A/N - the time frames mentioned are the number of weeks Sigyn is pregnant.

9 weeks

"How are you feeling, my dear? You had us quite worried the day before last."

Frigga handed her daughter the cup of mulled spice brew, which Sigyn gratefully accepted. She took a sip, humming in delight, and said, "Better, thank you. I can't believe I even suspected Loki of straying."

"Your hormones are more elevated now, so your emotions will overpower your thoughts much faster."

"Still, I feel so silly getting all worked up over nothing." Sigyn shivered and huddled further in her furs. "Frigga, how are you not freezing? Your cloak is so thin, and it snowed again last night."

"I'm afraid that's another fun thing about pregnancy," replied Frigga with a wry smile. "Soak in a warm bath every few days to regulate your body temperature."

This, of course, wouldn't actually solve anything. Sigyn would feel cold as long as she was with child. Aelsa had warned Frigga the spell would have this effect as the ice-magic took hold of her flame. But it was for the best. The alternative of leaving it up to chance was no longer an option.

"Can we not sit in the parlour instead of out on the balcony?" asked Sigyn then.

"You need the air, my dear. Loki tells me you haven't been outside in three days."

Sigyn huffed in annoyance. "Perhaps Loki should mind his own business. Oh, forgive me, I-I didn't mean —"

"It's all right." Frigga sniggered as the young woman's cheeks reddened, ashamed of her bluntness. "Reacting to tiny things the way you just did is all part of your current situation. One minute, you'll laugh at a ridiculous joke, and the next, you'll yell at your husband because he placed a book on the wrong shelf."

She suppressed a grin at the memory. Odin had barely made it out of her chamber alive that day. The Queen continued, "Men usually have a hard time dealing with women's emotions when we are in a blessed condition, so just remind Loki once in a while you do still love him. Even when you feel like ripping his head off."

"I do love him!" exclaimed Sigyn. "I think of him first and of myself last, and of how happy I want him to be. These past years, when I couldn't conceive... Loki kept a brave face for my sake, but I felt his pain. I felt him giving up hope. I never want to know that feeling again."

"You never will, my dear."

The two women smiled at each other. They sat in silence, enjoying the sight of the snow-covered golden turrets of the palace. The sun stood low in the sky and gave out a brilliant radiance to the city of Asgard. Even the Bifrost bridge basked in its glow, the colours playing and dancing to a quiet, intricate tune. In moments like these, with her home at peace and the sound of joy and laughter coming from below, Frigga truly felt at ease.

"Frigga, may I ask... what else I can expect?"

The Queen turned to see Sigyn peering at her. She was amazed at the frightened expression on her daughter's face. It seemed unfathomable that a woman as strong as Sigyn could be overwhelmed and intimidated by a natural element of life. But then she remembered how she'd been with her first child. Not Thor. There'd been another before him. Another boy who, despite her love and care, did not survive past infancy.
Frigga rarely allowed herself to think of him, but she couldn't help but do so now — not of his death, but his life. And the way he'd grown inside of her. It'd been different with Thor. She knew by then what it all meant. But with that first baby, everything had been intimidating. Having Sigyn go through it alone as she had would be too cruel.

"Do you feel sick already?" inquired Frigga.

"A little," admitted Sigyn. "The ginger root tea helps."

"It will worsen before it gets better, I fear. You will be sick at the mere smell of things even. Don't be brave about it. It's quite normal for it to happen, and all will understand. My ladies have already given Rúna advice on how to help you with this, so you mustn't worry."

Sigyn exhaled slowly. "Anything else? The healers told me of some things, but... I'd rather you told me again, if you wouldn't mind."

"Not at all, my dear. It's the usual things, really. Fatigue, dizziness, your breasts and belly will swell in a few weeks, and your back will ache as you progress." Frigga hesitated then, wondering if she should tell Sigyn about another particular symptom or let her discover it on her own. Remembering her own concerns about it with her first pregnancy, she deemed it best to tell her. "There is one more thing you should know. You won't experience it just yet, but it will happen. You'll have certain... urges."

