Eyra awoke to the feeling of Loki nuzzling her neck and pressing soft kisses underneath her ear and along her jawline. For a moment, she kept her eyes closed and let out a sigh, simply allowing herself to enjoy his attentions before she turned to look at him through half-lidded eyes.
"Morning," she mumbled drowsily.
Loki chuckled lightly and brushed his lips briefly against her own. "Afternoon is more like it. It's nearly tea time."
"Nearly...?" Eyra flushed deeply. "Have I really slept that long? Ay, how embarrassing..."
"Nonsense," Loki smiled at her, tenderly stroking her face with his thumb. "You certainly needed it, and I would have been more than happy to let you sleep longer, but you did agree to have tea with Mother today."
Eyra bit her lip. "I...I don't know...I'm still a bit...well...a bit of a wreck..."
"You truly think she is going to care?" Loki cut her off with a shake of his head. His voice was gentle but firm. "Darling, you've been locked up in here for days. I did allow you that time to sort through your thoughts and emotions on your own, but I fear this is becoming hazardous to your health. Now, I will be by your side every second if you want me to, and I promise to help you heal as much as I possibly can, but it's time for you to try to live your life again."
She pouted at him, but sighed in resignation. "You'll come with me? To tea?" He nodded with a smile and climbed off of the bed, pulling her up with him.
"Hurry and get washed up. I already did all that while you were sleeping, so I'll just be out here whenever you are ready."
Eyra gave him a small kiss, smiling at him gratefully, before disappearing into the washroom. Loki sank into an armchair with a relieved sigh. He had been nearly sick with worry, and when she had invited him to visit her yesterday, his heart had soared. He had arrived at her chambers that night, but hardly a word was spoken between them as it took her only a couple of minutes to fall into a deep sleep after he took her into his arms. It seemed that seeing Bryn and going to the funeral had helped to awaken her slightly from the stupor in which she had lived since learning of Asmund's death. There had seemed still to be something a bit off about her, but he simply attributed it to the fact that she was, rightfully, still grieving.
It didn't take long for her to finish getting ready, and the two of them were soon on their way to Frigga's favorite garden. As soon as she saw them approaching, the queen stood with a smile and gestured toward the two seats which had been prepared for them. It never ceased to amaze Eyra how difficult it was to surprise her. She and Loki quickly took their seats, Loki holding Eyra's hand under the table.
"Eyra, it is lovely to see you out and about," Frigga said sincerely. "I am incredibly sorry for your loss, but I do hope that we can make you as comfortable as possible here at the palace. Your other brother, Brynjar, is here at the moment, is he not?"
Eyra nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. It has been very helpful to be able to see him."
"Perhaps he could be persuaded to stay for a few weeks again," Frigga mused. "Of course, your parents would be invited to stay as well."
Eyra gave the queen a strained smile and then swallowed hard, debating over whether or not to mention anything of what Bryn had told her the previous afternoon. Finally, she decided that it would be beneficial for her to have a few others in the know. "Your Majesty..."
"Eyra," Frigga cut her off with a laugh. "I told you that when we are alone there is no need for such formalities. Frigga will do just fine."
"Right. My apologies, Frigga. It's just..." She took a deep breath before continuing. "Bryn made me aware of...some things...yesterday...and they have caused me a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty."
Both Frigga and Loki sat up a little straighter and looked at her questioningly, concern reflected in both of their eyes. "Pray, tell us what troubles you, child," the queen urged.
Eyra held Loki's hand tightly and bounced her knee up and down nervously as she quietly recounted everything that Bryn had informed her of. They listened intently until she was finished, at which point Frigga sat back in her chair and pondered silently for a moment.
"Eyra," she finally spoke, her voice soft but urgent. "You must tell no one else of this. It was wise of you to bring it to us. I will conduct an investigation of my own and see what I am able to learn. In the meantime, Loki, you must never allow her to be alone, even if it means you must cloak yourself so as to avoid suspicion regarding your relationship. Until we know what sort of threat, if any, we are facing here, every precaution must be taken. Do you both understand?" Loki and Eyra nodded with wide eyes. "Good. Now, we mustn't let on that we know anything. I will still see what I can do about having young Brynjar stay here. We need whatever support and protection for you that we can get." All three fell silent when they heard footsteps approaching them. A guard appeared mere moments later and cleared his throat.
"My queen and Lady Astrid. Your presence is requested in the council room."
"Thank you," Frigga replied. "We will be along shortly." He bowed and walked away.
Eyra's brow was furrowed. "Whatever could we both be wanted for?"
Frigga's mouth was set in a grim line. "I do not know, but instinct tells me it does not bode well. But come. Waiting is not doing us any favors. Loki, I do not know that they will allow you to come in as well, but worry not, for I shall be right beside her." Loki nodded reluctantly, and, sure enough, as soon as they arrived at the doors to the council room, the guards stopped them.
