Emma walked as swiftly as she could, trying to keep up with Loki's striding pace. Accompanied by four Einherjar guards, they crossed yet another decorated hall and moved through one corridor after another. She would have loved to stop a while for admiring the views but for some reason they were in a hurry. Only an elevator ride gave her a moment to catch a breath before they continued to move.
They were summoned by the queen. One of the mighty Einherjar warriors had stormed into the guest chambers that morning and brought them the message that 'the queen required their presence'. What else was there to be done but to go with haste? Especially after when Loki heard the word Odinsleep mentioned by the guard, the trickster god went reticent and wary with his words.
With a flash of his magic Loki polished their looks into something more formal and they were in motion before having a chance to indulge themselves fully with the abundant breakfast. Emma could only dream of the sliced meats, cheeses, warm bread, fruits and jams she had been forced to leave behind.
Finally their pacing came to an end when their leading guards stopped before a pair of grand gilded doors that were heavily guarded by a bunch of Einherjars. The doors opened. Immediately when Loki saw Odin in slumber in the king's boat-like healing bed he froze on the threshold. The last time Loki stood on that chamber, he slew king Laufey, hoping to appear as a hero. Now he was hoping he wouldn't have to step in to face those memories. He could envisage Laufey's ghost there gleefully willing to bring back his old self, reminding him what happened the last time. Loki didn't need the reminder. All Loki knew that Allfather had fallen into Odinsleep after they quarrel about Emma, and Loki was the one to blame, again.
"Loki," Frigga said his name with a caring tone and rose from her seat next to the bed.
Loki swallowed his worry and as if had been only then granted entry he led the way into the king's regal bedchamber.
"Mother," he sighed and went straight to her, staring at the sleeping Odin on his way. "So soon? It has been only half a year. I caused this to him? Again?" he asked greatly concerned and took Frigga's hand when she offered it to him.
Frigga squeezed his fingers, looking him in the eye. "You could have not caused it nor prevented it, my darling boy. I will have you not blaming yourself."
Loki furrowed his brows in a pained frown. "He was on the verge of another collapse and I never saw it coming. Of course it was I who pushed him over the edge last evening."
"Loki, please. Stop it right there," Frigga demanded and touched his face. "This time was different…"
Emma glanced at the warriors that stood on guard at the doors and she followed Loki cautiously, uncertain if she was even allowed to be there. Loki and Frigga's bond seemed to be so strong she would have rather observed it from further away in this uncertain situation. Her unsure gaze consulted Frigga and the queen's approving node gave her courage to enter further into the dimly lit golden chamber.
With her blonde curly hair half braided with Loki's magic and being attired in one of those long dresses that was given to her, Emma could have passed as an Asgardian lady. Queen studied the girl as Emma moved closer. The long green dress fitted her perfectly and the silvered breastplate didn't come too low to press her baby bump as Frigga had feared. The green fabric of the dress draped beautifully over her belly, the color boldly confirming the obvious; this one belonged to Loki. Frigga found it so curious that inside of that girl grew an innocent baby whose possible powers troubled even Allfather.
Emma stared at the king who slept under a glimmering mist that looked like it was magic that covered him. At first she thought him to be dead but then she saw him breathing as she moved closer.
"Is he all right?" Emma asked quietly. It was hard to believe he was the same man who had thrown his harsh ultimatum at her just last evening. Feeling sympathy for the man was even harder after it came clear to her that Odin had disapproved her baby's whole existence.
"He has been weary lately," Frigga said and held Loki's arm as though her touch would carry more weight with words. "Enduring Odinsleep would restore his powers. We thought it would be wiser to go through this now, being better prepared. Odin chose to enter into the sleep last evening. He will be fine, I promise."
Loki looked down at Odin with a solemn expression which Emma still found so strange on him. She had used to seen him smiling, grinning, but now days he was being more serious than playful, and his expression was dead serious now. The blissful glow they'd shared in the morning was gone from his face.
Loki turned at Frigga again, his worry lessening. "What would you want me to do?"
