Erna peeked through the gap in the huge doors leading into the throne room. As this was a public event, half the city was crammed into the massive room. And she had to walk through them to meet Loki on the raised platform. She could see the king, but only just. He was a small smudge at the far side of the hall.

She stood back and took her place behind Thor and tried to wait patiently for the doors to open. Everything about this ceremony seemed tedious, as if designed to keep her anxious and irritable. For days she'd endured feast after feast and more toasts to her happiness then she could stomach. And even today wouldn't be simple. They had to exchange ceremonial swords and consent from her family had to be given all before the vows even began.

Possibly sensing her frustration, Thor turned back and smiled at her. The sword he held in his meaty hands looked paltry compared to the great hulk of Mjolnir at his hip.

"Thank you for doing this, Thor."

"Your brother isn't here to carry the sword in the procession. I don't mind filling in." While Loki merely tolerated the pomp of such state ceremonies, Thor seemed to thrive on it. His armor glinted when the light caught it and he didn't seem inclined to stop grinning.

"You look lovely, sister. Loki is very lucky."

Instinctively she looked down at the emerald green gown, meant to match the king's chosen colors. At least the deep color suited her pale coloring and coppery hair. But despite all her practice, the family bridal crown of hammered silver and gold seemed precariously perched on her head. She was terrified that it would slip off during her march up to the throne.

Thor again reassured her, as if sensing her thoughts. "It only fits you ill because it wasn't made for you. The crown that marks you as queen will fit you perfectly. Loki has seen to that and every other detail. He's probably worked a spell to keep this one on your head no matter how you move."

"Every detail? He has?" He'd been concerned with the preparations as any husband would be, but she had no idea the true extent of his involvement.

"Of course. From what I've heard, he threatened the metalsmiths with torture, should they miscalculate the dimensions of your crown."

"Oh. I didn't know that." She frowned, feeling strangely buoyant, but it mixed with guilt. She'd have to speak to him about threatening the staff on her behalf.

"He's just nervous, Erna. Don't judge him too harshly, he's in love. Even a fool can see it when he looks at you."

"Yes I… thank you." She couldn't explain that that the love Thor saw was only in his own romance-addled brain. He'd chosen love in his marriage and he assumed they were doing the same. It was probably best that someone so naive hadn't taken the throne. "I'll admit I'm nervous too."

"You'll get through it beautifully. But I can promise that you won't remember a thing once it's over. My wedding is a complete blur. I remember seeing Jane begin down the aisle and then it was done."

"Then at least if I cock it up I won't remember it."

"That's the spirit, sister."

It was only a few more minutes before the grand doors swung open and the crowd turned to look upon the king's bride. It took several minutes to make it up to the platform, but she didn't suffer any missteps and her bridal crown stayed firmly in place. Thor then presented Loki with her family's sword and Loki handed one to her in return.

The only strained moment occurred when Loki asked for her father's blessing, rather than his consent. It was a subtle slight, but one Reynard noticed immediately. He paused, face turning red with unspoken anger, while Loki beamed down at him from the platform. Most of the audience was too far away to hear the actual words being said, but the courtiers and officials at the front knew exactly what Loki was doing.

After several tense breaths, Reynard swallowed his pride and answered. "I do." This was his price for not bringing the rest of Erna's family to Asgard for the ceremony and Loki wanted everyone to know it. The final power struggle between her father and the king was settled. And Loki had won. She'd rarely ever felt so satisfied in her life.

When they finally presented the rings, each placing the ring on their sword hilt before offering it to the other, she knew they were past the most difficult part. The sword offered a tangible consequence for breaking the vows they were about to each other and to the realm. She wanted to admire the delicate band he slipped on her finger, but thought it would have to wait until later. Even from afar, it looked intricately detailed, coiling around her finger several times. Only when she saw the glint of emerald eyes did she realize it was a snake intent on devouring its own tail. It was strangely beautiful.

Loki's ring was much more traditional, adorned only with her family's crest. He murmured, "thank you, little one," as she slipped it onto his finger.

They had to endure several minutes of cheering from the crowd before they were able to take their vows. The priest and priestess presiding over the ceremony had them repeat long-winded poetic verses to one another, promising fidelity to each other and to the kingdom, enduring love, and a host of other such pledges.

After what felt like an interminable amount of time, they were officially pronounced man and wife. The crowd roared their approval as Loki bent to kiss his new queen. She felt much steadier leaving the hall, with Loki's hand tightly grasping hers. The day was hardly over, with a long celebratory feast ahead of them, but the truly public part was over, much to her relief.

