Author's Note: Welcome back everyone, and a warm welcome to all the new followers of the story! This is the longest chapter I have ever posted, I mean it is not even close. Sorry it is so long, I just really really really didn't want to split it up! Because it is so long I probably won't be posting another one on Tuesday as I had planned. If that makes you sad, then I suggest reading half of the chapter now and the other half on Tuesday since it is most certainly long enough to be split into two chapters. It is rated 'M' for sexual content. I am sorry if it drags or seems really bogged down with detail, I had it entirely written and then decided to overhaul a huge chunk of it this morning before posting… yes, this chapter could be a total mess. You will also have to do some hopping between Sigyn and Loki's points of view. I am sorry about that, if you haven't noticed I try to avoid doing that when possible. Reteka Hyuuga I feel pretty bad for Loki too. Poor guy just wants to get married without all of the fuss, who can blame him? Hallsteinn is a mature adult, surely he won't fly off the handle and kill Loki… surely. Molly Thank you for your lovely review. I am thrilled that you have been able to emotionally invest in my story, there is truly no higher compliment that you can pay an author than that. I do fully intend to finish it out, and I hope you continue to enjoy the ride.


The day of the Royal wedding arrived and Loki and Sigyn both found themselves awake with the sun. Neither could really sleep with wedding nerves prying at their minds. Loki sat on his bed to read seeing as the rest of the furniture from his chambers had already been moved to he and Sigyn's new living quarters. There wasn't really much of anything left in his room. Simply his bed, which would be staying in these chambers, and his wedding garments. He glanced up every so often to look at the armor and helm as if for the first time. In a few hours his attendants would be there to retrieve him, and only then would it really sink in that he would be getting married today. He finally placed his book on the bed and went to examine his wedding attire. He couldn't help but think that the green and gold was quite striking as he fingered his emerald cape. It was a heavy outfit, he knew that from hours of standing in it while having it tailored, and it would be all the more heavier when he added the helm to it.

The helm.

Loki took it carefully from where it sat and inspected it. In all seriousness, the design made no sense. It was large, heavy, and hardly inconspicuous making it extremely ill-suited to wear in battle, and it looked simply silly. He had begged his mother not to make him wear it, but to no avail…

"Mother, there is really no need to come to the armory with me." Loki pointed out.

"Yes, there is. If I hadn't insisted on going you would have put it off till the day of the ceremony!"

"Would that have been a problem?"

"I am not even going to grace such a silly question with an answer." Frigga replied.

"I thought father was supposed to be the one to give me the speech on our family's glorious ancestry." Loki commented.

"He is, and he will be meeting us in the armory."

They walked the rest of the short distance in silence. The Royal Armory was a fairly impressive sight, even to him. How many times had he and Thor snuck in here growing up? Too many times to count. Odin was already waiting for them when they walked through the doors.

"You certainly took your time." Odin remarked to his wife.

"We would have arrived sooner if someone hadn't still been asleep when I went to fetch him." Frigga remarked, throwing a scolding look Loki's way.

Loki didn't physically roll his eyes, but his parents could tell he was mentally rolling them.

"Well it is time to pick out your sword." Odin remarked, stating the obvious in Loki's opinion.

Why else would he be standing here in the armory?

"The choice is entirely up to you. Neither your mother nor I will assist you in your decision."

Loki gave an understanding nod, and began to look around the room. He knew his ancestry well enough. Between his mother's stories growing up and his own research in the library Loki was fairly certain he would be able to pick out an appropriate sword for the ceremony. He wanted something that was old, but not so old that it was in less than good condition. He also didn't think the sword should be too bulky since it was merely ceremonial. He wasn't sure how large Sigyn's eldest nephew was, but he didn't want to run the risk of choosing something too large for the boy to handle. It would end up being the boy's job to hold it after Sigyn exchanged swords with him and they took their vows to one another. Loki's gaze looked for the sword that his great-great uncle had carried, knowing that it would fit the parameters he had set. It didn't take long to find, and Loki pulled it from its resting place. He unsheathed the blade to inspect it and was pleased with what he saw. This was the one, so he took it and went to stand in front of his parents.

"You've made your choice?" Odin queried.

"I have." Loki affirmed.

Odin then set about giving a lecture on the history of the Royal Family and its importance to Asgard… so basically everything he had already been told while growing up. The spiel complete, it was time to pick out Loki's helm. Of course given his soon to be house colors, there was only one option. The ridiculous helmet fit well enough, but was a pain to balance. Simply walking around in it was going to take practice.

"It looks nice." Frigga remarked after Odin had left.

Loki sent his mother a withering look.

"I think outlandish is the word you were looking for."

"All of the Royal helms are somewhat outlandish, darling."

"I am fairly certain this is the worst of them all."

"Don't be so dramatic Loki, it is not that bad."

"I look like a goat mother… A goat!"

"It certainly has goat-like qualities…"

"It has horns, mother."

"Almost all of them have horns."

"It is going to take me a week merely to learn how to walk with it on."

"Then you best start practicing now." Frigga recommended.

"Is it really necessary that I wear it?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so, its…"

"Tradition." Loki interjected in a defeated tone. "Are there any more traditions that are going to utterly humiliate me that I should know about?"

