Loki paced the hall for a solid twenty minutes before he made any decisions. Nancy had asked him to meet her, specifically, but Loki didn't know what she intended. Last he saw her, she seemed happy. What if he ruined it again? What if he didn't react to her plan the way she intended? Would she leave?

In the end, Loki ventured to the library where she had asked to meet. He would bow to her whim. Just this once. Whatever it was. Loki stopped directly inside the door and perused the visible areas. Not a sign of her. Strange.

"Love?" he called.

No answer met him, not immediately. Loki perused the area again, this time finding only one thing out of place. A single book on the table nearby. His perch, the first time he brought Nancy to this hideaway.

"Loki, my darling!" Nancy called, her voice ringing clear between the shelves and spiraling down from the vaulted ceiling, "Do you love me?"

Loki spun in one perfect circle. So she did exist somewhere in his space? She could be anywhere, the way her voice echoed. Loki considered trying to pinpoint her location, but as long as she was within hearing distance, it didn't matter much. Instead, he answered her question. "Of course I do. Do not be absurd." He might as well play along for now. Perhaps she put the book out.

"You promised me forever." Nancy's voice called, now from a different spot, yet still unseen. "Tell me, how long is 'forever' to an Asgardian?"

"Why do you sound like a repetitive bird?" Loki winced at his own tone. "Apologies. I do not do well with surprises." Having tired of doing nothing, Loki reached out and spun the book until he could read the title.

"Repetitive bird. I'll remember that." Nancy replied flatly, then paused to watch his reaction. After a few moments, when he still hadn't opened the book, Nancy sighed, rolled her eyes, and called, "Well, don't just stare at it. Open it. It's not going to hurt you, dear. It's just a book." She smirked to herself and turned to move to a different spot, where she could see his expressions more clearly. "Read and come find me."

Oh. A game. Loki lifted the book and thumbed through the pages. Nothing he hadn't read before. Midgard's history. Beginning long ago and telling every important tale. Wars, centuries gone by. Leaders and peacemakers and warriors. His name found its way inside many times, even in the recent events. Loki couldn't help a momentary smirk when he thumbed past the tale of his escaping with his beloved.

On the inside cover, Nancy had written:

Forever yours, forever mine
From the Earth to Asgard divine
Soon you will learn and see
You, my dear, belong to me
Read the books,
Remember me
Then come and find your queen to be

Another book sat on a table nearby, the dim candlelight casting strange shadows on its dark blue cover.

Loki sighed softly. How many more books did she prepare? Did she sleep at all? He moved to the next book and flipped it open.

This second book was an encyclopedia of animals. It told of the most important creatures in the Nine Realms, like belgsnipes, and phoenixes, and griffons.

Inside the cover of this one, Nancy had written:

Torture and torments
Trials and pain
Down to hell
And back again
Lover true,
Mistakes were made
But forgiveness is priceless
And given today

Of course she would bring that up. She wasn't a woman to forget or forgive. Loki winced at the painful memories, borne out of his own pain. He never should have done many things, but he couldn't take them back now. Loki moved on before he could dwell on them.

Nancy smiled from her perch above him, watching his reactions. She knew the next book meant the world to him and hoped he wouldn't be angry she wrote in it.

The next book was a book of spells. One of Loki's favorites. She'd seen him read it time and time again, mumbling over the words as wisps of green light played along the ends of his fingers. If he did force her to leave, she'd always cherish that memory, of watching him learn his magic.

On the inside cover of this book, Nancy had written:

Love divided by race and time
Immortality yours and mortality mine
Powerful king gave of himself
Shared of his love and living wealth
Gold melts and crumbles away
But let love last as long as it may

Loki grinned at the words. At least she didn't seem to hold it against him too much. He traced his fingers over the words written there. She understood, at least somewhat. Loki looked up and searched for the next tome.

In a darkened corner of the library, beneath the grand, spiral staircase, a large, golden tome sat sparkling in the candlelight. Once again, Nancy hoped Loki wouldn't be upset she'd written in it. It was one of the most important books in the library, but one she knew he loved.

This next book was a history of the kings and queens of Asgard. It told of the first king, and the reign of Bor. Of Odin's succession to power, and the wonderful deeds of Frigga. Near the end, it told of Loki's first succession to the throne, his unfortunate tumble from the Rainbow Bridge, and his new reign as acting king while Odin slept. Behind these stories, several pages were left blank, ready to record his future acts, and eventually those of his queen.

