Loki slept late the next morning. In his sleep, he had moved down to hug Laney's swollen belly, sleeping contently in that position. It was that position that Laney found him when she woke and looked down at him with a smile. She ran her hand through his hair slowly so as not to wake him. "My whole world," she murmured.
Loki started to wake when he felt Laney moving. He looked up at her and smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Good morning darling..."
"Morning Loki." Laney furrowed her brow the longer she watched him. "Baby, what is it?"
"We just have some things we need to talk about... before the little dinner this evening." He answered, still worried about her reaction.
"Loki... what's wrong?"
Loki slowly sat up after pressing a kiss to her belly. "The morning duties I've had... I have been attending court. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you under any stress." He started off. "When mother filed for our marriage, the council denied my title, because of my heritage. We cannot have a royal wedding; we can't even have a traditional gifting feast... and there will be no titles for you and little star after we are married." He explained, keeping his eyes on the bed.
Laney let out a long deep breath and watched as Loki looked more broken than she had ever seen him. She reached out and gently grasped his chin and made him look at her. "As long as I am your wife, it is all I could ever ask for."
"But you deserve to be a princess, you and little star both... I fought them as best I could, but I can't change that I was born Jotun. Trust me, if I could change that, I would." He said truthfully, glaring at his hand that was currently blue due to his stress.
"Loki, sweetheart. All I have ever wanted has been you, to be tied to you. A title is only a title, your name is forever."
Loki nodded. "It still isn't right for the council to rule like this. I feel like they are trying this as a new way to tear me away from my family." He said sadly.
"Then we will fight if we can," Laney replied. "You are still a part of this family Loki. Title or not. Just because you are no longer called a prince does not mean you are no longer who you are. You are still a prince in my eyes and your family's."
"Mother said that as well. I don't think there is anything more I can do to fight them... I'm not blood and I can't change that." He said, feeling somewhat better to know she still loved him the same.
Laney pulled him forward so she could kiss him. "If we cannot have the title, it's okay. I have your love and your name, and that's enough for me."
Loki returned her kiss, then relaxed. "Thank you... for always staying by my side." He said sincerely.
Laney kissed the tip of his nose as she felt the baby kick forward against Loki's side. "It's the only place we'll ever be."
Loki felt the kick and smiled. "Does she always move closer to where I am?" He asked curiously.
"She does. I think she's going to be a daddy's girl," Laney answered. "She also needs a name."
"Do you still like Willow?" He asked her curiously.
"I do," she replied, "But I also like Star as a name. It's what we've always called her after all."
"Do you want to name her Star?" He asked her, rubbing her belly.
"Do you like it?" Laney asked. "It's not too plain?"
"I do like it and it is not too plain. After all, it is the person that makes the name, and our little star is not plain in any way." Loki said proudly. "What do you think? Do you want your name to be Star?" He asked her belly.
Laney watched and felt as the little one bumped against Loki again, making her giggle. "I think she likes it."
"Her name is Star then." Loki said happily and kissed where Star had kicked. "I think mother will like that as well."
"Our little Star," Laney cooed as she ran her hand through Loki's hair once more.
"Mother is still doing a gifting feast for us, but it will be much smaller... just us and some friends." He told Laney, hoping she would be alright with that.
"Anything is fine," Laney assured him. "I will be happy with whatever she does for us."
"We will have breakfast, then we can start getting ready. Gall is supposed to be here, and I would like to visit with him before the feast." Loki told her, actually excited to have Gall visiting.
"I'd like to see Gall too," she replied. "Would you like to eat now?"
"His wife and child are coming with him." Loki said, his mood improving now. "I am ready whenever you are darling. I can always eat." He chuckled.
Laney gave him a lingering kiss. "Then let's get us some food my dear."
Loki returned her kiss, then pressed a soft kiss to her belly before he got out of bed. "I think breakfast has already been served in the sitting room. I can smell it." He said, then held his hands out to help her up.
