Laney and Loki made their way through the hallways and corridors of the palace, quickly getting to the family dining hall just as the maids were bringing out plates of food. "Good evening," Laney greeted with a soft smile.
"Good evening dear." Frigga replied happily. "I hear you have both had productive days." She said, knowing everything as always.
"Yes we did," Laney replied as she took her usual seat. "It was busy, but enjoyable."
Loki sat next to Laney, and pulled his plate closer. He had too much on his mind to remember he needed to complain about the food first, so just started eating. "Desi's post will be ready in five days time." Frigga told Laney, though she watched Loki curiously.
Laney grinned widely as she stabbed some greens on her plate. "Oh, she will be so happy to hear that. Has Thor talked to you? I think he is wanting to pick up Desi himself in Yamir instead of waiting for her at the Bifrost."
"No, he has not brought that up. He had a small disagreement with his father. As you can see, neither came to dinner." She rolled her eyes.
"A disagreement? I hope things will calm soon," Laney replied after she finished a bite of her food. Underneath the table, Laney put a hand on Loki's thigh for reassurance, knowing what it could have been about.
"I have never seen Thor stand up to his father like that before, but I think Odin respects his decisions now." Frigga said, noticing how Loki sighed.
"Well, I'm happy for Thor then. It takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in no matter what that may be," Laney responded honestly. "Do you think it will be okay for Thor to pick Desi up in person when she is able to return? I know he will want to write to her about the good news."
"After what I saw earlier, I would not dare tell Thor he can't." Frigga said proudly. "He spoke like a king for the first time in his life."
Laney's eyes widened. "That... I don't know what to say."
"It was a very proud moment for me," Frigga admitted. "He is going to make a good king, especially with the help of his most trusted advisor." She motioned to Loki.
"Wh-Odin allowed Loki to be his advisor?" Laney asked, although her voice was barely a whisper. She looked over at Loki, fighting the urge to lean over and squeeze him in a hug.
Frigga's grin grew wider. "Oh no, Odin was completely against the idea. Thor did not ask though. He informed his father of his choice and refused to back down. He called Odin on his treatment of Loki and told him that all changes as of now." She recounted for Laney.
"He... he stood up for me like that?" Loki asked in disbelief as he looked up at his mother, knowing how Thor followed Odin's every word.
Laney felt tears well in her eyes and quickly reached up to clear them. "I knew Thor was thinking about asking him, but I never thought that he would be so bold. I am proud of him," she turned and smiled over at Loki, "Of both of you."
Frigga nodded in agreement, smiling at how Loki wrapped his arm around Laney to comfort her. "I thought he might argue it a little, but I also thought he would ask. He never even tried. He walked into the board meeting and just laid it out for Odin in front of everyone."
"That's amazing," Laney replied as she curled against Loki's side. "I cannot wait until it's officially announced."
"I think he is going to wait to announce it until Desi is back, but he sure left everyone speechless. Odin was furious, but he couldn't win and had to concede in the end." Frigga's expression was both proud and amused.
Laney nodded and smiled at Frigga. "That's a wise decision, that way he can completely focus on the task at hand." She looked down at her mostly eaten food, then back up to Frigga. "Do you mind if I excuse myself a little early tonight?" she asked. "It's been a very busy day."
"Are you alright darling?" Loki asked, before Frigga could answer. "Are you still sore?" He added softly, concerned.
"It's just been a long day. I am fine love, just a bit tired," Laney replied, then kissed his cheek.
"When would you like to go to bed?" Loki asked, still concerned. He barely glanced over as a guard came in and whispered something to Frigga.
"You may want to wait to turn in. Your father is here and wishes to see you." Frigga told Laney.
Laney turned and looked at Frigga with a look of concern etched onto her face. "He's here?"
Frigga nodded. "Yes, he is in one of the assembly rooms at the moment. If you would be more comfortable in your chambers, I can have him meet you there." She offered.
"Umm... I'm not really sure where I'd like to speak to him," Laney said honestly. "I know he hasn't quite been himself as of late."
"The guard said he was polite and respectful upon arrival, but perhaps the assembly room would be better? I need to speak with him as well, I can come with you if you would like." Frigga offered.
Laney nodded as she felt butterflies swarm her stomach. "I would like that very much. I want both of you to be with me when I speak to him."
"I think Odin and Thor might still be around as well, we can all join you if you like. I would like to find out what we can do to help him as well." Frigga said truthfully.
"I would appreciate it," Laney said as she placed her napkin on the table, then stood. She looked down at Loki, hoping that he could give her the courage to face her father, guessing that he was unhappy with their courtship.
Loki stood with her and pulled her into a hug. "I will be right by your side the entire time darling. I am strong enough to protect you now." He said softly.
