After debating with herself for a while, Ava slowly eased herself out of Loki's embrace and out of bed. She grabbed her robe and slippers and headed to the healing room. She knew the healers would all still be in bed, since there was a peace among the nine realms and most people would wait until morning if they had any ailments. Ava walked over to the soul forge.

She took in a deep breath before laying down on the medical device. She then created a copy of herself to actually operate the tool. She looked above her, watching the images floating in the air. She looked through them and finally found what she was looking for. Her eyes widened as her suspicions were confirmed.

Ava stopped the soul forge and sent her clone away. She sat up and looked around, making sure that she was alone. She let out a sigh of relief at knowing no one else was around. She placed a hand over her stomach and looked down. "I'm with child." She breathed, a mixture of emotions flooding her. She was frightened, joyful, anxious, and so many other emotions she couldn't be sure of what they were.

After taking a few moments to collect herself, Ava returned to her chambers, removing her robe and slippers and sliding back into bed and Loki's arms. Unfortunately, she couldn't go back to sleep. She laid there thinking how she would tell Loki and then how they would tell her family. And when we tell my family…we have to tell them the truth about who Loki is. Ava thought to herself. Millions of other thoughts swirled in her mind.

Hours later, Loki woke up. He smiled down at Ava and kissed her forehead. "You're awake before me…that's unusual."

Ava gave him a smile. "I just woke up and couldn't go back to sleep." She replied. She had been unable to think of how to tell him. She had decided that perhaps before she told him about telling her parents about who he is before she told him about the baby.

"Why couldn't you sleep, my love?" Loki asked, concern coloring his tone.

"I was just thinking." Ava answered.

"About?" Loki asked.

"I think we should tell my parents."

"About me being an Jotun?" Loki inquired.

Ava nodded. "They've fallen in love with you over these last couple of months…and I know they'll understand."

"I thought we weren't in any rush to tell them." Loki countered.

"Well…things change."

Loki looked at Ava, a confused expression on his face. "Like what?"

Ava was just about to tell him about the pregnancy when there was a knock on her door. "Ava, hurry up and get dressed. We are welcoming the young Lord Vinius and his new wife Nessa for their honeymoon." Frigga called through the door.

"I'll be right out, Mother." Ava called.

"Hurry."

Loki looked at Ava. "Isn't that the elfin lord you were betrothed to for a short period of time?"

"Yes, and Nessa is the lady he was in love with." Ava replied, kissing him and then climbing out of bed for the second time. She walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out a dress.

Loki came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed the side of her neck. "We'll have to finish this later...and I'll see you shortly."

Ava smiled and leaned back into the embrace momentarily. He kissed her once more before releasing her and disappearing. Ava quickly dressed and did her hair for the day. She pulled on her shoes and then walked out. She met her family at the entrance to the palace, where Loki was already waiting with them. Ava walked over to him and laced her fingers through his.

Vinius and Nessa soon arrived on horseback. Vinius dismounted and then helped his beloved wife down from her horse. He bowed respectfully to the royals of Asgard. "Welcome." Odin greeted.

"Thank you, for allowing us to stay here for our honeymoon." Vinius said.

"Thank you for choosing Asgard." Frigga replied.

"Well, my wife and I both wanted to thank both your majesties and Princess Ava. Without the three of you, we would not be married right now." Vinius replied.

Nessa then turned and looked at Ava. She smiled at her and Ava smiled back. Nessa then walked away from her husband and threw her arms around Ava in a tight hug. "Thank you." She whispered.

Ava let go of Loki's hand and hugged the elfin woman back. "It was my pleasure."

Nessa pulled away and looked at Loki. "This must be your Loki."

Ava smiled. "Yes."

Introductions were made and then everyone went into the palace to have breakfast. They enjoyed a light conversation. Ava, however, wasn't doing much talking...or listening. She was too busy thinking of how to get Loki alone so she could tell him about the baby.

By the time they finished the meal, Ava had finally decided how to get Loki alone. She reached her hand over to his. He looked at her and smiled. "Yes, my love?"

Ava couldn't stop the answering smile that spread cross her face. "I think I need to go for a walk in the garden. I think the fresh air would be good for me."

"Alright." Loki agreed, knowing that Ava was wanting to be alone with him.

They rose and left the dining hall. They walked hand-in-hand through the palace, heading for the garden. "What were you trying to tell me earlier?" Loki asked, once they were far from the dining hall.

"Not until we get to the garden...there are too many guards and maids in the halls." Ava replied.

Loki nodded. He then leaned over and kissed the top of Ava's head. "I love you."

Ava smiled. "I love you, too."

They soon arrived in the garden and walked over to one of the benches. They sat down, Loki pulling Ava close. "Now, what were you trying to tell me?" Loki asked again.

Before Ava could answer, there was an alarm sounding and the sounds of the guards running through the halls and gathering weapons filled the air. A group of guards came out to the garden. "Princess, we are to take you and your beloved to a safe location and protect you until the Allfather comes for you." One of the guards said.

Ava and Loki rose and started walking back into the palace, the guards surrounding them. Loki kept a protective arm around Ava. They walked inside the palace and had just rounded a corner, when a group of Frost Giants ambushed them. The Jotuns easily took care of the guards, moving so quickly that Loki and Ava hadn't been able to know what was going on until it had already happened.

Loki recognized each every one of the Jotuns and they recognized him as well. "Prince Loki...the traitor." One of them spoke. He then reached a hand for Ava.

Loki pulled Ava out of the way and began fighting with his people. "Leave her alone." He commanded.

The other Jotun just smiled. He and the others ganged up on their prince. Loki used his smaller size to his advantage. He used his skill and cunning to avoid their blows and make them end up hitting each other. He looked at Ava. "Run!" He told her.

Ava hesitated. "Run!" He commanded again and she finally began to run away.

Loki defeated the other Frost Giants and then went in the direction Ava had gone. He found her using her magic to take on another Jotun that had surprised her. Loki began running towards them, just as he reached them, the other Frost Giant managed to grab Ava by both of her arms and used his icy touch to burn her.

Ava screamed and Loki ran harder and faster. "Let her go!" Loki commanded.

The other giant looked at Loki and smiled menacingly. "As you wish, traitorous prince." He then tossed her aside, throwing her against the wall.

Loki saw rage and flew at the other Jotun. He began fighting, furiously. The other Jotun, managed to grab Loki's arm. He grinned at Loki as he used his burning touch to bring Loki into his Jotun form. He spoke strange words and soon Loki was completely transformed.

Loki managed to break his opponent's hold and managed to stab him with a dagger he had conjured up. The giant fell and Loki knelt down next to Ava, forgetting to even think about changing back to his Aesir form. He gently held her in his arms and lovingly stroked her cheek. "Ava, my love? Are you alright?" He asked.

Ava looked at him. "It hurts." She murmured.

"I am so sorry." Loki said, on the verge of tears. "I never wanted this to happen."

Ava was about to speak, but she passed out from the pain before she could. Loki gently kissed her forehead. He then scooped her up in his arms, remembering where the healing room was. He started to take her there, when a strong voice sounded from behind him.

"Put the princess down and surrender, monster!"