Loki's loins were thoroughly aroused as you devoured your evening dinner; hearing your purrs of pleasure after each mouthful nearly caused a mishap in his trousers, and he was now anxious about the evening ahead.

He knew the plan was to read a bit before departing to separate chambers, but he wasn't sure if he could endure such close proximity without his nether regions erupting from his overloaded arousal.

He observed you with lust as you finished the last bite of the Jotun cuisine he had prepared for you; your plate now empty.

"Are you satisfied darling? Or would you like some more food?"

"I am extremely satisfied, it was delicious, please relay my complements to the chef," you reply, grinning. "What about you? Are you satisfied?"

Loki waved away the empty dishes in a shimmer of green before answering your question. "My hunger for sustenance is satisfied."

You squinted as you leaned closer towards his face and gazed into his blue orbs. "Then why do I still see a craving within your eyes. Hm?"

Loki had attempted to conceal his lustful gaze while he intently watched you eat, but your question revealed that he'd failed.

"While I have satisfied my physical hunger, my desire for you has yet to be quenched. I yearn for you Eden, I always will."

"Even after we are married?" You ask. "And long after you've ravaged my body countless times?" You add. "Will you still then yearn for me and pine for the delights that lay between my legs?"

Hearing your enticing comments caused Loki's mouth to drop open and his breathing to quicken. Your unexpected provocative remarks set off an intense ache, a throbbing that was not limited to just his heart, but somewhere much lower in his body.

Hiding a small smirk you continue. "I believe we'll have a short time to read together before I depart for the night. Perhaps you can choose a book while I check in on Ovahh. I need to remind him of the early rise tomorrow."

Normally, Loki would suggest he select a guard for such a menial task, but he was glad to have a brief period of privacy before he was alone with you.

"That... um... that sounds great, darling. We'll reconvene near the seating area, and I'll add another log to the fire."

You rise to your feet and give him a respectful peck on the cheek. "You're so thoughtful." You beamed, "I won't be gone long," you add as you head towards the exit.

"Take your time, sweetheart, ensure that Ovahh is completely prepared for tomorrow." He closely observed your departure through the doors. As soon as you did, he jumped from his chair and glanced down at his trousers in shame.

"Get yourself under control, mischief!" He cursed himself as he angled his privates to a less constricting position.

He quickly strode towards his chambers and once inside he dashed into the attached bathroom; quickly turning on the shower. While he waited for the water to become warm, he stripped naked.

Just as the steam began to fill the air, he stepped into the large cubicle and moaned with delight when the tepid water touched his bare body. As he anticipated your imminent return, he wasted no time in completing his mission. He slid his hand directly to his already throbbing shaft, his fingers coiling around it as tightly as his hefty girth would permit, and as he began to move his palm in slow motions along its length, your name escaped his lips.

You pace the corridors and ask a few guards for directions to Ovahh's private chamber. You realised only after departing from Loki that you had no idea where Ovahh resided when he was not in your company. However, prior to going there, you stopped in your own room and retrieved an item from your bedside drawer.

After an arduous mission to locate his room, you arrive at his door and knock without delay. After several attempts, you began to question whether he was even inside. You boldly tested the handle and, upon discovering that it was unlocked, cautiously opened it. When you peered inside, the room was dimly illuminated, but as you entered further, you could make out the furniture, the bed, and then the large body lying upon it.

You cautiously approached Ovahh without making a sound and observed him fast asleep. You grinned; just as he had referred to you as looking "cute as a button" when you were asleep, you had to acknowledge that seeing him so still and motionless made him look cute too. He resembled a large blue teddy bear; he even cradled a pillow for comfort and, to your surprise, a bottle of pinia.

You didn't wish to disturb his peace, so turned around to leave, but as you did, you noticed how empty his room was.

With a personal space, the majority of people would customise it to reflect their interests, hobbies, and aesthetic preferences. But Ovahh's room lacked emotion; it was a display room that had never been inhabited. Even his belongings remained in sealed boxes. You found it strange since he assumed his position as Loki's guard some time ago. It seemed odd that he had not personalised his room to make him feel more settled.

You made a note to ask Loki about it.

Ovahh abruptly rolled onto his back, and the pinia bottle fell to the floor with a loud thud. You froze, unable to move for fear of rousing him. But seeing the bottle empty put your mind at ease; you presumed he was completely intoxicated and unconscious if he had drank the entire contents. You were confident that he would not be awakened by any amount of noise.

