Odin knew that something had changed since he had left his kingdom just three weeks ago. The blame was on Loki's shoulders again. He just knew it. Frigga awaited him in the throne room with a bright smile and a kiss as per the usual. "What has he done now?" he asked her.
"Loki brought a woman back with him from Midgard." Frigga looked too pleased with their adopted son as Odin scowled. "Before you confront him, you must know that he treated her badly, but she stayed. She stayed to help fix him, Odin. You should see how happy he is with her."
"She cannot stay." Odin declared, leaving his wife in his wake as he stormed out the door. "Where is he?" he demanded of his servants, who flanked him.
"The library balcony, sir." One answered as Odin started up the stairs angrily. Frigga hurried after him, tugging on his arm.
"Please, Odin. Please leave them be." She begged.
"No." he turned to her, demanding her to back down. "She must be returned to Midgard." Frigga could only watch helplessly as he hurried into the library, door slamming behind him.
Loki could tell that the king had returned, but hoped to gods that Odin wouldn't bother even approaching him.
He tried not to think about it as Holly leaned back against him, her arms curled around one of his as he read an Asgardian history book to her. She was quiet, head resting against his shoulder, breathing even. He continued to read to her as they heard the library door open and slam shut.
"Loki," Odin's voice boomed, startling Holly. Loki quickly stood, pushing Holly behind him with a protective hand. Her hand held his as she nervously peered around him. "You must get rid of the Mid-" the king stopped, laying eyes on the woman hiding behind his adopted son. His eyes found her hand holding his.
"It would be rude to have this conversation in front of Miss Killigrew, yes?" Loki said calmly. Her brown eyes nervously flickered to the side of Loki's face.
"Yes." Odin nodded. "Throne room." With that, the king stormed back the way he came, leaving the couple standing on the balcony.
"I must tend to this." He said quietly, turning to her and taking both of her hands. "Wait for me here?"
"Of course." Holly smiled as he leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead, and then her lips. "Loki, if they really want me to leave-"
"No," he shook his head, kissing the top of her hand. "You are staying." Holly nodded, a worried look crossing her features. "We will be fine." She nodded once more as he released her hand and headed for the throne room.
Loki walked into the throne room, assuming the disposition of the prince who had royally fucked up. Odin sat on the throne, staring down his adopted son. Frigga watched worriedly as Loki approached, bowing to the king and then coming to stand.
"Why did you bring her here?" Odin asked, voice demanding and authoritative.
"I intend to make her my wife." He said quietly. The room was completely silent. Frigga's hand went to her gaping mouth as she tried to hide her shock. Odin's face stayed emotionless.
"But you kidnapped her." Odin continued. "That is against Asgardian law."
"I know." Loki nodded. "If you agree to give me a month to convince her to marry me, I will change my ways. If it comes to the end of that month and she declines, I will take her back to Midgard and end everything." Odin's fingers rubbed against his lips as he took in the offer. Frigga watched her husband closely, hoping that he would agree to it.
"I will agree to it." Odin nodded. "However, I will not intercept any advances by The Avengers. You will be the one to answer to them, not I."
"Yes, your majesty." Loki nodded, hiding his triumphant grin. Frigga watched in surprise as Loki hurried out of the room back to the library, a beaming smile on his face. Holly met him at the top of the stairs, throwing her arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder. "I thought I told you to stay in the library." He teased, holding her to him.
"I couldn't help it." She laughed, pulling back to look into his eyes. This was the first time that his eyes had been bright, excited.
"Did you hear everything?" he asked, suddenly remembering that the deal involved the mention of marriage.
"No. Just Odin agreeing to it and how he won't intercept The Avengers." She said, her smile slowly fading. "Why, is there a problem?"
"No, my dear. Everything is fine. Everything is great." He grinned; glad she hadn't heard the previous part of the conversation. Holly's eyes studied his for a moment as he leaned down to kiss her in assurance. "All that matters is that we're still together, yes?" he whispered, leaning her up against the wall with his hands on either side of her head. Her hands traveled up his torso and to his shoulders, where the rested.
"Yes," she agreed, nodding quickly as he stole her mouth in a passionate kiss. Loki pulled her close, hand protecting the back of her head as he leaned her back up against the wall with a bit of force. Hearing footsteps just down the corridor, Holly pulled away, hands pushing on Loki's chest. "Bed?" She suggested, raising an eyebrow. He nodded eagerly, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards his chambers.