NOTE - There is just one more chapter after this update. The next book in the series, The Cavern of Time, is nearly ready; once I finish it I'll start posting the next installment of Natasha of Asgard.
As always, thanks to my wonderful reviewers and those who have chosen to follow and favourite my stories. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Natasha kisses and Loki hugs to you all!
25. Green Wedding
The clouds overhead thickened. Natasha, still sitting on the sidewalk in the deserted square, realized it was about to pour. Cursing, she pulled out her phone; it was time to take action instead of moping on her own dressed in a ridiculous silver dress and platform shoes.
She dialed a number she would never forget – the one to take her straight to Hill's desk. After one ring, the agent picked up.
"Natasha?" Hill said.
"I suppose Anzhela told you I was at this number." Natasha squinted as the rain started in earnest and pushed back her hair. "Are there any agents nearby?"
"Of course. I can have someone there in fifteen minutes – I'm texting you the contact now. Do you need ammunition, back-up, any support?"
"No." Natasha took a breath. "I need… I need…" There were no words for what she needed.
"Listen." Hill hesitated. "For this one time only, I want to say one thing that has nothing to do with SHIELD. I've always admired you, because you are ultra-professional without sacrificing your emotional side. I have seen you subjugate your emotions when you've had to, but underneath I have the feeling there is an extremely passionate person, just below the surface."
Natasha held the phone with both hands as though it were her last means of life support. "But I've always admired you," she argued. "Your entire life is SHIELD – there are no questions in your mind when it comes to that. Your duty is always your first priority."
There was another long pause. At last Maria said, "Maybe that's not such a good thing." There was the sound of a pencil tapping on a desk, as though the agent was thinking deeply. "Contact the Lithuanian support now – if you want to. As I say, they'll arrive in fifteen minutes."
The phone clicked, and Natasha looked at the screen. A message had popped into her inbox, and once opened it revealed a European mobile number.
Her finger hovered over the link. A single touch and she could escape to her old life – to a world of Kevlar, guns, vodka, anonymous hotel rooms, her specific skill set…She could have all of that back, unless the final rune on her wrist dispatched her first.
The rain made her shiver. Natasha clasped her hands around the phone and pressed her arms to her chest; the moonstone in her ring dug against her chin. In front of her, almost between the silver raindrops, she saw a beautiful face smile back at her - the vision of a goddess. Love hurts, Freya seemed to say, but it is no less of a miracle for all that. The mere fact of desiring the best for someone else simply because they complete you - out of all the generations in all nine realms! - of finding them, and loving them - that is enough of a miracle. It is the strongest kind of magic.
She bowed her head and wrapped the hand wearing the ring around her Helm of Awe necklace. "Heimdall, I'm going to ask one more time. If you don't answer, I'll assume it's in the cards for me to stay here and work it all out on my own, or just die right here in the middle of Eastern Europe." She lifted her chin and added, "I really would like one last chance to kick Loki's ass. Could you give me that opportunity? Please return me to Asgard, if only for a day."
Her eyes squeezed shut against the curious stare of a passing tourist, splashing past under a wilting umbrella. He and his wife, two elderly people from Akron, stared as the girl in the silver dress was enveloped in a funnel of wind and disappeared. "Must have been that grappa," the wife said. "Let's head back to the hotel, Vance – I need to lie down."
Her ears were filled with the sound of cheers. A crowd of people lined the long avenue that led to the Palace, shouting praise for someone who had just delivered Asgard from obliteration.
"What happened?" Natasha wrung out the rain from her skirt and spoke to a young woman at her side.
"Nay, do not know all t'details, but must be that pair of princes. Apparently all of Asgard was on the brink of destruction, and we were saved in the nick of time! They are so handsome, think on't! Moreover, one is strong, and one is clever, and would be no surprise if they delivered us this day." Her voice rose in volume as a rider astride an eight-legged horse cantered down the avenue. "And here is Prince Loki now. Some say he is a black villain, but what would I not give for a bit of that villainy in my bed…"
The girl stopped speaking and gasped as Loki drew up his horse. Leaping from the saddle, he strode up to Natasha, knelt, and held out his hands. "Your wrist! By the Gods, let me see this instant. No, do not argue - we only have moments left to us."
Natasha closed her lips, offered her arm. She staggered with weariness, and he pressed his lips to the final rune. For a moment neither of them moved, and she felt something uncurl in her heart, like a tiny plant ready to grow at the approach of spring. Finally he looked and whispered, "The mark. It is disappearing."
"Is it?" Natasha felt a bolt of relief course through her. "That is - oh crap, I don't even have the words." She frowned at him. "But, Loki, how did you know I was here?"
"Freya told me the instant you arrived." His words throbbed with passion. "Climb up on Sleipnir with me now, and we can talk further inside the palace." He cast a look over her and grinned. "You resemble a wet cat, darling."
