Odin was watching Loki, the way he stood, slightly in front of his wife. They had finished the small dinner feast and were then all escorted to the family quarters. Leiyah had been quiet throughout the whole evening and Loki had been more watchful. Odin had stopped Frigga once, when she tried to go and talk to them. Now they were sitting in the lounge and were waiting for Odin to speak, but he was only looking at them. Thor had positioned himself slightly between them. There were no guards or servants in the room, but Odin was powerful. Frigga finally rolled her eyes and said, "I am so very happy for you two." She ignored the hiss her husband had given her, and moved closer to the couple, now in front of them, "I wish you would have written, but I guess it didn't matter. And I understand. Family for the mother is very important during the pregnancy. How far along are you?"

Loki answered, "Roughly six months."

Odin interjected, "So you must know the gender already."

"We hadn't had the time yet to have it found out."

"You should get on with it then."

A nod.

Frigga continued, "You look beautiful Leiyah, and you must be so happy. The both of you."

Leiyah gave a small nod, building up a ward around her and Loki. Frigga noticed. Thor said, "I am very happy, and I am glad you are back. Mother was starting to grow bored of me. And soon I shall be an uncle."

Loki sent his brother a thankful look, and then asked, "What is the urgent business that made us come back early?"

"Can't a father miss his son and daughter?"

"Of course." He looked to Leiyah, "Well if there is nothing of importance or urgency to talk about, I would like to bring my wife back to our rooms. This quick travel has tired her, me as well."

"Would you not like to spend time with family, Loki?"

"Perhaps tomorrow."

He helped Leiyah up, holding her close, walking her to the door. They felt Thor follow. Once out of reach of the Allfather, Loki asked, "Yes, brother?"

"Truly I am happy for you. I have missed you as well." He walked on the other side of Leiyah and gave her free hand a kiss. "Now I smell the cinnamon all over her. You seem healthy."

Leiyah smiled, Thor calmed her, "I am. Thank you. And thank you for your kind words."

"Why did Odin want us back? What is the urgent matter?"

Thor hesitated, but continued, "He saw something. A small crown being made, green emeralds and stars. He suspected. And, he heard someone call you prince."

"I am a prince."

"But not in Vanaheim."

A voice behind them, "You should have these conversations in a more private setting."

"Mother. I apologize for my cold behavior."

She shushed him, "You are now protecting your own family. But come, let us continue this conversation in your rooms."

Once there, Frigga poured them all tea and made a fire for them. "Now, I know what Vanaheim means when they call someone a prince. You were coronated, weren't you?"

Loki put a ward up, doubling up on the one Leiyah had already produced. Then he turned back to his mother and nodded, remembering the ceremony, the people who celebrated him. Frigga knew she was threading on dangerous ground here but asked tentatively, "Is that the reason you didn't come back?"

"Maybe. We were happy, we were safe, we were accepted and respected." Leiyah was still quiet, not touching her tea, both hands on her stomach. She wanted to be alone, she needed to devise a plan.

"I wish I could say I understand, but Loki, I am your mother. I missed you, I wished you to be here. I … I want you to be happy here."

"I know, mother, and I apologize if I hurt you. I missed you as well. But I did what I thought was right. To protect my family." He stressed the word, knowing it would hit right. Knowing it would be made clear that this child was his, truly connected by blood. It hurt her, but she knew it was his defensive mechanism. "Remember what I told you, you are so perspective, about everyone but yourself. Don't think I do not know what you are doing."

Loki turned, moving towards his wife, one hand now on the necklace from her parents. Nobody knew what it could do. Not even Loki. It seemed dangerous. "Leiyah, everything will be alright. Your child will have the best care here in Asgard."

Loki answered, "We brought a healer and mid-wife. They have been looking over Leiyah the whole time and we wish for it to continue like that."

"Your father will not like it. He will insist healers of Asgard will look after her too. You could be carrying a potential heir."

"Until Thor has a son."

"Loki."

He was about to say something but saw Leiyah shake her head slightly. She needed him to be quiet, to not cause trouble. "I apologize, a tense situation."

"Perhaps we could have your family come here. Maybe that would help."

Loki scoffed, "We can't have the ruling family of Vanaheim constantly be here in Asgard."

Thor nodded, "Perhaps only the queen and princess?"

"Take away the heir from the council? Bad enough we took another princess from the council."

"Loki." Leiyah's first words were sharp, her eyes wide, "Stop. Remember your vows."

Loki nodded.

Leiyah then stood, "As much as I am happy to see you again, both of you, Loki was not lying when he said I was tired. I must rest. Tomorrow perhaps we could have a family dinner."

Thor nodded again, kissing her on the cheek and hugging his brother, "Till Morrow."

Frigga looked over them once more, a sad look on her face, but left with her other son. The couple waited, until they were sure they were alone. Leiyah could feel Heimdall's gaze on them, but hardened her shield, her glamour. "I must tell you something."

His cool eyes landed on hers, "Yes?"

"I have a way out of here. But it is dangerous, and a secret."

"I have a way out too, but we will not land in Vanaheim."

"I know of your way, I'd rather not do that with a small child."

"But if yours is dangerous.."

"Not for us, for Vanaheim. It would be treason against Asgard."

"Tell me."

"This necklace, it isn't just a remembrance for my parents, but also a charm, that will help me control my powers, as well as being a gateway back to Vanaheim. If the time were to come, if we ever felt not safe…"

He ended her sentence, "We use this. And stay in Vanaheim?"

"Yes. But it needs to be the worst possible moment. This would mean war, and I am not sure Vanaheim could hold Asgards' forces. I know you and father have been talking strategy and how to strengthen the forces, but you never finished. But if we ever feel like there is no possible way out, this is our way out."

He was looking at the necklace, it did hold power, but hidden by the gem. A brilliant bit of magic. "If the time comes, I want you to promise me, you will take our child and go."

"No! I told you, I will not leave you. Either all of us go, or none. Is that understood?" There was a force in her voice, the voice of someone who had made up her mind, the voice of a queen. He nodded, "Together then."

She stood, "I am going to bed. Perhaps tomorrow, it will be better. I assume we will be knowing the gender of the child tomorrow. I hope your wishes onto the Norns have helped."

He stopped her once she moved past him, "I love you, I will protect you, both of you."

A smile was his only answer.

The next morning, Calia had informed them that Odin had scheduled an appointment for Leiyah, for the reveal of the gender. This had made Loki go into a fit, he had trashed their study room, as well as throwing daggers in the training room. Leiyah hadn't even tried to calm him down, needing to focus on herself. Calia and Marielle had been calming her down, bringing teas and having music on from Vanaheim. The clock struck 11 and guards knocked on their door, ready to accompany the princess to the healers. Loki was waiting in front of the examination room with Odin and Frigga. He looked upset and ignored his parents. Odin said, "We shall all wait outside, until the news are here."

Loki scoffed and said, "I will not let my wife do this alone."

"This is not a place for a man."

"Says who?"

Leiyah was thankful that Loki came with her and she motioned for her two friends to come as well. They had made it clear that they listened to Leiyah and Loki, not Odin. Leiyah almost sobbed when she saw the healer her own Healer on High had sent, as well as Calia's mother, her aunt. She was smiling and embraced the girl, "My dear child, let me look at you. I am so happy for you. Thank you for thinking of me."

"Of course, auntie. Who else but you?"

She was asked to lay on the examination table and the Healer on High of Asgard joined them. Junia, her aunt, asked if they could not do it, she had all the help she needed from the healer that had joined them from Vanaheim. Healer Eir stepped back and watched. The healer said, "My prince, if you were to please step behind the princess, so we can begin." Loki did, his hands immediately going to her shoulders. Junia asked, "Do you wish to know the gender of the baby?"

Before either of them could answer Odin said, from the glass behind them, "Yes, we do." She wrinkled her nose lightly but proceeded to prepare everything she needed. A hologram of the Leiyah appeared above them, the healers checking her health. "Very good, my princess. You are in excellent health. Any complaints?"

"None anymore. No more sickness, no nausea. I am hungry a lot more than usual."

Her aunt laughed and said, "You will be for a few months longer. Alright let me look at the baby." The vision above them changed, morphing itself into the baby inside Leiyah's stomach. Loki let out a small sound, Leiyah grabbed his right hand. She kept looking at the baby, ignoring the fussing of the healers. This was theirs, their little miracle. "Alright, it looks to be a very healthy baby. Growing perfectly, everything as it should be. Also- " she halted slightly, looking at the Allfather.

