His Dove (Loki Laufeyson)

Part 98 (Throne)

I was genuinely surprised how well Tony and Loki got along over the next few days. I was sure it took effort on both of their parts, but during times it seemed as though they got along seamlessly, as if it didn't take effort at all.

"We head home today, darling." Loki hummed against my ear the morning of our departure.

I sighed, nuzzling further into him.

"I know, dove. Stark and I will plan another trip for all of us soon." He murmured, kissing my temple.

"Thank you, for everything." I whispered, looking up at him. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

He smiled sweetly at me, nuzzling his nose against mine.

"You'll never have to know, darling." He sighed contently, his fingers gently toying with the ring on my finger. "If you weren't stuck with me before, you most certainly are now."

"I'll run you off eventually." I teased, before placing a chaste kiss on Loki's grinning lips.

"There's not a chance of that my dove."

As Loki and I went into the kitchen, I noticed Tony already up with a bag in hand.

"Alright, Ladybug. I head out in 10."

I sighed but walked straight into his awaiting arms, hugging him back tightly.

"I love you, Toaster." I mumbled, my head resting comfortably on his chest.

"I love you too, kiddo." He whispered, "Unconditionally."

When I eventually pulled away, I could've swore I almost saw a glint of tears in his eyes, though I'd never expect him to cry.

"We'll do this again. Soon." He said, forcing a smile though I could feel his heartache like a gloomy cloud in the room. "I missed seeing you."

"I've missed you too. Soon."

Wanda and Vision left next, with Wanda hugging me tightly and even placing a small kiss to the top of Elias' head as she raved about how much fun she had with us.

"Until next time, my bruja." I said with a smile.

She grinned. "Next time, my zeitate."

After everyone left, Loki hugged tightly around my waist, his chin resting atop my head as I looked out the window, watching the water's soft flow outside.

"This place is so nice." I hummed.

"I'm incredibly glad you think so, dove."

"Oh?"

"It makes it far more enjoyable to tell you I have full control over this property."

I furrowed my eyebrows, tilting my head upwards to look at Loki.

"You own this place?"

He smiled softly, "Technically, Ikol Larsen owns this house." He shifted quickly into the same look he had used long ago, when he stayed in my apartment on midgard, before shifting back. "I knew you needed a safe place here. At the very least, to see your family. I do apologize it isn't closer to your country, but it wasn't very logical to get a townhouse in New York."

"I love you." I hummed through a small smile.

"And I you, my lovely little dove." He responded with a kiss to the top of my head. "Now come, I'm sure mother is anxiously awaiting our arrival home."

Getting back to the palace was exhausting. While we were away, whispers had spread through the kingdom about our hushed activities, meaning rumors spread like wildfire. The girls all snuck a peek at my left hand, cooing and awing at the emerald and diamonds that now adorned my ring finger, while even the palace guards shared small smiles and smirks.

"Odin requests your presence in the throne room, my prince." A servant told Loki before we even managed to drop our things off to our chambers. "Yours as well, Lady Eirdottir."

"Thank you." I spoke quickly before Loki could make a snide comment.

He sighed as I took his arm, but I could tell he wasn't nearly as exasperated as he was letting on. He actually felt... Excited? Proud? I was quite unsure, but the feeling was almost tangible as we walked towards the throne room, what I could tell to be a suppressed smirk on Loki's face.

"Children!" Frigga's grin was nearly infectious as she bounded down the steps of the throne room, flinging her arms around Loki and I both. "How we've missed you!"

"It was only a few days, mother." Loki sighed, though smiled warmly at his mother.

"Yes, yes." She huffed, guiding the pair of us further in, further towards the throne. "But that doesn't mean I can't miss my darlings." She turned to me with a smile, "You're nearly glowing."

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "I've missed you tremendously, good mother."

"See? She knows how to greet her family."

"Welcome home, my children. I assume congratulations are in order?" Odin's voice boomed from the throne as we halted our approach.

"They are." Loki hummed back, suppressing a grin now.

"Wonderful. The court will be ecstatic to hear of such."

Loki theatrically rolled his eyes, though I could tell he was pleased with the comment.

Odin's version of saying he's happy, was saying the court would be.

"How are you feeling, Allfather?" I questioned, taking note of his slightly ragged breath.

To my surprise, the king smiled softly at me, as if he knew I would pluck up the courage to ask such a question.

"I need rest, dear daughter." He said quietly. "Which is the true reason I called the pair of you here."

"What?" Loki blurted out, his eyebrows furrowing.

"We must prepare for Odinsleep." He gruffly pointed out. "And I fear this may take longer than history has proven it to. Thus, Thor will not be entrusted to assume the throne. He's made it clear his loyalties lie with Midgard, and he has turned down the notion of being king for any extended amount of time."

"You'd like us to help mother?" Loki asked, almost hopefully. He liked the idea of being trusted to help Frigga run the kingdom, to be his beloved mother's advisor in such a vulnerable state.

"No, my son." Odin's words were firm, but not harsh. As if he wanted to nip that thought quickly from Loki's head without crushing his spirits. "I'd like you two to be wed as soon as we can arrange, so you may assume the throne."