Leah headed to see the Queen while Loki had Astrid for the rest of the day, it would give her a moment to discuss the wedding plans. Leah knew that if the wedding was to be within the week she must know exactly what she needed to do. Leah knocked on the Queens chambers door, there weren't any guards there which meant she was more than likely not there. Leah waited a moment for a reply which surprisingly never came, she thought about where she would find the Queen, letting out a sigh only one place came to her. Taking her time she walked down to the gardens where the Queen sat with Sigyn. Leah paused for a moment waiting and watching the pair of them. She didn't like the woman at all, Leah wasn't going to let someone make her feel threatened, Loki proved that he didn't want her so why the hell was she still around. Sigyn obviously seemed to noticed her getting up and bidding the Queen a good day before leaving.
Leah waited till Sigyn left the garden passing her, she didn't even bother to look up at Leah as she walked by. Leah just took a deep breath in calming the high running emotions within her before she stepped forward towards the Queen.
"My child." The Queen greeted her smiling as she placed her sewing down upon her lap. "How was your visit to the healers this morning?"
"Good, everything seems to be well with the child." Leah sat down beside her before she began to fidget with her fingers. "What did Sigyn want?"
"I cannot discuss it with you," The Queen shook her head. "She wanted and needed to speak to someone in confidence." The Queen said sounding very firm about it. Leah knew she was not going to budge on a matter like that. "She needed help which I offered guidance that is all."
"Oh." Leah frowned suspiciously wanting to know more, she let out a sigh before she wondered something. Pausing thinking about something, she then added. "Did Sigyn tell you that she tried to seduce Loki yesterday?"
"No." The Queen shook her head looking a little shocked now as she turned to look at her. Leah knew then that at least Sigyn hadn't been completely open or honest with the Queen which meant something.
"Loki rejected her immediately, I was watching." Leah added quickly not wanting the Queen to worry about their relationship. "I just don't understand why she seems to see it as a challenge now."
"Sigyn is a complicated woman." The Queen shook her head still looking upset about what Leah had revealed. "She is still madly in love with Loki, he hasn't returned that in hundreds of years?"
"So she does want him back?" Leah muttered looking down trying not to sound worried or too bitter. Part of her just wanted to face the woman now but she knew that would not help her or make her look good.
"No not precisely." The Queen replied shaking her head looking a little troubled while in thought. "Remember what I told you about one of the reasons why Loki's marriages broke down. Something you have with him that neither Sigyn nor Angrbooda had."
"Love." Leah began jumping to the obvious conclusion. Loki had mentioned that he did not believe that he was truly in love with them that it was more an infatuation.
"No but that is another thing which Loki didn't seem to possess with Sigyn or Angrbooda." The Queen sighed out loud. "No something you hold dearest to you apart from Loki."
"Astrid." Leah replied suddenly realising what the Queen meant now. It was all too clear to Leah now, Loki had not given them something that most women wish for. Both his previous wife's had given birth to monsters. "Neither of his other wives' had to be precise children with him." Leah said.
"Exactly." The Queen smiled at her answer looking solemnly about the matter. "You're only human yet you will have two children with him that two high-born Asgardian woman were unable to do. It makes people ask a lot of questions really. I have come to the conclusion myself that with the lack of magic he has had to use around you to either gain you or the child is a big part. But also the love that you carry for each other. That plays its role in this too, you are completely devoted to one another and it makes me happy to see my son like this."
"So Sigyn is more envious of Astrid and not me?" Leah frowned feeling a little more confused about the matter now she was put on the right path. She wasn't sure if she should pity the woman and not have a feeling of hatred towards her.
"Exactly." The Queen nodded sounding a little sympathetic towards Sigyn "You have everything she wanted with Loki don't get me wrong. But she always knew Loki would find another wife or wife's which would keep him happy. After their marriage was shattered by each other she knew that that part of their relationship was over with each other. It is more what you have and Loki have together with each other she is jealous of."
"I guess I kind of feel sorry for her now." Leah frowned thinking, remembering what it was like to want a family so desperately and never having one. It was never a feeling she wished upon anyone else, it was still a loneliness that still hasn't truly left her having no parents of her own to turn too.
"Good." The Queen sighed "Don't be too hard on her, she is just unhappy at the moment and when the news comes that you are carrying another child, it will only sadden her further. What she did I do not condone but I never wish unhappiness on any one. Now you came to see me surely for another reason?"
"Yes to discuss the wedding arrangements."
"Ah yes we have precisely a week today till you and my son are wed. The guests are being informed today, was there any one you wish to invite? I will have guards sent to Midgard if needed."
"No." Leah shook her head looking down, she thought about Steve for a moment. It would have been nice to see him but it may get him into trouble if a guard from Asgard arrived with a wedding invite to Loki's wedding. "No there isn't anyone who would come."
The Queen was silent for a moment before she continued off the list of things to be done. Most of it had been prepared but for a few things. Leah had yet to sort out her bridal gown, the ones here were not to her liking. Not that she ever thought she would be getting married after all that had happened to her but she didn't see herself in a loose-fitting gown. She was use to wearing tight gowns back on earth.
"There is also the tradition with the men, normally they would leave for a week but Loki refused to leave you and Astrid for that long so it's down to three days."
"Where do they go?" Leah frowned a little curious, Loki had not spoken about this tradition, not that Leah minded that he was going.
"Hunting." The Queen laughed thinking about it. "A time for male bonding, drinking and killing harmless animals. It's completely pointless in my eyes but men will be men and Thor insisted."
