Chapter 44
The next morning, I woke to find myself curled in Loki’s arms. It was still early, the sky outside only just beginning to lighten, but I was having trouble falling back asleep.
I stayed there for a while, quietly watching him. He was still deep in sleep, his breathing slow and even, his face peaceful in a way I rarely got to see when he was awake. Just looking at him made my heart leap. How in the world had I ever been lucky enough to be loved by someone like him?
I gently traced my fingers along his cheek. A rush of love swept through me so fiercely it made my chest ache. He was kind and careful, clever and chaotic, deeply protective and utterly infuriating in the best way. His mischief made me laugh even when I was trying to be mad. I didn’t know how someone like this had never been claimed before me—but I was so very grateful he hadn’t.
As I lay there beside him, a warm, slightly wicked idea took root. One that made me blush.
Slowly, I slipped from his arms. A faint frown creased his brow the moment I moved away, as if even in sleep his body missed mine. I smiled as I settled between his legs. His legs were parted, as usual—he never seemed to sleep neatly. I'd noticed early on how often he sprawled, especially while sitting, and back then I’d found it very difficult not to stare.
I stroked my hand gently along the inside of his thigh. The moment I touched him, the little crease in his brow disappeared. His face softened into that same peaceful, content expression I’d come to love. He looked so beautiful like this—unguarded and mine.
He was still wearing his sleep tunic and pants, but with a careful flick of Seiðr, I removed them.
My breath caught.
Even now, after everything, the sight of him could still make my heart stutter. His body was poetry in motion—long, lean lines wrapped in smooth, toned muscle. He wasn’t bulky or overbuilt, but there was undeniable strength in him. The kind that spoke of speed and precision rather than sheer force. His stomach was flat and defined, the sharp lines of his hips tapering down into powerful thighs. His chest rose and fell in deep, even breaths, the muscles of his torso carved like something from a sculptor’s dream.
But it wasn’t just the perfection of his form that struck me—it was how familiar he had become. This was the body that had held me through nightmares, that had trembled under my touch, that had claimed me with reverent intensity. This was Loki—strong, graceful, wickedly beautiful. Mine.
I reached out and wrapped my fingers around him, feeling the warmth of his soft length resting against my palm. The weight of it was familiar now, but still managed to stir something deep inside me. I stroked him slowly, and almost instantly, I felt him respond—growing thicker, heavier, as though my touch had summoned him from sleep. Even unconscious, his body remembered mine.
A slow smile curled my lips as I leaned in. I parted mine and let him slip into my mouth, drawing him in inch by inch. I moved slowly at first, savoring every reaction I could feel through our bond—the way his pleasure stirred like a slowly rising tide, wrapping around us both.
I started with soft, shallow bobs of my head, swirling my tongue gently around the tip. His pleasure spiked—sharp, golden, and hot. I gasped quietly against him as that sensation poured into me, my own body reacting to the waves of need that pulsed from his. Every time my tongue traced him, I felt another ripple of pleasure unfurl through him, and gods, it was addictive. Like tasting the sound of his moans, like swallowing his desire.
I shifted, drawing him deeper, relaxing my throat to take more of him in. His hips twitched at the sudden change, and a soft, strained moan escaped him. His fingers curled into the sheets, and his breath hitched—but he still didn’t wake fully.
I kept going, adjusting the pace, teasing him with the combination of suction and tongue. The tension in his body built with every pass of my lips. He was right on the edge of waking now—his hips lifted with each stroke, instinctive and seeking. I could feel the heat rising in him, thick and pulsing, his pleasure wrapping around me like silk.
Then he stirred, fully this time. His eyes opened slowly, heavy-lidded and dark with lust, and when they met mine, something primal passed between us. His lips parted, and I felt the crash of his emotions through the bond—love, lust, need, adoration, awe.
He reached for me. Not to guide, not to control, but simply to touch. His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair from my cheek, then drifted into my hair, holding me with trembling reverence.
Still, he let me lead.
I deepened the motion of my mouth, matching the rhythm of his hips. He was so close now, I could feel it in every tight line of his body, in the way he tried to hold still but couldn’t. Every time I took him deeper, I felt another crash of pleasure roll through him. His control was unraveling—and I loved every second of it.
His head tipped back against the pillows. He let out a low, hoarse groan, one hand clutching the sheets, the other still tangled in my hair. The sounds he made—guttural, desperate, helpless—only pushed me harder.
I could feel his climax hovering just out of reach, coiling tight in his core.
“Fuck, Aurora…” he groaned, voice raw. “I need to come.”
I decided to have some mercy on him. I could feel it—the tension coiling in his body, the desperate need spilling across our bond, hot and raw and nearly overwhelming. I increased the pressure of my mouth and hand, dragging my tongue along his shaft as I stroked him with more purpose.
The effect was immediate.
His whole body tensed, and a deep, unrestrained moan ripped from his chest. It vibrated through me like a chord struck in my bones. His hips bucked as his hand slid into my hair, guiding me—not with force, but with reverence, like he needed something to anchor himself.
And then I felt it. His orgasm hit like a tidal wave. It crashed through him and into me, shuddering down our bond, soaking into my skin like sunlight. It was electric and hot and somehow... sacred. His pleasure flooded me, and I let it fill me completely—every pulse, every ripple, lighting me up from the inside.
He came with a long, broken groan, his head falling back against the pillow, breath hitching with every pulse of release. I swallowed him down and kept going, slow and gentle now—my lips, my hand, my tongue still worshipping him until I felt the last flickers of his orgasm dim and drain away. What remained was a golden glow of satisfaction and love that wrapped around my soul like a warm blanket.
