Chapter 20 – Forgiving Father
Walking back into my chambers, I decided to go down to the dungeon to speak with Father. I changed into more formal clothing rather than my tunic, denim pants, and canvas shoes. I am a princess; therefore, it is my duty to represent my position. Steve would receive the same after the wedding ceremony. As I walked out of my chambers, I found Steve outside my door with a hand raised as if he were to knock.
"Uh, wow." Steve said in awe as he took in my full appearance. "You look amazing."
"Thank you, my love." I accepted as I blushed. "These are my royal garments. You will receive yours after we are married."
"I'll be royalty?" Steve asked in shock.
"Why, yes, my dear." I chuckled. "You are marrying me, the daughter of Loki, the princess of Asgard, the Goddess of Truth and Compassion. You are marrying royalty."
"Wow." Steve breathed as he looked at me. "You said you were a goddess. Will that make me a god?"
I chuckled again. "I have already told Grandfather and Grandmother of your religious views on Earth, and they have agreed to not give you the title of a god."
"Good. I want to be a hero, not a god." Steve said. "Where were you headed to?"
"To see Father." I answered as I stepped out of my chambers to close my door. "Did you want to keep me company?"
"I would love to, but I promised Thor I would spar with him today." Steve replied as Uncle Thor walked over.
"I am glad to spar with an equal rather than a lesser guard." Uncle Thor said as he wrapped me in an embrace. "Welcome back, my dear niece."
"Thank you, Uncle." I said as I returned the embrace before letting go. "Please keep my fiancé in one piece."
"I shall do my best." Uncle Thor chuckled as he led Steve away. I walked the opposite direction that they did to the dungeon. As a child, I managed to find a shortcut to the dungeon, which worried my father and told me to never go back. I guess I'm breaking his rule to go visit him. The shortcut consisted of a door and three flights of stairs. After taking the shortcut, I looked around to see where Father was located, which was at the end of the hall on the right. Prisoners were shouting derogatory and demeaning words at me, which I paid no heed to such low insults. Once I arrived, Father had his back facing me, and didn't seem to notice my presence. His jail cell contained a green futon, a bedside table on each end with one of them had some books, and a lamp.
"Greetings, Father. I greeted him as I placed a hand on the wall.
"Greetings, Lillith." Father greeted back, but he never turned around.
"Why do you not turn to face your daughter?" I asked him, wishing to reach inside to embrace him.
"I have done harm to my own daughter, to my own flesh and blood." Father responded as his voice broke. "It is not right of me to have contact with you after all I have done."
"I forgave you, Father." I told him as I leaned forward. "None of that was your fault. You were not in control when Thanos had you hurt me. It was all him."
"Still, I have no right." Father muttered in sadness. I sat on the step outside of his cell, where I could hear the hum of his electric cell walls. There were not any words I could say to soothe him, but maybe I could try another way.
I have crossed the horizon to find you
I know your name
They have stolen the heart from inside you
But this does not define you
This is not who you are
You know who you are
"Who you truly are." I whispered loud enough for him to hear. It appeared to have no effect on him, or that's what I thought until I heard a sniffle come from Father. Looking up, I saw Father turn around with tears in his eyes. "Father?"
"You know how to make me a little happier, don't you?" Father asked me as he gave me a watery smile and chuckled. "You remind me so much of your mother."
"Father." I gave him a loving smile in return. "Come sit with me a little."
"Alright." Father agreed as he sat next to me on the opposite side of the wall. His presence so near was comforting to have once again. "Are you excited for your wedding?"
I chuckled as I said, "Yes, I am excited, and yet, nervous for my wedding."
"Not starting to have cold feet?" Father teased.
"No!" I exclaimed. "I love Steve! I would never leave him! I think I am nervous because I am marrying a Midgardian, one I truly love. It is usually forbidden, but he took care of me, when I left, and I could not be more grateful."
"Then, I do not see a reason for you to be nervous." Father stated. "Your wedding day will be amazing, my dear."
"I am grateful for the fact they are letting you out for my wedding day." I turned to look at him clearly. "It has been my dream since I was a girl, and I cannot see any other male walking me down."
"Trust me, my sweet, I know." Father responded as he looked over my shoulder. "It appears visiting time is done." I turned around to see Uncle Thor and Steve at the main entrance. They were waiting for me to return.
Turning back to Father, I asked, "Would it be allowed to come back to visit?"
"I will allow it." Father granted as I stood up and straightened my garments. "I would actually love for you to return."
"Then, I will do that." I told him and blew him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you, too. Thank you for visiting." He blew me a kiss back. As I made my way over, Father called out to me. "Bring your beloved next time." I smiled and nodded.
"Did everything go alright, my dear niece?" Uncle Thor asked when I joined them.
"We had a productive talk of forgiveness and the wedding." I answered as I walked out of the dungeon with them. "He still feels guilty of what he had done, especially to me, but we will be alright." I answered as we exited. We would be alright. I would make sure of it.
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A.N. – Hey, Readers! I am almost complete with this story, but I will post a sequel, and it will focus on The Winter Soldier. I used Disney's Moana Know Who You Are as a way to make Loki understand that Lily had no regrets against him! Please R&R!