Thor and Astrid laughed heartily as they left the celebration in the small hours of the morning. While Sif remained reserved toward Astrid, the evening had been more successful that either had hoped. Thor escorted her through the palace with a firm grasp on her arm to keep her upright and in forward motion. In the distance, a very drunk voice loudly sang the chorus to one of the songs Astrid performed, the sound echoing through the halls of the palace. It brought a smile to her face. Perhaps her presence here could have a positive impact on Asgard, no matter how small.
"Did you enjoy yourself, Astrid?" Thor asked.
She smiled, "I did. But why did you guys let me drink that much?" Her laugh was interrupted with a loud hiccup. She covered her mouth with her hand.
"Oh dear," laughed Thor. "I fear my brother will not be pleased with the state in which I am returning you."
As the pair rounded the corner into the hall where Loki's and Astrid's chambers were, a stern-faced Loki came into view. He was standing in the middle of the corridor with his arms crossed over his chest. He walked towards them, meeting them halfway down the hall.
"I am sorry, brother," Thor apologized, "I failed to remember that Asgardian cider is far more potent than the Midgardian variety."
Astrid gazed glassy-eyed at Loki. This was the first time she had seen him since their almost-kiss in the music room. "Hi," she said sheepishly and reddened to her ears. Her greeting was punctuated by a giggle and a stifled smile from Loki.
"My dear lady, are you drunk?" he asked.
"Uh, well.." she started as she wobbled on unsteady legs. "Maybe just a teensy bit," she slurred.
Loki rolled his eyes to Thor. "You promised to look after her," he chastised. "Well done, brother," he added, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He reached out and plucked Astrid from Thor's grasp. "I'll see her to bed, thank you."
Thor, who was not entirely sober himself, patted Astrid on the head. "Goodnight, little sister."
"Goodnight," she replied.
Loki had watched Astrid interact with Thor and the others. While he could not deny his jealousy, he could clearly see that they were building a good rapport. She and Thor seemed to be getting on rather well, which frankly didn't surprise him. Thor was an amiable fellow and Astrid was about as darling as they come. If she could accept the broken god of mischief, he suspected she could befriend just about anyone. Loki ushered Astrid into her chambers.
Astrid slipped out of her shoes and left them in the middle of the floor as Loki pushed the chamber door closed. "Are you well enough to put on your nightclothes?" he asked.
'Am I?' she thought. It would be safer to say yes leaving little chance of embarrassing herself. However, the last time she was drunk, she fell and nearly died. Before she could answer him, she hiccuped and giggled..
"That's what I thought. Come along," he instructed as he led her into her bedroom. He delicately removed her earrings and placed them on the bedside table.
The soft brushing of his fingers on her neck sent sparks though her body as he unclasped the necklace.
"Those looked lovely on you," he said with a sly grin as he put the necklace beside the earrings on the table.
She smirked knowingly. "Thanks. They just appeared out of nowhere. I have -hic- no idea where they came from," she slurred. She reached up and unclasped the hair clip, freeing her auburn hair to cascade down just past her shoulders. She handed the clip to Loki, who sat it down on the table beside the jewelry.
"I'm sure you don't," he said with a smile. "Now, if you'll remove your gown."
She turned her body away from him as she unfastened the side closure on her dress.
A small laugh escaped Loki. "Thrice I have seen you without clothing and you're going to be shy about it now?" he asked.
Her drunkenness increased her bravery. She slowly spun around to face him. Looking him straight in the eyes, she allowed the green gown to drop into a pile around her ankles. "Who's shy?" she asked as she took a clumsy step out of the crumpled dress on the floor towards him.
Loki, knowing that she was very intoxicated, kept any teasing remarks to himself. He so enjoyed frustrating her and watching her turn shades of red but now was not the time. It could encourage her to make a poor decision and embarrass herself. He retrieved the nightgown from her bed. He gathered the fabric up by the neck and slipped it over her head, holding the sleeves out as she guided her arms through. He gestured for her to lie down and said, "Once you are safely in bed I will take my leave."
She climbed into the bed and flopped down onto her back, yanking the covers over her body. "Okay, I'm -hic- in bed. 'Bye."
He perched on the edge of the bed beside her and brushed her bangs out of her face with his fingers. He thought about how for some alcohol can bring out the truth. This might be an opportune time to ask her about her true feelings on the bond. She was quite intoxicated and perhaps her tongue would prove loose enough to let things slip that she ordinarily would not.