He collapsed back against the mattress, utterly undone. After a moment, he shifted, pushing himself upright until he was resting against the headboard. His arms opened in silent invitation, and I immediately crawled up into them, practically glowing with pride.
I curled into his side and looked up at him. His hair was a mess, his chest rising and falling as he tried to catch his breath, and that dazed look in his eyes? I’d done that. The mischief in me positively purred.
“How in the Nine Realms did I get so lucky to deserve you?” he murmured, more to himself than to me.
I grinned, smug. “Maybe you were a decent man in a past life.”
He looked down at me and smirked. “You know, I keep discovering these little hidden sides of you... teasing, bold, utterly wicked. And I must say…”—his voice dipped—“it is incredibly arousing.”
I flushed, of course.
“Oh, look at you,” he murmured, brushing his thumb over my cheek. “Still so easily flustered after everything you just did to me.” His voice was low, amused—and something warmer stirred just beneath it. “It is endearing... and maybe a little unfair. That sweet blush of yours does things to me, you know.”
I buried my face in his neck with a groan.
“I love it when you blush,” he said, voice rich with amusement as I hid my face against his shoulder. “You are usually so certain—so sure of what you want. But when you blush like this... especially when it is something to do with sex...”
His fingers found my chin, tilting my face back toward him—gentle, but firm. “There is a shift. A vulnerability. A hesitation. I think your body knows what it wants... even if your mind is still too shy to ask for it.”
His voice dropped, rough and warm. “And that—gods, that stirs something in me. That need to take over. To lead. To give you everything your body is aching for... even if your mind hasn’t caught up yet.”
I peeked up at him, heart stuttering at the quiet intensity in his eyes.
“And the way you respond when I take control,” he murmured, his lips brushing my temple, “it makes me feel like a king.”
I grinned up at him. “I never said I liked it when you get all bossy and dominant in bed,” I teased.
His grin turned smug—utterly unrepentant. “You do not have to. I feel you, remember?”
I tried to glare at him, but I was still curled in his lap, flushed and glowing and way too content to make it convincing. “Well. Maybe I like it... a little.”
He chuckled, low and rich. “You like it a lot, little one.”
I didn’t argue. Because he was right. The truth was, Loki was dominant by nature—always had been. A strategist. A prince. A force of magic and mischief. Always underestimated. Always dismissed. But with me, he could be all of it.
When he took control, I was free. Free to let go. To just feel. To be his—nothing more, nothing less. With me, he could be everything: dark and hungry, in command, utterly powerful. And still kind. Still gentle. Still mine.
The perfect balance of shadow and light.
And somehow, I was the only one he’d ever trusted to see both.
I nearly startled when a loud rumble came from Loki’s stomach, making us both laugh.
“Well, someone’s got an appetite this morning,” I grinned.
“Well, I already had quite the workout today, so I do not think you can blame me,” he replied with a matching grin. “Do you want to eat privately, or would you rather see if there is more news about what happened last night?”
I could feel the curiosity sparking through him, so even though the idea of a slow, lazy morning was tempting, I decided to humor him.
“Let’s get dressed and see if we can find your parents and brother. Maybe they’ve learned more by now.”
We took a quick bath, and after Loki helped me dress and fix my hair, we left our room. Yara had already checked with the Queen’s handmaidens, and we knew Frigga and Odin would be in the dining hall for breakfast.
As Loki and I made our way through the palace, my thoughts turned—unbidden—to the imposter. I hoped someone would catch him soon. Not just to bring him to justice... but so I could finally feel safe again. While the last few days had been wonderful, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the imposter was still out there, waiting to ruin everything. Just like he almost had.
When we entered the dining hall, I spotted Frigga, Odin, and even Thor already seated at the table.
Thor was speaking with Odin about the new guard rotations. He must have been updated about the breach, because he gave Loki and me a quiet nod of approval.
“Well done repairing the wards,” he said softly.
There was no new information yet about the intruder or how they got into the vault, and I could feel Loki’s frustration. He wanted to catch the imposter even more now—for what he did to me, for daring to use Loki’s face to do it. I could feel how much that had hurt him. To think I’d been afraid of him, even for a moment. I hated that.
I rested my head on his thigh as he talked to his parents. Without missing a beat, he laced his fingers through mine, holding my hand beneath the table. Always attentive. Always making sure I was okay.
When breakfast ended, Thor and Loki prepared to go train together. I waved them off and lingered for a moment, unsure of what I wanted to do next. I thought about heading for the gardens—but the memory of walking there with Muriel hit me hard. I hadn’t thought of him much lately, not with everything going on, but that sudden wave of grief and guilt caught me off guard.
I wandered the halls, a little aimless, until a hand touched mine.
I looked up and found Frigga beside me.
“My dear, are you alright?” she asked gently. “I could not help but notice the change in your face as you passed by.”
I gave her a small, sad smile. “I was thinking about taking a walk in the gardens, but then I remembered I used to walk there with Muriel.” I sighed. “It still feels strange, thinking he’s really gone.”
Frigga nodded, her expression warm but understanding. “If you do not wish to speak of him, I understand—especially now that you are with my son. But... did you love Muriel greatly?”
I shook my head. “No. I hope that doesn’t make me sound heartless,” I said, then hesitated, the thought slipping in uninvited. Or like I just jump from one man to another… “I liked him a lot, and we were seeing if there could be something more, but I ended it. I cared about him—as a friend—but that was really all it ever was.”
She gave my arm a gentle squeeze. “Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between the two. Not just when a lover is more of a friend—but also when a friend is something more.”
