Chapter 12
Maria was giggling. She just couldn't stop giggling. She stumbled into her and Thor's chambers as if she was drunk herself, like the god who boomed a laugh and flopped on the bed was! Not a single drop of mead had touched her lips though. She was just drunk off euphoria.
"Are you sure we're okay to just leave them?" she chuckled, closing the door behind them and leaning against it.
Thor just waved her question away. "The women are all in a separate room to Fandral, and that is the main danger averted." he said calmly, rolling onto his back on the mattress.
Maria just stood at the door and stared for a little as his shirt rode up his body slightly, revealing a nice display of lower, power-packed abs. She giggled again at his answer. "And how are we going to get Jenny off of Steve?" She'd just been glued to his mouth all evening...
Thor groaned lightly as he pushed himself up on his elbows, his drunk, but still beautiful blue eyes meeting hers. "In that matter, I say we don't." his eyes sparkled, lips curving into a mischievous grin.
Everyone had just gotten so drunk! It was a miracle any of them had been sober enough to stand as they sung happy birthday to her earlier, all of them clinging for someone else for support. The mortals anyway. It had taken the Asgardians a little longer. It had been fun to watch though! What a party...
The box carrying the last of the birthday cake was light in Maria's hands but she set it down on the surface of her dresser anyway. There wasn't much left.
Between Maria finishing off the last of the chocolate strawberries, and opening her presents, cake and alcohol hadn't been at the forefront of her mind. The presents were quite awesome. She didn't dare touch the other lingerie boxes, but the others... Tony had gotten her an iPod with some of her favourite songs and a solar powered charger so she could even use it in electricity-less Asgard. Even the little things after that had been valued though, all things she couldn't normally get in Asgard like makeup and nail varnish. Some stuff had been quite cool though. Like the bow Clint got her to learn how to shoot, and the star gazing telescope from Bruce - and the chocolate from Steve! She had been so happy when she'd seen more sweets coming her way!
She was very much aware of the distinct lack of presents from her husband though. She knew he had; this was the man who brought her flowers just because it was a sunny day! There was no way he wouldn't get her something for her birthday.
Her arms hugged around her body as she sauntered towards the bed, lips smirking as Thor fell back to the mattress again. The giggle melted from her lips. She perched herself down on the bed beside him and let her hand rest on his exposed stomach, fingers working small, gentle circles into his skin and muscle. He was so warm...
That brought Thor back to life; Maria smiled when she felt Thor's hand find her waist, slowly caressing her as she was him. She was forced to take her hand back as he sat up, his arms winding fully around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. She giggled as he shifted her into his lap, lips nuzzling lovingly into the side of her neck.
"Did you have fun today?" he murmured alluringly, peppering little kisses along the skin of her neck as his nimble fingers freed her hair so it tumbled over her other shoulder.
Maria just giggled, his lips giving her goose bumps of anticipation. Her hands clung to his arms around her waist. "I had great fun today."
Thor grinned against her neck, and Maria held her breath. "It's not over yet."
She wouldn't lie - she was impressed at Thor's steadiness as he shifted Maria off his lap and pulled himself smoothly to his feet, offering down a hand to his wife. Maria took it, drinking in his eager, secretive smile, the twinkle in his eyes. His fingers curled between hers, squeezing her hand fondly. "You still have yet to see my gift to you."
He didn't seem drunk anymore. Well, his eyes still looked wildly bright and absent of the usual control they usually harboured, but he didn't stagger or sway in his steps as he led her around the bed, guiding her in with his teasing grin.
She let him lead her, heart beating fast with anticipation. What could he possibly get her? She was a little afraid really as to the lengths he might have gone. He was a prince – nothing was too much for him. But Maria wasn't used to extravagant gifts; the party alone was gift enough to her, being able to see her friends..
She shut her thoughts off instantly as Thor's hand pressed against the door embedded into the wall beside their bed. The spare room. The room that would be for their child.
He grinned back over his shoulder as he pushed it open.