Frigga stroked his arms with a small smile, hoping she wasn't asking him too much too soon. "I would ask you to give your full support to Thor now when the responsibilities of the throne have fallen on him. Can you do that for me?"
Loki dropped his gaze. "For a moment there I though…" He faltered with the memory when Odin fell into a slumber the last time and Loki's world turned upside down. Frigga trusted him with the throne and he nearly destroyed everything, being so damn mad with hatred. He glanced at Emma, being thankful now he wasn't the same man anymore. If anyone then Emma was the one to quell his inner demons.
Loki met Frigga's gaze then with a mild smile. "Of course, if that is what you wish, Mother. If Thor accepts my aid I will be of service."
Frigga looked relieved even she could tell his smile wasn't genuine but his words were. "Thank you, Loki. I know this must be difficult for you, but I believe in you." She paused for a moment, looking Loki and Emma. "I will remain by Odin's side until he awakes. Emma you are welcome to join me here if Loki has other matters to attend to."
Emma nodded. "Thank you. I keep that in mind," she said, feeling not very comfortable staying by the old king's side. She wasn't family. She wasn't supposed to be there. And Odin probably didn't even want her to be there. "Frigga, are you all right?" she asked then cautiously. "I mean… this is not your everyday life, right?"
Frigga stared at the girl and then her son, touched by that rare genuine question. Even her sons often failed to be concerned of her feelings during their family struggles. After their significant exchange of glances with Loki, Frigga nodded with a smile. "I am fine, dear. Thank you for asking."
"Can I bring you something?" Emma asked, pondering that the queen might stay there for some time.
"Your offer is kind but I have servants and my ladies for that," Frigga replied friendly.
"Sure," Emma said awkwardly. "You are the queen."
Loki smiled affectionately at Emma as he circled Odin's bed to her. "I shall bring Emma here if I am required elsewhere. Summon me if you need me. Mother," he said to Frigga and nodded formally. He gazed once more at sleeping Odin and after a long considering pause he kneeled close at the bed. "All –father, you may rest peacefully, knowing that I harbor no ill intentions. It is the sole consolation I can offer you now, but I will hold on to it," he whispered and rose then back to his feet.
Loki lifted his hand on Emma's shoulder and ushered her towards the doors. Emma waved at the queen before they disappeared to the hallway. The familiar guards returned by their side and followed them as they strolled back to where they came from. The hurry was gone but Loki hardly felt any more relaxed than when they arrived. He knew everyone expected him to take advantage of the fallen situation and return to his old habits. It was hard to not notice that there were a surprisingly lot Einherjars on guard that morning.
They walked close to each other and Emma could tell Loki was still unusually strained. Their morning together had been wonderful, waking up with him in this glorious place and snuggling in bed through the first light of dawn. Everything had felt like a fairytale. She had just gotten dressed into that amazing dress and sat at the breakfast table when the guard rushed in and spoiled their perfectly started day. Loki's warm and caring demeanor towards her seemed to turn into solemn when his responsibilities came knocking. It only reminded Emma of the fact that she was getting hitched to a real Asgardian royal. It was easy to forget he was a prince when they were just the two of them.
Emma watched Loki's thoughtfully side profile as they walked side by side. "What happens now? Are we going to see Thor?" she asked.
As if he would have returned from his thoughts, Loki's pace grew slower and he turned his face towards her. "Unfortunately," he said with a somewhat apologetically tone. He took her hand on his arm as they kept moving and sighed. "Forgive me for being so absentminded. I would like to make amends to you and first take you finishing your breakfast. I heard how your stomach grumbled when we rushed here. My love, you must be famished."
"Yeah. And I felt bad for leaving all that food behind."
"If Thor shows me any mercy at all he will spare me from the unpleasantries and locks me up into my quarters with you and we can idle away this day together, hopefully most of it in bed."
Emma smiled awkwardly because the guards on their heels surely heard their conversation. Still she was glad for getting a piece of his cheerful side back.
