Getting up was not an option. You lazily snuggled into your thick covers as you woke up slowly from a deep slumber. You hadn't opened your eyes yet—you were too comfortable. Silence was broken by the morning bird singing outside, announcing the arrival of a new day. The window had been left cracked open overnight since it wasn't going to rain and the temperature was going to drop. You loved cool weather. Cooler than most were comfortable with. Thankfully Loki didn't object. He lied beside you sound asleep on his back, his head tilted away. You noticed his steady breathing, only further indicating that there was no reason for you to get up. Besides, it was going to be a long day. The Asgardian wedding was that evening. But then at the thought, it became rather tempting to get up and ready yourself to leave. You sighed, slowly rotating yourself to your other side, facing Loki and inching forward until you were snuggled up under his arm, resting your head on his shoulder. Loki stirred with a moaning sigh. A few minutes went by before he pulled you in closer and rested the side of his face on your head. It was the most wonderful feeling ever.

"I don't want to get up." You mumbled lazily. Loki chuckled deeply in his croaky morning voice. It made you smile.

"What time is it?" He mumbled back. You finally opened your eyes very slightly, just enough to see the clock sitting on your dresser.

"Eight thirty." Loki yawned and stretched his arms over his head and rubbed his eyes. Yours were closed again, so you missed him looking down at you and smiling at the sight of your flushed cheeks with wrinkle marks from the pillow, half buried into his side. A cool hand caressed your warm face.

"You look very adorable right now." He remarked. Not knowing what exactly he was talking about, you smiled and looked up at him groggily. He chuckled again and kissed your head. "But we do have to get up, my little bride." This time you stretched and sat up.

"What time did we say we'd leave again?" You asked.

"Around noon. That would be early evening in Asgard." You flipped the covers off and drug your feet unto the fuzzy carpet below. A wave of nausea hit, making you whimper.

"Are you alright?" Asked Loki sitting up.

"Sick."

Loki in turn flung the covers off and came around to where you were. He sat down beside you and wrapped his arm around you.

"I shall go down and fetch some tea from mother, all right?" You nodded. "I'll be right back." And with that, he got up and hurried out of the room. Going to the bathroom was tempting. So you got up and hobbled over to the toilet while holding your stomach in time to throw up. Drinking lots during the night had become a necessity in order to be hydrated in the morning enough to not cramp. You rinsed your mouth out, flushed the toilet, and returned to bed hugging a pillow. Loki quietly slipped back into the room with a big steaming mug of tea you gladly accepted.

"I will be so glad to wake up and feel normal again." You sipped. The hot liquid felt good running down your throat and calming the nausea. "Or I'll have to use up all the herbs in Asgard."

"I doubt it." Replied Loki pulling his T-shirt off to change. "Mother said if it persists into the second trimester, she will find a cure." You squirmed inside seeing his soft white skin and toned muscles exposed. If he were to walk around shirtless all the time, you would be utterly worthless.

"What are you going to wear?" You asked. Loki flung his shirt on the bed while running his other hand through his hair. Is he doing this on purpose? You struggled to keep a straight face.

"I was thinking about my best suit. The one with the cape."

"Mmm." You nodded still drinking the tea.

"I'll leave out the helmet." He subconsciously rubbed his chest in thought.

"Yes." Heaven have mercy.

"I'll carry my favorite dagger, though." He crossed his arms now which made him appear extra muscular. Ughhhhh.

"Mmm."

"Darling?"

"Mm—yes?" Loki gave you a funny look. "What?"

"I don't think I'm color blind, but your cheeks are quite pink. Are you ill?" You broke out into a smile, giggling behind your cup. Oh no, you were not ill. As a matter of fact, the tea did it's job, and your very attractive husband was standing before you not realizing how stunning he looked. Loki stood there as you set your mug down and made your way over to him placing a single kiss in the middle of his soft chest.