"Cravings, you mean?" Sigyn gave a dismissive wave. "I already have that. Loki swears I eat a ton of cloudberries each day, but I don't believe it's that many. Just a little bowl... or three."

"No, I... I don't mean cravings. At least not those particular ones." Although they were completely alone on the balcony, Frigga leaned in a bit to whisper. "I speak of sexual urges. They will be constant, and you will feel as if you're likely to explode if they aren't satisfied, quite similar to the desires that drive your flame, but possibly even more intense. You must know it's all right to give in to those, my dear. There is no harm to you or the child. You'll need to... get creative at a certain point, but somehow, I doubt that'll be an issue with Loki."

Sigyn averted with a blush, making Frigga chuckle at her shyness. She'd always encouraged her children to come to her for questions about sex, but only Loki had ever taken her up on that offer. Frigga had often wondered if it'd been out of mere curiosity or if he'd been conflicted about his true self, but she hadn't pried. That wasn't her intent back then, nor was it now.

"Have I made you uncomfortable?" she asked.

"The opposite," said Sigyn. "I feel like I finally have a mother to talk to."

Frigga's heart swelled at those words. She reached for Sigyn's hand, giving her a loving squeeze. Her daughter again met her gaze and asked in a tiny voice, "You're certain there is no harm to it?" 

"Very certain."

"What if... Loki won't want to?"

"Believe me; he most certainly will."

***

11 weeks

Loki was roused by the sound of Rúna's voice. He turned to find Sigyn gone from the bed. At once, he got up — his torso uncovered, a loose-fitting black pantaloon below the waist — and walked barefoot into the enclosure. He found his wife hunched over the washbasin, with Rúna holding her blood-red hair away from her face. Both were still in their nightshifts.

"What's wrong?" asked Loki, concerned. "Is she all right?"

But before the handmaiden could answer, Sigyn herself did in a bitter voice, "As if you care."

She raised her head to Loki. Her eyes shot daggers, instantly making him step back to remain at a safe distance. He had seen her fury before and didn't care to be the object that fury was intended against.

"I have been here for almost thirty minutes!" spat Sigyn. "Why are you only coming to see me now?"

"I-I was still asleep."

"Oh yes, of course you were! You sleep soundly all night while I toss and turn because of your loud breathing! But you don't care about that, do you? No, our Trickster already did his part in five glorious minutes! Let's leave the actual work to the wife for the coming months!"

Loki gaped at Sigyn. What, in Odin's name, was she talking about? She had never complained about him snoring before. And five minutes? That had only happened once!

"Sigyn, I don't —"

"Just go!"

Rúna met Loki's surprised look. She nodded slowly, believing just like him that the best course of action here was to do as Sigyn asked. He backed away, but then...

"Oh, my—why are you leaving?"

"You just —"

"Loki Odinson, if you walk away now, I shall never take you to my bed again!"

Not wanting to chance Sigyn was merely saying this in her erratic state, Loki stayed put. He didn't dare move without her permission and watched in dismay as his wife retched again. Sigyn gripped the basin tightly for support as her body spasmed violently. Rúna comforted her as best she could, stroking her back, but Loki could tell it even hurt the handmaiden to see her mistress like this.
When the vomiting finally ended, Sigyn rested her head on her hand and reached out for Loki with the other. He hurriedly crossed the distance between them to care for the mother of his child, his entire soul shattering when at her quiet sobs. 

"Do you know how to prepare the ginger root tea?" he asked of Rúna.

"Yes, My Lord, I can make some right now."

"Please do. And excuse us at breakfast. I'll stay with Sigyn."

Rúna dipped into a curtsey and left the couple alone. Loki pinched Sigyn's hand lovingly, letting her know he was there with her. He stroked her back in the same manner Rúna had.
When some time passed, Loki conjured Sigyn a cup of mint and lemon water to wash her mouth clean. She straightened herself a bit and took a few sips, spitting the water out each time.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I'm sorry for yelling."

Loki smiled at her when she gave him a sideways glance. "I'm sorry for snoring."

