Elena finished with her hair and turned to look in the mirror. She could feel her heart beating fast in her chest. The time had come. She really was going to marry Loki.

"He really does love you," Frigga said quietly, startling Elena. Until then she thought there were just guards.

"You sound like you can't believe it," Elena replied, turning and facing the queen, "No one seems to."

"Loki has done some terrible things," Frigga admitted, "And I've become disappointed, and saddened by him. But that doesn't mean I've lost all faith, or stopped loving him."

"But he isn't yours."

"That's what you and Loki cannot seem to understand," Frigga replied, "You do not have to be bound by blood, to feel a connection. Why, I remember the day Odin brought him home from battle..." She smiled thoughtfully. "He was so cold. Rather sick. I remember putting him in his crib, trying to calm him, but he cried most of the night. So terrified. I just can't understand how anyone could leave him there..."

Elena smiled a bit at her.

"Elena," Frigga said, "I know of your motives, and I cannot change your mind. But I know one thing is certain– my son, whether he wants to be called that or not, has never felt this way, about anyone or anything. I could see it when he looked at you."

Elena closed her eyes, "I love him so much. I've...thought I loved others, but not like him." She looked at Frigga. "Loki has been with me since I was very small, and I didn't even know it. In a way, I grew up with him. He was the only thing I could escape to, when things got dark in Midgard."

"Loki mentioned you had been abused in your adopted home."

Elena nodded, "Yes. Not as badly as my brother, though...he was actually killed in an accident caused by my adoptive father, but that is another story." She took a deep breath, "I just know that Loki feels empty, compared to Thor. He seems to believe he isn't good enough."

Frigga nodded slowly, "I've noticed that, since he was very young."

"And I've seen that attitude change, when he reaches a position of power," Elena said, swallowing hard, "But not so much as when Luna was born. It was as though...as though he had been waiting for it to happen, like it was his destiny laid out before him."

"Queen Frigga...I know it is difficult to imagine, but finally having something that is yours. Really, truly yours...it can change you. An empty space you didn't know you had, gets filled. That hole in your heart starts to mend. What I am trying to say is, Loki wants so badly to raise Luna, as his own, and finally feel whole."

Frigga smiled, "And he wants to do this with his wife by his side."

Elena shrugged, "Yeah...I guess he does."

Frigga walked up to Elena, leaning forward, and whispering into her ear, "It is wrong to betray the King of Asgard, Elena, but I think I can help you both..."

In his chambers, Loki stood in front of a mirror as well, with Thor standing guard. In his Asgardian armor, horned helmet at his feet. It was happening.

"Are you nervous?" Thor asked.

Loki paused, "A bit, yes."

"You have written vows."

Loki turned to face him, "I have." He looked at the small piece of paper in his hands, "I've known what I've wanted to say for weeks..."

Thor's eyes met his.

"You love her. You really, truly love her."

"I still don't understand how that is so unfathomable to you."

Thor approached him, "Well...for so long I thought you were incapable of sincerity. After what happened in Midgard, and before-"

"Naturally your father has filled your head."

Thor swallowed, "If you must know, I've tried to appeal to him for your release."

"Clearly."

"Loki," Thor put his hand on his shoulder, "Say what you will and think what you may. But if my father hadn't found you in the temple in Jotunheim..." It looked as if Thor was close to tears, which surprised Loki. "I'd not have been raised with someone I firmly believed, and still do believe, was my brother."

Loki was about to answer when Frigga appeared in the doorway. Thor turned, "Mother?"

"Thor, Loki," she said quickly, rushing over to them, "Step onto the balcony." She turned to the guards, "Stay by the door. There are guards below. I shall be fine."

Confused, the two followed Frigga to the bright balcony outside. When she knew there was no one else in earshot, she pulled them both close to her and lowered her voice.

"I have a plan, and I need you both to cooperate."

"What are you talking about, Mother?" Thor asked.

Frigga took a deep breath, "A month ago, Odin disappeared to Valeheim. He would not tell me why he was going, other than a 'peaceful mission.' This was after the battle." She looked at Loki, "I believe that is where he took Luna."

Loki's face drained completely, "Valeheim?"

"To Hogun's sister," Thor said quietly, "Of course. She cannot bear children...I should have known."

"So, after you marry Elena," Frigga whispered, "I have persuaded Odin to allow you a wedding night. In the morning, it is planned to take you both to the dungeons for eternity. I wish for you both to take the opportunity, tonight, to go to Valeheim. Elena is aware of the passage behind the palace, Loki. Take it."

"But how?"

Frigga passed him a small piece of gold, "You will use this to take form of a guard, and your wife, this one." She handed him a second. "Fandral and Sif are aware of this. They will be guarding your chambers."

"But what after that?" Thor frowned, "Father will surely know to go after them."

Frigga shook her head, "Not when Fandral and Sif tell them of their escape, and sudden death. We will hold a short memorial. And that will be all."

Loki looked at her, "You are saying I may never return to Asgard?"

Frigga pursed her lips, "My son...it is this, or the dungeons. I want you to have a chance, at a happy life. Should you betray this plan, then...I know you will suffer the consequences. But I believe deep down, this woman has brought something out of you that I have been searching for ever since Jotunheim was destroyed."

Thor continued, "So Loki and Elena will live in Vanaheim, and raise Luna there?"

"There, or Midgard," Frigga said, "Elena told me of her connections in the human realm. That is the risk of raising Luna in Midgard, though."

Loki nodded, "Right...I will discuss this with her, tonight. We will execute your plan, as expected."

Thor sighed, "It runs a heavy risk, but I'd rather not see you rot in a dungeon...and if Father finds out-"

"He won't," Frigga insisted, "Not if you both agree to keep this secret."

"Then I shall," Loki took her hand, "And I promise. I will raise your granddaughter to know that my mother was a brave, and compassionate woman." He kissed her hand then, and Frigga felt tears well up in her eyes.

"I knew you were in there somewhere, brother," Thor said with a smile, "Now come. You've got a wedding to attend."