"This is not going to utterly humiliate you."

"That is simple enough for you to say, you aren't the one who will be wearing horns on their wedding day."

Frigga patted Loki's cheek in a consolatory manner before leaving him alone to pout. He took a few turns about the room to determine how best to walk without falling over before heading back to his chambers. He placed the helm and sword on his desk next to the small box that held Sigyn's crown. He opened the lid and looked down at the tiara with pride. He was more than happy with the outcome of his design and he couldn't wait to see the look on Sigyn's face when he crowned her with it. No one, aside from the goldsmith, had seen it yet, and Loki secretly hoped that the beauty of her headpiece would distract from the stupidity of his.

He placed the helm back where it had been resting and went to lean against the railing of his balcony. A few of the palace servants could be seen running to and fro, and Loki marveled for a moment how they always managed to stay out of sight during the day while the Royal Family roamed freely. He knew they had their own tunnels and corridors that were hidden throughout the palace since he had used them to escape getting in trouble plenty of times while growing up, but it never ceased to amaze him how such a large number of people could practically go without being seen. He was fairly certain none of them noticed him standing there, for who would think that the groom-to-be would be anywhere but snugly in his bed at such an early hour on the morning of his wedding. He considered sneaking out of the palace using the servant's hidden corridors to go and see Sigyn one last time before the ceremony, a thought that would have earned a strong reprimand from his mother, but the thought was disrupted by the voice of his father.

"I too found it difficult to sleep the morning I married your mother." Odin remarked before coming to stand next to Loki on the balcony.

"Fear or excitement?" Loki inquired.

"It was a little of both, and you? Which causes you to be an early riser?"

Loki watched the sun begin to creep up over the city.

"Both, I think."

"There is no shame in those emotions. I dare say that if you were to ask Sigyn's father, brother, or brother-in-law they would all admit to feeling the same things on their wedding day." Odin pointed out.

"Why would I be ashamed of them?"

"Because you often are ashamed of your feelings. You always hide them behind a facade of stoicism save when Sigyn is involved. You have had a different sort of openness around her from the very beginning." His father noted.

"I would not say you are one to be open with your feelings." Loki pointed out.

"I do not close off my feelings from those around me, I have simply learned to control them. There was a time when I was much more similar to your brother in the displaying of my emotions."

"Perhaps I have simply learned to control mine." Loki countered.

"Perhaps, but I do not believe that to be the case. You take pride in your ability to deceive, a fact that you do not hide from the outside world. It would only make sense for you to know how to hide your feelings from others. I cannot say for certain if that is a healthy thing to do, but I do know that you should not hide your feelings out of shame." The AllFather advised.

"I shall try to keep that in mind." Loki responded, not entirely surprised by his father's perceptiveness.

Odin looked as if there was more he wished to say, something that Loki couldn't quite guess at. His father gazed at him with a look of thoughtfulness that transformed first to resolve and then…fear? What could the AllFather possibly fear to tell him? All of those emotions passed as quickly as they came, and Odin grinned.

"You should try to rest a bit more, Loki. You have a rather long day ahead of you." He determined while placing his hand awkwardly on Loki's shoulder.

Awkward.

The perfect description of their relationship in Loki's opinion. Odin left the balcony and his room without another word, and Loki watched him leave silently. There had most certainly been fear, or at the very least anxiety, in his father's look. It seemed so unlike Odin, but Loki let it pass from his mind. His father was right, he needed to at least attempt to get a little more rest.

Sigyn sat by her window, her chin resting on the window frame.

Was Loki awake?

It was difficult for her to say, he had such strange sleeping patterns. Sometimes he wouldn't rise till noon, and other times he was up long before the sun. She knew it often depended on what sort of mission he was on for the War Council, but this morning was different. This was his last morning as a bachelor. Did that scare him, or did it excite him? She hoped the latter, but she would be stunned if there wasn't a little fear as well. She certainly knew that she felt both. This was a day that at one point she thought had been lost to her, yet here she was. How many women were lucky enough to receive a second chance at happiness? Surely that number could be counted on one hand.

A soft knock broke her reverie, and she beckoned the knocker in. Sigyn expected to see her mother open the door, but was greeted by her father.

"You should still be sleeping, Sigyn."

"As should you." She returned.

"I have always been an early riser, the warrior in me I suppose. You, however, are getting married today."

"Which is why I can't sleep. I am far too excited to close my eyes."

"I see, well your mother is too excited to sleep either. I left her in our chambers combing her hair for the hundredth time this morning. I worried about her when she did the same thing before Arnora's wedding, but three weddings later I have simply come to expect it."

"I am surprised mother isn't the one in here coming to speak with me." Sigyn noted.

"I didn't actually come here to speak with you, I expected you to still be asleep." Her father pointed out.

Sigyn quirked her eyebrow curiously.

"Then why did you come here if you didn't expect to find me awake?"

"Because I always come and check on you when I wake." Halldor explained.

"You do?"

"Yes, I have always checked on my children while they lived in my household to make sure they made it through the night."

"Every day for all of these years?"

"Every day for all of these years."

"I never knew that."

