I hope that everyone is not angry at me for not posting the wedding. I have to post it after I am done with every post, but I promise it will come later.
Chapter Fourteen picks up ONE YEAR after Loki and Jane got married. It technically has been fifteen months since the beginning of Stockholm: one month of Loki being on Earth, four months of taking over and then almost one year of marriage and ruling Earth. The castle they live in is a combination of the castle from "Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows" and Sleeping Beauty's castle.
Here are your music selections for listening enjoyment: Loki and Jane's dance, listen to "Come what may" off of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. For the choreographed dance, think of The Phantom of the Opera (film) "Masquerade" number as they move choreographically to pleasant music. At the end of the scene, it is Cascada's "Everytime we touch."
Chapter Fourteen - What a strange turn of events
Asgard – One year later
The time had gone by smoothly in the other realms, but it seemed eternal within the realm of Asgard. The sun rose and set and life moved along.
The lives of the nine realms' people moved on…not that they were pleased that Loki Odinson had taken control of the Earth. However, he was not being a tyrannical leader. He was trying to make the world a better place.
Apparently in the time that Loki had been in control, all major conflicts had been resolved and he had a firm control over the planet. People were getting back to work and becoming a much stronger race.
It sounded like paradise on Earth.
Thor was not happy that his brother was in control of the Earth, but that was not the thing that had bothered him.
The fact that he nor Heimdall could hear, see, or feel Jane Foster anymore was deeply disturbing to him.
He stood leaning into a pillar in his royal bedroom staring out at the open sea and the cosmos beyond. His brown tunic brushed against his body as a light breeze moved against the curtains.
The sounds of a baby fidgeting and crying gained his attention as he looked back into his home.
Sif was reclined on the bed; fresh from giving birth to their daughter Torunn glowed with admiration as she stared at the tiny infant. She looked up to him and smiled. "She has a strong aura," his lover said to him.
He came closer to sit on the edge of the bed with her. "That she does," he replied. "She will exert great power and authority one day."
But again his gaze returned to the outside. His mind wavered.
"What is it my lord?" she asked him. "Why does your mind wander? Why are you not happy?"
Thor returned to her gaze. "I am very happy," he said as he came over and took his daughter's hand in his grasp to play with. "It's just…"
"Your brother," she tried to finish his question.
"No, it's Jane," he said her name for the first time in many months. "I was hoping that she was going to be moved into isolation to keep her away from Loki." However, he was still unable to feel her.
Now she was gone.
He could not sense her anywhere.
"I am sure that we would have heard something if Loki had done something to Jane," Sif told him, reaching out to grasp his hand. "Loki has been very quiet for being the ruler over Midgard. He hasn't enslaved anyone. He has actually made Earth very peaceful and prosperous. What more could we ask for?"
"Something," Thor answered standing from the bed. "For the past year on Midgard I have not been able to feel her. She has been gone and out of mine and Heimdall's sights. I just wish I knew that she was safe and OK. That would allow me to start a life with you."
The doors to their chamber were opened suddenly and there appeared a soldier in his full armor. He bowed down to one knee after tapping his staff on the ground.
"Prince Thor," the soldier called his name, "your father has requested your presence."
He looked back to Sif and the Torunn.
This could not be good considering what they were just talking about.
Within a matter of minutes after he had put his armor back on and Sif had gotten dressed in a loose silk gown, they were walking into the throne room where his father was sitting very calmly.
"Father," Thor came to the steps of the platform and knelt before him. Sif bowed ever so gently being that she had Torunn in her arms. "You summoned for us."
"Yes, my children," Odin acknowledged them. "How are you Lady Sif?"
"Very well my lord," she replied. "Torunn is doing very well as well."
"Excellent news indeed. Thor…Odinson, we have been summoned to Midgard."
Yeah, this is definitely not good, he thought. "What has my brother done?" he asked aloud.
His father stood from the throne and came down to greet him. He had a parchment in his hand. "He has invited us to attend a feast in celebration of a great accomplishment," Odin told him as he passed a card off to him. "Apparently he has completed his own temporal gate on Earth that will allow travel between the realms. He wants to share in his accomplishment with all the nobles of all the realms."
Thor could not believe what he was hearing as he stared at the parchment in disbelief. "The House of Loki Odinson do hereby cordially invite you to a celebratory feast at Icehawk Mountain on Midgard." Loki had invented an astral gate that would allow him to travel back and forth between the realms. He wanted to share it with all the people of the nine realms. "Please grant the Odinson Household of welcoming you to Midgard to experience all that it holds in store for the future."