"Sounds good to me," Laney replied, then grasped his hands and slowly stood.
"Are you alright on your feet darling?" Loki asked, then released her hand to wrap his arm around her to help her walk.
"I'm alright for now," Laney answered as she began to make her way towards the bathroom.
"I will carry you at any point, so just let me know." He replied, helping her to the bathroom.
"Thank you darling." Laney said softly as she walked into the bathroom to do her morning routine.
Loki waited close by but used the time to pick out nice outfits for them. He picked nice, dark green tunic and black trousers for himself. Searching the closet more, be found a pale green dress with gold trim that would be comfortable for Laney. After laying both outfits on the bed, he returned to the bathroom door to wait for her.
"Okay," Laney said once she reached the bathroom door once more. "I am ready for this little one to be out. I am always out of breath."
Loki quickly wrapped his arm around her to help her. "I know darling. We still have around four weeks to go through." He said, feeling bad for how much she was already struggling."
Laney shook her head, ready to cry. "I don't know if I can deal with all of this that much longer."
Loki stopped and wrapped his arms around her in a gentle, loving embrace. "I know it's hard darling, but we will have Star in our arms soon." He said softly as he rubbed her back.
"I have loved being pregnant," she sniffled, "but I am ready for it to be over." Laney wrapped her arms around Loki and inhaled his scent, hoping it would calm her.
"It will be over soon darling. I'm so sorry this has been so hard on you... I truly didn't know it would be this hard." he said softly, still rubbing her back.
Laney pulled away and wiped her eyes. "They say every pregnancy is different. If we have another, it may be easier, it may be harder." She sighed and moved to sit in a nearby chair. "I'm excited to meet her. I just hate feeling so heavy and big."
Loki helped her over to the chair then knelt in front of her to rub her belly. "Even after this, you aren't completely against the possibility of having another baby in the future?" He asked, surprised.
Laney shrugged. "Why would I be? I'm terrified of labor, but I want to bring her into this world. We created her... and that's amazing to me."
"You've just had such a rough time, I assumed Star would be enough for you." Loki said truthfully. "Should we have more children in the future, I hope it is easier on you... another child may not be as Jotun as Star."
Laney caressed the side of Loki's face. "It's only been rough more recently. I will think about having another when I feel ready. For now, she will be enough."
"I agree, and I wasn't trying to pressure you darling. I was just surprised you had not fully ruled the idea out. We should just enjoy our Star for now and see what the future holds in time." Loki said, then kissed her belly.
Star made a resounding kick to Laney's side, making her wince. "Strong little thing."
"Please be careful little one." Loki said softly. "Is there anything that can be done to help you with this last month?"
"I'd like it to be as easy as we can make it," Laney admitted. "It's getting hard to do a lot of things. I haven't seen my own feet in months."
"Should we talk to Desi later and see if there's anything we can do? It feels like she's still fairly small, so hopefully that will mean an easy delivery." Loki said, wishing he knew more about pregnancy.
"We can if you'd like. I know Desi gave me the option to have her early if I wished to," she replied.
"Is that what you want to do? Would that be easier for you?" Loki asked, taking her hands in his.
"If Star is healthy and is capable of being born early, I wouldn't mind," she replied softly.
Loki nodded. "Alright love, we will tell her what we've decided." He promised her. "I picked out a nice dress for you, I can shift it onto you if you want."
She smiled at him and nodded. "That would be lovely."
Loki smiled and shifted the dress onto her with a flourish of his hand. "How does it feel? Is it too tight?"
Laney used the chair to help her stand. "It's soft and comfortable. Thank you, Loki."
"Do you want me to have Gall come to our chambers so you can rest more?" He offered, then shifted his clothes while helping her keep on her feet.
"I would like that. Maybe they would like to join us for breakfast."
"I'm sure they would. I will help you into the sitting room, then I will send word to them." Loki replied, but then gave her an odd look.
Laney furrowed her brow at him. "What is it?"