You spot a desk and proceed to create a list of the items Loki had requested to be taken during your journey. You fold the note and walk to Ovahh's bedside table and place it down, but as you do, you inadvertently knock over a glass. As you lunge to stop it from hitting the floor, a blue hand suddenly appeared that was also reaching.

As a result of you and Ovahh grasping for the same object, his skin brushed against your hand, causing you to reflexively pull away in agony as your skin seared.

You tumble backwards onto the floor and land hard on your rear, but the discomfort of the fall paled in comparison to the pain you felt on your hand, despite the touch being very brief.

Ovahh caught the glass, but upon seeing you on the ground and clutching at your hand, he realised that he'd hurt you. His anger at his recklessness caused him to rage and crush the glass between his grip, effortlessly shattering it. He quickly knelt to examine your wounds, his face fraught with concern.

"Eden, I am so sorry. Please forgive me, I'm so sorry." His eyes were full of angry tears, and he hated that he couldn't comfort you through touch.

You saw his turmoil and didn't wish to make him feel worse by showing your immense pain, and so for his sake, you put on a brave face. "It's okay Ovahh, it was my mistake, you were asleep and I startled you. I'm sorry."

"You're sorry?! Oh Eden, your compassion isn't deserved on the likes of me! Let me fetch Loki, he can heal you." He rushed upwards but you called him back.

"No, ovahh. Don't tell Loki. He will wrap me in bubble wrap and stop me from going tomorrow!"

"Maybe that's not such a bad idea."

You frowned at his remark but assumed he was teasing; however, when you looked at him, it was evident that he was entirely serious.

"No, I will be no use to Jotunheim pampered in a palace. I have to go, if my assumption is correct, the situation in our realm will only get worse."

"Our?" He arched a brow.

"Really? From what I just said, you picked up on the word our?" You rolled your eyes, but he continued to give you a curious gaze. "Fine, I said our because I've been fantasising about becoming queen of Jotunheim, if Loki still wants to marry me after the divorce is finalised, of course."

Now two of his brows were raised as more surprising words escaped your lips. "Your doubt does not embody an Embrodi; where is your fierce self-confidence?" He quizzed. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to Loki; he thrives in your presence. Only a fool would not ask for your hand the very moment the binding to Magritte is finalised, and my king is no fool."

"Do you really think he will?" You ask hopeful. "I worry that he will grow tired of my frailty before then; he is always worrying about me, and because of this barrier, he will never be able to genuinely give himself to me in his Jotun form. The thought that he might choose a Jotun bride lingers in the back of my mind and it's steadily creeping it's way forward, instilling doubt in myself."

"Do not allow your unsettling thoughts to create a personal hell within your mind. Trust me, Birdy; my king's adoration for you is not a passing fancy; he loves you profoundly. Put aside your doubts, for they are a needless distress that you do not deserve."

You were comforted by his assurance.

"He will marry you Eden, and at the wedding, I look forward to our dance." He adds.

"Wouldn't that be wonderful." You mused, yet you felt saddened because you knew it was impossible.

He observed your dejected expression before glancing at the small sofa. You followed his gaze and instantly your eyes widened.

"Oh my gods.. is that.. is that the giant glove?"

"I told you it's in the works." He looked on proudly. "Soon, I'll be able to hug you without fear of hurting you and I will also get my dance."

"Ovahh, you are so cute, I can't believe you are actually making a suit."

"My cuteness is both a curse and a blessing." He stated with boastfulness. "And of course I'm making a frost proof suit, it would prevent such accidents from occurring." He sighed once more upon observing your hand. "But truly, Eden, could I please retrieve Loki? I won't be able to rest knowing you're suffering."

You hold your hand up, and show him the small abrasion. "It's barely noticeable, I heal quickly because of my Gaia abilities. I will be fine."

While this was partially true, you did recover quickly, but you were still in considerable pain.

You struggle to get up from the floor and Ovahh looks at you with remorse, as all he could do was watch. "I wish I could touch you, it would make helping you a lot easier."

You observe the half-constructed vast bodysuit, also known as the giant glove. "You're nearly there, it won't take much longer." You smile and he returns one back.

"Has Dagr moved your possessions to the royal suite? Allow me to transport it while I accompany you back to Loki if not."

"I'm staying in my room for the duration of my stay here, Loki and I have agreed to no intimacy before marriage."

His brows shot up. "Well," he exhaled, "I know Embrodi's are fierce, but I didn't realise it extended to cruelty."