I laughed softly. “That’s exactly what happened. One with Muriel... and the other with Loki.”
Frigga smiled. We turned a corner, and I realized she’d led me to a garden I hadn’t been in before.
“This garden is quite different from the others,” she said. “I hope it does not remind you of him.”
It didn’t. This place was quieter, warmer—tucked away like a secret. I stepped forward to take it in.
“Would you like some time alone?” Frigga asked.
“Would you mind staying with me?” I asked instead.
She gave me a look full of kindness. “I would be glad to.”
As we wandered, she showed me rare plants and blossoms, each more beautiful than the last. The garden truly was a marvel—elegant, serene, and gently warm despite the spring air.
“It is lovely to see you enjoying this,” Frigga said. “This is my personal garden. I take great pride in it, and I have ensured the temperature remains pleasant year-round. I like to enjoy it whenever I please, without freezing or overheating.”
I smiled. “It’s beautiful. You can tell how much care went into it.”
We came to a tree with a wide bench swing hanging from one of its thick branches. I couldn’t resist climbing onto it, curling into the corner with my feet tucked under me. Frigga smiled and sat beside me, settling gracefully into the other side of the swing as it swayed gently beneath us.
“Did you and Loki struggle to restore the ward?” she asked after a few quiet moments. “He said it was easy, but I could see how tired you both were.”
I shook my head. “It was tiring, but not difficult. Of course, Loki makes everything look easy. But he was able to balance the Seiðr and stamina between us—he takes more of the physical strain, and I provide more of the magic.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “You two never cease to amaze me. It is easy to see now that you were always meant for each other, but even before that—when you were still unconscious in the healing ward—my son grew attached to you. At the time, I thought perhaps it was because you were found with Fenrir, and he did not want anyone blaming his wolf for what had happened to you. I believed he stayed close out of duty, out of guilt... but now I know better.”
She smiled gently. “And once you woke, the friendship that bloomed... it was beautiful to witness. Now that you are in love, it feels as though the final piece has fallen into place.”
I felt warmth in my chest at her words and gave her hand a soft squeeze.
She chuckled softly. “Listen to me. I am becoming sentimental. Did you enjoy your time in the vault? I imagine Loki showed you a few treasures. Many may look unremarkable, but I know he can spin tales that bring them to life.”
I hesitated. “He did, but... I don’t think I should go back in there.”
Her brows lifted, curious, and I explained about the bracelets. “It’s the elemental bracers,” I said quietly. “There was… a pull. I don’t know how to describe it. The moment I saw them, it was like something deep inside me reached out without my permission. My body wanted to touch them, to wear them, even though my mind screamed at me not to. It felt ancient, overwhelming, like they were calling to something in me I didn’t understand.”
I paused, then continued more softly. “Loki told me Angrboda wanted them. I don’t want to be near them again—not just because of the danger, but because I don’t want to bring her back into his thoughts. He’s still so ashamed of what she did to him.”
Frigga’s expression softened. “He feels things deeply. Most would never know, not unless they truly saw him. But you—you are the one person he cannot hide from. With you feeling his emotions, there is no mask he can wear.”
I smiled, though a bit sheepishly. “Well, he did manage to fool me for a while. I was so oblivious to how he really felt.”
We sat together for a long time, talking and enjoying the peace of the garden.
Then a tingle bloomed at the back of my neck—a ripple of Loki’s voice through our bond.
“Aurora, I am with Thor and Father in the council room. There has been an attack on one of the outer cities. I believe it is something you and Mother may wish to attend. Could you find her and bring her here”
“I’m with her now. We’ll be right there.” I replied
I looked at Frigga and explained what Loki had told me. Without hesitation, we made our way to the council room.
When we entered, I spotted Loki, Thor, and Odin seated at a long table, surrounded by a cluster of advisors. In the center hovered a large, glowing map of what I assumed was Asgard, shifting and flickering with points of light.
Frigga gently guided me to a small balcony overlooking the table. As we sat down, she leaned in to explain, “This space allows us to observe without interrupting the proceedings.”
I settled in beside her and glanced down. Loki’s eyes found mine for just a heartbeat, the bond tingling with warmth before he turned his attention back to the conversation. The advisors were talking over each other, and I could feel his growing frustration through like a dull ache.
“It seems several towns near the Niflheim border have been attacked,” he sent through our bond. “The reports are conflicting—some claim spiders and wolves, others swear they saw dwarves or frost giants. It is chaos.”
He focused again on the table, leaving me to quietly relay the message to Frigga. We waited through the noise and disagreement until finally, Odin rose to his feet, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
“My counselors, I have heard enough. We cannot afford to act on speculation. I want our best scouts dispatched immediately. We need clear reports—what towns have fallen, what threats remain. We must identify our enemy before we engage.”
He looked to his sons.
“Thor will lead the army to reclaim the border cities. Loki will oversee intelligence gathering—he will command the scouts and infiltrators. Once he has the information, you will regroup and strike together.”
Both brothers nodded in solemn agreement, and though their expressions remained composed, I felt my heart sink into my stomach.
Frigga’s hand found mine.
“I know it does not ease the worry,” she said softly, “but both of them have weathered worse. They are experienced, trained, and capable. Still…” She gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “If it were up to me, I would shield them from all of this. But they are no longer boys. They are warriors.”
I nodded, but the lump in my throat made speaking impossible. Loki was leaving. And he was heading straight into danger.
His eyes found mine again, and I knew he felt my fear. I also felt how it unsettled him—how much he hated being the cause of my distress. Not that it showed on the surface.