"I... it's..." Loki tried to explain but couldn't find the words he needed. Seemingly confused, he lifted his hand and traced a small area of her shoulder.
"Loki?" Laney tried to see what he was looking at but couldn't. "What's the matter?"
Loki didn't answer, instead, he pulled the sleeve of her dress aside to expose her neck and part of her shoulder. He leaned down and kissed her shoulder, then sank his teeth into her shoulder, permanently marking her as his.
Laney gasped and let her head fall back at the sudden sensation that rolled through her. "What did you do?" She breathed.
It took a moment for him to release her from the bite, then he looked at her, confused again. "I... I don't know... I think... I think I bit you again." he said, only because he could see the mark on her shoulder.
"I know that, but why?" Laney asked. "What caused you to want to?"
"I don't know... if it wasn't for the mark on your neck, I would hardly know I had done it." Loki answered, then sighed. "Did I hurt you?"
Laney shook her head, then felt the mark. "No. It actually felt... good."
"I suppose it's good we already have Gall nearby, to explain this one... I know I didn't get you pregnant again." He chuckled, trying to keep his own spirits up as well.
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "We can ask him when he gets here."
"The only other mark I know of is to show you are mine... do you think that's what this could be?" Loki asked her, then helped her into the sitting room.
"It's possible. I don't know for sure until we talk to Gall."
Loki nodded in agreement. "Would you like the sofa or a chair?" He asked as they entered the sitting room.
"The sofa," Laney replied.
Loki helped her over to the sofa and helped her sit down. Then he went out into the hall to send word with one of the guards before returning to Laney's side. "The palace is busy today... I hope mother isn't going overboard." he said as he sat down next to her.
Laney bit her lip. "You never know with your mother. She's always been one to do things big when she's excited."
"As true as that is, I don't want more trouble with the council." Loki said softly.
Laney reached over and rubbed his leg. "I'm sure things will be okay."
"I hope so. I know mother would never do anything that would deliberately make things harder for us." He said, then went quiet until a knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He got up and went to the door and opened it for Gall and his family.
At the sight of Gall and his family, Laney smiled. "It's so good to see you!" She greeted.
"It is good to see you as well." Gall said as he sat in a chair next to his wife, who was holding their sleeping baby. "There is quite the celebration planned today."
Laney smiled. "It's supposed to be small, but I have a feeling Frigga is going all out."
"Indeed, she is. I have already met with the Jotun ambassador. Lady Frigga asked that I be his attendant, given my familiarity with both realms." He explained.
Laney's eyes widened. "I didn't think we would be having any visitors from other realms."
"We aren't supposed to be. This was supposed to be friends and family only... she is going to get me thrown back in a cell." Loki said, scared and frustrated.
"Hey," Laney chastised, "You are a free man Loki. This is her doing, not yours. If something happens, we'll deal with it. For now, let's just enjoy our company."
Loki looked at the floor like a scolded child. "I have heard of your freedom, congratulations." Gall said, to change the subject.
"Thank you. I'm still getting used to it." Loki admitted.
Laney smiled and snuggled against Loki; her recent mark now able to be seen because of the way she sat. "We're just waiting on little Star now," she commented.
"How long do you have left? You look ready to have her." Gall commented. "Do you have a name picked?"
"Too long it seems," Laney replied as she rubbed her belly. "Her name is Star."
"That is a lovely name." Gall said happily. "We look forward to meeting her and hope to visit soon after she is born... if you would allow that."
"Of course! We may need your help after all. We want to give her the best care we can," Laney replied.
"I am more than willing to help in any way I can. We are only here for the feast, but if we can help before we leave in the morning, please do not hesitate to ask." Gall told her.
Laney smiled and nodded as the bite on her shoulder came to mind, making her reach up and rub it.
"Is it hurting you?" Gall asked curiously, referring to the bite.
"It's a little tender. It um... actually occurred just before you arrived. We're not sure why."