There was a household, Thor thought. Who was a part of that household?
There had to be some other ulterior meaning behind it all. This could not be the only reason for inviting them all to his castle fortress on Midgard.
"He has invited all of his family to attend this feast in his honor," Odin said. "It was sent for you and Lady Sif as well."
"This has to be some form of trickery," he blasted at the invitation. "He is mocking us for the fact that we have been unable to repair our own bridge. This is an invitation that we must not accept."
"You may choose to not accept your brother's invitation," his father said, slightly annoyed by his tone, "but your mother and I will be in attendance with our royal guard. It is up to you if you and Lady Sif wish to attend. Personally however, I would like to see my son again."
His father walked away from him and continued to head back into his private chambers.
His mother was right behind him after she had been visiting with Sif and Torunn.
Thor did not want to attend this feast, but at least he would be able to ask around about what had happened to Jane.
Midgard Realm – Loki's fortress at Icehawk Mountain
Deep within the frozen mountains of the Swiss Alps, a castle erected deep into the mountain glowed brightly; the snow twinkling off its surface.
It was near impossible to reach the castle without passing through the barrier station at the base of the cliff. Statues of guardians surrounded the castle and prevented anyone from gaining access to it. There was a gondola lift that carried passengers from the basing station to the castle.
It was a star-studded affair covered in the best security that money could buy. No one that was not royalty, of a superior rank and stature, or invited by them personally was allowed within a five mile radius of the palace of King Loki of Earth Realm.
Spotlights danced across the sky and snow helicopters and snipers covered the rooftops to make sure that the guests of the nine realms were in complete security and safety.
Loki stood on the west wing's balcony that overlooked the people below. He took a sip from his crystal challis to finish his wine while he thought to himself. He leaned onto the ledge looking at all the commotion.
No one could understand why he left the commotion of New York City for the mountains of Switzerland and the castle he had purchased and moved into. The city had been lovely at first, but honestly, he missed the ambiance of living in a castle and feeling isolated. He liked living in a vast castle in the snowy mountains. It allowed him to experience the cold like Jotunheim, but live in the luxurious nature of a castle high above in the secluded mountains.
His security moved fast as someone was trying to get in who apparently was not invited.
Loki was amused at the attempt as his security stopped it…why bother to attempt it?
From behind him ever so delicately, soft hands came from behind and came to rest against his belt buckle. He stood up and brought the arms tighter around his frame.
"Are you dressed yet?" he asked.
"Not yet," Jane's voice replied.
Loki turned and saw that Jane was still cloaked in the corset for under her dress. Her mane was awaiting the curlers to finish cooling so her hair would be a mass of spirals. Her face was all done as she had a radiant sparkle to her skin and eyes with golden earrings that hung from her ears.
"Then you should not be out here in this chill," he said as he pushed his way forward to get her inside. He closed the doors with a wave of his hand and guided her backwards toward the pile that was resting delicately on the ground around the raised dressing platform. "Do you not like this gown? We can get you one that is different if you would like."
"I have every gown under the sun," she told him. "I just fear that I may stand out in the crowd. I do not want to be the center of attention. This night is about you."
"That is why I have selected this one," he replied as he guided her to the platform where she stepped up. "I want you to be the center of attention. I want you to show your dominion over these inferior gods and nobles; even as a mortal."
Slowly he lifted the gown from where it was lying on the floor. With his hands, savoring each touch as it drew up her body; the dark emerald that grew lighter as he reached near her chest fell in delicate waves down while it grew tighter around her upper frame. Jane slipped her arms into the fanned sleeves that rested on her upper arms. She held the front in place, while he went around and zipped up the back.
With a little wave of his hand, the curlers were removed and a mass of brown, gold, and red curls filled her mane; encompassing her face.
"Now," he said, putting his hands up to rest on her cheeks, "oh wait, you are missing one thing." He returned to the bed where her tiara was resting. He placed it delicately upon her head. "Now you are a princess worth being admired by all the realms."
Jane smiled down at him. "Oh the way you talk," she said to him before forcefully putting her mouth to his.
Loki took her into his arms and would have made love to her then and there, but he knew that the people needed to see her in all her glory first.
Using his conjuring ability, he changed into his traditional royal armor, put on his crown, and took his wife's hand.
The nobles of Vanaheim, Alfheim, Nidarvellir, and Swartlheim all intermingled with the powerful people who exerted some authority within the government of Midgard. Queens talked with other queens, kings and lords discussed policies, and presidents carried on conversation with the outer world nobles.
