Loki and Ava returned to the palace earlier than originally planned. However much they enjoyed their time alone together, they wanted to speak with Odin and Frigga before the feast. They put the horse up in the stables and walked through the palace halls, in search of Loki's parents.
"You two are back early." Thor observed, as he approached them from the opposite end of the hall. "Why are you back so early?"
"Have you seen Mother and Father?" Loki asked, ignoring his brother's question.
"Yes." Thor answered. "Now, why are you back so early?"
"Where are they?" Loki asked.
"Tell me why you have returned so early." Thor said. "Then I shall tell you where they are."
"We came back because we need to speak with Mother and Father." Loki answered. "So, if you would please tell us where they are?"
"That was a vague answer." Thor replied. "What do you need to speak with them about?"
"You're really getting on my nerves, Brother." Loki replied.
Ava lifted her hand and made a wave, sending Thor flying into a wall. "And mine." She added.
Loki couldn't help but to smile in approval at Ava's actions. "Well, if you're not going to tell us, we'll just have to continue our search."
"They're in the dining hall, overseeing the preparations for tonight's feast." Thor finally answered, as he stood and dusted himself off. "You know, Ava, you have a bit of a temper."
"And you have a bit of a nose problem." Ava replied. "As in, you must have it in our business all the time."
Loki's grin widened. He rather enjoyed how Ava put his brother in his place. Not too many people were willing to oppose Thor, since he was the next in line for the throne. "We'll be seeing you, Brother." Loki said, doing his best to hide his amusement. He then led Ava towards the dining hall.
They entered the dining hall and found Frigga fussing about, telling the servants where to put everything. Odin was not far from her, not really doing anything. Every so often Frigga would look over at him and ask him about one of the decorations, to which he would agree to whatever she thought was best.
"What about this one, dear?" Frigga asked, Odin. "Do you think it is perfectly centered or does it need to be moved to the left you think?"
"Whatever you think looks best, dear." Odin answered.
Frigga looked at the decoration. "I think it needs to be moved to the left just a smidge." She then turned, looking for something else, when she saw Loki and Ava. "You two have returned early."
"Hello, Mother." Loki replied, smiling at her.
She returned the smile. "Are you here to help with the preparations?" She asked.
"Actually, we wished to speak with both of you." Loki answered. "If you have the time that is."
"Of course." Frigga answered. "We always have time for our children."
Odin nodded and then led the group out of the dining hall and into a more private room. Ava wasn't sure why, but she suddenly felt very nervous about she and Loki announcing their engagement. She had a feeling Frigga already suspected and approved. However, she couldn't quite read Odin. He had always been kind to her, but she was afraid of him for whatever reason. Part of her also didn't care for the way that he openly showed his preference for Thor over Loki…especially since she, herself, loved Loki so much and she knew how deeply this hurt Loki.
"So, what is it you wish to speak with us about?" Odin asked.
"Father, Mother," Loki began, "as you know, I have been courting Ava for some time now. We are deeply in love and today, while on our ride, I asked Ava to be my bride and she accepted. We would like your blessing on our union."
Frigga couldn't help the smile the spread across her face. She was truly happy for her son. However, she had to contain herself until Odin gave his answer. Of course, if he objected to the union, she would have words with him until he agreed.
Odin stood there for a moment, looking at the two young adults before him. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. "Marriage is something, not to be entered into lightly," He began, "It is a commitment, a very long commitment. It takes much love, patience, and hard work. I can see that you two already have the love, and neither of you are strangers to patience and hard work. Of course, you have our blessing."
Ava breathed an internal sigh of relief and so did Loki. Frigga then walked over to Loki and hugged him. "I am so happy for you, Loki."
Loki hugged his mother back. "Thank you, Mother."
Frigga broke the embrace and then pulled Ava into her arms. "I am glad that you and Loki have each other. I am glad that you will be my daughter-in-law."
Ava smiled as she hugged the queen back. "Thank you."
Frigga kissed Ava's cheek and then broke the hug. She looked at the young couple. "I couldn't have picked a better match myself."
"But didn't you?" Ava teased, thinking back to the very first time her mother had brought her to the palace. "Well, you and my mother, of course."
Frigga smiled. "I have no knowledge of what you speak." She replied. "Now, I believe you two have some getting ready to do."
"Especially since we'll announce your engagement at the feast tonight." Odin added.
Loki and Ava nodded and then left the room. Loki escorted Ava to her chambers and tenderly kissed her lips. "I shall see you shortly…my bride-to-be." He told her.
Ava grinned. "I love how that sounds."
Loki kissed her once more before heading down the hall and to his chambers.
At sunset…
The party began with the setting of the sun. All of the guests were beginning to arrive. Loki knocked on Ava's door and just as earlier that day, he walked right on in, without waiting for her to answer. He found Ava sitting in front of her vanity once again, she had just finished styling her hair. She stood up and turned to him. Loki's eye drank up every inch of her figure, starting at the bottom and working their way up.