You frowned. "And why do you label me as cruel? Both Loki and I, agreed on the matter."

"I don't believe that for a second! He merely agreed with your recommendation. Loki would never intentionally decide that sleeping apart from his queen was the best option."

"Well that's the thing... I am not officially his queen."

"Eden, you are his queen; a contract bearing your name is simply paper and ink. What matters is feelings and intimate awareness of what each partner desires, and you both desire marriage."

You rethought your decision after hearing Ovahh's sage counsel, and as he continued, you listened attentively, taking in his words.

"Are you aware that every instant he cannot sleep next to you will be torture for him? You both had difficulty admitting your affection for one another, and now that you have, you have placed conditions on your relationship. Why?" He exclaimed. "My king has more self-control than I do, because if you were ultimately mine, I would not let you sleep without me; the pleasures of holding the one you love close should not be postponed until marriage. It is a needless form of torment."

You sighed. "He did ask to simply sleep next to eachother. But ..."

"You fear that it leads to more" Ovahh replied.

"Yes... and while I desire to engage in intimate acts, the notion of doing the deed before marriage is sinful to me; I suppose my modest upbringing is too deeply ingrained."

"If you indicate that you do not want more than embracing, Loki will never press you to do more, birdy. If what you say is true and you expect worse to come for Jotunheim, then why are you squandering precious time?"

The wise words of Ovahh reshaped your prior beliefs, and you were now convinced that he was right.

"You're right Ovahh. You are absolutely right. Anything could happen to any of us, and I don't want to regret the time I could have spent with him." You grinned. "I knew I sensed wise knowledge behind all that humorous wit of yours. I love our little talks, you always make me feel happy."

"You make me happy too, Eden."

"If I could hug you, I would right now," you say.

"I am rather comfortable to hold. Like a treat for your arms." He grinned.

"One day we'll experience such comfort." You say with certainty.

"You promise." He asks.

"I promise."

***

You hurry to your room and apply whatever you have accessible to the small area of inflamed skin. You conceal your dressing by putting on a glove and rushed out of the door, but then you realise how ridiculous you appear wearing only one glove; of course Loki would be curious. You retreat back to your quarters and retrieved the other glove, slipping it on as you exited your chambers once again.

As you entered Loki's suite, you anticipated seeing him seated on the plush sofa, book in hand and ready to begin reading. However, he was nowhere to be found.

You consider taking a seat and waiting, but upon looking down the hallway you notice his chamber door slightly ajar. Curiosity got the better of you, and it compelled you to head towards it. As you approach, you hear the noise of water and realise Loki was taking a shower, odd you thought.

You enter his room with reluctance and look around, noticing all the small trinkets he seemed to enjoy accumulating. You observed numerous midgardian objects, some of which you recognised, such as the vintage instant camera he displayed, and others of which you did not. You picked up a cube with solid colours on each side; upon closer inspection, you noticed that it could rotate, and as you did the colours become mixed. You had no notion what purpose it served, but it was strangely addictive.

A noise emanating from the attached bathroom caught your attention, it prompted you to set the cube down and head in that direction. As you approached the sound, which you now recognise as gentle moans, it became increasingly louder.

You were aware that snooping was impolite, but the whimpers emanating from Loki drew you in. You cautiously push the door open slightly and peer through.

As soon as you looked through the gap, you felt your breath catch in your throat. Loki, in his Asgardian guise, dripping wet as the warm water ran down his body, was a beautiful sight. You observed him with rapt attention, and even though the glass was slightly fogged, you could clearly see what he was doing, his form still plainly discernible.

As he accelerated the pumping of his extremely rigid erection, he let out a gruff groan that collided with the water's sloshing sound. Your heart began to race, and you were unable to take your eyes away from his private act.

Another deep moan reverberated, and you felt a heavy ache between your thighs. Each grunt you heard, combined with watching his hand move along his wet shaft, triggered a throbbing sensation unlike anything you've ever experienced. It was an agony on the verge of being torturous, and you had no idea how to alleviate it.

When you heard your name, you promptly retreated from the doorway. You were certain that he had noticed you and was about to charge out to penalise you for peeping, but the shower remained on.

You regain your bearings and resume observing, now realising that you were the object of his fantasies and that he was instinctively moaning out your name as he gratified himself.

You kept watching as he slid his palm more quickly along his length while bracing his forearm against the shower wall. His voice became scratchy and his breathing harsh, and you could tell he was about to experience orgasmic pleasure.

