The next morning you wake in your own chambers. Once you were sure Loki was gone you had snuck back through the castle and barred the door. You just wanted to be with your baby.

There is a breakfast banquet to celebrate the marriage, but you're not expected to attend - you're supposed to be still in bed with your new husband. You spend the morning with Magni instead, watching him crawl around and trying to coax him into eating the soft food that is brought up from the kitchens. The longer you reminisce on your actions from the day before the stupider you feel. No doubt now Loki was scheming some revenge against you; you should never have accepted the poison.

Magni squeals happily as you crawl after him, playing a game of catch. He's remarkably fast and you're soon out of breath from chasing him around the room. Needing a reprieve, you roll onto your back and place him on your chest. His small hands fist in your hair and he pulls hard, struggling to continue with the game.

Someone hammers on the door hard, and you stumble to your feet, clutching him. Fear spikes in your chest. What if Loki hurts your son? What if your refusal to lie with him, the incident with the poison, had cost Magni his life?

"Who is it?" you call, voice trembling.

"Oh thank Yggdrasil! It's me!"

Lorelai! Relief floods your veins and you dash to the door, unbarring it and letting her inside. Instantly she's hugging you and you exhale shakily. She clenches your hands in hers, "I've been looking for you everywhere - I tried to check on you last night but the chamber was empty and this morning I couldn't find you or Loki..." She's speaking frantically. "Are you alright? What happened? Did he hurt you?"

"No," you tell her, sinking down onto your sofa. Magni crawls away from you instantly and your hands shoot out to catch him from toppling onto the floor. Bouncing him on your lap you continue. "I refused to lie with him, and he left."

Lorelai's eyes widen and her mouth moves wordlessly. "He just... left?" You nod. She exhales loudly. "Oh! Well that's a relief, I thought... well, I thought the worst. Have you seen him since?"

You shake your head.

"Nor has anyone by the sounds of it." Magni tugs at her skirt and she looks down unsurely, hesitantly reaching out to pat his head. "Your mother is going home today, do you want to say goodbye?" Again you decline, reaching down to pluck Magni from the floor again. He fights against you restlessly.

"What happens now?" Lorelai asks. It's clear that she hasn't thought any further than you, and all you can do is shrug.

The same day Odin summons you. Now you're torn - you don't want Magni anywhere near his bully of a grandfather, but who knows what could happen if you leave him alone? You take him with you.

Frigga is glad to see him and you let her fuss over him. Odin's attitude has changed; now that he has his way he's cordial enough. "That went very well, well done," he tells you. "Now, onto the finer details."

You look up, aghast. "There's more?"

"Indeed," he replies easily. "Our work is not finished yet. I've arranged a schedule for you to follow, it's easy enough. Once the festivities come to an end, every other day you and Loki will walk through the city together - people need to see you as a family unit. You will resume your place in the centre of the table with Loki at feasts, and make sure to bring the child with you now. And no more red gowns," his voice sharpens, "that was a touching stunt you pulled yesterday but the time for that is over."

You'll be damned if you're about to start wearing green. "If we're supposed to go on walks every other day how will court function?" you say testily. "There's too much to be done for the king to be absent so regularly."

Odin waves away your concerns. "I will be holding court when Loki does not. After all, we must gain people's support, best to break them into it gradually. Fear not, you're not expected to be there."

Your brow creases. "What is expected of me?" you ask. "What am I supposed to do?"

The Allfather's answer is brief. "Be loyal and obey. After all, you've a prince to raise."

Of course Asgardian wedding celebrations do not take a mere day to cover. The following weeks are full of events; plays, parades, tournaments. Loki pays you almost no attention, which is a relief, and slowly your fears of his retribution diminish. He never visits your bedchamber.