"I." You kissed his collar bone. "Am," you licked his throat. "In love." You gently devoured his warm lips, pressing your body against his. Loki couldn't help laughing at your little outburst and readily returned the attention.

After a brief session of smothering each other on the bed again, you half heartedly tidied up the room, threw some clothes on, and headed downstairs to meet Thor. It was now almost nine-fifteen.

"Good morning!" Greeted the brother between forkfuls of fluffy pancakes submerged in honey. Bucky and Nat were at the stove flipping over the last batch.

"Good morning." You reply getting yourself a glass of water. "Are you ready for the big day?" Loki served two plates of pancakes for the both of you and placed them at the table facing Thor who replied after he swallowed.

"Very much. I've been looking forward to this day. Weddings are probably the biggest celebrations in Asgard."

"I'd look more forward to it if I didn't have to worry about danger." Said Loki gravely. "I don't like traveling under these circumstances, especially since we don't know where he is." Nat looked up at you at the comment. You sighed.

"I am nervous about that, but I am in good hands. Everyone is on the lookout."

"Yeah," added Nat. "We're doing the best we can, Loki. We will find him." She gave a reassuring smile and squeezed your shoulder before you joined the brothers. She and Bucky remained in the kitchen cleaning up while the three of you ate. When all was done Tony joined to discuss the game plan if things went south.

"Someone if not ourselves will come as soon as anything happens. All of the kingdom is on alert with daily reports being made. At the slightest hint of danger, y/n will come back and hideout." You wished you had the confidence of Thor. But you couldn't help feeling anxious. Once noon came, everyone followed outside to see you three off, hoping all would be well.

"I'll bring more herbs for tea." You called out to Wanda. She waved in reply. Heimdall was called, and everything turned bright. You clung to Loki for stabilization. The trip never amused you. It was very fast and you often had a headache afterwards. Heimdall received you warmly as you set off for the palace.

"Take care; it is the time for trade between realms." He warned. "Many strangers enter the kingdom at this time for business. I received three different crowds within the past seven days."

"How long do they stay?" You asked.

"Two weeks at the most." He replied. You thanked him for his help and were off again. Horses were brought to receive you. They were bigger and stronger than those on Midgard. Riding was one of your favorite things to do in both Asgard and Midgard. Galloping across the bridge, the wind whipped your hair behind wildly. Leaves floated in the air from the colorful trees beyond. In the palace waited the king and queen in the thrown room.

"My darlings." The queen greeted each with an embrace. "I am so pleased to see you all here safely." She smiled at you, noticing your little bump. "And how are you, y/n? Have the medicines helped? Are you well?"

"Yes, Frigga. Thank you again for your kindness. I feel well and strong." The queen hugged you again in delight. Odin joined the reunion calmly.

"The ceremony will be in three hours. Until then, you may retreat to your quarters to ready yourselves and rest. I have secured the entire palace and ensured that no strangers attend the wedding. It is unfortunate that we tradings happen at such a time."

"Yes." Agreed Loki. "I plan on keeping y/n near at all times."

"I will make it my priority as well, brother." Offered Thor. Loki nodded his thanks and both of you made your way up to the second floor to your rooms. Maids rushed about, hardly pausing to greet you with a welcome. You noticed more guards posted around the palace, even near private quarters. It was a lot, but it did make you feel better.

"Do you need something to drink? I'm sure mother has herbs around here at hand." Loki opened the large door to the room for you. The warm sun streamed in through the window unto the elegant rug on the wooden floor. The large king bed was decorated in rich green silk and gold. A fire had been lit not long ago, crackling in the far corner. The low sofa near it looked very appealing, so you grabbed a blanket that lied in a basket and settled in near the warm fire.

"Tea sounds lovely." You replied with a yawn. Loki had a maid nearby fetch the requested drink and then joined you on the sofa. He took you in his arms and laid you down over his lap. He began stroking your head and hair. Sleeping was never so tempting at that moment as a wave of fatigue swept over your body. "If this baby draws any more energy from me, I shall be bedridden for the remaining pregnancy." You mumbled softly.