The voice in your head nagged at you to give him privacy, yet another part of you was curious to hear him at peak levels of euphoria.

You pushed away your conscience telling you to leave, and continued to observe, but this time as you watched his tantalising movements and listened to the sinful slapping sounds he made, you found your own ungloved hand creeping downward on your body, your fingers falling between your thighs, discovering your panties wet.

As Loki rubbed himself harder and faster, you too firmly caressed yourself, exploring your body until you discovered an area that, when touched, brought you so much pleasure that it was difficult not to whimper. You murmured softly while Loki whined loudly; and as he reached his euphoria, you too were overcome by a powerful surge of pleasure that made your lower regions pulsate and your fingertips wet.

You turned your attention back to Loki and noticed his body strongly jerking, followed by ropes of his seed that launched outward and disappeared down the drain. After another brief moment under the running water, he took a satisfied deep breath and turned the shower off.

You quickly exit his room in order to avoid being discovered as a peeping Tom, and return to the sitting area.

As soon as Loki exited the shower, he used his magic to quickly dry and clothe himself before leaving his chambers. But something out of place caught his attention, and he centred in on the rubix cube that had obviously been tampered with. He picked it up, contorted the colours so that each side was a single hue, and set it back down.

He knew that Ovahh would never enter his private chamber, but he was certain that someone had been inside. He smiled when he suddenly realised he could smell your scent and now understood that it was you who had been in his room. He followed the trail of your fragrance, which led him back to his bathroom door, and now he flushed with embarrassment.

"Did she see me?" He whispered.

He hurriedly exited his room and made his way down the hallway; your odour lingering in the air the entire time. He hoped to find you sitting on the sofa and undaunted by what you had just witnessed; not repulsed or put off him.

You had just sat down when Loki appeared around the corner, his face though flushed, was filled with excitement upon seeing you.

"Sorry darling, have you been waiting long?" He proceeded to place himself next to you on the sofa.

Immediately flashes of him in the shower replayed in your mind, causing you to blush.

"No, not long." You nervously say. Hoping he'll not notice your redding cheeks.

"You appear flushed; have you been straining on the ladders while scouring for a book to read?"

"A book? Umm..." You tried to concentrate on what he was saying, but your mind was still recovering from your first self-administered orgasm. "Wasn't you suppose to choose a book, where were you?" You quickly deviate questions back to him.

As he was certain that you had at least heard him showering, he decided to tell the truth.

"I was taking a shower, sweetheart; I hope you don't mind?"

"No, of course not... I.. I trust your bathing experience was satisfying."

"It could have been better." He murmured. His eyes not leaving your face.

You glanced at him and met his intense stare.

"I'd have preferred you join me, rather than just watch me." He boldly claimed.

Feeling your stomach twist up, you nervously swallowed.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." You disregard his remark and chuckle anxiously while awkwardly smoothing down your dress. However, the aroma of his freshly bathed body floated through the air and saturated your sense of smell.

"Gods, you smell so good." You inadvertently blurt out.

Loki saw your features change in response to recognising your blunder and before you could shy away, he leaned over you and planted his nose in the crook of your neck, inhaling deeply.

Without moving from his lingered position above you, he spoke in a seductively low voice. "You've always had a distinct fragrance, Eden; it's a sweet floral scent that's very enticing." He looked into your eyes. "Yet, I now discern an additional aroma mixed in, and I must admit, my craving for you is becoming more ravenous by the second because of it. This intoxicating scent that you have naturally produced is making me wild for you, arousing me in an almost animalistic manner."

Your heart began to rapidly pound in your chest as Loki slowly started moving his nose downwards, keeping his nose pressed firmly on your body so to discern where the source of the scent originates. He kept trailing down, going lower and lower until he found himself kneeling in-front of your legs, his head resting on your lap. 

He inhaled dramatically, and upon exhalation, he let out a delighted moan. You started to panic when you realised what he could smell; this new scent he was wild for was your natural essence that you created after experiencing a powerful orgasm.

You tried to stand up, feeling embarrassed, but he firmly pulled you back down, and brazenly lifted your dress over your knees. His lust was fuelled by the delectable scent you emanated, and he quickly parted your legs. You saw the gleam in his eyes as he locked in on the space between your thighs and caught sight of the coloured panties you wore.

You gasp at the sudden exposure of your underwear and automatically attempt to pull down the hem of your dress, but Loki forces your hands to your sides and wedges his upper body firmly between your legs to prevent you from shutting them.

