"Rise and shine sleeping beauty." Loki sang sarcastically as he ripped off Dante's covers and used magic to throw open the heavy drapes to let the sun shine right in.
"What the actual flying fuck Loki?" Dante screeched as she tried fruitlessly to keep her beloved covers. "Did you wake up suicidal today or something?"
Loki chuckled as she tried to stare him down while sporting some impressive bed head. "You are not a morning person are you?"
"I can't image whatever gave you that brilliant idea." Dante crankily retorted, "So what in the name of all nine levels of hell made you decide to moonlight as my damn alarm clock?"
"Such a foul mouth you have my Queen." Loki chuckled as Dante just glared daggers at him. "It has always been a dream of mine since childhood to help others greet the morning."
"Smartass." She held out her hand expectantly, "Now magic me some coffee or I'm going back to sleep."
"Sorry my dear but you are already late for your audience with Odin." He pulled a dress from the armoire and tossed it at her. "No time for this coffee or dawdling of any sort. Come, come."
"You want me to attend a meeting with Odin, the biggest asshole of all nine realms, without my morning coffee?" She stared at him incredulously as she tired dress hastily.
"Yes?"
"Well this ought to be entertaining to say the least." Dante stated as she moved to open her door and head towards the throne room.
Suddenly said door erupted open and barely missed Dante. "Lady Dante, thank the nine you are dressed!" Thor boomed, "Come along now we must hurry. Father is in a foul mood this morning and your tardiness has not helped the matter."
"And I should care about Odin's mood why?" Dante asked as she shoved the boys out into the hallway and closed her door.
Loki smirked, "Because my dear Queen you are the cause of this particular mood swing."
Dante stopped at the entrance to Odin's grand throne. "How did little ole' me accomplish that in my sleep?" She smiled proudly. "I know I'm good, but damn."
Before Thor could explain the situation Loki took the pleasure upon himself. "Mother made Odin secure a different bed to rest upon last night after they argued about you."
"Brother!" Thor exclaimed, "Tis not Lady Dante's business! Our parent's affairs are a private matter!"
Dante suddenly reached up and grabbed the collar of Thor's tunic. Then with more strength than either thought her capable she pulled him down to her eye level and held him there. "Listen here Blondie, maybe you don't remember but yesterday I was proclaimed Queen of Midgard and you will address me as such. Are we clear on this or do I need to repeat myself?" Thor nodded. "Good, because next time I will make you into Princess Thor." She released him letting him fall to the floor.
Hiding his smile, Loki stepped over his shell-shocked brother to open the throne room doors for Dante. "After you my Queen."
"And this is why you're my favorite brother." Dante laughed as she too stepped over Thor and entered the room.
Odin sat once again on his golden throne Gungnir in hand and Frigga standing a few feet away. Frigga still appeared angry but at least she seemed well rested, unlike her husband.
"Looking a little tired today Odin. Did you have trouble sleeping last night?"
"You are already late Lady Dante, being disrespectful on top of that will not help your case." Odin simply stated.
Dante scoffed, "I wouldn't be late if someone bothered to set an actual time for this little tea party from hell. How about we call it even, you know with me being late and bitchy and you waking me up early for this bullshit, and move on so I can eat because I'm starving."
Odin nodded, "I wish to discuss what you will offer to prove you will indeed punish Loki for his crimes on Midgard. I cannot have such a sensitive issue depend on one woman's word alone."
For a moment Dante could do nothing but stare disbelievingly at Odin before she exploded. "I'm sorry my hearing must be going in my old age, but I could've sworn you just implied that my word was not good enough." Dante hissed as her silver eyes flashed in indignation. "Unlike some, present company included, I do not go back on my word."
"It matters not, your word alone cannot be trusted in this situation and that is my final decision on the matter. What would stop you from simply deciding last minute to not hold up your end of the bargain or worse release Loki?"
"You want some form of collateral or compensation that way Asgard gains something and I would be punished if I were to back out of our little deal." Dante stated dryly barely containing her anger, "And what pray tell do you wish of me Allfather, secrets of my home realm or perhaps another magical artifact?"
"No," Odin shook his head, "I want something much simpler."
"Like what?" Dante asked hesitantly, she didn't like that look in the old man's eye.
"I wish for our honorable houses to become one, Queen Dante of Midgard."
"A royal betrothal? I suppose a princess of Asgard couldn't very well let her new realm fall to the darkness least she face execution for treason. While I applaud your cunning in this idea, Odin, I'm pleased to say you are shit outta luck. I have no daughters to marry your sons nor will any of my council provide the proper political bond you so desperately seek." She smirked arrogantly, "Do you have a Plan B for me to shoot down?"
Now it was Odin's turn to smile, "You would be correct if I were to referring to a non-existent daughter or one of your esteemed council. No, I wish for you to marry Loki."
"Have you lost your fucking mind?" Dante blurted before recovering from her outburst. "I mean, talk about robbing the cradle. Compared to me he is but a child!" She looked at Loki. "No offense."
Loki shrugged, "None taken."
"Loki is of age to marry and marry him you shall if you wish for this agreement to be honored."
Dante groaned, "I suppose I have little choice in the matter. Fine I accept your terms however, I demand a dower as is my right."
"A bride price? I did not believe you one for such old traditions Lady Dante, but yes I will honor whatever price you wish." Odin agreed easily, his plan was falling into place and Asgard would be safe.
"I want what you stole from me over three thousand years ago."
"Absolutely not!" Odin bellowed, "The stone is far too dangerous and powerful. In the wrong hands it could mean the ends of worlds."
