Maryn woke on the day of her wedding feeling excited and a little nervous. Loki still hadn't told her if he had solved the riddle of her gift to him and the threat of Mithros sending another assassin to cause havoc at the ceremony or feast made her feel feint.
Loki had spent the last few nights sleeping beside her to keep her calm and protect her and had only left her bed late the night before with the promise of posting guards outside her chamber doors to make sure she was safe. Laying quietly looking out her balcony doors at the early morning sky, Maryn realised that she would be tying her life to that of the Dark Prince in little over four hours and felt a thrill run through her. She had spent the evening before with the Allfather and his family talking and laughing together, the Warriors Three and Lady Sif visiting as well and sharing friendly banter with Loki about his status soon changing to that of a married man. The young Aesir men had then grabbed Loki and dragged him away from Maryn's side, Sif and Tora leading Maryn in the opposite direction to the royal gardens where a large group of young court ladies were seated together beneath one of the large flower arbours. They had plied her with honeyed mead and spoke of what the wedding night would entail making Maryn blush but ensuring she enjoyed the company.
With relief, Maryn had realised that Sigyn was not among the woman flocked around her.
"The Allmother has banned her from the wedding and the entertainment tonight," Sif spoke quietly so that only Maryn could hear. Seeing the princess's questioning look the lady-warrior grinned, "Don't tell me you were not wondering why that woman wasn't here among us stirring up trouble."
Maryn felt a small smile tug at the corners of her lips, "I had hoped it was my good fortune that she was not here. As it turns out, my luck has the Allmother's name and countenance."
Sif laughed with her before being pulled into conversation with a group of ladies standing near them. Maryn slipped away to walk further into the gardens breathing deeply of the sweet night air and smiling up at the myriad of stars above her.
"Are you happy my lady?" Tora asked from where she had followed Maryn away from the others.
Turning with a smile, the princess nodded, "I don't think I have been this happy since before my father died."
Tora stepped up beside her and wrapped an arm around her mistress's waist, the two women leaning their heads together and looking out over the court ladies talking and laughing together. "I am glad you are happy, Maryn," Tora told her, "It is what I have always wanted for you and what your mother longed for you to have before Coros stole her power."
Sighing a little sadly at the mention of her mother, Maryn closed her eyes and spoke softly, "I wish she could have lived to see this; that she could have been with me as I pledge myself to Loki and that she was able to see how much he loves me."
Tora held her tighter, "She sees your life now from the heavens and smiles."
Turning her tear-bright grey eyes to her best friend, Maryn smiled at the bitter-sweet feeling that filled her at those words, "I am blessed to have you at my side and caring for me, Tora."
With a cheeky smile, the small hand-maiden nodded, "Yes, my lady, you are."
Maryn sighed coming back to the present and pushed back her bed-sheets from her body. Sitting up she watched as the light from the sun filled the sky completely and her room, with its golden hues, seemed to brighten as if by magic with the yellows and soft orange of the morning. Standing, Maryn pulled a light robe over her nightgown and then crossed the room to throw open the balcony doors and step out into the cool morning air, her lips curling up into a smile when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye and Tora came to join her.
"You should be inside readying for the day ahead, my lady. After all, this is your wedding day."
Unable to stop herself, Maryn laughed and turned to press a kiss to Tora's cheek, "Yes, it is, isn't it."
Smiling at her antics, Tora watched as Maryn nearly skipped back into her room and twirled before coming to a stop at the sight of a letter sitting on her pillow, the dark green wax seal holding it closed letting her know exactly who it was from. Picking it up, Maryn broke the seal and read the neat script inside:
Maryn, my love,
I can barely fathom that today is the day we will become man and wife. It seems we have waited so long for this day and yet I fear I will disappoint you in some way. However, unlike most, I take comfort in the knowledge that we have love to help us through any misfortune or sadness.
I write this to tell you that I believe I have solved the riddle of my birthday gift and hope that you will meet me tonight in our chambers to confirm my suspicions.
I love, you, sweet one.
Your husband, Loki.
Maryn blushed prettily when she read his words asking to meet her in their chambers that night, but a thrill went up her spine at the realisation that very soon she would be allowed to share such a thing with Loki and that knowledge made her want to have the ceremony and feasting over as soon as possible. Moving to her desk she sat down and took a piece of paper from the small stack she had there. Picking up her quill she dipped it in the ink pot and then started to write:
My love,
Where has the time gone? It feels as if it was only a few days ago that I was brought to your world and everything in my life changed. I was left alone and grieving, and yet, you became a brightness in my life that I do not think I could now ever live without. I love you Loki, and the thought of spending the rest of my life at your side fills me with a joy I never believed was possible to feel.
