Lynnéa focused as she surveyed the decorated hall before her. The formal banquet hall of Valaskjalf Palace to be exact. It was beautiful – much of it covered in beautiful flowers and greenery. Torches and lanterns were ready to be lit around the massive hall. There was even a fountain. Lynnéa had set flowers on the surface. It looked like a Monat painting.
She blew out her lips. Tomorrow was an important day. The commander of the legions of Alfheim and his wife were visiting Asgard and they were arriving in the morning. Lynnéa and Loki would welcome them, give them a tour of Asgard, then Lynnéa would lunch with Aurelia and give her a tour of the palace grounds. Then in the evening there would be a feast and dancing for the guests from Alfheim.
Before living on Asgard, Lynnéa hadn't hosted an event that was barely one tenth the importance of this one. So she threw herself into making it perfect with all her energy. This was going to directly represent Asgard, Thor, Loki, and herself. Her first time being in charge anything like this she would not mess it up.
Loki walked impatiently through the palace. It was extremely late in the evening, and Lynnéa was no where to be seen anywhere near their chambers. He for one was ready to end the day with his princess. Apparently, she had other ideas.
He entered the banquet hall, determined to fetch his wife. But he was stopped short at the loveliness of the hall. It was like he was in a garden. Trees with lovely flowers lined the perimeter. Decedent vines and blossoms lined the center of the long tables they would dine at. It was an enchanted garden. He smiled. Lynnéa had done this? Not that he was surprised – he knew that she was capable of whatever she wanted. But still.
Then he remembered the time. He spotted Lynnéa, carefully inspecting the set up of one of the dining tables.
Lynnéa leaned down to smell some flowers, and when she stood back up, Loki stood before her.
"Hello, ek verr," She smiled at him.
"Hello," He purred, his eyes peering at her. "My darling, you must know that most of Asgard is asleep. Why don't you come get some rest before tomorrow, hmm?"
"I will soon Loki, I promise," Lynnéa said, adjusting the bouquet before her. "I just have a couple of tiny things to sign off on."
Suddenly a female servant approached them, carrying a small plate.
"The food you asked for, my princess," The girl said as she curtsied to Lynnéa.
"Thank you," Lynnéa said graciously. She took the plate. "And could you do me a favor and please make sure that the kitchens have all three wines ready for tomorrow evening – the Vorluencé, Zamanthé, and the Dhisoné. A sweet, semi-sweet, and dry so that everyone's tastes will be met."
"Of course, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Nadjä," Lynnéa nodded her head to dismiss the girl, smiling warmly at her.
Loki pressed his lips together. On the one hand, he could hardly contain his pride he held for her. She was blooming before his eyes as Asgard's princess. She would never say it, but Loki knew that she was clearly meant for this role. Regal without being vain. Decisive without being demanding. Confident without being arrogant. Compassionate. All the things he'd never been most of his life.
But she had been seeing to many things the last several days, hardly taking a break.
Lynnéa gave a little moan of satisfaction as she took a bite of the food. Loki's eyes briefly widened.
"You're still sampling food? The feast is tomorrow."
She stopped, swallowed the bite in her mouth and turned to her husband.
If looks could kill – well he'd at least be gravely injured. A glare like the one he was receiving now was rare. He stood firm as she was about to let him have it.
"Really, Loki? Thank you for reminding me. I'd forgotten," She gestured around her. "And this is my midnight snack, thank you very much."
If he showed it, she'd become ten times more upset than she was now, but he was enjoying this – seeing a very different side of his wife. She was putting him in his place. It was a struggle, but he kept his expression even.
"I was not trained on how to prepare for diplomatic events. Forgive me if I'm insisting on making sure everything is perfect. So if you're not going to help, then please leave."
"Darling, everything will be perfect," Loki put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm telling the complete truth when I say that I believe that nothing will go wrong, no detail will have been missed because you were in charge. How many wines did you sample for tomorrow night? How much food did you taste, how many desserts? How many flowers did you consider? The music, the way the tables are arranged, everything." He sighed, Lynnéa was starting to calm. "And how much time did you take just to learn everything you could about Alfheim, hmm?"
