The next morning, Frigga came by earlier than normal, knocking on the bedroom door to wake them. "Laney? Loki? Are you in there?" She called out.
Laney roused from sleep and lifted her head, unable to move due to the grip Loki had around her waist. "We're in here," she called out softly, hoping not to wake Loki roughly. She looked down at him to see that the elixir had worn off overnight and that he was back in his aesir form.
Frigga quietly walked in and walked over to Laney's side of the bed to sit. "I can already tell he had a rough night." She said sadly, seeing how Loki was clinging to Laney even in his sleep.
"Yes. A very rough night," Laney replied back softly. "I don't think he even knows that he's back to normal again."
"The palace is going to be a stressful place for the next few days, it might be better to get him out for a while. I was thinking, Yamir would be good for him. He can have the chance to interact with the Jotnar citizens, and you can gather the rest of your belongings." Frigga suggested.
Laney smiled at her. "I was actually going to talk to you about getting my things yesterday. Do you think it would be an issue letting him go with me?"
"Under the circumstances, I will let him go. Sif will be joining you, but staying at a distance. She will keep to herself, unless something goes wrong. Given the Jotun presence, Thor insisted she go, just as a precaution." Frigga explained, but wasn't entirely happy about it.
"That's understandable. I'm sure Loki will be happy with the freedom and the change of scenery." Laney sighed as she looked down and caressed Loki's arm. "He wants to confront my father."
Frigga looked over at her son and gave a sad sigh. "I know, but he could lose everything if he does. I want him away during the trial and sentencing. It is the only way we can keep him safe."
Laney furrowed her brow. "What are you sentencing him with?"
"You would have to talk to Thor about that. He is the one overseeing the trial. I know you would want to be here for the trial, but Loki's anger will build until he does something rash." Frigga said sadly.
"I know it would. I will talk to Thor before we leave, Laney replied quietly. "My little place will be waiting for us in Yamir, so we won't need an inn. How long do you want us to stay?"
"I know Thor will respect your wishes. None of us wanted it to come to this. But I think at least four days should be good. Then you can bring Desi back with you." Frigga answered, thinking that might cheer Laney up at least a little.
"She will be happy to have us with her I am sure, even if it will be a surprise. Loki should be treated well in Yamir as well, I do not expect us to have any problems." Laney felt Loki slowly begin reciprocating her own movements as he began to barely run his fingers along her thigh beneath the blanket, making her smile.
"My greatest concern is of him reacting badly to the Jotnar. Other than that, I think it will be a nice vacation for the two of you." Frigga said with a little smile, then quietly stood. "I will let you wake him then. Have a nice breakfast, talk to Thor, then I will see you off."
"Alright Frigga. We will see you soon." Laney waited until she heard the main door to the sitting room close before she rolled over to face Loki. She smiled at seeing bright green eyes staring back at her. "Good morning baby."
"Where are we going? I wasn't awake for that part." Loki said softly, then pecked her lips.
Laney gently kissed him back as she rested one hand on his chest. "Your mother and Thor have agreed that we need a little vacation from the palace for a few days. We're going to Yamir."
"Are we leaving after the trial? I need to be here for that." Loki said firmly, but calmly.
"We would be leaving later today by what your mother told me," Laney replied as she scooted closer to him in bed and entwined their legs together.
"I will talk with her and change that. Odin will likely give him accommodation for what he did to me." Loki muttered.
Laney nodded. "I don't know if you will be able to change her mind, but you can talk with her and see what she says." She pecked his lips, then his chin as her hand lazily explored his chest. "How're you feeling this morning?"
Loki placed his hand over hers, holding it to his chest. "I feel like I just want to run and hide still. You know word has spread by now, and the entire palace knows what happened."
"That's another reason to get away for a few days and do nothing but relax and enjoy being together, Loki," Laney whispered. "It will get your mind off things and we can have some real alone time."
"I can see right through this plan. Get me out so Odin can give your father a hero's welcome." Loki said and shook his head. "I need to stop running."
