Chapter 20

{ hey guys sorry for the wait, I have been super busy and I am going back to college this next Sunday so it'll be a little hectic but I look forward to it. I hope to get an update up this upcoming week or weekend so just enjoy this one and don't be afraid to leave me some comments or reviews. They are not needed for the next update but it makes me feel loved. Anyways enjoy…}

It had been a few months since Loki's return to Asgard from the Alfheim.

Just last week Loki had broken free from the nightmare demons.

Serene was a little more then half way through her pregnancy, but most people were confused that she looked so far along since it had only been four months.

Serene was currently sitting perched on a windowsill, the sunlight shining are her skin as she held her belly with a hand.

Serene gently rubbed soothing circles over her belly to settle the child as the child thumped their foot against her.

"Loki, your child seems to have a powerful kick," Serene winced as another kicked landed on her bladder.

She stood up and shuffled towards the bathroom to relieve the straining organ.

Our child will be a powerful sorcerer and physically strong too it seems.

Loki thought as he chuckled.

His lips were not as raw as they had been the first week of the torture and now only hurt if he moved them.

Loki was perched on their bed on his stomach reading some papers.

It seemed as though Thor was going to Midguard soon in order to fight off the Midguardian Serpent that was threatening fisherman.

Loki snorted at this, only his son would cause problems but since he was forbidden from seeing him he was stuck with news from Thor and Odin.

Serene shuffled back into the room and saw her love sitting on the bed reading reports.

Serene held a sad smile knowing that it was mostly about Thor's quest to Earth to knock some since into his nephew about hurting the mortals.

Serene approached the bed and winced as her feet ached from standing for too long even though she was only up for a few moments.

This wince did not pass Loki's gaze and so he sat up and patted the space next to him.

How are you feeling Darling? Loki thought to Serene as he wrapped an arm around her to pull her into his side.

"Your child seems to not like me on my feet for too long," Serene sighed as she held onto his arm.

Loki bent lowly to push away the soft tunic she was wearing to expose her stomach.

He placed light kisses to the swollen belly before placing a hand over it.

Loki sent a calming wave of energy towards his child.

He felt the return of some magic trying to respond back.

Loki felt a small smile tug at his lips before leaning his head against Serene's stomach and nuzzled the flesh.

Serene let out a sigh of content as she carded her fingers through Loki's locks.

"I think you are in need of a trim my lover, your hairs getting long," Serene commented puling at the tips.

Loki lifted his head and stared at his love.

I thought you liked my hair long?

Loki thought as he raised a hand to cup her cheek.

"I do I just think a small trim would be nice though," Serene said as she rested her hand on the back of his neck.

Loki nodded before leaning forward to touch his forehead to hers.

I wish to unite us in marriage my love, what do you think?

Loki asked as he clasped her hand.

"I would love nothing more," Serene said as she smiled and squeezed his hand.

There was knock on the door before it was pushed open.

A tall muscular lad strode through the door and towards the couple.

Long white hair hung around the lads face and braids were scattered throughout the head of hair.

"Hello Mama and Loki," Bjorn spoke out as he approached the couple.

"My son what brings you here?" Serene asked as she held out a hand.

"Uncle Thor has accepted my challenge," Bjorn said with a beaming smile.

Serene returned the smile, "This is great news but I want you to be careful, your uncle gets carried away in competitions."

"Of course mother, will you come watch?" Bjorn asked.

Serene squeezed his hand and stood.

"Absolutely I think your uncle needs to be knocked down a few pegs," Serene smiled as she felt Loki encircle her waist to support her.

~A week before now~

"Mama do you think I could practice with Uncle Thor, I have beaten the rest of guards in the Palace and their seems to be no one who will ask me," Bjorn said as he sat on the cushion next to Serene.

Serene thought about it for a moment," I would think this would be ok as long as Thor agrees."

Bjorn beamed upon hearing this.

"Do you think I should ask the Warriors three and Lady Sif first before changeling Uncle," Bjorn asked.

"I think so, you might pick on some of their techniques and you could also see if you can ask for any pointers," Serene said clutching her son's hand.

Bjorn nodded his head before he looked down to her swollen belly.

"How long before my sibling comes?" Bjorn asked.

"I would hope maybe another month but I can not tell, this pregnancy is accelerating faster then when I had my first," Serene said as she gently rubbed circles.

