I don't own anything except any original/own characters and any original plot.

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Chapter 23 - Vustlume

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A/n: This chapter is for @JesseKittenpup my non-canon shipper. You're somewhat getting your wish.

"I can't breath, I think I might be dying."

"Don't be dramatic (Y/n), you're not dying you're getting married."

"I mean her freedom to bone whoever she wants is all but dead."

"Nat!" I gave the woman a warning glance, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of my nose. It would ruin the adieb looping around my eyes. It was a sacred kind of paint, used in wedding and coronation ceremonies. It swirled down my arms, stopping at my wrists, looped over my shoulders, and travelled from the edge of my eye to my temple, "And I'm serious, I think the self tightening strings haven't stopped tightening since I put the dress on, I can't breath."

"Oh, that is an issue," Mother pushed on one of the buttons along my back, and I let out a breath of relief when it loosened so I was more comfortable, "There. Beautiful, and comfortable."

"If you weren't marrying Steve today I would snatch you up," Nat winked playfully, pulling out a moderately sized bottle from one of the pockets in her dress, "Here, I know you aren't affected by Earth's liquor as much, but brides do it a lot to take the edge off."

I snatched the bottle out of her hands, ignoring my Mother's horrified expression and I chugged the entire thing, wiping my chin and setting it on the vanity provided to us by the temple we were getting married in.

"Yeah, that helped, thanks a lot," I let out a slow breath, "Now I need a mint."

"Mint," Mom popped one in my mouth, "Lipstick," dark purple to match the bottom of my dress, and compliment the adieb and this." It was a small tiara, adorned with jewels matching that of my belt, "This was the only thing I actually liked about what I wore to my wedding. Now it's your turn."

"Mom I'm going to start crying," I blinked back tears as she placed the crown on my head.

"Save the tears for the altar," Wanda encouraged, hands enveloped in red as she moved different items around the room as a final preparation."

"It's time," my father poked his head in, smiling brightly when he saw me, "You look gorgeous (Y/n)."

"Thanks Father," I looped my arm through his, walking slowly behind Nat and Wanda as they met up with Sam and Bucky.

My mother walked swiftly ahead of us and through the double doors where Steve was waiting to take her down the aisle. The walking down the aisle was one of the most Terran parts of the wedding, the rest more closely linked to our traditions.

Soon, Bucky and Nat walked together, then Sam and Wanda. Finally, it was our turn. I gripped onto my father tightly, worried I would trip or pass out if I didn't have something to ground me. I was curious to see who Mother had invited to the wedding, but my eyes were stuck on Steve. The paint on his cheeks was our tradition, and his suit was his.

"Do you give this man permission to be an equal to your daughter?" The officiator spoke clearly in english. The majority of our planet knew different languages, and english was pretty universal.

"I do," my father shook Steve's hand, and kissed my forehead, "Take care of each other."

I smiled slightly at Steve, taking his hands in my own as the wedding continued. This was where things got a bit complicated to plan. We had traditions we had to follow, but because Steve was traditional as well, there were areas we had to work through together.

"Under the eyes of our creators, God or Atreya alike, we are celebrating the vustlume of Steve and Princess (Y/n). As once said by Bearn Wixa 'Those who love are given the strength to survive the harshest of wars, for it is a power far beyond comprehension.' With a solid foundation from which to flourish, they shall commit their lives to each other. While marriage is sacred, it is also cause for tremendous joy

"(Y/n) and Steve, as you learn to live as one; you will encounter many challenges that can help you grow. It is not only the magic that shall keep you to your vows, but deep love and respect as well. Let us begin the binding."

Steve and I gripped each other's right wrists. The officiator place both of hands over ours, mumbling a few words under his breath. A stinging heat spread up my arm, and the flowing lines on my arm glowed brightly, Steve's painted cheeks glowing as well.

"Do you swear to love each other until your time to leave this realm comes?"

"We swear."

"Do you swear to adhere to the morals and ideals you two share and create?"

"We swear."

"The binding is done," the glowing paint died down, "Now, you may say the vows you have written to each other. Princess, you may go first."

