Holly almost couldn't believe that he had returned to her. His words had been so final before he had left and he had her thinking that she would become a widow after just four months of marriage. But he had returned. And that was all that mattered.
Loki lay bare-chested on their bed with his head in her lap as she dabbed the cuts with a damp cloth. He watched her closely, her baby bump just at eye level. His hand gently caressed their child through her dress as he thought about how quickly the next three months would go by.
"Sophia, could you get the bandages for me, please?" Holly asked quietly to the young girl next to the bed, who hurried out of the room.
"You're caring for the girl." He said it more as a statement than a question.
"Yes," she answered, smiling fondly. "She's a very hard worker."
"Indeed." Loki agreed, eyes closing as Holly's hands kneaded the muscles of his chest. He let out a small groan as she worked her way down to his abdomen, releasing the tension in his body.
Sophia returned moments later with bandages and salve, placing them on the bed next to Loki's head. He watched the little girl as she studied Holly's movements.
"You rub the salve into the cut so it won't get infected." Holly explained carefully. "Then you place the bandage over it so the salve gets all over the place." Sophia nodded, making brief eye contact with the prince. He smiled gently up at her. "Would you like to try?"
"Yes," the little girl answered, taking salve and carefully spreading it over the cut above Loki's eye. She smiled and placed the bandage on it as he murmured his thanks.
"Perfect, Sophia." Holly beamed, running her hand over the girl's chocolate brown waves. "You may go play with the children in the gardens. I'll send for you later."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." With that, the little girl skipped out the door, securing it behind her. Holly stood and moved down to his leg, carefully bending his knee so she could bandage it as well. Loki hissed in pain, staring up at the ceiling as she worked.
"I'm sorry." She whispered, rubbing the salve onto the wound. He groaned, rolling his head towards her. "I wish I could take the pain away." Finally, she wrapped the bandage all the way around his knee and secured it.
Holly placed a kiss on her husband's forehead and placed the left over medical supplies on the bedside table. Loki smiled up at her, his long arms winding around her waist. He buried his face into her baby bump, placing small kisses on her belly.
"Were you good for your mother, little one?" he asked quietly. Holly ran her hand over Loki's hair as he talked to their baby with a fond smile. The baby suddenly kicked, bringing a look of surprise to Loki's features. "Was that…?"
"Yes," she beamed, meeting his proud eyes.
"I've missed so much." Loki whispered, his features dropping into a frown, eyebrows furrowed.
"But you rescued your mother." She whispered, sliding down into his arms so she could carefully rest her head on his chest. "That means so much, Loki. She will be here to see her grandchild." He stayed quiet, nuzzling his face into her red curls. "You've been around for the important milestones."
"I have?" he asked quietly. Holly nodded, kissing a bandaged cut on his chest. Lifting her head, she ran a hand through his long black locks.
"Have you considered a hair cut?" she teased quietly.
"Are you implying the need?" he sassed back, chuckling as she shook her head.
"This is the longest it has been since we've been together." Holly shrugged, placing her head back on his chest and quieting. "I could barely sleep without you." She whispered. Loki gave her a sad smile. "The bed was so empty. I'm so glad you're home."
"I am too, my darling." He murmured. "I love you so much."
"I love you." She whispered, burying her face into his neck. Loki pulled the covers over her and kissed the side of her head gently.
"Sleep now. I'm here."
After a few moments, her breathing evened and her arms relaxed around him. Loki stared at the golden ceiling, the soft candlelight flickering patterns across it. It was almost surreal to be in that moment for him. He truly expected to die the honorable death in battle after all he had done to hurt Frigga, Thor, and Odin. Holly had changed everything.
The chamber door opened and Loki lifted his head to find Sophia peeking her head in. Her brown eyes were wide as he motioned for her to approach him. She obeyed, bowing to her prince. "May I get you something, Your Majesty?"
"Where are you staying, Sophia?" he asked quietly, leaving his wife undisturbed.
"I usually stay with the princess." She whispered.
"You may stay with us tonight. In the morning we will find you somewhere to spend your nights." he told her. Sophia beamed and carefully climbed up onto the bed, curling up on Holly's side. He smiled gently towards her and watched as she returned it, closing her eyes and joining Holly in a deep sleep.