Loki did not know if his excitement was higher, lower or on the same level as Leiyah's. She had started packing right away but had told him they would also go shopping there to get purely traditional clothing from Vanaheim. She had told him all the things she wanted to show him, without actually mentioning what they were. Loki knew his mother expected him to go to Odin and thank him, show him he was still his son, but it did not come naturally to him. He despised what Odin had done to him, lied to him, deceived him, not giving him an equal chance. He had nodded his thanks and had seen that the Allfather had understood. The raven- haired prince did not know whether Odin wanted a relationship with him, nor did he care too much at the present moment. He heard Leiyah entering and waited for her to find him. It was almost dinner time and they had decided to eat in the family quarters. She looked stunning, as always. Her hair was open now, more so than in the beginning, her crown sitting atop her head, her clothing; looser but more detailed and made for her body, her eyes were shining bright and so was the smile she gave him as she sat down atop his lap in the study. "Hello husband."

He wrapped his arms around her and smirked at her, "You know what that word does to me."

"Oh I do." She leaned down to kiss him. "Are you excited?"

Loki nodded, breathing in her scent.

"I can't wait to have you see it all, experience the whole thing. Oh by the Heavens I am so happy."

"Will you teach me some of the language?"

"Oh you won't need it. We all speak the Common Language."

"What if I want to learn it?"

"Oh." She looked down and responded, "I would need to talk to my father about it, and it is a difficult language to learn if you did not grow up with it. But I could try." Loki understood the importance of secrets more than anyone, but surely as his wife she would be allowed to divulge some secrets of her realm. But she always seemed reluctant, always unsure if telling him, even the smallest detail, would be worth it. She got off his lap and grabbed his hands, pulling him to the door so they could leave for dinner. She had given her friends the freedom to do whatever they wished.

"Loki, Leiyah. Please sit. Thor will be here any second." Frigga was wearing a loose spring- green dress and her hair was braided in an up- do. "Are you all packed?"

"Yes, mother." He kissed her cheek and pulled out her chair so she could sit down. He pulled out the chair for Leiyah and sat down between the two women. Once Kaylina and Serelle entered he did the same. Thor arrived, accompanied by Odin.

"I don't understand why we did not do a full celebration as a farewell dinner."

Frigga sighed and answered, "Because this is more intimate. We don't know when Leiyah and Loki will be returning, and I like this. It gets tiresome to always be surrounded by so many people." Leiyah smiled at her mother- in law and asked her mother, "I heard we will be using the Bifrost. What about the ship?"

"It will go the long way. The Allfather was so kind as to allow us to use the Bifrost." Loki did not doubt he had had ulterior motives behind it, but he disregarded it as Serelle asked him, "You must have expectations of our city. Do you think they will be met?"

"I don't know what to expect anymore, to be honest. I have asked questions and received no answers. I expect a beautiful city that is for sure."

Kaylina smiled, "It is beautiful. The girls will show you around the whole city."

Thor asked the heir, "Will you be able to take that time off?"

"There isn't much I must do currently. If needed I will stay behind."

Frigga said, "I must ask you if it is possible to bring me a few more spices and herbs? I have been playing with some potions and need ingredients only Vanaheim has to offer."

"We will send as many as we can spare. And if you need more, we are easily reached." Kaylina said in her gentle voice.

Serelle asked, "What of Mechel? Is he ready?"

"Yes. He said he is not bringing much as he wants to bring more over here. Mechel knows of a few things that might help us for our lessons. Also for him to learn new things."

Dinner continued in a lively matter and Frigga and Odin were observing their children. Leiyah had so easily found a spot for herself in the court and in this family. Loki was calmer, mostly concentrated on his wife and Thor finally had his brother back. For Frigga everything was well and beautiful. But then Odin opened his mouth, "Leiyah, have you ever studied under Freya?"

Leiyah looked at him for a moment before saying, "Not under her per se. But she has allowed me to work with her a few times."

"I hear she is a quite timid and reclusive creature."