"Alright," I took in a deep breath, trying in vain to calm my nerves, "Steve, when we first met, both of us were struggling. But when we became closer, and found each other, it seemed like the answers just appeared magically, trust me I would know. So, Steve, I choose you again and again, at the start and finish of every day and battle. I choose you no matter the struggle or ease. I choose you knowing there are paths we need to choose, and difficulties to face. I choose you, now and forever."

"(Y/n), coming out of the ice was one of the most difficult things I had ever been through. I was thrown into a new world where nothing felt right. But you...You did. Being around you made me feel like I was more than Captain America, more than a shield. I promise to give you the best of who I am. I'll trust and respect you as your own person, and be next to you through every positive and negative. Now and forever."

"Thank you for sharing your vows with all of us. The rings you are about to place on each other's fingers are symbols of the love you have expressed. They will be a physical symbol of the promises you have made."

Bucky and Nat stepped forward, giving us the other's ring. Steve and I slowly pushed the ring onto the other's left ring finger. I stared down at the sparkling diamond. This was it. The moment where reality really seemed to crash down. I was with Steve, forever.

"With the power bestowed upon me by those of the royal family, and Atreya herself, I announce you to the Nine Realms as husband and wife. You two may kiss."

Steve grinned excitedly, cupping the back of my neck to pull me closer.

"I love you," he whispered, breath fanning over my lips.

"To Earth and back," I pushed myself up on my toes, connecting my lips to his.

The crowd around us burst into applause. It roared in my ears, making the soft texture of Steve's lips even more monumental.

"I now introduce, their Royal Majesties, Steve and (Y/n) Rogers!"

Applause erupted again as we jogged down the aisle. We had thirty minutes before the reception, which would mostly be spent taking 'pictures' around the palace.

"Eldia I'm married!" I yelled excitedly at my Oolorn, "To the palace."

Steve and I had a carriage to ourselves, with a carriage with the other Avengers and the documenter behind us, and my family behind them.

"Alright, remember, smiles and handshakes. The government officials will state their town, family friends will only say their names."

"Government? I thought this was a monarchy," Steve stared out the window at the villagers lining the streets.

I smiled and waved out the window, "Call us a monocracy. It allows the people to elect representatives. They create and discuss laws, projects, so on. However, the monarchy has the higher power, and the final say."

"What if a royal is evil?"

I couldn't help but laugh a bit at that, "In a world where everything is sunshine and rainbows, what exposure to evil would there be to a child? Books? Me craving to fight is a bit of a different story."

"Well your system is still better that America's."

"Don't need to tell me twice," I chuckled, stepping outside of the carriage as we stopped in front of the palace.

"Alright everyone, into the garden," our documenter, Bynlo, cried out as soon as his carriage stopped.

We took many pictures in the garden. A few with Steve and me, Steve and the guys, me with the guys, Steve with the girls, me with the girls, all of us, me and my family, and Steve with Bucky.

When we had all the pictures we wanted, Bynlo sent everything he took to our devices- Orveonian devices that is.

"The guests are ready and waiting in the ballroom," Uhara informed us.

Our group left the garden and entered the grand ballroom. Half of it was being taken up by tables, and the other was free for dancing later on.

Steve and I waved to everyone as we entered, taking a seat. Food was soon served. We ate as fast as we could, then stood up to speak with everyone who had come.

The government officials welcomed me home, and updated me on past political situations. Family friends gave me tight hugs, asked Steve about himself, and about our lives on Earth, which we fudged a bit.

We went through nearly all two hundred guests, with only a single table near the back.

"Only one more table and then dancing and- Wait, Odin?"

The King of Asgard was leaning back comfortably in his chair, drinking his glass of wine. As soon as I saw him, I knew something was a bit off. Maybe it was his clothing, ot the lack of formality, or the fact that he came at all.

"Your parents sent an invitation to Asgard for Thor, he is off travelling, so I came in his place," Odin explained, standing up to give me a small hug, "A pleasure to see you again my dear."

"Thank you Odin, I was terribly sorry to hear about Frigga's passing, she was a second mother to me."

"Her soul smiles down upon the both of you from Valhalla," Odin assured the two of us, "As does Loki's, if he ended up in Valhalla, that is."

Odin chuckled slightly after, and I raised my brows in shock for a moment. I didn't expect Odin to mention Loki, much less make a joke about him. Still, hearing my best friend's name brought a smile to my face, and tears to my eyes.