"Astrid, do you want to sever our bond?" he asked softly.
"Huh?" She stared at him, slowly blinking.
"Do you want to sever our bond?" he repeated.
She sat up in the bed and crossed her legs under the sheets. "You're gonna think I'm an idiot," she slurred.
"No, I will not. I promise you." He gently placed his hand on her arm.
"Okay." He was telling her the truth. For once. She briefly considered telling him of her feelings, but decided against it. Even drunk, she still didn't want to admit to them. "No, I don't wanna sever it."
"Why not?"
"I don't wanna say it."
"What do you not want to say?" he asked, inching closer to her, his eyes determined and locked onto hers.
Did he understand what he was asking of her? It seemed that he did and was even encouraging it. She was on the cusp of letting it all in, allowing it to finally take hold when, "-Hic-"
He blinked slowly in disappointment. Now was not the time for this, not while she was intoxicated. He had obtained information far more valuable than he had anticipated. He rose from the bed and calmly spoke, "Go to sleep now. I will see you tomorrow."
She nodded, somewhat relieved by the abrupt end to their conversation. She leaned back to lie down in the bed as he pulled the sheets up to her shoulders, her hands folded on top of her chest. He tenderly touched her hand and said, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
She closed her eyes and fell asleep, out before Loki had even left her chambers. Eventually she slipped into a dream. She stood on her favorite stretch of beach back home at night, the full moon reflected its silver light in the waves. She glanced to the right and saw the lights of the city pier and the Ferris wheel off in the distance. To her left, untouched shore. There wasn't another soul in sight. The sand stuck to her feet as she walked to the ocean. The cool surf lapped at her ankles as the warm, salty breeze ruffled her hair. She missed her home so much. She looked up at the moon and listened to the rush of the waves, tears forming in her eyes when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist.
"It's beautiful here," a familiar smooth voice whispered in her ear.
A smile spread across her lips as she folded her arms across her stomach and laced her fingers through Loki's. "I miss it," she said with a sigh.
He placed his fingers under her chin, turning her face up to his as he gave her a soft smile. The moonlight shone on his pale skin, making him appear years younger and without a care. "Loki?" she asked.
"Hmm?"
It occurred to her that this was just a dream. They weren't really here, so she could say anything she pleased. "Will you kiss me?"
He leaned his face down and gently brushed her lips with a chaste kiss. She turned and pressed her body to his, sliding her arms around the back of his neck. Her heart began to pound as he pulled her in tight; their eyes locked. Their lips slowly drew together in an intensely passionate kiss. She could no longer deny what she felt for him and she poured every ounce of it into kissing him.
Their lips finally parted and he touched his forehead to hers, their eyes still closed. "Astrid," he whispered breathlessly. The soft sound of his voice melted her like wax dripping from a lit candle.
The beach began to dissolve around them as she woke up in her bed in Asgard, curled up on her side facing away from the door. With a smile she rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands and rolled over onto her back. Her eyes squinted shut, she lifted her arms over her head and arched her spine in a great stretch. "Mmmm…" she groaned.
"Pleasant dreams?"
"Shit!" she shouted as she jumped up in the bed. Loki was standing right over her. "Will you stop scaring me like that?"
He cocked his head to the side. "Probably not," he replied with a smirk.
"Yeah, I figured." She swung her feet over the side of the bed and stood on the cool marble floor. "Good morning to you, too."
"You must have been in the midst of a lovely dream. I had difficulty rousing you," he said with a sly smile.
Oh shit. "Maybe I was, maybe I wasn't," she mumbled, quickly turning her back to him to hide her brightly flushing cheeks. She fumbled through her wardrobe and picked a random dress: a purple brocade that gradually darkened to nearly black at the bottom hem; short, split organza sleeves, with laces up the back. 'Goddammit, I picked the fussiest dress. I'm going to need help,' she thought.
"You'll need help with that one," she heard him say.
She disappeared behind the door to remove her nightgown. With shaky hands, she loosened the laces on the purple gown and pulled it over her head. Was he reading her mind or something? She silently gasped as she realized that maybe he had seen her dream somehow with his magic. What if they had soul-traveled and she really kissed him, thinking it was just a dream? Her eyes widened with fear and embarrassment.
"You've gone shy again?" he asked as she stepped out from behind the wardrobe door.