Lynnéa looked at the marble floor, then back up her husband with his beautiful, calming, and reassuring eyes.
"Everything is set," Loki said. "Now you will come to bed. I can see how tired you are and you will need your energy for tomorrow."
"Very well," Lynnéa conceded to her kings command.
Suddenly her hands were empty as her plate vanished. She looked up, and Loki was just smiling.
"Come on, my sweet," He put an arm around her, and they walked to their chambers together.
The next morning after they had broke their fast together, Loki and Lynnéa stood together on the steps of the palace entrance. Lynnéa wore a lovely dress of light blue paired with a gold circlet that adorned her head. Loki looked noble as well, with a cape that went nearly to the floor. His leather attire – dark blue with green detail - however was also casual compared to the formal armor he would be wearing tonight.
"My good Ástvald," Loki said to the Light Elf commander as his wife and their party behind them neared them on the steps. Loki and Ástvald shook hands. "You are most welcome in Asgard. May I introduce my wife, Princess Lynnéa."
Lynnéa smiled at each of them.
"And this is my wife, Aurelia," Ástvald look down at his wife.
"We hope you enjoy your stay in Asgard," Lynnéa said. "Consider yourselves at home in the palace, my lord and lady."
She kept her smile even, but it was hard not to marvel at their beauty. Their skin was so fair that on earth they might have been considered albino. They had angular, sculpted features, pale eyes, and pointed ears. Both had straight silver hair. Ástvald's went a bit past his shoulders, while Aurelia's went down to her waist. She was an angel made flesh.
Lynnéa enjoyed herself all day hosting their guests with Loki. But then it was time to change for the banquet.
She stood before the mirror, amazed. She never imagined wearing so grand a gown in her life. It was certainly the most luxurious one she'd worn since marrying Loki. And her glittering crown sat nestled in her brown curls.
She was humbled.
Loki then approached her, majestic in his formal wear. He stopped and stared at his wife. He swallowed, having mixed emotions at seeing seeing his perfect wife in her finest regalia.
Lynnéa turned see Loki and was a immediately a tad concerned. He looked….startled? She went up to him.
"Loki, ek verr," She took his hands. "What is it, what's wrong?"
He took a few breaths, looking into her eyes then at her gown. He cleared his throat, finding the words.
"My mother wore a gold gown like this once," He caressed her hands. His voice was so different than his usual confidence and playfulness. He sounded sad. "You look just as beautiful as she did. She put her hand in mine as I escorted her into the hall. How I took her for granted – failed her." He bowed his head in shame.
Lynnéa took his head in her heads, urging him to look at her. His eyes were so pained at the memory of his mother. It broke her heart.
"Loki, no," Her thumbs stroked his cheek. "She lives on through you," She took a deep breath, feeling emotional at what she was about to say. "I know her, because I know you."
Loki's brow came together, shocked at the words. He brought a hand up to grasp hers for comfort. He closed his eyes.
"It's true," Lynnéa promised. "Whatever happened in the past, do you think you're failing her right now? Would she want you feeling that way forever?"
He opened his eyes, looking into hers. He sighed.
"She wouldn't," He whispered.
"No, my love," Lynnéa whispered back. "She would be proud of the man you are." She smiled at him.
Loki only grabbed her, holding her tightly to him as he buried his face into her hair.
Lynnéa knew he missed Frigga every day.
"Thank you," He sighed against her.
She closed her eyes as she held him, turning her head slightly to kiss his neck, conveying all her love and comfort through her lips against his skin.
"Whenever you decide the time is right Loki I'd like to know more about her," Lynnéa said. She grieved for the mother-in-law that she was so grateful for but would never meet and bond with.
Loki pulled back, smiling as he stroked Lynnéa's neck.
"I would be happy to tell you all about her," He said. "She would've been thrilled to have you as a daughter."
Lynnéa sighed, overwhelmed at the words.
"Don't you dare make me emotional, my king, or we will be late. And you can't convince me that your mother wouldn't chide you for that."
Loki laughed. Lynnéa was glad to hear that sound.
"That she would, dearest," He held her hand as they left their chambers together, making their way to their guests. "But she could never stay cross with me for long," Lynnéa looked up at him to see him showing her a smug smile. Her brow shot up, curious.