On their way through the hallway that led back to the elevator, Emma noticed three ladies in long gowns approaching them. She also noticed how Loki's hold on her arm grew tighter when he saw the court ladies. Maybe it was the strong flowery perfume that preceded them that got to his nose as much as it did to Emma's.
Two of the young ladies were carrying the queen's breakfast on silver trays and one carried a neatly folded pile of clothes. The ladies eagerly made way to Loki, dropping a curtsy to him, calling him My Lord and Prince Loki. To Emma their behavior seemed overly friendly towards her prince, admiring even, and she gave him a curious glance.
"Ladies," Loki acknowledged them simply in passing. Without granting anymore attention to lady Thyra than the others, Loki kept walking with Emma and their guards.
Emma felt the women's eyes on her. One particularly beautiful, red-haired lady caught Emma's attention as she was passing her. Emma couldn't ignore that strange, evaluating look the lady gave her as if Emma had been that only poor thing who mistakenly dressed up into a zombie hooker costume for a fancy cocktail party. Yeah, Emma knew perfectly well she didn't belong into that place but was it that obvious?
With a moderated smirk, Loki led Emma and the guards to the elevator that was waiting for them. Inside the gilded cabin they turned and saw how the ladies kept treading gracefully forward. Before the doors closed before Loki and Emma, they caught a sight of lady Thyra casting a glance behind her at the prince and his new pet.
His Emma was not a secret anymore, Loki thought, catching the last glimpse of lady Thyra's sulky expression. He knew that soon everyone would know her and he needed to protect her from the vultures.
The elevator was in motion when Emma cleared her throat mildly. "Is there anything you'd like to tell me, Prince Loki?" she asked and squinted at Loki as if trying to figure was he hiding something behind his smirk. "Who were those women?"
"Frigga's court ladies. They have always despised me."
Emma frowned. "You call that despising?" She glanced at the overhearing Einherjars behind her but continued. "Come on! They drooled over you as if you're the last double chocolate cupcake on girls' pajama party. The despising part? I think that was meant for me."
Loki chuckled to her metaphor and his eyes met hers with a smile. "Anyone who dares to despise you shall pay for it," he swore playfully and pulled her closer. "Do not worry. I am telling you sincerely, they have nothing to offer me. That little curiosity is perfectly harmless."
"Better enjoy it while you still can."
… …
After a little while and the best breakfast she had even eaten, Emma stood speechless in the opening of the royal throne room. She was mesmerized by the beauty and size of the place and the funny tingling déjà-vu feeling. It was the same place Loki once showed her with his illusion and now she was truly there.
Slightly amused, Loki put a gentle finger under her chin to close her mouth.
Emma turned at him wide-eyed. She captured his hand and an astonished smile crept on her face. "We're here," she whispered as if he wouldn't have already noticed it.
Loki nodded with a small smile. "Yes. Here we are. I promised I will show this to you one day, didn't I?"
He took notice they weren't there alone meeting Thor. His brother's voice filled the great hall even from the other side as Thor was discussing the current situation with the council members, the warriors three and lady Sif. Loki had no interest to step further meeting with those old sulky faces, but he loved Emma's enthusiasm. Her childlike fascination seemed to have no end.
Emma squeezed Loki's hand as she peered at the golden throne on the other end of the long hall. A sigh escaped her mouth. "Oh, I would love to see you sitting on that throne in your full royal gear and with your helmet on," she mused in a quiet voice. "I bet you would look super sexy."
Loki entwined his fingers with hers, lifted her hand and kissed the back of her palm, lingeringly. "Evidently you and I are the only two souls in Asgard who would truly appreciate that magnificent vision," he whispered back at her and a grin spread on his lips.
One of their accompanying guards cleared his throat behind them and Loki smirked, glancing at the man and then added to Emma "Make that three," he jested and the guard shook his head alarmed as his fellow Einherjars scowled at him.
