Epilogue:
The last two members of The Horsemen were arrested, but never saw trial. They had destroyed too many lives to be allowed a chance to cut a deal and walk free, Fury said that they tried to escape custody and were killed in the attempt. I wanted to believe it was not an outright execution, but it would not completely disappoint me if it was. You cannot cause so much pain and suffering without facing some judgment.
They tested the DNA found in what was left of Stephen Johannasson, and his story turned out to be true. He really was Josef Mengele, the monster who tortured so many in the Concentration Camps was finally dead. The true identity of the man was never released, and I was glad for it, he deserved to never have his name used to be a martyr. I never shed a tear for what Loki did to that monster either, I just never wanted to know what happened behind my back. I would never ask either, some things deserve to remain unsaid.
Loki and I returned to Asgard with the rest, here we told our story while everyone celebrated our marriage and victory. My sipping water and tea while everyone drank wine was noticed, and we had to share the news. Everyone was happy, especially Thor. He gave me a careful hug and promised me a special gift for his brother's child. Fandral and Volstagg agreed that Loki had acted honorably, and we were given the full blessing of the warriors.
Some things could actually change.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Four months passed, and I began to show, my corsets being traded out for maternity clothes. All of my dresses beautiful and accenting my changing body. He stood by me when I started getting sick in the mornings, smoothing my hair back as I vomited and groaned. I could only hope that he would put up with me when I was as big as a house, but he insisted on being nearby for me.
Loki and I went on walks together, everyone in Asgard whispering about the baby, and smiling at me as I passed. All talking about the redemption of Loki in Odin's eyes, and how our marriage on Earth was to be recognized by all. Odin announced it of course, the Council approved, except for Lord Raithbourne. I did not care though, we had the majority on our side.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Now happily, our only adventure was to wait for the birth of our child, and our lives became our own. We intended to use our days well, savoring this quiet peace that fell on us after the horrors we had been through. The pace was something I enjoyed as well, no reason to hurry anywhere, because it would be there when we arrived.
We laughed in the shade of a tree in the gardens, reading books and his hand resting on my growing belly. I read him a funny part in my book, and he laughed back at the story. My head on his thigh as he took a bite from and apple and lowered it to me, I bit off a pieced and chewed it, turning the page in my book and smiling at it. Both of us stopped by a sudden nudge from my belly.
"Did you feel that?" I asked him and he jerked his hand away from me. He nodded in shock and returned his hand to my swell of a stomach, blinking at me.
"Was that the child?" He asked me and I nodded, the baby moved again and he smiled. I sat up and laughed as we both felt the first movements of your baby. Strong and true.
"It was." I said and I shifted. His back hunching over as he pressed his cheek to my belly, sighing as he felt it move again. His face turning to kiss the bump through my clothes, and his hand smoothing my dress over the swell. He looked down at it, and smiled, setting his book aside and putting both his hands on me.
"Be kind to your mother always, she cannot wait to hold you in her arms and dreams of you every night." He said and another movement was given in response. His eyes shining again as he kissed me under the tree. Flower petals falling on us as we celebrated the first of many milestones in our child's life.
If only peace lasted.
