Epilogue
"Pet?"
Rose chuckled as she tiptoed out of the nursery. "I'm in here, my king."
Loki chuckled as he swept in the room, looking exceptionally regal in his royal clothes. He grinned at her. "My queen, how fare the treasures?"
"Well," she said as she moved towards him. "I fed them, so, they're now down to rest."
He wrapped his arm around her waist. He kissed her neck, causing her to murmur contentedly. "How are you doing this evening?"
She leans back, resting her head against his chest. "Words…cannot express how happy I am in this moment."
It had taken time.
Who was she kidding? It had been a tremendously difficult time at first. Odin extended his stay for a few more days in order to talk with Loki. It had been hard for all people, watching Loki and Odin yell at each other. It had been a tense and terrifying moment when Loki admitted to letting the frost giants into Asgard. Things came to an explosive head between the two of them as they fought, both drawing blood. Frigga had become angered and separated them. Both men left the room, to think in solace. Loki retreated to the library and Odin to his chambers. When Loki exited, he found Rose waiting for him outside the library. He took her for a walk in the garden where they encountered Odin and Frigga. They made amends that day and spent the next day in peaceful reconciliation. After that, they had returned to Asgard.
Her parents, it had been another matter. Her parents had refused to make amends, insisting that they had been in the right. In a rare instance of commiseration, he'd stripped her parents of their royal titles, passing it to some distant relatives. That set off a chain of unforeseen events. Her mother poisoned herself and her father married another woman on the very day of her mother's funeral. After that, Rose cut all ties with her father and would have preferred to tell her children that her parents had died. Loki insisted that they be told the truth when they were old enough to comprehend the turn of events.
True to his word, Odin formally recognized Rose and Loki's marriage. When he made the announcement that it would Loki, not Thor, who would not be taking the throne, it was met with shock and criticism. Thor had to give a speech explaining how it was his wish that Loki accept the throne. One could feel the disappointment in the room when he spoke of Midgard, how his heart lay there. Jane stood bravely by as she was eyed with resentment. One could practically feel the room furiously blaming a mortal for taking their prince from them.
Then, Odin gave a confession about Loki being adopted. The whole room went silent. His speech had been moving and magnificent, his words never gave Loki any reason to doubt that Odin wasn't sincere in his feelings towards Loki. Asgard was given another shock as Odin announced that Rose would rule as the official queen of Asgard.
Loki then led Rose into the royal hall, they were not received with great enthusiasm as Thor had been. It was a solemn moment that suited them. Loki and Rose knelt, holding hands as Odin spoke of the bonds of family and new beginnings. His words were moving to all that heard them. Rose and Loki both pledged their lives to the nine realms while representatives from all 9 realms looked on, including Laufey. His appearance had caused quite the shock. Thor had charged the warriors to guard Laufey and his guards upon entry to Asgard. Even Midgard was represented, for she had insisted on Jane being present. Loki had promised Thor a golden apple for Jane, if Thor decided to wed her in the future.
When Rose and Loki stood from their positions, all of Asgard cheered. Not from fear, but from pleasure. When Thor went to kneel to swear his allegiance, Loki refused to allow it and just pulled his brother into a hug. The bonds of kinship were stronger than what a few paltry words were. Odin and Frigga had stood proudly by as they watched their boys interact. Loki may sit on the throne, but Thor would always be a part of Asgard and it was clear that the brothers would both watch over Asgard, protecting the people in the way that was best for them.
"We should return," Loki says as he kisses her neck, turning her towards him, continuing to press kisses along her throat. "but, it is hard when one holds…perfection in their hands."
"Loki." she moans as he presses several light kisses to her lips. "Are you happy now?"
He grips her head gently; twining his fingers through her long and flowing locks. He exhales. "I have our family. You helped mend my family. All the pain I endured, it was worth it for the love of you, my princess, my wife, my queen, my goddess divine." He tilted her head upwards, to claim her lips. "I am happy. All we endured, I would endure again if it led back to this moment, with us as we are."
"As would I now." She murmured against his lips. "Now kiss me, my king."
"As my queen wishes."
