Sorry for the long break between postings. I hit a wall creatively speaking and adandoned a couple of works. I deleted them, which I know will upset some of you and for that I am sorry. I think after 50+ Thorki fics I might finally be getting burnt out on writing Thorki. I'm not sure. Lately everything I write feels redundant and uninspired. I did get a prompt request for another Thorki fic that does sound quite interesting, but I think I will really work through the entire plot start to finish before I post anything. I get great ideas to start a fic but no idea how to end them. So I think I will develope a full plot line in the future before posting.

Loki watched Odin's body burn in the funerary boat as it floated away on the water. He'd been horrified and humiliated to learn that the ravens had been the embodiment of Odin's mind and memories. All this time, he'd been pouring his heart out to the King himself. He didn't know if he should feel violated or stupid. He felt both. Again Loki cursed his underprivileged upbringing. He must have been the only person in the entire kingdom who didn't know what the ravens were. The fact that neither Thor, Frigga, or even his own father had seen fit to point it out must have meant that they assumed he knew.

A squawk sounded off next to his head. Loki looked up at Thor's shoulder and peered into the eyes of the new ravens. Thor's ravens. Out of the ashes of Odin's ravens, two eggs had appeared, and from them hatched the new vessels of mind and memory for Asgard's new king. Loki took a deep breath. He had to let this humiliation go. Odin was dead and the only one that knew of the level of Loki's ignorance, he hoped. He had more pressing things to consider anyway.

Loki was not ready for what was coming next. He was now Queen and the powers of the Allmother had to be transferred to him. He wasn't ready and he did not want to think about what that new power would do to him, or how its loss would affect Frigga. His saving grace at the moment was that he was pregnant and the transfer of power would have to wait. In the meantime, he needed to see to his King's needs, and he to his.

Thor's schedule became busy and he did not have the time to suckle Loki constantly and so Loki sought out the healer's advice for expressing milk on his own. It was a relief, freeing up his schedule like that. Without Thor constantly rutting him they had time to do more important things. Their days became separate affairs where Thor saw to the needs of the kingdom while Loki spent most of his time with Frigga learning the loom and the art of seidr. The days after the funeral were filled with solemn silence. The rain dribbled constantly.

"I want you to read these two books. They are dry and boring but full of information you need about all the different realms. Each realm is rich in different resources and the abundance or lack thereof governs much of the politics between us." Frigga said.

"What resource does Asgard have in abundance?" Loki asked.

"Gold."

"Ah, well that does make life easy doesn't it?" Loki said.

"Not entirely. We import many things. Our land is limited, as you know, and our people grow in population, not by much mind you, but for how small we are, we feel the gain or loss of a hundred people acutely."

"What happens when the gold runs out?" Loki asked.

"War, hunger, economic collapse. Asgard has roughly 2000 years-worth of gold left, to keep us functioning as we are. After that Asgard will need to thrive on something else."

"Only 2000 years?! That means it'll run out halfway through Thor's reign! What of my children and their futures?" Loki asked.

"That is something you and Thor will have to figure out in time. Neither Odin or I could see a way around the problem. Your experience, growing up in poverty will be invaluable to Thor. You know what desperation such circumstances can breed." Frigga said.

"Asgard will cease to be the benevolent realm and protector of the nine and devolve into a realm of conquest and scavengers." Loki said. He raked his hand over his face in exasperation. No wonder Odin was so keen for the match. "I want a look at the national budget, all of it."

"You'll have to ask Thor permission for that. Odin granted me permission but he is gone, though I don't anticipate him saying no."

"I'll broach the topic tonight before bed." Loki said.

"Odin and I did that frequently. Be careful that you do not make a habit of discussing the business of the realm every night while in bed. It can turn the bedroom into a cold and dreadful place." Frigga said. Loki looked at her with curiosity. He'd never seen this side of her before. "Odin and I hit a rough patch a few hundred years ago. All the romance had been sucked out of our marriage bed. We finally made a deal not to discuss the goings on of the kingdom when lying between the sheets. It made a big difference."

"Thank you for that advice. I will remember it." Loki said. It was nearing time for supper and the new Queen and the Queen Mother made their way to the dining hall to sit at Thor's side. The feasting hall was a sad and subdued place and Thor did not smile. Afterwards, they adjourned to their bedchambers to relax and settle in for much needed rest.

"Your mother told me about Asgard's finances. She says there is only 2000 years of gold left."

"Yes, my advisors informed me of this as well." Thor said.

"Did they offer any solutions or ideas regarding the problem?"

"No, in truth we are too distracted with the moon issue."

"Ah yes, Frigga told me about that as well. Is the survey done?"

"Not yet, but soon."

"Any movements from the Jotunns?" He asked.

"No. But I will be tested soon. On that, I can rely." Thor said. Loki came up behind Thor and hugged him. Thor turned round and returned the embrace, placing a large palm on Loki's expanding belly. "In times like these I am glad to have you at my side."

"So much faith you have in me. From where does it come?" Loki asked.

"From you, from your very nature." Thor said, kissing Loki's temple. Loki leaned into that muscular frame. When did he start taking comfort in the presence of this man? When did he feel heart ache at seeing him suffer?

"I don't know what the future holds Loki, but I look at you and know that not all of it will be darkness and strife."

"Come to bed love." Loki said. The word had slipped out and he gently tugged Thor by the hand behind him, leading him to the bed. Loki tugged at the buttons on Thor's tunic and pulled it off over Thor's head. Thor took his cue and removed the rest of his clothing, lying back against the pillows when he was naked. He watched Loki undress, admiring Loki's rounded form. He liked the softness of it. He was getting big enough now that he had to be careful during their couplings. Loki required gentleness, and he was feeling in a gentle mood. He thought Loki would get on all fours or lie on his side. However, Loki moved to straddle Thor, a first for them.

The skin on Loki's belly was thin and pulled tight from the rapid growth of his babies. Thor placed his palms reverently on the globe like formation, holding his family in his hands. He was overwrought and it showed in his face.

"Shh. No tears tonight." Loki said. He raised up to slip Thor's cock inside him and rocked gently on top of his husband. Thor's hand slid up Loki's abdomen and chest to cup his cheek. It was far from the rapid skin slapping grunting hard fucks to which they were both accustomed. It was passionate and intimate and so much better.