"You don't snore. You just... breathe loudly."

"Apologies. I'll stop breathing then."

Sigyn pushed him off, her eyes wide in shock. She spun on her heels and stormed out of the enclosure, leaving Loki perplexed at this new outburst. He gave an exasperated groan and dragged his hand across his face before he followed Sigyn out.
She was lying in bed, her back turned to him. Her figure shook as she wept. Loki went to lie behind her, placing one hand carefully on her shoulder. Sigyn turned around. Her cheeks gleamed with fresh tears. 

"Y-You mustn't speak like that," she sobbed. "Please, Loki, never say such things again. I cannot bear the thought of having to raise our child without you. I cannot bear the thought of losing you."

"You will never lose me, my heart," said Loki as he brushed her tears away with his thumb. "I shall always be with you. I would defy Death itself if it dared to take me from your loving arms."

He cupped Sigyn's face and peppered her cheek with soft kisses before leaning his forehead against her temple. He hated seeing her like this. So frail, so scared. It reminded Loki too much of a past he would much rather forget. 

"What can I do?" he asked. "Tell me how I can help you."

"Be with me," answered. Sigyn. "And perhaps get me some cloudberries?"

Loki smiled and snuggled up against his wife. He hoped Rúna would stay away for a little while longer, if only to hold this moment.

"Loki?" Sigyn peeped up from their embrace. "I was serious about the cloudberries."

A chuckled laugh erupted from Loki's chest. "Of course you were. Wait here; I will fetch you some."

But as he made to move away, Sigyn suddenly grabbed his arm, preventing him from leaving her side. Her intent gaze met his as she spoke. "Whatever I say or do in the coming months, always remember I love you with every ounce of my being, Loki Odinson."

"I never doubt that, my heart. Never."

Their lips met, their pendants glowed, and their love shone as brightly as a thousand suns.

***

14 weeks

Frigga was right — the nausea got so bad, not even the tea worked anymore. Sigyn was practically forced to remain in her chambers throughout most of the day, coming out only in the late afternoon or evening for a stroll and dinner. Everyone saw her distress and did or said all they could to ease her burden, yet most of the time, Sigyn wanted to burn them all to a crisp. 
The servants only entered the apartments when they absolutely needed to, leaving Rúna to deal with their volatile Princess. In all honesty, Sigyn preferred it. She hadn't had servants for thirty years, and she had no need for anyone but Rúna. The girl truly was a blessing. She worked diligently and refused to leave Sigyn's side, even requesting Loki moved her lessons to the study instead of the library in case she was needed. But though she appreciated her little companion, Sigyn feared for the day the truth would yet reveal itself. If Rúna was like Astrid, then —

"Sigyn, are you all right?"

She huffed in annoyance upon hearing Loki's voice in her mind. He was seated beside Thor at the dinner table, on the other side of the Allfather and Queen, and eyed her in concern. Her fist clenched underneath the table. Why did he insist on treating her like a porcelain doll that could break at any moment? 

"You've asked me that five times already today, Loki. My answer remains the same; I'm fine. Now leave me be."

Loki leaned back in his seat, his lips pressed together. Guilt washed over Sigyn and almost drove her to tears. She shouldn't have reacted so sharply. He was only looking out for her. He'd been so patient and understanding, and all she could do was snap at him. She had to make it up to him. Later tonight, she would take him to their home at the Urdarbrunn and —
The smell of smoked salmon suddenly reached Sigyn. All her senses were instantly on high alert. Her jaw clenched as she spotted the dish being carried her way. Fortunately, her handmaiden noticed as well. Rúna swooped in and halted the servant carrying it, ordering him to return it to the kitchen at once. The servant stammered an objection, saying Odin had requested it, but Rúna questioned whose wrath he'd like to suffer more — the Allfather's for not bringing a dish or the Trickster's for upsetting his pregnant wife. Fortunately for the servant, he made the right choice.