Your entire body trembled and you breathed fast, but witnessing Loki assume a more dominant role surged your arousal; the thrill of being pinned into a position of his choosing was an unexpected delight.

"Loki... what are you.."

"You were in my room, wasn't you, darling?" He was unyielding with his hold on your hands as he remained positioned between your thighs.

"I... um .."

"Don't lie, sweetheart, because I will know."

"Yes... I was in your room."

You meet his gaze after deliberately avoiding it, and you observe the slight smirk on his face.

"You saw me, didn't you?" He asked.

Your heart hurt with how quickly it was gaining momentum, and Loki, perceiving not only nerves coursing through you, but also eagerness for more intimate moves, decided to take a risk. He gambled that you wouldn't resist his next planned move.

He gradually eased his forced restraint, but as soon as his grip released on your hands, he immediately rested them on each knee and slowly ascended your thighs.

"I did see you, I am sorry." You whimpered, only just managing to get words out coherently as his palms slyly move to the inner of your legs.

Loki widened his grin, pleased that you didn't thwart away his hands. You were enjoying this as much as he was.

He let out a smooth chuckle. "Why are you sorry? You may view my body whenever you wish. Tell me, did you watch me finish?"

His gaze shifts from your face to the region between your legs, and you bite your lower lip as his fingers tease closer, heading critically close to your wet panties.

"Yes, I observed you reach your bliss."

"Hardly seems fair." He looked up again to meet your eye and saw your confused yet lascivious expression. "You watched me attain my blissful climax as I thought of only you, but I didn't see you when you reached yours." He confessed.

"W-what makes you think I had a... that I .."

"That you cum, darling? That you released your sweet nectar after experiencing pleasure? Is that what you're trying to say?"

You timidly nod.

"Oh, I know you did..." He smirked, and his fingers suddenly stopped their teasing and slipped beneath the fabric of your panties, stroking a finger along the smooth crease of your intimate area. He gave you a smug grin when he felt the evidence of your recent orgasm; you were soaked, and now you couldn't deny it.

"Even your arousal has a sweet scent. I could pick up your aroma straight away, and I cannot express how happy it makes me to be able to detect when you climax, darling. Yet now I'm left wondering, do you taste as sweet?"

His eyes were ablaze with lust and he observed your reaction with rapt attention as he slid a finger inside you without forewarning. You gasp in response to his unexpected intrusion.

He started moving his finger slowly and gently, allowing your virgin hole to become accustomed to the sensation of being filled. Your tense body leaned back against the cushions, and you instinctively opened your thighs wider when the sensations he induced in you were too delicious to refuse. You peered down at him as he continued his finger movements and noticed that his eyes were filled with hunger and his lips were moist from constantly rolling his tongue over them; his eagerness to taste you had reached its apex.

"Loki," you moan.

"Yes my queen." He picked up his pace.

"I want you to taste me."

Loki promptly extracted his fingers from your body and sucked them clean. As he tasted you, he let out a delectable moan and his eyes rolled back; he knew this was the beginning of an addiction, and he welcomed it.

"No..." you declare. He sharply opened his eyes. "I want your mouth between my thighs, consume me, Loki." Gone was your ingrained modesty, you needed his tongue and not in your mouth this time.

Your enticing request prompted Loki to let out a low growl before he swiftly pulled your panties down the length of your legs and popped them off. He eagerly tossed them into the air, there final destination a mystery. His head dove downwards, and his mouth firmly latched on to your sex. You shrieked when his tongue skilfully parted your folds to reach your pleasure spot.

You arch your back as he expertly gave you the most intense pleasure, and as he induces another imminent orgasm, you thread your fingers through his raven hair and press him more firmly against you.

His muffled groans against you cause a pleasing vibration to strike your nerve-nestled nub, which was the perfect way to induce your big O. You instinctively close your legs and hold him in place as you scream his name, a surge of ecstasy pulsing through your body.

Your legs flop open as your body relaxes in a state of bliss, and after Loki finishes slurping every last drop of your essence, he draws back, the entirety of his mouth glistening with your remnants.

Out of breath, and panting, all you could do was rest against the cushions as Loki crawled up your body, and took hold of your chin. Without licking his lips, he planted a passionate kiss on your mouth, and as you exchanged tongues you could taste the distinct flavour of yourself.

"What do you taste, darling?"

You smile as you reflect on the favours you can discern.

"A sweet honey with the undercurrent of tangy citrus." You answer.

"Do you want to know what I taste?" He grins.

