p class="MsoNormal"The Sunday morning before the wedding, I walked into the little dining room and paused at the doorway. "Father. Loki. What's going on?" I asked upon finding them facing each other across the table. My father looked at me and smiled./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Nothing, my baby. Loki and I were just having a discussion." I quirked a brow, turning my gaze from him to Loki./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"He's trying to intimidate you, isn't he?" I questioned. Loki's smirk turned into a wicked grin as he stared my father down./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I believe so," he snickered. Father glared at Loki and I smiled, approaching him and wrapping my arms around his shoulders./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not to worry, Daddy," I assured him, kissing his cheek. "The Avengers will take care of that," I continued in a serious tone, looking at Loki blankly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Loki bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Whilst it is true that I have a certain respect for their wrath, in truth, I am more afraid of you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Good," I responded plainly. "You should be." I straightened, stealing Loki's toast, and loped out of the room with a careless smile. I heard Loki chuckle wearily and halted, listening./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I wish I could convince you that I am benign, as far as your daughter is concerned. You do not understand how desperately I rely on Ellie; how much I love her… The truth, Doctor Carter, is… is that I am terrified that at any moment now, she will realise how unworthy I am of her affections, and will run away with the honourable Captain America."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Well, what have you done in order to prove your worth to my daughter?" Father questioned. "Ellie is extremely selective about her company; the fact that she has agreed to marry you says something about you. So, what was it?" There was a momentary pause before Loki answered softly,/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't know… Ellie and I have faced many conflicts and dangers together. We have fought with each other and for each other and beside each other. I have pushed her away from me, and she has shut me out, and we have spoken cruelly to one another on numerous occasions, and yet… At the end of all things, when the fighting is over, and all that is left is that… that hollow moment when you've grown too numb to feel the pain, but at the same time, pain is all you know… I always find my way to her. Ellie. My beautiful Little Mouse…" Loki drew in a sharp breath and continued. "I love your daughter, Doctor Carter. And I will always love her. I know I will, because where most couples fail is when they are faced with hardships that they are not strong enough to endure, but that is exactly how our relationship began. We met in conflict, and we have been forged in conflict. And there is none whom I would rather have by my side when things become difficult. Ellie is my strength, my power. And, believe me, Doctor, I am powerful."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;""And humble," Father remarked wryly./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;" /p
p class="MsoNormal""As are you," Loki retorted. Father snorted in amusement. After a moment, he sighed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki, you have my blessing to marry my daughter."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Thank you, Doctor Carter," Loki murmured sincerely. "I know her father's blessing will mean much to Ellie."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You might as well call me Father, too, considering the situation." Loki laughed softly./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"So, is this the wrong time to remind you that I am hundreds of years old, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Father/em?" My father groaned, chuckling again./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"This is not what I pictured for my baby's wedding. But knowing El, I should have expected something along these lines. I always knew she would be extraordinary."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"And so she is," Loki agreed quietly. I smiled, content with their male bonding, and took a bite of toast, walking away./p
p class="MsoNormal"There was a soft tapping on my door the night before my wedding as I sat before the vanity, looking at my veiled face. "Ellie, it's Loki."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You're not allowed to see me, Loki," I responded, standing and taking a few steps into the middle of the room. "You know the rules."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"And I would disregard them entirely, if it would not displease you," he retorted. There was a soft thump against the door as he leant against it, sighing. "What is the reason for your Midgardian superstitions?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Why tempt fate?" I replied, walking over to the door and brushing my fingers down the polished surface. "This particular superstition, I believe, was so that the participants in the wedding did not have the chance to look at their partner in an unattractive light and flee before the ceremony."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""As though I could ever consider you unattractive," Loki scoffed. I giggled, resting my forehead against the burnished wood. There was a pause before Loki spoke again. "Do you think me unattractive?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I've already answered that, Princeling. Think back." I waited for a few moments until Loki clicked his tongue./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yes, of course. You called me em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"pretty/em."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are pretty. Sometimes I think you might be prettier than I am, and that distresses me a little," I admitted. I heard Loki huff a faint laugh./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"If you must think me pretty, then I believe we are evenly matched, My Dear." I smiled, closing my eyes peacefully./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well, I like that idea," I hummed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Are you nervous?