Inside the cover of this book, Nancy had written:

Forever yours, forever mine
Together till the end of time
Lover, consort, maybe queen
Come and find the one you seek
Up the stairs, out of sight
One last book, the table to the right

At least this time she gave him instructions. Loki shook his head once and turned for the final book. Such an ordeal for... what? What did the woman plan at the end of all this? Wasn't it exhausting for her to set this up? She should take better care of herself. However, curious where she meant to go with this, Loki could only press on.

As Loki made it to the top of the stairs, a golden table spread with a bright, white tablecloth rose into view. Upon the cloth, candles, roses, and all his favorite foods sat ready and waiting for him. And, in the middle of it all, one large tome, thicker and wider than any of the others, stood open for him to read. Upon the cover, the words The Complete Works of William Shakespeare glistened in golden font. This was the book Nancy had given him all those years ago as he sat awaiting his judgement in the cell of Stark Tower. The book she'd given him to soothe his troubled mind.

Inside the cover, Nancy wrote:

Now your journey is over and done
I know these were silly, but I hope you had fun
One last question
More like a plea
Loki, my love
Will you marry me?

As Loki stood there reading the heartfelt words, Nancy stepped out from behind a nearby pillar. Her feet tread silently, the folds of her dress making no noise as she walked. She wanted to give him a chance to consider her proposal before she startled him. He needed time to process what she'd asked.

When she'd finally gathered the courage to face him, Nancy took a breath to calm her frazzled nerves and approached Loki just as silently, the train of her green, lace cape trailing along behind her. She stopped a few feet away from him, knowing he'd sense her presence eventually. When he turned, he would find a goddess worthy of the title of queen. Although her belly was still large and round, it was hidden beneath the folds and swaths of her white, silk dress. Across the breast area, long, green, embroidered tendrils swirled over the fabric, curling over her curves and adding to her splendor. Along the bottom, the tendrils swirled up, wrapping around her legs and sweeping out behind her as she walked. Over everything, tiny golden leaves were stamped throughout, making the tendrils look like the young branches of the Golden Apple tree. To finish the ensemble, Nancy's hair was swept up into a braid down her back, leaving just enough hair down to frame her neck and face. And, intertwined throughout her braid and woven into a floral crown, white and gold apple blossoms speckled her auburn blaze.

Loki blinked once. Twice. What question was this? He couldn't fathom the courage it took or the anxiety she went through to plan out such a thing. Should he say yes to such a question? Should he turn her down so she could return to Midgard? If he took her as his queen, she could never leave. Loki knew better than others the turmoil and strife that came with the throne.

She must have been hiding nearby, because in the time it took Loki to read the poem, he could sense her behind him. Loki smoothed his fingertips over the words again. "Marry you?"

"Yes," Nancy whispered, her voice laced with nerves and fear. She swallowed and stood straighter. "I know I stepped out of place in asking you this, but I can't stand the jealousy I feel over you. Seeing you with Maija, last night…" Nancy trailed off and shook her head, trying to hold back her tears. "I want to be yours, only yours, forever." Her voice broke as a sob choked her throat. "With you as mine."

Nancy looked down again and suddenly felt very self-conscious. What was she doing? Trying to woo him with flowers and poetry… it had all been stupid. A stupid, foolish mistake. What was she thinking? She wasn't a goddess, a queen. Nancy looked down at her dress and blushed intensely. What was she wearing? She looked ridiculous. A cape… really? And flowers in her hair? She looked like a child.

As another sob choked in her throat, Nancy backed away farther. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her tears streaming, "I-if I've offended you…." Her words trailed again as she curled deeper into herself. "Forgive me, Loki."

Sometime during her ramblings, Loki lost his senses. He couldn't stand there and not do anything. Even if it frightened him as much as it frightened Nancy, he couldn't turn away from her.

Leaving an apparition of himself exactly where he had been standing, Loki cloaked himself in invisibility and teleported to Nancy's side. His fingers ghosted down her arms, an unseeable gesture of comfort and reassurance. "Love. You are shaking." Loki reached out his invisible hand from behind her and plucked a flower from her hair. "And there is no need."