I am so glad you have solved the gift I gave you. It is something which is very dear to my people and can only be shared between those who have given themselves to each other completely.
The next words made Maryn's cheeks burn.
Therefore, we can only use the runes after our first night together as man and wife.
I will meet you in the Great Hall in front of the Allfather, my love.
Your faithful wife, Maryn.
Folding and sealing the letter with white wax impressed with her family's crest, Maryn called one of the handmaidens who had entered the chamber to help her prepare for the day to her side, instructing her to take the letter to Loki's rooms and hand it to him personally. That done, she stood and allowed Tora with the help of another maid, to usher her into her bathroom to wash and get ready to dress.
Once she was clean and her hair was dry and shining, she wrapped her body in a silken robe and was led into her dressing room where her wedding gown hung. Tora placed braids through the curls of her dark hair and then gathered the heavy locks into a low bun at the nape of her neck, small curls framing her face. Once that was done and a little makeup was used to accentuate her eyes and lips, Maryn dressed in the thin shift and luxurious undergarments that had been made especially for her to wear under her wedding gown. Putting on Loki's pendant, Maryn tucked it under the chemise's neckline and then let her maids lace her into her wedding gown. It was made of the finest white silk overlaid with a layer of chiffon in the same colour. It had another layer of chiffon over the top which was tight at the waist but open at the front and sown with gold thread to resemble leaves linked together in rows like a wide belt that reached just under her bust. The overskirt was also embroidered with gold thread in the shapes of leaves and vines. The sweetheart neckline showed off her throat while a length of chiffon wound up and around her shoulder and shoulder-blades and was decorated with gold and diamonds fashioned to look like a sprig of orange blossoms on her right shoulder. White silk slippers were on her feet which had embroidering that matched that of her gown. The gold pearl and emerald pendant she had been given to wear was carved with Loki's crest and was a sign to everyone who saw it that she was to be his wife. It hung from a delicate gold chain and sat just below the hollow of her throat. Over her head she then wore a gold lace veil that reached the ground and trailed behind her as she walked, the front drifting down over her face and body to her waist.
"You look beautiful, my lady," Bjorna smiled curtsying with Maryn's other lady's-maids when the princess turned to them once she was fully dressed.
With a gracious but tentative smile Maryn bit her lip, "Will I bring honour to my husband?"
"Of course you will, dear one," Frigga's voice came from the doorway and Maryn smiled, picked up her skirts and ran into the Allmother's arms. When Frigga leant back a little to look down at her, Maryn saw the happy tears in her eyes. "I am so proud of you, Maryn," the Asgardian queen cupped her cheeks and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Is it time to go yet, mother?" Maryn asked quietly, the maids and Tora having left the room to give the two women some privacy.
Frigga nodded, "Thor is waiting outside your door to escort you to the Great Hall and Odin and Loki wait there before the throne."
"Thank you," Maryn smiled, "You have all become my family. I would not have survived my mother's death if I had not had your love."
Frigga shook her head as she led Maryn toward the entry of her chambers, "It is we who should thank you for loving Loki as he deserves and standing by him in all things."
Frigga pushed the door open and then turned to cup Maryn's cheek over the veil, brushing her thumb along the younger woman's cheekbone before she smiled once more and then left to go to the Great Hall.
"You look beautiful, sister," Thor spoke from where he stood a few feet away.
Maryn smiled and slipped her hand into the crook of his offered elbow. As they started their walk to the Great Hall she turned to look at him with a teasing smile, "Have you been told to be on your best behaviour? I was expecting a bear-hug the moment your mother released her hold of my hand."
Thor stuttered at her words and then flushed a ruddy colour, "I-I…yes, I have been told by mother and your hand-maiden to handle you with care so that your gown and hair are not rumpled."
Maryn halted, forcing Thor to stop also and then turned to the large, blond Aesir. Throwing her arms around him she grinned, "I can never deny my brother a hug."
When she pulled away she saw the overjoyed smile on his face and at her questioning look, Thor explained, "That is the first time you have called me brother."
Maryn smiled softly, "You are my brother and have been since I came here."
Thor grinned and pulled her into a tight hug once more before letting her go and clearing his throat, "Come, if you are late I will never hear the end of it from Fandral and Volstagg."
With a small giggle, Maryn took his arm once more and let him lead her to the Great Hall.
