Once they were seated, and the wine and food were brought out, Loki let out a sigh.
"Everything ok, my love?" Asta asked.
"Yes, I think now is just the first moment I've had in a while to take a deep breath. How are you faring through it all?"
"Happy to have my husband at my side. It's a bit overwhelming."
"But you're making it look easy. Quite the poised queen already." He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
"Charmer."
Loki winked at her and was about to compliment her again, but was interrupted by Thor's booming voice.
"My friends! A toast to our new king and queen! I love these two with all my heart and I know they will guide Asgard to heights previously unknown! To King Loki and Queen Asta! Long may they reign!"
The crowd cheered, "Long may they reign!" back as Loki and Asta both blushed.
Tony stood then. "Not sure if it's correct modus operandi for an Earthling to speak, but I had to say something after Thor. It was our pleasure to have Asta with us on Midgard while she was there. She brought the best of Asgard to us. And while we will miss her terribly, our loss is your gain. She will make the best queen this realm has seen – no disrespect to Frigga, you're lovely. And she's made Loki a pretty good guy too. So, I raise my glass to them as well. To Loki and Asta!"
"To King Loki and Queen Asta!" the crowd repeated, slightly more respectfully.
"Thank you," Asta mouthed to Tony.
He winked in reply and sat down.
Loki sighed. "We have a very vocal family."
"Indeed. Do you think they'll be quiet now and let us eat?" Asta said with a grin.
"We can throw them in the dungeons if they don't," he answered with a smirk of his own. "I'm starving and no one will keep me from this meal."
"Or the honey rolls!"
"Ah, my Midgardian Queen and her carbohydrates."
"No one stands between us!"
"Let's begin eating before someone else decides to speak."
The rest of those in attendance were grateful to finally eat as well.
Once the meal had ended, Loki led Asta onto the dance floor.
"My queen, will you do me the honor of this dance?" he asked.
"It would be my honor," she replied with a curtsey.
He pulled her into the hold and began the dance. "Still not saying what I want to hear?"
"My impatient husband! You'll hear it when I'm ready! Quit scowling like an impudent child."
"Impudent!"
"I said what I said."
Loki refrained from rolling his eyes as the entire kingdom was watching. "You really are a Stark."
"A compliment I hold dear."
"Yes, a Stark would," he said with a chuckle. Instantly he changed his tone and his expression softened. "You look beautiful, my love."
"And I'm not sure you've ever looked more handsome. Though, I'm glad you've opted for some smaller horns for dancing. Those other ones may have posed a challenge."
Loki looked up a bit. "Yes, as much as I appreciated the larger ones, they weren't very practical for dining and dancing. I, too, like that the royal goldsmiths made a smaller version. I believe this will be my less formal option, whilst the other will only be for very ceremonial events."
"Striking either way."
"You flatter me."
"You deserve it."
He sighed a little. "Does it feel strange now? Dancing knowing that we are the king and queen of the realm?"
"I told you when we were wed, none of that matters to me. I suppose it feels a bit different, but only because everyone is looking at us differently now. To me, it's just another lovely dance with my husband. Does it feel different to you?"
"Yes, slightly. But only because I spent so many years wondering what it would feel like. So much time just wanting to know what it felt like to be the special one."
Asta sighed. "You've always been special, Loki. But I'm glad you're finally seeing it."
"Don't misunderstand me, my sweetness. It's still a distant second to dancing with the love of my life, my amazing wife. But it does change how I feel about life here. I used to feel like an outcast, but now, and mostly because of you, I am where I rightly belong. I finally feel at home on Asgard. And not just because you are here, because, my darling, you are always my home. But to be accepted, here, in Asgard is…" He smirked. "…just gravy."
Before Asta could reply to that, the song ended. She curtseyed as he bowed and they were about to leave the dance floor when Tony approached them.
"I don't know if it's acceptable for a mere Midgardian to dance with the queen, but could a proud dad take his daughter around the dance floor?" he asked.
"Well, I don't know if you've ever been a 'mere Midgardian'," Loki said with a laugh. "But if the queen sees fit, then there should be no problem."