Odin dismissed the advisors, and the room began to clear. Frigga rose and when Odin left she followed him out. I waited a moment, then approached where Thor and Loki were still bent over the map, quietly finalizing their strategy.
When Thor left, I stayed behind.
Loki turned to me without hesitation and wrapped his arms around me.
“I am sorry this upsets you,” he whispered near my ear.
I clung to him, not sure what to say. My thoughts were a mess, questions tumbling through me like pebbles in a river. If I started talking here, I might just start crying.
Then I heard his voice again, quiet in my mind. “Do you want to go back to our chambers and talk about this?”
I looked up at him. “Don’t you have things to take care of?”
He only smiled—and a second Loki shimmered into existence beside us. That version of him bowed slightly, his eyes twinkling. “You are quite fortunate, my love,” he said smoothly, “that I can actually be in two places at once.”
The illusionary Loki turned and walked away.
My Loki kept me in his arms. With a soft pulse of magic, the world blinked around us. A heartbeat later, we were in his room again.
I sighed, long and low, and felt Loki flinch.
I stepped back, tugged him gently to the sofa, and pulled him down with me. I climbed into his lap and curled against him, trying to gather my thoughts.
“Loki… I know you have to do this,” I said slowly. “You’re a prince, and a powerful one at that. I know how strong and capable you are—I’m not going to ask you to stay. But it doesn’t stop me from being scared. The thought of you out there without me, in danger... it terrifies me. And I know you can feel that, and I’m sorry for it. But I love you. And even though I’ll never stand in your way, deep down... gods, I wish I could.”
I felt his love wash over me like a warm tide.
“I understand, Aurora,” he murmured. “Truly, I do. If I had any choice, I would stay here with you. But this is my duty, and I will not shirk it. Still, I would never take unnecessary risks. I always fight to win—and now, I have even more reason to come back safely. I have you.”
His hand came under my chin, tilting my face toward his. “Please know this—I will do everything in my power to return to you. I will not endanger what we have.”
I smiled, blinking back tears, and wrapped my arms around his neck. I kissed him hard, giving him everything I couldn’t quite say. When I finally pulled back, I saw the love in his eyes.
“I would never risk us,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to my nose. “Now... I imagine you have questions.”
I nodded. “When do you leave?”
I felt the subtle shift in him—his hesitation.
“Tonight,” he admitted. “My other self is already selecting scouts and infiltrators. The sooner we move, the better chance we have of containing this threat.”
My stomach twisted. I leaned into him, and he held me tighter.
“Do you know how long you’ll be gone?”
He shook his head. “No. After I finish my part, I will join Thor. We will stay until the threat is dealt with. That could take time.”
I nodded again, more slowly this time. “What about our bond? We’ve never been apart for this long—or across such a distance. Will it still work?”
He looked thoughtful. “I suspect we will still feel each other—especially very strong emotions—but not in the detail we do now. Communication will be more difficult, and it will cost us more Seiðr. If you do reach out and I do not respond right away, please do not panic. I may be conserving my strength—or in a situation where I cannot respond safely.”
I pressed my face to his chest. “I know it’s stupid to ask, but can i go with you? I know i would hold you back, but it would also help you. I ccould have share my magic with you. Helped you replenish your Seiðr when if your runs low.”
I pressed my face to his chest. “I know it’s stupid to ask, but… can I come with you?”
He stilled.
“I know I’d hold you back,” I continued before he could speak, “but it would help you too. I could share my magic with you—help replenish your Seiðr if it runs low. And it’s not just that. You’d be stronger with me there. You’d worry less. I’d feel safer with you, not here wondering if you’re hurt—or worse.”
I could feel how my plea hit him through the bond. The tangle of emotion it stirred: protectiveness, pain, guilt. His hands stroked down my back as he pulled me tighter.
“I know it’s foolish,” I added, voice smaller, “but the thought of you going through this without me—again—feels unbearable.”
Loki sighed softly against my hair. “You cannot come with me, Aurora.”
I closed my eyes.
“I would keep you at my side always, if I could,” he said gently. “But this—this is not a journey I can take you on. It is not just battle. It is tracking a dangerous, hidden enemy through uncertain terrain. You would be at constant risk. Your safety would always be my first concern, and it would divide my focus when I need it whole. And if anything happened to you out there…” He paused, emotion tightening his voice. “I would lose all reason.”
I wanted to argue. I wanted to push, just a little. But I didn’t. Because he was right.
Still, frustration flared hot in my chest.
“If I were full Æsir, trained like Sif, I wouldn’t be useless!” I said bitterly. “I’d be right there beside you, where I belong. Not stuck here, helpless.”
He pulled back just enough to look at me, brows furrowed, gaze intense.
“You may not be Æsir,” he said slowly, “but do not ever speak of yourself as useless.”
His hand came up, cupping my cheek, thumb brushing my skin.
“You calm me when I would be reckless. You anchor me when I would spiral. Your magic fuels mine, yes—but your presence fuels me. You are not a sword at my side. You are the part of me that makes all of this worth returning to.”
My throat tightened.
“I do not want you for what you could be if you were more like someone else,” he continued, his voice rough with sincerity. “I want you. The way you are. The way you see people. The way you balance my darkness. You are my strength, Aurora—not a weapon, not a tool, you.”
I blinked hard, tears stinging at the edges of my eyes.
He leaned in, his forehead resting gently against mine.
“You are not apart from me because you are weak. You are apart so that I have something worth fighting to return to.”
