After lunch, Frigga took Asta to the florists to discuss her bouquet and other flowers. And then to the jewelers and the chefs. It was a lovely afternoon, but Asta was eager to get back to Loki, knowing that he was working on a surprise for her.
When she entered their chambers, Loki greeted her eagerly.
"There's my bride to be! My love, come see what I've been doing!"
He led her into the bedroom and pointed to the dress hanging in the corner.
Asta gasped when she saw the gown. The style was the same, but now it was a deep emerald color with the golden embroidery still intact, but with even more. The skirt was a bit fuller, and had some jewels attached as well.
Loki stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Do you like it?" he asked.
"It's beautiful! That's the most amazing shade of green I've ever seen!"
"Well, I had to get rid of the white," he said, kissing her neck. "Not exactly virginal anymore."
"You lecher," she said with a laugh.
"Not my fault. I'm married to a stunning goddess who needs to be worshipped."
"I cannot wait to wear this," she said, stepping closer. "I can't believe it's the same gown. Maybe we should rename you the god of fashion design."
He walked over to her. "No, my mischievous title shall remain once you see how easily I can get you out of this dress."
Asta rolled her eyes. "Du er en tåpe." (You're a fool)
"Ooh, speak Asgardian to me, baby," he growled, spinning her to him and holding her close. "You know what that does to me."
"Everything does that to you these days!"
"I waited centuries to finally make love to the woman who holds my heart. I see no need to hide the fact that I crave her."
She shivered involuntarily at his tone. Damn that voice of his.
And of course he noticed. "Are you well, my darling?" he asked with a chuckle. "Is there a draft?"
"How can you simultaneously be the best and yet the worst?"
"It's a gift, I suppose." He glanced over her shoulder and looked at the gown. "I am glad that you like the dress. I absolutely cannot wait to see you in it." He stopped. "We don't have to do that ridiculous 'can't see the bride' ritual here, do we?"
Asta laughed. "No, that's a Midgard practice. And besides, we're already married. You can see the bride any time you like."
"I like seeing her now."
And just before he could bend down to kiss her, there was a knock at the door.
"Dinner, your majesties!" a voice called.
Loki grumbled. "Damn. I forgot I asked for our dinner to be served on the balcony tonight."
"Oh, that's so sweet!" Asta beamed. "And I'm quite hungry as wedding preparations with Frigga were a whirlwind. Let's eat!"
Loki smiled as his wife took off towards the balcony. Ah, his wife.
The next day was spent touring the castle and re-acclimating Asta to it.
After the relaxing day, it was time to meet Frigga and Odin for dinner.
Asta sighed. "Why is it for years I was never intimidated by them? But now that they are my husband's parents…"
"My love, I assure you that they both love you. Especially Mother. And Odin? Well, I care much less about his opinion, but he's always thought highly of you."
"So much that he sent me away?" Asta whispered.
"Asta, is that what this is about?"
She nodded silently.
Loki led her to the bed where they both sat. He took her hands in his. "My precious wife, I feel I must apologize as your trip to Midgard was likely my fault."
She opened her mouth to question that, but he placed a finger to her lips. "No, it's true. Odin saw my behavior and how it was developing. I was arrogant and spiteful. I was childish and insolent. I don't know how you put up with me. I wasn't worthy of you. He saw our relationship developing and wanted to save you from that."
"Loki, you don't know that."
"I do. I've never spoken with him about it, but I know it in my heart to be true. He was saving us both. And as much as I hate him for all the other things he's done, this is the one he did right. We both grew into the people we needed to be to make this work. And now we are."
"I never thought I'd see the day where you'd defend Odin for anything," Asta said with a little laugh.
"It won't happen often, so make note of it," he replied, laughing as well. "But look where it got us. Now we are happily wed, preparing to make our union official on Asgard, and some day, we shall be its king and queen."
"A bit of a fairy tale, I'd say."
He kissed her forehead. "But every bit of it is true." He stood and pulled her up as well. "Now, let's go enjoy a good meal and decent company."
They made their way to Odin's private dining chambers where they were greeted by Frigga.
"Come in, my dears! Dinner is ready and we have much to discuss!"
They followed her in and found Odin already seated.
"Father," Loki said formally.
"Loki," he replied.
"Allfather," Asta said with a curtsy.
"Asta, there is no need for that here. You are family now and Asgardian royalty, so you shall be treated as such."
Asta merely nodded, unsure of how to proceed.
Frigga spoke to help break the tension. "Come, let's be seated and eat! I'm eager to hear all you've been doing!"
After a wonderful meal and some catching up, Odin finally cleared his throat to speak.
"Loki, it's come to my attention that your brother is refusing the throne."
"Yes, that has recently come to my attention as well," Loki responded.
"And that puts the crown to you."
"Indeed."
"Are you prepared for this responsibility?" Odin asked.
"I am fully ready to serve Asgard as its king, with my beautiful and gifted queen by my side." He took Asta's hand and smiled at her.
Odin nodded, pleased with the answer. "And Asta? Are you prepared to be queen?"
"I am. Whatever Loki and Asgard need, I shall strive to be."
"Yes, well, I am happy to hear all of this. Loki, in 5 years, you shall be crowned king."
"Five years?" Loki asked, surprised at the short time.
"Yes. Five years from your wedding day."
Loki pursed his lips, still in shock. "Then five years it is."
Odin smiled one of very few genuine smiles that Asta had ever seen. "Wonderful. And now, dessert."
Once Loki and Asta returned to their chambers, Loki sat hard on the bed.
Asta joined him. "How are you after all of that?" she asked, taking his hands.
"I'm still processing it," he replied. "In a few years, I'll be king. After almost being banished, I'm going to be ruling. With my amazing bride. I'm not sure I can comprehend it all!"
"You don't have to comprehend it all now. We can take it day by day."
"True. And in the meantime, I look forward to hearing you call me 'my king.'" He looked at her with those eyes that almost melted her instantly.
"No, I don't think I will just yet."
Loki stopped for a beat and crinkled his brows. "What? Why?"
"Because I want it to be something special. You'll hear it from me when it's the perfect time."
Loki's mouth twisted a bit. "I am both disappointed but also looking forward to what you have in mind."
"Trust me. I'll make it worth the wait."
He smirked. "You've always been worth the wait. So, I think this time should be no different. But in the meantime…" He leaned over and kissed her throat.
"You're insatiable," she muttered, already lost to his ministrations.
"You bring it out in me. Care to join me in a bath?"
"Now that I will agree to!"
She squealed in delight as he scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom.