Chapter twenty-five: Free to claim his wife

Upon arrival, Loki was given a black stallion to ride. He'd sent word ahead to king Vlander and his wife, Amy that they were arriving. Rose had climbed up behind Loki, holding onto him tight as they cantered through the rich forests of Vanaheim. It was a beautiful planet. It's very nature exuded calmness and peace. All around them were a variety of trees and flowers were seemingly everywhere that the eye could reach. The palace was built atop of a huge waterfall that flowed down into a lake. Rose had never seen such beauty in her life.

Loki slowed the horse down as they began to walk across the bridge leading to the entry of the palace. "We're almost there."

Rose nodded. "It is beautiful. I could not have conjured a more beautiful kingdom."

He nods. "It does have its perks over Asgard. However, you were here for the wedding. Did you not see the palace?"

She shook her head. "I wasn't present for the ceremony. I was only allowed to go to the celebration."

He nods. "Yes, I remember. Your mother thought it was bad luck or something, but now I wonder."

Rose shook her head. "I had quarreled with my father and…he'd knocked me out. It took a while for that swelling to go down."

Loki stopped the stallion and turned towards her. "You know, that if I could go back again, that I would have done everything within my power to stop them from hurting you like that."

"I know, but that was in the past my love." She smiles fondly at him. "I did not mention it to bring up the past, only offer an explanation. Let us try not drag our past along with us into our future."

Loki nods. "You are right." He exhales deeply. "But, may I just say that you looked beautiful in that dress that night?"

She blushes. "You may, I wore it because I thought it would please you."

"I assure you my Rose, anything you wear pleases me."

He kicks the horse and they continue across the bridge and enter the courtyard. She looks up and sees Vlander and Amy approaching them. Loki dismounts and carefully helps her down. "Thank you."

He smirks at her and approaches Amy and Vlander. They were both dressed in white robe and wore simple gold crowns atop their heads. Vlander had blonde hair, which made his skin look even more pale. Amy, had striking black hair that reached her ears in a hairstyle she hadn't seen before. She assumes it must be a Midgardian fashion.

"My king," Vlander said in greeting. "you honor us."

"Ah, I am not king anymore," Loki explains as he bows lowly. "I am simply Loki."

Amy, never one for small talk, asked bluntly. "Why not? You were an excellent ruler of Asgard. My husband and I were just discussing about implementing some of your practices here."

Loki chuckled tightly. "I am flattered that my deeds have been flattering to someone's ears. I am here because Odin has awoken."

Vlander glances at Rose. "And I am assuming that since Rose is here and looking tired, that she's left Asgard as well?"

"Fled," Rose explained softly. "would be a better word for it. The allfather is demanding that Loki and I annul our marriage."

Amy snorted in disgust. "That is absolute bull sh*t."

"Amy!" Vlander stated firmly. "No Midgardian swearing, even if I do heatedly agree with your sentiments in this case."

"I will not avoid swearing because this is ridiculous!" Amy snapped, causing Vlander to roll his eyes. "What king would put his own son in a situation where he has to flee in order to live with his wife?"

"Amy-

"I've told you that Odin was a pompous, bitter old man!"

Vlander turns to Loki and hastily apologizes. "Forgive my wife, she's with child and is acting a little-

"My wife is with child also. Twins, actually." Loki laughs. "But, your wife speaks the truth and is not causing offense."

"Thank you!" Amy smirks at Vlander before turning to Rose. "You poor thing. This must be so hard on you, especially when you're to bear twins!"

She smiles faintly. "It is better now that we are together. We spent…too many years apart for the good of Asgard and now, we've left Asgard behind." She inhaled before confessing. "I do not understand Odin's motives, but he was insisting that I wed Thor after the marriage be annulled."

"But you're with child!" Vlander frowns. "That is truly a confusing demand to make. Surely, that fact would have made a difference."

Loki shook his head. "Unfortunately, it did not."

"I wouldn't be surprised." Amy stated. "I knew that you two were in love with each other. I saw it that night at the ball." Tears filled Amy's eyes. "I was sure of it and when I spoke of it to Odin that night, he said it was immaterial. He then announced her engagement to Prince Thor!"

Loki and Rose stared at her in shock. "You spoke of it to him?" Loki inquired. "So he knew then? He knew I loved her?"

"Yes." She inhaled. "I swear, I saw the two of you die a little that night. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that the two of you loved each other, very deeply. He is purposefully choosing to put a stop to that love." She turned to Vlander. "Promise me, you will not let Odin destroy them."

He exhaled. "Darling, you didn't need to ask me. After all, was it not Loki who persuaded Indunn to part with one of her precious apples for you?" He then addressed Loki and Rose. "You two, are among the few people who stood by and supported me when I chose my darling Amy as my wife. I will stand by you two. Welcome to Vanaheim, the kingdom is now your sanctuary."

That evening,

"Rose?"

She turned and called. "I'm on the balcony."

Loki let out a grumbling sound as he came out onto the balcony. Rose was leaning on the railing and looking up at the night sky, which was shining brightly with stars. It was a beautiful place. Their suite was grand, fit for a prince and his wife. Amy had insisted on giving them a room that would allow them to raise several children comfortably in this palace. Vlander had instantly offered Loki a position as his grand advisor, which Loki had accepted. The job paid well and gave Loki something akin to a royal title. Things were different, but they were happy.

She turned towards Loki as he came out in his trousers. "Why aren't you in bed?" he inquired. "I woke up alone."

"I'm sorry." She straightened slightly. "I woke up and the moon was shining so brightly that I wanted to go out here."

