His Dove (Loki Laufeyson)

Part 82 (Home)

A few days later, one of Odin's pesky little ravens had arrived with a letter for me. It stated simply that Frigga was sure of my work done in Vanaheim, and Heimdall was awaiting my call for home. I grinned as I read it, and instantly went to my room and packed my bag.

"Princess! What's the word?" I heard alongside a knock on the doorframe.

"I get to go home now." I said with a grin as I came into Fjolnir's view.

"Nooooo." He whined, though smiled at my reaction. "Stay one more night, I beg of you."

"Sorry, Nir. Home calls." I chuckled, spinning in excitement. "And, unfortunately, I would be pleased to escape unnoticed by your father."

Fjolnir sighed. "Perhaps I'll take the crown quicker than I anticipated. Maybe then you'll feel more comfortable to bask in the glory that is our realm."

I rolled my eyes at his joke as I finished shoving my stuff into my bag.

"Perhaps you should request a visit to Asgard if you wish to see me."

"Though I certainly would, I do believe your Prince would be quite cross with both you and I if I did. He seems a bit... Controlling, if I were to be blunt."

I scoffed. "Loki is not controlling, Nir. I can do what I want. I can have friends."

"I don't mean to be offensive, princess. I was simply stating that I... Don't think he's comfortable with the idea of you having friendships outside his preselected catalog." Fjolnir chuckled a bit. "It's almost as if he doesn't believe you can have 100% platonic relationships."

I furrowed my eyes at that prospect, though I wasn't entirely sure why. What friends did Loki have? He had the warriors... But Thor was also pretty certain Loki had slept with three out of four of them... Did he really think that way?

It would make sense, considering his insecurities, his constant jealousy.

I cleared my throat, grabbing my bag up as I began walking towards the door.

"I can have friends, Nir. Loki has never attempted to take a friendship from me."

"Simply to make the argument, princess, it doesn't sound like he needed to."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I scoffed out, turning to face him as we walked alongside one another.

"You said your friends on Midgard are no longer in contact, and outside of them your friendships were Loki's preselected warriors and his brother. Oh, and the maid who's baring the child of Fandral, the only warrior to cross Loki's graces when it comes to you."

He... Was completely right in that regard. I didn't keep friends outside of Thor's group, with the exception of being friendly with the servant girls. I opened my mouth to speak, but caught Frode as he walked through instead of speaking to Fjolnir.

"Pack your bags, gentlemen. Our stay has been cut short."

Frode gave me a respectful nod with a straight face, though I could feel the ecstatic reaction through the air. Even the guards weren't huge fans of the Vanir palace.

"Please, don't let my comments bother you." Fjolnir now said, grabbing my hand. "I simply... Gave my take on Loki's behavior as your friend. I have no ill will for he or your relationship. In fact, I'm sure you could move passed any of his hardships, with the awareness they exist."

"In the future, Nir, refrain from making comments on my relationship." I said firmly, my eyebrows furrowing. "When or if I feel the need for input, I will kindly ask."

"Yes, princess. My sincerest apologies." He said quickly, lifting my hand to press a kiss onto my knuckles. "I meant no disrespect."

"I know."

"Dani! Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?"

"Of course not!" I laughed as Sigyn quickly hugged me, stepping back with a small smile.

"I'll see you soon, I hope." She hummed. "My lady comes back in a couple weeks. I think you two would get along amazingly."

"I'll make sure to plan a visit soon." I assured the two Vanir, looking between them. "But for now, no offense, I'm excited to get back to my healing wing."

Fjolnir rolled his eyes, but smiled softly. "I'll send an owl to Asgard soon, to make arrangements for your eventual return." He hummed softly. "Though I understand you'll want some time home first."

Fjolnir walked me to the same bifrost landing Frigga and Loki had used, the Einherjar walking right behind us.

"Goodbye, princess. I'll miss you dearly." He said with a small smile, kissing my cheek. "Give my regards to Asgard."

"I'll miss you as well, Fjolnir. We will plan something soon."

With that I stepped into the circle, welcoming the five guards who huddled around me.

"Heimdall!" I called out with a grin, not waiting even a second before the swirl from the bifrost engulfed the sky.

Loki

"She just received the raven, Loki. She may choose to stay another day or two." Thor groaned as his brother led the way up the rainbow bridge.

"She won't." Loki responded with a grin.

"Don't be angry with her if she does."

"My princes." Heimdall said with a smile. "You're leaving?"

"Waiting on my lady, Heimdall." Loki responded with a small smile.

It was unlike the usually brooding prince to be so giddy about something, or even more someone. It took the guardian by surprise, especially since Danielle had yet to call for him. Quite a bit of Loki's behavior around the woman seemed to surprise the people of Asgard, though. He was simply... Different.

"Oh, well we may be waiting here for..."

"That's what I was telling him!" Thor boomed, not recognizing the guardian making his way to the bifrost with his sword in his hand.

He grinned as he threw it into its slot, turning it for the bifrost to open.

Not a second later, Danielle and the Einherjar were standing in front of the group.

"That's my girl." Loki lovingly praised with a smirk as she rushed him, throwing her arms around his neck with a giddy squeal.

"It's only been a few days since you saw him." Thor whined as his brother greeted first. "You haven't seen me in weeks!"

Dani rolled her eyes as she released Loki, but he refused to remove his grasp from her hips.

"Lo, let me give your brother a hug." Her soft voice sounded like a wondrous melody to Loki in the moment, and he only grinned wider.

"Absolutely not."

"That's okay, little siblings. I love you both." Thor said as he snatched the two of them into a hug.

"Thor, you oaf! Put us down!" Loki growled, while Danielle simply laid her head on Thor's shoulder.

"I missed you too, Thunder."