Laney smiled as she stared at herself in the floor length mirror that stood beside her bed. The dress she'd picked out was floor length and pooled around her feet in almost a perfect circle. The dark green dress accented her pale skin and the lace sleeves accented it perfectly. What would make this perfect? She thought to herself as she turned and looked on the desk to look through her jewelry. "Nothing seems right," she grumbled.
Around a half hour before the feast was set to start, Frigga went to make sure Laney and Loki were ready and not caught up in themselves again. Going to Laney first, she knocked on her door.
"It's open!" Laney called as she sat at her desk to try and curl her hair. Upon hearing her door open, she glanced behind her. "Afternoon Frigga."
"Oh, you look lovely dear!" Frigga said, walking over to help Laney. "I can do your hair if you like." She offered.
Laney smiled wide at her "That would be lovely, thank you. I have yet to find the right necklace to pair with this dress though."
"Do you just want it curled?" She asked. "Can I see your necklaces? If you don't have one, I'm sure I do."
"I was going to curl the ends," she replied with a smile, then she pointed to the necklaces that were off to the side. "All I have is a simple silver chain or a thin chain with a single stone, but it's my mother's birth birthstone."
Frigga mentally recalled her own jewelry collection, trying to decide if she had a suitable necklace. "I know I have an emerald. It is only a small stone, but it is set on a golden chain and would look lovely with your dress."
"Are you sure that would be okay?" she asked. "I don't want to use anything you wouldn't want me to."
"You would be borrowing it, I wouldn't offer if it wasn't alright." Frigga said, her voice soft and motherly as she curled the ends of Laney's hair with a spell she knew.
Laney watched as the ends of her hair turned into loose ringlets, which made her smile. "I'll have to learn that one. I never learned many cosmetic spells."
"I will teach you dear. Loki also knows a lot of them, if you would rather learn from him." It would be a great way to spend time together within his confinements.
"I will have to ask him about them," She stated happily before a slight blush appeared on her cheeks. "I never let him see the dress... I wonder how he will react."
"He will be speechless when he sees you." Frigga chuckled, smiling brightly. "I don't think he would be happy to have me tell you this... but he learned the cosmetic spells so he could always help his daughters, if he had any."
Laney's brow quickly furrowed with confusion and sadness. "He mentioned that he didn't want children," she replied quietly.
Frigga sighed softly. "He always wanted children, and a lot of them... until he found out about his heritage. I don't see why it should make any difference, but he abandoned all of his future plans when that truth came out." She said sadly.
A frown stayed rooted on Laney's face. "I've always had the thought of having children one day, and when I realized I loved Loki, I have only wanted children with him."
Frigga gave Laney a small smile, hearing her statement. "You never saw him right after he learned his heritage, but it was like the sweet, goofy boy I raised was gone. I have seen so much of that boy return just in the time you've been here. If anyone can help him back to the right path, it is you, and only you." She said truthfully. You are his world, whether you know it or not.
Laney looked at Frigga through the reflection of the mirror and smiled with wet eyes. "I hope I can help him Frigga... I don't want to see him lose himself like you've told me about. I don't know if I could handle it."
Frigga hugged Laney from behind then handed her a handkerchief. "You are helping him already. Just look, he is not in a cell anymore, he's smiling, joking, laughing... he even knowingly ate food from Jotunheim."
She sniffled and smiled as she wiped her eyes. "That's true. I just worry about him... I don't want him to make all of these leaps forward for something to push him back into that space again."
"There are obstacles that will try to push him into that space again, we just need to make sure he's strong enough to overcome them." She said sweetly. Though I worry about him as well...
Laney took a deep breath and wiped her eyes, making sure that her makeup didn't smudge in the process. "I will do my best to be there for him through everything I can." She placed the handkerchief on her desk and moved to stand and face Frigga. "What do you think?"
Frigga straightened Laney's dress a little then conjured the emerald necklace and clipped it around Laney's neck. "You look stunning dear. Loki won't know what to think."
"I'm excited to see his reaction," she admitted, "I could almost bounce on my toes."
"Come on then, I will go with you as I am escorting you both to the dining hall."
Laney smiled and followed Frigga to the adjoined door and watched as she knocked, then waited. I really hope he likes my dress... I thought of him when I bought it last cycle.