You nod.

"I taste the delights of Valhalla."

You beam with elation, not only due to your sexual gratification, but also by his romantic words.

"You are a taste unlike any other, but the delicious sounds you make as I bring you to rapture, could be the death of me." Loki muses. "You, screaming my name fills me with so much joy, my heart could surely burst."

You both laughed together before Loki proceeded to lay down on the sofa, and pull your body on top of him. You rest your head on his chest and listen to his peaceful breathing while he stroked the back of your head.

"Loki," you murmur, still in a state of orgasmic stupor.

"Yes, my love."

"I never expected to do what we did today; it was a complete surprise."

"Was it a... a happy surprise?" He questioned, worried you have regrets.

You smiled as you observed his worried expression.

"It was an unexpected joy, one I'd agree to repeat, should you wish?"

Loki smiled broadly, excitement and elation pushing through his veins. "I do wish... I want... I'll always desire intimacy with you, Eden."

You rested your head back down on his chest feeling content.

"Eden?" He spoke your name so softly.

"Hm?"

"Can we stay here tonight, together, on this sofa."

You raise your head again, and glance at him.

"The seating is a bit small," you reply.

Loki sighed. "Hm, I suppose you're right." His tone conveyed disappointment.

"But would our royal bed suffice?" You quickly add.

Loki gazed at you, a smile appearing on his face.

"Are you implying that we share a bed together?" He asked hopeful.

"During our separation, you were constantly on my mind, and my heart yearned for you. Now that we are together, it seems pointless to intentionally separate ourselves. Therefore, I believe it logical to request that Dagr bring my belongings to the regal suite, as I never want to sleep without you, Loki."

You climb up his body to reach his lips and passionately kiss him. He moans in contentment and you feel his hands smooth over the curve of your rear. He squeezed your cheeks firmly, causing you to gasp against his kiss at feeling a slight sting.

"That hurt is a pleasure I like," you whisper.

Loki smirks. "Good, you should get used to it."

***

Your eyes flutter open and you immediately smile as you recall that you were in Loki's regal chambers. Last night, after your passionate encounter on the sofa, Loki escorted you to his chamber, eager for you to share his bed. You both fell asleep peacefully while holding each other, contented.

Now, as you awaken with Loki's fragrance saturating your body and his arm tightly coiled around you, you realise that he seemed to be holding you captive. You questioned whether he held you so closely on purpose to ensure that you wouldn't change your mind and leave. It seemed the type of thing he would do.

You contemplate how you will rise without disturbing his slumbering state. When you look under the covers and see his legs entangled with yours, you realise that escaping will be difficult.

You found his position amusing, yet it warmed your heart, and now you were thankful Ovahh was the voice of reason, as not sleeping next to Loki would have been a big mistake. Having felt the warmth of his body and the solace of his embrace, you knew it was unlikely that you would be able to sleep any other way now.

The sound of his serene snoozing alerted you to the fact that he was still in a deep sleep, whereas you were thoroughly awake and required a new dressing for your burn.

You were thankful that Loki did not query why you were wearing gloves to bed, he was too intent on cuddling with you to notice. And just as Ovahh stated, Loki did not urge you for anything more than caresses and kisses.

He knew and respected your wish to finalise the divorce papers before submitting yourself to him, but it was evident from last night's raunchy antics that foreplay was on the table, even if full-fledged sex was not.

You carefully pry his hands from around your waist and contort your body in odd angles to sneak from beneath the covers. You initially believed it would be more difficult to escape, particularly since you remembered Ovahh saying Loki was a light sleeper, but he didn't stir, not once, not even when you accidentally bumped into a piece of furniture as you navigated towards the door and slipped out.

As you approached the seating area, you were surprised to see Ovahh patiently seated at the table with a half-eaten apple in hand.

"Birdy! What a complete and utter surprise to see you here! Isn't your chambers back in the opposite direction?" He gave you a cheeky grin.

You blushed. "Actually, Ovahh, my chamber is the royal suite. So I'm where I am suppose to be. You on the other hand..."

"I go where the food is served first, and the royal suite is always first to have breakfast." He declared as he took another bite of his apple. "I am relieved that you changed your mind and spared my king the dreaded ordeal of sleeping alone. It's great to see him finally utilising his bed."

You arch a brow, and Ovahh noticing your confusion began to explain.

"Loki has never slept in his royal chambers. He falls asleep on the chaise lounge while reading a book."

"Never?"