Leiyah was debating her words, Freya was one of the strongest Vanir ever, and she was a part of Vanaheim. She had always refused to meet Odin, saying there was no reason. "She can if she wants to be. Like I said, I only worked with her a handful of times and I didn't see or talk to her too much during those times and afterwards our paths did not cross." Her voice was steady, calm, as if she was completely sure of herself but Loki felt the lie. He trained his face to remain calm and interested.

"Well I hope she is will. I so dearly wished to meet her, but she always refused, she and her brother."

Kaylina grabbed her daughter's hand under the table. "Oh?"

"Yes, I thought perhaps she had told you. Or given a reasoning why she would not wish to come to Asgard."

Serelle looked sick and Loki hoped she would be able to school her expression into something less green. Leiyah smiled a grand smile and said, "If I see her I will extend another invitation to her. Perhaps she just hates traveling, spending a long time on a ship is draining for the body. But, as I said, if I see her," she paused, letting her words sink in, "I will tell her your best wishes."

Odin narrowed his eye slightly, "Yes, yes. Thank you." He looked away, he hoped Leiyah would one day reveal some parts of Vanaheim, their inner workings, their people. Even Odin had needed to succumb to Vanaheim and their secrecy. What he had seen of the realm, many had seen; never though the court, the royal city. It drove him mad. He heard Loki laugh and looked at him; he was in a conversation with Thor and Serelle, laughing about things he had no clue off. He didn't even know anymore what his son liked.

"My darling, wake up. We leave in a few hours." Loki was kissing along her arms, over her chest and stomach. She made a small sound and he bit her thigh, "Wake up, darling." He licked the bite and she giggled. "There you are."

She moved upwards slightly to sit up, "Yes, I am awake."

Loki grinned at her and kissed her mouth, "I wish I had the time to wake you properly."

"You will have time tonight, and tomorrow morning, and in the evening, and again in the morning." He kissed her again, "I love you." She giggled and pushed him away. She got out of the shower and walked to the dress she had hung out the day before. Loki was dressed and watching her, "Where will we be sleeping?"

Pulling on her sleeves, she answered, "In my room. Or what is left of it. My parents told me we would be staying in my room, and they had furnished it accordingly."

"I am excited to see where you grew up."

Leiyah smiled and then shook her head, too tired still to do her own styling and resting on using her aesir for it. She was wearing his favorite lip color; a bright, slightly cool toned red. "We should eat something small."

"Breakfast has been brought in, while you were in the shower." They ate a small bite and made their way to the palace gates. The queen and princess of Vanaheim were already there, along with Leiyah's friends. Leiyah had told him she did not call them staff or handmaidens, servants or whatever else others might call them; they were her friends. Loki could respect that. A few other servants were there with their luggage. A chariot was there for them to be brought to Heimdall and a second one for the servants. Loki felt a small, warm, fresh flicker of magic and he looked up. His mother was standing at the balcony, smiling and waving. He waved back and thanked her with a nod. Then they were off to the Bifrost.

"Are you all ready?"

"Yes, Heimdall."

Heimdall nodded once and then said to the royal couple, "Whenever you wish to return, call." They nodded, Heimdall turned his sword and the whole company was transported to Vanaheim. When Loki opened his eyes, he was on a field, a field he thought he knew. But there was a ship there, a smaller vessel. Serelle cleared her throat and said, "Loki. Now that you will be entering the royal city, I must ask something of you. Our court, our most sacred traditions, our people and our city are secret. Everyone who leaves the city is sworn to secrecy. I must ask you to give a sacred promise, to never reveal to anyone what you will see and experience. Minor details can be shared but inner workings can not. You will be able to tell stories of this visit, but I assume you know how a sacred promise works." Loki did, and it wasn't difficult magic, but it was strong and binding. Serelle stretched out her hand, a small paper, the contract on it. Loki withdrew his dagger, focused his magic on his right finger and cut into it, "I promise to uphold your laws and secrecy, sacredly." The drop signed for him, the paper then dissolving, the golden flecks entering his finger and then stitching up the wound.