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Terrified. You?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"No. I was, but the more I think about it, the more I want this wedding to be over and done so we can simply settle into our lives together, now that we have decided to marry."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Makes sense," I acknowledged./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Why are you so afraid, Mouse?" Loki whispered. I sighed, turning my back to the door and sliding to sit at the foot./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Fear of the unknown. It is said that marriage changes everything. I don't know what to expect."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Shall I tell you what it is that I expect?" Loki offered softly./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Go on," I consented. I heard his clothing whisper as he slid down the door on his side./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I expect you to be the spirited, aggressive, tender-hearted woman you have been throughout our acquaintance. I expect you to fight me, and protect me, and love me as you have always done. And I expect to remain proud, calculating and protective of my Little Mouse; arguing with you and never allowing another soul to utter even a em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"word/em against you in my presence. After everything we have already suffered through, Ellie, I do not fear for us. My faith in you is absolute. Can you not try to have a little faith in me in return?" I sighed again, scratching my scalp./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You really think we'll be okay together?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I honestly and truly believe that you and I… Ellie, you and I are powerful. We will be excellent together. Honestly and truly."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Honestly and truly," I echoed, smiling. "Compelling speech, Silver-Tongue."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Are you certain that I mayn't see you for just one kiss before the wedding?" Loki wheedled./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Stop it," I reprimanded, laughing. "Go away, Loki. I have no time for your mischief." Loki snickered before I heard another voice speak./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki? What are you doing?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I am conversing with my betrothed, Stark." Tony laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not even married yet, and you're already out in the doghouse, eh?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I assume that that is some form of punishment used by Midgardian women when displeased by their spouses," Loki drawled. "But I am not being punished… I don't think." I could hear the slight uncertainty in his voice and laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No, you aren't in trouble; I am increasing your love through suspense," I trilled./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Was five years not suspenseful enough for us both?" Loki inquired./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"One more night won't kill you, Loki."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"This is that whole 'no looking' tradition, isn't it?" Tony asked, amusement plain in his tone. Loki sighed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Have you ever been espoused?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Me? Nah; I'm a playboy, Rock of Ages. I don't go in for that 'forsaking all others' shtick."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Now I understand your loneliness," Loki murmured. "No one ever chose you above all others."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki, don't poke at my friends' sore spots, otherwise I em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"will/em put you out in the doghouse," I warned./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm not poking, Mouse," he assured me gently, drumming his fingers against the door. "But I have been wondering over Stark's general isolation. It is satisfying for me to know the reason behind it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"If you're thinking you can use it against me…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not at all, Stark," Loki interrupted. "I am far too preoccupied with my duties as a king and my upcoming nuptials to spare any thought for you. Besides, hurting you would distress my bride-to-be, and I have no intention of upsetting her."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Look, I'm gonna leave you to it. See you tomorrow," Tony sighed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Goodnight, Tony!" I called out./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Night, Kid."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Loki sighed as Tony walked away and I smiled. "Go to sleep, Loki." I heard rustling as he stood./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Ellie, may I make one request of you for the wedding tomorrow?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Go on," I prompted./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I know that women wish to adorn themselves for special occasions; they dye their faces and decorate their hair and so on, and you do look beautiful in your finery. But the woman who traipses around with her wild curls bouncing freely and no make-up on because she has more important considerations than vanity, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"that/em is the woman I love, the woman I am marrying. And I want Asgard to see you as I do, and envy me my good fortune in securing your hand."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I giggled at that and Loki laughed softly. "Please do not try to alter your appearance tomorrow, Mouse. A little colour to accentuate your natural beauty will be perfect."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Goodnight, Loki. I love you," I responded gently. I heard Loki backing away./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"And I love you. I shall see you at our wedding… I hope…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki." There was a pause. "I will be there. Honestly and truly, I will." Loki huffed another quiet laugh./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Goodnight."