She turned her back to him and gathered her hair up over her shoulder, ignoring his comment. "Would you please tie me up? I mean, lace me up?" Way to go, Astrid. Make it a thousand times more awkward. She bit her bottom lip in humiliation.
He slowly tightened the ribbon loop by loop and tied the ends into a bow. Once he had finished, he slid his hands to rest on her hips, giving a small squeeze that covered her skin with goosebumps. "There you go. All finished."
"Thank you," she mumbled, the only words she could coherently manage. She was embarrassed, flustered, and frustrated but determined not to give him the satisfaction of knowing it. She marched off to the bathroom to clean up and make herself presentable. As she brushed her hair, she realized that she wasn't hung over. As drunk as she was last night, she felt absolutely fine this morning.
She emerged from the bathroom and asked, "Why am I not hung over?"
"Hung over what?" he replied, not understanding her.
"I mean, why do I feel okay? I should have a raging headache and an upset stomach."
He smiled proudly. "You're welcome."
"Thanks." She should have known that he did something last night to prevent a hangover. Or perhaps he did it while he was hovering over her this morning before she woke. Either way, she was thankful to not have to deal with feeling like dog crap.
"You slept through breakfast so I brought up some pastries and tea for you," he said, gesturing to the table in the sitting area. There was a plate of berry tarts, a teapot, two cups, and small jar of honey set out. "You seemed a bit surprised at the wine yesterday morning so I thought perhaps you would find tea a more suitable accompaniment to your meal."
Astrid was a little suspicious at the gesture. She thought perhaps he was still attempting to make up for his behavior yesterday but she still found it sweet and thoughtful. "Thank you."
She shuffled over to the table. The adrenaline from her shock and embarrassment had dissipated and she realized that she was still quite tired. Loki pulled a chair out for her and slid it in behind her before taking his seat.
"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked as he poured two cups of tea.
"Would it matter if I did?" she asked with a half-smile.
"Of course it would. Do you take honey in your tea?"
"Yes, please," she replied, taking a bite of a tart.
He stirred the honey into her cup and sat it next to her plate. "Undoubtedly you have many questions about life here on Asgard. I hope to address as many of them as I can," he said, taking a sip of his tea.
She nodded, "I do. But I don't even know where to start. It's so different here."
"Well, what weighs on your mind the most?"
"Is there any way to contact my family, to tell them where I am?"
He thought for a moment and answered, "I'm sure there is."
She sighed in relief. "That would be awesome. I just want everyone to know that I'm safe." She took another bite of her tart.
"Is there anything else you wish to know?"
"Well, I would like to know what it's like for a woman here. I mean, do they just sit and look pretty or can they contribute to society?" She was a bit hesitant to ask, afraid that the answer would upset her.
He smiled, not at all surprised that she would ask such a question. She was accustomed to an independent lifestyle caring for and answering only to herself. "An Asgardian woman may contribute in any way she desires. She may choose to become queen of home and hearth or, like Lady Sif, she may choose the ways of a warrior. Not unlike the women on Midgard, she may operate a business, own land, and marry whom she desires. In fact, our head healer, Eir, is a woman well-respected in her field. On Earth she would be the doctor in charge of all other doctors, if I may add some clarification for you."
Astrid was pleasantly surprised. "That wasn't the answer I expected. That's... very cool. So could I do something productive? If I were to... stay married? To you?" she asked, stumbling over her words.
He raised an eyebrow as his lips twisted into a sly grin. "You are doing something productive. You're trying to keep me on my best behavior, which I believe is a tall order for anyone. Best of luck to you," he replied as he raised his cup to her and sipped his tea.
She rolled her eyes. "Smart ass. You know what I mean."
He gave a small laugh and replied, "I do, and yes, you may pursue other interests besides me."
She smiled as she groaned, "You're such a pain in the ass."
"And until you say otherwise, I am your pain in the ass," he laughed.
Her brow furrowed and she pursed her lips in a playful scowl. "You mean I'm stuck with you?"
His smile faded slightly. "If that is what you choose."
She fidgeted in her seat and took a sip of tea. She dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin to further delay her response. "Well, what do you want to do?" she asked as she smoothed the napkin back down across her lap.
"I believe I asked you first," he answered, his eyes displaying a determined look.
She remembered that he had that same expression last night when he asked her about the bond. She sighed and resigned herself to the fact that they had to discuss it at some point. "As of right now…" she began, "I'm inclined to keep things as they are."