Laney partially sat up and shook her head. "That's not it at all. Odin isn't quite in charge right now, your brother is."
"What? Since when is Thor in charge of everything?" Loki asked, confused and troubled by the news.
"He's not in charge of everything. Odin started feeling unwell last night and is being taken care of by Eir for strong headaches," Laney explained.
Loki ran his fingers through his hair while thinking. "I would like to speak with my brother. If he gives his word that justice will be served, I will go to Yamir." He promised.
"Alright love. Did you want to eat first? Or would you like to dress and see him now?" Laney asked.
"I would like to see him first. I need something to ease my mind." Loki admitted, then slowly got out of bed. "How long exactly would we be in Yamir?"
Laney sat up and watched him as he quickly got dressed in clean clothes. "A few days. We would be bringing Desi back with us and I assume Thor would come to Yamir to get her like he planned. It will be a cute surprise."
Once dressed, Loki finally stopped and turned to face Laney again. "Will you come with me to talk to Thor?" He asked, not wanting that much distance between them.
"If you want me to be with you, then I will accompany you," Laney answered with a smile, then climbed out of bed. She quickly removed her shirt, not minding to show Loki her bare chest while she walked to the closet to find a dress to wear, since it would be quicker to change into than a blouse and trousers.
"I always want you with me. I'm sorry I've reacted so badly to all of this, truly. It hasn't changed how I feel about you though, and how much I need you." Loki said softly. I just want things to be normal between us... His brow furrowed when he noticed her shoulder. "What happened?" He asked, pointing to the mark.
Laney looked down at her left shoulder as she pulled a pale blue dress from the closet. "That's from the other night. Desi mentioned something about a mark you were trying to make when we talked before she left."
"What? I didn't do that. I haven't been trying to leave any marks..." Loki said, full of disbelief.
Laney reached out and took Loki's hand, then brought it up to her shoulder, letting him touch the small indent in her skin. "You don't remember the other night?" she asked quietly. "You completely let go and gave in to the pleasure, all while you held onto me with your teeth. It didn't really hurt, it actually made the pleasure I felt double if anything. It was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced, and although I've only ever been with you, I'm not altering my answer. I'm biased."
Loki shook his head. "Of course I remember. I even remember that I accidentally shifted. But I'm not a biter..." he reintegrated.
"I'm not worried about it Loki," Laney said softly. "It doesn't bother me that I have it... does it bother you?"
Loki nodded and let his hand slide down her arm. "I have never bit anyone before, I have no memory of biting you, and Desi thinks I'm trying to somehow mark you? Of course it bothers me." He said softly.
Laney inwardly sighed. "Baby, I'm fine. Desi told me that it's a claiming mark. I mentioned it to her the first time you did it."
"Fi... first time? This wasn't the first time?" Loki asked, looking very concerned and frustrated. "Claiming mark? I don't... wait, is this some freaky monster thing?"
Damn it... I'm just scaring him. I need Desi. Laney gently pulled her to him, trying to calm him down. "Loki, it's natural. Desi could tell you more about it, and please stop calling yourself that."
"How many times have I done this?" Loki asked, still refusing to accept it.
"Only two. The first time was in the lake, then you sealed the mark the other night." Laney met Loki's eyes before she took a couple steps away from him. "You'll never touch me again will you?" she asked, her voice just a whisper.
Loki looked away from her, unable to hide the pain that question caused him. He wanted to reach out to her for comfort, but couldn't bring himself to do it. "Is that truly all you think of me? That I would try as hard as I have been, just to give you up?" He asked, then walked into the bathroom and locked himself inside.
Laney shook her head as tears silently streamed down her face, then looked at the closed bathroom door. The only thing that came to her mind, was to run to her secret place that they both had when they were children. Silently she dressed, then left their rooms and quickly followed the hallways to make it outside. Once she felt the sun on her face she kicked off her flats and ran to the farthest tree in the gardens, knowing that the enchantment Loki had made into the base of the tree still held strong. When Laney reached the tree, she said the simple word they agreed would be their password all those years ago, then ducked her head and went into the small room it conjured, the tree trunk sealing behind her.