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I was bouncing from foot to foot in front of the giant golden doors anxiously, chewing my lip. My white dress had a tightly-fitted bodice and a flowing white skirt. Silver lace covered my décolletage and circled my neck, and I was wearing a veiled white cloak. My hair was pinned loosely to one side, allowing my tumbledown curls to fall freely over my shoulder, a silver and moonstone tiara crowned my head and pinned my cloak, my eyes were shadowed faintly with an earthy brown, and my lips were a natural pink. "He's in there, right? He em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"is/em waiting for me, isn't he?" I worried./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Good grief, Ellie! Relax! Yes; he's in there waiting for you," Tabby told me firmly, passing me my wedding bouquet of golden roses./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Are you ready?" Father asked, offering me his arm. I took a deep, calming breath and nodded, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. Tabby nodded and the guards opened the doors as the music started playing. I looked up to the throne where Loki stood, staring at me with a bright smile on his face. My father guided me down the hall in between the gathered crowd, and I kept my eyes trained on Loki, grinning giddily. When we arrived at the top of the steps, my father turned to look at Loki and held out his hand as I handed my bouquet to my sister. Loki nodded in acknowledgement, shaking my father's hand, and my father pressed a kiss against my veiled forehead before tucking my arm into Loki's. I could hear my mother sobbing quietly from the front row. She cried at everything./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Hello," I whispered to Loki./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Hello," he whispered back as Thor officiated the ceremony./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Today we are gathered to witness the marriage of Ellie Carter, and Loki, King of Asgard, as well as the crowning of the new Queen." I examined Loki from the corners of my eyes, taking in his attire, which seemed to be a combination of Asgardian formalwear and traditional Victorian-era fashions. He wore fitted black leather trousers tucked into his polished boots, but instead of a tunic, Loki wore a gold-embroidered emerald silk waistcoat over a black dress shirt with a black bowtie. The whole look was completed with a green cape pinned at his shoulders, and his hair neatly combed back into silky waves. Loki swallowed, shifting slightly, and I subtly stepped closer to him, laying my free hand against his abdomen. Loki smiled faintly, moving his free hand to hold my wrist against himself. "Today, we unite not only these two people, but two realms. Asgard and Midgard," Thor continued. He looked at us both warmly and solemnly before turning his focus on Loki. "Your vows, Brother."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Fandral stepped forward with the ring and Loki smiled, taking it from the velvet pillow and turning to face me, breathing deeply. "Ellie Jean Carter. I know I am a difficult man, and I know that I have dragged you to Hel and back on multiple occasions. But you should know that I would not wish to have shared those dark times with any other. You are my strength and my weakness, and I vow here and now to protect you from all the dangers of the outside world, and to strive to make our own the adventure that you long for. I will be your 'partner in crime', as they say on Midgard, and I will always love you. And so, with this ring, I thee wed. Your life is my life, from this moment onward." I smiled, unable to keep myself from giggling as Loki slipped the gold band onto my finger where it fit perfectly with the engagement ring./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Your vows, Ellie," Thor told me softly. Sif stepped forward with the ring and I took it from the pillow with a smile at her, turning back to Loki and swallowing nervously./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Loki Laufeyson, King of Asgard…" I took a shaky breath and Loki smiled, squeezing my hand supportively. "I cannot think of a way to explain how I love you, except for saying that if we can go from trying to kill each other upon our first meeting, to promising to spend the rest of our lives together, I don't think much is going to faze us." Loki flashed his teeth in amusement and I giggled, continuing. "I have been a thorn in your side, and I have been your closest ally, and now I am to be your wife. I promise you that none shall ever have a partner more faithful and dedicated than what I will be to you. And so, with this ring, I claim you as my own. My life is your life." I looked into Loki's eyes seriously as I slipped the ring on his finger and murmured, "Don't let me down, Trickster."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Never," Loki promised softly, taking both my hands in his./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Your signatures," Thor requested, holding out the certificate to us. Loki signed his name elegantly, and I signed mine in my carefree scrawl, before passing the feather quill to Heimdall for him to bear witness. He handed the quill to Eric and he signed his name, backing away to stand by my sister again./p