"How could you have known? You were always sound asleep when I peaked in. Hallsteinn and Halli were the only two who ever knew since they had to be up just as early as I was when they took up their places as warriors."

Sigyn smiled at her father before looking out her window again.

"Do you think Loki is nervous?" She inquired.

"It is difficult for me to say. I think most men are on their wedding day, but Prince Loki is not like most Asgardian men." Her father answered.

Sigyn sat staring quietly out her window for a bit longer before her father spoke up again.

"Today is a big day Sigyn, you really should try and sleep a little more."

Sigyn looked over to her father, who was sitting on her couch, with a small-embarrassed smile.

"Will you hold me like you used to?" She asked.

Halldor smiled at his youngest and placed a pillow on his lap. Sigyn went and curled up on the couch next to him and he stroked her hair.

"It is difficult to believe that the last of my children has finally grown up." He mused aloud as Sigyn drifted off to sleep.

The morning finally dawned, bringing Sigyn and Loki's attendants to them. The morning's schedule consisted of ritual bathing, dressing, and then waiting for the ceremony to begin.

The waiting was the most difficult part in Loki's opinion. He stood out on the balcony overlooking the city, and let the atmosphere of anticipation wash over him. The entire kingdom was alive with excitement for the big event, and Loki couldn't help but feel a little strange about being the center of attention. That had always been Thor's place, not his. It wasn't that he disliked the attention, he found it to be rather exhilarating, but it was still odd. It also seemed odd that Thor wasn't there with him. What he would give for the presence of his big brother to help calm his nerves. Heck, he would take Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun as companions if it meant that he could escape Hallsteinn's penetrating gaze. To his credit, Hallsteinn had not said or done anything to cause Loki to be nervous, but Loki knew that Sigyn's brother was watching him closely all the same. Lord Halldor was a surprisingly calm influence, most likely since he was fairly practiced at this whole wedding thing, and Markus was extremely pleasant. Odin had been with them earlier in the morning, but had been forced to leave so he could prepare for the ceremony. Overall Loki couldn't complain about his attendants, but he still would have rathered Thor be there.

He also secretly wished that he would be allowed to at least speak to Sigyn before the ceremony, but he knew that was an impossible wish. He was watched over at all times by his attendants so there would be no way for him to sneak off to her. He knew Sigyn would be in the same position, and he wondered if it was as difficult for her as it was for him. Unable to stay in the same spot for very long, Loki went to inspect his reflection in the mirror. The gold of his new ceremonial armor shone brightly and, all things considered, he looked fairly dashing. Even the helm wasn't as terrible as he thought it would be. Loki adjusted a piece of his armor that felt a bit out of place before going to take a seat. It wouldn't be long before a servant came to fetch him and his attendants, and he just hoped the remaining time till the ceremony passed quickly.

At her own home, Sigyn and her attendants were trying to finish her last few preparations. They assisted her in slipping on her golden heels so she could admire the full effect of her gown in the mirror. The emerald-green dress was a stunning backless gown with a manageable train. The gold ornaments that adorned it caught the light well, and Sigyn hoped that the sun's reflection off of them wouldn't accidentally blind anyone watching the ceremony. Frigga, Frida, and her mother all three fluttered about her commenting on what a beautiful bride she made, but the only person she could think about was Loki.

Would he like her dress?

What was he wearing?

Would he approve of the sword she had chosen for him?

Once her mother had finished arranging her hair and placing her maiden's coronet on her, Sigyn picked up the sword from the table where it lay. Her nephew would be the one to carry it out, and would be arriving soon to retrieve it. She pulled the blade out of its sheath to study it.

"You can't make a sword out of gold." Hallsetinn protested. "It isn't practical. Gold is a soft metal that couldn't withstand a weak blow, let alone a battle."

Sigyn rubbed her temple in frustration. This is what she got for asking her warrior brother to accompany her to the smithy to order Loki's sword.

"It doesn't need to withstand a blow Hallsteinn, it just has to look pretty. It is ceremonial, remember?"

"That doesn't mean it can't be practical as well. What if Loki had to use it in a pinch and it broke?"

"Then he would die and you would be a happy man." Sigyn replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.

She had been busy wedding planning the last week and a half, and she was in no mood for Hallsteinn's conjecture.

"I would not be happy to see you a widow." Hallsteinn defended.

"But you would be happy to see Loki dead." She remarked.

"Now be fair Sigyn. I don't wish to see the Prince dead, and if you recall I didn't attempt to block his suit even though I could have."

"I know Hallsteinn… I just really don't need this right now."

"Wedding planning wearing you out?" He asked knowingly.

"Yes, and I'm not even doing most of it."

"It will be over soon enough." Hallsteinn encouraged.

"Thank goodness for that, now back to the sword. It has to be gold, that is the color I chose for us."

"And his color?"

"Green."

"Very well… a gold-plated sword with a green handle on the hilt. The sheath should also be green with the accents being gold. Satisfied?"

"Satisfied." Sigyn replied gratefully.

Gold.

Gold-plated.

She didn't really care, so if gold-plated made her brother feel better, then gold-plated it was.

"Have you thought about the shape and size of it?" Hallsteinn inquired.

"Sleek? Big?"