Loki sat in the bathroom and had a full breakdown over everything that had happened the last few days. The burst of energy he released all but demolished the bathroom, shattering anything that wasn't a solid surface. After he was somewhat calm, he pulled himself from the rubble and set off to find Magnus, who he now blamed for everything that had happened.
Meanwhile the moment Frigga caught word of what was happening, she began searching for Laney, trying her best to remember where they always hid as children, knowing that's where she would have gone.
Curled in the tiny hiding place, Laney cried. She had found an old blanket that still held Loki's scent even after being in the tree for so long and wrapped herself in it, trying to find any comfort she could. Why would he think I would give up on him? Doesn't he realize all that I have done to get to where we are now?
Frigga ran out into the garden, yelling for Laney, hoping she would get close enough that Laney could hear her. Where are you Laney? We can't lose him, not like this. She sighed as she looked around the vast clearing near the gardens, losing hope with each passing minute. "Laney!" she called out.
Laney's sniffling stopped when she barely heard her name being called. "Frigga?" she croaked softly. With every ounce of energy she had, she used her magic to reopen the tree and slowly stepped out of it with the blanket still wrapped around her shoulders. "Frigga?" she called louder.
Frigga heard Laney and hurried over to her, pulling her into a hug. "I was so scared I wouldn't find you. Loki is going after your father and I can't stop him." She said quickly, knowing they didn't have time to waste.
Laney quickly wiped her tears and tore away from Frigga and into a run before she remembered an old spell. "Please work..." she said aloud as she pressed hard on the ring she wore on her middle finger. "Bring me to him," she stated as she closed her eyes.
Loki was just stepping into the dungeon when Laney appeared in front of him. He was in his Jotun form and looked like he was out for blood. He stopped the moment he saw Laney, then took a steadying breath before he tried to side step around her.
Laney shook her head and blocked his way, not scared of anything he could do to her. "Stop," she said firmly as she put a hand on his chest. "Loki, please stop."
Loki quickly backed up and looked away from her. "I lost everything because of him... lost you." He said, not bothering to hide the pain he felt. "I won't wait for a trial. If he wants a monster, he will get a monster."
"I am right here. You have not lost me. I may be upset, but I'm not going anywhere," Laney asserted. "My father may have acted rashly last night, but he did not cause what happened the other night Loki."
"How are we supposed to be together at all if you think so little of me? I have been trying my absolute best... I even got over everything enough to ask for your help with this form. All so you could just make those assumptions?" He asked, then turned to leave the dungeon.
Tears began to flow down Laney's cheeks once more as she quickly grabbed his arm. "Loki," she cried. "Please... I'm so sorry. It was the look in your eyes that made me say what I did. You looked like you would never want to touch me again for fear of hurting me." She slowly let go of him and let herself fall to her butt on the stone floor. "If you want to leave, then go."
"Do you want me to go?" Loki turned and asked her. He still didn't make eye contact, but his tone was calm now.
"No," Laney murmured. "I don't. But I know I hurt you." She stared at his shadow on the floor as she let the tears she shed roll down her face. If anyone loses someone today, it will be me losing you all over again...
Loki took a deep breath. "I was disgusted with myself for what I had done, for somehow doing it and not remembering it. When I'm upset about anything, for any reason, it is your comfort that I want and need. Even in that moment, I just wanted to hold you." He said softly, needing her right now as well, but not sure if it was alright to reach out to her.
Laney looked up at him with her now bloodshot eyes and a tearstained face. "You're not going to leave me?" she asked with a whisper.
Loki wiped his eyes on his sleeve and finally looked down at her. "I could never leave, ever. All I have ever wanted is to be with you." He replied. Just her presence was slowly calming him down, but guards were starting to gather, blocking the exit.