"Perhaps you should start taking more naps," advised Loki. "I'm sure that would help bring strength back." A soft knock sounded. Loki got up gently placing you back down on a pillow. You heard his steps and a the door unlatch. Your eyelids were growing heavy, feeling yourself steadily slipping into unconsciousness. Movement was heard nearby and two pairs of footsteps approached. The clinking of a tray was set next to the couch followed but the sound of a cup being filled. You recognized the sweet aroma of the herb you used for strength.

"I brought you tea, y/n." Said a familiar voice. Your eyelids cracked open to see Agatha crouching down over you. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired." That was all you managed to say. Agatha straightened and walked away quietly somewhere behind you.

"I would let her sleep until she has to get ready." She said. "Then have her drink the tea for the ceremony." A door creaked opened and then latched shut. A gentle kiss was placed on your temple, and then finally you fell asleep.

Two hours later Loki woke you. The nap had helped regain some of your strength. Loki was already dressed in his best suit. His green cape flowed around him majestically, his black silky hair brushed back flowed freely, and his dagger secured at his side. He looked every bit like a prince. A smile formed as you sat up, watching him adjust an over-garment. The tea still sat nearby, now cold. You reached for the filled cup and tried to transfer heat into it. Suddenly you felt very faint and lightheaded, nearly falling back where you were laying had you not steadied yourself. Some of the tea sloshed to the floor at the abrupt catch. Loki whirled around in time to see you catch yourself.

"Are you alright?" He rushed over, taking the cup and placing it back in the tray. You had broken out into a cold sweat and the color drained from your face.

"Yeah…" you breathed. "I just wanted to warm it a little." Reality hit as you realized that you were utterly useless in that you could not use powers at all. Disappointment tugged at your heart and your eyes began welling up with tears. Loki saw how distressed you felt and quickly warmed up the cup he refilled for you.

"I'm so sorry, love." He sat next to you and helped you lift the tea to drink. "Be sure to finish the tea. You will feel much better afterwards." He gave you a reassuring smile and wiped a runaway tear off your cheek.

"I hope so. I feel awful." You muttered. Loki filled the cup again and warmed it.

"Awful as in sick?" He asked.

"No, just very weak."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." The prince cocked his head and raised a brow.

"Technically, yes it is." You rolled your eyes and finished the second cup. It had already started to kick in, thank goodness. Agatha had also brought something similar to gummies made of other energizers and oils for the skin as well. A bath was drawn for you using the purple herb while a maid brought in your gown. All the muscles in your body relaxed in the warm water, absorbing the rejuvenating minerals.

"How are you now, darling?" Loki entered the bathing room and sat on the edge of the large stone tub. The stone was white with natural pink designs imbedded in it. Builders traveled far into the mountains to find this smooth stone for its beauty and smooth results after treating it lasting for centuries. You scootched closer, resting your chin on your arms folded on the edge.

"I think I can get through without fainting in front of everyone." This time you were smiling, feeling more like yourself. Loki raised his brows and gave a long sigh.

"That would be quite bad."

"Yes it would." You chuckled looking around for you towel. "Where did I put my towel?" You wondered half to yourself. Loki glanced around and spotted the thick maroon towel sitting on a shelf across the room. He got up from the edge of the bath to fetch it. You dropped your head back down on your arms with a grunt of frustration. "Sorry." You called.

"Anything for my sweet." He smiled, unfolding the towel and holing it up to his chest. You quickly hopped out into its warmth. Loki hugged you tightly with it and emitted some heat as you huddled for warmth.

"Alright, we have a half an hour to be ready." He squeezed you one last time. "I will go wait in the bedroom. You nodded and proceeded to finish drying yourself.