"Like a throne, a bed is a lonely place without a queen by his side." He saw your remorseful expression. "Don't be sad, Birdy, I imagine the reason he is uncommonly still asleep, is because he feels content, his loneliness eradicated. And rightly so, he has finally attained his queen."

"And you? What of your loneliness?"

Ovahh's anxiousness was evident on his face, yet in typical fashion he hid his emotions behind humour.

He chuckled. "I found something this morning, perhaps you want them back?" He held up your panties, the ones Loki tore off you, and the very pair you spent ages searching for last night. Of course Ovahh would find them.

As mortification overcame you, you felt your heart plummet into your stomach and all the air exit your lungs.

You dashed forward and lunged across the table, snatching the panties from his hand and stuffing them into the pocket of your cloak.

"Never tell anyone of this!" You remark, shying your eyes away so not to look at him directly.

Ovahh chuckled heartedly. "I didn't know you could move so fast, and that swift skid along the surface of the table was impressive. I think you have a hidden skill, warrior princess, slash Gaia has a ring to it." He mused.

"Ovahh!" You pleaded.

He relented. "Okay, I promise I won't speak of this to anyone... although, finding the future queen's undergarments would be a wonderful topic of conversation among the other Jotun guards over a bottle of potent pinia."

"Ovahh!"

"It is a mere jest, I would never shame you, Birdy."

You sensed his sincerity.

"Thank you." You walk to his side of the table and take a seat next to him, deliberately stealing the half eaten apple from his grip.

"Careful, we don't want another accident" He warns, spying your bandage.

You take a bite of his apple. "It's almost healed, I'm pretty sure of it."

He still had a look of remorse on his face, and you noticed it.

"Hey, look at me." You command, and he did as you asked. "It was an accident, I will be more aware next time. Don't feel guilty."

You placed your gloved hand on top of his, and he exhaled when he felt your touch again.

After he awoke this morning, he gave thought to his feelings for you, and if he had not truly pondered them, he may have misunderstood the emotions that your gentle touch sparked in him as feelings of love. However, after deep consideration, he concluded that the sensations he had for you were not romantic. 

His fleeting amorous thoughts were due to his confusion, and his jealousy derived from his desire to be loved unconditionally by someone, as Loki was by you. He desired a spiritual mate, a connection, similar to the one you and Loki shared.

He adored your friendship since he felt entirely accepted by you, and sensed the genuine love you exuded for him. He cherished the friendly moments he shared with you, and so having accidentally hurt you last night still weighed heavy on his heart.

All of a sudden, a commanding voice spoke, drawing your and Ovahh's attention.

"What accident?!" Loki stood glaring.

Both you and Ovahh abruptly stood up.

"It is nothing to be alarmed about, Loki." You nervously answer.

He steadily approached you and observed that you were concealing your hands behind your back.

"Why are you hiding your hands from me, Eden? I noticed last night, but I naively assumed you were cold, or preferred not to touch my cooler skin. I foolishly didn't question my better judgment. But now that the word accident has surfaced, I'm beginning to suspect that you were injured?"

"Loki, please..." He raised his hand and gestured for silence, then turned to Ovahh. "What has happened?" He was confident that Ovahh would get to the point and not overlook any details.

"Eden has a two-inch abrasion as a result of frostbite, caused by contact with my skin. I observed evidence of a second-degree burn, and while she emphasises that it has healed, I detect the scent of an abscessed area beneath the antiseptic gauze she has applied. I do not anticipate a spread of the infection due to her prompt self-care, but I am concerned that a scar will form; therefore, I recommend Aesir's intervention to ensure that her delicate skin is not irrevocably marked."

"And why didn't you inform me sooner? A note on my nightstand is for something trivial, but this requires immediate attention." Loki scorned.

You darted your eyes to ovahh. "You told him? We had an agreement Ovahh!"

Ovahh glared at Loki, feeling contempt for his ruler for the first time. He had deposited a note at his bedside in the early hours with the hope that he would not reveal that he had informed him.

"Your safety comes before all else, Birdy. I told you before, I could not live with myself if I disfigured you, this wound will indeed leave a scar. A hideous scar that serves as a constant reminder of my terrible mistake. Please allow Loki to cure you!" He implores.

Loki had already crept up behind you and started to remove your gloves.  Upon observing your blistered wound, he growled, biting back his rage.

Ovahh stepped away in disgrace and strode to his room, furious with himself.  In a fit of rage, he tore apart the suit he was constructing so he could hug you. He felt worthless and undeserving of your friendship.