Laney smiled into his chest as she grasped his tunic for comfort. "I'm glad I have you here with me." she murmured.
"I will always be here with you darling." Loki leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Are you ready to go see him?"
"As ready as I will ever be," Laney answered quietly, then looked up at him to peck his lips.
Loki smiled at her and kissed her lovingly. After the kiss, he dropped his arms from the hug and took her hand, to walk out with her. Frigga followed close behind them, concerned about how they would find Magnus.
When they walked into the assembly room, Magnus, Thor, and Odin were all sitting at the table laughing and drinking. He was in the middle of telling them another story and didn't notice the others had entered.
Laney clutched tightly to Loki's hand as they stood before the small group of people, though her eyes were glued to her fathers. "Evening," she stated simply.
Magnus turned in his seat and smiled at her. "Laney! I was worried you had already gone to bed. It's so good to see you! Please come join us!"
"I was actually fixing to turn in when we were given news that you were here," Laney replied. "But I am not in a drinking mood father, so I will decline."
"You don't have to drink to join us. I've missed you and hoped we could chat and get caught up." He explained. "Are you mad at me?" He suddenly asked.
Laney shook her head at him, but made no move to sit down with the others. "You never answered my letter, so I feared that you would be mad with me."
Magnus furrowed his brow at her statement. "I never got a letter from you. I thought you ran away for some reason. I finally heard that you came here, so I came to make sure you were alright."
Laney glanced over at Loki and then Frigga with a furrowed brow. That doesn't seem right. "Father, I know it was sent to the correct location."
"I didn't say otherwise. The letter might have gotten lost along the way? Please come sit with us." Magnus pleaded.
Laney watched Loki give her a little shrug, saying he didn't mind going over and sitting. She relented and reluctantly let go of Loki's hand so she could sit across from her father at the table. She felt as Frigga sat beside her, then eagerly grabbed Loki's hand under the table once he sat down on the other side.
"It's alright darling." Loki said softly, for only Laney to hear.
Laney grinned as she scooted closer to him in her seat. "In any case, it is good to see you father. It has been a while."
"So, when did you decide to come back here?" Magnus asked, eyeing Loki suspiciously. He quickly turned his attention elsewhere and poured them each a glass of water, then handed the glasses to them. Loki accepted his with a polite nod, as did Frigga.
"Frigga wrote to me almost two months ago telling me Loki was alive. So I decided to come back here... and here is where I will be staying," Laney stated.
"Are you sure this is what you want? You have a home and a good job on Yamir. I made sure you would have a good life there..." Magnus responded, sounding hurt by her words.
Laney nodded as she brought her and Loki's joined hands onto the table. "I want to stay and be with Loki."
"Shall we toast to your courtship then?" Magnus asked with a smile.
"You aren't angry?" Laney asked as she took a goblet in hand.
"I just want you happy, you are my daughter after all." Magnus said, then took a drink from his goblet.
That's a relief. Laney took a sip of her goblet as well, then leaned her head on Loki's shoulder. This is actually going a lot better than I thought it would.
Everyone else took a drink as well, to share in the toast. "Now then, has anyone told you how your prince is actually a Jotun?" Magnus asked, his entire mood shifting.
Laney furrowed her brow as an icy chill ran down her back. "What?" she asked incredulously.
Magnus grinned maliciously at her reaction. "I started doing some research as soon as your letter arrived. I had heard the rumors, but I was shocked when I learned more about him. Your little obsession here betrayed the crown, attacked two realms, and on top of that, he isn't even Æsir as he makes everyone believe!" He ended in a near shout, then nodded to Loki, whose skin was starting to change color.
Everyone turned their heads to look at Loki, including Laney and watched as his skin slowly turned blue and revealed his Jotun form. Laney widened her eyes, then stood as she stared at her father in anger. "How dare you!" she yelled. "How dare you do this to him!"
Loki frantically tried to wipe the blue color from his skin. In his panic, when he tried to back away from the table, he tripped over his chair and fell, but still tried to scramble backwards. "No... not again." He whined, terrified.
Thor was the next to respond and grabbed Magnus, blocking him from Laney. "Take care of my brother." He told her, knowing she was the only one who could calm Loki right now. He quickly worked to bind Magnus' hands, taking him into custody.
Laney turned and frantically conjured a thick cloak and knelt down to cover Loki, hoping it would help him feel safe. "I'm right here Loki, I'm right here."
Loki curled up under the cloak, shaking again. Once he was certain he was completely covered, he carefully moved closer to Laney. "I... I can't shift back... why can't I shift back?" He asked in barely more than a whisper.