Maria's jaw dropped. Oh my God…
It was… dazzling. Literally! The soft candlelight glinted off the unending jewels like stars and Maria could hardly believe all that she was seeing. The room was literally filled with glittering jewellery.
She took a step inside, her knees feeling shaky. Thor had bought her an entire jewellery store by the look of it!
"Oh Thor…"
She heard her husband's soft chuckle as she wondered dreamily to the nearest elevated box, staring down at the accessories within. It was all beyond her wildest dreams. There were beautiful necklaces and rings, bracelets and sparkling hair bands, all glittered with little diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
She just couldn't believe it. This was so much. "I can't believe it." she breathed, turning around. There was so much – just for her. Back on earth the only jewellery she'd owned was the engagement ring Thor gave her! Her eyes blinked into focus, finding Thor's in the doorway. They held a smug shine, his arms folded proudly across his chest. "How did you…"
She couldn't even finish the sentence. She felt dizzy, overwhelmed…wow. This was more than she'd ever dreamed, and now it was all hers for real…
Thor chuckled again as he wondered forward, unfolding his burly arms. Maria resisted the urge to reach for him as he sauntered coolly closer, feeling numb with wonder.
"You will be my queen, the mother of my child," he smiled down at her lovingly, catching her hand in his. "I want you to have everything."
Maria was just speechless as Thor turned her around and hugged his arms around her waist, easing her back against his chest. She sank back into the warmth gratefully, holding his arms around her for support. "You didn't have to get me all this." She gasped. "The party alone…"
"I wanted to." Thor insisted, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck. "It's no less than you deserve."
Maria just couldn't think. What could she say to this?
"Oh my God…" she sighed, unable to do anything but stare at the treasures around her, all hers…
Thor's chuckle rumbled in his chest behind her as his arms tightened around her waist, his teeth bearing against her neck in his grin. Maria's hands clung to his forearms. She wasn't sure she'd even be able to stand by her own strength without him, so overwhelmed by the jewels dazzle.
She guessed she should have been prepared for this sooner or later, after the way Thor had intervened with her appearance at the party. He liked to show her off, to spoil her. She guess it went even further back than that actually; he had been the one to insist she buy that pretty dress for herself in Primark back on Earth, when she'd first met him, just because he'd wanted her to be happy.
"There is something else."
Maria almost felt dizzy with wonder as Thor breathed the words in her ear – there was more?! How could there be more?!
She caught Thor's mischievous grin as he strode forward towards the jewels and watched silently – almost dreading – as he picked up one of the cushions bearing the jewellery. And handed it to her.
The breath caught in her throat as the weight of the cushion was set in her hands and Thor turned back to the opened box. What would he give her now? How much more was there to possible give?! Her eyes flickered down to the cushion in her hands. It was lighter than she'd expected for all the treasure it bore, but she wasn't all that surprised. Jewels in Asgard must just weigh less. Things in this world were magical like that.
It was a complete set she held; a necklace, earrings, a bracelet and hairpiece. They were all delicately shaped, like a wreath of little silver leaves, dotted with beautiful emerald stones. It was incredible. So delicate… and it was hers.
Her eyes lifted as Thor's hulking frame moved in front of her again, drawing her attention away from the finery in her hands. She could feel her eyes were already round with wonder as they met his.
All she caught in his outstretched hand though, was a single piece of paper.
Thor's hand smoothly took the cushion away and the paper filled her hands instead. She held it delicately, feeling the crisp parchment beneath her fingertips.
For a moment she just stared, not even moving the paper to see what it was. Her brow just furrowed. Paper? He'd gone from jewels to a drawing? That was what it looked like, as Maria caught the various shades of grey and black etched on its surface.
What the…
She could feel Thor's grin as he replaced the jewels to their home, returning just to stand and stare at Maria eagerly. "Look at it." His voice washed over her lullingly.
She hadn't even turned it over yet, her eyes unfocussed. She blinked her eyes and tried to concentrate, smoothing out the frown in her brow. The paper was just so… random.