Emma smiled and held Loki's gaze until the echo of Thor's voice recaptured her attention. She glanced at the direction of the throne again, seeing all the people there, a dozen or more. "I guess you should go seeing your brother now. I'll wait here. This is not my place to be."
Loki refused to let go of her hand as she tried to free herself. "Of course it is. You belong with me," he assured and let her hand rest on his forearm under his other palm. He too glanced at the people of council. "The court is a vicious place and I am sorry for bringing you into this madness too soon and unprepared. I suspect your patience will be tested, all because of me. As you are about to see, I am no one's favorite person here."
"All the more reason I should stay away. I've got no idea of Asgardian protocols. You're a prince. I don't want to embarrass you," Emma whispered and he looked surprised. She touched his hand over hers. "Just to let you know; everything I've seen here so far is pretty awesome, but I still think you are the best thing Asgard has ever had. You're my favorite person."
Years and years Loki longed greatly to hear something like that from just about anyone. Now she was there, lifting his spirits even more when he thought he couldn't get any higher.
His gratification played out modestly on his face as he watched her a moment nearly compelled. It looked like he would have grown in height a few inches by that endearing compliment. "In that case you must come with me," Loki insisted, and she didn't know how to turn down from that smooth invitation.
Thor wasn't sitting on the throne. He had tried it but didn't feel comfortable enough sitting there when others were looking up at him, so he preferred to stand among the others. He wasn't going to get used to this ruling thing.
"Ah, Brother! Good, you are here!" Thor said in an excessive tone of voice as he noticed Loki and Emma approaching.
The conversations around him ceased as the council members made the same observation to their great concern. Some of them moved to the side, granting room for the younger prince to enter into their half circle.
The old counselor Reynir was one of the few who remained closer to Thor and turned at the thunder god in an uneasy manner. "Please, Your Majesty, I must ask you to reconsider your decision. It is rather… daring," counselor Reynir pleaded to Thor about the matter they had been discussing.
Thor drummed his fingers against the shaft of the Odin's golden spear he was holding in his right hand and glared at the counsellor, at all of them. "First of all, I am not king, yet. Second, no, I think it is a good idea. I trust my brother. If that was all then we are done here. Thank you." Thor tried to sound friendly but all this fussing around him was making him annoyed and it was only morning. He feared it was going to be an awfully long day, substituting for Odin.
The counselors bowed and moved further away, slowly departing in their own directions. Their stares followed Loki, only a few of them acknowledged him with a nod. Emma took note of how some of them stepped aside, giving Loki more room as if he'd been carrying some contagious nastiness they wanted to avoid. Snakes, she assumed, amused. It was obvious she drew attention too walking by his side arm in arm, and she held him tighter. The stares were confused, dubious and displeased. Just about everything she had imagined to receive when showing up there with the prince and carrying his love child. At least she wasn't blue anymore. That would have freaked them out.
"Thor," Loki gave a formal bow of head in greeting. His tiny smile greeted the warriors three and lady Sif who had remained with Thor. They didn't look equally happy seeing him but he didn't mind about it. "We went to see Allfather in Mother's request first thing this morning. Frigga asked me to give you my full support. And I am here to tell you that you have it, Brother."
"Excellent. That's all I want to hear today," Thor said, pleased, as he strode closer to Loki and Emma, holding Odin's scepter.
Thor seemed to be the only one whose expression genuinely welcomed the god of mischief and his mysterious lady companion. Volstagg looked unsettled, rubbing his bushy beard. Hogun was as stern as always. Fandral's cautious frown was expecting the worst. Lady Sif's deep glower found no match, until she noticed Emma's round belly, and she was visibly taken aback with that discovery.
Thor gazed at Emma for a moment, approving her Asgardian outfit. "Emma. Very becoming."
"Thank you, Thor," Emma said, surprised to be acknowledged in a positive way.
Emma noticed the shocked gaze of the black-haired warrior women who stole a long glance down on her baby bump and then looked straight into her eyes like asking 'have you no clue how deep in magnificent shit you've gotten yourself into'. This was certainly not one of the admiring court ladies. The bold straightness of the lady warrior's gaze baffled Emma and she wished she would have stayed behind. Loki had warned her though and now she knew why.