The sound of the crowds inside cheering and trumpets playing when they were standing outside the doors made Maryn's stomach flip but she took a deep breath and when the large doors swung open, a calm, beautiful smile graced her lips.
Loki stood beside his father before the golden throne of the Allfather dressed in his best ceremonial armour but had forgone his helmet. Odin, too, was dressed in his most elaborate ceremonial armour, and his face was split by a wide smile, Frigga standing a step below was also smiling.
The cheering was deafening while Maryn and Thor walked up the aisle toward the throne dais and those waiting there, Maryn's gaze never leaving Loki's the entire way. He walked down the steps to meet her at the base and took her hand from Thor's grinning when his brother wrapped him in a tight hug before kissing Maryn's cheek and then moving to take his place at his mother's side.
Loki smiled down at his bride, "You look exquisite, my love," he murmured before they made their way up to the throne and Odin.
Maryn kept her eyes lowered but couldn't help the smile that turned up the corners of her full lips.
They stepped to the edge of the two thick golden pillows placed before Odin and then, after showing their respect to the Allfather, they knelt and bowed their heads.
Odin stepped forward, his hands raised to quieten the throngs of people watching the ceremony.
"This day is a day of great celebration," his voice boomed through the huge room. "It is the day my son and his betrothed will become forever tied to one another. They have conquered much together to strengthen their love. Today they will speak the sacred words of their union before their people." Odin then dropped his eyes to Loki and Maryn, reaching out to lay his hands on their heads, "Repeat these words, 'I will take your family as my own. Your people will be my people and your home, my home. We will become one in the sight of the heavens and those here; joined in body, heart and spirit until the end of our days.'"
Loki and Maryn repeated the words and then stood turning to face each other. Heart beating in excitement, Maryn looked up at Loki as Odin took the same sacred cloth that had been used at their hand-fasting and, linking their hands, he wrapped the white silk, now embroidered with gold, around their clasped hands and spoke a quiet prayer over them. Taking the cloth the Allfather motioned for Thor to step forward. With a broad, proud smile, the God of Thunder pulled a small pouch from his pocket, upending it over Loki's outstretched hand. A ring fell into the Dark Prince's palm and Maryn gasped softly when she saw it glinting in the sunlight drenching the throne room. It was a delicate band of gold etched with runes and set with moonstones and green gems, the hearts of which swirled with gold. Loki caught her left hand and slid the band onto the finger where her engagement ring once sat.
Catching her gaze he spoke in a clear voice that reached everyone in the audience, "I, Loki Odinson, break our hand-fasting and remake our bond in the eyes of the witnesses in this hall. My heart, body and spirit are yours now and until we meet in the heavens after death."
Maryn had heard the vows already and knew that he had changed some of the words. The idea that his promise was to love her even after death made tears fill her eyes and she held tighter to his hands. "I, Maryn Niadotter, break our hand-fasting and remake our bond in the eyes of the witnesses in this hall. My heart, body and spirit are yours now and until we meet in the heavens after death," Maryn repeated Loki's vow, the promise to love him even after death falling easily from her lips.
A guard then stepped forward a delicate gold crown sitting on the velvet cushion in his hands. It was set with diamonds and green gems in the shape of flowers and between each filigree twist of gold. Loki turned and lifted the crown from the cushion before setting it on Maryn's head over the lace veil she was wearing. As the crowd cheered for their prince and his newly crowned wife, Loki lifted the veil covering Maryn's face, throwing it back to reveal her face and her joyous smile before he leaned down, pulled her into his arms and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.
Maryn melted into his embrace, the mounting roars and applause of the crowds fading away until it felt like it was only the two of them in the whole world. Loki pulled away slightly; his eyes alight with happiness and a smile curving his lips. It took Maryn's breath away. This wasn't a smirk or a grin, it was a true smile and her heart soared at the sight.
The Allfather cleared his throat then, wordlessly reminding the couple that they were meant to turn to their people so that he could announce them as was the custom.
Pressing his lips to hers once more, Loki's smile morphed into a mischievous grin and then he laced their fingers together and they turned as one to look out over the throngs of Asgardians.
"Your Prince and his new Princess!" Odin bellowed to the crowds before them, his words swallowed by a deafening cheer and clapping that rose from the Asgardian people.
Unable to stop smiling, Maryn curtsied deeply to her people, Loki following her lead and bowing at her side, endearing them both to their courtiers.
When they rose to stand again and the shouting and clapping had died down once more, Odin smiled and raised his hands, "Let the feast begin!"