She rearranged it in her hands delicately, holding it up and turning it the right way round so she could see the image the shades and lines formed, clearly. It was a pretty picture she had to concede; a little cottage in the middle of idyllic woodland, a small but divine waterfall not far behind it. The building was humble and quaint, but still well made and lovely to look at, complete with a little chimney trailing thin smoke.
Lovely… but why?
The frown was back again as her eyes lifted to Thor, not understanding. She drank in his smug grin, his sparkling eyes. "What is this?"
Thor's grin widened and he saddled in closer, his hand settling on her hips. "It is a sketch of the cottage I had built for you out in the woodland." He finally said, his warm breath washing over Maria's face. "I hoped you might like it as a retreat from palace life once in a while."
That was it, Maria thought breathlessly: she officially had the best husband in the world. Her fingers firmed either side of the paper as her eyes scanned it anew. Was that truly real? There was really a little lake behind it with a waterfall? Really that beautiful, peaceful view and landscape? Wow, that was incredible! The smile curved on her lips before she could help it. It was still over the top – but this sort of thing made her happy. No jewels, or dresses, but thing that meant something.
And this would mean a great deal. God only knew how many times she'd longed for the sanctuary of her cottage back on Earth to get away from palace life and just stop being a princess for a while… and now Thor had as good as brought the cottage to her.
Maria felt almost in a trance as she smoothly lowered the sketch and stepped into Thor's arms, hugging hers around his middle. He chuckled as his arms wound around her waist.
"Do you like it?" he kissed into her hair.
Maria just smiled against his chest, bathing in his warm, comforting essence. "I love it." she breathed back, meaning every word.
She couldn't wait to see it for real! To see the landscape with her own eyes, see the place inside…she bit her lip, her thoughts carrying her off to a bliss of soft fur rugs and warm blanketed couches around a comforting fireplace. And her beautiful, caring husband right in the middle of it all.
Then she yawned and the dream shattered.
Thor chuckled again as she yawned against his chest, betraying her exhaustion at last. Well, it had been a long day for her. Long, eventful… and so, so perfect.
She didn't even have the will to resist as Thor gentle scooped her up off her feet and into his arms, her head leaning happily on his shoulder as he carried her back through to the bedroom. She was quite tired, she realised as Thor laid her down in the bed, straightening up to remove his jacket and hair tie.
Maria squirmed on top of the sheets, trying to get comfortable. Then a sharp jab to her waist sparked her awake again, and she dug the hard corner of her Bible out from amongst the bedding. Her newly alert eyes stared down at it.
Then the pieces clicked together; she'd had plans for this Bible. Plans she hadn't yet fulfilled.
Her legs swung out of the bed slowly, just as Thor sat down on the other side. He paused and frowned at her. "I thought you were tired?" he asked, his voice deep, rich and soft, like velvet.
His gaze was soft as her held hers but she still clutched the Bible to her middle as she moved slowly to where she'd set down the cake. Then her courage failed her and she glanced to the floor, as her fingertips brushed over the top of the box. She knew they'd talked about it but… she was still scared. "I want to take some cake down to the guards." She mumbled. Barely audibly.
Blood pounded nervously in her ears, her ragged breaths impossibly loud as she waited for his response. He'd been so understanding earlier… but that was theory. This was reality. He probably hadn't anticipated it would have been so soon.
And he was drunk too. Maria almost felt dizzy with anxiety. She'd said she wanted to take cake down to the guard. But Thor was no idiot – she wanted to go and see Loki. She couldn't tell him she'd promised the God of Mischief she'd seen him; that was another heart to heart for another day.
She didn't dare look up at him, the silence bearing down on her nerve. She wished he hadn't had so much to drink. What if it just made him angry?
"Alright."
For a moment, Maria just blinked. Then the frown dug in her brow – had she heard that right? Stiff, but calm and only a little angry… Thor had agreed?