Leiyah said, "Thank you", from beside him. Serelle nodded and escorted them to the ship. A few minutes later they entered the city of Vanaheim. Loki could not believe his eyes; while Asgard was shining and golden, Vanaheim seemed like a city made up from fairy tales. The buildings were strong and bright, the nature full of color and smells, and the castle, not in the middle like theirs, but at the end, atop a minor hill. It was shining, the stones reflecting the sun, and the towers were the brightest of all. "Welcome, consort of the princess of Vanaheim, to your second home." At the words Loki looked at his wife, the shining in her eyes. He realized what the words meant, she did too. And that the words were spoken from her sister, the heir, made it more powerful. Leiyah and her family were giving him a home, knowing he did not always feel like his home was in Asgard. He grasped her hand and smiled, watching the city below, feeling her gaze on him. They lowered in front of the castle, Loki could see people, watching them, waiting in front of the castle gates. The door opened and the servants went first, carrying everything through a side door; then the big gates were opened and a carpet rolled out. Kaylina took the hand of her daughter and they stepped out first; cheers greeted them and they walked to the side. Leiyah put her hand on Loki's arm, "Are you ready?"

Loki looked confused.

"They are waiting on us. They want to see my husband. And I want them to see." Loki felt a mix of emotions, fear, pride, uncertainty, happiness. He did not know which one would be winning but the pride and love in Leiyah's eyes was enough for him. He straightened and took her hand, she grinned and led him to the opening. Once people started getting a glimpse of them they started cheering and yelling even louder. Loki heard sentences like, "I can't believe she is back" or "He looks so handsome" and even "They look so great beside each other." Pride welled in Loki. Leiyah smiled and waved and she then led her family and friends through the gates. The gates shut and Loki breathed deeply once. Kaylina told them, "We will go already, let you all get situated. I say we meet in the family room in an hour?"

"Sounds great." Leiyah told her friends they could go as well so she could have a moment alone with Loki. "Are you alright?"

Loki nodded.

"Are you sure?"

Another nod.

"Are you just going to nod at everything I say?"

He shook his head and she laughed. He smiled, her laugh was contagious. "I … I have never… I don't even know."

"Ok. Come, I will show you our room and maybe then your brain will work again." Loki merely nodded, taking her outstretched hand and following her. Leading in through the right side of the castle, she entered an elevator and they went up 4 flights. They took another right and walked for a while before turning left and then 2 doors down she stopped. She took a calming breath and Loki realized that this would be the first time she will have been in her room since the last time she left.

"If you want to do something else first I understand."

"No. I don't really know why this is so weird for me." She took another breath and then opened the huge white door. So unlike their double doors, dark and embellished. She led them inside and she said a small "Oh." The room was a small sitting room, a muted cream color on the walls, sofas, tables and chairs around. But it was an open space to the bedroom, which Leiyah was looking at. Her bed, the same dark blue one from his painting, with the same window. Her eyes were wide and she had a small tear in her eyes.

"What is it, my darling?"

"They kept everything the same. It is exactly alike."

He looked around and spotted paintings, little trinkets, books. "Why did you not have all of these shipped to us?" She turned as well and looked at them, "I did. Well most of them. Perhaps they had duplicates made."

Loki turned some more and saw a painting, of the two of them, on their wedding day. "Oh." Her eyes teared again. Loki hugged her and kissed her cheek. "What do you want to show me first?"

That question cleared her again and she answered, "Oh, I should probably show you around the family section of the castle. And then once we said hello, I could show you the royal library and the castle. Tomorrow we can explore the city."

"I'd love that."

She led him out the room again and they walked through the castle a bit. "This right here, next to mine, is my sister's. I did not look properly, she might have sealed it off, but we used to have a connecting door. Down that corridor and take a left is my parent's room. Come, in here." He was pulled into a dark green room, many different sorts of games in it.

"Our gaming room. When one of us needs to take some time off."

Loki recognized some of the games, some he used to play with Thor, others with his mother. Some games were unfamiliar with Loki but he knew he would get to learn them if he asked. "Were you in here often?"

"Not too much, Serelle and I would at times play different card games or chess, but I painted more or read."

"Did you paint in your rooms?"