"Come in!" Loki called out, unable to open the door due to the spells. I wonder if she will notice how flattering these pants are, he wondered, having changed to the tighter fitting jeans.
Frigga opened the door and stepped into the room first, only to step to the side and allow Laney to walk in behind her. She gulped and clasped her hands together against her stomach, feeling anxious about both Loki's reaction and the busy night ahead.
Loki started to turn, but stopped dead when he caught sight of Laney. "Wow..." He managed to say in barely more than a whisper, stunned by her beauty.
Laney felt heat fill her cheeks the longer Loki stared at her. "Do you like it?" She asked softly.
Loki nodded, struggling to find words. Say something you idiot! "You look... amazing, stunning, the most beautiful sight I have ever seen..." he stammered.
"The best compliment a silver tongue can give, is to be rendered speechless." Frigga whispered to Laney.
Frigga's praise only made Laney blush a harsher red as she decided to walk up to him and kiss his cheek, able to reach it easily because of the heels she wore. "You're very sweet," she whispered, "You also look very dapper."
Loki pulled Laney into a loving kiss. "I picked these pants as they tend to show my... assets better," he chuckled. "Are you ready to go?"
Laney chuckled and bit her lip. "I'll be the judge of that," she whispered, then pulled away and grasped his hand. "I am ready if you are."
Loki released her hand and took a step back before slowly turning to give her a full view. "Judge away darling." He smirked.
She smiled and watched him spin for her, only for her to hold in a gasp, which turned into a cough. Keeping my hands off that ass tonight is going to be difficult. "You are looking very sharp tonight indeed."
Frigga chuckled at them both as she lowered the spell from the main doors. "Come now you two, I am sure the hall is full of people that are excited to see the new couple."
Loki offered Laney his arm like a gentleman. "Shall we, my lady?" He asked with a grin, eager to leave his room and see the palace with Laney.
"Yes, we shall," Laney replied sweetly and took his arm, letting him lead her out the doors, following behind Frigga.
The dining hall was lit with torches with three large tables on one side, the other side open for everyone to dance. Servants walked around and mingled between the nobles with trays of appetizers and flutes of mead. Thor and Odin sat at their own table on a dais, along with three empty seats.
When Frigga made it to the archway of the hall, a guard turned and smiled at her before turning back and announcing loudly. "Introducing Queen Frigga accompanied by Prince Loki and his consort Laney Varindottir."
Loki smiled brightly when him and Laney were introduced together. He walked in, proud to be on her arm. I have the most amazing woman in the room, he thought to himself, which only made him more proud to be with Laney. "Mother, can we sit at any table we choose?" He asked Frigga.
"You have places with us at the dais, but you may sit anywhere as long as I can see you," She responded as all eyes locked on to the couple as they entered the large room.
There's so many people! Laney thought with widened eyes as she clung to Loki's arm.
Loki wanted to sit away from Odin, but was worried that would be seen as rude. He smiled happily at everyone as they walked over to Odin's table. Once there, he pulled Laney's chair out for her.
Laney smiled at Loki then sat in the seat he'd offered, which was next to Thor. "Thank you Loki," she said softly as she made sure her dress was in order.
Frigga took her place beside her husband and smiled down the table at her sons and Laney. "They are beautiful together," she cooed.
"I heard you are giving the boy the food of the frost giants now?" Odin asked, trying to sound off hand as he addressed Frigga. It was easy to see he did not approve, but he was looking for answers, not a fight.
Frigga narrowed her eyes at Odin as food was placed onto their plates by a servant. "I asked for some to be placed with our breakfast. All of us enjoyed it," she stated.
Odin sighed softly and shook his head. "Frigga, this has to stop. I know you think you can connect with the boy, but what happens when he snaps again?" He asked quietly, with a tone of genuine concern.
"Lady Laney, you look lovely this evening." Thor told Laney, sincere and polite. He reached over and poured drinks for her and Loki.
Laney could hear Odin's words, but chose to ignore them as she reached for Loki's hand under the table and held it gently. "Thank you Thor," she replied as she turned to the blonde, "You look nice tonight as well."
"I have not had reason to dress up for some time now, I was excited to hear you went ahead with the celebration." Thor said, making no attempt to hide his very cheerful mood.