"The why, is easy, but first, may I take a closer look? I only wish to ensure nothing is wrong with it." Gall told her.
Laney nodded. "Sure."
Gall got up and stepped closer to take a good look at the mark. "It was done correctly. I believe it is only sore because it is deeper than normal." He explained. "It should be only a scar by tomorrow though."
"That's good to hear. It was actually... pleasant when it happened," Laney replied.
"It is supposed to be." Gall said as he returned to his seat. "Now, as to why it happened now... this is the first event you have attended since your wedding was delayed. Loki just feels protective and maybe even a bit possessive."
She looked over at Loki with a furrowed brow. "Do you Loki?"
"I don't know... I always feel protective of you and Star... but I know you are with me, and I have never doubted that." he said, feeling confused.
"It is not always a conscious feeling. It is very normal for our kind though; I think you are growing closer to your roots." Gall said, earning him a glare from Loki.
Laney grasped Loki's hand to reassure him. "So, you're saying the mark is a sign of possession and protection. A claiming mark?"
"It is a claiming mark, yes. I'm saying he had the urge to do it now, because he needed to make sure everyone at the event tonight would know you are his. It still goes deeper than that though, as that mark bonds you both for life. It is taken very seriously on Jotunheim." He told her.
"That's... pretty amazing. Is it similar to a mark of marriage?" Laney asked.
"That is what it is... only stronger. Marriage is usually thought of as the certificate and ring... both of which are seen as removable. That mark can never be removed. It also creates a literal emotional bond between the two of you. If you were to go to Jotunheim, that mark would be respected far more than a ring would." Gall explained.
Laney grinned widely. "That's amazing to think about. What does the bond entail? If I may ask."
"The specifics can be different for each couple, but as time goes on you will be able to feel what each other is feeling." He answered, then looked to his wife, who nodded, before he continued. "That is particularly strong during intimacy." He added. "Some have a better sense of what their partner is actually thinking. Skill transfer has even been documented in rare cases."
"Loki, what are your thoughts?" Laney asked as she turned to look at him. "You've been very quiet."
"I am still unsure about all this... I don't want to be more Jotun... I just want to be me. That aside, you are the only one I could ever bond with." Loki said softly.
Laney leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You will always be you sweetheart. It's just your instincts."
"I don't want those instincts though. I just want to be normal." Loki sighed.
"It's okay Loki. To me, you've always been normal," she continued to assure him.
Loki shook his head but didn't want to argue. "Self-acceptance is important for the child to accept herself." Gall pointed out.
Laney caressed his hand. "It's still a struggle for him," she said softly. "But he's gotten better."
"I know, and the fact that he sits here calmly in his natural form says a lot. He has come a long way since our first meeting." Gall said proudly. "I know he does not want the same rejection he faced for his child, and that starts with accepting himself."
"Hopefully little Star will help with that," Laney replied as she rested her head on Loki's shoulder.
"I hope so too." Loki admitted sincerely, wrapping his arm around her.
Laney smiled at the little boy, sleeping in his mother's arms. "How old is Bran now?"
"He is just shy of six months old. Would you like to hold him?" He offered.
"Could I?" She asked, her eyes lighting up at the idea.
"Of course." Gall stood and took the baby from Oro and gently handed him to Laney. "He is a very quiet baby; I have been quite surprised by that."
Laney snuggled the little one into her arms and watched as he slept. "He's so calm."
"He already sleeps through the night without fussing as well. I was worried about all the travel, but he has done amazing on the trips." Gall said proudly.
"I hope Star will be a calm baby," Laney replied. "Although my focus right now is on an easy delivery."
"Given your size, I would guess she is quite small. You should not have any issues. Also, with Jotun babies, it is carrying them that is difficult. Easy deliveries are common." Gall assured her.
"That sounds reassuring," Laney replied.
"I would not worry too much about the delivery. Just focus on the next few weeks. Desi has told me about the bone density of the baby, and I imagine that is what causes you the most discomfort." He told her.