Thor furrowed his brows as he turned at his brother. "We received an urgent message from Alfheim. They requested my visit today. Father in slumber, I am stuck in Asgard. And trust me I would gladly give the throne to you for a day," Thor said to Loki and received immediately Volstagg's worried murmur which the bearded warrior tried to cover under a cough. "But I am needed here until Father awakens. The safety of our realms comes first," Thor continued in a louder voice as if reassuring his friends.
Amused, Loki glanced at the warriors three. They were being paranoidly worried because of him, fearing he would cause trouble again. How delightful, he thought. "Then why don't you go to Alfheim tomorrow, Thor? What is it so important the Light Elves need you there now?" Loki asked.
Emma watched the brothers, bewildered. "Elves? There are real elves somewhere?"
"Alfheim is one of the Nine Realms and home of the Light Elves, our allies. Mostly they like to keep to themselves, not really leaving their realm. I can't blame them; their world is beautiful, full of wonders," Loki explained to her and she would have loved to know more.
"Prince Valkor has become king of Alfheim since his mother the queen Aelsa unexpectedly passed away. He demanded my presence, actually insisted it," Thor said and gave a considering look at Loki. "Since I am busy here and you were old friends with Valkor…"
And suddenly Loki didn't look so happy but more of annoyed. "You are not suggesting that I should go paying him a visit on your behalf?" he asked, lifting his hand as if trying to block what was coming.
Thor rolled the scepter in his hand like trying to grind the floor under its foot. "Valkor has always been a bit too eccentric for my taste but you used to get along with him just fine. I would be much grateful if you will go there as an official representative of Asgard's throne and see what troubles them. Something is amiss there but I can quit put my finger on it."
"Thor, I doubt I am the right person to be delegated this task," Loki said, waving his hand as if expressing his reluctancy of the matter. "You remember I am no longer entitled to represent Asgard as a prince."
"That's what they said too," Thor said nodding towards his friends. "In fact, Lady Sif begged me to lock you up into the dungeon until Father is back on his feet."
Loki watched at the warrior woman and forced a sardonic smile. "How thoughtful of you, Sif. I had no idea that your mind is so occupied by my wellbeing," he said mildly.
With a grim look Lady Sif took a defiant step forward, her hand gripping her sword's hilt. Now when the counselors were gone she was able to speak frankly. "At least we would have one less problem to worry when Asgard is on most vulnerable," she snapped at him.
Wow! Emma lifted her brows. These people really disliked Loki who only seemed to enjoy the tease.
Thor turned at the warriors three and Sif. "My friends, believe me when I say Loki is changed. My brother is worth of your trust and will act for the good of Asgard. And she is the reason," the thunder god said and pointed his finger at Emma.
Bemused, Emma opened her mouth to disagree but couldn't get a word out when the strange looking bunch of warriors stared at her as if estimating her possibilities for restraining Loki's troublesome temper. They appeared doubtful as if her chances were slim to none to success what Thor implied.
Fandral was first to venture closer with a curious smile. "And, who is this blooming yet unfortunate Midgardian flower?" he asked, sounding charming.
Emma smirked in mild annoyance. "I don't know about that flower thing, buddy, but you can bet your ass I've got thorns. The name is Emma Morgan."
Fandral let out a bewildered laugh. "Ah! And so graceful too," he said and grinned at Loki. "How lovely! I never imagine you would lower your standards."
Lady Sif let out a humph, staring at Emma. "I do not envy you, mortal. Yours is a greater burden you can possibly carry."
"Alas! She is but a mortal lass," Volstagg said in a scolding tone, radically underestimating Emma's age because she looked so much younger than she was. "Loki, you couldn't find anyone less naïve to beguile? Are you next stealing babies from the cradle?"