Sigyn exhaled slowly and mouthed a silent 'thank you'. Rúna bowed her head before making her way back to the dais to take her place behind Sigyn. But as she passed the far end of the table where Baldur sat, he suddenly grabbed her by the hand and pulled her down on his lap, to the great amusement of his friends.
Sigyn lost all sense at that moment. She heard nothing; saw nothing; smelled nothing. She wasn't aware of anything, except that the runt of the family, that miscreant, was treating her handmaiden as if she were a common wench in a tavern! 

"Sigyn, don't!"  

But she was already on her feet and darted down to where Baldur sat. It was bad enough he didn't eat with the rest of his family, as one would expect their Prince to do on less casual occasions such as tonight's Yule celebration, but that he would act in such lude behaviour so publicly was a step too far for Sigyn. 

"What do you think you're doing?" she hissed as she halted at his chair. "Unhand her at once."

"Oh, come now, sister, I mean no harm." Baldur laughed heartily. "And Rúna enjoys the pleasure of my company, do you not, my sweet?"

From the girl's unnerved expression, Sigyn gathered the last statement was only true in Baldur's fantasy world. 

"Baldur, I will not ask again," she spoke firmly with gritted teeth. "Let. Her. Go. Now."

The princeling met her threatening glare and scoffed. He released his hold on Rúna's waist, holding his hands up in surrender, and she quickly got up. Sigyn beckoned her and was about to return to the dais when she heard Baldur say, "See? I told you she was my sister's pet and not my brother's."

Magic and rage flared within Sigyn. Her skin crawled. Her fingers tingled. The pendant at her bosom vibrated when her fire, the flame she had only sensed in brief moments these past weeks, fought to break free.
But before Sigyn could set Baldur and his entire table on fire, she found Loki standing between her and her intended target. His intense blue eyes snapped her back to reality.

"Don't," warned Loki through their mind link. "He isn't worth it."

Sigyn peered over his shoulder. Baldur stared at her, finally aware he'd crossed a line and had been mere inches away from incineration had Loki not stepped in. The sheer look of panic in his eyes reminded Sigyn he was only a boy. A foolish, ignorant boy pretending to be a man already. 
Loki nudged her toward Rúna, who immediately hooked her arm with Sigyn's. But at the harrowing shriek behind her, she turned back around, eyes widening in consternation as snakes sprouted from the cups on Baldur's table. The animals attacked the princeling and his friends, but just before the venomous fangs sank into their flesh, the glistening green bodies dissolved, and water splashed over the group. Baldur tumbled from his chair, soaked from head to toe. Bewildered, he looked around until his eyes fell on his Asgard's Dark Prince. 

"A lesson in manners and elemental magic," said Loki coldly. "If you want to see a true mage at work, keep insulting my wife. She will gladly instruct you further."

By some miracle, only the nearest tables had witnessed the altercation, while all others enjoyed their food and drink and listened to Volstagg's loud recounting of some battle. A few onlookers anxiously glanced at the dais, prompting Sigyn to do the same. 
Thor had risen from his seat, ready to step in if necessary. His blue eyes flickered between Baldur and Loki. None could predict which brother the Crown Prince would support, but it was clear to all he was torn between them. 
Frigga was quick to come down and scold the siblings. She declared there had been enough excitement for a woman in Sigyn's condition and that she should retire to rest. Only when she nudged Sigyn and Rúna toward the exit did the fire mage notice Odin's attention was on her. His hard gaze filled her with dread, as she realised she'd come so close to losing everything. The Allfather forgave a lot, but he would never forgive the murder of his youngest son. For the first time since arriving in Asgard, she wanted something she hadn't longed for in so very long — escape.

***

18 weeks

It was maddening. There was no other word for it. Every minute of every hour of every day, Sigyn felt her desire grow. It was likely to drive her insane, especially if Loki continued to torment her. 
How long had it been since she had last lain with him? Three weeks? Four? The last time she could clearly remember — because, yes, sudden memory blackouts were another fun thing to deal with during pregnancy — was the night of the dispute with Baldur in the dining hall. Sigyn had begged Loki to take her to the safety of the Urdarbrunn. They'd left their doubles to deal with their troubles, while they themselves had only cared for each other for the next three days. 
Unfortunately, at the first sight of her belly growing, Loki hadn't dared to touch her anymore, as Sigyn had feared would happen. Her only comfort was he denied them both pleasure out of love and concern and not because he had a lover. But it had to end. 