She was surprised – enough for her eyes to shoot up to the bed in shock, unable to believe her ears. Her heart skipped a beat when Thor's brooding, but not entirely furious, orbs ensnared hers. No, he wasn't happy. But Maria could see it: he was remembering their deal. He was compromising. For her. Again.
A small, tense smile tugged at his lips, and she could see the scream in his eyes, how much he hated the thought of letting her go. His voice was soft though. Light. A little forced but still…"Not too long or I'll come and fetch you myself."
His eyes shimmered a little with asking, and Maria nodded instantly. She couldn't' bear to betray him again, to go behind his back. It was a wrench for him to let her walk into the jaws of danger – as he saw it. The least she could do was introduce him to the idea bit by bit. Let him get used to it. It wasn't right to push him straight away, to test his limits. She didn't even want to think about how much trust he was putting in her by letting her go…
Her heart skipped a happy beat as her fingers closed around the side of the box, and she tried not to smile too brightly, to look too happy. She hugged the box of cake against her swollen middle, perching the Bible on top.
XXX
"Here."
Maria handed over the plate of cake to the bemused guard, though judging by the surprised look on his face he'd taken it more out of instinct than him actually wanting it.
She walked back down the prison corridor before he could change his mind and give it back. A small smile quirked on her lips. She may not like the guard but there was no reason not to be polite. And it was her birthday. She knew if anyone else saw him with food on the job he'd probably get into some sort of trouble, but she'd take the blame for that. She couldn't help it. She was in a good mood. She wanted to share it.
The rest of the cake and her Bible were on the floor in front of Loki's cell, against the wall where she sat. The tethered god glared at her as she settled back down again.
"What are you doing here?" he growled, his dark green eyes venomous shining out from the cell. It looked just as unwelcoming as Maria remembered.
Actually, maybe even a little worse. She couldn't deny the way her heart clenched when she noticed the bruise on Loki's cheek, the hating but defensive look in his eye. So things were bad, she thought. She should have come sooner. He was in the same clothes, just as torn and ragged.
She still couldn't believe how badly treated he seemed to be. It was obvious his cell never got cleaned and that he was being beaten by the guards…she knew back on earth there were raging arguments they treated their prisoners too well but seeing the complete opposite end of the scale…it was horrifying. She wondered if the regular prisons here were just as bad, or if it was just Loki. She'd have to check.
For now though, she just fixed a smile on her face and moved the cake and some plates and cutlery she'd borrowed from the kitchens in front of her. She kept her eyes on the task as she carefully pressed the knife into the cake.
"I promised, didn't I?" she flickered her eyes up brightly, but it didn't change Loki's sour expression. Her heart sank. "You're a lot chirpier when you're talking in my head." She mumbled, moving the first bit of cake onto the plate. She got to work on the second.
A small cynical huff came from the cell. "That's because I don't have to see your face." He replied in a sickeningly sweet voice. Maria had forgotten how cruel he could be.
Her hand paused over the cake as she tried not to feel hurt. It was fine, she told herself. Let him, if that's what makes him feel better. She forced the smile back on her face as she finished off her slice and set it on the plate. "It's fine." She affirmed to herself aloud as she set a fork to each plate.
She had to toughen up. Getting through to Loki was not going to be easy. She was so used to people liking her that Loki's insults were a harsh shock. But one she had to get used to. She wasn't going to give up on him.
Enough, she told herself, sitting up straighter. Don't think so dark. "Right." She said, fixing a smile on her face. She picked up the plates and shuffled forward. "It's my birthday." She beamed as she moved to right in front of Loki's cell, setting his plate right against the protective barrier. "You're not allowed to be mean to me today."
Loki's eyebrows lifted. "You really think that's going to stop me?"
True, she conceded in her head. She didn't lift her eyes off the cake though; carefully, she pushed it forward until the plate slid through the protective shield that encased Loki and formed his cell. She smiled when she was done.
"My Lady!"
Her eyes rolled the instant the guard's voice echoed down the corridor, hearing his heavy boots clomp down towards her. What did he want, she wondered.