"Will I have a brother or a sister?" Bjorn asked gently touching the swollen stomach.

A soft kick landed under his hand and he laughed.

"I hope it is a daughter, I wouldn't mind another son but I would like another girl around the palace," Serene answered.

"She would be very spoiled," Bjorn said with a bit of sadness.

Serene frowned at his tone of voice and gently cupped his cheek.

"You will always be my son and just because they will have royal blood does not mean I will stand a favorite child," Serene said placing a kiss on his forehead.

"Thank you Mama," Bjorn said before standing to leave.

~Back to the present~

Together the trio walked towards the training yards.

Once they reached the entrance to the yard Bjorn broke off to go to the challenge ring.

A servant brought over two chairs for Loki and Serene to sit in to watch.

Another brought over a table with a pitcher of nectar and a bowl of fruit.

Serene smiled in return and cradled the goblet.

"Would you like some Loki?" Serene asked looking to him.

I would love some but I am unable to.

"Well I was watching this group of kids earlier this week and saw that they would share a drink with the help of a hollowed reed to make sure none of their lips touched the glass," Serene described as she conjured a reed.

She then placed it in the glass and handed it to Loki.

Loki tilted his head at the reed and then brought the reed to his sewn lips.

Loki made a small gap between his lips and gently sucked on the reed.

He was rewarded with the sweet taste of the golden nectar.

By the Nine this is fantastic.

Loki groaned as he continued to drink the nectar.

"Don't drink too much, I know you haven't eaten since the stiches so your stomach is sensitive, but now with the reed you will be able to have soup and broths," Serene said as she squeezed his knee.

Loki looked to her with the biggest smile he could muster.

I cannot wait.

The pair turned towards the arena where they saw Fandral stand between Thor and Bjorn.

"Now I want a clean fight, well accept for first blood and maybe a few bruises, well as long as it is alright with your mother?" Fandral joked glancing at Serene.

Serene shook her head, "I would watch your tongue, my son has already beaten you once."

A collective sound of laughter was heard at this comment.

Fandral scowled for a moment before plastering his smirk back on his face.

"Aye that may be so, but we wouldn't want the little lad to get maimed would we?" Fandral countered.

" He will handle himself fine, get on with it," Serene said waving her hand.

Fandral's smile faltered at this before waving to begin the fight.

Bjorn was standing on the edge of the makeshift battle arena.

He was wearing light leather armor with strips of chainmail throughout.

He had a sword and shield for the first match.

Opposite him, Thor stood with his training armor that mirrored his battle armor but had less layers.

Thor had a broad sword in one hand and a shield in the other.

A bell was rung and the two began to circle for one another, waiting for the first strike.

Thor took the first swipe but was deflected by the shield.

Bjorn took a returning strike but missed by a fraction.

The air was thick with anticipation as they waited for the victor.

Blows continued but were matched with returning swipes.

Clangs of the swords and shields could be heard as the fight continued.

Sweat dripped down Bjorn's forehead as he continued the blows or blocks.

Thor seemed to holding back some strength but continued his assault on the younger challenger.

Bjorn could feel his arm become heavy with fatigue but he fought it off as he bashed the shield into his Uncle's arm.

Thor stumbled back from the bash but returned it with a slash of the sword.

Bjorn noticed that his uncle did not like to use his shield but rather strike with a weapon.

Bjorn changed his tactics and began to attack his Uncle's shield arm.

Thor held back a smile as Bjorn began his attack on his weaker arm.

He had just barely healed an injury on that arm from the last battle.

His brief flashback cost Thor him his concentration and felt the familiar sting off a cut.

The crowd was silent all accept for those who were in favor of Bjorn who clapped at his victory.

Bjorn felt the pull of a smile as his body relaxed from fatigue.

Serene smiled at her son as she clapped and stood.

Loki copied her movements as they walked towards the pair.

Thor walked over to his nephew and clapped him on the back.

"That was some fine swords work Bjorn, I see the bears have taught you well," Thor said with a beaming smile.

"Thank you Uncle Thor, I was surprised at your opening though, we shall have our next challenge soon?" Bjorn asked as he held out his arm.

"Yes, I look forward to it," Thor said as he encircled his forearm with his hand in a pact agreement.

