and given him her heart all those years ago. She had no real wish to change him. She loved him as he was; wild, dark, untamed and unpredictable. How often during their time together had she deliberately looked the other way as he plotted and pranked to his heart's content? Even the promise that he had made to answer her questions truthfully had not gone by without the occasional twist of words or outright refusal of a response when their tempers were heated. She knew him and she had always felt with undeniable certainty that she could discern when his words were truthful or if he was using the art of his silver-tongue to give the appearance of an answer when he was really sidestepping the question entirely. She was the black widow. Natasha had been practically raised on espionage and trained in the art of ferreting out the truth. Still, in all their years together he had never answered her inquiries with an outright lie before that night. She had asked him point blank if he was behind the theft and he didn't evade the question or give her an open ended response. There was no skillful play on words. He had told her clearly that he had nothing to do with it and that he was not aligned with Tyr in any way nor had he ever been in league with him. It was her faith in that declaration. Her utter trust in his innocence that had left her wide open for the immense heartache that followed. She had been so unprepared. No, she could not even attempt to deny her reticence now not only in trusting what he told her but in her own instincts. She knew all too well how easily her heart overruled her head where he was concerned.
"It is my own doing," he sighed. He closed his eyes and stretched out his hand, taking her fingers in his. "I did the damage and I shall fix it." He gathered her into his arms drawing her against the warmth of his muscular chest. She could feel his heartbeat through the leather fabric of his shirt as he sifted his fingers gently through her long red curls. "Tell me, my little spider," Loki entreated. "Did I secure a day of reprieve or did I suffer through an evening of that old fool's blustering for naught?" When she looked up at him she could see that the playful light had returned to his eyes.
Natasha studied him. Her eyes still locked with his as she said, "I never welch on a bet." She could see the puzzled look on his features at her words as she realized that he had no idea what the expression meant. She couldn't help but smile. "You have your day," she revealed. His sensual lips curved with satisfaction as he leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers. Her heart fluttered wildly. She could almost feel the steam rising from their bodies. No one had ever made her feel so wanted, so cherished, so loved. Was it any wonder she was so haunted by the fear of losing him again?