Hallsteinn let out a laugh.

"Thank you for the specificity."

"I don't know much about swords… daggers? Yes. Swords? No."

Hallsteinn walked her around the smithies and pointed out different styles and sizes of swords. She had him handle a few of them for her so she could get a better idea of what might be suitable for Loki. After seeing Hallsteinn hold a few, Sigyn made her choice and placed the order. It would be completed a couple of days before the ceremony, and Sigyn crossed her fingers that it would be suitable for the occasion.

The sword felt weighty in her hands, and she hoped that it wouldn't give her nephew too much trouble to carry. Her fears were alleviated however, when he came for the sword and didn't seem to have any trouble carrying it.

"It's almost time for the ceremony to begin." Signy noted after Aldís and her son left.

"They should be going to retrieve Loki about now." Frigga added.

Sigyn smiled towards the elder women before meandering over to the window, where Frida promptly joined her.

"I wish Siggy could be here, I could use a distraction right about now." Sigyn remarked.

"She will be at the ceremony." Frida assured.

"Do you think Hallsteinn has managed not to murder my soon to be husband?" Sigyn asked softly with a playful smile.

"I'm sure he has managed not to murder him, but I cannot promise that he hasn't maimed him." Frida teased.

"Do you think Loki is starting to grow on him at all?"

"It is tough to say with Hallsteinn. I'm not sure what Loki said during the contract negotiation, but Markus seemed to be pretty impressed with him."

"Markus is much more forgiving than Hallsteinn though."

"True, but father seemed equally as impressed."

Sigyn sighed, and Frida grabbed her hand.

"Today is your wedding day, Sigyn. It doesn't matter if Hallsteinn loves Loki or not as long as you do."

Frida gave Sigyn's hand a reassuring squeeze, but a knock on the door stopped Sigyn from responding. Signy called for the knocker to enter and one of the older servants opened the door.

"It is time." She informed the women with a smile.

The four ladies nodded their thanks and the servant left. Signy, Frida, and Frigga left the room first, giving Sigyn one final moment alone in her chambers. They seemed rather bare without her personal effects that had already been moved to the palace. Her bed, couch, and a couple of chairs were the only things left in the room. This was it; she was leaving her childhood behind. She stepped over the threshold of her chambers and into the hall. She looked over her shoulder one last time, allowing the memories of everything she had ever done in that room wash over her before shutting the door. Her mother, sister, and the Queen were all waiting for her in the stables when she arrived. They first assisted Sigyn into her carriage before climbing into their own. The shades of the carriage were all lowered so that no one would be able to see her before the ceremony. Sigyn could hear the other coach leave the stable, and she sat quietly by herself. Her driver waited five or ten minutes after the departure of her attendants before pulling out of the stables in order to give Signy, Frida, and Frigga time to take their places before her arrival. Sigyn's stomach began to flutter as she drew closer to the wedding site. The carriage finally came to a stop, but Sigyn didn't exit. She had been instructed to wait for the driver to give her the signal that all was ready for her. She could hear the excited murmurs of the crowd, and she held her breath nervously. She wasn't sure how many people were expected to attend the wedding, but judging by the amount of noise she was hearing, she guessed that a large portion of the kingdom had turned up. There was a rap on the door of her carriage signaling that it was about to be opened, and Sigyn collected herself.

The big moment had finally come.

The door was pulled open and Sigyn could feel hundreds of eyes turn their sights on her. The driver assisted her from the carriage, and her nephew was smiling up at her, sword in hand. Sigyn smiled at the driver in thanks, and sent a warm smile to her nephew as well before looking down the long walkway. At the end stood Odin and Loki, waiting for her to make her way to them. Her nephew began walking first, and Sigyn fell into step behind him. The number of guests was staggering. The nobility all wore the colors of their houses while the rest of Asgard wore bright colors to celebrate the happy occasion, but amidst all of them there was only one person who received her attention.

Loki.

He looked so handsome in his ceremonial armor with his emerald cape blowing in the breeze, and… what in the Nine Realms was on his head? A giggle tried to escape her, but Sigyn smothered it down. This was a serious event she had to remain regal. There would be time to giggle later.

Loki didn't miss the amused glint in Sigyn's eye as she drew nearer, and he had no doubt as to what had her so tickled. He knew he was going to get more than a little teasing over his helm later on. Loki held out his hand to Sigyn when she reached the elevated platform where he and his father stood. She placed her dainty hand in his and stepped up to stand across from him.

She was stunning, but this came as no shock to Loki since she always looked stunning in his eyes.

The crowd seemed rather quiet, and Loki assumed that either Sigyn had astounded everyone in attendance into silence with her beautiful appearance or Loki's mind had just tuned everything out except for her. The AllFather began to speak and the ceremony progressed. Loki first took his sword from Lord Halldor and held it out to Sigyn. He declared that it symbolized his past, which he now entrusted to her, and that in her acceptance of it she was now a part of his family's legacy. Sigyn took the sword from his hands, and turned to trade it with the one her nephew held. Sigyn then offered her golden sword to Loki, asserting that with it she acknowledged both the break from her family to create a new one with him and the transferral of the role of protector from her father to him. Loki took the sword from her outstretched hands and placed the point on the ground between them while holding the top of the hilt with his left hand covering his right. Sigyn turned back to her nephew who handed her a gold band, which she was to place on his finger. Loki could feel her hands shake ever so slightly as she slid the band onto his left hand. She then took the hilt of the sword in the same fashion he had, and he turned to Lord Halldor who handed him Sigyn's ring. The small gold band was so petite in Loki's hands, and he felt exceedingly clumsy with his much larger fingers as he slid it on her. Loki then placed his hands on top of Sigyn's, and he could feel the last of his nerves melt away.