"I was her favorite," He smiled.
Lynnéa laughed. Evidence of their close bond was indeed clear. Every magical ability that Loki could wield was directly taught to him by his mother. And whatever Loki thought he took for granted it was not that.
Soon, Loki and Lynnéa were seated at the head table. Ástvald sat by Loki, and Aurelia sat by Lynnéa. Lynnéa breathed out. Though it would be brief, she was about to do her first public speaking as Asgard's princess – welcoming their guests to the court and signaling the start the feast.
Loki squeezed her hand encouragingly. She smiled at him. She stood, and every murmur went quiet and everyone looked at her.
"On behalf of your liege lord King Loki and myself, I want to thank you all for being here tonight to welcome our guests. I have not been your princess for long nor was I born here, but Asgard has become my true home. However, we have a responsibility to kindle the flame of friendship at every possible opportunity for the good of the Nine Realms. Lord Ástvald, Lady Aurelia of Alfheim, thank you for your friendship. You have Asgard's protection. But before you enjoy the delicacies tonight let us all raise a toast."
After Loki toasted to Ástvald and everyone was still doing so, he grasped Lynnea's hand and kissed it.
"You are marvelous, my princess, and you are all mine," He whispered in her ear.
She blushed furiously, smiling at her husband.
"I am yours, and you are mine."
For much of the evening, Loki was happy to sit and observe. The object of his gaze? Lynnéa. She was a butterfly, fluttering about, talking with many. Loki was happy to sit back and let her have the spotlight she so deserved. But he had to do one thing.
He went up to her as she conversed with a Light Elf from Ástvald and Aurelia's party, and he cleared his throat politely. Lynnéa turned, smiling when she met Loki's gaze. She bowed her head.
"My king."
"I beg your pardon," Loki said to Lynnéa, then he looked to the elf, apologizing for interrupting the conversation. He turned back to Lynnéa and held out his hand out to her. "May I have this dance?"
"You may," She slipped her hand in his, and let him lead her away.
Loki bowed at the waist, watching Lynnéa sink into a perfect curtsy. Then finally she was in his arms. He held one of her hands and held her waist as he brought her as close to him as he could get her. Their eyes bored into each other's, having been apart for much of the evening.
"Lynnéa, it doesn't seem possible but it's true, I fall for you more every day," He rested his forehead to hers.
"It is the same for me, Loki," She murmured, her hand smoothing from his shoulder to the back of his neck, his black hair brushing her fingers.
Lynnéa relaxed as Loki began to confidently lead her through the song. Who would have guessed that the god of mischief was a wonderful dance partner. She could let go completely as Loki focused on her completely, and yet was completely aware of the space around them as well. He knew right where to take them. Where he stepped, he brought her with him. He raised his arm, and she spun under it. His arms trapped her against him, her back to his chest. He smiled as he pushed her away from him, never letting her hand go. Lynnéa's gown flowed like water around her as she twirled. They both grinned as the space between them became larger, then Loki pulled her back to him, letting her spin as did so.
"Everyone is watching us," Lynnéa whispered.
"I only see you, ek elska," He held her tight as he moved them. "But I'm not surprised – you are the most beautiful thing in Asgard. I suppose my dashing good looks don't hurt either."
Lynnéa laughed. And when she did that Loki could never help but join in.
He lifted her up into the air, and everyone around them melted away again. She surely was in a dream or a fantasy. She wanted to do this all night with her king. But the song did reach it's ending, Loki holding her securely as he lowered her into a dip. Lynnéa turned her head, letting her arm gracefully stretch out towards the floor.
Everyone clapped as Loki leaned down to kiss his goddess.
"Tired sweetheart?" Loki asked Lynnéa as they came up to their chamber doors.
"Yes, but pleasantly so," She assured him.
After they made love, Loki held her to his chest.
"You've made me so proud, my princess," He kissed her forehead as her closed. "Now sleep – my arms will be around you until you awaken in the morning."
Lynnéa gave a little moan of contentment, her fingers giving one last squeeze to his shoulder before she fell under.