"Thank you Allfather, it is an honor to have you here."

"Yes, well, I'm afraid there is urgent business in Asgard that I must attend to. I just wished to speak to you two, and give you this in person," Odin placed a small box in my hand. He then turned to Steve, giving him what I could only describe as a defeated smile, "Take care of her Captain."

Odin rushed off. Steve and I watched him go, both of us extremely confused about what just happened. I looked at the box in my hands. It was forest green, with small textured gold lines running across it. When I ran my finger along the edges, I felt a few moving pieces, reminding me of the box puzzles on Earth that you had to solve.

"That was weird," I stated blandly, walking over to set the box on the gift table Father had insisted on setting up. There were gifts in various sizes in colors, some wrapped intricately, and some with minimal decorations.

"Plexar Pwenu," Steve read off the name of a corked bottle the size of his hand, "Increases the chance of conception. Simply pour over fingers and insert-"

"Okay!" I grabbed the bottle out of his hand, setting it back on the table and rushing to get back to the head table, "Let's save looking over the presents for later, yeah?"

Back at the head table, Nat pulled her phone out, showing off the playlist her and Wanda had worked on. They spoke with my parents about speakers, and got the closest thing we had to bluetooth in return.

The first dance was one with my father to an ABBA song, the second with my brother to something from- Tarzan is what they called it? The third was my dance with Steve to La Vie en rose, a reminder of how our relationship started. After those dances, anyone could do what they wanted with the music that played through.

Noticing Varian off to the side, I said a quick word to Steve, and wandered over to him. He seemed spaced out, so I nudged his side, "Smile Varian, this is my wedding!"

"I never thought you would get married before me."

"Ouch," I giggled lightheartedly, "You'll find someone Var. Let's see...There's Representative Zem's daughter, or the Kling's kid, they have nice hair..."

I trailed off when I noticed Varian's fixed gaze. Following his line of sight I grinned.

"Greer? Of course! Remember playing in the garden when we were children?"

"I do," Varian swallowed anxiously.

"Don't tell me you're scared," I laughed in disbelief, "Varian, people on Earth are ridiculed for who they love, but here you an be the bisexual disaster you are."

"They have labels for preference?"

"Yes. They're all wonderful people. Now stop stalling. Go over and ask him to dance."

"If I ask him to dance then I'll ask him out, and then Mother and Father will-"

"Not care. They love you. And there are ways in magic you can have children to create an heir."

Varian still hesitated. I rolled my eyes, pushing into the crowd. I grabbed Greer's wrist, dragging him behind me.

"Where are you taking me?"

"I'm about to change your life," I smirked, remembering a song from a popular musical.

"Lead the way then."

"Greer, you remember my brother," I stood near the two.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"I'll leave you to it." I watched as they interacted while I made my way back to Steve.

Ours wasn't the only love story being written.

~*~

"I don't want to go back to Earth," I whined like a child, flopping down on my bed, "This has been the best week of my life."

"We still have a four hour carriage ride back to the castle," Steve kissed a line from my shoulder to my jaw, "You can enjoy the last bits of your planet during that."

I grumbled into the sheets, remembering back to how many times we had become tousled in them over the past four days.

After the wedding, we travelled by carriage to a village near a small island that the royals owned. On the island was a 'cottage' that Steve and I used for our four day honeymoon.

The others stayed at the palace, obviously. Bucky had begun his treatments with our doctors, and the other three were allowed to use Eldia to travel wherever they wanted, with the castle covering their expenses.

"Come on," Steve gently tugged my hand, pulling me up and off of the bed, "Our boat is here."

"Alright," I sighed sadly, picking up the wooden puzzle box off of the bedside table. I had been working on it ever since I had got it, getting a fair way through.

Steve carried our bags down to the gondola at the edge of the island. The captain greeted us politely, and took off when we were settled inside.

When we reached the mainland, our Oolorn and carriage were waiting for us with the driver ready to go. Our bags were loaded up, and we stepped inside.

"What do you think is inside of that thing?" Steve motioned to the box I was fiddling with.

"I'm not sure. It'd Odin afterall, it could be anything from a magical artifact to a simple note," I pushed down on a certain piece, gasping when another layer of the metal seemed to roll away and disappear.

"Password."

"What the qwip," I whispered, looking to Steve as if he would know what the password was.