p class="MsoNormal"Thor raised the certificate before his chest for us to see and smiled. "You are now espoused. Loki, you may kiss the bride." I closed my eyes as Loki carefully lifted my hood and laid it down my back before cupping my cheeks in his hands gently. I opened my eyes to look into his and he smirked at me, winking flirtatiously before bowing his head over mine and pressing his lips against mine, pushing one hand back into my curls and sliding the other down to wrap his arm around my waist, tilting me backwards as I folded my arms around his neck, secure in his hold. People were chanting, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;""Long live the King! Long live the Queen!"/em and Loki broke the kiss, pressing his forehead against mine and whispering something in a strange tongue. Green light rippled around us and he captured my lips again as I felt as though we were caught up in our own personal whirlwind, my skin tingling coolly with the not unfamiliar sensation of magic. Loki pulled back from me again, holding me upright, and smiled, stroking my face with his hand./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"My Queen, My Mouse," he murmured. "My One and Only."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"My King, My Princeling, My Partner in Crime," I responded happily./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Heimdall stepped forward suddenly, staring at Thor seriously. "I am sorry to ruin the moment, but there is a conflict on Midgard, something relating to the Chitauri sceptre, and they are calling for the Avengers." I blinked at Heimdall in shock before flicking my gaze over Thor and staring up at Loki with wide eyes. He met my gaze quickly./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Go and change; I'll meet you at the dome," he informed me simply. I beamed at him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I love you," I purred, standing on tiptoes to kiss him before crossing over to my sister with a smile, taking the bouquet and throwing it into the crowd, hitching up my skirts and running from the hall as the Avengers all surged into action./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I changed my clothes and caught a ride with a noblewoman out to the rainbow bridge. When I entered the dome, all eyes turned on me and Loki's jaw dropped slightly. I had discarded my old Shield uniform and now wore a black leather catsuit lined in emerald cotton with gaps at the joints for manoeuvrability, plated with gold armour and covered in sheaths for my multiple guns and ammunitions. I wore leather boots like smaller versions of Loki's, and my clawed gloves were on my hands. I also wore a gold band to keep my hair out of my face decorated with two little curved horns. "If I am to be Queen of Asgard, I thought I'd make an effort to look the part," I explained, shrugging carelessly. After a moment's pause, Loki turned to look at the others./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;""My wife is better than em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"any/em of your partners, and if you disagree, then you are sadly misinformed," he announced plainly. I smiled, rolling my eyes as the others protested half-heartedly, amused, and Heimdall started up the Bifrost./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I moved to stand in between Loki and Thor when Loki said, "Hold on; tradition," and scooped me up bridal-style in his arms. We all jumped into the Bifrost and arrived at the rebuilt Shield headquarters. Loki carefully deposited me on the earth as Fury exited the building to meet us./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Welcome back," he drawled, casting his eye over all of us and lingering on me and Loki. "Well, I'll admit I didn't see this coming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It surprised me, too," I laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"So, what's the situation?" Steve demanded./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Pack your gear," Fury said, turning sharply and leading us inside. "You're going to Sokovia…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Nothing, my baby. Loki and I were just having a discussion." I quirked a brow, turning my gaze from him to Loki./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"He's trying to intimidate you, isn't he?" I questioned. Loki's smirk turned into a wicked grin as he stared my father down./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I believe so," he snickered. Father glared at Loki and I smiled, approaching him and wrapping my arms around his shoulders./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not to worry, Daddy," I assured him, kissing his cheek. "The Avengers will take care of that," I continued in a serious tone, looking at Loki blankly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Loki bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Whilst it is true that I have a certain respect for their wrath, in truth, I am more afraid of you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Good," I responded plainly. "You should be." I straightened, stealing Loki's toast, and loped out of the room with a careless smile. I heard Loki chuckle wearily and halted, listening./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I wish I could convince you that I am benign, as far as your daughter is concerned. You do not understand how desperately I rely on Ellie; how much I love her… The truth, Doctor Carter, is… is that I am terrified that at any moment now, she will realise how unworthy I am of her affections, and will run away with the honourable Captain America."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Well, what have you done in order to prove your worth to my daughter?" Father questioned. "Ellie is extremely selective about her company; the fact that she has agreed to marry you says something about you. So, what was it?" There was a momentary pause before Loki answered softly,/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't know… Ellie and I have faced many conflicts and dangers together. We have fought with each other and for each other and beside each other. I have pushed her away from me, and she has shut me out, and we have spoken cruelly to one another on numerous occasions, and yet… At the end of all things, when the fighting is over, and all that is left is that… that hollow moment when you've grown too numb to feel the pain, but at the same time, pain is all you know… I always find my way to her. Ellie. My beautiful Little Mouse…" Loki drew in a sharp breath and continued. "I love your daughter, Doctor Carter. And I will always love her. I know I will, because where most couples fail is when they are faced with hardships that they are not strong enough to endure, but that is exactly how our relationship began. We met in conflict, and we have been forged in conflict. And there is none whom I would rather have by my side when things become difficult. Ellie is my strength, my power. And, believe me, Doctor, I am powerful."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;""And humble," Father remarked wryly./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;" /p