Asta smiled. "I think I would love a dance with the King of Midgard."
"I love this kid," Tony joked. He looked back to Loki. "Also, if it's not breaking too many other rules, Morgan would love a dance with her favorite brother."
Loki looked over to Morgan and winked. "I believe that can definitely happen as well. For now, I think I shall ask Mother for a dance."
Tony grinned as he held Asta and they swayed. "Sorry, I'm not quite the Fred Astaire that your husband is."
"This is perfect. Thank you for being here," Asta said.
"Nowhere I'd rather be. Not every day you watch your kid become royalty."
"Still feels weird to hear."
"Still feels weird to say, but, get used to it, sweetie. All these people seem to like the idea, and why wouldn't they?"
"Because I'm awkward and I have no idea what I'm doing."
"Pfft! You were born for this. Do what you think is best and I'll bet you'll be right."
"High praise from Tony Stark."
"I only dole it out to the ones I really love, so there you go."
Asta laughed and pulled Tony closer. The rest of the dance was spent trying to make the other laugh so they wouldn't cry.
Meanwhile, Loki was leading Frigga to the dancefloor.
"Thank you for all of this, Mother," he said as she pulled him into hold and began the steps.
"This is your doing, my son. Not mine."
"We both know that's not true. I wouldn't be who I am today without your love and guidance and teaching."
Frigga tutted. "Let's discuss other things. Like how beautiful your wife looks."
"You're changing the subject, but to one of my favorite topics, so I'll allow it."
The former queen laughed. "She was born for this. Look at how she's holding herself, even in a casual dance with Tony. And oh, how she loves you! You've done well!"
"Thank you. I believe I might just be the luckiest man in all nine realms. And I owe a great deal to Tony and the Avengers for taking such good care of her whilst she was gone."
"I do as well, for taking such good care of you. You've finally opened yourself up to love and family again. And look how good you are with young Morgan!"
Loki did not miss the twinkle in his mother's eyes. "I know what you're implying."
Frigga feigned shock and gasped. "I don't know what you're speaking of!"
"Mmm-hmm."
"But when I say you're excellent with children, take it as a compliment and move on."
Loki chuckled. "Yes, Mum."
"Now, shall we show off against the Starks?"
The mischief in Loki's eyes matched Frigga's. "Always."
The night continued on as guests danced and feasted. Morgan shared a lovely dance with her favorite brother and melted every heart in the room. The Midgardian guests withdrew to their chambers long before the Asgardians who were used to celebrating long into the early hours. Finally, Loki announced that he and his queen were retiring for the evening. The party was welcome to continue (a fact that made Thor very happy).
Asta sighed as she came into their bedroom. The day was long and she felt awkward for most of it. "Shuri was right. Corsets are really uncomfortable."
"After tonight, you can banish them from the kingdom, if you wish. And as bad as I feel that you are uncomfortable, I do look forward to unlacing this dress," he said with a naughty grin.
"I might have other ideas," she said with a glimmer in her eyes.
She unclasped her cape and let it fall to the floor. He noticed this instantly since she was normally very meticulous with her clothing. She slowly began to undo the laces of her gown and his mouth went dry. When her gown hit the floor as well, he knew exactly what was on her mind. Well, mostly.
Asta looked at him with all the love she had and reached out a hand. "My king, will you make love with me?"
Once his brain caught up with his body, Loki rushed over and knelt before her. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Anything my queen desires."
"And will my king give me a child tonight?"
Now his brain had a harder time catching up. "My love?" he squeaked as he stood. "Was this the special moment I was waiting for?"
She put both hands on his face. "Yes, my mischief."
He covered her hands with his own. "If my queen wants a baby, then a baby she shall have. Are you sure, my light?"
"I've been sure. I was just waiting for this night."
Loki kissed her deeply and carried her to the bed. With a turn of his hand, they were both undressed. "Just when I thought this day could get no better, you once again you exceed my expectations," he murmured against her neck.
"Mmm, anything for you, my love."
They made slow passionate love that night, happy to be in each other's arms and certain they were making a new life.