The ache in my chest softened as his words sank in. I closed the space between us with a kiss—slow and full of emotion. He kissed me back just as tenderly, his fingers threading through my hair, grounding me. There was nothing hurried about it, just the warmth of two people holding each other together for one more moment.
But then, because I couldn’t sit in my own sadness any longer, I let my fingers drift to his sides and gave him a sharp little tickle.
He jerked slightly, caught off guard, and a surprised laugh burst out of him. “You wicked little creature,” he gasped between chuckles.
I grinned as I leaned into him, laughing with him, letting the heaviness lift for just a while. He caught me in his arms and playfully rolled me beneath him on the cushions, peppering my face with kisses until I was giggling and squirming.
He finally pulled back and pressed one last kiss to my nose, still laughing.
“Still, Aurora... You are the only person in the realms who would offer to be my spare power source. Anyone else would have twisted their gifts into a means for fame or glory—but not you, my love.”
I shrugged, giving him a small smile. “I don’t want glory or power. I don’t want to fight or feel the chaos around me. I just want you safe. And I know you're safest when your magic is at full strength.”
A thought lit up in my mind.
“Loki... is it possible for you to store more Seiðr than you're used to?”
He looked puzzled. “Store more?”
“Like the magical artifacts do,” I explained. “If I gave you excess Seiðr now—while I’m here and safe—could you hold onto it and use it later, in a dire moment?”
He shook his head. “No, my love. While I can absorb more than I immediately require, I must use it within moments. If I do not, I begin to experience side effects—not lethal, but... problematic. It dulls focus, clouds the mind. Think of it as severe intoxication—similar to consuming far too much alcohol.”
I nodded slowly. The image it conjured was almost amusing—Loki, drunk on magic, stumbling through spells like someone deep in their cups—but in enemy territory, that kind of disorientation could be deadly.
No. He needed his wits sharp. No extra Seiðr, then.
I sighed, already missing him before he’d even gone. But then I caught the familiar gleam in his eyes—the one that usually meant something outrageous or clever was about to come out of his mouth.
“What?” I asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.
He gave me a lopsided grin. “You gave me an idea.”
I raised an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”
“If you are truly serious about sharing your Seiðr with me...” he began, tilting his head like he was working out the details in real-time, “then there may be another way I can return to you—periodically. Not by direct teleportation; the distance is too great for that, not regularly at least. It would drain me too quickly.”
My heart sank a little. “So then what?”
He leaned forward, his voice dropping as if he were about to share a secret. “There are places—hidden ones—connected to Yggdrasil. Old, forgotten portals woven through the World Tree itself. Most think they were lost ages ago, but I know of a few that still exist.”
I blinked. “Portals?”
He nodded. “They are like... shortcuts through the fabric of the realms. If I can travel—or teleport—to one near my assigned region, I can use it to return to the palace in an instant. It will still cost Seiðr to reach the portal, but nothing compared to leaping directly back home.” His expression sobered. “Which, to be honest, would be nearly impossible. That kind of distance would drain me completely. I would burn out my magic... and i would probably die.”
I flinched. “Don’t say that.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, sharp with panic. My chest clenched so tightly it hurt. I hated when he joked about dying—even lightly. Even logically.
His expression softened the moment he felt it through our bond. He reached for me, brushing a thumb along my cheek, grounding me. “Hey. I said probably.”
“Loki.”
He chuckled quietly, then kissed my temple. “Alright. I will not die. Because I am not stupid enough to try something that dangerous. That is why this portal idea is perfect. It allows me to return to you now and then—without pushing myself to the brink.”
A slow, delighted grin spread across my face. “You’re serious?”
He grinned back, eyes twinkling. “Entirely,” clearly pleased by my reaction. “I cannot do it daily, but I could visit from time to time—let’s say like weekly? Replenish myself, see you. Sleep in our bed, hold you in my arms, make sure we both stay sane through all of this.”
“And I can help recharge you when you get here!” I exclaimed.
“Exactly. As soon as I arrive, I’ll draw what I need from you, restore my Seiðr, and when i return to the field it will be with full strength.”
I threw my arms around him, nearly knocking us both back on the couch. “Loki, that’s... that’s perfect.”
He chuckled, the sound low and warm in my ear. “I thought you might approve. I shall speak to Father today. I will present it as a strategic necessity—explain that the portals provide faster, more secure routes for relaying intelligence. That returning briefly to replenish my Seiðr will make me far more effective in the field, allowing me to expend more power without hesitation if needed. And that I have never had this option before... because I have never had you.”
I pulled back slightly, just enough to meet his eyes. “Do you think your father will go for it?” The worry crept into my voice before I could stop it. I really didn’t want Odin to shut this down.
Loki gave me one of those smug little grins that somehow made my heart do a ridiculous flip. “I’m the god of mischief, remember? I’ll make it sound like the most logical plan Asgard has heard in centuries. Besides…” He leaned in, brushing his lips over mine, “I am absolutely not telling him the real reason I want to return is to fall asleep beside you and wake tangled in your arms.”
That last part made my heart squeeze. “Even if it is once a week... it is enough.”
He nodded solemnly. “More than that, if I can manage. But once a week at the very least.”
I wrapped my arms tighter around his shoulders and leaned in. “And you will leave a double in your place?”
“Yes. He will be able to take messages, maintain appearances, and ensure no one suspects I am gone when I come back to you. And should anything happen while I am away, I shall know it the moment it occurs and return immediately.”