Odin directed them to kiss, and neither Sigyn nor Loki hesitated to follow the order. Sigyn wanted to wrap her arms around Loki's shoulders, but was forced to keep her hands firmly on the hilt of the sword. The kiss, though picturesque, was not nearly enough to satisfy Sigyn. Those in attendance seemed to find it pleasing however, since the entire crowd burst into applause and cheers. Sigyn pulled back from Loki slightly, but he managed to steal another small kiss before she could pull back completely. The Asgardian's in attendance continued to cheer happily as Sigyn looked up into her husband's eyes.

Her husband, now that had a very nice sound to it.

Odin was finally forced to knock Gungnir against the ground to silence the crowd. As beautiful as the ceremony had been so far, it wasn't over quite yet. Loki handed off his new sword to Sigyn's father and turned back to Sigyn with a mischievous grin. That is when she realized that he didn't have the crown. Sigyn began to panic inwardly. Had he forgotten about it? Surely Frigga wouldn't have let him forget about it! The twinkle in Loki's green eyes kept her from panicking too much, but it certainly didn't settle her uneasiness. He removed her maiden's coronet and with a wave of his hands it was gone. There were a few gasps from the crowd at the coronet's disappearance, and there were several more when, with another wave of his hands, a golden tiara inlaid with emeralds materialized. Sigyn stared at the small crown in wonder. It was absolutely beautiful. Sigyn went to her knees before her husband and bowed her head as she had been instructed to do. She felt the crown being placed on her head but didn't look up till Loki's hand rested on her cheek and tilted her face up to look at him. With his other hand he assisted Sigyn in standing, and once she had regained her feet he leaned down and kissed her again. This time there was nothing stopping her from capturing him with her arms, and Loki took the opportunity to take her in his as well. The crowd broke out into shouts once more, and Sigyn and Loki finally looked out to them in acknowledgement. Loki led her back down the aisle that Sigyn had come down initially, and assisted her into a waiting carriage. The door was shut behind him, and as soon as they were hidden away from the view of everyone Loki pulled Sigyn in to kiss her passionately. They couldn't consummate the marriage yet, but they could at least enjoy this brief moment alone before the feast began.

As the carriage made its way back to the palace Sigyn turned so that Loki could admire her exposed back, and he brushed her skin with his fingertips.

"You look gorgeous." He whispered in admiration.

He traced her spine with his finger making it impossible for Sigyn to reply. His fingers teased their way down to her lower back, and he went straight to the one spot that he knew she found to be particularly ticklish. She tried to jump back from his touch, but he placed his hand on her lower abdomen to prevent her escape. He pinned her to him and she allowed her head to fall back on his shoulder. Her cheek rested against part of his helm, and the cool metal felt soothing against her flushed face. Loki ruthlessly teased the sensitive flesh that was uncovered before him, sniggering at Sigyn's sad attempts to escape him. She could hardly breathe she was laughing so violently.

"Loki! Sto…stop it! The driver…is… going to think… that you… are up to some… something more devious than…tickiling me!" Sigyn protested between her titters.

"I have no problem with that." Loki stated as he continued to tickle her mercilessly.

She didn't manage to get out another coherent sentence till he finally allowed her a moments reprieve from his sweet torture.

"They can't see us like this when they open the door." Sigyn commented.

"Theoretically they could, but never fear, we won't let them." He promised, releasing her from his hold.

She slid a little over on the seat and grabbed Loki's left hand with hers, allowing her breathing to return to normal. They both looked down at their intertwined fingers to regard the gold band on Loki's hand.

"We're married." Sigyn stated in awe.

"We are." Loki confirmed.

The carriage came to a stop and a palace servant opened the door so that both Sigyn and Loki could get out. They were then led to the Great Hall where they welcomed their guests till the feast began. The guests all agreed that while not much about the younger Prince of Asgard was known, aside from his more reserved and devious nature, he adored his bride. He didn't merely stand beside her formally and impassively as he might have if the marriage had been simply one of convenience, but he held her around the waist placing light kisses on her temple when he thought no one would catch him. Sigyn's affection for her new husband was no less obvious to those present. Each stolen glance and smile radiated love, and it caused the all ready glowing bride to shine even brighter. The court was a buzz as the newly weds received their guests with how a happier and more in love couple had not been seen since Frigga and Odin themselves. After greeting the last of the guests, Loki and Sigyn went to take their seats at Odin's right hand side and the feast began. After the first several courses were finished there was a pause in the eating so that those present could make room for dessert. It was during this pause that Odin rose from his seat to speak to and about the newly wed couple. As per tradition, he offered advice on what it took to make a marriage successful, and offered his congratulations. Lord Halldor did the same, and then the floor was open to anyone else who wished to speak, and not surprisingly Thor was the first to stand.