Laney nodded. "It gets harder and harder to move around but sitting is also getting uncomfortable too. I imagine there's a lot of water too."
"There is, at least half of the weight you carry is water. That is because the Jotnar are creatures of ice. It makes it easier for your body to recover afterwards though." Gall explained.
"That explains a lot," Laney replied, then leaned forward to grab a piece of fruit from the platter in front of her.
Loki quickly put his hand on her shoulder to stop her, then picked up the platter and handed it to her. "Please don't strain yourself darling."
"I'm not straining," she protested meekly, but smiled at him. "Thank you, Loki."
"Leaning forward like that puts extra pressure on you and Star, pressure you just don't need right now." Loki insisted.
Laney sighed, feeling helpless, but she ate the bite of fruit she wanted. "I know," she said glumly.
"I am just trying to help keep you comfortable darling... please don't be upset." Loki pleaded.
"I'm not upset," she assured him. "I just miss being independent."
"Consider it a little vacation. You are still independent darling, and so strong. Creating an entirely new life is not easy and you deserve all the help you can get." He told her softly.
Tears welled in Laney's eyes at his words. "You're so sweet Loki."
"I just want to take care of you and Star, you two are my world." Loki said as he held her close.
Laney smiled as a couple of tears fell down her cheek. "I'm sorry Gall. Both of us have been rather mushy lately," she said softly.
"You need not apologize. This is the best part of any pregnancy." Gall said with a soft smile.
She smiled at him and curled against Loki as best as she could while she took another piece of fruit. "I have been enjoying this, I'll admit. The closeness."
"This is the part that never has to change darling. I love always being close to you." Loki said truthfully.
"I do as well," Laney replied softly, then leaned up to kiss his jaw. "Were you given a time for the event Gall?" She asked as she turned back to him.
Loki turned so she kissed his lips instead. "I will be escorting the ambassador in two hours, so I'm assuming the gifting begins shortly after, with dinner to follow." Gall replied.
"That's good. It gives us time to relax for a while," she replied.
"Indeed. We had just returned from seeing the library, when the guard brought word from you. We did not have a chance to see it during our last visit." Gall said, clearly impressed by it.
"That is one of our favorite places to be," Laney said. "If you want, you're more than welcome to go back and explore. I don't want to hinder your visit," she added as she gently rocked the baby in her arms.
"We do not mind at all, but if you are trying to say you wish for time alone, that is fine." Gall said truthfully.
"Gall, we love your company, you know that. I'd explore the palace with you if I could," Laney replied.
"Would you like to make a plan for that, after you have recovered? I would love a tour from someone who knows the palace so well." He admitted.
"I would love to. Loki and I love showing others around," she said happily.
"When the time comes, just send word and we will make a trip to visit." Gall said, happy as well.
Laney sat back and looked down at the baby as he began to waken. The little boy locked his pale red eyes on Laney and furrowed his brow, confused. "He doesn't know who I am," Laney said softly.
"Just coo at him, he's a very happy baby." Gall chuckled. "He is just somewhere different than when he went to sleep."
She looked back down at him and lightly tickled his cheek, making the boy giggle and grab for her fingers. "Such a sweet boy."
"We are so proud of him and love him so much. Yamir is the perfect place to raise him." Gall said happily.
"He's healthy and happy. That's what matters," Laney said.
"Do not forget adorable." Gall said with a little grin.
Laney chuckled as the little boy played with her fingers. "Adorable too." She looked over at Loki and smiled. "Do you want to hold him?"
"N... no, that's alright." Loki said softly, knowing he wouldn't want to give the baby back.
She smirked at him. "Afraid you won't wanna give him back?"
"That is exactly what I'm worried about." He said truthfully.
Laney laughed and looked at Gall. "He gets attached to babies quite easily."
"I heard his last visit with Dia nearly ended in a fight over her." Gall chuckled.
"Yes. We're both rather attached to Dia."