Emma stared at the people and then Loki, mouthing 'what the hell?'. He'd been right. These people hated his guts and didn't spare her either. Then she looked cautiously at Hogun who seemed to be even grumpier than the others. "I'm an open target here. Anything you'd like to add, sir?" Emma asked sarcastically from the grim one.
"No," Hogun stated bluntly.
Emma sighed. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
Not minding about those impudent remarks, Loki watched Emma endearingly. "Emma is my betrothed. Allfather welcomed her to Asgard. You can feel whatever you want about me but I except you to treat her with respect."
The warriors exchanged puzzled glances, pondering had the god of mischief and Allfather both gone utterly mad. What on earth had gotten into Odin to approve Loki bringing a mortal to Asgard, to say nothing of impregnating her?
"True. Father has ordered her to stay. And because she is carrying my future nephew or niece, she is a part of the family now," Thor added and then introduced his friends one by one to Emma.
After the formalities, Thor returned to the pressing matter. "And as I said, Loki, I want you to go to Alfheim as soon as possible. You won't need your guards, Volstagg and Hogun will be coming with you."
Loki pinned his lips together and glared at his named companions with irritation. He would have rather taken his guards who at least remained quiet. "It would be more merciful from you to clap me in irons," Loki said as if trying to wriggle out from this unpleasant assignment.
"Indeed!" Volstagg agreed. "Thor, would you really trust him with this task? Because, forgive me to say, but I do not."
Loki smiled to a distant memory when he visited the elven realm the last time. A strange occurrence made the vines of the gardens grow and creep all over the elves' fair palace causing a minor chaos in their dull harmony. He still thought it was hilarious and the greatest part was they never found a way to proof he did it. He and prince Valkor had the best laughs. Maybe he could use for a bit of entertainment and Alfheim was just the perfect place for it.
Thor watched his brother with somewhat solemn manner and grabbed from Loki's wrist and placed his hand on Emma's baby bump. It snapped Loki from his reverie. "Your hand on your unborn child, Loki, do you swear to act for the good of the Nine Realms and leave behind your selfish ambitions?"
Staring down at his hand that was resting on Emma's belly, Loki frowned by the abrupt demand. Thor was playing an unmercifully tough game. Loki swallowed as he lifted his eyes to meet with Emma's. She looked daggers at Thor with this unfair assurance but she placed her hand over Loki's and whispered to him 'I trust you'.
Loki clenched his jaw and nodded. "I swear," he answered simply yet reluctantly to Thor. He felt a tiny but forceful kick against his palm as if the baby would have demanded him to stick on his vow. It made him smile and he repeated his promise more softly. "I swear."
Thor looked pleased and released Loki's hand. "Then I, Thor Odinson, appoint you as an Asgard's delegate. You are entitled to represent the House of Odin as the prince of Asgard on your visit and act on my behalf."
Lady Sif rolled her eyes and the rest of the warriors three appeared displeased as well.
Emma cleared her throat and looked up at Thor angrily, lifting a fist like ready to pop out her claws. "Look, I don't care who you are, but if you use my baby as a pawn in anything again I swear you'll get scratched all over you face." She paused to think and lowered her hand. "We thought about asking you as the godfather to this baby. On Earth that's a huge honor for a person to be part of the baby's life from the very beginning. But I'm not so sure if you're worthy for such responsibility."
They hadn't really talked about that yet but Loki knew her last statement was only meant to bruise Thor's ego. It was working as Thor gaped at her with a sorry expression, only then realizing he probably had threatened the baby's life.
… …
Soon Emma stood on the palace's yard watching as the quickly gathered delegation to Alfheim was preparing to depart. She had followed Loki to his chambers where he'd changed into his formal princely attire and then they headed out. He was visibly pleased to wear his royal gears again as a sign of his updated status. And in the glowing morning light he looked invincible and perfectly poised like a king. Emma had missed his green cape that was now rightfully draped over his shoulders. She wasn't happy, though, because she wasn't allowed to come along with him. It was understandable that he was going to an official visit, but he was leaving her alone to hang around with his mother in this strange realm. She would have loved to meet his friend if he actually had one.