With his ever-effusive enthusiasm, Thor shared stories of he and Loki's childhood, deeds in battle, and his own first disastrous dance with Sigyn. The fond reminiscing brought smiles, "ooohs," and extreme amounts of laughter from those gathered. Sigyn could sense Loki's slight embarrassment at the first stories, but he seemed to enjoy hearing Thor talk of Sigyn slapping him on the dance floor just as much as he had enjoyed watching it. Thor concluded his little speech with a hearty congratulations to the couple, which they accepted with a smile and nod of their heads. Markus and Fandral also spoke, the latter mainly to take credit for bringing Loki and Sigyn together. After Fandral had finished embellishing his part in Loki and Sigyn's love story, Hallsteinn rose from his seat. Sigyn, unsure of what her brother might say, bit her lip, and Loki held his breath.

"We have already had the chance to hear Prince Loki's elder brother speak, so I feel as though it is my turn now to speak to my little sister." Hallsteinn began. "Sigyn, I was well on my way to becoming a young man when our parents informed me that they were expecting a sixth child. My initial thought was 'Another one!?' I could hardly believe that it was even possible for them to have yet another child, but nine months later you joined our family. The joy of your arrival was hotly chased however, by sorrow. The pairing of your birth and Arnora's death seemed to begin a fierce cycle of bliss and grief that our family seemed unable to escape. You were a young child when I was married, but I don't doubt that you remember it well. Nor do I doubt that you remember the shock of Halli's disappearance only a few years after. The Norns seemed kind for a time, with the birth of both of my children, but they were not kind enough to spare Iounn... It wasn't long after that particular tragedy that you found an escape from the grief through none other than Prince Loki, and when Frida wed you found that you had even more time to spend with the Prince. I won't pretend that I was thrilled with the nature your relationship soon developed, but you defended the Prince and his intentions honorably. When you did finally go your separate ways I was tempted to point out how I had been right about him from the beginning. It was a short-lived temptation however, since I was forced to watch your heartbreak. Your pain eventually passed and you were engaged to Theoric, only to have him taken away shortly before the wedding. This was the point at which I, and the rest of our family, believed you would be lost to us forever. Who in the Nine Realms could withstand so much pain and still find the strength to smile again. You were wasting away in front of our very eyes, but, just when I had lost all hope for your recovery, a spark seemed to light itself deep within you. You began to heal, and almost a year to the day that I had delivered the news of Theoric's death to you, you were the testament of life and energy that you had always been before. Never have I known a stronger person. Despite everything that you have been through, you have yet to let life and its many unexpected surprises destroy you. I know we were never the closest growing up Siggy, partially since I had already grown up by the time you started to do so, but never think that I do not care about you. Having lost three siblings I know the importance of cherishing the ones you have, and I do not doubt that both you and Frida feel the same. That being said, I turn my remarks to Prince Loki."

Hallsteinn paused a moment to try and collect his thoughts, and Loki's hand tightened around Sigyn's.

"I have already admitted that I was never a supporter of you and my sister's first relationship. I felt as though you were merely using her, and the circumstances surrounding your first split seemed to confirm my suspicions. Needless to say, these lingering beliefs tainted your suit of marriage in my mind, but Sigyn was able to sway me. She couldn't convince me to give up my prejudices towards you, but she was able to persuade me to at the very least give you a chance to redeem yourself. I stepped into the marriage contract negotiations sure that there would be no way you could prove yourself to me, which is when I was met with a very unanticipated shock. You were very upfront about the fact that you wanted nothing more than to see Sigyn happy. At first I told myself it was merely an act, but watching you and my father struggle over the lack of dowry and bride price began to change my mind. Still even that was not enough to redeem you in my eyes. I observed Sigyn carefully leading up till today, and saw nothing that spoke of anything but her love for you, but her apparent happiness was not enough evidence for me either. When I was informed that I would be acting as one of your attendants I knew that I had been offered the best way to make up my mind on you once and for all. I have kept a close eye on you today, as you are fully aware of, and I believe I have come to my final conclusion about you. You once made a mistake where my sister was concerned, but it was just that. A mistake. If I had ever been judged as harshly as I have judged you over a mistake I had made in my youth I would surely have protested the unfairness of it. I can only attribute my resentment of you up till this point to the love and protective instincts of an elder brother. That being said, I believe the man who made that mistake is gone and that the man who I have seen here today truly deserves that second chance. Prince Loki, protect, care for, and continue to love my sister. Do those things, and you shall always be welcome in my house."

The room went silent. Who could say anything worthy of following such an honest and impassioned speech? Sigyn beamed at her brother, and Loki gave his now brother-in-law a nod of respect and mutual understanding. Hallsteinn's speech, unable to be matched, was followed by the AllFather standing and raising his goblet. Those in attendance followed his lead, and after Sigyn and Loki had shared their ceremonial honeyed-mead a toast was made to their health and happiness. Dessert was served following the toast, and the guests fell back into conversation amongst themselves. Sigyn hardly touched the sweet treat in front of her, which Loki noted.

