An Elf in Asgard (Loki xOC)

LVII

My face turns pink and I look at him. "What did you say?" I repeat, this time in a more dangerous tone. "N-Nothing, love. Forget it." I glare at him, and my jaw clenches. Loki knows he's done something wrong because in a millisecond, he kneels before me and rests his head on my waist with his hands on my hips. "I'm sorry, darling."

"You better be. You're lucky I'm still talking to you right now."

Loki looks up with tears brimming at his eyes. "Please forgive me, my Azalena. I didn't mean it...I was mad, and it just came out..." I close my eyes for a moment and huff. "I do everything I can for you. I became your wife three years ago under less than fortunate circumstances. I have been through hell and back, I've bore your children. If I am doing something wrong, for Norns sake tell me--"

"Azalena--"

"No! You don't get to interrupt me! I know what I'm doing. And you can't just tell me to forget it when you insult me and my dignity."

"I'm sorry, love. Please. Just don't go..." He whimpers, burying his face into my stomach. I huff, looking down and away from him. "I'm going. Whether you like it or not. Now please let go of me." He lets go, and sits on the bed. "You've changed, Azalena. And I'm not sure if it's for the better."

"Maybe getting poisoned, being brought back from the dead, and forced to witness your mother in law's death has something to do with it. Among other things."

"What does Frigga have to do with this?!"

"She was there for me when nobody was! She told me everything was going to be okay! If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be alive today. Neither of us would."

Tears begin to roll down my cheeks, not sad ones, but angry ones. Loki's eyes soften and he places his hands on my cheeks. "You've been through more than I can even imagine. But I don't want to lose you. Because if I do...I won't be able to go on without you."

He rests his head on top of mine, kissing the crown of my head. "I don't like it when we argue," he whispers, rubbing my back. "And I'm sorry I made you cry," he adds. I shake my head. "I know. I'm sorry for yelling. I just...there's no telling what will happen if I don't go to Alfheim voluntarily."

"What do you mean, voluntarily?"

"They could send soldiers from Alfheim to take me away."

Loki sighs and holds me against my chest. "If you must go, promise me something." I look up at him. "Anything."

"Promise me you will return unharmed. Otherwise I'll be very cross."

Usually, Loki would be joking but his tone is more serious than anything. "I promise. Promise you'll look after the children?" He nods. "Cross my heart." I swallow, nuzzling against him. "I leave tomorrow at sunrise. You'll be alright?" Loki nods.

"I have Thor to keep me company. And I'm sure the children will keep me on my toes. Make sure to write to me every night. I'll send you Muninn so she can keep you company as well."

"Good. I'm tired...we should go to sleep."

"We should." His voice is more quiet, more timid. As we get into bed, he holds me tight against his chest. He doesn't want to let go. "Goodnight, my flower."

"Goodnight, Loki."