He nods as he leans forward and kisses her cheek. "I see." He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her against his chest. She holds onto him as, wrapping her arms around his neck. After a moment, he breaks the kiss and exhales deeply. "You look so peaceful my love."

"Claim me, Loki."

He frowns slightly and shakes his head. "No, not while you're pregnant."

"Loki, we have only been married two months," she explains. "it is safe."

He shakes his head. "No, Rose."

"Loki," she exhales. "I want that with you. I consulted with the healer today and she assured me that I would be well." Actually, she said that if Loki was savage, it could be hard on her. But she knew her husband; he would never be rough on her. He loved her too much and she knew that jotun side of him would be careful with her. "If Odin comes, I want another sign of our bond together. Once you've claimed me, that is another legal barrier to prevent me from being forced from you."

Loki nods. "That is true." He places a hand on her stomach; his hand glowed a sparkling gold, causing her to look at him questioningly. "Protection spell, just in case, because I don't know if I will be in full control of my senses."

"You're a wonderful husband, Loki." she stretched up to kiss him as his skin slowly began to transition to that lovely shade of blue. "I love you."

He said nothing more as he kissed her. Rose let out a moan as she leaned into the kiss. Loki ran his hands up to her neck, finding the neckline and he tore her nightdress off her. Rose let out a startled sound as Loki pushed her fully nude against the balcony railing. She let out a garbled groan as he pinned her body there. Rose inhaled as Loki transitioned into his jotun form, his body causing hers to grow cool. His Jotun side seemed to know that she was his, for his cold skin wasn't burning hers. She bucked her hips and Loki broke the kiss, his red eyes studied her closely. She reached for his neck, not breaking his gaze.

He reached for her waist; Rose instinctively widened her legs as his hand slid down between her legs. He inhaled, studying her as a predator studied their prey. Suddenly, he thrusts into her, causing her to let out a cry as she felt the air get knocked out of her lungs. Norns, he was larger as a frost giant! She remembered taking him the first time and this time it was no different for her. She inhaled deeply, trying not to panic as Loki grabbed her hips, his cold fingers digging into her. Now, she was concerned that she may be broken in two.

Loki pounded into her, his hips slapping loudly against her skin. The first few dozen thrusts had robbed her of her breath until she slowly adjusted to his size. Thankfully, she had been somewhat damp when they started; now, something was awakening inside her. She was dripping now and her body instinctively tightened her grip on his manhood, which seemed to spur him on to take her harder. Her head rested on his shoulder as she let out a sharp cry to each thrust of his. The world around them became a blur; she could feel liquids dripping down her legs to the marble floor. She was barely aware of her skin transitioning slightly, taking on the shade of Loki's skin.

He grabbed her right leg, pulling it up to his waist, granting him the ability to take her deeper. Rose let out a cry as Loki took her so deep that she swore that he was lodged in her womb. She took him to the hilt and her head lolled backwards. All Rose saw for a moment were the stars in the sky, barely aware that she was screaming his name, pleading for him. Loki spoke, in a language that was unfamiliar and sounded dark to her ears.

Without a warning, he bit her shoulder so hard that she let out a long, scream of agony. She could feel her blood running down her chest and back and knew that he must have nicked a vein. She could feel fangs inside her and a cold burn ran throughout her body. She hoarsely screamed for relief as she begged for relief from this pleasurable assault.

Tears dribbled down her cheeks at the pain she felt as he wrenched his mouth from her shoulder. He looked down at her, his eyes blazing red in the darkness. She readied herself for what was coming next as Loki placed his hand on her shoulder. Her screams were high as he froze her bleeding skin, burning his mark upon her forever. With one more violent thrust, Loki released inside of her, deeply buried inside of her, forcing her to take every drop of his seemingly endless flood of seed as she came.

He was breathing heavily as he held onto her. She held onto him, sore, possibly bleeding, but she'd never felt closer to him. Slowly, the world around them became less red and her skin maintained the same shade of blue. She wiped her eyes, not wanting him to see her tears. She looked at Loki's arm still locked around her waist and watched as he slowly began to transition back to his human form. Sweat was dripping down his arms and every inch of her was shaking. Several long minutes passed as they both struggled to gather their wits about each other.

Loki let out a groan as he pulled her upright, guiding her limp head to his chest. She let out a whimper and held onto him. He shifted slightly inside her, causing her to let out another whimper. He shushed her gently before carefully carrying her back to their bed. He was silent for a moment before asking. "Did I hurt you badly? I don't remember much of what I did to you."

She placed a finger on his lips and smiled weakly at him. "I'm… alright."

He ran his hand down her back. She shivered violently as he touched her mark. "Did that hurt?" he asked softly.

"No." she placed a hand on his chest. "No, I feel so close to you Loki. Far closer than…I feel I have the right to."

"I can feel you too, I can feel your heart beating, so slowly." He held her gaze as he caressed her hair. He kissed her, causing her to moan. "Gods," He spoke in a low raspy voice. "you're the most…exquisite, queen I've ever beheld."

"I am yours," she assured him softly. "I always will be."

He smiles as he kisses her. "Rest. Tomorrow, I fear we may receive a visit from Odin." He was silent before stating. "Laufey seemed to know that Odin wouldn't approve of our marriage. He recommend another form of claiming that was ancient and none would dare to threaten it."

She smiles. "I'll be grateful he advised you well."

"You look weary."

She lets out a yawn. "No more, than I am normally after our excursions."

He glances at her. "Do you need anything?"

She shakes her head and wraps her arms around his waist. "You're here. I have everything I need."

He kisses her forehead. "I love you pet."

She lets out a moan of pleasure. "I love you too, my king."