He paused, eyes sharpening slightly as he shifted into strategy mode. “I shall not know the precise amount of Seiðr it takes to reach the portal until the first attempt. But once I have done it, I shall. The next time I return to you and you replenish me , I shall draw exactly the amount required as extra—just enough to be used the moment I step through the portal and teleport directly back to where my double is stationed. Quick. Clean. No guesswork and no side effects because it will be gone moments after I draw the extra seidr from you.”
I blinked. “That actually sounds... efficient.”
I pulled back just far enough to meet his eyes. “Will you be safe inside those portals?”
There was the briefest hesitation before he answered, followed by a small shrug. “I have used them before. They are ancient—part of Yggdrasil itself, threads woven through the Realms. But they are not without danger.”
He met my gaze, steady. “The energy within them is wild. Unpredictable. If one enters without the proper control or missteps during the passage, the portal may tear a body apart. They are not meant for the faint of heart—or those with limited Seiðr.”
His mouth curved into that familiar, maddening smirk. “Fortunately for us, I am neither.”
“Ah,” I teased, raising a brow. “So what you are saying is... they are not for amateurs.”
A flicker of unease stirred low in my chest. I did not like the sound of it—not one bit. But I knew him. I had seen the way he moved through magic as if it were part of him. If anyone could walk ancient, volatile power and emerge with a grin on his face, it was Loki. I trusted him. Absolutely.
“Exactly,” he said, smug and elegant. “Which is why I am qualified.”
I narrowed my eyes, letting the weight in my chest dissolve into something lighter. “And humble, clearly.”
He gave me a sly grin. “You did not fall in love with me for my humility.”
“No,” I admitted with a soft laugh. “I fell for the whole maddening, infuriating, brilliant package.”
His grin widened, but he did not argue. The moment lingered—a breath suspended—before the weight of our plan settled again between us like something fragile and real.
Then I nodded, slow and certain. “Alright. I will do whatever I can to help. Maybe we can use the bond for small updates between visits, so I can relay anything urgent to your father. I will stay safe here in the palace... and I will be ready when you return, so I can restore your Seiðr right away.”
He exhaled through his nose, his brow pressing gently against mine. “Thank you, little one. I can bear anything if I know I shall see you again.”
And I felt it—how his emotions shifted with mine through the bond. My dread no longer felt suffocating. I had a purpose, a way to help him even from afar. I was not helpless. And that made all the difference.
That steadiness returned to him in kind, tightening his focus like a drawn string. I could feel it in him—the quiet certainty, the determination. He would lead, endure, succeed... and come back to me.
And I would be waiting. Ready to catch him when he did.
“I shall bring this plan to my father today,” he said. “And I shall tell him that our bond may be used to send updates through you, and that he may contact me through you if needed. He alone will know. No one else must suspect what we can do.”
I nodded. “Of course. Whatever helps. But... your father will not stop you from coming back between missions, will he? He might argue that the bond is enough for communication.”
He gave me a familiar, sly smirk. “Darling, I am the God of Mischief. I shall make it sound like the most tactical brilliance the Allfather has ever heard. Long conversations through the bond would be draining, but the true advantage—our advantage—is that you can replenish me. That is something no one else can offer. If I did not believe it was possible—or that my father would not see the merit—I would never have given you false hope.”
But even as he said it, I felt that subtle shift in him—the quiet weight of worry. The protector in him returning. The part of him that always thought first of my safety.
“Aurora... please,” he said softly. “Promise me you will be careful.” He cupped my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek. “Wear your weapons when you leave this room. If you are ever uncertain, stay here—our chambers are the most heavily warded, and I shall reinforce them before I depart. If you must leave the castle, or attempt anything uncertain, take my mother with you—or someone we trust.”
That quiet vulnerability rose in him again, subtle but clear. Like he feared asking too much of me.
“I will do as you ask, Loki,” I said gently. “I know this is hard for you, too. If staying in our room and wearing my blades around the castle helps you feel better, then I will. I will stay out of trouble. You focus on getting back to me, and I will focus on being here for you to come back to. If anything comes up—or if I need to go anywhere—I will ask your mother for help.”
His arms wrapped around me, his forehead resting against mine once more.
“Thank you, my love,” he murmured. “Between the precautions, the bond, and the knowledge that I shall see you again with regular intervals... I believe I can endure this.”
He glanced at the nearby clock and sighed. Midday already. Time was slipping fast. Even with his double managing most of the practical matters as we were speaking, there were preparations only he could make.
“Shall we eat something?” he asked softly. “After that, I must begin final arrangements.”
I did not answer—not with words. I slid from his lap, only to straddle him again a moment later, cupping his face between my hands. His eyes, so full of love it nearly knocked the breath from me, locked on mine. I leaned in and kissed him—deep and slow and lingering. Like it might be the last kiss before everything changed.
When we finally pulled apart, our breathing unsteady, I murmured against his lips, “Do you need lunch? Or is that something you can skip... just this once?”
Within moments, I was in his arms, wrapped in warmth and strength—and then we were already on his bed, naked and tangled like it had just happened without thought. It felt instinctual, like our bodies had made the decision for us before we even caught up. There had been plenty of passion between us lately, but this felt different. There was a deeper urgency in it, like some part of us knew this could be the last time for a while. We didn’t say it out loud, but we both felt it.
He pinned me down gently, his weight solid against me, grounding me. His mouth was hot on my neck, kissing, grazing, breathing me in. His hips pressed into mine, slow and deliberate, like he needed me to feel every bit of him. There wasn’t any teasing this time. No drawn-out game or clever quip—just raw need. His hands moved over my skin like he was trying to memorize it, like if he didn’t touch all of me now, he might forget what I felt like while he was gone.
When he finally slid inside me, I sucked in a breath. It wasn’t rough, and it wasn’t rushed. He moved slowly, deeply, filling me inch by inch while his eyes stayed locked on mine. Normally, being stared at like that would make me self-conscious, but not with Loki. With him, it felt intimate—like he was seeing everything I was and loving it anyway.
We started to move together, slow and steady. There was no awkwardness or hesitation. Just rhythm. Just us. I couldn’t feel anything else—only the heat between us, the bond pulling tighter with every movement. Every time our hips met, it felt like something stronger was being built between us. Something lasting.
I opened my legs more and felt him sink deeper. My breath hitched, and he groaned, low and rough, like he felt it just as much. I gripped his shoulders tighter, rocked into him, and soon the slow rhythm gave way to something more urgent. His hands locked onto my hips and his thrusts grew harder, deeper, less controlled.
I whimpered into his shoulder as my nails dragged down his back. He didn’t stop. Didn’t flinch. If anything, it made him growl and move faster, like the sound of my pleasure pushed him higher. His muscles flexed beneath my hands, his whole body working like he was trying to burn the feeling of this into both of us.
“I need this,” he ground out, voice low and tight. “Need you.”
“I’m yours,” I breathed. And I meant it.
He growled in response and flipped me onto my stomach without warning, dragging my hips up. I gasped as he slammed back into me, both hands locked tight around my waist as he started to thrust hard and fast. I buried my face into the sheets, my knees barely holding me up as he moved. It was raw. Desperate. Every thrust was a silent promise: You’re mine. I’ll never leave you. I will come back to you.
I could feel his need through the bond—like it was carved into every part of him. He wasn’t being careful anymore. He was taking what he needed, and I let him. Gods, I wanted him to.
He dragged me back against his chest, still buried inside me, one arm tight across my chest, pulling my head back to rest against his shoulder. His mouth found mine in a kiss so deep, so hungry, it left me dizzy. I could barely breathe. My legs shook, barely holding us up, as that pressure inside me started to spiral fast out of control. His other hand slipped down between my thighs, rubbing slow, maddening circles right where I needed him most.
“Come for me,” he growled against my ear, voice dark and low and full of command.
I shattered with a cry, my body locking around him as I came hard, breath catching in my throat. He didn’t stop—not even as my legs buckled. He held me upright, kissed my neck, my jaw, my shoulder, and whispered my name like a prayer.
When he gently pushed me back down to the bed I followed, I felt his restraint slip entirely. His rhythm faltered, became frantic. I clawed at the sheets, moaning as he drove into me again and again until I could feel the edge of his climax rising through our bond.
And then, with a deep, guttural sound, he came—hard, spilling into me with his face buried in my neck and his entire body shaking.
For a long moment, we just lay there. Breathing. Sweating. Still tangled, still connected.
Eventually, he pulled out and collapsed beside me. My body ached in the best way, and when I shifted slightly, he smirked at the wince it caused.
“You’re ridiculous,” I muttered, even as I snuggled closer.
He kissed the top of my head. “And you’re still smiling.”
I was. Because if this was our last time for a while—then I would carry this with me. Every look, every sound, every breath, every ache. It would have to be enough to keep me whole till he was in my arms again. And from the way he held me... he felt the same.
He slowly rolled to his side and pulled me with him, guiding me into the warm cradle of his arms. I tucked myself in close, listening to the quick thud of his heartbeat as it slowly began to settle. I kissed his chest softly and murmured the words that were always just beneath the surface.
“I love you.”
We stayed like that for a while, wrapped in quiet comfort, until I forced myself to move. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t let him go at all. I pulled him up with a teasing tug and motioned toward the bathing pool. He groaned in protest but followed me, and we washed quickly. A little magic later, we were both dressed again—me in my leather and weapons, him in his formal armor. The shift in appearance made it feel real again.
He wanted to discuss a few more details with his father before departure, but I made him eat something first, refusing to let him skip another meal. Thankfully, he humored me, scarfing down a quick lunch before heading toward Odin’s chambers. He promised to come find me again before he left.
As I watched him disappear down the corridor, I saw Thor exiting just before Loki entered. His energy was entirely different—excited, even eager. I walked over and caught the tail end of a boast to some noble about the coming battle. When the noble wandered off, I stepped beside him.
“Hello, Thor,” I said with a small smile. “You seem... very ready for this.”
He grinned like a boy given a new toy. “Yes, sister. Indeed. It has been far too long since I had the chance to prove myself in true battle. There shall be tales worth telling after this one, I can feel it.”
I smiled but couldn’t fully share in his excitement. The idea of battle still twisted something cold in my stomach. But I remembered what Muriel once told me—how Asgardians were raised to embrace the glory of war, even when the cost was high.
“Thor,” I said softly, “I know you’d do it regardless... but please make sure you all come back. Safely.”
He nodded, his grin fading into something more solemn. “I swear to you, sister. I shall do all I can to bring us home. I understand how hard this must be for you—to stay behind while the people you care about ride off to fight. But know that we shall take care of one another.”
I gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you. I’ll ask the same of Loki when I see him. I don’t want to lose anyone.”
Thor pulled me into one of his massive hugs, lifting me clear off the ground, and I squealed with laughter. He chuckled as he set me down.
“That is better,” he said. “Keep your spirits up, sister. I know it is difficult, but if Loki senses your fear too deeply, he shall carry it with him—and it shall weigh him down.”
I nodded, already knowing he was right. I needed to be strong—for Loki’s sake as much as my own. Besides, if Odin approved our plan, Loki would be able to come back. He’d made it sound like a strategic advantage, but we both knew the real reason was more personal.