Loki sucked in the fresh cool air and glanced around him at his companions who were getting ready to mount their horses. Volstagg and Hogun appeared to be as much sullen to go with him that he was with them.
"This is better to be important," Loki grunted to Thor who had come to see them off.
"I am sure Valkor wouldn't summon me for insignificant matters. I can tell you there is something very wrong in Alfheim," Thor said as if he'd have seen all the way to the elven world while wielding Odin's power.
Looking like there was something also troubling him, Loki shifted his black leather gloves from one hand to another. "Thor, just remember that I told you this was a bad idea. I know we were close once with him but I am not so fond of seeing Valkor again," Loki said and squeezed the gloves in his fist. "And even less so now when he is the king."
Emma could tell Loki was being nervous by his strained and quieter behavior. This day had started badly. First Odin was having a nap and now Thor was sending Loki to another planet for a visit. And for some odd reason when the big daddy was out of the game, Asgard apparently was on its weakest state. That much Emma had understood.
She stepped even closer to Loki and let her hand slid along his forearm all the way down to meet his fingers. She smiled when their eyes met. "How long will you be staying there?"
Loki shook his head lightly. "I am hoping to come back as soon as possible and I want you to stay with Frigga until then," he said to her and then added to Thor. "Please, see that she stays safe."
"You have my word," Thor promised and stepped back to give them a chance to say goodbyes.
Loki heaved a long sigh, watching her with a sorry smile. "This is the worst possible timing. I hate to leave you here now," he said and tucked his gloves under his arm to get a free palm to frame her face.
"I don't want you to go, but I understand you've got a job to do," Emma said and continued more quietly. "Just remember, you are not at the bottom of the pit anymore. This is your chance to climb up a few ladders. Go and nail this thing and show everyone that you're Thor's equal, or even something better."
Loki's thumb caressed her cheek and his eyes smiled, holding her gaze. "Your optimism will be rewarded. Once I am back I will take you to a long hot bath where we can soak together," he promised in a tempting voice.
Emma smiled dreamily. "Hmm, sounds nice. I can't wait."
Loki kissed her forehead respectfully and Emma's playful stare dared him. "I bet you can do better than that," she teased and noticed how his eyes glanced around them at the people nearby. "They are whispering about us anyway. Why not give these stiffs something real to talk about?"
Accepting the challenge, Loki's smile only broadened as he leaned closer. His hand cupped the back of her head and he kissed her properly on the lips a sweet little moment. His passion was enough to take her momentarily back to their last night's lovemaking. He could see the fervent effect he had on her when looked her in the eye as he withdrew.
His green eyes held a roguish gleam before he let her go. "Let's save some for later."
Emma was sorry she had challenged him, feeling her cheeks burning. "Hmm."
Appearing more confident, Loki said byes to her and his brother. Swiftly he mounted his beautiful brown mare as if showing off to her his mastery of handling the horses. Emma couldn't fight off her grin, pondering that never had a man looked so good on a horse. He was her fairytale prince.
The heat of his kiss has hardly faded from her lips when Emma was missing him already. She watched as he led his group out of her sight, heading to the Rainbow Bridge.
Thor stepped next to Emma, casting his giant shadow over her. "Please, Emma, I ask you not to encourage him into folly," he said sounding serious and drew her attention. "Loki cannot afford returning back in his old ways."
Emma tried to cross her arms but the breastplate made the movement unnatural, so she settled to clasp her hands together. "Trust me, Loki doesn't want to return to the old. He's changed like you said, but…" She sighed and dropped her gaze, her mind returning back to Loki's last night's tearful confessions. "He feels like a different man. He is trying so hard not to be his-old-self that I fear it backfires on him. I don't want him getting into trouble but I want my Loki back."
Thor smiled to her compassionately. "Has it crossed your mind that maybe it was you that drew him away from the old? He has been striving to have you back and now that you are here…"
Emma stared at him puzzled. "I never wanted him to change into being the god of noble virtues!"