"Oh I don't mind at all." Leah muttered smiling at the Queen telling her the truth. "And the women, do we do anything?"
"You must rest before the big day, beauty sleep not that you require any." The Queen glanced at her smirking. "I hear Jane Foster has returned from Midgard, I would be only guessing but you would want to spend some time with her but if so I will look after Astrid?"
"Yes I do actually." Leah nodded thinking for a moment. "Thank you."
"Then we are sorted." The Queen smiled at Leah.
Leah stood up nodding before placed a kiss on the Queens cheek and leaving her to get back to her sewing she had on her lap. Leah thought about all the Queen said as she walked her way back to Loki's study to see if he was there. It was a good guess he was, he was sitting at a table with Astrid on his lap as he performed tricks which entertained her while reading one of his own books.
"Having a good time?" Leah asked from the doorway.
"Indeed, our little Princess has managed to destroy a whole rack of herbs and other ingredients." Loki looked up at Leah not seeming too impressed, she could tell he did not mean it though in the way he held Astrid on his lap. "I will need to make my study more appropriate for her."
"Yes you will." Leah smiled walking further into the room. Astrid eyes moved away from the glowing lights that Loki was entertaining her with to Leah. Her response to seeing her mother made her smile, her arms were outstretched, she wiggled on Loki's lap as she began to call.
"Momma, Momma, Momma."
"Hi sweetheart." Leah replied not picking her up but kneeling down in front of her. "You been naughty for your Father."
Astrid shook her head furiously side to side, which brought a bigger smile to both Leah and Loki's face. It was amazing how much she reminded Leah of Loki when she was lying, Leah could already tell if Astrid was. Leah just rose an eyebrow at Astrid who turned to look up at Loki.
"Faher." She attempted to speak to Loki frowning as she said it.
"Father." Loki corrected her saying it slowly which made Astrid's frown deepen.
"Faaartheeer." Astrid repeated nearly getting it.
"Close enough sweetie." Leah kissed the top of her head proud at her for even trying to say it. "What are your plans now for today?" Leah looked up to Loki.
"I was thinking about spending it with my family actually." Loki smiled to her, a smile which made a blush appear on her cheeks. "Only if you wish?"
"I always want your company love." Leah smirked knowing how cheesy her reply was before placing a kiss on his lips. "I hear you will be leaving us for three days before the wedding?"
"Yes it's a tradition of sorts. Thor wanted to leave tomorrow but I will only leave you for a short while." Loki explained rolling his eyes about the matter. "Two nights we'll be away I believe, unless Thor has anything else planned."
"It's fine." Leah smiled to him. "Do not worry about us. Astrid will meet Jane and we will be fine."
"Only if you are happy?" Loki frowned not seeing that happy with the idea.
"Go." Leah insisted.
Astrid started grumbling, Loki stood up holding the child within his arm before using his spare hand to take hold of Leah's hand. Leah just walked beside him back to their chambers. Loki ordered food which arrive minutes later delivered by some servants. Leah sat at the table beside Astrid helping her with her food before saying to Loki who sat opposite.
"Do you mind watching Astrid a little longer please? I need to visit Helena, check on how she is doing."
"You do not need to ask me." Loki added looking a little amused.
"I know but you mentioned you wanted to spend time with us. I will not be long but I must visit her to check how she is." Leah explained. "Then we will spend the rest of the day together."
"It is fine." Loki reassured her as he continued to eat his meal. "Do not worry yourself. We will be here on your return."
Leah left Loki to continue helping Astrid with her meal, not that she really needed much help. She was well capable now to place the food in her own mouth, it was just the mess which came with it. Leah got to the healing room before she was taken to a private room. Helena was lying in the bed she still looked very pale and she already had a swell to her abdomen showing that she was pregnant.
"Leah." Helena smiled weakly.
"How are you doing?" Leah sat down beside Helena's bed looking to her friend. "Everything is okay isn't it?"
"The child is just growing too quickly for my body to cope." Helena explained sitting up slightly. "I do not have enough of my own energy to cope with the growth. It's apparently common for women who have previously had quick pregnancies."
"Oh right." Leah sighed taking in the information. "But you're feeling better and they are treating you well?"
"Yes." Helena nodded "And you are also pregnant I heard."
"Yes." Leah replied looking down at her own flat abdomen comparing it to her friends. It was fascinating how different they looked considering they must have conceived around the same time. "I guess I have slow developing pregnancies then. The wedding has also been brought forward."
"Really." Helena gasped looking a little shocked. "Oh my, I am sorry that I have not been around to help."
"Do not worry, we are coping." Leah laughed at her friends worry. "I spoke to Loki and your job is secure so do not worry yourself, it will only make you ill. But the wedding has been brought forward because of the pregnancy, so yeah a week today I will be a married woman."
"You must be excited?" Helena asked
"Nervous and disappointed that I could not speak to Clint first. Settle things between us." Leah just thought a moment opening up to her friend. "But I guess perhaps that will not happen now. Maybe it's for the best. Anyway, I need to make sure Astrid is not sending Loki crazy. Look after yourself now Helena and if you need anything please just ask?"
"Thank you for everything." Helena smiled
Leah just left her friend while walking back to her and Loki's chambers she thought about what she said to Helena. Leah still felt this empty feeling within her that was made when Clint and everyone rejected her. She missed all of them a lot and hoped that perhaps they would accept her choice; they didn't need to have to love it or Loki but still be a part of her life and even Astrid's. There was nothing she could do about it now though considering the wedding was only days away.