It takes Thor and Loki a good solid month to calm down. Whether it was because they were all fucked out or because Loki started feeling sleepy and nauseous all the time is hard to say. In any case, it became clear after a while that Loki was with child and the bells rang out from the palace tower. Balder watches the couple with mild fascination and a little bit of bitterness. It's not that he wants Loki; he wants a Loki, a love of his own, like what Thor has. Balder has noticed a considerable difference in the way everyone treats him now that he is no longer the heir. He is still beloved, still respected, but people do not smile as readily at him as they once did and even seem to hold pity in their eyes. Balder hates it, especially when it is a woman looking at him like that. The ladies eyes no longer linger on him. He feels ignored. His greatest fear has come true. No woman wants a man that cannot give her children. Loneliness and depression are creeping in. Frigga notices and does what she can to keep her beloved first born occupied with new hobbies such as learning to play the lute and helping her garden. However, even Frigga knows a mother's love is no substitute for the love of a wife.

Frigga looks over at Balder at the evening meal, his sadness evident in his new position in life. Thor and Loki have even noticed amid the fog of their love making how down trodden he has become. Frigga knows she needs to find him a wife. It will be a difficult task since all the maids at court are young and childless. The only kind of woman that would be interested in Balder is either the kind that does not want children or already has children but no husband. Frigga immediately discards the idea of pairing him with a lady that does not want children. Balder would be a wonderful father to a young fatherless child. The new task of raising children would fill up his day and lift his spirits, giving him new found purpose. However, the type of woman that has children and no husband would have to either be a harlot or a widow. Mildred approaches the high table with a pitcher of ale and refills Balder's cup.

Frigga notices the young woman, perhaps for the first time really seeing her. She knows who the girl is, knows her story, but she is just a servant and there was never any hope for the girl to marry into the royal family….before now. She knows Balder and the girl have shared a bed before if only infrequently and sporadically. Mildred gives Balder the same warm smile she has always given her son. She still meets him in the eye, and there is no pity there, just warmth. She has two young boys nearing adolescence. Burgeoning young men without a father to guide them in life, their mother needs a man to step up for the roll.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

"Odin darling, we need to talk about your son." Frigga says.

"Oh for the love of the Norns! What has Thor done now! I swear Frigga if that boy and that Jotunn had sex in public again I'll throw them both in the dungeon!" Odin growls.

"Not that one the other one, although Thor has managed to flood the lower quarter again." Frigga says with a smirk. Odin groans.

"What is it?"

"You know that little rule about royalty and palace servants being forbid to intermarry?" Frigga asks.

"Yes, what about it?" Odin asks.

"Well, I think it is time an exception is made." Frigga says.

XxXxXxXxXx

"You wished to see me father?" Balder asks as he stands before the throne at court. It is a rather formal setting and Balder is bewildered as to why he has been summoned here.

"Yes my son. I wish to discuss with you a marriage arrangement." Odin says. Balder looks up at his father with sad puppy eyes, clearly heartbroken and still weary from his long drawn out affair with Loki. He does not want to go through another arranged courtship again.

"Father, I know you worry for me, for my melancholy but I do not wish to be betrothed again. My heart cannot take another failed courtship. What kind of woman would want me now?" Balder asks.

"The kind of woman who has wanted you for a very long time but never dared hope to have you. Balder, I give you permission to court anyone of any station. Since you will never again be in line for the throne, you may marry whoever you wish. You could even marry a palace servant if it pleased you. Do you understand?" Odin says.

"I thank you father, but I do not think that will help me. I can't sire children." Balder says mournfully. Frigga steps out from a dark alcove then with a dressed up Mildred, and her two young sons in tow. Balder spots the group. He looks at Mildred and feels a genuine smile grace his lips for the first time in weeks. His heart flutters in his chest.

"Mother?"

"I think you should take Mildred and her boys out for a day of fun. I've arranged a carriage."

And he nuzzled her boobies and fucked fucker her senseless every night for the rest of their lives. Jiggley bits and all. The End.