"You might just need to try random words."

"Alright, um, Allfather."

"Denied, a bland guess."

"Wow, it has a personality. Kind of reminds me of Loki," I chuckled, "Odin."

"Denied, even worse."

"Thor Odinson."

"Denied. As if."

"(Y/n) Altovar."

"Denied. This isn't all about you."

"It's my wedding present! (Y/n) Rogers."

"Denied, you should have kept your maiden name."

"Frigga."

"Denied. Better choice."

"Loki Laufeyson."

"Denied. Cute."

"Ugh!" I sank down in my seat, resisting the urge to throw the box out the window.

"Hey (Y/n), you know how you said it sounds like Loki?"

"Yeah," I huffed out, calming down a bit when Steve grabbed my hand.

"Well what if it's a password that only you and Loki know? What if he left it to you before- Well, you know. And that's why Odin gave it to you."

"Steve, you're a genius," I kissed his cheek, filled with a new determination, "Alright box. Let's try...Why is she purple?"

"Denied. Nice try, Thor was always an oaf."

I thought back to Asgard. I knew he wouldn't use anything we said to each other from New York. He was under the control of the scepter, and wouldn't want to remind me of his harsh words. Besides that, there was one other time. The first time we bonded, and became best friends.

"Magic is for those with brains."

A tense pause filled the carriage, before the box beeped in acceptance. Three small clickes sounded, and a small ratchet lever popped out of the side, similar to the ones on music boxes.

"Wait," Steve grabbed my wrist before I could begin spinning this, "Are we sure this is a good idea? If this is really from Loki, who's to say it isn't a bomb, or some magical item that could kill us?"

"I know- I knew my best friend Steve, he would never do that. You don't have to trust him, but trust me," I kissed his inner wrist, motivating him to let me go. When he did, I began to spin the lever.

"What's wrong Loki?"

Instead of music playing from the box, a small hologram appeared. It was me, a ten years younger me speaking to a ten years younger Loki.

"Nothing. Let's go over that spell again."

"You seem upset, you can talk to me. You know that."

"What would I talk to you? You're nothing more than some girl here to teach me magic. So I order you to teach me this spell."

Instead of seeming scared, younger me put a hand on younger Loki's shoulder.

"It has something to do with Thor, doesn't it? He had that big match today, and beat one of the best warriors in the kingdom. Is that it?"

"What- No, you're- That's completely preposterous."

Even through the green tinted hologram I could spot the blush forming on Loki's cheeks. I glanced over to Steve. He was entranced, watching the threat that brought the Avengers together as a small child.

"You may be the God of Lies Loki, but I can see right through you. What's upsetting you about Thor and his match?"

Young Loki sighed in defeat, "He's so strong, and fights so well. Father seems so proud of him. But I can't fight like that, I can only use knives well and that won't get me very far in battle. I feel like a disappointment."

My throat tightened. My eyes welled up with tears. This hologram was bringing back so many memories. Even to the very end, Loki was trying to prove himself. No one understood him like I did, no one even tried.

"Hey, you can stop and come back to it later if you want to," Steve assured me, moving from his side of the carriage to mine so he could hug me.

"No, I'm, I'm okay." I steeled my nerves and continued to spin the lever.

"A disappointment? I know exactly what that feels like. I'm the black sheep in my family too, but deep down, I know they still love me. You've seen how proud Frigga is when you show her the spells I'm teaching you, haven't you? It's the same kind of pride that Odin expresses when Thor fights."

"I still wish I could do more."

I barked out a laugh at that, "You want to know something Loki? Magic is for those with brains. Thor uses his fists rather than his mind and it's going to get him into trouble. But you, you stop and think, and work things out so they're in your favor. Besides, daggers are much easier to conceal, and throw."

"Thanks (Y/n)," Loki hesitantly pulled me into a small hug, "I feel better knowing I'm smarter than that oaf."

"Well you don't know Groot, but you're learning faster than I would have ever thought," I giggled, pointing at the spell book in front of us, "Now, let's get back to this."

The hologram faded away, and the box's sides opened up like a flower blooming. My brows furrowed upon seeing what was inside. A small dagger, the blade the length of my hand and the width of three fingers.

"Is it going to come alive and kill us?" Steve peeked inside the box, eyeing the dagger warily.