Leiyah asked, "What?"

"Your child has magic in it. I can't fully make out yet what kind, but the child is, shall I say, entertaining itself. Does it react to you at all?"

"Sometimes when we speak the baby will start moving."

"Let us try it, could you say something. To the baby, both of you, if you wish."

Leiyah moved her free hand to the side of her stomach, "Hi my little baby. I'm your mommy. We can't wait to meet you. We love you so much." The body above them moved, and Leiyah felt the movement against her stomach and gasped. Loki said, "You are so precious to us. We will protect you and love you forever." The baby moved again and Leiyah had tears in her eyes.

Junia smiled, "I think the baby is also protecting you, or helping you in a way. It is very aware of what is happening out there. It is making it hard for me to get a reading on the gender." The baby moved again, moving his legs closer together. Loki wanted to smirk, but thought better of it, their child was truly a miracle. Leiyah knew Odin would force it somehow to reveal the gender so she sent a little thought to her baby, to please let them see. The baby moved and Junia hummed in agreement. "Alright, let us have a look." Loki's grip tightened, he was painfully aware how Odin and Frigga were staring at them. It only took a few moments, seconds, but it felt like an eternity. He could feel his wife's heartbeat going faster and faster and then Junia finally spoke again.

"Well, congratulations to the both of you. You will, very soon, be the happy parents of a beautiful, strong and most importantly healthy, little girl." Leiyah let out a sob and chuckled then, Loki's heart was beating so fast. "A girl?"

The healer nodded, "Yes, a girl."

Loki bent down to kiss his wife, who had tears running down her face. Odin decided he wanted a second opinion, "Eir, would you please confirm this."

"Certainly."

There was an edge to Odin's voice. It was clear he had been hoping for a son, but Loki's prayers had been answered.

"Allfather, it is correct. Princess Leiyah is pregnant with a girl."

Frigga was smiling, she had never had a girl. Odin spoke, "Very well. Perhaps the next child shall be a son."

Loki ignored him and was whispering soft nothings to his wife. Once they were alone he said, "I am so happy. A girl. Our girl."

Leiyah had finally stopped crying and answered, "Yes. We did it. Oh she will be perfect."

"Of course, she is ours."

Leiyah chuckled and produced a pen and paper, she wanted to write to her family; letting them know the good news. Loki murmured, "Odin will not get his hands on this one."

"She could still be queen of Vanaheim."

"I don't care about that. It would still mean we get to raise her."

"Yes. I am very happy Loki. Thank you."

"No thank you." He leaned in to kiss her, wishing to portray all the love he had for her. Calia was sobbing slightly, and when Leiyah heard the noise she turned to her cousin.

"What is it, dear cousin?"

"I am just so happy for you."

Marielle was also smiling, "Me too. Vidal will be too."

Leiyah remembered her guard was still waiting outside, "Yes, I think we should go and tell him. As well as send off this letter and maybe inform your brother."

Loki helped her up and opened the door, they saw Vidal pacing and he stopped as he saw them. "And? I saw the Allfather leaving and have been waiting since."

Marielle kissed him on the cheek and Loki nodded to his new friend, "We are having a daughter."

Vidal broke out into a grin, "A girl? How wonderful. I am happy for you two."

"Thank you. I know she will adore you three so much."

The group smiled and walked the couple back to their chambers, promising to send off the letter, so they could rest. In front of the chambers was Thor.

"Ah brother, there you finally are. Tell me, brother, will I have a niece or a nephew?"

Loki opened the doors, thanking their friends and poured them all some tea. Leiyah smiled at the antiques of her husband and took a scone to eat. Thor took the cup but waited and huffed when Loki merely brought Leiyah one of her favorite fruits to eat. She laughed at that, "Loki. Tell him."

Loki smirked and sat beside his brother, "Well, dear brother of mine, you will be the uncle to a brilliant girl."

Thor bust out a loud laugh, and hugged Loki tightly, "Congratulations."

Leiyah smirked, "You will still need to find an heir."

"Ah, who cares. The next one perhaps, or the one after that. Is she healthy?"