-XXX-

Everything had to be a damn grand entrance it seemed. They couldn't just walk into the banquet hall. No, that wasn't nearly dramatic enough for the Asgardians. Thresholds were for transitions and Loki was expected to carry her across it to symbolize their new union. And that made sense, but she'd already had her fill of ceremonial this and traditional that.

Loki laughed at her sour face when they had to wait until the rest of the revelers were assembled before making their entrance. "Already tired of being man and wife, little elf?"

"Does everything have to be something today? I can't even walk into a room without it meaning something?"

"You do know you just consented to becoming my queen, right? Half our lives are now ceremonies and the like." He kept a flippant tone, but ran a hand soothingly up and down her back too. He knew full well she was still afraid of ruining the day due to a protocol issue or something just as trivial. She hadn't been brought up living this life and it was still very new to her.

"You didn't put that on the pamphlet when I signed up. I demand a divorce." Despite her words, she edged closer to him, relaxing into his side.

"It'll get easier, I promise. Particularly when I get to take that thing off of your head and replace it with a proper crown. Once that's attended to we can actually enjoy our own party."

"My ancestors didn't have very good taste, did they?"

"Horrid."

"And what of my new crown? What does it look like?"

"You'll find out in a few minutes, but I want it to be a surprise."

Any further talk was cut short by a shout from behind the large wooden doors. That was their sign to get ready. She didn't understand how everyone was in on the show, yet pretended that the whole thing was spontaneous. The Asgardians did love a spectacle, even if it was a planned one.

Loki swept her up in his arms, grinning all the while. He may have been disdainful of Asgardian traditions, but he seemed to be enjoying himself. She wondered if he relished the positive attention in contrast to all the negative he'd received of late. She wouldn't begrudge him this, no matter how tedious.

When the doors swung open, Loki marched her triumphantly over the threshold and over to their seats at the high table. Even she had to smile and wave at the great whoop of sound that greeted them. Everyone seemed so happy and she decided letting her weariness show would detract from the festive atmosphere. Only a few more hours.

Several lords made introductory toasts before it was time to bestow the crown upon their new queen. When Loki stood and gave the signal, one of the pages climbed up to the dais, carrying a delicate golden circlet atop a plush black velvet cushion.

They'd discussed this part ahead of time, and Loki was adamant that she wouldn't kneel for the coronation. Not only was it unnecessary from a practical standpoint, as Erna was so much shorter than him, he wanted to send the message that she was his equal, not a subordinate. The easy certainty in his words when he explained this deviation from tradition had given her yet more confirmation that she was making the right choice.

So she stood beside him, before the assembled nobles and dignitaries, as he smoothly removed the bridal crown from atop her head and carefully replaced it with the circlet. And while it laid flush against her skin, intricate designs danced around the band. Before he crowned her, she'd spotted several horn motifs that looked very similar to Loki's distinctive helmet. Like the ring, she'd have to study it in private to fully appreciate it- much like Loki himself.

A great clamor erupted when their new queen was officially presented and this time Erna found her smile wasn't forced. Gone was the awkward crown of her ancestors, replaced by something new that actually suited her. The crown itself felt like so much more when she thought about it that way and she found tears prick the corners of her eyes as she looked out upon the assemblage.

The tears never materialized though, and she was able to rein her emotions in without anyone taking notice. Nothing Loki had told her prepared her for how this felt. It wasn't even the realization that she now held more power than almost anyone else in the room, very real power over life and death, but that they seemed perfectly willing to let her wield it. It was a responsibility she'd only understood in the abstract before that moment.

The crowd finally settled as everyone began the feasting in earnest. Once the attention wasn't solely focused on them, Loki drew her into a hug and murmured reassurances only she could hear. "You're doing so well, little one. I know this is a lot, but I promise that you will get used to it."

She just nodded as they took their seats, suspecting it would be a long time before that was the case.

Barely an hour into the party, things started to get raucous. It wasn't unexpected, for Loki had warned her about the Asgardian love of parties, but nothing could adequately prepare her for a drunken Volstagg treating the guests to tales of his own wedding night. To hear him tell it, his new wife hadn't been able to walk for a week afterward. He kept throwing her glances and winking lewdly, likely hoping for a response. But she chose to smile kindly at him each time, unwilling to give him something further to joke about.

She was beset by what looked like an endless stream of people wishing to speak to the new queen. After hours of making polite small talk with strangers, the festivities were starting to wear on her. She'd managed to carve out some time to visit with the Midgardian visitors, but too quickly found herself pulled back to meet a new crop of lords and ladies that wanted to congratulate her.