"Take him to the dungeon, we will figure out what to do with him later." Thor told a guard who hauled Magnus from the room. Once he was out, Thor turned to check on his brother. "How is he?" He asked Laney, calming down.
"He's scared," Laney replied as she gently ran her hand through Loki's hair, trying to soothe him. "Father must have put something in his drink." She looked toward Frigga with tear filled eyes. "I don't know how to help him."
Odin stood by, still stunned at the events that had just transpired. He felt overly proud of Thor for stepping in and taking care of Magnus, but all he could do was stare at his youngest son and feel horrible for being unable to help.
"I will have his drink tested and work on reversal right away. Hopefully it will just wear off on its own." Frigga said softly. "Just calm him down enough to get him back to your chambers." She told Laney.
Laney nodded, then leaned down to place a kiss on his cloth covered head. "Loki, honey. Are you able to walk to our chambers or do you want me to transport us?" she asked quietly.
"I just want to change back." Loki said quietly, still trembling. "Everyone saw me like this..."
"Nobody thinks of you any differently Loki. None of us," Laney assured softly. She sat on the ground and cradled his head in her lap, letting him wrap his body around her. She began rubbing his back, hoping that it would help him calm down as she looked up at the others in the room.
Frigga came over and sat with them as well. "It's alright Loki, we are all here for you. What he did was wrong and we are all here to help you." She said softly, feeling heartbroken at seeing her son so hurt. "Can you take the cloak off him?" She asked Laney.
"I don't want to remove it if he doesn't want me to," Laney replied as she kept running her hands through his hair, careful of his horns. "I want him to be as comfortable as possible."
"Would it help if he could see we are all here and not afraid of him? I know it's hard for him, but hiding won't help him long term." Frigga said with tears in her eyes.
Laney looked down at Loki and pulled the hood from his eyes. "Did you hear your mother Loki?" she asked softly.
Loki tried to pull the cloak back up. "I don't want them to see me like this." He mumbled.
"My dear boy, we have already seen you like this. It has changed nothing. That is what you need to see." Frigga explained.
"Just because your skin is a different color does not mean you are not our son," Odin stated simply.
Loki tensed when he heard Odin speak. It shocked him enough that he pulled the cloak down just a bit. "You hate me though... especially like this." He accused.
Odin shook his head. "I have never hated you Loki. I've been angry at you, worried for you, and disappointed in you, but never hated you." He took a few steps forward, then kneeled down to his level. "I know I've done wrong things that cannot be fixed. I also know that I have my own issues with the Jotun race, but they have nothing do do with you and everything to do with myself."
Loki met Odin's eyes and glared at him, with a true look of hate and fear. "Don't you dare try to act remorseful for your actions! Hate is exactly what you felt. It was hate that drove you to ensure I would always hate myself! You drove that hate so deeply into me that I can't even give Laney a family for fear that I will hate my own children! And every bit of it is your fault!" He shouted through his fast streaming tears. Quickly standing up, he pulled the cloak tight around himself and walked out without another word.
Odin sighed and proceeded to fall back and sit on the ground with a hand to his head. "I meant what I said... I wish I could fix things."
Laney sat beside him with a tear streaked face. "I will go to him soon," she whispered. "If I go now, he may say things he will regret later."
"He would not have anything regrettable to say to you dear. He has held all of this in for far too long, between him and Odin." Frigga moved to sit between Laney and Odin, holding both of their hands to comfort them. "I do worry about him being seen as he is though." She admitted.
"I'm not sure if he ran or if he decided to teleport himself," Laney said honestly. She squeezed Frigga's hand, then stood. "I will check on him and I will see all of you tomorrow."
"Do you want help looking for him?" Frigga asked, wanting to help in any way she could.
"I will help as well." Thor quickly volunteered.
"If he didn't make it to our chambers, the only place he would want to hide it would be the library," Laney responded.
"Do you think he is thinking clearly enough to go to the library?" Frigga asked, worried about his mental state as well.
"I am hoping he went to our chambers honestly," Laney replied as she stood. "I will go to the chambers first."
"Please send word immediately if we can do anything to help." Frigga urged her, then turned to Odin. "Come on, I think some rest will help." She told him softly.
Laney practically ran to their chambers and burst through the doors in her search for Loki. She could feel the sting of more tears as she stood in the sitting room for a moment, before she walked into the dark bedroom. "Loki?" she called out quietly.
Loki hesitated for a moment, then stepped out of the bathroom when he heard Laney. He still had the cloak wrapped tightly around him. "I'm here..." He said softly.
"Oh, darling," Laney said softly, then rushed to him, crushing him in a tight embrace. "I promise, things will be okay."
Loki embraced Laney in return and held her tight, clinging to her. "How do I make them understand?" He asked in barely more than a whisper.
