When Maura Foster heard knocking on her flat front door the last person she expected to see on the other was her daughter.

Scratch that, the last person she expected to see was the man that stood slightly behind Jane and looked somewhat uncomfortable under her gaze. But Maura couldn't help but watch the young man closely and try to figure out who he was. Or rather who he was to her daughter.

A bright smile Jane sent the young man was the only answer she needed.

"I have expected to hear from you sooner after the way you left the last time." she scolded her daughter the moment the pair took a seat, side by side, on the couch in the sitting room. In retrospective that was probably rather rude, after all she didn't even wait for Jane to introduce this man who obviously meant a lot to her, but at that moment she just wanted to know why it took a whole year before she saw her daughter again.

She watched in fascination as her daughter reached and took the man's hand in hers, and he gently squeezed her fingers in quiet support. Their eyes locked for just a moment but it felt like they had a long silent conversation with just one look.

"I had every intention to come and see you after Norway, but then things happened and I..." Jane took a beep breath.

"Did you find what you were looking there?"

A silent nod and another squeeze of fingers made Maura sigh. Jane was uncomfortable for some reason, which was a first cause her daughter was usually outspoken. So she did what every good host in England did. She made tea for them all, and hoped it will be enough to relax them so they could have a normal conversation.

"Do you remember dad's research?" Jane finally asked after taking a sip from her cup, "The one I found in his things and basically obsessed over."

"Of course. You kept developing theories about it, and it was what you were working on in New Mexico, if I'm not mistaken." she may not be close to her daughter, but it didn't mean Maura didn't keep an eye on Jane and her career. It pained her to see her daughter not being taken seriously by her pears, because she knew how brilliant her girl was. If she said the bridge was possible then it was possible.

But she had to wonder why Jane was mentioning it right now.

"I discovered it was read a year ago. And I..."

"You discovered it?"

"Mrs. Foster..." the dark-haired man finally spoke, and Maura turned to look at him, "This is going to sound insane but... I am someone who originates from one of the realms on the other side of the bridge Jane was researching."

It took few moments before Maura Foster managed to comprehend what he was saying and found her voice again. But by that time her daughter was already frowning at him.

"We said gently." Jane hissed.

He shrugged, "I though it was better to just say it. I believe you used the saying 'like ripping off a bandage'."

"With Thor, not with my mother."

Before either of them managed to say anything else Maura took a loud sip of her tea, a perfect way to get their attention, and that slowly and carefully lowered it on the saucer.

"Why don't you begin from the start." she looked at her daughter, "Or better yet, why don't you introduce your... friend?" it was a question cause she honestly didn't know which title the young man held.

"Oh, this is Loki. He is my... I know this is going to sound strange, but he is my mate. And before you start yelling or anything let me just explain everything."

"Including the 'originating from the other realms' part, I hope?" Maura asked, "That particular sentence made it sound like he was an alien, but he looked like a human. A really handsome human, but still there was absolutely nothing otherworldly about him."

To her amusement a bright red blush colored his cheeks and Jane grinned as she noticed it. But moments later a serious expression replaced the amused one and a pair shared a look that said a thousand words. As far as Maura knew Jane was never like that with any of her former boyfriends, not even with the last serious one and they were together for over a year.

"I traveled to Norway because my scanner picked up something. It was an unusual radiation, something I have never seen before. Something no one on Earth never saw before." Jane took a deep breath, "I found Loki there."

Maura looked at the man on her daughter's side. She read Norse mythology in college, and she still remembered some things from Prose Edda. And Loki was one of the more prominent characters from the tales. The trickster and a liar.

"She found me in a cave where I lived in." the man, Loki, continued her daughter's story.

"You lived in a cave?!"

"For almost a thousand years." he added and Maura gaped at him.

"Mom, I know what you're thinking. The Norse legends are somewhat true. But not all of it." Jane reached over the coffee table and placed a hand on her mother's, "Loki is not the person from the tale. But at the same time he is."

"What happened there Jane? What happened in Norway that prevented you from contacting me for a whole year?"

Jane turned to look at Loki before she once more focused on her mother, "I was injured by people who were after the same thing I was. After the source of the radiation. At that time Loki managed to return home using an artifact that belongs to his people, and that's been left on Earth."

"But I had to return on Earth for Jane." he added, his voice serious like her presence in his life was vital for his survival, "And I took her with me to Jotunheim. That is where we've been living for a year now."