p class="MsoNormal""As are you," Loki retorted. Father snorted in amusement. After a moment, he sighed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki, you have my blessing to marry my daughter."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Thank you, Doctor Carter," Loki murmured sincerely. "I know her father's blessing will mean much to Ellie."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You might as well call me Father, too, considering the situation." Loki laughed softly./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"So, is this the wrong time to remind you that I am hundreds of years old, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Father/em?" My father groaned, chuckling again./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"This is not what I pictured for my baby's wedding. But knowing El, I should have expected something along these lines. I always knew she would be extraordinary."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"And so she is," Loki agreed quietly. I smiled, content with their male bonding, and took a bite of toast, walking away./p
p class="MsoNormal"There was a soft tapping on my door the night before my wedding as I sat before the vanity, looking at my veiled face. "Ellie, it's Loki."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You're not allowed to see me, Loki," I responded, standing and taking a few steps into the middle of the room. "You know the rules."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"And I would disregard them entirely, if it would not displease you," he retorted. There was a soft thump against the door as he leant against it, sighing. "What is the reason for your Midgardian superstitions?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Why tempt fate?" I replied, walking over to the door and brushing my fingers down the polished surface. "This particular superstition, I believe, was so that the participants in the wedding did not have the chance to look at their partner in an unattractive light and flee before the ceremony."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""As though I could ever consider you unattractive," Loki scoffed. I giggled, resting my forehead against the burnished wood. There was a pause before Loki spoke again. "Do you think me unattractive?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I've already answered that, Princeling. Think back." I waited for a few moments until Loki clicked his tongue./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yes, of course. You called me em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"pretty/em."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are pretty. Sometimes I think you might be prettier than I am, and that distresses me a little," I admitted. I heard Loki huff a faint laugh./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"If you must think me pretty, then I believe we are evenly matched, My Dear." I smiled, closing my eyes peacefully./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well, I like that idea," I hummed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Are you nervous?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Terrified. You?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"No. I was, but the more I think about it, the more I want this wedding to be over and done so we can simply settle into our lives together, now that we have decided to marry."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Makes sense," I acknowledged./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Why are you so afraid, Mouse?" Loki whispered. I sighed, turning my back to the door and sliding to sit at the foot./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Fear of the unknown. It is said that marriage changes everything. I don't know what to expect."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Shall I tell you what it is that I expect?" Loki offered softly./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Go on," I consented. I heard his clothing whisper as he slid down the door on his side./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I expect you to be the spirited, aggressive, tender-hearted woman you have been throughout our acquaintance. I expect you to fight me, and protect me, and love me as you have always done. And I expect to remain proud, calculating and protective of my Little Mouse; arguing with you and never allowing another soul to utter even a em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"word/em against you in my presence. After everything we have already suffered through, Ellie, I do not fear for us. My faith in you is absolute. Can you not try to have a little faith in me in return?" I sighed again, scratching my scalp./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You really think we'll be okay together?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I honestly and truly believe that you and I… Ellie, you and I are powerful. We will be excellent together. Honestly and truly."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Honestly and truly," I echoed, smiling. "Compelling speech, Silver-Tongue."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Are you certain that I mayn't see you for just one kiss before the wedding?" Loki wheedled./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Stop it," I reprimanded, laughing. "Go away, Loki. I have no time for your mischief." Loki snickered before I heard another voice speak./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki? What are you doing?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I am conversing with my betrothed, Stark." Tony laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not even married yet, and you're already out in the doghouse, eh?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I assume that that is some form of punishment used by Midgardian women when displeased by their spouses," Loki drawled. "But I am not being punished… I don't think." I could hear the slight uncertainty in his voice and laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""No, you aren't in trouble; I am increasing your love through suspense," I trilled./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Was five years not suspenseful enough for us both?" Loki inquired./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"One more night won't kill you, Loki."