She opened her mouth to argue, but it was too late. Loki had already picked her up, tossed her into the saddle, and mounted behind her before she could say a word. The crowd's cheers rose to a roar as he turned the horse and leaned over Natasha's shoulder to rise in the stirrups and urge Sleipnir to a full gallop.
"I see it still smells like spice and leather in here." Wrapped in a huge towel, Natasha looked out over the tiny garden from the balcony; Loki had transported them there as soon as Sleipnir was back in his stall.
He grimaced and ran one hand through his long hair. "Out with it," he demanded. "Tell me your thoughts and what you plan to do next."
She couldn't help giving him a small smile. "So you may argue and cajole, and in the end win me round as you always knew you would?"
Loki's eyes glittered, and he took a small step towards her before he stopped. With one tiny shake of his head, he declared, "No. I will allow you to have free will in this decision. It is too important to me – and to you as well."
Natasha raised her eyebrows. "That is surprisingly mature from you. Dude, have you met you? Okay, here's the deal. I came here, quite honestly, with the intention of kicking your ass at least one last time. However, it has been pointed out to me by my niece of all people that the Petrovitch Foundation you set up is doing a great deal of good. And she further says the good we do can outweigh the things we say. And by 'we' I mean 'you', Loki."
"Yes, I get that." Loki began to grin, and her heart stuttered at the sight of his signature smile. "Remind me to send your niece a very large wedding present when she finally marries the archer. However, let us return to this 'kicking your ass' idea, and by 'your ass' I mean 'my ass'. Why were you going to do that exactly? And just how were you going to bring it about?"
"Loki." Natasha put out one arm to ward him off as he approached, backing her into the heavy balcony enclosure. "You cannot hate all of mortality, or I will refuse to stay with you. I will have to return to Midgard if this does not change."
He captured her against the wall and put his arms on either side, effectively imprisoning her against his chest. "And if so, I will return to your world with you. We will be married as you have already promised me, and we will live in a small house in what I believe is called a 'hood'. I will even learn to burn the meat on the outside fire device."
She felt a snort of laughter in her nose. "Do you mean a barbecue?"
"Yes. I will learn Barbecue. And by the by, I do not hate all mortality – I only hate yours. For one day it will take you away from my side, and no amount of begging Heimdall and the All-Father will return you to me." His breath surged against her ear as he whispered, "And that day will be the end of Loki of Asgard. I have already spoken to Thor about it."
Natasha covered her face with her hands for a moment. When she removed them, Loki was staring at her with those intense green eyes, waiting for her answer. "Hurry, darling," he urged. "It is taking all of my will to hold myself back, so close to you here."
She could feel him nearly vibrating next to her. Cautiously she laid the flats of her palms on his chest and sighed with surrender. "I can't imagine you doing poker and taco nights, although I would like to visit Midgard and perhaps go dancing with you again. That was fun."
"In your silver dress." He put one hand on her hip and moved his fingertips sensually over the smooth, wet fabric of her skirt. "Darling Natasha, my own life, marry me. Say yes to me now, and I will arrange our wedding this very night."
"Tonight! That's a bit sudden, isn't it? Don't we have to find bards and lute-players and all that – Mmmmm!"
Her words were cut off as Loki captured her lips with his, bending her backwards over the balcony with the force of his passion. His tongue slipped into her mouth, and she framed his face with her hands to eagerly kiss him back.
In one of his quick movements, he broke away and seized her arm. "Now," he panted. "You and I have waited long enough, and I will not stand another moment. Let us inform the queen and the All-Father our wedding is tonight."
"You might allow me to catch my breath first," she grouched as she was towed out of the suite of rooms into the large, imposing hall leading to the rest of the palace. "But none of that banquet deal – I refuse to listen to long histories and endless odes. We'll never make it through the night."
Loki began to laugh as he quickened his pace. "Natasha, in that you and I are entirely agreed."
Although Odin blustered and protested, Natasha stood firm. The party was to be a picnic under the stars, as she had wanted all along, with wine and what Frigga called a simple meal. That meant they had only seven courses instead of the usual eleven, but Natasha promised the cooks a huge tip if they could add extra desserts and enough venison to the menu to keep Volstagg happy.
Both gods protested the wedding ceremonies should last three days at least, and Natasha waved one hand in acquiescence. "Feel free to drink, eat, and dance for as long as you wish," she declared. "Personally, I've been sitting all night on a sidewalk in Lithuania, so I'll be heading to bed after dinner."
"With a torch-led procession leading the way for you and my son," Odin proclaimed. "It marks the beginning of the legal vows between you."
"It is indeed the custom," Loki murmured. "And I am certain Hogun and Sif in particular will have many loud, warm comments as we proceed."
At least she had secured the simple party she wanted. Natasha nodded and turned to follow Loki to her chambers. "However, I refuse to wear any veils or trains. Sorry, but I'm keeping it simple from now on."
"No bridal-crown?" Frigga rose to accompany them.
"Odin's Beard, those things look like the contents of Sleipnir's trough dumped on top of a maiden's head. Just give her a silver kransen circlet, and that can be her crown," Loki argued.