Loki, the god of noble virtues! Just thinking about it made Thor grin unmercifully. He turned to walk back into the palace. "My mother could use your company. I will take you to her now."
Emma cast one more look at the road that led straight to the bridge, longing for Loki's quick return. She sent her prayers to him and as if duty-bound followed Thor back inside.
"About that godfather matter…" Thor began, uneasily. "Emma, you were merely jesting, right? I would be honored..."
… …
"So, Thor dared to send you to Alfheim then?" Heimdall asked as Loki and his group arrived at the end of the Rainbow Bride.
Loki strode to meet the gatekeeper on the threshold of the Himinbjorg. "Heimdall," he greeted. "I doubt Alfheim is in dire straits, but unless you want to return me back home, please, let's make this quick."
"So impatient for returning to your mortal?" Heimdall smirked. "She seems to be doing better."
Immediately Loki thought about his night with Emma and his confessions to her, and felt unease, pondering had Heimdall saw some of their moments together. He kept himself calm as he answered. "Yes, she is better now. Thank you for allowing me to bring her."
Volstagg glance at Hogun who rarely had much to say but from his sulky expression Volstagg could assume they were pondering the same matter and he confronted the gatekeeper of it. "Heimdall, have you no heart? How could you help Loki entrapping that poor girl in here?" he asked. As a father of many he wouldn't ever let any of his kids anywhere near a man like Loki.
Heimdall stole a glance at Loki who rolled his eyes, but the gatekeeper answered to Volstagg in an enigmatic manner. "She might yet surprise you but I am sure Loki can manage her."
Loki darted a confused look at Heimdall, pondering when had they become friends. "Could we just please get this over with?"
"Well…" Volstagg's stomach grumbled with a thought of elvens' delicacies. "It is always a rare joy to visit Falligar, but why have the elvens summoned us?"
Just as Asgardians called Earth Midgard, they called the realm of the elves as Alfheim. To the elves their own home world was Falligar.
"Alfheim has been falling into a chaos after queen Aelsa's passing. The elven magic is strong and their world is sometimes shrouded from my vision. I cannot see everything. Perhaps Valkor is not befitting for ruling their realm. I always assumed his older sister Nithi would take the throne after their mother. There is much astray but it is a good sign they are asking our help," Heimdall explained as he led the others inside the golden chamber.
Loki didn't like what he was hearing. The freshly crowned elven king had been his close companion once. They shared same qualities that not everyone appreciated; both being highly sensitive, astute and fond of taking advantage of situations that could work in their favor. To Loki's surprise Valkor had succeeded in what Loki had failed; ascending to the throne. It made Loki feeling like he was still being on Odin's leash. This trip to Alfheim felt like he was unwillingly returning into his past and he feared the affect it was going to have on him. Once conjured, the green-eyed monster was hard to keep at bay.
Heimdall rose on the platform in the middle of the chamber and Loki and his companions took their place in front of the gatekeeper, ready to be sent across the space through the Bifrost.
Loki heaved a sigh and gave one more glance behind him at the golden palace that loomed over Asgard's city. His Emma was there now, safe. She would wait for him and he was eagerly looking forward for that hot bath he promised to share with her. She had been right; this was his chance to prove he could achieve better outcomes with the elves than Thor, and Odin would thank him.
Heimdall placed his sword into the ignition and the machinery around them roared into life. "Loki, I do wish you can bring order into the chaos the elves have been struggling with."
Loki snorted, amused. "Where there is chaos, send Loki to resolve it? How brilliant!"
Volstagg and Hogun glanced doubtfully at Heimdall over their shoulders. "Perhaps this visit could wait for tomorrow?" Volstagg suggested with an uneasy grimace.
"You two are free to stay off. I will not let Thor steal all the glory today," Loki declared, focusing his gaze on the opening Bifrost tunnel. He would have rather done this mission solo.
"Remember, Loki. You are bound by your oath," Heimdall reminded.
Those were the last words Loki heard before the energy of the Bifrost sucked him within.