"Do the two of you realize how insane that story sounds?" Maura asked, "Jane, I want... Oh!"

Brown eyes widened as the pale skin slowly started to vanish under blue tint and strange markings. As green eyes became blood red, and normal fingernails turned black.

In a heartbeat or two the handsome young man her daughter was dating became something obviously not human.

"Loki is a Jotun, a Frost giant, that remained... short... due to growing up on Earth. And when he took me to Jotunheim I was injured." that particularly got Maura's attention, "Seriously injured, and I was healed there by the queen of Asgard. She then gifted me a golden apple that prolonged my life by few thousand years. It all sounds completely crazy, I know, but it's the truth."

While Jane tried to catch her breath after saying all that as fast as she could, Loki was gently rubbing her back. It wasn't an intimate act, but it felt that way. It felt like she was intruding on them.

"What does that mean, exactly? A mate? What does that entitle?" Loki's red eyes were unnerving as they focused on her, but Maura could see the gentleness in them. Especially when he was looking at her little girl. He didn't look human at the moment, but he acted like one. He acted like a loving boyfriend, and she just had to ask, "What is Jane to you?"

His answer made her smile.

"Everything."

Both Foster women agreed it will take some time for Maura to process what she just learned, so Jane and Loki agreed to stay for few more days with her before going to the States. At one point she leaned towards her daughter during dinner and asked if the trip was actually their honeymoon, and instantly Jane choked on her chips.

Loki earned a bit approval when he casually said their honeymoon will be on a deserted island so they have privacy. Maura had never seen that particular shade of red on her daughter's face.

And when Jane went to take a hot shower and get ready for bed, and Loki turned serious and asked, "I wish for your permission to marry your daughter." she approved of him even more.

He explained they must have a formal wedding on Jotunheim, with him being a prince and all, a fact they failed to mention until then, but if she wished they will return to Earth and hold a small ceremony here as well. But there might be an issue with him not technically existing, since there was no trace of him in any record.

"Just come see me after the wedding and we'll have a celebration dinner together. Maybe invite few more people that are dear to Jane. That mouthy intern of hers that answered the phone once when I called and gave me a long and elaborate report on my daughter. And Erik. I'm sure Jane missed him while she was away."

"Actually mom, I saw Erik while I was away. It's actually classified, but... there was a meeting on Asgard, representatives from all realms came." Jane's damp hair was braided and she was wearing a lovely green nightgown, as she walked in the sitting room again.

"There was nothing on the news about a inter-realm meeting."

"That's the classified part. Only a certain agency that deals with global security knew about it. And Erik is a part of it."

"Erik is a scientist, not some secret agent." Maura pointed out and then noticed her daughter's frown, "Jane? Dear?"

"He helped them stonewall me. My research." she finally admitted. Jane knew her mother respected Erik, after all he and Robert Foster were great friends, and didn't know how learning what he did will affect her.

"Did he explain why?"

Jane snorted, "To protect me."

Maura sighed. She knew Erik took over Robert's role after her husband died, and tried his best to ensure Jane was safe. But her daughter's research was important to her. And Erik knew that. Preventing her from following any idea, no matter how insane it sounded, was not the way to protect anyone.

When her little girl leaned towards Loki, and his hand went around her waist to support her, she had to smile. This man, who is by all accounts an alien, will do it better.

He will protect Jane in the way she needs to be protected.

It was strange to think so after just meeting him, but Maura just knew. Call it a mother's intuition. She knew her daughter will be safe with the blue skinned prince by her side.

That thought was the last one on her mind before she fell asleep that night.

Her daughter - a princess.

Jane's head was resting on Loki's chest, tight over his heart. It was the most beautiful lullaby she had ever heard in her life. His fingertips trailed over her back, following some path only he knew.

It was the first time they shared a bed. Maura Foster didn't really care for the rules of property of other realms, and also she only had one guest room in her flat. She couldn't very well insist someone sleeps on the small couch in the sitting room. Not even a dwarf could fit on that thing comfortably.

She did however pointed out her room is right across, and while she would like grandchildren, she doesn't want to hear them getting conceived.

And then she laughed cause it was impossible to tell which one of them blushed more.

"What a difference a year makes." Jane muttered silently, and moments later felt a soft his on the top of her head.

She knew Loki was thinking about the same thing. Only a year ago she went on a wild goose chase in a foreign country with no knowledge of what she was looking for. And she found her future.

