Jane's first trimester passed without any further incidents, and during which time, Jane's belly took on a bump, as the child grew within her, and Loki had recovered enough to leave their chamber. His first order of business was to announce to Asgard, the pregnancy of its new queen, and that the attack by the Chitauri would not go unpunished. The search for the one who had ordered the attack had begun, and Asgard's new king would not cower or back down; Loki also declared he would also strive to keep the peace between the Nine Realms, to encourage arts and sciences as well as the continued exchange and sharing of knowledge among the Realms.
Now in Jane was in her second trimester, established as a Queen. She walked among the people as often as she could, hearing their needs and addressing them as best as she could, and learning the customs of her people. Loki went with her on these walks, always keeping watch, fearing his beloved Queen would be taken from him as she almost was a few months before.
He woke beside Jane, his arm around her middle. He watched her wake up, loving the sight of the morning sun making her hair shine brilliant gold, like she had a halo around her head.
She tended to groan more upon waking. Her back and hips were usually achy now, so their morning routine included him rubbing her back so that it wouldn't keep hurting for the rest of the day.
Jane inhaled deeply, stirring slowly. Some days she growled as she woke, reminding Loki of a hibernating bear as it wakes up...only prettier. She rolled over, and curled up close to him. Loki kissed her forehead, and watched Jane open her eyes. "Good morning beautiful." Loki said.
Jane smiled and kissed his nose, sitting upright and stretching her hands above her head, and pressing her hands against her back. She groaned upon hearing a small pop, and slumped over. Loki got behind Jane, pressing his hands against her back. He kneaded her shoulders gently, working his way down her back. "That feels good." She moaned. Loki smiled, pressing his hands against her muscles, feeling the knots in her back slowly relax. She sighed happily, until Loki was simply running his hands along her back, kissing her neck and shoulders.
"How's the baby this morning?" Loki inquired, wrapping his arms around her, his hands rubbing her growing belly.
Jane put her hands on Loki's, "The baby is relaxed and happy. Just like mama." Loki smiled and kissed her cheek, rocking her slowly. "We should start getting dressed so we can go out today." She said after a while.
"Mmmm I think Asgard can wait." Loki murmured in her ear, nipping it. "After all, we don't want you to strain yourself my dear." He kissed her neck, "You've done well as a queen. Let's take a day off, and relax."
"Oh...whatever you say." Jane moaned leaning back against Loki.
"Perhaps we'll take a long, luxurious, warm bath, with lavender and candles around the tub. How does that sound love?" Loki said, keeping his arms around Jane.
"That sounds perfect." Jane murmured.
"Then you just relax, and take your time getting out of bed while I get everything ready." He winked, shifting around her, kissing her forehead before going to the bathroom. Jane slowly turned, letting her feet dangle off the bed, before letting them touch the floor. She heard the water running, and Loki humming to himself. The aroma of lavender and steam wafted towards her, soothing and therapeutic.
Slowly but surely, Jane began to put weight on her feet, standing on her own without getting sick. She moved herself to the rocking chair beside the new cradle Loki had commissioned for their baby. She let her finger trace along the solid wood sides, following the prancing horses on one side, the branches of the Yggdrasil tree supporting it on either side, the rams standing proud on both sides where the Yggdrasil connected to the cradle, and the serpent that ran along the bottom edge of it.
Finally, Loki opened the door to the bath chamber. "Ready when you are, dearest." He grinned. Jane's face mirrored his, and she walked toward him. Loki took her hand in his, "Close your eyes." He murmured, and she did. Gingerly, he directed her toward the large basin, slipping her nightclothes off as well as his own. "Alright. Open your eyes." Jane's eyes adjusted to the room, gasping delightedly.
Strewn about in various crevices were pale candles, casting a warm glow around them, with lavender flowers around their bases, as well as candles around the far rim and various shelves of the basin, which was bubbling with warm water. Loki helped Jane carefully step in, before getting in himself. Jane rested against a jet, moaning happily as it pounded her back with warm water, really loosening all her muscles and delightfully tenderizing them. "Oh this feels so nice." Jane moaned, her eyes closed.
"I'm glad." Loki murmured, standing behind her, rubbing her shoulders. "You needed a day off from being Queen of Asgard."
Jane just moaned, tilting her head back. Loki leaned down and kissed her forehead, combing his fingers through her hair, until she stopped his hand, "Come into the bath with me." She murmured. Loki smiled, stepping into the pool, sitting beside her, kissing her cheek and letting his hand wander over her growing womb.
Jane felt the baby shift, moving towards Loki's hand. "Keep your hand in one place." Jane said.
Loki's eyes widened, "I can feel it!" looking from Jane to her womb, "Can you feel that? That's amazing!"
Jane laughed, "The baby knows its father." Loki continued to stare at her belly with a look of total awe, "What do you think of Isabelle?" she asked, "If our baby is a girl, let's name her Isabelle Frigga Lokison."
"It sounds perfect." Loki breathed, joy in his face and pride in his eyes.
"What do you think for if we have a son?" She asked.
"William." He replied instantly, "It sounds classical."
Jane laughed, "William Nicholls Lokison." Loki gave her an odd look at the sound of the middle name, "Nicholls because I've always thought it would make a good middle name." he nodded in approval at that.
"Did you want to go to the healers some time, to see if our child is a boy or a girl?" Loki inquired.
"Part of me wants to, but the other part wants to leave it a mystery until the end." Jane said, giving her husband a wry smile. She held up a hand, "I think it's time for me to get out of the water though, I'm getting all wrinkly." Laughing, she turned her hand around for him to see. Loki smirked, and kissed her fingers, working his way up her arm with his lips, never once letting his eyes leave hers, until he kissed her neck, slowly making his way to her mouth, kissing her passionately. When he was finished, Jane smirked, "You handsome devilish snake charmer you."
Loki laughed, kissing Jane one more time, before helping her out of the tub, wrapping a warm towel around her shoulders, hugging her from behind. Jane sighed, her hands holding onto his, swaying gently with him as he rubbed her rounding belly, bringing pleasure to both her and their baby, who stirred happily.
Jane smiled, "We should get dressed." She began to move, but Loki pulled her close to him for one moment longer, before walking with her to the closet and slipping their clothes on. Loki helped her with her undergarments, since her womb hindered her. She next selected a black and gold dress, and a green shawl trimmed in black, and soft moccasin-like shoes since her feet had begun to hurt due to her pregnancy.
Loki wore a green tunic, and a leather coat vest, tall boots, and a leather belt at his waist, with his dagger sheathed at his hip, and another hidden in his boot. He never went anywhere without them, in case the Chitauri ever returned. He had taught Jane how to properly hold it when fighting, during the early stages of her pregnancy, but he had them put her lessons on hold for their baby.
Jane took her husband's hand, and together they walked out of their room to the halls. Jane walked into the sunlight, smiling as the sun hit her face. Loki smiled seeing her drink in the sunlight. She pulled him into the light, and he held her out, letting her spin.
A guard interrupted their moment though, carrying his helm by his side, "My King, my Queen, I beg your pardon, but I come bearing grave news."
"Go on." Loki said, his smile melting into a dignified kingly air.
"Odin is dead."