Nancy closed her eyes tightly and tilted her face to the floor, refusing to look at the man in front of her: the double, the ghost, whatever he was. She didn't want to see his back to her. The same view she'd had following him down the aisle of people to the throne. His pomp and splendor, hiding his heart and expressions. She would always be the follower, never the leader. Always watching him walk before her.

And yet… his touch ghosted down her arms. He held her close to him, yet remained hidden from view. It was a nasty trick, refusing to turn and acknowledge her, yet making her desire his love and all the more by giving it to her in his invisibility.

"I… I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Nancy gasped out through her tears, leaning into his embrace, "I love you."

Loki bent to press a kiss to her neck. How could he refuse her? After all he put her through? Never again. "And I, you." Loki stepped in front of her, dropping his shield and shattering the apparition at the table. One tear at a time, Loki stroked his thumb over her cheek to clear them. "You really desire this – me – for always?"

Nancy closed her eyes tighter and leaned her face into his hand at the feeling of his soft touch. If only he would reveal himself to her. Why was he hiding? "I've never wanted anything more."

His to cherish. His to keep. Loki could think of nothing better. His fingers found their way over her hair, soothing it, before he tucked his forefinger under her chin and used his thumb to remove the wetness on her cheek. His. Always. Loki's lips stretched into a true smile. "Then you shall have it."

It was now or never. She had to know if the double still stood before her. Where was her Loki?

Nancy slowly opened her eyes and gave a soft gasp as she realized Loki now stood in front of her, fully visible, mere inches from her face. But, wait. He'd said something. What had he said? That she would have her desires. "Really?" Nancy laughed, breathless, as she wrapped her arms around his waist, "Is that a yes? You'll marry me?"

"Of course." Loki pressed his lips to her forehead. "You asked, and I granted your wish." He swept his lips in a barely-there touch against the tip of her nose. Why must she cry so much? Loki's fingers found their way to her face again, to wipe away her tears.

Nancy laughed again and wrapped her arms tighter around him, burying her face in the side of his neck. "I love you, Loki." she whispered against his skin.

How many times must she say it? It might break his resolve. Loki tilted her chin up and bent close. "Then kiss me."

As Nancy embraced her lover, her fiancé, and shared of their mutual love and adoration, she remembered the last time they stood this way. The way he'd appeared behind her in the cell, ghosting his fingers down her arms. His soft command for her to kiss him. But this time… his command was laced with sweetness. His words with love. How far they'd come since that day. He remained faithfully hers… and always would be.

Loki kissed his bride with all the love and passion built up within him. He wanted to hold her closer, but... Loki stifled a sigh. The baby took up too much space. Yet, he didn't want to give up on this moment. An idea began to form. In a flash, Loki teleported both himself and his beloved to their room.

For a brief moment, less than a second, Nancy felt dizzy, as if she would faint. The room shifted around her and the floor disappeared. But the sensation dissipated as soon as it began, leaving her leaning against Loki for support.

When she opened her eyes, they were no longer in the well-lit library, but rather their candle-lit chambers. Nancy laughed at the sudden change in scenery. "I thought dessert was supposed to be after dinner."

"Why can we not have both?" Loki released her with a grin. He turned for the bed, but left all the options up to Nancy. After all, this was her day. Her request. He could be lenient for that.

"Do you really want me?" Nancy raised an eyebrow and gestured to her belly, "Like this?"

Loki grinned wider. "Why not? You are mine, no matter what state you are in." Having reached the edge of the bed, Loki spun to face his bride. "Of course I want you." He sank onto the silken blankets, his hands planted by his sides.

Those words were all she needed to hear. He wanted her.

With a grin, Nancy joined him by the bed and leaned over him, kissing him tenderly. As the kiss intensified, she leaned further. Too far. A spasm shot across her back and into her side, causing her to cry out and stand up straight. With a half-groan, half-growl, Nancy pressed her hand to her side. "This isn't working."

Loki didn't understand the tender smile that lit his own face. "My apologies. I would use my magic, but you seem to fear it."

"Yes, but I love it, too. It frightens me and thrills me all at once." Nancy cast a small smile down upon him. "What did you have in mind, darling?"

"Many things." Loki spread his hands over Nancy's stomach where his child lay. Impulsively, he placed a kiss there, as well. "There is levitation, zero gravity, shape-shifting... and so many others."

Wait, shape-shifting? Levitation and zero gravity she could understand. But…. "Shape-shifting? How would that help?" Nancy raised an eyebrow incredulously.