Loki squeezed Laney's hand under the table, then suspiciously eyed the food on his plate. As he had never seen any fruits and meats like it before, he suspected he was being served more food from Jotunheim.
Laney looked past Thor and openly glared towards Odin, knowing his head was turned away from her and talking to Frigga, but also knowing Frigga would see her upset. Then she quietly tried to calm her rising temper before she looked over at Loki to see him picking at his food. She looked at her own plate to see it full of mostly normal items and decided to switch his plate with hers to make him more comfortable. "I'm glad for the occasion," she muttered, remembering that Thor had spoken, "I just hope tonight goes smoothly."
Frigga gave Laney a small smile, then stood up and moved down to their end of the table, bringing her plate with her. "I'm sorry about him, but he will come around in time." She told Laney. He did agree to this feast that's a good first step, she thought to herself, then switched Laney and Loki's plates back. "Let him fuss all he wants, it's helping him regain his magical energy faster than our food could ever help." She explained, then gave Loki a stern look that wiped the scowl right off his face.
Laney smiled sheepishly, feeling as if she were scolded by her own mother as she proceeded to eat her food and people watch. Once everyone had eaten, she could see as some stood and mingled with others, while some decided to dance to the small band that sat in the corner.
Loki stood and lightly cleared his throat. "Darling, would you like to join me for a dance?" He asked Laney, holding his hand out to her. Frigga gave Laney an encouraging smile, wanting her to accept.
"Of course," she replied happily as she took his hand and stood, letting him lead her to the dance floor.
Loki took Laney's hand in his and placed his other hand on her hip. He stepped with her in time with the music and twirled her around at the halfway point, along with everyone else.
Laney laughed at being twirled, then quickly placed her free hand back on his hip, letting her thumb caress his side. "I must say, you do look fine in these clothes... I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep my hands from you."
Loki leaned down and whispered for only Laney to hear, "I would never ask you to keep your hands off me," he growled huskily. He placed his hand a bit too low on her back, trying to act innocent, but knowing smirk sat proudly on his face.
A blush lit Laney's cheeks as she quickly kissed his cheek. "Only if you do the same," she purred as they spin around, locked in their own little world.
"Which would you rather have, my hands on you, or my lips again?" He teased, reminding her of their intimate time together. Before she could answer, he twirled her again. She moves so gracefully...
A gasp left Laney's lips as she came back to him, feeling a shiver run up her spine. Such a seductive man. She met his eyes, now slightly dilated with desire. "Tease," she murmured.
Grinning, Loki leaned down as he pulled Laney back to him, and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?" More like ravishing...
She kissed him back, not caring that eyes were on them while she did so. "Did I get to tell you how sexy you look tonight?" She asked in reply.
"I don't think you did, I would love to hear all about it." Loki smirked, just being a smartass. He pulled her into another kiss, wanting everyone to see that Laney was his.
The velvet feeling of his lips drew her in as she let her arms move to wrap around his neck. "You're making me want to ditch this party and run back to your chambers," she whispered.
Frigga smiled at them as they twirled around the dance floor, noting that they were all hands and loving touches. "They look lovely together."
"She has always been good for brother." Thor said, approvingly as he watched them as well.
"You would abandon your own party?" Loki asked, jokingly. "That hardly seems like the Laney I remember." He accused, but wore his silly grin.
"I'm not going to, our being here is important, but I am tempted," Laney replied as the song ended, causing them to finish their dance.
Loki nodded, waiting for the next song to begin so they could share another dance. "A compromise would be good here... we stay for the majority of the party, but once others start leaving, we sneak away?" He suggested to her.
She raised her eyebrow at him as the band started a slower song. "Is something on your mind my Loki?" She asked softly.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close as they danced. "Nothing is ever on my mind." He chuckled softly. "You seemed torn about leaving, so I was merely trying to help." He said, as innocent as he could manage.
"Your eyes say otherwise sweetness," she replied, just as Viktor Ander walked up to the couple, his wife on his arm.
"Not just my eyes." Loki remarked with a little smirk, before ending their dance. He turned to face their company and nodded his head politely. "Good evening. I hope you have been enjoying the gathering."
Viktor and his wife bowed politely. "It is good to see you young prince, with such a beauty on your arm at that. Good evening to you Laney."
"Viktor, good evening to you as well," she replied, her cheeks flushed from Loki's comment.