They two fighters then broke off to their separate changing areas.

Bjorn walked back towards his side and was standing while a servant removed the protective layer.

He saw his mother approaching and smiled.

Serene watched as her son began to wash away the sweat that had bloomed over his skin from the match.

"Nice job Bjorn, I think you might have slightly hurt your uncle's ego when you caught him by surprise, though I think that was his own undoing," Serene said as she carded her fingers through his hair that had become wild.

"Mom stop," Bjorn said as he playfully slapped her hand from his hair.

"Hey I'm just helping, who knows maybe you'll have company tonight," Serene hinted as she saw her son blush.

"Maybe, we shall see at the feast," Bjorn muttered as he fixed his own hair.

Serene chuckled as she felt Loki's presence come near.

"I seem to remember a similar occasion with Loki and Fandral," Serene said as she looped an arm through his.

Yes and what a night that was, I swear that was the most wine I have ever drunk in one sitting besides my name day. Loki said with a small smirk.

"Yes but the next morning you were like a angry serpent, striking at anyone that breathed," Serene said.

Ah but not at you, I could never but any venom behind my words when I was around you. Loki countered as he squeezed her hand.

"If you two are quite through, I need to change for the feast," Bjorn said abruptly as he walked away.

Serene shook her head as Loki lead her towards an inside sitting area to await the feast that was shortly.

" Thor's name is coming upon us, do you think we will get as many turnouts for the tournament this year?" Serene asked Loki.

Most likely, I also think All-father is going to announce the date for the coronation, though hopefully it will be after our child is born. Loki thought as he rubbed softly at her belly.

"Hmm yes and I think you are doing well with being Thor's equal," Serene spoke softly as she cupped his cheek.

That is all I want, the throne holds no power for me if I am not the favored one, I just want to help Asgard prosper. Loki thought as he nuzzled her hand.

Serene smiled and placed a chaste kiss on his forehead.

"I think you two will bring a wondrous age to Asgard, Odin has done his job well and it is now the time for a new age to come," Serene whispered as some guards walked pass.

Some of the Asgardians were thrilled about the announcement of the coronation but some did not like the idea of Loki having any part in the rule.

I only wish to prove myself to others that I can be a great help in the rule. Loki thought and sighed as he was reminded of his black sheep status.

"You have nothing to prove to others, only to yourself can you prove that you are worthy," Serene said as she poked his chest where his heart lay.

Loki nodded and leaned his head forward to rest his head in her hair.

Oh my love what would I do without you. Loki thought solemnly and placed his lips on her neck.

"I think you would be a little bit pig-headed like your brother and probably be getting into more mischief," Serene chuckled as he pinched her.

Ugh don't tell me I would be like Thor, this would be the worse news.

Loki thought as he groaned in the back of his throat.

Thunderous footsteps sounded before they heard the voice.

"But don't you love me brother? I love you," Thor said as he came towards the pair.

Loki rolled his eyes as he stood up and offered an arm to his wife.

"Oh come now brother, all you have to say are three words and all is good," Thor said with a beaming smile.

You're an oaf.

Loki thought out loud and he saw Serene smirk.

Thor frowned slightly before gaining it back as he clapped a hand on Loki.

"One day you will say it," Thor said as he followed along side the pair to the dining area.

Loki shook his head and snaked an arm around Serene's body to support her lower back.

Serene hummed as she followed the brothers and sat at the table where the rest of their friends sat.

Serene slowly slinked down into her chair. Loki and Thor sat on either side of her.

The door opened with a creak and Bjorn walked in with some of the younger warriors who were chattering about the challenge.

"My son seems to be preening," Serene whispered to Loki as she watched the cluster take a seat at another table.

As he should be, maybe tonight he will take a maiden like a true warrior should.

Loki answered as he squeezed her thigh. I don't know think my warrior will get a maiden tonight unless he does me a favor. Serene thought to Loki as she smirked. Hmm anything for my sweet nectar.

Loki purred as he stroked her hand under the table.

My feet and back are killing me due to your child's activities I think a massage will have wonders for my energy. Serene answered with a squeeze to his hand.

The feast had started a Odin arrived and waved a hand.

Cheers were heard as servants brought out platters and jugs of wine.

Tonight they celebrated the upcoming name day and Thor's coronation date.