"Why?" he asked softly.
Her hands trembled slightly as her anxiety started to rise. She really didn't want to tell him. Maybe she could come up with some general reason, if she could just think. She stalled by sipping her tea again. Last night, Thor had given his opinion on the bond and suggested keeping it in place. He told her that Loki needed her, whether he would admit to it or not.
"Well…" she said as she drank the last of her tea and slowly placed her empty cup on the table. "I just think it's a good idea."
"Why is that?"
Damn, he does not give up. "I just have my reasons, okay?" She crossed her arms tightly over her chest.
That answer would have to suffice for now. He read her body language and knew not to pry any further. He rose slightly and twisted his chair around so he was facing her, then he grabbed both sides of her seat and pulled her chair in front of his. He had pulled her in so close that her knees were inside of his thighs and his feet were on either side of her chair.
"What are you doing?" she asked, confused, with her eyes slightly widened.
"I'm going to help you contact your family. Give me your hands," he said, offering his hands out to her palms up as he sat on the edge of his seat.
Her face lit up and she enthusiastically took his hands. "How are you going to do that?"
"Soul-travel. I'm going to magically enhance your projection so they will be able to see you."
"But you could see me. Why wouldn't they be able to?" she asked.
"I could see you and touch you because I am a master of magic. Your parents, I assume, are not gifted in such talents."
She shook her head. "Not unless you count the eyes in the back of Mom's head as magic," she joked. Astrid never could get away with anything as a kid.
He chuckled, "No, that isn't magic. It is a trait intrinsic to parenthood. Now, concentrate on your parents and go."
She closed her eyes and envisioned her parents' kitchen. She could see her mom at the table drinking a cup of coffee. She could even smell the coffee as she felt the familiar rush of her soul traveling across space.
"Where in the hell have you been?!" her mother, Sigrid, shouted as she jumped up from the table. "Jim! Come here!"
Astrid opened her eyes and smiled. It worked! "Well, hello to you, too."
Sigrid grabbed her and hugged her as her dad came running from the back end of the house. "Are you alright, sweetie? There were people here asking us questions about you."
Jim appeared from around the corner and saw Astrid in her Asgardian dress. "You look like you've been to the damn prom."
Astrid laughed as her dad then snatched her from her mother for a hug, and said, "I'm fine. I'm perfectly safe. You'll never believe what happened."
"Some guy in a suit was asking us about Thor and Asgard. Caitlyn told us that they had even been to her house," said Jim.
Uh oh. "Do you know what she said to them?" Astrid asked apprehensively. If Cait had even mentioned Loki's name, they could all be in serious trouble.
"She told them where to stick it. You know Cait," Sigrid laughed. "So where were you?"
Astrid heaved a sigh. This was going to be a doozy to explain. "You guys might want to sit down."
The three of them took seats at the kitchen table. Astrid began, "Okay, so here's the thing. You guys remember seeing Thor on TV last year, right?"
Sigrid and Jim nodded.
"Okay, and you know his brother Loki caused the ruckus, right?"
Again, they nodded. Sigrid had grown up with the stories of the old gods just as Astrid had and was completely flabbergasted to learn that they really existed.
"Well, Loki was taken back to Asgard and locked up in the dungeon-"
"Good!" Sigrid interjected.
Astrid shook her head. "No, Mom. Not good. He didn't do it because he thought it would be fun. He was made to do it. I won't go into the full story, but just know that instead of getting help that he needed, Odin just tossed him in a dungeon to rot. It was a dick move because Loki really was badly traumatized by this evil guy to do his bidding. It was awful." Astrid's face scrunched up as she recalled seeing Loki sitting in his bed after his nightmare.
"So anyways, his mother Frigga picked me to visit him in his cell. I didn't even know I could do astral projection until it just happened one night. I ended up in his cell, like, poof. There I was. Well, he was in bad shape so I did a purge on him."
Sigrid's jaw dropped. "You did what?" Her daughter never did that for just anyone.
"A purge. Anyway, the other night Cait and I were stuck at the bar and I got pretty tipsy. She drove me home and I took a bath. I fell and hit my head and next thing I knew I was standing over my own body. I was dying and the only person I could think of that could help me was Loki."
"Why didn't you come to us?" Jim asked. "We're your parents." He was offended that she wouldn't consider them before anyone else.