"My sincerest apologies, Prince Loki, but we are under strict orders to admit only Queen Frigga and the Lady Astrid." Loki frowned but backed away.
When Frigga and Eyra entered the room, they were surprised the see Inghard, Eyra's mother, Odin, and Thor already gathered there. Odin directed Eyra toward the seat next to Thor, who seemed to be as clueless as she was, and Inghard smiled at her as she slowly sat down. Frigga took her spot next to the Allfather and looked at him questioningly.
"Why have you called us here?" She asked him. Odin sighed.
"We have grown greatly concerned for Lady Astrid since the death of her brother. She seems to have taken it incredibly hard."
"The Allfather and I have reached an agreement," Inghard took over. "We feel that we have come up with a solution to help distract Astrid from her pain and bring her some joy once again. Although it is customary for there to be a full year between a betrothal and a marriage, we have decided that, under these special circumstances, it would do to have the wedding as soon as possible."
Eyra felt her heart constrict painfully in her chest, and she suddenly felt quite faint.
"It is for these reasons that we have decided that the wedding is to be held in seven days time," Odin continued. "That will give us plenty of time to get everything ready." Try as she might, Eyra could not force a single sound of protest to come out of her mouth. Fortunately, Thor was not so affected.
"Father," He seemed to be struggling to maintain his composure. "Did it not occur to you to consult Astrid or myself about this matter? We barely know each other."
Inghard waved his hand. "Nonsense! You have been together for over three months now! That is plenty of time!"
"You can continue to learn more about one another over the next week and after you are wed," Odin agreed. "I understand your reservations, Thor, but I assure you that we have only come to this decision because we know it to be for the best."
Eyra shot her gaze up to Frigga, who seemed equally shocked. "Odin," The queen managed to keep her voice steady. "Perhaps you should reconsider..."
"Enough!" Odin bellowed. "This decision is final, and you had all better get used to the idea. By the Vanir, I expected this to be met with joy and excitement! You will be happy soon enough, however. I am sure of it. You are all dismissed!"
"But Father," Thor tried again.
"Dismissed!" Odin repeated firmly. He then strode grandly from the room, followed closely by Inghard and Brenna. Frigga was instantly at Eyra's side, rubbing her back soothingly. Thor pinched the bridge of his nose and, to the surprise of both women, spoke after a moment.
"Astrid, I am deeply sorry for the circumstances in which we have found ourselves. I feel that I have judged correctly that you harbor no romantic feelings for me, and I hold none for you."
Frigga's voice was determined. "We will find a way out of this. For all of your sakes."
"All?" Thor questioned, confusion written across his face.
"Both," Frigga corrected herself. "Silly me. Come, Thor, let us walk. I am sure Lady Astrid would like to return to her chambers."
The two of them left, and Eyra slowly stood up, walking out the door to see Loki waiting for her anxiously. He immediately ran to meet her, searching her face and becoming quite fearful as he took in her distraught expression.
"What is it?" He demanded. "What's wrong?"
Eyra took his hand in her own, leading him down the hall. "Come to my chambers," she said softly, voice hollow. "We'll talk there."
"A week?" Loki's voice trembled, and he stared at her in shock. "Eyra...that is not nearly enough time for us to resolve this!"
"I know!" Eyra wept, covering her face with her hands. "I can't do this, Loki. I can't marry him, and I can't be parted from you. What are we going to do?"
Loki pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, burying his face in her hair. "I don't know, Darling. I don't know. But there must be something. I will not allow it to end like this. Whatever it takes, I will make sure that we will be together."
Eyra clung to him as though he would disappear from her the moment she let go. "I believe you," she whispered.
A/N: Freaking Inghard. I hate that guy. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Things are getting crazy up in here! Haha please review and let me know what you think! ALSO, shout out to TheBattyWhiteCrow for sending me some songs that would fit just great on a soundtrack for this story! Two Young Hearts, by Sabrina Carpenter, and Mr. Almost, by Meghan Trainor (in connection to Thor). They are fabulous! Also, she has got a super great Loki fic that I've been reading, and you should all check it out! It's called Same Story Different Fools. Anyway, I would love to hear of any other songs you guys can think of that would fit on a playlist for All Of Me!
Deductions-of-Sherlolly: Right?! Haha there is just so much going on right now! ALL the drama! ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! (Again!)
TheBattyWhiteCrow: Ahaha I love it! Brilliant! If only we could somehow relay the message to Loki...that would be fabulous!
anon: Thank you so so so much! Yeah, like I said, I hate that guy. He's just a real pain in the persqueater. Haha anyway, thanks so much again for all your feedback! I really appreciate it!
chyanne200: Right?! Jeez, I wish I had some ice cream right about now! Enjoy it for me, please! ;) And thank you so much for all your reviews! I love them!