Thor had convinced Loki to join the hunt that morning after breakfast, so Sigyn went down to the stables to wait for him. There, she came upon Sif. The dark-haired shieldmaiden smiled warmly at her appearance. Since her marriage to Loki and not Thor, Sif's entire attitude toward Sigyn had changed. She'd even offered to be Sigyn's sparring partner as soon as she could fight again after her pregnancy. 
The two women talked a while — Sigyn tried to groom her horse, but Sif would have none of it and told her to sit and rest — and waited for the men to return. When she finally heard hooves clattering on the stones outside, Sigyn ran out of the stables to greet her husband. 

"Sigyn?" Loki jumped from his stallion when he saw her. "What are you do—?"

Her mouth crashing against his, and her arms wrapping around his neck, silenced Loki promptly. His eyes widened, and he had to steady his feet to ensure they wouldn't fall. Sigyn was well aware Thor and the others were probably gawking at them, but she didn't care. She kissed Loki with a ferocious hunger, parting only briefly to breathe against his lips.

"I need you. Loki, I need you right now."

Hearing the urgency in her husky voice was enough to make Loki's body react to hers. His heartbeat quickened while her own galloped wildly in anticipation of what she hoped would happen next. 
Taking advantage of Loki's confusion, Sigyn pulled him along, back inside the palace. They made their way through the corridors, ignoring everyone they crossed paths with. But their chambers were too far away for Sigyn's liking. Why were there no mirrors around?
Suddenly, she caught a familiar door up ahead. She glanced up and down the corridor as she pushed it open and then forced Loki in. He stumbled, but regained his composure quickly.

"Sigyn, what are you doing?" he demanded, bewildered, as she locked the door. 

"I told you," she said, out of breath. "I need you."

"What, you mean... here? Sigyn, we are in a linen room!"

"Exactly. The same linen room where we first realised we wanted each other. You longed for me then, and I know you long for me now. Finish what you started here."

Using the magic he'd taught her, Sigyn cast a shield around the room so none could hear or see them. No one would ever know what went on here. Loki's eyes locked with hers. He licked his lips, but then took a step back and shook his head.
Not wanting to give him any opportunity to deny her, Sigyn flung herself against him. Her mouth ravaged his, and she sensed his resolve wavering. More, just a little more...
But Loki tore away from their kiss. He averted, mumbling and shaking his head. His thoughts clearly resonated through Sigyn's head, meaning only one thing — he was losing control. 

"No, no, I can't. We've waited so long for this. If anything were to happen because I cannot control my urges, I will never forgive myself. She will never forgive me."

Sigyn's arms crept around him. She stood on the tip of her toes to whisper in his ear. "Loki, there is no danger. Not to our child or me."

Her hands slowly travelled down. Loki stiffened at her touch, his breathing becoming laboured as she neared his leather-covered crotch. "Do you not remember that day, Loki? You told me what I was, and you comforted me. We kissed. You gathered my skirts. I tried to leave, but you overpowered and pinned me against the door, hands above my head. I was completely at your mercy. And I felt you. All of you."

Sigyn stroked the growing bulge in his pants. He hummed at the enticement, then gasped at her slight squeeze. She had him. "Remember our lust, Loki?" Sigyn continued in a low, husky voice. "Remember our passion? I do. Had we not been interrupted, I would have given myself to you then, my love. I would've let you take me. I was already yours, even if I did not realise it yet. I am yours, Loki. Only yours. So take me, my God of Mischief. Take —"