Lord Odin and his wife Queen Frigga entered the golden common room where the people all gathered were eating and drinking. Many of them were talking about what they were doing there, but most of them knew already.
Thor with Sif on his arm in her royal best walked in, but he was on patrol with his senses and his eyes. He knew that all these people were here to celebrate. He was on a mission.
Once they had arrived on the gondola transport, one of the servants had told them that there had been a nursery area set up for children to have time to play whilst not disturbing their parents and guardians.
Torunn was asleep anyway so they placed her in the care of the Midgardian midwives.
The castle was sprawling in ornateness in its decor and treasures. Loki had apparently grown much in wealth to throw such an elaborate ensemble and live in such luxury. Musicians played music while guests danced across the floor.
Loki had spared no expense in getting all the best food and drink from Earth Realm and was sharing it with everyone. Volstagg would be in Valhalla if he were here. How did he have such authority and control over these powerful humans, Thor wondered.
"What is it Thor?" Sif asked him.
"I am just searching," he told her.
"It does not appear that he is doing any harm to anyone," she replied. "It appears that everyone is having a wonderful time."
"Do not be deceived Sif," he warned her. "This could all be a clever ruse in attempt to blind us of his real plan."
"Thor," his mother berated him quietly. "You must stop this behavior now. You will continue this argument until later. Not now."
He decided to keep his mouth shut and took a challis from one of the servants at the table. He smelt the wine and took a sip; remarking at how wonderful it tasted.
The Prince looked around the room as his parents conversed with other nobles that they normally did not see on a daily basis. They were having a grand time.
Where was his brother? He had not seen or felt him since they arrived at the castle. This caused him to be uneasy. What did Loki have to hide to put a cloak around his castle?
He watched as the doors to the main chamber were closed by the two sentries at the opening. The two guards tapped their staffs, causing the room to grow silent and direct their attention.
Thor knew it must be his brother.
"Presenting their majesties, King Loki and his queen, Lady Jane Odinson."
His heart stopped and he clinched the pain in his chest. Did they just declare that Jane was married to his brother? How could he not have known her to be suffering such a cruel and miserable existence?
"Thor, what is it?" Sif asked.
The doors were opened to the glorious fanfare of all in attendance when appeared his brother, the ruler of the Earth and his wife Jane.
His brother was decked out in his full golden and silver armor with a golden crown across his head. It was very similar to his normal "cow" inspired horned helmet. However, Thor finally attributed the horns to what they meant; the devil.
Jane was radiant in her jewel encrusted tiara that rested on top of her head and gathered up her mass of curls that rained across her face. Her face sparkled with stars above her eyes that shimmered in the candlelight above them. The emerald gown she wore gave her a powerful presence amongst the people in attendance.
She smiled brightly as her arm rested on his while his other hand held that hand. Jane waved to the people that were awe of her as they walked to join their celebration.
For some reason, the people swooned and greeted them with handshakes or kisses on Jane's hand in greeting the royals. Eventually however, the four of them were finally standing there in a straight line...and five of them locked eyes with one another.
"My family," Loki greeted them with his arms wide open. "A pleasure to see you all and so well." He came forward to greet and embrace each one of them. "Sif, you are very lovely as always."
"Why thank you your majesty," Sif answered by curtseying to him.
"My brother, a pleasure to see you so well," his brother greeted and embraced him. He did return it out of respect, but it was anything beyond normal. "Oh, where are my manners?" He turned back and offered his hand to Jane. "Darling."
Jane, whose attention was distracted as she spoke to someone else, took the hand of Loki and walked quickly to him. "How dare I not introduce you to my lady and my wife, whom I believe that you all know? Allow me to introduce to Jane, Lady of Midgard."
"A pleasure to meet you and to see you again," she greeted the couples with their proper greetings. "We are honored to have you in our home."
Their home, he thought after the words escaped her lips.
Thor could not figure it out. Is this why he had not been able to feel Jane? Had her very aura and physical body been masked from his foresight?
She seemed to be pleasantly happy and in love when she looked at Loki and at his parents.
What did Loki have over her?
L7L7L7L7L7L7L7L7L7L7L7L7L7
Upon the highlight of the evening, Loki was giving a speech to all the people as they stood there patiently. Everyone stared intently at the digital display of a Midgardian traveling from one side of their realm to the other in a matter of seconds. It was his gift to the other realms that would be loyal to Midgard (what a catch, he thought). "My friends, my people, inter and outer dimensional travel is possible. With the assistance of Tony Stark and Stark Industries." People applauded him as a man on the platform stepped forward to the applause and stepped back into line. "In conjunction with my elite military group SHIELD, Midgard wants to share this technology with all of you of the nine realms. Let us work together for a stronger and united universe." He took a challis of golden liquid.