She'd already asked him to loosen Loki's chains and she'd told him that Thor knew she was here, so what else did he want? She knew he didn't like her. She'd known that from the first time she'd come here and asked for Loki to have some food. He thought she was too soft.
The guard clomped to a stop just behind her, keeping a respectful distance. "Please don't pass things through the barriers, my Lady. It's dangerous."
Oh.
She guessed that was a reasonable request… but not today. "I want him to have some cake." She stated proudly, tipping her chin up. "I can't have him just eating it off the floor with his fingers, can I?"
The guard shuffled uncomfortably. Maria knew he couldn't force her to do anything, only persuade her. Although, he could get her in trouble with Thor if he reported her. After last time, that should have terrified her, but…she wasn't afraid of Thor anymore. He'd promised her he wouldn't hurt her. She could handle him angry fine. As long as he didn't go too far. And he'd promised he wouldn't.
"My Lady, I must insist." The guard persisted in an exasperated tone. "If anything should happen to you…"
"He's right." Loki nodded, eyes sparkling with mischief. And just a touch of dark malice. Maria gaze shot straight to his face, her eyes narrowing warningly. What the hell was he doing? He picked up the fork at the side of the plate, the chains around his wrist rattling as he held it up. "I could kill you with this easily if I wanted to."
Maria could feel the guard's cold eyes bear into the back of her head, feel their I-told-you-so expression. "My Lady-"
"I'll deal with it!" she exclaimed, feeling her patience snap. She set her own plate back on the floor with a clatter. "It'll be fine. He won't do anything. And if he does, then …well, tough break for me, okay."
She knew it made little sense and that the guard would definitely be having words with Thor later but… hell, she didn't come here to be harassed. She'd only come to eat cake and talk, and there was nothing wrong with that. She was not going to let a guard stop her.
Then her eyes fell on Loki, looking mischievously proud of himself. Maria flickered back to what he'd said.
"Do you want to get out of here or not?" she hissed disbelievingly under her breath, glancing at the slowly retreating guard. "Threatening me is not going to do you any favours."
Loki just looked at her, eyes settling into something darker. "But it might get rid of you." He answered.
She just rolled her eyes and shoved a forkful of cake into her mouth. It was just as good as the slice she'd had earlier. God, she missed Earth food sometimes! All the wonderful artificial stuff that she couldn't get on Asgard.
"What is this?"
She snapped back to reality and blinked in the sight of Loki, staring down at the finger of icing he'd just dipped in his mouth. A smirk formed on her lips at the glimmer of wonder in his eyes.
"Icing." She told him smugly, running her tongue over some of the sugary stuff that remained on her fork. It was delicious. "It's a mortal thing."
She knew better than to expect Loki to say anything more, let alone a compliment as to how good it tasted. He was too proud for that. She watched with amusement as he glanced down at the plate, quickly adjusting his expression to that of disgust. She knew he'd eat it later though, when she was out of sight.
Her fork dug at her own slice of cake. "You got me in so much trouble last time." she murmured, shaking her head. The small smile lingered on her lips, though she knew there was nothing to smile about.
"Was Thor angry?"
Maria huffed a humourless laugh; Loki had seen for himself just how angry Thor had been. He'd watched her be dragged from the cell. "The bruises are almost healed." She said quietly, lowering her eyes. Her fork stabbed at the cake aimlessly.
"He hit you?"
She could hear that whatever had been on the god's mind as to Thor and Maria's spat, it hadn't been that. He sounded… well, shocked. His eyes even looked it too as hers flickered up with a brave glimmer, lips wearing a small smile.
"Almost." She clarified, chuckling aimlessly. There was nothing to laugh about, but it made it easier at least. "He, um… his grip is very strong. He almost hit me though. Only just stopped himself." Maria could still see the shattered wardrobe he'd battered instead, heard the crash that should have even her…
"And you're still with him?!"
