Judgement

When the sun began to peep through the curtains, Lilah's eyes fluttered open. Shifting her body under the blankets, and lightly stretching, she found that her entire body was sore. Loki had been very thorough in showing his love for her last night, and early this morning. Lilah was sore in places that she didn't know could become sore. A happy smile wound on her lips, completely content and scrupulously satisfied. Lilah reached out to find the object of her wondrous mood, but could only find empty sheets. Panic and fear gripped Lilah as she shot up from the mattress.

"Loki!" she called out into the dim room, her newly awakened eyes trying to search for her love.

"Lilah, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Loki's footsteps sounded beside her, and soon he joined her on the bed, taking her hands in his. A worried expression was etched on his face.

"I thought you had left," Lilah breathed, tears brimming to her eyes, realising that this might be their last moment.

"I'm here," Loki whispered, kissing her hands soothingly. Lilah cupped his face, memorising every detail. "I will not leave you. They will have to drag me away from you now." He kissed her palm that was stroking his cheek, trying to pacify her nerves.

"Hold me," she sniffed, scrambling into his embrace. Loki's arms welcomed her, enclosing her protectively, tenderly. While he held her, Lilah couldn't help but think how far Loki had come since the first day that they met. Once he was a bitter, angry and vengeful man, consumed by the unjustness done to him. Somehow, Lilah had slowly crept into his heart, filling it with tenderness and love, pushing out all the hate and the unforgiving nature. Of course, she knew that the hurts of the past would never truly leave him, the nightmares were evidence enough. As long as she was there with him, Lilah wouldn't let the ugliness take over. Though all too soon, this dream would come to an end, and everything in his past would come rising to the surface. His humanity would no doubt be put to the test, and even if Odin didn't kill Loki, there would surely be a horrible punishment. The image of Loki being brutally punished made her nauseous.

Closing her eyes, she bid the unwelcome thoughts to oblivion. Lilah gazed up into the glittering green eyes of her love, basking in their beauty. The love and adoration evident in his gaze soothed the fears in her heart for now. Adjusting herself in his arms, she leaned up to kiss him. His lips were cold, just like they always were, but they warmed her all the way to her soul. Grasping his tunic, she pulled him down onto the mattress, relishing the weight of his body upon hers.

Soon their kiss turned into something hotter, more intense and needful. Loki's hand slid up her naked thigh, his caress sending shivers across her body. She was already wet for him, prepared for his penetration. He entered her swiftly, his hips rocking back and forth as he buried himself deep within her. Lilah clung to Loki's naked body, her moans and sighs bursting from her lips. When they came together, it was glorious and explosive, both of them crying out their release. They lay there, panting, holding each other, neither one wanting to let go of the moment. Neither thought about what was to come later, only what they felt right now.

"I love you," Loki whispered, threading his fingers through her auburn curls, memorising the way it felt on his skin.

It was two hours later when the guards came for Loki. Lilah had helped him dress in his best clothes. The whole time Lilah helped him, he was silent as he watched her tidy his garments. Loki drank her in, trying to imprint her on his mind, to remember every detail. Her golden eyes met his, unshed tears pooling in their depths. A woman of her beauty should never have to be sad. It was heartbreaking to see her so forlorn, and it was all because of him. Loki craved to see her lovely smile one last time, but with the depressing atmosphere, he knew it would be folly. He wanted to soothe her, but what could he say that could possibly help? No doubt he was off to his death in just a matter of minutes, and there could be no comfort with that inevitability.

A knock came at the door, stilling both Lilah and Loki. A tear escaped Lilah's eyes, her heart racing with fear. Loki caught the tear with his finger, wiping away the evidence of its existence. "Be strong, my love." Lilah hiccupped, but nodded. Lilah took a deep breath, trying to calm her rioting emotions. Loki's lips twitched. My Lilah, you are strong. You will survive.

The next few minutes flew past, too fast for Loki's liking. They had clapped his hands into handcuffs, binding his magic, so he could not even whisper reassuring words into Lilah's mind. Lilah stayed by his side as the guards guided him to the assembly. There were more people assembled than Loki had predicted. He thought Odin would have kept it quiet, but the entire court of Asgard was present.

When the guards pulled Lilah away from Loki, she resisted them. But when she caught Loki's eyes, he shook his head. Lilah went to protest, but she obeyed Loki's silent command and allowed them to lead her away. Frigga and Thor were beside Odin, both looking desolate and helpless. Frigga was crying silent tears, and Thor could not meet Loki's gaze. Loki turned his attention to the AllFather. Odin stared at Loki, a frown upon his brow. Loki could not decide if it was in anger or annoyance. And when Odin stood, the entire court kneeled before their King, all except Loki and Lilah.

"Loki of Asgard," Odin announced, staring down at Loki. "You have committed crimes against the realm, and of Midgard, threatening the safety of its people, and murdering many innocents with your tyranny." There was an ominous silence as Odin publicised all Loki's misdeeds. "How plead you?"

Did Odin believe him to plead innocent? Even now his Father despised him, thinking that Loki had in his head that he was blameless and what he had done was right. If Lilah hadn't come into his life, Loki might still have believed that to be true. But Lilah had healed him, helped him see the error of his ways. "Guilty." An eyebrow rose upon Odin's brow, truly surprised by Loki's answer. Now what will you do, almighty Odin?

"As you know, punishment for your crimes is death," Odin's voice boomed across the hall. "What say you?"

"I understand the consequences of my actions, and accept the penalty," Loki announced, "If I am to die, my only wish is that Lilah is not to be harmed, as well as the child she carries. That is all I ask."

Odin regarded Loki, his expression unreadable. Though, Loki could tell that the news of Lilah's pregnancy was a surprise to him. Would Odin be cruel enough to take a Father away from his unborn child? But if Odin did not kill Loki, the people would riot and demand justice. Odin could not please everyone, no matter how hard he tried.

"Loki of Asgard," Odin declared, the silence in the assembly intense as they waited for the verdict. This is it. Loki turned his eyes to Lilah, who was barely containing her tears. I love you. "You will keep your life." Loki's head snapped up to look at Odin. What did he just say? Surely the AllFather would not let him off that easy? Loki looked to Lilah, who was now crying happy tears. She tried to break free from the guards that were holding her, but they held her back. Loki wanted to rush over and break their necks for handling Lilah so disrespectfully, but he could not jeopardise this turn of events. "However," Loki knew that this was coming, "No deed this great can go unpunished."

Punishment?

"You will be punished before the council," Odin continued, "100 lashes." A guard came forth holding the weapon that would deal the penalty. It was no ordinary whip. It had seven tails, and each tail had tiny spikes that would rip flesh from bone. Odin meant for Loki to feel every blow. Without his powers, Loki might not even survive such a verdict. Loki looked to Lilah once last time before the guards placed him in position. Fear had griped her, making her immobile as she watched them lead Loki into place. He felt a push against his mind, the warmth of Lilah's power trying to seep through the bonds and keep him alive. But the ties that bound him were too strong and soon Lilah was drained of energy.

Loki was pushed to the ground and striped of his clothes on his upper body. Then his hands were bound to two hooks on the ground so that he could not run away from his punishment. A trickle of fear slid down Loki's spine, not for his life but for Lilah's should she interfere.

"Begin!"