"It is good to see you as well." Loki replied, then gave Laney a loving smile. "And how is the Lady?" He asked politely, addressing the wife.
"I am well," Antonia replied, though she caressed her barely swollen stomach, causing Laney to raise her eyebrows in excitement.
"Truly?" Laney asked, her voice giddy.
Antonia smiled and nodded. "We're both excited," she stated as she glanced up at Viktor.
"Congratulations, had I known, I would have already sent a gift." Loki admitted, making a mental note to arrange for something to be sent to them later. Maybe they are the ones from the vision...
Viktor shook his head. "It's of no need my prince," He looked back towards Laney. "Have you written to your father?" He asked.
"I have not," Laney admitted, "I have not had the time to send a letter."
"I assume you will be staying in Asgard?" Viktor added.
Laney nodded and tightened her hold on Loki's arm. "I am."
"We have not been official for a full day yet." Loki explained, to aid Laney. "We were both finally brave enough to admit our feelings for each other." He said happily, holding Laney closer.
Antonia grinned widely. "That's so sweet. I remember the both of you being close growing up."
Loki nodded. "We have been best friends as long as I can remember. Somewhere along the line, we just fell in love, but I think we were both too scared to admit it before." He chuckled, watching as Laney smiled as she looked up at him, curling into his side.
Viktor grinned at them both. "Well I am happy to see you both happy. Evening to you both," he said with a small bow.
"Good evening." Loki replied and returned the polite bow, and watched as they walked away. "Remind me to have a gift sent to them, please." He asked Laney, still keeping her close.
"I will do my best," Laney replied, "They must be so excited."
"They have every reason to be excited... maybe they will call on you to babysit?" He suggested, thinking she would enjoy the opportunity.
She shrugged as she let Loki lead her around the banquet hall. "Perhaps. I know they do not live close. Viktor is good friends with my father."
"I had assumed you would still be visiting your father, which would have you much closer to them at times." He replied, moving gracefully with her.
"I haven't decided," she answered honestly, "I don't know if I want to travel without you."
Loki gave a soft sigh. "Darling, even if I do earn my freedom, that will not be for quite a long time and your father still needs you too." He reminded her. Please don't let me hold you back...
Laney smiled, but it was small, as Loki led her out onto the back balcony, still in sight of Frigga, who was now mingling with guests. "I haven't been close to my father in the last few years," she murmured. "I wish it were different, but it isn't."
"I understand... but just know that if you do decide to visit him, I am fine with you going without me. You don't need to be on lockdown with me." He said softly, then wrapped his arm around her waist while looking out at the view of the kingdom.
"I know I don't, but it would be very hard for me to leave," she admitted. Laney looked out over the immense city and let out a long breath. I finally feel like I'm home...
"If I am ever free, I will take you on all the adventures you want." He promised, then turned her and kissed her softly.
Later in the evening, dancing was in full swing and mead was being passed around heavily. Frigga sat back on the Dais while she watched over Loki and Laney while they mingled and danced. The event had been successful much to her delight. She was happy that no one had caused any issues and everyone was getting along.
Laney smiled to the next couple as they said their 'good evening's' and noticed that some were starting to leave. "It's getting late," she murmured as she stifled a yawn with her hand.
Loki smiled and twirled Laney, then pulled her very close. "Would you like to turn in darling?" He asked softly.
"Do you think your mother would mind?" She asked with a smile, her hand resting on his chest.
He looked over to where his mother was, then shook his head. "I don't think so. We should tell her though, so she will know where I am." I can't mess up on the first try...
She nodded and leaned up on her toes to peck his lips. "It would be nice to lay down."
"Come then, we will go tell her." He returned her quick kiss, then took her hand. Expertly navigating them around other couples dancing, he took Laney over to his mother. "Laney is tired, so we would like to turn in now." He told Frigga.
Frigga looked at them both, then over to her half asleep husband, then back to them. "Straight to your chambers dear, I will know if you go elsewhere."
Loki nodded. "Yes mother. We will not go anywhere else... thank you for making the evening possible for us." He said, sincerely appreciating it.
"You're welcome son. Both of you sleep well," she replied sweetly.
"We will." He released Laney's hand and hugged his mother, then returned to Laney. Can't promise the sleeping part, he thought, grinning to himself as he walked out into the corridor with Laney.