She wore an emerald green tunic that was held up by gold shoulder straps. The dress had a deep v and the necklace he had given her, hung there, resting between her breasts. "You look beautiful." Loki said, smiling.
Ava smiled back at him. She crossed the room and came to a stop in front of him. "And you look very handsome." She replied.
Loki placed his fingers beneath her chin and pulled her lips to his. He broke the kiss after a few moments. "Tonight, we announce our engagement."
"And every man in the kingdom will know that I belong to you." Ava added, as if she were finishing the sentence for him.
"I wasn't going to say that."
"But you were thinking it." Ava replied, smiling at him.
Loki noticed that the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Is something wrong, my darling?" He asked, concern lacing her tone.
"No." She lied.
"Ava, darling, do not lie to me." Loki countered.
"I was just thinking about my parents." Ava replied. "How happy my mother would be...and the things my father would say."
Loki gently stroked her cheek. "I am sure they are watching from Valhalla." He replied. "And sending all of their love your way...and I know that if I ever hurt you, your father will come back to haunt me."
Ava laughed dryly. "How do you know that?" She asked.
"You were his crown jewel." Loki replied. "He loved you more than anything and was very protective of you."
Ava smiled. "I love you, Loki."
"And I love you, Ava." He replied, smiling back. He then kissed her lips.
Ava wrapped her arms around Loki's neck and pulled herself close to him. Loki wrapped his arms around her waist and held her. He was soon trailing kisses down the side of her neck. A giggle bubbled up and escaped Ava's lips.
"Lets just skip the party." Loki said, a wicked grin on his lips. "I have some better ideas."
Ava grinned. "Are you thinking of doing exactly what I tried to get you to do earlier?"
"Perhaps." Loki answered.
"Nope." Ava replied, pushing him away. "Besides, if we don't show up, your mother would come looking for us and...well I think you can figure it out."
"I suppose you're right about that." He replied. "We should get going to the party then." He then offered Ava his arm.
Ava looped her arm through his and allowed Loki to lead her out of her chambers. When they opened the door, there was a guard standing just outside. "Is there something we can help you with?" Loki asked, his tone showing that he was not pleased.
"Oh...uhm...I am sorry Prince Loki...Lady Ava." He replied. "Your mother had just sent me to look for you."
"Well, you found us." Loki replied. "We're heading to the party now...you're dismissed."
The guard nodded and bowed before walking away. Loki glared after him, suspicious of him. "Is something wrong?" Ava asked.
"Nothing." Loki lied.
"Now you're the liar." Ava replied.
"I'm just suspicious of any man who finds himself outside of your chambers." Loki answered.
"Well, after our announcement tonight, no other man will find his way anywhere near my chambers." Ava replied. "And even if they do, I can send them flying through the air and landing hard on the ground on the opposite side of the palace."
Loki leaned over and kissed Ava's cheek. They then headed to the dining hall. They found their way to the table and sat down not far from Odin and Frigga. Thor sat across from them. Everyone was eating, drinking, and dancing.
Odin stood and called everyone's attention. "Tonight, we are celebrating the peace that has come over the nine realms...and we are also celebrating a very special occasion in my family." Odin announced. "My youngest son has gotten engaged to a beautiful young lady. I am very happy that Loki has found his love and I am very happy to welcome Lady Ava into my family."
Everyone then lifted their glasses, toasting Loki and Ava's engagement. The party then resumed. Thor had gotten up from his seat and walked over to stand beside Loki and Ava. "So, this was why you were looking for Mother and Father, earlier?" He inquired.
"Yes." Loki answered.
"Congratulations, Brother." Thor replied, smiling at Loki. "You've finally found a woman who will put up with your shenanigans."
"I believe, you're forgetting Thor, that I helped in several of his shenanigans, when we were children." Ava replied. "I delight in them."
Loki grinned. "Yes, some of the things you blamed me for, Brother, Ava was actually the one behind them...I of course knew about them and didn't do anything to stop her."
Ava and Loki both grinned at Thor and then stood from their seats. Loki led Ava out onto the dance floor. Loki put an arm at her waist and then took her other hand in his. Ava placed her free hand on his shoulder. "Well, that was fun." Loki said.
"He's still over there, looking confused." Ava replied, grinning.
Loki pulled her closer for a moment and kissed her forehead. "Well you do have that sweet innocent face that fools everyone." He replied.
"Everyone but my soon to be husband."
Loki grinned. "I'm just glad that I'm the one who gets to know the truth...the real you."
Ava smiled. "I'm glad that I have you to be myself with."
Loki was just about to suggest they sneak away, when Eira approached them. "I'm glad to see you are recovered Prince Loki." She said. "I'm also very happy for you both. I wanted to congratulate you on the engagement."
"Thank you." Ava and Loki replied.
The rest of the evening was a blur of people coming up to them and congratulate them. They didn't get the chance to sneak away to the garden.