It sounded crazy to her sometimes. She hadn't told her friends about it either. She wasn't going to. They would say what Loki was saying now.
She nodded, letting the ironic smile spread on her face. "He's on his last chance, but yes." Her eyes lifted, meeting Loki's squarely, gleaming softly. "I forgave him."
Loki's face paled instantly. The moment the words left her lips, she watched his eyes harden, his lips press together in a thin line. "Is that the purpose of your visit?" he barked harshly. "To teach me some grand moral lesson?"
Maria just watched him softly, watched his eyes harden defensively. It was so sad, she thought. Her head shook lightly. "You think you're alone-"
"I am-"
Her fork clattered down onto her plate. "Because you're pushing everyone away."
It was true. She wanted to help him, but here he was, threatening her, insulting her…she was the only friend she had right now. If only he would accept her. It was when she'd said 'forgive'; that was when he'd reacted.
She could see him as the type to see mercy and forgiveness and weak. So many people did. She wasn't sure if it was the battle orientated ethos of this world, or the significant surge of testosterone in comparison to earth, but she saw it in the guards, in Garik… mercy was weak. Strength came from crushing your enemies, right or wrong not even in the mix most of the time.
That wasn't how Maria worked. Her hand reached behind her for her Bible. "There's, um…" she brought the book forward to rest on the floor between her and Loki, her palm running over the cover fondly. "A passage in here. In Matthew, I think. 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'."
Loki just quirked a sceptical eyebrow. "And?"
Maria's brow furrowed slightly. "Well… don't you think that would be better?" she reasoned. "Better than being angry all the time. It doesn't make you happy."
"I doubt very much could make me happy anymore." Loki breathed with cold eyes. "And it's not my god that you pray to. Those words mean nothing to me."
Maria just sighed, eyes lowering to her Bible. "I know, but…" she cleared her throat and started again, lifting her head slightly though her eyes stayed down. "Whenever I feel hopeless or …like I can't go on, I always turn to this." Her fingers ran softly over the Bible cover, feeling its firm reassuring presence. "Especially, when I feel like there is nothing I can do. When there's no way out."
Her eyes flickered up to Loki, to gauge his reaction. That was him: no way out. Maybe he would listen. His impassive, expressionless face made her doubt it though.
"You hope to convert me?"
"No." she dashed instantly. That wasn't it at all. Her orbs met the god's, gleaming, praying he would understand. "I just want you to understand that you're not alone."
Loki scoffed a laugh, eyes glancing either side of him. "I see no one else in this cell. Do you?"
Maria sighed heavily, head falling forward. "Just because you can't see Him doesn't mean God isn't there." She breathed, lifting her face again. "My God is… love. Mercy. Peace." Her lips quirked in a smile as one of her favourite lines came to her mind: "His love never fails, never gives up." Her mind fazed a little as the words swam around in her head, her smile steadily growing.
"Do you know how foolish you sound?" Loki scoffed again. Maria heard his chains rattle as he leaned back in his cell. "You're wasting your time."
"I don't think so."
Maria met his eyes firmly, not feeling a shadow of doubt anymore. Even as Loki was shrouded in darkness at the back of the cell, his emerald eyes shone out defiantly.
"You're never alone." She said determinedly. Her heart glimmered with triumph as Loki's eyes widened slightly at her words, anger chipping with surprise. "And you're always loved. If you don't believe in my god, then believe it in me."
She would not abandon him. He had to know that. She knew he didn't understand her, understand why she came to see him, why she didn't hate him, why she wasn't baying for his blood like everyone else in the kingdom. She didn't care. She was not going to leave him alone. She knew what it was to be alone, at rock bottom. She wouldn't wish that on anyone.
"I brought you this." She glanced down with a shrug, lifting the Bible in her hands. "Read it, don't read it – it doesn't matter. I just… sometimes I feel better just holding it. It makes me think I'm not so alone." She knew it might not be the same for Loki if he didn't believe in the God behind the book but still… something solid was better than just a strand of thought. Thought could be blown away like the wind, was hard to cling to in the darkness. The book wouldn't be going anywhere though. "Just hold on to it for a few days. See if it helps at all."
