Chapter 30
Thor decided to take Loki away for some time. And somehow telling Odin was easier than convincing Loki. Their summer palace, 'Fenslar' was not far away, and he could have two days for himself. The realms were at relative peace, Asgard was flourishing and The King was long due for the vacation.The royal family alawys went to Fenslar for short vacations. It was Frigga's favourite place during summer and she would leave early with children to spend leisure time in nature around the great Lakeshore. Odin always joined later for a day or two, being busy as he was. They were some of the best memories together as family. Thor was certain that the place will lift Loki's spirits. If only the trickster would agree.
" And who will do the kinging in your absence?" , Loki asked..
" I can do the kinging from Fenslar , its only three hours journey from Valaskjalf and minutes if I decide to fly back in case of emergency. Come on Loki, just a few days. We can be there with each other, only two of us"
" Mother used to love it there." , Loki mused wistfully.
" You did too! "
" Yes I did. The summers were bearable there. Why did Bor steal Jotunheim's sun again? It's hot enough with single sun on midgard.. and. Aesir had to go and bring second sun! Truly there is no limit to Asgard's greed. " Loki always had a habit of rambling when he was nervous... he would bring irrelevant things , will play them to ire Thor into reaction and he was doing the same thing now.. Thor went to him and put a hand on his rambling mouth. Loki stopped talking, his eyes widened. Thor's hand moved to chiseled cheek.
" You speak truth!" ,the king appeased and claimed the thin lips of his beloved. Loki was silenced by simple sentence. Never were those three words ever directed to him ,the liesmith.Yet Thor had surprised him again ,by admitting that he was telling the truth! Loki felt like crying, elated to hear those words... and he could not say no to Thor to anything. Thor moved back when he realised Loki was crying,.
" Love?"
Loki sobbed harder when he saw the look of concern and adoration directed to him.
_@_@_@_@_@_
Loki was still sleepy when they left the palace on the break of dawn. He was not accustomed to wake up early morning anymore and the pregnancy was too tiring. So he just pulled on a blue silk robe as he wanted to travel in comfort , made himself presentable with a simple spell and that was all. He didn't even argue when Thor pulled him in royal skiff instead of horse-stable. Skiff was far more comfortable and fast.Also horse riding may not be advisable in his current condition.
As their entourage moved... correction_ as king Thor's entourage with his concubine and few selected guards moved Loki settled into the soft seat and Thor's hand carding his hair lulled him to sleep.
Thor woke him again, within minutes. Loki asked if they had reached. Thor handed him a vial of the potion for nausea.
" Not yet ,love. We are having breakfast here."
Loki took the medicine and said he could wait till reaching Fenslar. But as Raer opened the door for them, he realised where they were. They were at marketplace in lower town. Hrildr the baker welcomed them with a big grin and awkward bow. As they were lead inside, Loki noticed that the small bakery was completely upgraded in luxurious eatery.Loki tried to convince Raer and Dagr to eat at least on the separate table, which they politely refused and stood guarding their favourite couple. Hrildr assured him as he served assortment of pastries and confectionery
" I will pack breakfast for your guards ,so they can eat in the flyer my prince." Loki nodded.
Thor pushed a dish of cake with ginger flavour, " You should try this , I think it will help settle your stomach."
And it did! The cake was amazing.. Loki moaned at the taste and aroma. He was about to compliment Hrildr when he noticed an old woman rushing in. The Raer and his team just behind her trying to stop her, Loki laughed. There was no stopping old Runa. He got up to hug her , effectively pausing his frantic guards.
" My prince!" , she kept touching him as he surrendered his person to her scrutiny of his well being. " I have missed you my Prince. That witch Nanna never allows anyone to visit."
" I was not ready for visits ,my lady.She was just doing her job."
" I am no lady, my prince. stop calling me that." , the old woman giggled.
" And I am no Prince, not anymore." ,Loki tried to smile , but did not quite succeed.
" You will always be my prince. You have done so much for us common Aesir that you are the prince of our hearts, regardless of everything. "
Thor who was observing silently till now decided to make his presence known as the pretty shade of blush appeared on Loki's face.
" Mine too," He said startling the woman. " prince of heart I mean! "
Runa bowed awkwardly.It was clear that she had no experience in courtly manners.Seeing the king himself , the mighty God of thunder did not help. To her relief ,Loki took over the conversation,
" My king, allow me to introduce Runa,an old friend.She looks after the orphanage late allmother and I established in Bilskirnir. She is quite accomplished in the management ,if you ask me. "
" I respect our late mother, but all she did was to take the keys from me and hand it over to you. I still remember her praising your work for the children. I am sorry, I never thought of visiting... I should have."
"Your magesty, Maybe you could visit today. Your halls remain same,yet we have done so much. and children miss you ,Loki." ,Runa said. Loki looked down, he had been away from long time. Years have passed since last he had met with the children. He had kept his visit secret, lest Thor and his friends made fun of his feelings but he had grown fond of some orphans. Moreso, after loosing Angraboda and his own children. It had been centuries since he lost his family, yet the pain was still there. He looked up as Thor's boomed assurances to her,
" We will surely visit my lady. I did not know my brother has bonded with children of fallen warriors. As you may know we are traveling right now, but I give you my word that we both will visit Bilskirnir as soon as we can." Loki nodded along as the the king's arm came to rest on his waist possessively.
" Very well, your magesty but I hope you have some time to spare now. Because there are people out waiting to meet prince Loki.It has been long time since we have met him.." Runa looked nervous.
" Who?" , Loki tried asking her .
" Raer came to inform about breakfast at Hrildr's and everyone wanted to meet you, to.. see that you are well. So they have gathered outside."
And gathered they were. As the guards tried to move the royal couple to the skiff, people swarmed towards them.
" Greetings my lord, my prince!"
" We have missed you..."
" We pray for your well-being,my prince."
Loki who was dumbfounded by the sheer love shown to him , tried to thank the woman.
" I wish you a happy journey my prince", a man shouted. Loki looked upon him and said,
" How is your lady Vali ..have her parents accepted your match?"
" As soon as they met the grandchild, my prince. Thank you for helping us!" , said.
"Please visit again my lord, we miss you." , an old woman said and pushed something into his hand.
When Loki finally stopped seeing the waving crowd as they flew away, he oped his hand to see what the gift was. It was a simple beaded bracelet, each bead engraved with protective runes and blessings. He felt his eyes mist. Thor took the gift to examine it. Then he promptly bound the trinket around the slender wrist. Loki sighed happily as he was embraced by strong arms.
" They love you, beloved.We all do!"
As Loki closed his eyes to rest on his king's chest... a smile tugged at his lips. Life was getting better!