"Very."

"I will teach her how to become the fiercest warrior in all the realms."

Loki laughed, "Don't let Sif hear you."

Thor waved him off and moved closer to Leiyah, asking for permission. He hardly had any reason to use his Fertility powers but now he wondered what they could do. Leiyah nodded and put her hands away from her stomach. Thor moved his big, calloused hands to her stomach and felt with his own seidr. First nothing and then the baby kicked and Thor felt the magic cursing through the child, the protection it put around it's mother, and how healthy it was. Thor beamed up at Loki, "Oh she will be strong. I can feel her love for you two" he leaned down and whispered, "Hi there little one. I am your uncle. I will teach you how to be strong and a fierce warrior. We can't wait to meet you." The baby kicked again, noticing her mother being relaxed, so she trusted the voice. "Do you have any backpain?"

"At times. Loki helps with massages."

"Let me try something." He ushered Leiyah to move a bit forward and sat so, that she was sitting sideways between his legs. One hand he kept on her stomach, the other on her back and then he thought really hard, his face contorting in concentration and warmth spread through Leiyah. Her back felt so much better and her daughter moved happily. She felt lighter and less tense. "Thank you."

He sighed and moved away a bit, "I've never really done this before. Perhaps we need to do this more. Please always come to me when your pregnancy ails you."

"I will. Thank you." Loki handed his brother a piece of fruit to get his strength back and sat down beside his wife. "I thank you brother. I know I don't always show my appreciation, but I am. I know my past crimes have been severe and unforgivable. But if you could, I would love for you to be a part of this. To be involved in our child. I want to try. To be better."

Thor smiled even wider and engulfed them both in a hug, before pulling back. "Of course, brother. That is all I wish. We used to be inseparable. And I know that I am partially to blame as well. I wish for us to move forward, closer than we were. I want to be a good uncle for this child and further children."

Loki smiled and nodded, hugging his wife closer. She smiled at him, "Are your worries eased now?"

"Very much. Now we can focus on the nursery."

"Yes. We should try to create something similar to our home in Vanaheim. I loved what you did there."

"We can start tomorrow by throwing out one of the walls and expanding our chambers."

"Sounds great."

Thor interjected, "Wouldn't father want her to be raised in the official nursery?"

Loki answered, "I don't want that. Our children shall grow up with us. And then the rooms beside ours can be transformed into bedrooms for them."

Thor nodded again, wondering what all of this could mean for Asgard in the future.

A letter arrived in Vanaheim, carrying the royal sigil of the princess of Vanaheim. It reached Serelle first. She saw the emblem and the green writing and ran to her parents, both of whom were in the throne room. "A letter, from Leiyah."

Her father ushered her to the private chamber on the side where he then urged his daughter to read the letter aloud.

"'Dear Family. I hope you are well and don't miss us too much. We certainly miss you and the fun we had during the last few months. We are very thankful for and to you. Our welcome was as expected, concealed in concern and love. The reality was slightly different. I can't write it out properly. But know we are well and no harm has come to us. We are continuing in our quest in the library, there is little else to do for us. Loki will grow restless again I feel.

Now onto the reason I am actually writing to you. The baby. Like mentioned, we are all fine and so is your grandchild. It is growing steadily and healthily. Apparently it has strong magic and reacts to my emotions. The Allfather wanted to know the gender and we had the examination just a few minutes ago. You will be happy to hear that you will be the grandparents and aunt to a girl.' Oh my. A girl. They must be so happy, they wanted one.' We are very happy and to know that she is healthy is more important to us than anything else. I assume the Allfather will send for you when the time comes, but perhaps I will write to you as well. I want you all to meet her soon after we do. I miss you loads and send you Loki's and my love. Leiyah.' Can you believe it? A little girl."

Kaylina had tears in her eyes and even Arvid dabbed at his eyes. "How wonderful. Oh I am so happy for them."

Arvid nodded and hugged them, he wanted to be a better father than he had been. He wanted to be worthy.

Kaylina chuckled and said, "A possible heir is secure for Vanaheim then I guess."

"Yes. We continue with the female side. Good. We make better choices anyway" Serelle laughed.

Arvid agreed, "Yes, perhaps this realm will prosper with a female head."