"Because of the soul-travel and magic and crap. No offense, but you guys don't know anything about any of that. He does. He taught me."
"What is soul-travel? Astral projection?" Sigrid questioned, her eyes narrowed.
"Yeah. So I went to him and busted him out of his cell-"
"You what?!" Jim asked, pounding his fist on the table. "Astrid LeighAnn MacLaren!" he shouted.
"Hang on, hang on, now! He came to my house and healed me! You should be glad he did or you would have found a dead body!" Astrid's voice raised in volume. She took a deep breath. Her dad was upset and it was bleeding onto her.
Sigrid's eyes welled up with tears. Her baby girl could have died but she was saved by the god of mischief. As conflicted as she was about the rescuer, she still felt grateful.
"May I continue?" Astrid asked firmly.
Her parents both nodded.
"Thor came and took us back to Asgard. Frigga, Loki, and I were put on trial and found guilty of treason. Odin let Thor issue punishment and he sentenced me to be Loki's therapist. And that's actually where I am right now. I'm only projecting myself to you. My body is in a chair on Asgard and Loki is helping me visit you with his magic."
Jim rubbed his temples. He loved his daughter but this was just too much to take in. "So you're his therapist. For how long?"
Astrid grinned sheepishly. "Well, see, there's this thing. It's kinda funny, really," she rambled. "Ah… in order for me to be able to bring Loki here to save me after I cracked my head, I had to sort of... marry him."
"What?!" both Jim and Sigrid shouted in unison.
"We had to bond our souls together. It was the only way to get past the barriers on his cell."
Sigrid abruptly left the table. Her daughter, married to Loki? It was far too much for her to handle. She crossed her arms and stared out the kitchen window.
Jim had his 'cop face' on, as Astrid called it. That stern, unreadable expression that meant he was extremely pissed off.
Astrid didn't expect them to take it well. But they knew she was safe and that was all she wanted. "Look, I know it's all… weird and stuff. But I'm safe. You wouldn't believe how beautiful Asgard is. And Frigga has been kind to me, Thor is pretty cool. I even met Heimdall and Sif."
Sigrid turned her head to face her daughter. "Thor? You know Thor?"
Astrid smiled, remembering the celebration in the festival hall. "Kind of. Enough to be able to say that I like him."
"And what about your… husband?" Sigrid asked. She looked like she was about to be ill.
"Loki is… Loki," she said with a shrug and a smile. "He isn't what you would expect. I don't think you could really expect anything about him."
Her parents were both looking at her as if she had sprouted an extra head on her shoulders. Sigrid asked, "He hasn't… you two haven't… have you?"
Astrid rolled her eyes. She wasn't a teenager in fear of being grounded. She was a grown woman. "That's what you're worried about? Seriously?"
Sigrid approached her daughter and placed her hands on Astrid's cheeks. "I'm worried about you. You've been through so much."
Astrid sighed. "I know." Everyone constantly reminded her of how much she had been through. How could she forget? "Look, I need to get back. I just wanted to let you know where I am and that I'm okay. I'll try to visit again soon."
Sigrid embraced Astrid. "Please do, sweetheart."
"See you soon, then," said Jim as he pulled Astrid in for a bear hug.
"Hey, don't mention any of this to anyone except Cait, okay? I don't want those guys in suits giving you a hard time. Will you tell her for me?" Astrid asked.
"Of course, baby," answered Sigrid. "Take care of yourself.'
"I will. I love you." Astrid gave her parents one more smile before she closed her eyes and traveled back to Asgard.
She cracked her eyes open and saw Loki sitting in front of her, leaning forward in his chair and still holding onto her hands.
"Have a nice visit?" he asked.
Astrid was overcome with happiness. Loki had given her a visit with her family. They knew where she was and that she was safe. He made that happen for her. Tears welled up in her eyes. She smiled as she dropped his hands, jumped out of her chair, and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear.
Astrid's surprise embrace caught Loki off-guard. He was not expecting such a physical display of gratitude and it took him a moment to respond in turn. He smiled as he accepted her hug and wrapped his arms around her.
She released him and sat back down. "Sorry. I didn't mean to tackle you," she said with an apologetic grin.
"There is no need for an apology," he replied, sliding back into his chair. "Is there anything else you wish to know?"
"Well…" She thought for a minute. "What is there to do for fun around here?"
He heaved a dramatic sigh. "It depends on your definition of fun. Thor and his band train and spar."
