It was close to midday when we all gathered in the throne room. Most of the same people who had attended Loki's coronation now gathered to see him abdicate his throne back into the hands of his brother, Helbindi. As Loki and I sat upon the throne, Nal stepped forward and read her official decree.

"King Loki and Queen Rúna have chosen to abdicate their throne to Helbindi, second born of Laufey. It is the decision of the council and myself that this is in the best interest of Jötunnheim and her people." Nal paused as Helbindi stepped forward and we stood. She removed my crown and placed it upon a pillow that a servant quickly took away, then lifted Loki's crown from his head as Helbindi knelt before her. "Helbindi, do you swear to protect the citizens of Jötunheimr? To uphold the laws and customs of our people, placing their needs before your own?"

"I do," he spoke loudly. She placed the crown upon his head and the room erupted in cheers as he rose, then sat upon the throne. Loki and I stood to the side as Nal continued with the council's decrees.

"Furthermore, let it be known that any children of Helbindi shall inherit the throne. If the King should not claim a mate and have children, then the line of succession falls to Loki's firstborn." She placed the decree before Helbindi and he added his seal, then Loki added his seal as a Prince of Jötunnheim.

"Are there any who wish to address the throne at this time?" Helbindi asked the court.

Loki and I were both shocked to see Odin and Frigga step forward. "Your Highness, we congratulate you on your coronation and seek to extend the alliance we proposed to Loki to your throne as well," Odin said as they both bowed to the King. "Additionally, if they will agree, we feel that Loki and Rúna should be the emissaries for Asgard with Jötunnheim." Loki gave me a sideways glance and I nodded.

"If both Kings agree, then we accept this proposal," Loki said, holding my hand. The two agreed and the matter was sent to the council to be drawn up in contracts. A few other people came forward to speak on various issues, but the event quickly transitioned into another celebratory meal. Loki and I stayed for a brief time but retired to our room early.

"So are you ready to have a quiet life?" I teased Loki as we lay in each other's arms.

"Are you trying to jinx us, love?" I just rolled my eyes and giggled. He had a point. "Besides, it won't be quiet. We have Thor's wedding to look forward to," he smirked, "and nothing my brother does is quiet." I let out another round of giggles. He had a valid point. Quiet was not an adjective anyone would ever use to describe Thor.

"I'll just be glad to be home and spend time with you," I said, running my fingers across his chest. He was playing with my hair as his lips pressed against my forehead. "You realize both your mothers are anxious for children, don't you?"

He hummed softly, "Are you?"

I don't know, am I? It seems like every moment has been filled with one situation after another. Has all of that finally passed? "I'm not sure," I answered honestly. "I want to have a family with you, but I also want some time with you that isn't facing one danger after another. We haven't even been married a year, yet we've faced enough for several lifetimes." I looked up at him, "Is that okay?"

Those green pools stared back at me. "My lovely puzzle, I once told you we would live each day as an adventure. If we are meant to have children we will and if not then I will be happy as long as I have you to love." I felt my body relax at his words. I knew he meant them, and it made me feel better. I guess I just got worried that it was somehow expected now.

Despite everything, I'm still not confident in my people skills - even with him sometimes.