"I have lived a thousand years alone. Now I can not imagine a day without you by my side."

Jane moved her head so their eyes could meet, and smiled at him. For someone who didn't have any formal education he was very skilled with words. She liked that about him. The silver tongue of his that told her of his affection in so many different ways.

"I love you too." she responded gently, and watched as her mate smiled brightly before bending down to plan the most gentle kiss on her lips.

He may be a Frost giant but he had her blood run hot with every single kiss.

Willowdale, Virginia, was a cozy town with white picket fence houses, perfectly moved lawns with a few garden gnomes here and there, some tree houses in the backyards. And a large buildings at the outskirt that formed the campus of Culver University.

Temporary home of one Darcy Lewis.

Who screamed so loud, when she saw her former boss lady, that quite a few people turned around thinking something bad had happened. And even more crows flew away, startled by the loud noise.

"You came to see the little old me!" Darcy hugged her friend tightly, before noticing a man that stood few feet away from them and observed them curiously. A man that was moments ago walking next to Jane, but took a few steps back when Darcy pranced, "And you brought your hot boyfriend with you. I so approve."

Jane laughed, and once her former intern released her from the tight grip, turned towards Loki and offered her hand which he gladly accepted. Looking back at Darcy she introduced him.

"This is Loki. My..."

"...boyfriend." Darcy completed the sentence.

Jane made a face, "Well, technically, my fiance."

"Say what now?!" the loud shriek attracted audience for them once more.

While Jane just laughed at her friend's antics Loki watched her with suspicion. He wasn't completely convinced there was nothing wrong with this girl. But his mate liked her, so he was willing to give Darcy the benefit of the doubt. For now anyway.

One wrong move and he will turn her into a popsicle.

"I'm sorry, he is a what?" Darcy leaned closer to Jane over the small round table in the cafe they were in. Loki went to the bathroom, and left the two of alone. Jane used that opportunity to inform her friend of a particular detail about her mate.

"You heard me the first time." Jane said back, "And do I have to mention you can't go around telling people about it? Cause as much as I would like if the bridge and other realms were a public knowledge-"

"Of please." Darcy snorted, "We have a problem with accepting those who are, for some reason, different on our own planet. We would such as accepting other races from other planets."

"I sometimes forget how insightful you are."

A wide grin appeared on the younger girl's face, "That's me. The insightful Darcy Lewis who knows when to keep quiet. And when to ask more about your hottie. Honestly Jane, the man is practically sex on legs!"

"Darcy! You are worse than my mother!"

"Oh, did she ask for grandchildren again? Cause last time I spoke to her sh...it."

"What?" Jane asked, before noticing her friend was looking at something behind her. Turning around slightly Jane noticed who it was and sighed.

"Yeah... them." Darcy grumbled, "I saw them on campus a few times. Trying, and failing, to fit in."

"Doctor Foster. It's been a while." Nicolas Fury ignored Darcy's grumble of 'not long enough', and sat down on the still empty chair.

"What is it that you need director Fury?" Jane asked, carefully picking her words.

"We just completed a new facility and are in need of a qualified researchers. I presume you are interested."

"You presume wrong."

"You do not wish to complete your research on Einstein-Rosen bridge? Prove your peers wrong?" he tried to tempt her, but he didn't know Erik already used that particular argument to try and persuade her to return to Earth.

It didn't work back then, and it certainly isn't working now.

"What I wish right now is finish my coffee, spend some more time with my friend... maybe find the right dress..." At the mention of clothes Darcy grinned widely, "And then return to Jotunheim and get married."

"And than work on those grandchildren with sharp cheekbones you promised your mother?" her friend added casually, and Fury gaped at her in shock.

He might deal with trained agents, and superheroes, and politicians. But nothing prepares a person for dealing with the uniqueness of Miss Lewis.

The director of SHIELD heard footsteps approaching and instantly knew who was coming closer. The agents he had posted on Darcy informed him doctor Foster didn't return to Earth alone. In fact she brought along the odd blue man, who wasn't blue at the moment.

"Jane?" Loki called her name, with a singe word asking her is she was alright and if she needed him to do anything.

"Director Fury was just leaving." she responded and smiled at the older man who frowned instantly.

He knew he could press the matter, but wasn't crazy enough to do that. The blue guy, Loki, was important enough and powerful enough, that he could cause some serious troubles for SHIELD if provoked.