She leaned forward and eased the Bible between the bars and set it down on the floor of the cell, trying not to grimace at the grime. It was a bit of a wrench letting go though, letting her fingers slide away.
"It was my father's Bible." She said, a dreamy smile forming on her lips. Then she remembered something; "And I read something last night that made me think of you. Exodus 14:14." Her eyes lifted and linked with Loki's defensive, but gleaming orbs. "The Lord will fight for you and you need only to be still." Whether the Lord, or just her, someone would be fighting for Loki. "We'll get through this." She promised.
A clank echoed through the prison corridor and Maria dipped her head down; Thor. It wouldn't be anyone else. He'd come for her. She wasn't sure how long she'd been down here but… at least she'd done what she'd come to do.
Her eyes lifted brightly as the steady footsteps came closer and she smiled as her husband approached. It was so different to last time; he was so quiet now. Wariness, not anger, filled his orbs. He was tense, but Maria could see there was no ill will behind it, just pure anxiety.
His eyes roamed over her, sighing softly when he seemed satisfied she was okay. "It's time to go, Maria." He breathed quietly.
Maria pressed her lips together in acknowledgement. Okay. She'd had her time. She send a smile in Loki's dark direction as she gathered up the last of the cake in the box, piling her plate and fork on top. She'd leave Loki's. He could have it when she was gone.
Thor's hand reached down to her and she let hers meet him, letting Thor help her up. She huffed a sigh herself as she stood, tugging her shirt further down her body.
Her eyes gleamed into the cell again, feeling her heart glow. "Goodnight, Loki."
Thor's fingers laced with hers at her side and she let him tug her away gently out of Loki's glare. She wore a happy smile as they walked back up the corridor. She'd done good. She felt good. And she hoped something had gotten through to Loki. She didn't want to convert him; that wasn't the point of her visit. She just wanted him to know he wasn't alone and that he was loved, in whatever way she could get that across.
She was smiling happily still as they reached the end of the corridor – then the guard stepped forward. "With all due respect, my Lord," he said boldly, catching Thor's attention. Thor paused to listen. "I must insist the lady does not pass things to the prisoner-"
Maria's jaw dropped. He was reporting her now?! Seriously?!
"It was only some cake!" She cut in, protesting. Well, plate and fork too, but still… she wasn't exactly giving him a spear, or sword, or key for his chains. It was harmless! Especially if they'd taken away his magic, what could he do with a plate and fork?!
Thor's eyes roamed down to Maria, but they weren't angry and she met them squarely, unashamed. She hadn't done anything wrong. She knew it, but she wasn't sure whether her opinion was more favored than the guards when it came to these sorts of matters. Thor listened to her always, but she appreciated how little she knew about security, and battle, and… other man stuff.
She could see Thor's eyes scouring her, mind working to make the decision. His orbs stayed calm though. Finally, he sighed quietly. "Let her do what she wants."
Maria's eyes widened. Really? Just like that? Thor didn't give either of them time to question though it as he turned abruptly away, striding to the door and guiding Maria by the hand with him.
She trotted smoothly after her husband as he led her away from the prison, leaving the guard in a similar state of disbelief. He was probably just tried, she reasoned. Thor didn't normally do things like that. He'd probably say anything to get her back to their room and to bed. He was tired and probably with a forming hangover, she told herself. He'd correct it in the morning. 'Whatever she wants' was definitely too loose a command for Thor to give, even when it applied to his wife. There were limits.
Still, for now she wasn't questioning. She just beamed and hurried to walk at Thor's side. She wanted to hug him, but she didn't think Thor's tight hand would release her fingers and she held the rest of the cake in the other.
She squeezed his fingers though. "Thank you." She smiled. He'd made this day so perfect for her. He really was the perfect husband.
And she guessed he knew it, as his lips quirked in a smug grin.