"Thank you." You got on your toes and pressed a little kiss on his cheek. He placed his warm hand behind your neck before you could pull away and engulfed your parted lips.

"I love you." He whispered pulling away.

"I love you too." Whispered back. He gave you another quick peck and left. Once you were dried and and wrapped in your robe you entered your room to find the maid by herself with the gown. She explained that Loki had to leave early to go over how the ceremony would unfold with the king, and will probably not be able to see you until then. It was quite understandable, so you took a seat to get your hair done. Two more maids entered with more accessories for the gown and a small box of jewelry. A gold tiara decorated with tiny green and blue shining stones was also brought in a cushioned box. Next you were placed on a stool about a foot high so the maids could adjust your hoop skirt, petticoats, and skirts. You marveled at the beautiful silky gown filled with lace and embroidery. It was actually quite comfortable and designed to help keep your pregnant body discrete. It fit perfectly, flowing down and around you with elegance. The tiara was placed on your hair that was pinned up loosely with pearls. Finally you were able to see yourself in the mirror. You had never seen yourself done this way before and couldn't help marvel at the maids work and Frigga's creative design for the gown.

"Wow." You breathed. "It's beautiful."

"You do look very beautiful, my lady." Smiled the younger of the maids. "Prince Loki is most certainly lucky to have you." There was now only five minutes for you to be at your designated place for the wedding. The maids hurried about putting things away and helped you down. Just outside the door stood a guard who approached when you exited your quarters.

"My lady," he bowed. "I've been instructed to escort you." He was quite tall and built, his skin leathered and wrinkled indicating age and the endless hours guarding in the sun.

"Very well," you replied. "Thank you." He led you down the hall and down the stairs and around the building from the inside through a large hall. Surprisingly there were less guards in that area, which made you wonder how that was so. The guard then took an unexpected turn towards the right away from the throne room and down a darker hall lit by torches.

In the thrown room everyone was ready for the wedding to begin. It was now one minute before time, and the maids of honor selected to accompany you down to the thrown where Loki stood anxiously waiting were whispering about. Several guards were sent to see where you had gone.

"Where is she?" All eyes turned to see Thor approaching. "Everyone is ready. Where is

y/n?" Just then the maids that had helped you get dressed were passing by, throwing curious glances at the small group of people waiting behind the large door to the throne room.

"Where is Lady Y/n?" One asked.

"She is not with you?" Asked Thor.

"A guard escorted her out to be here a few minutes ago." Piped in another. Thor tensed at the impossible situation and ordered that all guards search for you. Servants and soldiers scattered to find you quickly.

"I'm sorry, but I think we are going the wrong way," you said nearly stopping in your tracks. "The wedding is in the throne room." But the guard did not stop walking. He did not even turn around. This was incredibly awkward and confusing. You stood stumped as if you couldn't believe the had guard simply left you like that. He was soon out of sight, vanishing into total darkness down the hall. The faint heavy footsteps echoed faded slowly until a door creaked and slammed shut, making you shudder in total silence. Frustrated, you decided to return to the main hall and find Loki yourself. Grabbing a handful of your gown, you turn and marched back, shoes clomping on the stone floor and echoing down the hall. But something felt very odd. As if you were being watched. A shudder ran through your body and suddenly felt the pressing urge to run. A wave of panic struck you like a gush of icy wind from the darkness behind. Hurrying through the cold hall you glanced over your shoulder to ensure there was no one there. You expected to see nothing but darkness seeping from an endless hall, but instead found yourself running for your life from a large creature with gleaming ruby eyes and white glistening fangs dripping with blood. You were too terrified to scream. Your legs gave way under your weight, struggling to carry on. In the darkness you missed your footing and stumbled barely catching yourself. You could hear the snarling evil beast coming after you and getting closer. Just as a scream was about to come out, your dress got caught, sending you falling onto the rough cold floor. You scrambled to get up, but you only saw those red eyes larger than ever now over you, and all went black.