Trapped

Thirty-four

When Thor came to collect Mira so he could inform her about his father's plans, we was met with the sight of her, freshly fucked. That radiant glow, those flushed cheeks. His lips quirked into a smile, "Found Loki, did you?"

He wasn't bothered by that, though he wished he had been present for it, "Was he alright?"

Mira nodded as she finally stood and moved to Thor, "He said Odin threatened him to stay away from me..."

Which, obviously, he hadn't.

Thor nodded, "Father's planned a ceremony to go along with the claim, inviting both of our Norse pantheons to join us there to witness it. It's a way to establish it in the eyes of others, but also to further explore our bonds and have you immediately seen by all of them so they know there's a boundary there."

Mira considered this as she looked at Thor, "Does he know?"

The God of Thunder shook his head, "He knows the claim was already completed and he's agreed to allow for Loki to be there upon my request. He doesn't know the details and though there's a risk in announcing it so widely, it'll be the safest setting for Loki."

Since no one knew how Odin tormented him except for them, Odin wouldn't risk taking out his rage while there were two complete pantheons present to bear witness to it, not even upon learning that Loki had in fact been a part of the claim even before his father's warning to leave Mira alone.

Mira listened intently, weighing Thor's words. She understood the necessity of the ceremony, both for the political dynamics of their realms and for Loki's safety. Still, she couldn't shake the unease creeping at the edges of her mind.

"Are you sure this is the best course of action?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Thor nodded solemnly, "This is our best chance to ensure Loki's safety while also solidifying your status within our pantheons."

Mira sighed, running a hand through her hair, "I just don't want anything to go wrong. Loki has been through so much already..."

"I understand, Mira," Thor reassured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "But we must trust in our preparations and in each other. He has me now to watch his back and I refuse to fail him again."

With a nod, Mira took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead, "Does Loki know?"

Thor shook his head, "I hadn't managed to find him, but... I think it might benefit us all if you were there when he learns."

As a buffer, as a way to keep the peace, "He should learn about it from us, rather than one of the guards or my father. Would you know where to find him now?"

Mira nodded lightly, "He's gone back to his room."

Thor nodded, a hint of relief in his expression. "Good. Let's go find him together." He gestured for Mira to follow as they made their way through the grand halls of Asgard, the echoes of their footsteps mingling with the distant murmurs of the gods and goddesses going about their business.

As they approached Loki's chambers, Mira's heart raced with anticipation. She couldn't shake the worry for Loki's reaction to the news. Would he understand the necessity of the ceremony? Or would he see it as yet another confinement, another reminder of his past misdeeds?

Thor halted before the door, his hand hovering mid-knock, "Are you ready?" he asked softly, his gaze searching Mira's.

Mira met his gaze with determination, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead. "Yes," she replied, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest.

With a resolute nod, Thor knocked on the door.

A moment later they heard the sounds of the locks opening before Loki's voice said to enter.

As Thor pushed the door open, it revealed Loki standing by the window, his silhouette outlined against the golden light streaming in from outside. He turned at the sound of the door, his expression guarded yet curious, his tense posture easing some as he realised it was them, "Oh, it's just you."

Though the words could've been insulting, Thor could tell from the tone alone that Loki had been expecting someone else. "Loki," Thor began, his voice carrying a weight of seriousness, "there's something we need to discuss."
Loki arched an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between Thor and Mira. "What is it?" he asked, his tone tinged with suspicion and dread.

Thor took a step forward, gesturing for Mira to join him, "Father has arranged for there to be an official claiming ceremony before the two pantheons, to have everyone know Mira has been claimed and to work on creating stronger bonds," he explained, choosing his words carefully.

Thor stepped closer, laying a reassuring hand on Loki's shoulder, "I've arranged for you to be present at the ceremony, we'll announce our shared claim then," he explained, his tone earnest.

Loki's expression softened, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. "You did that for me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Thor nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Of course," he replied, his gaze unwavering, "You belong with us now, Loki and I've given you my word I won't fail you again."

For a moment, Loki was silent, his gaze drifting between Thor and Mira.

Then, slowly, he nodded, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Thor squeezed Loki's shoulder gently, a silent reassurance passing between them, "I'll always have your back from now on, Loki." he vowed, his voice filled with conviction.

Loki nodded lightly at that, then glanced between Thor and Mira, "I... hope this will go well."

Just like he knew, deep down, that it would never go well, that Odin wouldn't accept being deceived like this, outplayed. That others would judge Thor for trusting Loki enough to share.

Mira gently took his head and he smiled at the touch, but then he spoke softly, "If it goes wrong... I will go, she doesn't deserve to be mistreated or have less of a chance if people respond poorly to my presence there."

It was Thor who spoke first, interrupting Mira as she was about to, "You will not. You will stand there and they will be forced to change their tune. No more running, no more hiding. It's time for the truth to be heard."

Though Loki nodded at that, wanting to believe that, he didn't. He knew how cruel his family could be and he knew somehow Odin would spin this against him, make him the villain yet again

He wanted to believe Thor could make a difference, but he'd been disappointed too often to blindly follow this.

Thor smiled then, "Let us sit, Loki, there's much to plan."

Loki frowned lightly at that, "Your home. Let's go there."

His own was too likely to be interrupted by others and they needed that cloak of ignorance for this to work.

Mira smiled at that, "Come find us there immediately, Loki. No dilly-dallying."

Loki smiled in answer, nodding, "I'll come right over."

With that, he watched the two leave so he wouldn't be seen in their company. He counted the amount of steps it would take to get there before he heaved a heavy sigh that stung the new wound Odin left him with that was big enough to hurt, but too small to treat with the potion.

Then he left his room and made his way there.

TBC...