Astrid wrinkled her nose. "No thanks."
"Mother enjoys weaving."
She shrugged, "That sounds okay but I was hoping for something more exciting."
Loki's lips curled deeply into a mischievous grin. "I have an idea."
She instantly regretted asking him for excitement. "Um, what are you planning on doing, exactly?" she asked apprehensively.
He cackled and grabbed her hand. "We're going to have fun," he said, leading her out of the chambers.
Loki and Astrid stood together on the ground floor of the palace in front of an impressively large water fountain. A formation of guards were patrolling the front entrance of the palace. "You asked for excitement, darling? That is precisely what you'll get," he whispered.
"That's what I'm afraid of…" she whispered back to him.
An impish smile spread across his face as he dipped a long finger into the water and began forming a mountain of suds. The water pouring from the fountain agitated the bubbles and they began to spill over onto the floor. He waved his hand and the soapy water spread out all across the entrance to the palace.
Astrid cocked her head to the side and placed her hands on her hips. "You're the god of mischief and you put soap in a water fountain? Come on…" She wasn't impressed.
"Just wait…" he said proudly, watching the guards march past the massive doors. He waved his hand and one of the spouts from the fountain turned and sprayed the guards with water.
They were greeted by a chorus of "Hey! Stop right there!" The guards turned to pursue the pair only to slip and slide across the puddle of soapy water on the floor. Many of the Einherjar lost their footing and went down, taking out others who were precariously still upright. It was a blur of knees, elbows, and yellow capes.
Loki and Astrid both burst into hysterical laughter. He grabbed her hand and whispered, "Run."
They took off running into the palace toward the kitchens. Astrid had to hold her long skirt up to keep from tripping over it. She could barely run from laughing so hard. They burst through one set of kitchen doors scaring the cooks and scullery maids half to death. Pots and pans went flying off of racks and began dancing circles in the air as Loki and Astrid sprinted away through the rear set of doors.
They climbed staircase after staircase until Astrid finally had to stop. Gasping and laughing, tears streaming from her eyes, she rested her hands on her knees and glanced up at Loki. "Holy shit! So... much... running...," she said in between breaths.
A group of Einherjar rounded the corner. "There they are!"
Laughing hysterically, Loki grabbed Astrid and the pair took off running again. "No time to rest now, darling!"
Astrid was glad that she had run along the beach most mornings back home. She would never have been able to run this much otherwise. "Where are we going now?" she asked, a wide smile on her face.
"Still working on that," he called out.
They turned corner after corner eluding the guards until they ran out into a garden. Loki stopped on a dime and ducked into a tight space behind a large trellis full of pink blooming flowers dragging Astrid in with him. He hugged her tight to his chest. They both were gasping for breath and still roaring with laughter.
They heard the guards approaching and Loki put his finger to his smiling lips instructing Astrid to remain very quiet. She did try very hard to be still and silent but she couldn't help the odd snicker. They had pranked the guards and the kitchen staff, had torn through the palace, and were currently hiding behind a bush. She bit her bottom lip and looked up at Loki as the guards ran past their hiding spot.
"I think we gave them the slip," she whispered with a giggle.
"Indeed," he replied, still somewhat out of breath. His smile lit up his face and his green eyes were sparkling as he gazed at Astrid. "That was fun! Excellent suggestion, my lady."
She lightly slapped his shoulder. "That wasn't my idea…" she spoke quietly, still beaming.
A ray of light pierced through the leaves catching her hair and giving it the appearance of a deep fire. The laugh lines around her eyes deepened as she giggled. He never noticed the way her nose wrinkled up when she laughed and how it accented the light smattering of freckles across her face.
He realized he was staring when she asked, "What's next, Mister God of Mischief?"
He grinned and replied, "Let's go find my brother."
"How? There are going to be guards everywhere looking for us."
"Oh, I can simply cloak us while we look for him," he explained matter-of-factly.
Her eyes narrowed and she frowned in a mocking display of irritation. "Are you freaking kidding me? All that running we just did and you could have hidden us all along? That would have been nice to know, oh I don't know, maybe five flights of stairs ago!" she playfully hissed.
He laughed, "But it was such fun!"
She nudged him lightly in the ribs. "You ass…" she whispered with a giggle.
He cast an invisibility spell around the two of them and they emerged from their hiding spot behind the trellis.