Loki's lips smothered Sigyn's words before she could finish. She grinned in their kiss and let his tongue slip in. She tangled her fingers in his soft raven hair so he wouldn't move away again. But this time, Loki had no intention of abandoning their play. His hands found the small of her back, and he pushed her closer to him. Sigyn felt the tiniest amount of pressure against her belly, but instead of pain, she sensed her desire grow further. 
Loki moved them to the door. When Sigyn's back pressed against the wooden frame, she instantly recalled how rough he'd been that time. A desperate whine escaped her, her core throbbing impatiently as she longed to be filled. Norns, this was taking too long.
Sigyn removed her hands from Loki's hair and made quick work of loosening his belt. She pulled his pants down and closed her fingers around his hard member. Loki groaned in their kiss. He leaned his forehead against Sigyn's, clutching at her body to ground himself.

"Forgive me, my love." Sigyn kneaded the base of Loki's now fully erect manhood. "I know I'm taking control from you. But I cannot wait any longer. I need you inside me, Loki. Please let me feel you."

"Mmm, are... you c-certain tha—ha..." Loki grunted, unable to form a half-decent sentence

"It would be a cruel trick of my body to deprive me of you when it screams at me to let you ravage me."

Their eyes met. Loki bit his lip and at last said, "Turn around."

Sigyn grinned at his command, knowing very well what he planned to do. They rarely made love in this position since they preferred to be face to face and see each other's reaction, but Sigyn wouldn't deny it may be the best one in this situation. And it would allow Loki to go deep and rough, just like she wanted. 
Not wanting to delay any further, Sigyn turned and placed her hands flat against the door, arms fully stretched. A wave of magic rippled over her, and she suddenly found herself completely naked, her clothes scattered on the ground beside Loki's.

"Hm, you mischievous little Trickster," she teased.

"Little? Oh, you're really asking for it now, darling."

There it was. The pet-name that promised Sigyn her husband would let all inhibitions go. She'd learned long ago that if she played the right strings, the beast within Loki — the one that demanded to dominate — was unleashed. That beast made their love-making transcend to something primal, something carnal, something... absolutely satisfying.
With a sudden rawness, Loki made Sigyn stand with her legs open, pushing his knee up between them. He firmly grabbed her by the hips, slightly changing her stance, and then pulled her to him. Sigyn gasped loudly when he finally entered her in one smooth motion. She didn't know if it was because of her heightened senses, but she could have sworn he was longer, his pulsing head striking at the very back of her core. 

"Ngah! Oh, Loki... y-you feel so... good!"

"Not little at all, am I?"

"N-No... Oh, my..." Sigyn's nails dug into the door as Loki moved, steady but fast. He filled her completely, going deeper with every thrust. But she still needed more. "Touch me. Loki, please, touch me!"

Her husband trailed his hand over Sigyn's skin, sending shivers through her body as he caressed her thighs. His slender fingers slipped between her folds. Loki smirked as his digits instantly coated in her juices. "You really were yearning desperately for me, weren't you? So wet for me. So eager to take me in."

Sigyn's entire body trembled as his fingers expertly stimulated her, and she feared her legs would give out at any moment. Then she felt Loki's other hand cradling her belly. She glanced back over her shoulder. Even when taken over by his beast, Loki still kept her safe. He would never let her fall. 
Upon meeting Sigyn's adoring gaze, Loki slowed his thrusts just enough to kiss the side of her neck. The tip of his tongue licked her, and he sucked at her skin, certain to leave his mark on her. Sigyn's moans grew louder as she surrendered herself entirely, a devastating spasm shooting up her body.

Feeling her walls clench around his length, Loki picked up the pace again, attacking her vigorously. Their frantic ardour went beyond their usual passionate love. It was organic, searing, almost reckless. She adored love and attentiveness, but with a person like Loki as a consort, she couldn't help but crave to be sinful as well. Especially now, when her entire being burned with only one desire.
Sigyn willingly let Loki have his way with her, shamelessly reacting to that all-consuming sensuality flaring through her with lewd moans and whimpers. The sound of his animalistic grunts and his pelvis slamming against her finally tipped Sigyn over the edge. She cried in sheer ecstasy, heat and sweet relief flooding her as the tension within exploded and was set free. 