Thor watched as Loki reached out his hand, which was taken by Jane who took a glass that was offered to her. "To the universe," he called.
"To the universe," many of them replied to the toast.
The God of Thunder watched after the toast and drink. Loki kissed Jane on her cheek and she smiled with delight.
His brother concluded his speech with, "Tonight is a night to celebrate, so please enjoy yourselves," he said and took Jane's hand before leaving the stage.
He was bewildered. Jane seemed very enlightened and happy. Though he had promised to come back for her, it was because of the man that now kissed her and she smiled at who was responsible for him not being able to return.
Jane had to be under some sort of spell or was being manipulated. Or worse, had Loki threatened her with death if she did not side with him?
The night wore on while people talked and celebrated with one another.
Thor watched as Loki kept Jane very close to him and she was participating in the conversations with a smile on her face. The women that gathered were commenting on how radiant she was and wanted to know how it was to be married to the ruler of the Earth.
She giggled when they stared at each other.
Loki's fingers massaged and rubbed alongside Jane's hip as he held her. He even kissed her a couple times on the temple while they stood there.
She smiled and joked with him.
Sif who had gone to the nursery to tend to Torunn, at the request of the midwives, returned to his side.
"Torunn is resting comfortably," she said as she returned. "She was being a little colicky, but I got her to quiet down." She took a glass of wine from the tender and took it down. "What is wrong?" she asked him.
"Just thinking," he replied and took another drink.
Sif obviously knew that he was staring at Loki and Jane. "They seem very happy with one another," she commented. "Why can you not accept that perhaps she has moved on?"
"With my brother?" he said, locking eyes on her. "Something must have happened to her. Something to where she believed that she had nowhere else to turn."
"Could it be magic?"
"She does not appear to be under any spell," he added as he watched Jane laugh with one of the other women near her. "If she is, it a magic unlike anything I have ever seen."
"I do not believe that she is being enchanted at all. I believe, my lord, that she is genuinely happy in the moment and in her marriage with Loki. Maybe he has changed and you care not to admit to it."
Finally a period of dancing began. The first was a dance that the king and his queen spun around and walked together. The Midgardians called it ballroom. Loki and Jane danced solo with all the people watching them in awe.
Once they were finished when Loki lifted her from her feet; her hands resting on his face as she stared down at him. He brought her down, kissing her before she was on her feet.
The next dance was another choreographed maneuver. It was all prearranged dancing that people would often switch partners amidst the tactical motions. This would be the perfect opportunity to speak to Jane.
Loki and Jane started out with one another, but eventually had to part to join with another partner.
Eventually after several partners, Thor got to be the one at Jane's side.
"My lady," he bowed to her, "may I have this honor?"
"That you may," she replied and offered her hand.
They were side to side and walked forward in unison with the group.
"You are looking remarkably well," he spoke to her.
"As are you," she answered. "I have been meaning to offer you congratulations on the birth of your daughter."
How did she know about Torunn, he thought. "Thank you. How long have you known?"
"Not long," she replied as they were to join their hands together. He was to lift her up and spin them around before depositing her back to the floor, which they did in unison with everyone else. "I am really happy for you."
"But are you happy?" he asked.
"What?" she asked.
"Are you happy? Are you well? Are you safe?"
Jane did not get a chance to answer when it was time for them to trade partners yet again.
And worse off, it was Loki whom she was trading too.
"Everything alright here darling?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "I was just congratulating Thor on the birth of his daughter."
"Yes, I have been meaning to offer you my praise as well," his brother said. "Finally, there will be a princess to rule Asgard."
"Yes," he replied. "And you? Any potential heirs on the horizon?"
Both of them laughed. "Oh no, not yet," his brother answered. "We want to be able to enjoy ourselves for a little while. Then we will begin talking about children."
Thor did not know what he was more concerned with. The fact that they were talking about children or that they had not had any as of yet and were making jokes about it.
"Oh no," Loki said. "I have to go and talk to President Obama very quickly before he departs. You two take time and get caught up." He left a kiss on her cheek.
The two left the dance floor so not to confuse the dancers with their conversations.
"So, you are happy with my brother?" he asked her again.
"But of course I am," she replied. "He treats me very well. I have never been so much in love before."
"But, I thought…."
"Jane, my dear," his mother came forward to embrace her. "I wanted to comment you on a splendid event you are having."