On her way back to the table from one such group of nobles, she heard Volstagg make another suggestive comment about how a good husband left his new wife sore the next day. He hadn't realized Erna was passing behind him and when she leaned in close and declared, "If you don't properly excite her ahead of time there's bound to be some chaffing. You may want to try some foreplay next time."

The large man's eyes went wide as he turned to see his new queen smiling sweetly at him. "Your majesty, I…"

"It's heartening to see you take such a keen interest in my health and happiness, Volstagg. Your concern warms my soul." Without another word, she walked back to her seat. Loki was making the rounds as well, and gave her a wide grin when she passed him. He'd probably heard the whole exchange.

During a rare quiet moment, she ventured up from her seat atop the high table, hoping to slip into an antechamber for a moment of peace. She'd assumed her new husband was too intent on his own conversations to pay her any mind, but when she passed behind him, he snagged her wrist and gently drew her toward him. Never breaking eye contact with whatever minister he was speaking to, Loki placed a kiss on her palm. She got the distinct impression she was to wait for him to finish.

Erna listened intently, feigning disinterest by fiddling with the edge of Loki's cloak. She stood at his shoulder and kept her eyes averted. Characteristic of many of his sex, the man paid her no attention. He seemed eager to get the king to back his proposed trade agreement with Nildavellir. They spoke for a few more minutes before he took his leave, bowing deeply to both of them.

When he was far enough out of earshot, Loki pulled Erna onto his lap, a move not unnoticed by Volstagg and the others. They hooted wildly at the pair, sloshing mead all over themselves in an attempt to raise their glasses as the newlyweds. Any shame at his earlier comments was likely washed away by drink.

"And what did you think of Bersi's proposal?" He whispered the question into her ear, as if it was a seduction rather than a political matter.

"I got the distinct impression he was lying to you." She kept her voice low and squirmed into a more comfortable position. She felt him begin to stiffen beneath her. Show or not, he was a man after all.

"I believe he was as well, little queen."

"To what end?"

"If I give him permission to trade with Nildavellir as he wishes, I'd guess that at least half of the weapons he imports would go to arming his own faction within Asgard. Likely trying to overthrow me when he feels the time is right." He continued the show, nuzzling her neck and toying with her hair. She usually wore it up and he seemed oddly fascinated with the loose waves she'd worn for the ceremony.

"That cannot stand. What will you do with him?"

"I haven't decided yet. But that is a matter for another time. You, my queen, have done admirably well tonight. You should be very proud of how gracefully you handled all the well-wishers."

"Thank you, Loki, but I felt like I kept saying the same things over and over again."

"I'm sure you did. But everyone wants to hear them, particularly from their rulers." He pulled her closer. "I promise every day won't be this overwhelming."

"I hope not." She breathed a sigh of relief at his words. He already knew her quite well and had quickly gotten the measure of how she felt. "I'm exhausted."

"Then I'm duty-bound to take you to bed." On the surface his words were kind, but looking into his eyes and seeing how large his pupils had grown, she knew he had more in mind than sleep. His promises to bed her 'properly' stayed in the back of her mind all day and she wasn't the only one getting excited at the prospect. Loki had proven himself quite the ardent tension reliever and she longed to leave the day behind.

"Oh my king, I'm not sure I'm tired enough for sleep yet, but we shall do as you say." As she spoke, she gave him the most innocent look she could muster while simultaneously grinding her bottom into his lap. It did not go unnoticed.

He stood, managing to put her on her feet in the process, and the dull roar of the feast lessened almost immediately. Everyone in the room that wasn't too drunk took notice of the king. Almost as an afterthought, she noticed that he'd positioned her in front of him. Whether it was to hide his erection or to take the opportunity to rub it against her backside, she wasn't sure.

"Thank you, friends," his voice boomed across the hall. "We are so happy to share this day with you. But the time has come for the queen and I to retire." He paused, allowing those who wished to shout lewd comments at the newlyweds. "Good night, my friends."

With the swiftness that always surprised her, he led her from the hall. Once they left the din of the crowd behind and entered the corridor, he swept her into a fierce embrace. "We did it, Erna."

"Yes we did."

"Now, I think we've earned a reward for our efforts, don't you?"

"Absolutely." She moved her hands down to his bottom and gripped each cheek possessively. "I'll defer to the king's wise judgment as to what that reward will be."

"We might have to try several things to find what's most agreeable."

"Then show me to our chambers, husband, for we shouldn't waste any time."