Almost a full month passes before the celebrations cease, and then just as Odin has dictated, you are told to prepare Magni and begin the frequent walks amongst the people. You are waiting in the courtyard, beside the gates. Magni is still in your arms, his attention diverted by the hubbub around him and his head swivels from side to side as he stares around. Pressing a kiss to his forehead, your nose brushes the golden hair that has begun to grow thick and fast. In his little red tunic, there is no doubting whose son he is.

Finally Loki appears, striding towards you. Even in the heat of Asgardian summer he wears leather and metal. The result makes him look rather forbidding, and you tighten your arms around Magni protectively.

He pauses upon reaching you. "Ready?" he questions. You nod and his gaze shifts to the infant in your arms. "Is he... well?" The words sound odd, coming from his mouth.

Your eyes narrow. "Of course," you reply defensively. Loki says nothing, and the gates open to allow you both out. Thankful that you won't have to endure any more insulting questions, you match your pace with his as the three of you begin the trek.

Odin mapped the route, obviously, and you're escorted by a handful of Einherjar through the most populous areas of the city. The silver threads in your lilac dress catch the sun as people watch curiously, some calling congratulations. Others are quiet, and more often than not a trail of whispers follows Loki's movements.

But they adore Magni, that much is obvious. He is smiled at and cooed over and blessed time and time again, and your heart swells with unfathomable pride. You even start to smile when a young girl approaches you cautiously; pushed over by her parents, she carries a small charm. "Are you the queen?" she asks shyly. You stop walking and Loki pauses too, lingering beside you. She holds out the little token in dusty hands. "For the prince, for his health."

It's a rudimentary rune - one for luck. Your smile grows and you kneel on the ground in front of her to accept it. "Thank you," you tell her softly, "what's your name?"

She looks back at her family unsurely. "Hilde," she whispers.

"Well Hilde," you reach out to the guards, and one of them steps forward. They're familiar enough with your habits to know what you require, and they hold out a purse. You draw out three gold pieces. "These are for you and your parents, will you be careful with them?"

She nods, eyes wide and you drop the coins into her palm. She scarpers off, and you watch her until she's back within her father's reach before rising. He bows his head to you respectfully and you nod back. Hilde is chattering excitedly.

"That was very kind of you," Loki's voice murmurs.

You frown. "I'm the queen, I should be kind to them don't you think?"

He shrugs. "Maybe, but they're still your subjects. You don't have to do it."

"But I should."

"There are some," his voice is careful, "who would argue that being too familiar with them is counterproductive to our own interests; that it makes them forget who we are."

"Some people like your father?" Loki does not respond. "Is that what you think?" you ask him caustically. "That being kind to your people is a bad thing? Since when did you become Odin's acolyte?"

Irritation seeps into his tone, though he tries to mask it. "You're wilfully misunderstanding me."

Your voice is tight, "Perhaps if you were kinder to them they'd actually like you."

"They liked Thor," he says coldly, "it didn't help him in the end." Your fists clench. The walk is completed in silence.

The next walk is much the same, as is the next, and the next, and those after, with neither you nor Loki speaking unless necessary. However the people don't warm to him; they send him furtive looks and turn their faces down when he passes by. More than once you hear Thor's name said. Sometimes they look angry, and it worries you when Loki watches how they treat Magni. One day, when the path has become second nature to you, he holds out his arms.

"Give him to me."

The request surprises you. "Give you what?" you ask in confusion. He gestures to Magni, sleeping in your arms. You're standing in the main square, where the entourage often stops to speak with citizens, and a crowd has gathered to greet you.

You press Magni's head against you. "No."

Loki looks exasperated, "Why not?"

Lowering your voice, you mutter furiously. "You think I'm giving you my son?"

His eyes flicker around. "If I was going to harm your son, I'd not do it here in front of everyone, " he hisses, "Can you believe that at least?" You say nothing and he repeats himself. "Give him to me." You shake your head. Inhaling impatiently Loki reaches forward. You stumble back away from him, and mutterings rise around you.

Loki hears them too - he drops his arms and moves away from you. He does not ask for Magni again.