"She is a very sweet girl." Gall agreed. "I was happy to hear her treatment was successful."
"Her chronic colds were an issue for a while," Laney commented, "But the breathing treatments were successful."
"They were, and she is thriving now." Gall said happily.
"Yes, she is," Laney stated.
"When is she visiting again? Will her family be here today?" He asked curiously.
"I'm not sure. I don't know who Frigga invited," Laney replied.
"We will know soon enough. From the little I did see; this is going to be a grand event." Gall told her.
"I'll be happy no matter how grand it is," Laney grinned.
"This is the first royal child born to Asgard since prince Thor. This is a big deal to everyone." Gall explained.
Laney grinned and looked down at her swollen belly. "Star is pretty special."
"Indeed, she is. All of the realms are excited for her arrival." Gall said with a smile.
"I hope with Star being royal, that it does not put unneeded pressure on her as she gets older," Laney commented.
"With the council's new ruling, it won't be an issue darling." Loki said softly, ignoring the curious look Gall gave him.
Laney let out a breath and nodded. "Oh, I forgot about that. I guess it wouldn't matter, would it?" she thought aloud. "I'll be happy with a healthy baby either way."
"Has the council been starting trouble?" Gall finally asked.
"Because of Loki's heritage our council has voided Loki's title," Laney stated.
"They cannot do that! He was raised here from infancy!" Gall said, disgusted by the council.
"Loki has been fighting their decision for some time now. I do not think he will be able to change their mind. I've already told Loki that it's just a title. I will be happy to have his name," she replied.
Gall shook his head. "That is not the point. They are wrong to do this. I know of no other instance where an adopted member of a family was stripped of their title. The only time it can present a problem is if there is a younger blood heir to a throne."
Laney furrowed her brow. "Thor is older than Loki and is his only sibling, even if he's an adopted sibling. Do you think there's something else going on?" she asked.
"That is what I am saying. There should not be any problem at all. Thor is older... has a challenge to the throne been made?" He asked her.
"No," Laney stated. "Not that I know of."
"That makes no sense then. If Loki has not challenged the throne... and he has an older brother who is royal by blood... no, there must be something else." He spoke. "I can appeal to the council..."
"Gall, there's no need to fight for us," Laney said softly, interrupting him. "Loki has been fighting them for a month."
"Someone needs to step up and help." Gall said firmly. "If they are allowed to discriminate like this, their next step could be banishment, and that would likely include your child." He added.
Laney took a deep breath and nodded. "It would seem they do not like that he is Jotun by birth. Although it's now common knowledge that Odin and Thor have frost giants far back in their bloodline."
"They don't have to like it... have they challenged Odin or Thor because of their heritage?" He asked curiously.
"No, they have not as far as I know," Laney said. "Loki, what are your thoughts darling?"
"I don't know. I do know that I am the only one to be challenged so far." Loki told Laney.
"I know Frigga would be upset," Laney commented, "I don't think it's right, what they're doing."
"It's over... I tried my best, and I will have to live with that." Loki sighed.
Laney turned and kissed Loki's cheek. "It's alright Loki. We'll be okay."
Loki nodded. "I still feel like I failed."
"You didn't fail. Don't say that." Laney made him turn and look at her. "You have never failed me Loki."
"You are too kind." Loki said, then leaned in and pecked her lips.
"We will need to go get ready soon." Gall told them.
"Time has flown by," Laney replied as she moved the baby to sit up in her lap.
"Time well spent is always time that ends too quickly." Gall agreed.
Laney nodded in agreement. "Well said. Do you mind taking your little one? I have to use the restroom once more before we go to the hall."
"Of course." Gall said. He stood and picked up Bran, holding him close. "We will look forward to seeing you soon." He said, then his wife also stood, and they left.
"Whew. Loki, could you help me please?" Laney asked.
Loki quickly stood and carefully helped Laney up, and then to the bathroom. "I will be right here when you're done darling."