"I can still see you," she said. "I don't think your spell worked."
"My spell worked perfectly," he corrected with an air of playful indignation. "You can see me because you are encompassed within it."
"Well, alrighty then."
Shielded from view by the spell, they wandered the halls of the palace passing several groups of guards. They finally found Thor strolling through a corridor. They sneaked up behind him, careful to tread lightly and not make a sound. Loki grinned madly as he waved his hand turning Thor's long blonde hair a shocking shade of purple.
Astrid had to clap her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud but a small noise found its way out. Thor whipped his head around, eyes darting around to pinpoint the source of the sound. Her eyes grew large and she looked to Loki who had his finger to his lips again. 'Sorry,' she mouthed.
Not seeing anyone around him, Thor continued down the corridor toward Frigga's chambers. A pair of Einherjar passed him, both guards giving him a strange look as they placed their fists over their hearts and bowed their heads, their gaze following him as he passed. Loki and Astrid grinned at each other wildly.
A maid carrying a basket of linens approached and mirrored the reaction of the guards. She curtseyed as she eyed his hair and went on about her duties shaking her head in confusion. Thor knocked and entered his mother's room followed by Loki and Astrid who slipped in quickly behind him as he closed the door.
Frigga looked up from her weaving loom and burst into laughter. "My son! Look in the mirror!" she cried.
Thor stepped in front of his mother's full-length standing mirror and saw his blazing purple hair. "LOKI!" he bellowed and then doubled over laughing.
Loki allowed the cloaking spell to drop. He and Astrid appeared beside the door, looked to one another, and howled with laughter.
"I am sorry, brother. It's all her fault," Loki said pointing at his wife.
"It is not!" she exclaimed playfully shoving him.
Frigga stepped forward. "Now, children…" she scolded with a smile. "I am certain there are plenty of other activities to invest yourselves in that do not involve changing your brother's hair color."
Thor, still laughing, approached his mischievous brother. "You two are in trouble. Father wants to see you."
'Uh oh...' thought Astrid. She glanced to Loki to gauge his reaction.
Loki rolled his eyes. "Oh dear. What is he going to do? Throw us in the dungeon?" he asked mockingly.
"No," answered Frigga. "But both of you will have to clean up your mess." She didn't seem upset. She seemed pleased.
"Am I missing something here?" Astrid asked. "Are we really in trouble or aren't we? Because you-" she gestured to Thor and Frigga "-don't seem too angry."
Thor explained, "We are not, not at all. It is actually quite nice to have the palace in an uproar. It has been a very long time. But Father will have words with you two. If you will follow me…"
"Lead the way, brother," said Loki as he waved his hand returning Thor's hair to its proper color. He offered his arm out to Astrid.
She laced her hand through the bend of Loki's elbow and they followed Thor to the throne room trading glances with each other and smirking.
As the three of them approached the throne, only Thor genuflected.
Odin rose from his seat and spoke in a powerful tone. "Prince Loki and Lady Astrid. Do you know the commotion you two have caused?"
Astrid swallowed hard and her palms were sweaty. She was thankful to have the support of Loki's arm.
"Absolutely," Loki replied smugly.
"You do not!" Odin bellowed. "The fountain is a frothy mess, the scullery is in a shambles, and the staff are rattled!"
Loki nodded as each infraction was listed seeming rather pleased with himself.
"What do you have to say for yourselves?" Odin demanded.
Loki made a show of deep consternation and amused several answers in his mind before he spoke. "Not my finest work, by far, but it was still quite enjoyable. Don't you think, my lady?"
Astrid's eyes were wide as saucers as she eyeballed her incorrigible husband.
"Enough!" shouted Odin, his voice echoing through the cavernous room. "You will immediately clean your mess and apologize to the staff. Consider yourself smiled upon by the Norns that I am not ordering you back to the dungeon!" He pounded the floor with Gungnir and turned away from them.
Loki sprawled his long legs out across the sofa in his chambers and watched Astrid pace the floor. He chuckled and said, "It was worth it and you know it." He folded his arms behind his head. The ruckus they had caused was cleaned up and the staff seemed more interested in having the enchantment removed from the kitchen than they were in hearing an apology.
Astrid looked at him incredulously for just a moment before sighing. She couldn't help but smile. He was right. It was fun and she wouldn't hesitate to do it again in a heartbeat. "You're right."
"I always am," he purred as Astrid rolled her eyes.