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Authors Note: this chapter was once again written by myself. Next chapter will continue as normal (because we all know how much we love xCallMeLogiex's writing) :) as always, thank you for the continued support of this story, we appreciate it so much!
Orabella was way more than Steve had expected.
The royal city practically dripped gold. Every visible surface was coated in the precious metal; so much so that Steve could easily go out on a limb and assume there was no shortage of the stuff here. A massive pipe-organ-like building sat like the crown jewel in the middle of the city, and he could easily tell it was the palace. Smaller abodes- not quite as luxurious but still nothing to complain about- were scattered about around the base of the palace, adding to the overwhelming glow of the city. He had to admit, however, that his favorite trait of the city upon first glance had been the massive gate and bridge leading up to the palace. Celestial gold doors rocketed sky-high, complete with intricate designs and a just as fancy frame. They even had their own gatekeeper who stood stoically in front of the doors with a rather impressive sword planted in front of his feet. The bridge was a shimmering rainbow construction that practically buzzed with some kind of ancient energy. It was obvious even from the outside that this was one of Orabella's proudest features, which topped off what was a lavish city to begin with. The bridge continued all the way to the palace doors- punctuated occasionally by golden supports on the edges- and it was there, about halfway to the entrance, that Steve finally noticed the expression on Loki's face.
It was stuck somewhere between daydreaming and scream-and-jump-around excited. He kept up the emotionless appearance expected of him only when he suspected someone was watching and then dropped it immediately to instead gaze happily at the surroundings. It was a look that said he felt at home, and something inside Steve was unsettled at that. It was an uncomfortable, strange sort of feeling, and not knowing what else to do, Steve shook himself slightly to try and remove it.
An unmistakably Loki giggle sounded through Steve's thoughts, and he spun his head around to meet the prince's voice. His face was split in a wide smile and he gazed excitedly at Steve.
"Aren't you most excited, Steve? I for one cannot wait! My chance to leave Lazeroth and by luck it is to Orabella. I've dreamed so long of returning here."
Steve pulled from his mind the history lesson he'd been given on Loki and the War. He couldn't help the slight frown that graced his lips when he thought of Loki being rejoined with Thor; the strange feeling he had felt before returned with a pang for a moment and he quickly refocused his mind to another subject.
"My Prince, what exactly is the goal of this trip? Permanent residence here in Asgard, yes? But only for visiting a friend?"
Loki turned towards him with a rather shy expression. He bent into himself slightly before gazing up at Steve between eyelashes and sighing happily.
"Well, yes. Although it is not quite a normal visit. You see, I am marrying Prince Thor."
Steve had thought the outside was grand, but that was nothing compared to the inner palace.
Floor to ceiling glittered a blinding gold. The pillars, the floor tiles, the sconces, even the guard uniforms, gave off a luxurious gleam. The floor of the throne room- which was their current location- was broken up by ancient looking patterns, most likely Viking in origin. They swirled leasurely up to the foot of a rather impressive throne.
The throne itself extended about three fourths the width of the room. It was tucked securely onto the back wall, bolstered by rows of golden steps. It resembled a pair of massive wings stretched to their full extent; at least, a pair of wings that nestled a golden throne and well-respected king. Rounded, gold framed windows let a small amount of light in- just enough so that the gold glittered, but not obnoxiously.
Gold-caped guards flanked their entrance. A total of four surronded their small party, and Steve assumed they were there more for formalities than protection. After all, there wasn't much to fear from the timid prince of Lazeroth and his meager group. Two of Loki's own guards marched side-by-side behind him, but Steve had been called up to walk beside the prince. He chattered away incessantly in hushed tones (for, as Steve was coming to find out, the palace was silent). His thoughts flitted between Thor, and the wedding, and the impending 'what if he's changed and no longer likes me?' nonsense. Steve found himself not caring that his ear was being talked off. He even smiled a little and nodding at the right places.
When they reached the throne room, two guards threw open the golden doors with practiced precision. They bowed and Loki nodded, bidding them a duel hello and permission to rise. Odin, Allfather, and Guardian of Orabella, gazed impassively at them as they entered. Six guards stood impeccably straight down each side of the stairs, three for each side in a symmetrical fashion.
"Fairest greetings, my dear Prince Loki."
A feminine voice sounded from somewhere near the throne, and a blonde haired women stepped forward; a gentle smile adorned her face as she descended the steps gracefully.
"Oh what a happy day it is to see my lovely son Thor wed to such a charming young man. And how have you been, my sweet Loki? You positively glow!" She embraced Loki as Odin rumbled a "now is not the time for small talk, Frigga."
'So,' Steve though, 'this woman is Frigga, Queen of Asgard.' He bowed low as she approached, as did the rest of the party, leaving Loki to stand and hug her with familiar ease. They chattered quietly for a moment before Odin rapped his scepter on the floor in a clear demand for silence.
"Prince Loki, heir to the throne of Lazeroth. It is a fine day indeed that I once again encounter you in my throne room; and to think, you shall be wed to my son, and you're great friend, Thor. How fate has played a favorable hand." Loki nodded, blushing and radiant at the mentione of Thor.
"Yes, Allfather, my warmest greetings. I journey from Lazeroth with a light heart at the thought of my impending wedding. To think, the man I thought I would never see again to be my husband. I could not be happier." Something in Steve shuddered- in a good way- at the smile that graced Loki's face.
Frigga smiled, "yes, that I can see. I find it only most acceptable that you reacquaint yourself with your future husband. Thor?" She waves gracefully to a guard, who bowed and opened the doors. Loki turned, hands clasped in front of him and wearing a blinding smile as Thor, Prince of Asgard and Loki's betrothed, entered the room.