Thor knew that his mother had come over to stop the inquisition into her relationship with his brother.
"A grand feast indeed," his father also added.
"Thank you your majesties," she replied. "Please, tell me where will you be staying before the test tomorrow?"
"We will most likely be returning to Asgard," Odin declared. "With the baby and all, we should return to our home."
"Oh nonsense," she stated as she raised her hands to clap twice.
A serving girl came over and curtseyed to her with her head down. "Your majesty," the young woman greeted her queen.
"Yes Ashlyn," Jane said to her, "please arrange a suite in the East Wing for my in-laws family. There will be four adults and a newborn. See to it that it is prepped and security is arranged."
"Yes my lady," the woman said again before bowing a second time and headed to complete her tasks.
"You can take up lodgings in one of the family suite rooms in our residence," Jane told her family. "If you need anything, you let me or Loki know and we will get it done if the servants cannot get it done for you."
"You are most kind Lady Jane," his mother told her. "We will accept your gracious offer."
He watched as she was summoned by another royal and had to go and converse with them before they departed.
The suite that servant guided them to, once they reacquired Torunn from nursery, was immense. It was laden in dark woods and plush fabrics in vibrant red tones. There were two separated sleeping quarters with a common area for them to converse.
Sif took Torunn to the window and was showing her what snow was.
"I feel like adjourning for the evening," his father said. "My queen, will you join me?"
"Why of course," Frigga replied. "Sif, Thor, will you be going to sleep as well?"
"I am quite exasperated," the mother of his daughter answered. "I will aid Torunn in going to sleep."
"I am very awake actually," Thor replied. "I think I am going to explore the castle. See where it is that my brother calls home."
"So be it," his mother answered, "but please try and not cause trouble."
He knew that his mother was just being concerned about him approaching Jane and interfering in his brother's marriage.
Thor walked along the corridor observing the statues and pieces of art that filled his halls. His brother had some rather defined tastes in Midgardian art.
He made his way back toward the central meeting hall and could hear a loud shouting.
"Par-ty-time," he heard Jane shout loudly.
Thor did not know that this meant, but stared into the main room. Jane apparently was opening up the dancefloor for more earthly enticements in dance. She also allowed her servants and staff to enjoy the night with them.
Apparently everyone in the house was family.
The music was much faster and she acted like a typical human being.
Loki took his crown off and whipped it over to one of the servants, who caught it in his hands.
Jane undid her tiara and passed it off to Ashlyn who held it on a pillow. She also took her fingers and briskly undid her montage mass of curls.
Her husband gestured her with a finger to come to him. Then he flung out a hand toward her direction. Jane snapped her hand out and his brother grasped it tightly in his.
Loki pulled her into his embrace and they started dancing together. Thor was unfamiliar with Midgard's modern dance style, but it was clear that his brother had been learning.
He spun her around several times, the green silk waves fanning and twirling about Jane's body; causing her to giggle uncontrollably.
The queen also was dipped backwards and swung around in a half-arc before her husband brought her back up so they were staring deeply into one another's eyes.
Jane's fingers combed back locks of Loki's black hair behind his ear as she stared at him. His hand smoothed down the fabric that coated her back; a soft and sensuous touch.
The pair came together for a powerful, passionate liplock. Loki grabbed Jane's body tightly into his embrace. The servants applauded as they did, causing laughter between them.
He had to turn away briefly to avoid bring violently ill.
"Hard to believe how antiquated he is to being human," a voice said to him.
Thor looked and saw a familiar face. "Son of Coul," he said his name and shook his hand. "How are you?"
"I would say things are going well," Coulson replied. "Quite impressive, is it not?"
"What do you mean?" he asked. "Lady Jane?"
"Oh no," the agent answered. "Your brother. He really has taken to human life. He acts as though he has lived on Earth the whole time. Your ex has been the greatest teacher for him."
"She has?"
"And I mean it when I say she is your ex," Coulson's tone changed as he turned to face him. "As head of her security detail, I recommend you observe the space between."
The agent went toward the doors and ordered the sentries to close them.
He was able to only glance upon the fun for a few moments before the doors sealed.
Thor's opportunity to talk to Jane had passed.
What was with the warning to observe a space from her and Loki? Was it a threat or a miscommunication?
He vowed that tomorrow, he would speak to Jane and see if she was indeed under the influence of magic or something more dastardly.
Boy did I just flip the switch on Stockholm or what? Hope you liked it, because it was a fun chapter to write. Long, but fun. I hope that you enjoyed it and I look forward to your reviews.