"Full, My Love?"

"You know I am not really one for sweets."

"Yes, but this is your favorite."

Sigyn pushed her plate a little further away.

"I suppose I am just too anxious to eat anything else." She excused.

"And what are you anxious about?" Loki pressed.

"Getting out of here." She admitted with a little smile.

Loki returned her smile.

"I am too. Dessert, a little dancing, and then we can leave."

The dancing couldn't start quickly enough for Sigyn, but once it began she felt her impatience dampen a little. The movement helped to distract her from the excited anticipation of what the rest of her evening would entail. She danced with Loki first before dancing with her father, brother, Odin, Thor, Markus, Fandral, and Volstagg. Loki made sure to dance with her every so often in between those other dances, and when she wasn't dancing she took time to converse with her sister, mother, Frigga, and any other guests that approached her.

"It seems that for my wedding night I am certainly having to share you with an unfair number of men." Loki complained as they danced again.

"Please don't tell me you are jealous of your father." Sigyn teased.

"Of course not," Loki scoffed, "but perhaps I am a bit jealous of the others."

"Including my father and brother?"

"Naturally not them, or your brother-in-law." Loki allowed.

"Which brother-in-law?" Sigyn pressed teasingly.

A smile lit Loki's features. It hadn't occurred to him that she now had two brother-in-laws.

"The one who is not to inherit the throne of Asgard." Loki specified.

"I see, so you still see your brother as a threat?"

"Always."

"What of Fandral? I didn't fail to notice that you made an effort to dance with me both before and after I danced with him."

"It is better to play things safe where Fandral and females are concerned."

"And what of Volstagg? Surely you do not fear him to be your competition."

"I actually fear him most of all. Isn't it always those that we least expect to thwart our plans to be the ones to do so?"

"Not always, but if that were the case, shouldn't you fear Hogun the most?"

Loki let out a shallow laugh.

"Yes, I suppose you are right."

Sigyn laid her head on Loki's chest and looked up with wide eyes.

"You know I love you, don't you?" She asked.

Loki smiled down at her.

"Of course I do."

He then rested his chin gently on the top of her head as he continued to lead her across the dance floor. Loki felt a hand on his shoulder before the dance could finish, and he stopped he and Sigyn's motion. It was none other than his mother standing behind him.

"It's time." She stated.

Loki nodded in understanding and looked down to Sigyn.

"I will see you in a little while." He promised before kissing her hand and exiting the banqueting hall.

The sounds of the celebration began to fade away as he headed towards he and Sigyn's new living quarters. It took a bit of thought to not head straight back to his old chambers. He supposed the habit would take some time to die. Loki went to inspect the sleeping chamber upon his arrival to he and Sigyn's wing to make sure everything was in order. Everything seemed to be in place, leaving him nothing to do but wait. He shut the door and sat in the little sitting area awaiting Sigyn's knock. The much-anticipated rap on the door finally came, and Loki closed the distance from his chair to the door in a few strides. The flickering braziers in the corridor alternated between bathing Sigyn in light and then shadows. Both of their attendants were right behind her along with those who had witnessed the wedding contract being signed. Now there could be no legal doubt that it was truly Loki and Sigyn who were about to couple.

"My Lady, will you to bed with me?" Loki inquired while offering his hand to Sigyn.

"Yes, My Lord, I shall." She replied before placing her hand in his.

Loki led her carefully into the room, and they both glanced back towards the door in time to see it softly shut. Loki took that moment to seal it closed with his magic, and looked back to his bride. They were finally alone.

"Is it strange that I am nervous?" Loki tenderly asked, his hand shaking slightly as he stroked Sigyn's cheek.

"No, I am nervous too. It feels almost like our first time again." Sigyn answered.

Loki replied by kissing her slowly. The metal on both of their garments clinked together and Sigyn pulled back.

"We need to get all of this armor off of you." She stated.

Loki nodded his agreement; his outfit was starting to feel rather heavy. He pulled his helm off and went to set it on the desk. Sigyn came to stand by him and was about to remove her crown, but Loki stopped her.

"Keep it on a little longer, for me." He requested.

Sigyn didn't argue with him, but instead tried to help him get his armor off. The two of them fidgeted around with it for a bit, but they didn't seem to be getting anywhere.

"How do we get this off of you?" Sigyn asked with a laugh.

"I have no idea." Loki replied.

"Did you not dress yourself?"

"No, the servants had to help me." Loki admitted.

They both laughed as they battled with the armor for a little longer, and were relieved when victory was finally their's. Loki was left standing in only the undergarments that kept the metal of his armor from irritating his skin. He pulled his shirt off, but kept his trousers on. He brought Sigyn closer to him and just let her have her way with him for a bit. Her fingers explored his chest, lingering over the spot where she had once kept him from bleeding out, and then made their way down to his abs. He could feel her tug at the top of his trousers and his breath hitched.