I was still smiling when Thor gave me a suspicious look. “What are you planning?” he asked, narrowing his eyes. “That look… I have seen it often enough on my brother to know it means mischief.”
Before I could answer, Loki stepped out of Odin’s chambers, and I motioned him over.
“What did your father say about our plan?” I asked, eyes flicking toward Thor.
Loki’s smile was bright. “He approved. I presented it as a tactical method to relay information faster, and a way to keep my Seiðr replenished so I may remain effective in the field.”
Thor looked between us with amusement as Loki gave him a brief rundown of what he had told Odin.
“Ah, now I see why you were smiling,” Thor said to me. “While this plan certainly has strategic merit... I can also see the added benefit for the two of you.”
I blushed, and Loki smirked. “Well, brother, I cannot let you and Sif have all the fun while we are away.”
Thor shook his head and laughed. “Yes, let us say this plan is... beneficial to many.”
I laughed with them, and the three of us headed off to find the others.
The rest of the day passed quickly. I spent time with the whole group—Sif, the Warriors Three, Thor, and Loki—helping them prepare. That evening, we shared a private meal together, a last quiet moment before the storm.
Night fell faster than I was ready for. Loki and the scouts would leave under cover of darkness, while Thor and the others rode out beside them to scout for the main army that would follow in the morning. Once they neared enemy territory, Loki would split off with his team to begin infiltration. That was the part I dreaded most. During that phase, he wouldn’t be able to contact me—or return.
As we walked toward the stables, Loki caught my hand and pulled me into a shadowed alcove. His mouth found mine in a kiss that stole the breath from my lungs.
“I will miss you greatly, my love,” he said, kissing me deeply. “I swear I shall do everything in my power to return to you, and to make my time away as brief as I can.”
I pulled him close, wrapping my arms around him. “I’ll hold you to that promise. I love you so much. And I’ll do as you asked—I’ll stay safe. Just… look after yourself too. And Thor. And the others. I don’t want anything to happen to any of you.”
He nodded, but I felt it—that slight shift in him. That hesitation, the guilt creeping in behind the certainty. He did not say it, but I knew. Leaving me like this was pulling at him.
So I took a quiet breath, steadying myself. I reached inward, touched the raw ache rising in my chest… and smoothed it down. Just enough. I softened the jagged edges, quieted the panic, and let only calm pass through our bond. Not fake happiness—just steadiness. Love, trust, quiet strength.
He did not seem to notice the change. But I felt his emotions settle slightly, his focus return. That was all I wanted. I would not be the reason he left with doubt in his heart.
I smiled and took his hand. “Come on. Let’s go. Or it’s not going to get any easier.”
He exhaled and squared his shoulders. “No, it is not.”
He led me through the corridor toward the stables, our arms linked as though we had all the time in the world. When we arrived, I saw Thor already there, finishing his goodbyes with Odin and Frigga. Loki and I approached them, and when he stepped forward to speak with his parents, I gently slipped my arm through Frigga’s and stood beside her.
A few moments later, they all began to mount their horses. Loki climbed into the saddle with his usual graceful ease, and I watched him as he adjusted the reins. I knew he could still feel me, still feel that thread between us humming with the steadiness I had chosen to give him.
His eyes met mine. He gave the smallest of nods, and then turned his gaze forward as the group began to ride out.
I raised my hand in farewell, watching until the last of them disappeared into the night. Only then did I turn away, Frigga still at my side, and quietly walked back with her toward the palace.
It was Odin, to my surprise, who spoke first.
“My dear, I wish to commend you for helping make this easier. I know you love Loki dearly, and love Thor as your brother. But the way you supported their leave and held your head high as they rode off... it was not only good for my sons, it was a great support to me and my people. There is little more unsettling to the court than watching their leaders cry and despair as their husbands or sons ride into war. Though I know your feelings on the inside were quite different, I thank you for standing by us as you did.”
I smiled at him. “Thank you, Odin. That means a lot to me. I’m happy I can help in any way.”
He gave a small nod of approval, his expression thoughtful. It was already quite late. The three of us walked back toward the royal wing, and after wishing them both goodnight, I slipped quietly into my chambers.
I got ready for bed in a daze, the heaviness of the day still lingering in my chest—until I felt the familiar tingle at the back of my neck.
“Hello, love. I imagine you are preparing for bed?” Loki’s voice, soft and warm, echoed in my mind. “I thought to reach out while I am still within range.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“I was, actually. I’m glad you did. I wanted to contact you too... but I think it’s better if you’re the one to initiate, unless it’s urgent. Just in case it’s a bad time.”
I felt his amusement flicker faintly through the bond.
“A wise choice. We must keep quiet as we ride, so it is a bit dull... hence the check-in. And yes, it is best if I reach out first. I shall always know how far I am and whether it would disrupt my focus.”
There was a short pause, and then his tone shifted, warm and sincere.
“I just wanted to say goodnight... and thank you. Thank you for supporting me when I left. I love you more than I can say, and I promise I will do my best to return to you soon.”
My heart squeezed at his words.
“I love you too, Loki. And I can’t wait to have you home with me again.”
His love bloomed through the bond, and I sent mine back just as fiercely.
“I shall let you sleep now,” he said gently. “I imagine by tomorrow, I will be too far to feel your emotions as clearly. So I plan to savor them while I can. But please, try to rest.”
I curled up in bed and focused on the bond, letting my awareness stretch until I could feel him again. There was a trace of anxious energy in him, but also calm, even a bit of contentment. He was still thinking of me.
That was the last thing I felt before sleep finally took me.