After Prince Loki had taken Ava away, Hagar went to the tavern. He walked right on in the door and sat down at his usual table. "Have you money to pay your tab?" The bar maid asked.

Hagar pulled out one of the smaller sacks of coin the prince had given him and handed it to the woman. "I believe this covers the last of my tab as well as covers the beginning of my next one."

The bar maid took the bag and opened it. She counted everything three times. "Alright, I'll be right back with your usual." She said and then turned to get his mead.

She returned a short while later, placing the large flagon in front of him. "Anything else?"

"Not at this time. Just keep the flagons coming." Hagar answered.

The bar maid nodded and then left. Hagar sat alone drinking his mead. Of course, he wasn't alone for long. "How goes it my friend?" Garth asked, as he came and sat down across from Hagar.

Hagar took another swig from his mead before looking at his friend. "Alright." He answered.

"And how is my little bride-to-be doing?" Garth asked.

Hagar took yet another long drink from his mead. He needed the courage to tell his friend of the new deal he had made with Prince Loki. "About that…"

"What?" Garth asked, his tone becoming hard.

Hagar reached into his cloak and pulled out two ten pound sacks of gold coins. He handed them to Garth. "I have to return your money to you…I can no longer have Ava be betrothed to you."

"Why? Why have you changed your mind?"

"My mind was changed for me." Hagar answered. "Prince Loki made a better offer for her hand…and he invoked his right as a prince of Asgard to choose whomever he wishes for his bride…and he has chosen Ava. I am sorry my friend. I tried to protest, but he would not allow me to say no."

"So, the young prince has stolen my bride." Garth said more to himself than to Hagar. Without another word, he picked up his money and exited the tavern. "I will not lose my bride…not again."

Loki and Ava…

Loki was soon bringing his horse to a stop at the royal stables. Loki dismounted his horse and then helped Ava down. The attendants took the horse. A group of female servants approached them. Eira was getting out of the carriage with her small sack of belongings. Loki looked at Eira. "You can go with these ladies, they will show you to your chambers." He told her.

Eira nodded. "Yes, your highness." She agreed. The female servants grabbed Ava's few belongings and then they all walked into the palace.

Loki took Ava's hand gently in his. "This way my darling." He said, leading her into the palace.

Ava didn't say a word as she walked into the palace with her husband-to-be. She couldn't help but to look around as they walked through the halls. While she had been to the palace for the feasts, she hadn't seen this part of the palace. It must have been the private royal apartments of the palace rather than the parts that were open to the public.

"I hope you won't mind joining my family for dinner." Loki said. "Mother is eager to meet you."

Ava forced herself to give Loki a small smile. "I don't mind. I need to get used to family dinners anyways."

"You never ate dinner with your father?" Loki asked.

Ava shook her head. "He prefers a liquid diet at the tavern." She replied without thinking. "I probably shouldn't have said that."

"It is alright." Loki replied, giving Ava's hand a gentle squeeze. He then stopped and turned to face Ava. He lifted a hand to cup the side of her face. He watched as she flinched just as she had the night before at the feast when he had moved the stray curl from her face. He looked into her eyes. "You can talk to me about anything, Ava. I will listen and do my best to help you in any way that I can to lessen your burden."

Ava looked back into Loki's eyes as he spoke to her. She felt her heart do a little jump in her chest as she saw that he meant what he was saying. No. Don't allow yourself to hope for anything. That is when you get hurt. She internally scolded herself. "Thank you…but I am fine."

Loki suppressed a sigh. He wanted so much for Ava to talk to him and tell him what was troubling her. He made a mental note to seek advice from his mother later. "If you change your mind, my ear is always yours." He told her. He then dropped his hand and started leading her back to the smaller family dining hall.

Guards stood outside the doors and opened them up at Loki and Ava's approach. They walked inside. King Odin, Queen Frigga, and Prince Thor were already in their seats at the table. They all rose and smiled kindly at Ava. Ava did her best to return the smile. Though she had been getting pretty good at hiding her emotions and making herself feel numb, but even she couldn't numb herself to the nervousness she felt.

Loki led Ava over to the table. "Mother, Father, Brother, I would like for you all to meet Lady Ava." Loki introduced his family. "Ava, I believe you know of my family."