You've taken to visiting the temple often. The priest bows to you, and you kneel and light five candles - three for the Norns, one for your father, and one for Thor. You ask the Norns for their blessings and tell your husband about Magni; how he grows, what he's doing, funny little stories about how he's crawling so fast that you can't keep up with him. You tell him how much he is missed, and swear to do your best to honour him. Some people say the dead appear to their relations in times of great need, but Thor never shows himself to you.

Sometimes, you doubt the existence of the Norns or Valhalla. That thought is always quickly buried.

The temple is not far from the palace; next to the barracks of all things. The path takes you through the gardens, past the gate, and by the time you're within sight of the temple there are always gold-armoured troops about. Sometimes you walk through them, and other times you wear a hooded cloak - you don't always have the time to converse. This night is one such time.

After the spectacle in the marketplace; Loki's hands grasping for your son, you leave Magni with his nurses and go straight to the temple to pray to the Norns for his safety. When you make your way back the soldiers are in their hall, eating and drinking. Their jovial shouting cheers you, and you can often identify the common ballads they sing. You listen as you pass by.

"Fair lady, you look very fine

I do my lord, but I am still mine!"

Odd, you think. The lyrics are from no song you are familiar with. Stepping closer to the doorway of the hall, you lower your hood to listen more closely. The men are thoroughly in their cups - some are brawling and some are asleep, but most of them are jolly and singing.

"The king scowled and hissed and and begged on a whim

My lady, won't you let me in?

Nay sir, said she - you'll never have my quim!"

A roar of laughter goes up as the garrison joins in the last few words. "Norn's bless her," hollers a soldier holding a tank of mead, "our fine and proud Queen!" Your hands fly to your mouth - surely they aren't singing about you?

"More like Norn's bless King Loki," shouts another, perched precariously on another man's shoulders, "he'll need all 'is might to breach those defences!"

"Aye; but she's used to a mighty hammering by now!"

Another gale of mirth sounds and you cringe, hurrying away. Behind you their voices follow, "Perhaps that's the problem - a pin in the place of an 'ammer!"

When you get back to the palace you still haven't shaken the feeling of embarrassment. The two nursemaids are giggling when you enter your quarters and you wonder if they've heard the song too. Surely not - it's just a silly rhyme someone's made up. You dismiss them curtly.

But then how do they know that you refused Loki on your wedding night? Has he told people? You worry your lip with your teeth as you pick up Magni - who is bawling - and begin to pace. Slowly, your self-consciousness wanes. It's just a silly song and it'll be forgotten in a day. Magni screams again and you sigh, rocking him swiftly.

"Sleep my love, sleep..." you plead with him. He's become difficult the past few days; getting him to nap is a trial. But he refuses, writhing and kicking until you have no choice but to set him down on the bed, his cries slowly lessening. You sigh, rubbing his back. A gentle knock comes at the door and you look through the hazy curtains up to see the Allmother peeking inside.

You attempt a smile. "Hello Frigga."

"Hello dear," she smiles back at you, then winces as Magni wails again.

"He won't stop," you say unhappily as she passes through the lounge to sit on the bed beside you.

She frowns down at the child, stroking his head softly. "I remember well my own sleepless nights," she says quietly. A ghost of a smile pulls at her lips. "Children are dedicated to worrying their parents." You chuckle tiredly. Slowly, Magni cries himself to sleep, and you both rise and tiptoe into the other chamber, leaving him sprawled on the bed. There's a tray of food set on the table between the couches, and Frigga pushes it towards you.

"You must eat properly," she chides you gently. "I haven't seen you finish a meal in... weeks."

She knows why but dares not say it. Sighing at the concern on her face, you take the plate and dutifully swallow down some bread and meat. Frigga leans back into the cushions beside you. She makes small talk about court, your health, tells you about the upcoming feast days. "How are the walks going?" she asks

You shrug. "As well as can be expected. It's nice to be out of the palace and it's good for Magni to be seen. The people love him already."