Dante rolled her eyes, "Spare me the self righteous bullshit. The stone belongs to me since I created it, no one else can even use it!" Energy crackled around her hands. "That is my price, Odin. Asgard can burn for all I care."
Odin rubbed the bridge of his nose in irritation, he knew all too well that Dante would watch as his beloved realm was destroyed. He noted the look of pure hatred in her eyes. Gods above he was a fool to make such a women his enemy all those years ago. "Very well, in exchange for authority over Loki's punishment and the stone you will marry Loki and ally yourself with Asgard."
"Good deal." She grinned, "Should I start calling you dad now or later?"
"You shall be bound to one another tonight after the evening meal."
"Fan-fucking-tastic, I'll see ya later then daddy dearest." She replied cynically as she turned heel and headed for the door. "Let's roll Lokes."
Loki waited till the golden doors closed behind them before commenting, "Well that went better than expected and no one died or was maimed."
"I suppose it could've been worse, he could've made me marry Thor." Dante cringed, "Oh god I'd probably kill him before the wedding was over."
"Brother." Thor called out from down the hall. "What did father decide?" He was worried for his brother even if they were not related by blood.
"I am to be punished as the good Queen here sees fit." Loki replied, "Oh Thor are you coming to our wedding?"
Thor's brow creased in confusion, "Wedding? I didn't realize you two were so close."
Dante snorted, "Odin decreed a union between our houses would ensure my loyalty to Asgard should the realm eternal require my unique assistance."
"But I thought you loved me my dear Queen." Loki frowned feigning a hurtful expression.
"Love is for children," Dante laughed, "I tolerate you for now so don't push it."
Loki put his hand over his heart, "A woman after my own heart."
"Loki."
"Yes, my beautiful bride to be?"
"Shut up."
"As my Lady wishes."
"Now that that's settled where can we get some food, I'm starving." Dante yawned.
"Uh…the great hall should still be serving food if you'd like to eat with Asgard's fine warriors or you can have something delivered to your chambers." Thor faltered when Loki didn't answer, when he looked to his brother Loki just shrugged his shoulders.
Dante pondered this for a moment before replying, "I think I'll take breakfast in the great hall. Come along husband to be."
"Lady Dante," Frigga called out from down the corridor.
Dante bowed, "Queen Mother. Can I help you with something?"
"I find myself wanting to get to know more about my new daughter, would care to join me for the morning meal?"
"Of course, I would be most honored my Queen." Dante waved farewell to Loki and Thor and followed Frigga.
A few silent moments later they entered Frigga's private quarters where a table of food had already been prepared for the two. Frigga signaled for Dante to take a seat, then followed suite herself. Once seated a servant entered and filled their goblets with wine, then retreated until they were needed.
"What do you think of my son?" Frigga asked getting right down to business, which Dante appreciated since she hated beating around the bush.
Dante took her time finishing her pastry before replying. "He's extremely gifted with the magical arts, despite Asgard's attitude towards men learning the art. I can only assume that is thanks to your influence in his life." Frigga nodded. "Loki is an exceptional fighter and strategist. I count myself fortunate to count him as my ally."
Frigga carefully evaluated Dante, she had answered her question but not in the way she wished. She wanted to know if Date felt anything emotionally aside from admiration towards her son. "My Loki is precious to me, he has always been by my side and I have loved him as much as a mother could. However, for all of Loki's strengths he is a fragile boy…"
Dante snorted, "Fragile? You lied to him for close to two thousands years and when he finally found out Odin conveniently falls into Odinsleep. Despite being broken from such a terrible falsehood, he stood strong and tried to rule in Odin and Thor's absence, only to be undermined by his brother's friends. Your son has survived one soul shattering event after another and came out magically, mentally, and physically stronger. So I don't believe for one minute that Loki is fragile, unbalanced….most likely, but he is the only man I would ever consider keeping by my side until the end."
After the initial shock of Dante's outburst wore off, Frigga smiled happily. "I'm glad you feel that way about him."
"I tolerate him, so don't get your hopes up," Dante finished her wine and headed towards the door. "I could very well change my mind and decide to kill him."
"No, I do not think you will." Frigga stated as a matter of fact.
"And why is that?" Frigga just smiled as Dante closed the door behind her.
After their mother skillfully kidnapped Dante, Thor and Loki made their way towards the great hall to mingle among the other warriors.
"So brother how do you think your lady will fair under mother's critical eye?" Thor was beyond amused his brother and Dante were going to be married and the fact that she could ruffle his feathers like no other only made it better.
Loki shrugged, "She is capable of taking care of herself."
"What if mother tells her…"
"She already knows brother, in fact, she found my other appearance rather interesting. She said that the color suited me but she was partial to my green eyes." Loki chuckled, "My Dante is a strange one."
"Aye, she is strange but would you have wanted a normal woman?"
Loki chuckled, "Normal is overrated brother."
"I totally agree!" Dante exclaimed as she appeared out of nowhere and jumped on Loki's back. "Now giddy up!"
"I am not a horse." Loki bit out.
"Then how did you give birth to an eight-legged magically horse?" Dante shot back.
"She's got you there, brother." Thor snickered.
Loki glared as his brother, then sighed in defeat. "Very well, I shall act as your gallant steed, my Lady."
"Then onward to the…." Dante paused, "Where were y'all going again?"
"The great hall."
"Then onward to the great hall!" Dante squeezed Loki's sides with her legs.
"Woman, I will drop you if you continue your attempt to break my ribs." Loki ground out menacingly.
Dante squeezed him tighter, "Darling, if you drop me a few broken ribs will be the least of your worries." She threatened sweetly.