Ava smiled nervously. "It is nice to meet you all." Ava said, bowing politely.

Frigga smiled at Ava. "No need to be so formal dear. You are going to be a part of our family soon."

Loki helped Ava to her seat, which was next to his mother. He then took his seat across from her. Loki couldn't help but to notice his mother looking at Ava every so often, a strange look about her face. I'll have to ask her about that when I ask her advice later. Loki thought to himself. Dinner was brought out and served to the group. They ate in silence for a while before picking up some conversation. Ava participated in the conversation, but not much.

During the dinner, Ava learned that her wedding to Loki would be taking place in three days. In three days, it was originally planned to be another feast, but Odin had decided to change it to Loki and Ava's wedding feast. "We will start your wedding dress fittings tomorrow, dear." Frigga said, putting a hand on Ava's and giving her a warm smile.

Ava returned the smile, which was still forced, but not quite as forced as her other smiles were. There was something rather comforting about the queen. "That sounds great." Ava replied, not sure what else to say.

After dinner Loki escorted Ava out of the dining hall and to her chambers. "Here are your chambers for the next three days. I hope everything is to your liking." Loki said, as they stood outside the large double doors.

"I am sure it will be just fine." Ava replied.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. And if you need me I am just three doors up the hall." Loki told her, wanting to make sure she felt comfortable.

Ava gave him a small smile. "I am sure I will be fine, but thank you."

Loki seemed to be a bit more nervous. "After your dress fitting tomorrow, would you like to join me for a ride and a picnic?" Loki asked, hoping that Ava would say yes.

"Yes, of course." Ava answered, though she wasn't used to such leisurely activities. It was a new life she was going to have to get used to.

Loki smiled, happy that she had agreed, though he knew it would be a while before she would be happy to be joining him. "Until tomorrow then, my lady." He said taking her hand and placing a kiss on the back of it.

Ava smiled another small smile. "Good night."

"Good night." Loki replied. He then turned and began to walk up the hall.

Ava opened the door to her new chambers and stepped inside. Eira was already inside, waiting for her. "What are you doing here, Eira?" Ava asked.

Eira smiled. "I am here to help you get used to your new chambers." Eira answered. "Through that door on the far wall, is my room, so that if you need me you can get me. Through that door is your private bathing chambers and the door next to it leads to a large walk-in closet."

"A closet, I am sure my clothes do not fill." Ava replied.

"Not even close." Eira agreed. "But I am sure all of that will be changing before much longer."

Ava walked over to the door Eira had pointed out as her closet. She opened it up and just as she expected her sparse wardrobe didn't even come close to filling the large closet, which was the size of her bedroom back home. She grabbed her one night dress, which was thin and worn, and changed into it. Eira helped her settle in before heading to her own room.

Ava laid down in the large bed and looked around the room. It was decorated with cream and gold gossamer curtains. The room was elegant and yet warm and inviting somehow. There was a fireplace across from her bed, which kept the room lit and warm. She laid back in the bed, pulling the blankets over her. The bed was warm and the most comfortable thing she had ever laid on. It was soft and yet supportive. She quickly fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

Loki…

Loki found his mother in the common room of her private chambers. "Can I speak with you, Mother?" Loki asked.

"Of course, darling." Frigga answered, putting her book aside. She then patted the spot next to her on the couch for him to join her.

Loki walked over and sat down by his mother. He didn't say anything for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts.

"What is it, Loki?" Frigga asked. "Does this have to do with your bride-to-be?"

Loki nodded. "I don't think her life has been happy…I think a lot has happened with her father…and I think she needs to talk about it, but is afraid to."

Frigga patted Loki's leg. "Sweetheart...it is hard for people to open up. I am sure that if you are just patient and give her time, she will open up to you."

"I hope you are right, Mother." Loki replied, worried about Ava.

"I am sure once she has had time to adjust and get more comfortable, she will open up more." Frigga assured her son. "Is there something else?"

"I noticed at dinner...you kept looking at her with a strange expression on your face." Loki replied. "Why was that?"

"I was just surprised by how much she looks like her mother." Frigga answered with a shrug.

"Is that all, Mother?" Loki asked.

Frigga laughed. "Yes. Now go get some rest. These next few days are going to be busy with your wedding coming up."

A/N: I hope everyone is enjoying :) Please read and review?