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"This is that whole 'no looking' tradition, isn't it?" Tony asked, amusement plain in his tone. Loki sighed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Have you ever been espoused?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Me? Nah; I'm a playboy, Rock of Ages. I don't go in for that 'forsaking all others' shtick."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Now I understand your loneliness," Loki murmured. "No one ever chose you above all others."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki, don't poke at my friends' sore spots, otherwise I em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"will/em put you out in the doghouse," I warned./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm not poking, Mouse," he assured me gently, drumming his fingers against the door. "But I have been wondering over Stark's general isolation. It is satisfying for me to know the reason behind it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"If you're thinking you can use it against me…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Not at all, Stark," Loki interrupted. "I am far too preoccupied with my duties as a king and my upcoming nuptials to spare any thought for you. Besides, hurting you would distress my bride-to-be, and I have no intention of upsetting her."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Look, I'm gonna leave you to it. See you tomorrow," Tony sighed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Goodnight, Tony!" I called out./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Night, Kid."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Loki sighed as Tony walked away and I smiled. "Go to sleep, Loki." I heard rustling as he stood./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Ellie, may I make one request of you for the wedding tomorrow?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Go on," I prompted./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I know that women wish to adorn themselves for special occasions; they dye their faces and decorate their hair and so on, and you do look beautiful in your finery. But the woman who traipses around with her wild curls bouncing freely and no make-up on because she has more important considerations than vanity, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"that/em is the woman I love, the woman I am marrying. And I want Asgard to see you as I do, and envy me my good fortune in securing your hand."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I giggled at that and Loki laughed softly. "Please do not try to alter your appearance tomorrow, Mouse. A little colour to accentuate your natural beauty will be perfect."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Goodnight, Loki. I love you," I responded gently. I heard Loki backing away./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"And I love you. I shall see you at our wedding… I hope…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Loki." There was a pause. "I will be there. Honestly and truly, I will." Loki huffed another quiet laugh./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Goodnight."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I was bouncing from foot to foot in front of the giant golden doors anxiously, chewing my lip. My white dress had a tightly-fitted bodice and a flowing white skirt. Silver lace covered my décolletage and circled my neck, and I was wearing a veiled white cloak. My hair was pinned loosely to one side, allowing my tumbledown curls to fall freely over my shoulder, a silver and moonstone tiara crowned my head and pinned my cloak, my eyes were shadowed faintly with an earthy brown, and my lips were a natural pink. "He's in there, right? He em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"is/em waiting for me, isn't he?" I worried./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Good grief, Ellie! Relax! Yes; he's in there waiting for you," Tabby told me firmly, passing me my wedding bouquet of golden roses./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Are you ready?" Father asked, offering me his arm. I took a deep, calming breath and nodded, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. Tabby nodded and the guards opened the doors as the music started playing. I looked up to the throne where Loki stood, staring at me with a bright smile on his face. My father guided me down the hall in between the gathered crowd, and I kept my eyes trained on Loki, grinning giddily. When we arrived at the top of the steps, my father turned to look at Loki and held out his hand as I handed my bouquet to my sister. Loki nodded in acknowledgement, shaking my father's hand, and my father pressed a kiss against my veiled forehead before tucking my arm into Loki's. I could hear my mother sobbing quietly from the front row. She cried at everything./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Hello," I whispered to Loki./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Hello," he whispered back as Thor officiated the ceremony./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Today we are gathered to witness the marriage of Ellie Carter, and Loki, King of Asgard, as well as the crowning of the new Queen." I examined Loki from the corners of my eyes, taking in his attire, which seemed to be a combination of Asgardian formalwear and traditional Victorian-era fashions. He wore fitted black leather trousers tucked into his polished boots, but instead of a tunic, Loki wore a gold-embroidered emerald silk waistcoat over a black dress shirt with a black bowtie. The whole look was completed with a green cape pinned at his shoulders, and his hair neatly combed back into silky waves. Loki swallowed, shifting slightly, and I subtly stepped closer to him, laying my free hand against his abdomen. Loki smiled faintly, moving his free hand to hold my wrist against himself. "Today, we unite not only these two people, but two realms. Asgard and Midgard," Thor continued. He looked at us both warmly and solemnly before turning his focus on Loki. "Your vows, Brother."