"No, well… at first I did, but then my mother insisted on having an arts room in our quarters. Would you like to see?" He nodded, wishing to learn even more of his wife. She led him just a few doors down and opened that door. It was a room half made up of windows, the walls a light yellow, a high ceiling and full of things, but neatly organized. He saw a piano, a few guitars, flutes, harps, musical notes and other instruments. Then there were so many different painting and sketching utensils. Canvases, papers, parchments, glass and wood; more colors than anyone could ever imagine and brushes, enough for every single person in Asgard. "This is where I spent a lot of time." Loki walked around, touching a few things; still feeling the phantom touch of Leiyah's, her magic so strong it left a trace a long time. "Where are your paintings?"

She blushed, "Around here and all over the castle."

He turned and walked close to her, "When we pass one, please point them out to me." She nodded. They then walked to the family room, entering and seeing the two women there. Leiyah walked to her mother and hugged her, "Thank you."

"We wanted to preserve your presence here." The queen then turned to Loki, "What do you make of our place then so far?"

"It is very beautiful. I don't think I have ever seen anything like it."

"I am glad. Arvid should be here any second." As if on cue, the king of Vanaheim entered. He grinned widely when he saw his family and hugged each girl and gave them a kiss on the head. Once he reached Loki he smiled and hugged him as well. "Welcome home, my family."

Leiyah sat down next to Loki and waited for her father to speak.

"I hope the journey was pleasant. And I hope you like it here Loki."

Loki nodded, "I am sure I will. It is very beautiful here."

"Yes, and if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask." He nodded his thanks. Arvid then turned to his youngest daughter, "I assume you will want to show him the palace and city the next few days."

"Yes, father."

"Beautiful. Well I only have a small request; I want us to eat dinner together every night. Here. Tonight we shall have a small feast to celebrate your arrival and in a few days time another. But other than that, I would like us all to sit together and eat. Like a family." The daughters nodded and grinned widely. Loki once again felt a welcoming feeling and a sense of family. Arvid then turned to Loki, "The people here are very excited to get a glimpse of you."

Leiyah raised a brow, and Loki had nothing to say. "Leiyah, I want you to be your charming self, go under the people with your husband and do what you always do. The people want to see you again, see him and see you two together."

"Of course."

"They also demanded our traditions to be upheld and this means something very important to me. Traditions are important for a strong realm. As are the winds of change."

"Arvid. Speak clearly."

"Yes, dear." He looked closely at Loki, "Leiyah is a princess of Vanaheim, and she will always be so. Her children will be princes' and princesses' of Vanaheim as well. This means you are the consort of the princess through marriage. We would like to enhance your status, to prince of Vanaheim. Well technically prince consort, but those are formalities."

Loki did not fully comprehend but Leiyah's eyes were wide. "Are you suggesting what I think you are?"

"Of course. If Loki wishes it, there will be a crowning ceremony. An official celebration of his crowning. You, my sweet child, are after all next in line to the throne if something were to happen to Serelle."

Leiyah said, "Heavens forbid."

"Heavens forbid. And if Serelle never has any children, yours will be next in line."

Loki interrupted, "But will our children only do that when I am crowned?"

"No," Leiyah said, "our children are automatically in line for the throne. This is just something for you and the people. Prince Loki of Asgard and Vanaheim." Loki thought it over. "Why would the people want it?"

"Like I said, we uphold traditions strongly. Many have heard of your help in the defeat of the dark elves, many remember your strategic battlefield experiences, many want to see you with their beloved princess. In their eyes, if Leiyah saw you as a good match, they do too."

"What if the marriage to Thor had happened."

Kaylina smiled a sweet but deadly smile, one Leiyah had as well, "I would never have my daughter marry for an alliance." Loki believed her, he then turned to his wife, "Would you want this?"

"This is not about what I want. You are a consort already, but you could be prince. It strengthens your bond to Vanaheim, the secrets you keep for this realm."

Arvid knew what he was doing, which punch to land, when he said, "And you can be involved in the running of this realm. Be invited to council meetings, give input. As Serelle does, as Leiyah can still do and as my wife can."

Loki heard it all, the prospect of having those powers again, the prospect of being needed and wanted. He saw the shining and love in his wife's eyes, the big smiles of his new family and then said, "I'd be honored."