In a rush of movement Laney stood and crushed herself to him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. "I'm so sorry, I am," she said, though her voice was muffled by her arms.
Loki hesitated for a moment, then wrapped his arms tight around her. "I am sorry for handling all of this so badly. I swear I am trying, truly. Maybe you were right, that some time away from the palace would be good." He said softly. He sighed in relief and fully calmed down with her in his arms.
Laney kissed his neck softly, the only skin she could currently get to, but refused to let go of him for the moment. "I think it would be good for us both," she replied quietly.
"Can we still go? Is it too late for any of that?" Loki asked, hoping he hadn't ruined everything. He looked at the guards at the exit, scared to move.
"Is there a problem here? Laney? Brother? Is all well?" Thor asked as the guards instantly moved for him to walk further into the dungeon's hallway.
Laney pulled away from Loki and wiped her eyes. "Everything is okay now Thor. Nothing bad happened," she assured.
Thor waved his hand and dismissed the guards. "Mother said you wanted to talk about your father's trial before you leave?" He asked Laney, feeling a bit down that he couldn't go as well.
"I wanted to know what you were charging him with," Laney replied as she wrapped one arm around Loki's waist for comfort.
"I want to hear him out before I make any charges official, but as it stands, he would be charged with treason and intent to endanger a member of the royal family." Thor said, noticing how protectively Loki was holding onto Laney.
Laney nodded in understanding. "What would his punishment be?"
"That, I just cannot say right now. This is such a hard situation to be in. I think I want to know why he did all of this first and how he feels about it now. Whatever punishment is decided, I promise nothing will be carried out until you return. When you come back, I will fill you in on everything that happened, and we can go from there, alright?" Thor said, trying his best to do right by her as well. "I also need my advisor to have a level head, before anything is made official."
A small smile appeared on Laney's face as she glanced up at Loki to see a sudden look of pride showing on his face. "I agree with your judgement Thor. I assume that it is still okay for the both of us to travel to Yamir and that you will still be picking up Desi in person along with us in a few days?"
Thor nodded. "The Bifrost is standing by for you both. I will be there in four days time to bring you all home. Until then, by order of the future king, I demand that you both relax and have a good time." He said with his trademark goofy grin.
Laney chuckled and let go of Loki so she could step up and give Thor a tight hug. "I'll tell Desi how much you miss her," she assured.
Thor returned her hug, then pulled a note out of his pocket. "Could you just give her this for me? I wrote out a quick note for her." He explained. "I need these four days to be over." He sighed softly.
"Of course Thor," Laney said as she took the note and tucked it into her dress's pocket. "I'm sure she feels the same way. You will get to see each other soon."
"I really hope you both have a good time. You need to relax, and take care of my brother." Thor smiled, then stepped aside for them to pass. Loki already had his arm around Laney again, keeping her very close.
"We should get to the Bifrost darling. I want away from this realm for a while." Loki said softly, slowly shifting back to his normal appearance as they walked.
Laney turned and smiled at Loki. "Alright love." She looked back to Thor and gave him one last quick hug. "We will see you again soon."
"See you in four days. Tell Desi I will send word, but don't tell her I'm coming in person. I want that to be a surprise." Thor told them, then waved as they left.
Loki was quiet on the walk to the Bifrost. He kept Laney close but was lost in thought until Heimdall interrupted them. "This is interesting." Heimdall said as they walked in.
"What's interesting Heimdall?" Laney asked as her and Loki walked up to him hand in hand.
"There are many things I find interesting." Heimdall said simply. "Are you ready to go? Your friend has been very sad since leaving Asgard." He told Laney.
"I'm ready if Loki is," Laney replied with a soft smile.
"I'm ready." Loki said, then watched as Heimdall opened the Bifrost for them. Loki took a deep breath then stepped into it while keeping Laney tight against his chest, letting the bright lights rush them off to Yamir.