The Allmother smiles, "Of course they do." She hesitates. "And how are things between you and Loki? Perhaps the past weeks have helped you find some common ground..."

"Not really, but it's no matter." You try your best to mask the worst of your loathing in front of her, you really do - after all, she is his mother - but you can hardly pretend to like him when there is abundant evidence to the opposite.

"I did hear," she chooses her words carefully, "that there was a... spat today, in the marketplace."

"Just a disagreement."

Frigga threads her hands together. "I see." You chew quickly, hoping she'll change the topic when you're unable to answer. She does not. "May I know why?"

You pause, glancing at her. Swallowing slowly, you speak offhandedly. "He wanted to hold Magni; I didn't think it wise."

"Hm." She hums and you have the distinct impression that she already knew. "Loki is his uncle," she says softly, "and now you're married, he's almost a-"

"He is not his father."

"No," she says consolingly. She pauses and then continues again, "But is that a reason not to let him near?" You inhale deeply. Frigga is not stupid, not matter how quiet and unassuming she pretends to be - she's heard the rumours and suspicions, she knows what you think. The older woman speaks once more. "I'm only saying it does not look good to refuse such a simple request in front of the people."

You reply as nicely as you can. "You know why,"

Frigga stares down at her lap and then back at you. "I don't believe it," she says simply. Your lips press together. "He's my son, he's Thor's brother. Loki would never do such a thing."

"You and I see different Lokis."

She shakes her head adamantly. "No. He's a good boy."

"He murdered Th-"

The impact of her palm on your cheek silences you. Your jaw drops as instinctive tears fill your eyes but you blink them back; the pain is not massive. You've never known Frigga to raise her hand before. Gingerly, you touch the skin where she struck you. It is hot. Frigga sits frozen, her eyes wide. With a deep breath, you turn to her.

"I think you should go," you say coolly. She reaches a shaking hand towards your wrist and your nostrils flare. Slowly, she lowers it. There is shame in her eyes as she rises from the seat, and she leaves you.

"She hit you? Freya's tits, who knew she was such a bitch."

"She's not a bitch," you defend your mother-in-law, "she's upset. How would you react if one of your sons murdered the other?"

Lorelai snorted. "Not go about hitting anyone who dared to say it!"

The two of you trudge back up to the palace. The landscape is slowly turning from greens and pinks to oranges and browns as autumn approaches. You'd spent all day in the gardens with Lorelai and Magni, trying to wear out your son and telling your friend what had occurred between yourself and Frigga. "He's all she has left," you say wearily. "I can't blame her for defending him."

"But you can blame her for hitting you." There's no point arguing with Lorelai, she's determined to be on your side. You sigh.

When you reach your quarters Magni is already drifting off in your arms and you put him to bed, thankful to have one night without tears and screaming. Drawing the curtain across the bedchamber, you sink into the lounge chair opposite Lorelai as she pours two hefty cups of wine. "There's more," you say glumly, and tell her about the song you'd heard in the barracks.

"... I don't even know how they know that!" you finish, gulping the heady liquid. It warms your stomach. Lorelai is silent and you frown at her, "Lorelai?"

She raises her head and she looks guilty. "I am so sorry."

Your heart sinks. "What?"

"The man I was with, at your wedding... Haldier, he's a soldier. I told him about how you refused to sleep with Loki."

You groan, covering your face with your hands. "Fuck," you hiss.

Lorelai sounds wretched. "I'm sorry, truly, I didn't think he'd tell anyone! I'll make sure-"

She's cut off by the door to your quarters swinging open. Loki stands there, and he looks angrier than you've seen in some time. "Leave us," he commands. You rise from the sofa as Lorelai shoots you a look of alarm, brushing past him. Your eyes dart quickly towards the bedchamber where Magni sleeps. "What have you said to my mother?"

The words take you by surprise and you cross your arms. "Nothing that concerns you."