Sigyn smiled inwardly as Loki's body tensed. She knew he wanted to take this slow, but she wasn't going to make it easy for him. He grabbed her hands after her little tug and led her over to their bed, instructing her to hold on to it. When she asked why, he simply responded with a chuckle. The sound brought a warm sensation to her abdomen, and Sigyn closed her eyes in anticipation of what Loki was planning on doing. His hands found her waist as his mouth found the back of her neck. He worked his lips and hands all over her exposed back travelling lower and lower. She knew he must be on his knees behind her when he slid his hands up under the hem of her dress and over her smooth legs. His hands reached her hip bones, and he grasped on tightly as he nipped and kissed her lower back. Sigyn was beginning to understand why Loki had instructed her to hold on to the bed as her legs began to go weak. He released her hips, and she could hear him stand followed by the sound of his trousers being pulled off. He unclasped the gold neckband that kept Sigyn's dress up and let it fall down to her waist. He then undid the laces that kept the dress snuggly clinging to her waist and the garment fell off completely. Sigyn held her breath as he pressed his nude form against her almost nude one. His growing arousal was evident, and Sigyn bit her lip to contain the sounds that wanted to be released as his taut body enveloped hers. One of his hands went straight to her covered womanhood to tease her, while the other grasped her hair to give it a gentle, but firm, tug. Her head rested back on his chest and he brought his mouth down to her ear.

"Now, now Sigyn. Don't hold out on me. I want to hear every little sound you make because belive me, you will hear mine." He purred into her ear before pressing his fingers against her womanhood.

Sigyn couldn't stop her body from quivering at the act, and a longing moan sounded in her throat.

"Yes." Loki softly hissed.

Loki began to kiss and bite the side of Sigyn's throat as he rubbed his fingers against her. She fought to stay in control of her body, but it was a fight that she was losing. Loki's own breath hitched every time her body shuddered and trembled against his, but he still managed to keep his own desires under control. He wanted to bring her to release every way he knew how, which meant that he would have to pace himself so he could finish her in the most intimate way last. Her first orgasm was no more than a small tremor, which was no more than he had expected it to be. He then assisted her to sit up on the bed and gave her a moments rest as he took her crown from off her head and placed it on the desk next to his helm and then retrieved her gown from off the floor to neatly place it over a chair. He then pulled her underwear all the way off and tossed them aside before making her come once more. Sigyn's mind was overtaken by euphoria by this point, yet she still tried to fight the sounds that were trying to force their way out of her. Loki helped her lay entirely on the bed after her second orgasm before joining her there himself. He lay on his side with his mouth right next to her ear. He didn't allow their bodies to touch save feather like brushes of his hand on her most sensitive spots. This was one of his favorite ways of bringing Sigyn to release because it involved one of his greatest strengths: words. It was one of the most difficult ways since it required quite a bit of foreplay, but when it worked it was rather fulfilling for him. He had never heard of any other man who could bring his lover to the pinnacle of ecstasy with almost nothing but his voice. Sigyn's body reacted beautifully as Loki whispered into her ear. He told her how beautiful she was, how much he loved her, what he wanted to do to her, how much he loved her reactions to his touch and the little sounds she made, and what those little sounds did to him in return. She apparently couldn't stand the lack of contact because she eventually pulled herself into him and kissed his throat and upper chest as he spoke. He felt her pulse and found it to be racing. It wasn't going to take much to push her over the edge for a third time so he rolled carefully on top of her. He pressed her hips down with his hands so that she couldn't be tempted to bring herself to release against him. He continued to mutter sweet nothings to her as he allowed one of his hands to travel lower. He gently began to work her, but just as her release began Loki deprived her of the contact. Sigyn let out a frustrated gasp.

"Loki…"

"Yes, My Love?"

"Please… please don't…"

"Don't what?"

"Don't leave me like this."

Sigyn's eyes were desperately pleading with him, and Loki smiled.

"I would never leave you like this." Loki promised.

He slid himself into her, groaning rather loudly. How her muscles could still be so tense after all of that was beyond him, but he reminded himself that this was the first time she had been with a man in over five years. Sigyn closed her eyes and panted as Loki made his way inside of her and began to slowly move his hips. Tonight he would take her intimately; there would be time to take her passionately later. They kissed and glided against each other till Loki could feel her body slipping over the edge.

"Keep your eyes open for me darling." He requested as she began to come against him.

Sigyn's eyes held his as best as she could while her body arched shamelessly against him, and she was delighted that Loki's release followed right on the tail end of hers so that she could watch him come undone. Loki had enough sense not to collapse on top of her, but instead rolled over with her in tow. They lay there silently a tangle of limbs trying to catch their breath. Sigyn managed to grasp a blanket and pull it over their naked bodies. Exhaustion was taking over her, yet she wasn't ready to sleep. She wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the night coupling with Loki. Regardless of her desires, Sigyn and Loki's exhaustion finally won out and the pair fell asleep in each other's arms.

Husband and wife at last.


Author's Note: Yes, I know you are sick of reading at this point, but I wanted to put two more apologies that I just remembered. I am certain that this chapter has a fair number of mistakes in it even though I have read over it several times. Sorry about that. You will also have to forgive my lack of sexual knowledge, I am sure that part of the chapter doesn't seem very realistic. I probably should have asked someone who actually knows how to handle scenes of that nature (or has the practical experience I lack) to write it for me, but I didn't so you are stuck with what you see here XD