"Well..." Loki stood and wrapped his arms around Nancy. "I can shape-shift others as well as I can myself."

"It won't hurt the baby, will it?"

All humor left Loki's demeanor. Was that really what she thought of him? "I would never risk our child's well-being. It will only change your shape for a bit."

"Oh. Well, if it won't hurt it..." Nancy fidgeted nervously, considering the idea of complete and total transformation. "I suppose we can try shape-shifting."

Sensing her trepidation, Loki pressed a light kiss to his beloved's lips. "Are you quite sure? There will be fog. What do you wish me to shift you into?"

Nancy blinked at him, her mind completely blank. She had no idea the extent of his abilities or what he even meant by shape-shifting. "I'm not sure. What would you like?"

Loki chuckled. "No, no. it is all your choice."

"Um..." Nancy scuffed the end of her slipper against the ground and glanced around nervously. "You do like… cats… quite a bit. And snakes…." This was ridiculous! Why did she choose shape-shifting of all things?! "You know, that zero-gravity is starting to sound better and better, now that I think about it." Nancy mumbled out, swallowing thickly.

Another laugh slipped past Loki's lips, this time because Nancy still held so much innocence in these areas. "Perhaps I should take control."

"I really would prefer it."

"Mm." What to do? There were so many options, but only one really appealed to Loki. HE lifted a hand and focused his magic on the woman in front of him. Fog swirled and danced around her form. When it receded, there was only Nancy, a bit thinner, with a flat stomach. Her hair hung long and braided, the flowers secured and the dress fitted to her form.

Nancy gasped and clinched her eyes closed as his green fog swirled around her. A few moments later, the air settled, and she opened her eyes again. Was that it? She looked down at her hands to find she still had them. They were a bit thinner now but definitely hers.

She turned then and saw her reflection in the mirror. Her lack of a round belly. Her form-fitted dress. "Where's the baby?" Nancy gripped at her stomach with both hands, fear strangling her, as she glanced frantically to Loki. "I don't understand how this works."

Loki reached forward and tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear. His hands spread over her stomach, a reassurance that he would never harm her or their child. "Still here. You just cannot see it. Like one of Midgard's stacking dolls, this image merely covers the other. The child is safe."

Nancy gave an audible sigh of relief. Deep inside, she knew Loki would never harm their child. Her new appearance merely frightened her for a bit. But all was well now. He promised.

With a smile, Nancy's lips found her fiancé's again.

Loki wrapped one arm securely around her, the other going to her hair. He did love to run his fingers through her long tresses. Bit by bit, he undid her braid, letting petals fall to the ground around them.

The feeling of his fingers in her hair drew her closer and deepened their already passionate kiss. Nancy leaned against him, feeling his strong body braced against her own.

And then another spasm shot across her side, causing Nancy to cry out again and double over in pain. "Are you sure the baby's okay?" Another spasm brought a wince to her face.

Loki pulled back, suddenly very aware that something had gone wrong. Was it his fault? "Yes. I've done nothing to harm it." Bit by bit, Loki roved his eyes over Nancy's form. All seemed well, outwardly. "Are you ill?"

"I... I don't know." Another spasm. Then another. Nancy cried out again and wrapped her arms tightly around her abdomen. She'd felt this pain before, years ago. First on the helicarrier, then after her attack in the cell. "Something's wrong."

As if he needed to be told about that. Loki flicked his wrist, dispelling the image before him. Nancy stood the same as she had in the library, save her half-undone hair and a few missing flowers. "What is it?"

Nancy cried out louder and shrank deeper into herself. As she did, blood dripped down her legs and pooled beneath her on the golden tile. "Loki… the baby… isn't moving."

Another pain ripped across her side, causing Nancy to unleash an agonized scream.

Loki pressed a hand to his bride's stomach. Something had gone terribly wrong. He didn't understand. A glamour shouldn't do such a thing. The baby didn't move, not even an inch. Crimson lifeblood pooled around Loki's boots.

This wasn't the time to wonder what had gone wrong. Only one thing mattered now. Loki didn't waste time thinking. He merely swept Nancy into his arms and held her close. Though he wanted to assure her that everything would be fine, Loki didn't have the concentration for that. He closed his eyes and teleported to the healing rooms.

"Whatever you're doing, this is more important. Attend!" Despite the screams coming from the woman Loki loved, he had no choice but to deposit her on a table and take a step back.