"I hope not, that'd be a bad way to end our honeymoon," I reached inside and took the knife out. The handle was green, the blade silver, but gold shimmered along the blade. It was an inscription, "'You know what's easier to conceal than a dagger? You can find out by saying ika.'"

At my command the knife grew hot, shifting into a small gold ring set with emeralds along the band. I hummed in appreciation, slipping it onto my right pointer finger.

"Two rings from other people and two from you, step up your game," I smiled teasingly at Steve.

Steve rolled his eyes at my statement. When I glanced at the box again I noticed a folded up piece of paper. I pulled it out, unfolding it. Loki's formal script was immediately recognizable.

"(Y/n), upon hearing you were getting married I had this made. We aren't ruling together, but I have a throne nonetheless. Even through everything, you never made me feel like a monster. Perhaps you were wrong about that. But I want to make you right. The Fates didn't design us to be lovers, but our bond is deeper than most. It's that fact that tells me we'll meet again. Much love and mischief, Loki. P-S, try to stop me and I'll stab you."

"Son of a bitch," Steve mumbled, "He's alive."

"He's pretending to be Odin! That's why he came to the wedding, and why he was off and gave me this. Of course that nersh wouldn't die."

"Should we be worried about the real Odin?"

I shrugged, "Eh, he'll be fine. Loki would never outright kill him...On second thought we should be a little worried."

"We can look into it when we get back... Listen, I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but the letter made it sound like-"

"We were lovers at some point?"

Steve nodded, gaze cast down as if he were ashamed. I wrapped my arm around his waist, nuzzling into his shoulder.

"We were together for around a year on Asgard. Teaching him, and the battles and balls, all of it brought us closer together. I won't lie, it was wonderful. We were outsiders, but we felt like we belonged with each other. But both of us began to realize we would be better off as friends. Something just didn't click. Then I found you, and understood why."

"Oh," Steve said quietly, "I think he still likes you."

"I think he might too," I sighed, looking out the window, "But he understands, and won't interfere with our relationship. He respects my wishes."

"Good," Steve left a kiss on the top of my head, "I'm weirdly glad he's alive. I know how much he meant to you, and I'm sure he wasn't that bad when he wasn't trying to take over the world."

~*~

When we got back to the castle, the others were waiting for us out front, bags packed. All of them were laughing, except for Bucky, who was scowling at Sam.

"What happened here?" I asked, having no choice but to join in their infectious laughter.

"Can't we just be happy?" Sam asked, grinning widely.

"Bucky fell down the stairs when we were coming down here," Wanda cut in, covering her mouth to hide her smile.

"Shut up," Bucky hissed, punching Sam and only Sam.

"We leave for a few days and you all fall apart," hugs were passed around, "How you feeling Buck?"

"Better than I have in a long time," Bucky sighed happily, "I may be missing an arm but the trigger words don't work anymore. The Winter Soldier is gone. Like magic."

"That was awful," Nat groaned at the pun, "Take us home, I'd rather get sick again than deal with this."

"Wait, just a minute," my family rushed out of the palace, "We want to say goodbye."

"I love you," Mother kissed my forehead, "Stay in touch, and don't take ten years to visit again alright? And have kids, at least a few. I want grandchildren."

"Mom," I growled, flushing violet, "You can't just say that."

"I'm a queen I can say whatever I want."

My dad pulled me into a hug as well, sniffling loudly, "I'll miss you. I love you very much. And if Steve ever does anything to make you upset I promise you that I won't hesitate to break tradition and beat-"

"Thank you Dad," I cut our conversation short, turning to Varian, "I'm gonna miss you Disaster."

"Haha," Varian laughed humorlessly, hugging me all the same, "I told them, and asked Greer out. Thanks. You're an okay sister."

"Jerk," I smiled slightly, happy that he felt free, "I'll stay in touch I swear, and visit sometime soon. Thank you, for the most beautiful wedding I could have asked for."

The group exchanged their own goodbyes with my family. Over the course of the past week and a half they had formed their own friendships. I once again felt a pang of pride. Old family and new family making a real family.

"Alright everyone, brace yourselves. Heimdall, send us back to Earth!"

Bright blue light surrounded us, and we were sucked into space, away from Orveon.