"She's upset," Loki says bluntly. "She said you argued but wouldn't tell me anything else - what did you say?"

"None of your business!"

His voice raises. "You're my wife and I'm her son, it is my business!"

"Fine! She slapped me."

Loki's eyes go wide and then he scoffs. "My mother would never harm anyone."

"Ask her, go on. We argued and she hit me. It's between her and I."

"Tell me the truth!"

"I am!"

"Loki!" Frigga's voice breaks through your row, and both you and Loki turn abruptly. She's fiddling with her hands in the doorway. She looks stressed. "Loki please, leave us."

He spreads his hands. "She says you hit her."

"I did."

Loki balks and some of the anger dissolves from his frame, "What?" He sounds aghast. "Why?"

Frigga moves into the room. "As your wife says, it's between her and I. Please son, go." He looks torn, his gaze flitting between the Allmother and yourself. At length, he does as she asks. You glare at his back as he leaves. When the door is closed, Frigga turns to you.

"It's all right," you say before she can speak. "Don't worry about it."

"I owe you an apology; I should not have struck you. I'm sorry for it." She steps towards you. "I know what they say," she speaks quietly, "but I can't believe it, do you understand?"

Suddenly you just feel sad for her. She looks so forlorn and ashamed, and you take her hand. "I know," you say.

Her eyes glimmer. "I miss him so much, I can't bear to hear of it," she's saying and her voice is breaking. "I can't stand to think..." She begins to weep and you quickly embrace her. For the first time, it is not you who cries for the loss of Thor.

Loki does not speak to you again regarding the subject, perhaps understanding that all is well between you and Frigga. But as the days go by, a familiar tune seeps into the palace. Sweeping the halls, servants hum it under their breath - maids whisper about it to eachother between fits of laughter, and soldiers sing it to their comrades.

When the lords and ladies of the court take notice of it, so does Odin. You are promptly summoned to the solar.

The Allfather is sat at his desk, reading over a sheet of paper. Together, you and Loki sit in silence, awaiting judgement. At last, Odin plants it on the table. He rubs his forehead. "This is absurd. Have you heard this?"

Your stomach sinks - you fear that you already know what is written on the sheet. Loki takes the paper, his eyes scanning it quickly. His lips pale.

"Well?" Odin snaps. "What is this about?"

Loki thrusts the paper at you and you take it. Fair lady, you look very fine. I do my lord, but I am still mine... Internally you curse. "I have no idea," Loki says tersely.

"By the Norns Loki, you've not even been married two months and it's already been made a mockery of! Don't you care what people think of their king?"

"Of course I do!"

Odin taps the paper. "Is there any truth to this?" Both you and Loki remain silent. He barks, "Answer me!"

"Yes." Loki's voice is tight. "Yes, there is some truth to it."

"Are you telling me," Odin's eye closes, "this marriage has not been consummated?" Loki clenches his jaw. You avert your gaze. Odin explodes. "Loki have you no respect for this family, for its reputation! They're laughing at you - at us!"

Loki's voice is angry, "It's not my fault what the truth is!"

"The truth doesn't matter, what the people think matters! And they think my son," he gestures, "is incapable of bedding his own wife! They think you're less of a man!" Loki's fists clench and you glare at Odin. He glowers at the man beside you. "How did this come out? Who did you tell?"

"No one," Loki spits.

The old man's voice rises dangerously, "Don't lie to me boy, how do they know?"

"I don't know!"

As the two growl at each other over the table, you shift uncomfortably. You may not like Loki, but this time he's truly done no wrong. You speak loudly. "It's not his fault." Odin looks at you, "It's mine."

Now Loki is looking at you too. You feel sick under their combined gazes. "Explain," the Allfather says harshly.

"I... mentioned it to someone. They mentioned it to someone else, and it's taken on a life of it's own. It's just a misunderstanding, a mistake-"

"This family cannot afford mistakes!" Odin's one eye flashes. "Who did you tell? I will put it right."