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Fandral stepped forward with the ring and Loki smiled, taking it from the velvet pillow and turning to face me, breathing deeply. "Ellie Jean Carter. I know I am a difficult man, and I know that I have dragged you to Hel and back on multiple occasions. But you should know that I would not wish to have shared those dark times with any other. You are my strength and my weakness, and I vow here and now to protect you from all the dangers of the outside world, and to strive to make our own the adventure that you long for. I will be your 'partner in crime', as they say on Midgard, and I will always love you. And so, with this ring, I thee wed. Your life is my life, from this moment onward." I smiled, unable to keep myself from giggling as Loki slipped the gold band onto my finger where it fit perfectly with the engagement ring./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Your vows, Ellie," Thor told me softly. Sif stepped forward with the ring and I took it from the pillow with a smile at her, turning back to Loki and swallowing nervously./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Loki Laufeyson, King of Asgard…" I took a shaky breath and Loki smiled, squeezing my hand supportively. "I cannot think of a way to explain how I love you, except for saying that if we can go from trying to kill each other upon our first meeting, to promising to spend the rest of our lives together, I don't think much is going to faze us." Loki flashed his teeth in amusement and I giggled, continuing. "I have been a thorn in your side, and I have been your closest ally, and now I am to be your wife. I promise you that none shall ever have a partner more faithful and dedicated than what I will be to you. And so, with this ring, I claim you as my own. My life is your life." I looked into Loki's eyes seriously as I slipped the ring on his finger and murmured, "Don't let me down, Trickster."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Never," Loki promised softly, taking both my hands in his./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Your signatures," Thor requested, holding out the certificate to us. Loki signed his name elegantly, and I signed mine in my carefree scrawl, before passing the feather quill to Heimdall for him to bear witness. He handed the quill to Eric and he signed his name, backing away to stand by my sister again./p
p class="MsoNormal"Thor raised the certificate before his chest for us to see and smiled. "You are now espoused. Loki, you may kiss the bride." I closed my eyes as Loki carefully lifted my hood and laid it down my back before cupping my cheeks in his hands gently. I opened my eyes to look into his and he smirked at me, winking flirtatiously before bowing his head over mine and pressing his lips against mine, pushing one hand back into my curls and sliding the other down to wrap his arm around my waist, tilting me backwards as I folded my arms around his neck, secure in his hold. People were chanting, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;""Long live the King! Long live the Queen!"/em and Loki broke the kiss, pressing his forehead against mine and whispering something in a strange tongue. Green light rippled around us and he captured my lips again as I felt as though we were caught up in our own personal whirlwind, my skin tingling coolly with the not unfamiliar sensation of magic. Loki pulled back from me again, holding me upright, and smiled, stroking my face with his hand./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"My Queen, My Mouse," he murmured. "My One and Only."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"My King, My Princeling, My Partner in Crime," I responded happily./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Heimdall stepped forward suddenly, staring at Thor seriously. "I am sorry to ruin the moment, but there is a conflict on Midgard, something relating to the Chitauri sceptre, and they are calling for the Avengers." I blinked at Heimdall in shock before flicking my gaze over Thor and staring up at Loki with wide eyes. He met my gaze quickly./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Go and change; I'll meet you at the dome," he informed me simply. I beamed at him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I love you," I purred, standing on tiptoes to kiss him before crossing over to my sister with a smile, taking the bouquet and throwing it into the crowd, hitching up my skirts and running from the hall as the Avengers all surged into action./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I changed my clothes and caught a ride with a noblewoman out to the rainbow bridge. When I entered the dome, all eyes turned on me and Loki's jaw dropped slightly. I had discarded my old Shield uniform and now wore a black leather catsuit lined in emerald cotton with gaps at the joints for manoeuvrability, plated with gold armour and covered in sheaths for my multiple guns and ammunitions. I wore leather boots like smaller versions of Loki's, and my clawed gloves were on my hands. I also wore a gold band to keep my hair out of my face decorated with two little curved horns. "If I am to be Queen of Asgard, I thought I'd make an effort to look the part," I explained, shrugging carelessly. After a moment's pause, Loki turned to look at the others./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;""My wife is better than em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"any/em of your partners, and if you disagree, then you are sadly misinformed," he announced plainly. I smiled, rolling my eyes as the others protested half-heartedly, amused, and Heimdall started up the Bifrost./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I moved to stand in between Loki and Thor when Loki said, "Hold on; tradition," and scooped me up bridal-style in his arms. We all jumped into the Bifrost and arrived at the rebuilt Shield headquarters. Loki carefully deposited me on the earth as Fury exited the building to meet us./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Welcome back," he drawled, casting his eye over all of us and lingering on me and Loki. "Well, I'll admit I didn't see this coming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It surprised me, too," I laughed./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"So, what's the situation?" Steve demanded./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Pack your gear," Fury said, turning sharply and leading us inside. "You're going to Sokovia…"/p