As the courtiers moved to make their way to the great hall, Frigga, Thor and Odin embraced Maryn and Loki in congratulations before Tora and Brant stepped forward to do the same.
"Come!" Thor thundered clapping Loki on the back, "Let us drink and make merry for my brother has finally found a woman who will not shrink away when he is in a foul mood."
Loki raised a dark eyebrow, "Should you not save your ribbing and speeches for the feasting hall, brother?" he asked dryly, wrapping a strong arm around Maryn's waist and tucking her against his side.
Thor's grin was almost as mischievous as Loki's usual look, "Do not worry, Loki, I have many more jokes to say when we get there."
Rolling his eyes but smiling good-naturedly, Loki turned his bright gaze to his new wife and started to lead the way out of the throne room, "Well isn't that fortunate."
Maryn smiled and cuddled closer to him lacing their fingers together at her hip. Once they stood outside the Great Hall they walked in with their family as a group; Frigga and Odin first, then the newly-weds, then Thor with Tora and Brant.
The rest of the afternoon and into the evening was filled with revelry, speeches, laughter and eating and drinking. As darkness fell, Maryn left the festivities to stand out on the balcony overlooking the city, her excitement dulled a little by growing nerves. She trusted Loki completely but her knowledge of what was expected of her later that night was born out of what her friends had spoken about and the conversation she'd had once with her mother the day her courses started. Now, as the night continued and the time when she was to leave and wait for him in their chambers neared, her inexperience was making her doubt her ability to please her husband.
A large hand settled at the small of her back breaking her train of thought and she glanced back to see Loki smiling down at her before he pressed a kiss to her temple, "What are you thinking of, sweet one?" he murmured in her ear, his hand sliding around her abdomen to pull her back against his chest.
Blushing a deep crimson, Maryn dropped her gaze to the railing where her hands fluttered nervously, "I…it is unimportant, my lord."
His hands settled on her hips and he turned her to face him, his fingers lifting her chin so that she was looking up into his gaze, "Anything that makes you tremble with fear is not unimportant, Maryn." His eyes searched hers, "Tell me, my love."
Swallowing hard Maryn closed her eyes and blurted out the truth, "I do not know how to please you, Loki. You have had…others and I-I have not and I will not know how to…I have no knowledge of how a wife is to please her husband in private."
She started when Loki's mouth closed over hers, his kiss dragging a soft moan from her before he pulled back and cradled her face between his large hands, "How can you not please me, Maryn? I have dreamt of how it will be between us. How I will bring you to your end trembling and crying my name." Maryn's cheeks burned at his words and heat started to gather low in her belly. She couldn't look away from his intense stare even if she had wanted to. "You cannot know how much I have wanted you," he leaned down, his lips a breath from hers, "How much I ache to have you."
Maryn couldn't help but reach for him, lacing her fingers through his hair and pulling his head down so that his mouth slanted over hers, his tongue slipping between her parted lips to deepen the kiss as he stepped forward so that she was trapped between his body and the railing. Maryn's head swam with his scent and the warmth of his body.
When he pulled away she tried to tug him back down to her but he caught her wrists, his forehead pressed to hers for a moment longer before he pulled away and looked into her eyes, "Go to our chambers. I will be there shortly."
Her propriety came back with a vengeance at his words, "It is not time for me to leave yet, Loki. It wouldn't be proper for us to -," his lips slamming down on hers once more silenced her and by the time he pulled away they were both breathless.
"Decorum can go to Hel," he snarled, an almost wild look in his eyes, "I want my wife, Maryn, and I am not about to let another tell me when I may have you."
She nodded wordlessly, a thrill rushing through her blood at his heated words. His kiss was gentle this time and she smiled when they broke apart once more before she left him wordlessly standing on the balcony to find Tora and tell her that she was going to their rooms.
The hand-maiden followed her out, their departure unnoticed save for by a few. When they got to the rooms she and Loki would now inhabit, Maryn couldn't stop herself from gasping in awe. It was decorated with comfort in mind and everything she had asked for was perfectly placed around the room. The colour pallet was emerald, gold and cream and suited both her and Loki perfectly. There was an ante room and the bedroom, as well as a large room with a pool at the centre that would serve as the place where they bathed. They each had their own dressing room and her lady's-maids had rooms in the same wing with Brant and Tora sharing a small suite of rooms in the wing as well.
Tora went about removing the crown and veil from Maryn's hair before she helped her nervous mistress take off her gown and undergarments and dress in a nightgown of the softest cream silk overlaid in white and silver lace with a cloth of silver boarder at the hem. The rounded neckline was cut low but tastefully so, to entice her husband and show off her throat and collarbones. Maryn then washed her face free of all makeup and pulled the gold pins from her hair to let the dark tresses hang in waves to her lower back.