"No, Father," Loki speaks determinedly, rising from his chair, "let me. It's me they're mocking, it should be me who punishes the perpetrator."

Your stomach turns. "Punished? For a song?" you say, voice breaking. But it's more than that; it's public humiliation,and Loki has never abided being mocked. The only consolation is that you haven't named Lorelai, they would never know it was her. You would tell them it was her lover - surely a soldier could endure whatever Loki doled out.

Odin speaks, grumpily. "Very well. But make sure it is dealt with swiftly. Come, Loki, we've got business to attend to." As he leaves the room, Loki hangs back. When he looks at you, you already know what he's going to say.

"It was a soldier." The lie comes easier than you expected. "His name is Haldier."

His face expresses nothing. Then he asks you, dangerously, "Were you laughing at me?"

"No."

Loki remains silent, unyielding. You swallow. You're unused to being in the wrong; especially regarding your husband. It doesn't sit well with you. "I'm sorry," you whisper.

He says nothing, only turns away and follows Odin.

By nightfall you haven't found Lorelai, and you're almost wringing your hands with worry. Nobody knows, you repeat to yourself. Nobody knows it was her, she's out of harms way. But what if her lover has given her up? The thought that you may have handed your closest friend over to Loki's mercy turns you cold. As you prepare for bed, there is a rap at your door. Your brow knits in confusion and you call out.

"Forgive me for disturbing Your Grace, but the King has sent for you. I'm to take you to him." You open the door swiftly. The gold-plated Eingherjar who stands waiting is young and apologetic.

"What for?" you demand. Had he found Lorelai? Was he angry about you telling someone what had (or rather, had not) transpired between you both on your wedding night?

"Forgive me your Grace," he says again, "I don't know."

You sigh. "Fine. I'll be out soon." Returning to your bedroom, you check on Magni who sleeps deeply in his cradle. Grabbing a rose-coloured robe, you slide it on over your white nightdress and return to the guard who awaits you. He leads you through the corridors for only a minute, and when he stops you realise you're outside Loki's chambers.

Before you can ask anymore questions the guard raps the door.

"Enter."

The door is opened for you, and the guard stands to attention. "Good evening, your grace."

"I-" The door is closed behind you. You stare, nonplussed, before turning around slowly.

What had been the quarters you'd shared with Thor are unrecognisable. All the walls between each chamber have been knocked down, leaving a huge room. Every semblance of red - the rugs and curtains and tapestries - have been wiped away; the walls are now a muted beige, and forest green hangs everywhere. The floor has been stripped back to stone, save for large fur throws dotted in front of the hearth, in which a huge fire roars.

Loki sits, legs crossed, in a plush velvet armchair beside the fire. There's a book in his hands; presumably from the tall shelves which now line one corner of the room. On the dark mahogany table beside him sits an elegant decanter of rich plum wine.

"What is it?" you ask testily.

He sets the book onto the table and rises, and you notice he's dressed down for once. "This was not my idea."

"What isn't?"

Loki licks his lips. "Father has decided," he says, advancing towards you, "that we should dine and sleep together twice a week. To quell the... rumours."

The blood drains from your face. "I am not sleeping with you."

"Beside me. So long as the people think we're husband and wife in every sense," his voice turns bitter.

You're lost for words. Your eyes move to the large green bed at the far end of the room. "But Magni-"

"I've ordered his nurses to stay with him tonight."

Norns. "Your father is an ass," you spit angrily. Loki says nothing. Self-conscious, you wrap your robe tighter about you. This is the worst idea anyone has ever had.

He steps back towards his chair. "Would you like some wine?"

"No thank you," you grit out. His eyes harden and he sits, returning to his book. Numbly, you pad across the vast chamber to the bed. It is lavishly decorated and soft with silk, but cold. Keeping your robe on, you slide reluctantly beneath the covers. Loki remains seated at the other end of the room, and although you're stiff with discomfort in his presence, you fall into a light slumber.