Laney kissed his cheek, then snuggled into his neck. "You said plenty sweetheart. I'm sure you got your point across tonight."
Loki shook his head against her shoulder. "They try to tell me it's fine, that I can be like this... but no one seems to understand what that does to my head. Odin made sure it would never be alright." He sighed, not sure what to do.
"I will help you," Laney promised. She leaned back and cupped his face in her hands to look into his crimson eyes. "I promise I will do everything that I can to help you. I love you my sweet Loki."
"I love you too." He replied, then released her to walk over to the bed. His head and his horns hurt, but he mostly just wanted to sleep. Keeping the cloak tight around him, he sat on the bed, looking miserable.
Laney walked over to him and ran a hand gently through his hair. "Is there anything I can do?" she asked softly.
Loki shook his head. "The horns hurt, but I just want to go to bed. I am emotionally drained right now." He told her, trying to be more open with her. "Why did he instill so much hate in me?" He asked, but not expecting any answers.
"I don't know sweetheart," she replied quietly. "I will put some lavender oil in a bowl and sit it on the side table so the scent will help calm you. Go ahead and lay down to sleep. Get out of your clothes, you'll be more comfortable."
"If I do... you'll see me like this. Whatever he did, I still can't shift back." He explained, but didn't feel up to a fight.
Laney sighed and crouched down in front of him. "Baby, I've already seen you like this. I've seen you with absolute bliss on your face like this, and it's the best thing in the world to me."
Loki looked down at her, then let the cloak slip off his shoulders. "Could you... help with the horns please?" He asked her, hoping it wouldn't upset her.
"Of course darling. What do I need to do?" Laney asked as she stood. "Is the vial in the bathroom?"
"It's on the sitting room table, and it just goes on like a massage oil." Loki explained, then stood up to go change his clothes.
Laney nodded and smiled at him before she quickly walked into the sitting room to retrieve the vial. When she returned to the bedroom Loki was facing away from her, shirtless as he pulled on a pair of sleep pants over his nude backside. Quietly she walked up to him and gently ran one hand down his back before she placed a lingering kiss to his shoulder.
Loki looked over his shoulder and smiled softly at her. When he turned around, he hugged her tight. "Does mother know why I can't change out of this form?" He asked curiously.
"I told her it had to have been in your drink. She said she was going to work on a reversal with Eir." Laney smiled up at him and pressed a kiss to his chest, unable to not have some sort of contact with him. "You'll have to sit on the bed for me love."
Loki kissed the top of her head then walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of the bed. "How did he know I was Jotun? Why would he even care?" He asked, referring to Magnus.
Laney walked up to him and uncorked the vial before she put a small amount onto her hand. "I'm not sure. He blatantly lied about receiving our letters, thinking he had the upper hand." She gently began to rub the liquid around the base of one horn, then the other.
"Why would he even lie about the letters? None of it makes any sense to me." Loki winced slightly when she touched his horns, but relaxed afterward, when the potion eased the discomfort.
"It doesn't make sense to me either. He had no reason to lie, which makes me wonder what he has going on in his mind."
"I have half a mind to go confront him myself. He had no right to do this to me!" Loki said, getting upset about it and tensing up again.
"Hey," Laney cooed. "There's no need for that." She put the stopper in the vial, then set it aside before she tilted his head up by his chin to peck his lips. "I know you're angry. I am too."
Loki returned her kiss, then stood up again. "I am angry and I'm tired of trying my best to behave. He started this. I hadn't done anything to him. This will not go unpunished." He insisted, heading for the door.
"Loki, that isn't wise. I know you want to interrogate him but if you act rashly they can still take me away from you." Laney sat on the edge of the bed and crossed her arms. "That's the last thing I want to happen."
Loki took a deep breath and turned around to face her. "So I just let this go? Forget it ever happened?" He asked, but as calmly as possible.
"No," Laney stated. "We do something about it, but we do it the right way."
Loki slowly walked back to her and sat on the bed. "I am just tired of feeling helpless." He sighed. "Alright, at least for tonight, I won't do anything. I just want to sleep anyway."
Laney leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You're not helpless love. You will get to speak your mind about it soon. Maybe even tomorrow."
"For right now, can I just hold you?" Loki asked, wanting to feel her close while he slept.
"Of course," Laney answered, her voice just a whisper, feeling butterflies fill her stomach at the love the man beside her showed for her. Laney scooted herself across the bed and moved to lay down. Once Loki did the same, she curled against his chest and gave him a lingering kiss, wanting him to feel nothing but wanted and loved. Loki wrapped her arm around her and fell right to sleep with Laney. He knew he would have done something foolish without her and hoped she knew he was grateful.