Loki continued his assault on Sigyn until he, too, climaxed. He shuddered violently against her, his cold seed spurting into her. His frenzied sways came to a halt, his hot breath titillating Sigyn's skin as he succumbed to exhaustion and leaned against her. Her legs nearly gave way at the extra weight, but he held her up, one hand still safely at her pregnant belly.
But even through the haze the earth-shattering orgasm had left her with, Sigyn found she wanted Loki to hold her somewhere else. Hesitantly, she guided Loki's hand to her bosom. She winced when he moved inside her, leaning back to ask, "Sigyn? What are you doing?" 

She didn't answer, but simply made him cup her breast. Her nipple immediately hardened underneath the roughness of his palm. A gentle squeeze drew a pleasured moan from her lips.

"You're so soft," said Loki, in awe. Another squeeze. Another moan. He whispered, his voice mischievous. "I like it. I like it a lot."

Sigyn turned her head to meet Loki's playful and promising expression. She bit her lip as she felt a stirring deep within. Unbelievable... Loki was still inside of her, yet she was ready to let him devour her all over again. And from the way his leaking head pulsed against her core, he was more than willing to meet her request. Such a good, clever husband she had.

***

21 weeks

"Loki? Loki, wake up."

The Prince groaned as he heard his wife's voice and felt her insistently shake his shoulder to rouse him from a dreamless sleep. By all the Norns and dead in Valhalla, why? He loved her dearly and admittedly enjoyed finding new ways to pleasure her — the past weeks had certainly been eventful and inspiring — but this was getting absurd! Yes, he was a God, and yes, he had incredible stamina if he said so himself, but even the Master of Mischief needed rest once in a while. How could she still want more of him after what they'd done mere hours ago?

"Loki, wake up!"

The pillow hit Loki hard on his head, and he shot up. "Ow! Sigyn! In Odin's name, I know you cannot get enough of me lately, but that is no reason to —"

He froze in silence when he saw Sigyn sitting up in bed; one hand raised to silence him, the other on her belly. Her eyes stood wide.

"What is it?" Loki asked, alarmed, instantly moving closer to her. "Are you all right? Are you in pain? Do you feel something? Sigyn, talk to me!"

She sat completely motionless, her mouth ajar. Then she gave out a silent 'oh' and reached for him. "Give me your hand."

"Wha? Sigyn, I don't —"

"Loki, just give me your hand!" Sigyn snatched his wrist and placed his hand just where her belly curved up. "Now, wait."

Loki frowned at her, but did as she asked. When nothing happened, he sighed. "Sigyn, I —"

All of a sudden, he felt something. Loki moved closer and flattened his palm, waiting with bated breath to make sure he hadn't imagined it. He gasped when it happened again. It was very faint, but definitely there — their baby was moving. 

"Did you feel it?" Loki raised his head to see Sigyn looking at him with tear-stained, beaming eyes. He nodded slowly. "Oh, this feels... so strange," she said. "And good. It's like... a flutter. Like a bird's wing stroking me."

They waited patiently, and when the baby moved again, Loki could have sworn he'd even felt the tiniest kick against his palm. His mouth curled up into a smile as it truly sunk in now — this was his child. His and Sigyn's. It was so surreal he had created something so... wonderful.
Making sure not to bring her any discomfort, Loki lay down with his head resting in Sigyn's lap. He caressed her tenderly over her beautiful, round belly, and in a caring whisper, he spoke his first words to his daughter, certain she would hear and know his voice. "I'll wait until I can hold you in my arms, sweet Lagertha. I promise to keep you safe, always. And know this, my dear girl; you are loved. You are so loved."

Loki felt Sigyn's fingers in his hair. He met her gaze. She had a serene expression on her face. And the way she beamed at him... It warmed his heart to see her so.
For the first time in weeks, both Sigyn and Loki were completely at peace. They lay together in the silence of the night, thinking of how their beloved child was growing strong and healthy inside her mother's womb. All was well. Nothing could take their happiness away.
Absolutely nothing.