And it was obvious doctor Foster was his weak spot.

Mess with her and you will face the full onslaught of his powers.

That evening, because Darcy demanded, Loki stayed in her small apartment while she dragged Jane shopping for the perfect dress for the wedding. He pointed out as his wife she could have a gown made on Asgard if she wanted, he knew Jane adored the one she received as a gift from queen Frigga, but Darcy refused to even hear it.

She insisted because Jane was from Earth it was only fair she gets a dress from her home realm. The dress will represent Earth, since there will be no guests from this realm on the wedding.

"I would have gladly bring you Darcy, but the coldness of Jotunheim would be too dangerous for you. The bond and the apple are the only reasons I'm not one large frostbite."

"So you said, and I'm okay with it. As long as the two of you eventually return so we can celebrate here."

"That much was already decided." Loki informed her.

The brunette nodded, "Good. Now let's go Jane. I have a perfect dress in mind. I just hope they have it in your size."

The last thing Loki heard before the front doors slammed shut was Jane asking, "Should I be worried?"

Exactly a week later Jane stood alone in her large chamber for the very last time. From this day she will be sharing the space with her husband. And she still couldn't believe it.

Slowly she walked towards the large window and looked outside. The bright lights in the distance signaled the last group of guests has just arrived and instantly she smiled. The opening of Bifrost meant the Asgardians came at last.

She hoped Frigga would arrive earlier, she missed the older woman who was her confidant and a mentor at the same time. But unfortunately it would have been inappropriate for the queen to arrive before the king on a large event. Sometimes the old rules annoyed Jane.

A knock on the door startled her from her pondering, and Jane turned away from the windows. She was informed someone would come for her once it was time, but with Asgardians just arriving there was no way it could be the time already.

"Yes?" she finally decided on just asking what was going on through the closed door.

"Jane?" Loki's voice came from the other side and she laughed. Darcy gave him a long and detailed instructions about Earth's customs and on the top of the list was a rule that he was not to see Jane in her wedding dress before the actual ceremony.

And for some reason, the Jotun prince feared the little mortal enough that he didn't risked provoking her rage by just marching in Jane's chamber like he wanted to.

"Loki? Why aren't you getting ready?"

"I am ready. I am ready to call you my wife as well as my mate."

"Soon." she reminded him, "Someone will come for you and lead you to the throne room. And I won't be far behind."

"I know..." he sighed, "I can not wait to see you. To see your beauty outshining the sun."

Jane smiled, "I love you too."

Loki's chamber was illuminated by several floating globes of light. He created them just for her. Or perhaps for himself too. Because the light allowed him to take in her beauty.

His silver tongue had turned to lead earlier when he saw her for the first time walking down the long path between the attendants towards him. His mind could only think of two things at that moment.

Beautiful.

Mine.

He will have to find an appropriate gift for Darcy Lewis as a thank you for taking Jane to get a dress that evening on Earth. He did not know where they found it but he approved. And it seemed every single Jotun did as well.

The shimmering blue material of her bodice and skirt reflected the light with every step she took and reminded him of the way the snow would reflect the sunlight. And the pale blue cape made out of gossamer with snowflakes decorating the long train fitted perfectly for the princess of a frozen realm.

Loki did not know what the custom was on Earth, if the women there wore their gowns after the wedding, and he hoped this would not be the last time he saw his beautiful bride wearing hers. As far as he was concerned she could wear it every single day.

And while he was basking in her beauty she was pondering about something she noticed earlier during the feast. She wasn't sure how to mention it, and it didn't exactly bother her, but she was still curious.

She wanted to know what was it that brought the look of sadness on his face during the celebration of their marriage.

"I noticed something today." she finally spoke after taking a seat on the fur covered bed, "You looked sad when you saw Sigyn of Vanaheim. And you seemed to be avoiding her as well."

Loki sighed, and took a seat next to her, "She reminded me of Signe. The hair and the eyes... I loved Signe and she called me a monster."

"You are not a monster!" Jane's voice was strong, "You are my husband. My mate!"

He smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her gently. But before their lips touched he just had to whisper it back.

Respond in the same way she always responded.

"I love you too."

I was in the kitchen, cutting cakes, when it hit me. Jane had to wear Elsa's dress. It was the only fitting one for a Jotun princess.

This was the final chapter. I hoped you enjoyed it!

I'm staring to write a new Lokane story sometimes next year, so stay tuned.