"Very well. At least it is Frigga's Day, although there have been no dowry negotiations…"
"Oh, that's easy." Natasha threaded her arm through Frigga's elbow. "Everything I have in the world is now ours and thus, by extension, yours. I think it amounts to my weapons, a box of old photos, and some half-hearted 401K accounts."
As she emerged from her bath attended by Frigga, Sif, and Jane, Natasha was handed a large box. "Your wedding dress," Soames murmured, "sent by your future husband."
"This should be interesting," Jane said. "Ooh, look at that!"
Natasha lifted the lid and held up a plain dress designed with the same severe, square neckline as the black velvet gown she had been give before. This one was the color of the moss by the forest waterfall where Loki had given her the silver ring, with a tight bodice and long sleeves. She prepared to put it on, but the dresser interrupted her. "Nay, let me," the woman insisted.
Her expert hands pulled the seams and adjusted the buttons so the neckline and hem lay perfectly. Frigga looked at her in silence for a moment and shook her head. "Never have I seen a lovelier bride, my dear Natasha. Loki will be eclipsed."
"And your hair will be unbound and uncovered, as tradition dictates," Soames sniffed. "You really should have a host of gold chains and bracelets, but 'twould seem you refuse."
"I'm good," Natasha insisted. She slipped her feet into a pair of matching shoes, built low across the toes and high in the heels. "And you can stop giggling at me, Jane – you're next."
"To remind you of your inner kinght." Sif stepped forward and handed her a box. Within was a circle of silver with a tiny sword to pin it to her dress.
"A wearable weapon - perfect!" Natasha held up the lovely object. "I'm going to put it on right now – here, help me out." When it was fixed, she grasped Sif's arms and gave her a kiss on both cheeks.
"And this is from me and Thor," Jane added.
"Okay, stop!" Natasha laughed and opened the silk ribbons. Inside was an elaborate garter, with real valenciennes and blue rosettes. Instantly she blushed, and even Frigga joined in the laughter.
"Loki's going to love that." Jane lifted the hem of the dress, ignoring a scandalized protest from Soames, and held out the ribbon so Natasha could step into it. "Something blue, and all that."
"Oh, crap. I didn't even think about that. What can I borrow?" Natasha looked wildly around. "What's old? I have a ton of new stuff here, thanks to you, and Jane's covered the blue thing…"
"Here." Frigga removed her earrings and held them out. "They once belonged to my own mother, and they are indeed very old."
"I'll be really careful, and you'll get them back after the wedding. Help me keep an eye on them, Jane, and nudge me if one looks loose."
"It is time." Soames made a sweeping gesture as though to shoo them all out of the room.
Loki, standing next to Thor under the hastily-erected bower, felt his heart hammer as though it would leave his chest. "Do you see her yet?" he muttered to his brother.
"No. Not now, and not the other fifteen times you asked. I promise I will advise you when the Lady Natasha nears – oh, wait. Here she comes."
"Thor. Am I doing the right thing?" In a panic, Loki felt for his brother's hand. "Am I subjecting this poor girl to a lifetime of misery at my side?"
"Nay. I have seen your eyes light up whenever she walks into a room, and this bodes well for your love – and your life." With a pleased chuckle, Thor pulled Loki close for an extended embrace.
"All right, that is enough," Loki snapped. "Let go of me, you idiot."
"I love you too," Thor replied calmly.
The assembled gods fell silent as Natasha, on Odin's arm, approached the brothers. She found Loki's eyes and held them, but there was a slight blush on her cheeks, made more evident by the contrast of the moss-colored gown. He had never seen anything lovelier in his life.
Smiling, she reached his side and they clasped hands. Loki felt a rushing in his ears as though he were about to fall into a faint; from a far distance he heard his own voice give a set of vows he had written weeks earlier. He promised eternal love. He told her she was what brought him back to the land of the living. She was his star, his friend, his refuge in a storm.
"Loki, I accept these promises and pledge you my troth," Natasha replied. "We have been through the darkness together and emerged victorious on the other side. And I say to you now, in front of this company and your family, that I love you for what you are – for every facet of what makes you Loki, the god of mischief and lies. Truly my life was a sadder, duller affair before you flashed into it – barely a life at all. You have seen every portion of what I am and loved me, and I say now I do the same. You are my husband, my love, and my life. And this is the last time I'll ever talk romance, so I hope you enjoyed it."
He could barely see the glorious face in front of his as she spoke the words. Not waiting for the signal to proceed, Loki stepped forth, lifted Natasha by her waist, and kissed her full on the lips in front of the crowd.
"Skoal!" Thor shouted. "To the marriage of Loki and Natasha!"
"To Loki and Natasha!" Frigga echoed, along with Jane and Sif. Even Freya, wiping a tear from her eye, joined in the wild cheers.
Loki set Natasha on the ground and held out his arm. "It is time for our marriage feast, love. However, do not expect to…"
"To stay very long?" She gave him her secret smile and took his arm. "Let me know the instant we can rush away."
