Frigga and Loki were walking together in the gardens of the palace. It had been about a month since Bjorna had been dismissed. Everything was returning to normal and Maryn and Loki's relationship was strengthening. There were still moments when she pulled away from him if he touched her too suddenly; she also shied away if another man spoke when her back was turned and it took a moment before she relaxed. But the fire inside her that the Dark Prince had fallen in love with was back, and her confidence was also returning.

A mere day after the plot to out Sigyn's source for gossip, Tora had given birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy whom she and Brant named Ari. Maryn was smitten, and if Loki couldn't find her in the gardens or out riding her mare, he knew she was with Tora and the baby.

And so, it was no surprise that when Frigga and Loki turned a corner and walked from the walled rose garden into the small, open meadow near the middle of the grounds, they saw Maryn sitting with Tora on a blanket spread out under a large oak tree, tiny Ari in her arms.

"Seeing Maryn smile is wonderful," Frigga said with a gentle smile of her own as she slipped her hand into the crook of Loki's elbow. "I had thought I might never see it again."

Her son watched his wife balance the baby on her bent knees and smile adoringly down at him, her fingers brushing over his soft cheek as she spoke to him and Tora. "There was no cause for her to smile before now, mother."

Frigga sighed and nodded unable to dispute his words, "But now…now she could have a child of her own to dote on if the two of you are so inclined."

Cutting the Allmother a look, Loki lifted his eyes to his wife, mulling over the idea, "She may not wish to have a child."

Frigga laughed, "Have you asked her what she wants, dear one?"

He seemed uncomfortable with the question and turned his eyes to the other Aesir making their way through the gardens, "No…the idea is one to think on."

There was something in his tone that made Frigga stop and turn to face him, "Do you wish to have children, Loki?"

His gaze flickered with something and she felt worry well in her chest. What if he had figured out that he was different to the others, and why?

"A child that is part of Maryn would be a gift. But would she want my child?" he spoke so softly she barely heard him.

Shocked at the doubt still in him despite everything that he and his wife had been through, Frigga caught his large hands in hers and squeezed them tightly, "Do you not know the love you share with her, my son? The way you are together reminds me of your father and I. There is no reason to doubt that she would not want your child." Jaw working beneath his pale skin, Loki nodded and let his mother pull him into a tight hug. Frigga whispered in his ear, "Go and sit with her. Spend some time admiring Ari and seeing how Maryn is with him. And then, when you are alone, ask her if a child is something she wishes for."

Glancing at Maryn again to see her smiling brightly at the baby, Loki nodded and bent his tall frame to press a soft kiss to his mother's cheek before he squeezed her hands in silent thanks and started to stroll casually toward Tora, Maryn and the baby.

Maryn felt eyes on her and looked up to see Loki standing over her, his hands folded behind his back, "May I join you, ladies?" he asked with a dashing smile.

Tora motioned to the space on the blanket near Maryn and then stood, "Forgive me, my lady, but would you mind watching Ari for a short while as I need to make sure our lunch is being prepared in the kitchens?"

Maryn nodded, "It would be my pleasure, Tora. Do not worry about him."

Bobbing a small curtsy, Tora turned and left.

Loki took a seat to Maryn's left, his eyes sliding over her appreciatively. She was dressed in a light grey gown with a chiffon overskirt. The cap-sleeved bodice was made of cream and grey material in the pattern of leaves, silver beads running around the waistline and up to just under her bust in elegant arcs and loops. Her hair was pinned back in a loose bun at the back of her head showing off the curve of her neck and her collarbones. The only adornments she wore were her wedding band and his enchanted pendant.

"You are making me blush, my love."

Her voice brought his gaze back to her own and he realised he had been staring. Seeing the happy smile on her lips he grinned and leaned in, kissing her so gently her heart started to beat frantically in her chest by the time he had pulled away. "I am watching my wife." He grinned and leaned over to kiss her again only to hear Ari gurgle happily in her arms. Pulling away he looked down at the small child. With his dark blue eyes Loki could almost imagine that the small baby was Maryn's. The only thing that broke the illusion was the boy's pale blond hair which he had inherited from his father. "Do you enjoy holding him?" he asked Maryn, his eyes still on the baby.

She laughed softly and cuddled Ari to her chest, looking up at Loki with smiling eyes, "On Mithros children are a blessing. My mother explained that because of our magic and the bond most couples forge when they link their magic, conceiving, carrying, and birthing a child is very difficult." Her eyes fell on the baby once more who was starting to blink and yawn, "There are very few children on Mithros."

Seeing the contemplation in his wife, and feeling her relax against him, Loki pushed away all thought of asking her if she wanted a child and instead wrapped his arms around her and hugged her to him, revelling in the feeling of her soft curves fitting perfectly into the planes and dips of his body.