With a small smile, Tora hugged her tight and then left the room, closing the large door behind her. Fidgeting, Maryn moved to a small side table with a crystal decanter of wine and two glasses. She poured herself a glass of the fragrant liquid and took a sip while she moved to stand at the open doors that led to the private balcony. She smiled at the sweetness of the wine and the small bubbles in it that tickled her tongue while she drank wondering if it had been Loki who had asked for her favourite wine to be placed in their chambers. She still felt a little nervous of their wedding night but nothing could stop her from admiring the view from the doors out over the landscape. Their wing of the palace overlooked the forest past the gardens as well as the lake and mountains beyond. Twisting her wedding band around her finger, she sighed out a contented breath and leaned against the doorway, her eyes lifting to the stars above. Taking another sip of her wine she bit her lip and turned to walk back into the bedroom only to stop at the sight of Loki, dressed in a green tunic and black pants, standing in the shadows a few feet away, his eyes in darkness.
With a wave of her hand, Maryn let her wineglass go so that it floated to the table where it had come from while she curtsied deeply, bowing her head, "My lord husband," she murmured into the silence between them. When she straightened her gaze lifted to his face and her heart stuttered in her chest as he stepped into the moonlight, his predatory stare stealing her breath.
"What were you studying?" he asked nodding to the balcony behind her, his voice deeper than she was used to.
With a smile she reached out to him, "Come and see; it is magnificent."
He walked toward her and clasped his hand around hers, allowing her to tug him out onto the balcony. Once there she smiled up at him and then turned to look up at the stars and constellations twinkling in the velvet blackness of the night sky. "Oh, Loki, is it not wondrous?"
"More beautiful a night I have not seen. But there is something which I know to be even more glorious than all the stars in all the heavens," he murmured stepping up behind her and pressing a kiss to her bare skin where the small sleeve of the nightgown did not cover.
Shivering at his touch, Maryn turned to look up at him, "They may call you Silvertongue, my love, but I have no need of flattery. I am, and will always be, yours."
He ran the backs of his fingers over her cheek; Maryn leant into his hand craving his touch more and more with every caress. "Come to bed with me, Maryn," he murmured softly, his free hand sliding down over her arm and around her waist to the small of her back to pull her body flush to his.
Dropping her forehead to his chest, Maryn whispered pleadingly, "Teach me how to please you."
He shuddered at her words and pulled her tighter to him, lifting her chin so that she was looking up at him as he loomed over her, "Kiss me," he demanded and the small brunette couldn't refuse him.
Their lips pressed together in a slow, sensual dance, his hands staying where he had first placed them, his stillness making Maryn ache for his touch all the more. Loki turned them so that he could guide her backwards to their bed. When her legs touched the edge of the mattress she gasped as Loki lifted her easily and lay her down, his large body covering hers as he sealed their lips together once more. His hands moved then, one tangling in her hair as the other slid down over her hip and thigh to bunch up her nightgown and start to ease it up over her legs. Moaning, Maryn fisted her hand in his hair and arched up against him the heat fizzing through her making her nerves disappear and lust take over. Loki seemed to understand what she needed and pushed his hips harder against her own making her arch her back and gasp out his name at the friction the movement caused. His cool fingers slid up her calf and around to lift her knee and hook it over his hip rocking against her again. Maryn felt as if she could barely breath, the way he was moving against her was almost too much and she had to pull away slightly to catch her breath.
"What is it, love?" Loki asked lifting his head from where he had been brushing his lips and laving his tongue over her pulse point.
Panting, Maryn looked up at him biting her full lower lip, "Am I meant to feel as if I am burning inside and out?" she asked shakily unsure of what she should be experiencing.
Loki grinned down at her arrogantly, "Lay back and enjoy it, sweet one." He then leaned down and murmured into her ear, "I will sate your need before the night is out, little girl." His cool breath sent gooseflesh rushing across her skin, "I wonder if the rest of you is as sweet as your lips." Maryn's heartbeat and breathing quickened when, with a glow of emerald, their clothes disappeared, his grin turning positively debauched. "Let us see, shall we?" he growled and started to move down her body.
Maryn bit back a moan and closed her eyes letting go and allowing him to do as he wished with her. And true to his word, the Dark Prince taught his small wife exactly how it is between a man and woman and they lost themselves in each other until the small hours of the morning.