In a state of despair, he sat on his bed, replaying the expression on your face when you discovered he had neglected his word and told Loki. Tears welled as the fear that you would abandon him because he betrayed your trust swarmed his mind. The grief he felt at losing your friendship tore at his heart, it was a hurt like none he's felt before.

However, as he gazed blankly at his bare room, something new captured his eye. Slowly, he approached the once-empty shelf, and when he saw a small wooden figurine sitting upon it, his heart fluttered. He picked it up very carefully and inspected it. On the back was an inscription, "For Ovahh, my dear friend, without whom I would still be a lost birdy in the snow."

A tear rolled down his cheek as he held it to his chest.

"I will make right with you, Birdy, and fight for our friendship." He placed the ornament very cautiously back on the shelf and vowed there and then to regain your respect.

To convince himself that he would remain in one place this time and not flee from his fear of rejection, he unpacked his boxes. After doing so, he looked around his room and smiled when he observed your ornament sitting proudly on one of his shelves. His space still contained few possessions, but it felt much more like a home.

***

"Did you remember to pack extra wheels in the event that the carriage became damaged?" Loki asked Ovahh.

"Yes, my king, and tools should it need only a repair and not a replacement." Ovahh replied.

"Hm, well done." Loki curtly remarked.

As you fed hay to the horses, you observed Loki and Ovahh's formal conversation with a heavy heart, knowing that this was not how they normally interacted with one another; their conversation was stiff and lifeless. And it was evident that they both disliked being angry with one another.

Loki forbade you from lifting anything heavy, he had healed your wound, but it was still slightly sore, and he did not desire to aggravate it by having you perform manual labour.

"And did you remember to pack your energy bars, the ones you like?" Loki reminded Ovahh.

Ovahh sighed. "No I did not. But it matters not. We must depart."

"No. I will acquire them for you since you enjoy them so much." Loki quickly dashed up the steps and rummaged through the palace kitchens in search of Ovahh's favourite snack. He desired to make amends with Ovahh and doing this for him was his way of trying to do that.

While Loki was absent, you made your way to Ovahh in hopes of a reconciliation.

"I hope we are on friendlier terms, Ovahh? Let's skip the awkward exchange and just make up, shall we?"

Ovahh was taken aback; he believed it was going to be a considerable amount of time before you desired to communicate with him again, and even longer before you spoke to him as you once did. He never envisaged that it would be you to initiate the first attempt at reconciliation.

He made a valiant effort to conceal the smile that pulled at his lips, but you saw it plain as day.

"I saw that ovahh, that smile I have come to love"

He looked up, no longer hiding his joy at knowing where he stood with you.

"I knew you couldn't stay mad at me for long, I'm just too adorable." He beamed.

"Just so you know, I was never angry with you; you simply left in a huff and assumed I was. A typical Jotun with a fiery head." You tease.

"And you are a stubborn Embrodi. Had you just allowed me to fetch Loki the very instant after the accident, perhaps Loki and I would be on better terms now."

"I will take your advice into consideration for future incidents." You assert. However, he turned to you with an expression of astonishment.

"Next time! Are you anticipating future accidents?" He exclaimed. "Eden, there will be no next time. Your safety is my top priority; if I determine that the dangers ahead are too perilous for you, I will turn around and return you to the palace, where you will be bubble-wrapped and kept safe!"

You observed Loki at the top of the steps, his arms chock-full with an absurd amount of Ovahh's favourite snacks. It was evident from his expression that he had heard Ovahh's boisterous declaration. When Ovahh saw your attention divert to something behind him, he turned around.

Loki descended the stairs while smiling at Ovahh, and handed him a snack. "Bubble wrap is not a bad idea, Ovahh, and I agree wholeheartedly with your proclamation, Eden's safety is imperative." Loki patted him on the back, and the two Jotuns smiled warmly at each other. Now back on good terms.

"You found the energy bars fine then?" Ovahh asked.

"Initially, I investigated the kitchens, but my staff informed me that you had already pillaged the entire supply and taken it to your quarters. I was required to access your room in order to retrieve them."

Ovahh felt a little panic when he realised that Loki had entered his chamber.

"I'm pleased to see that you have finally unpacked. I wondered if the reason you hadn't was because you wasn't quite sure of me, and your position as my guard. I know my erratic moods, shifts in temperament and joy for midgardian literature can be a bit much for most Jotun's. However, when I saw you in the guard house, I saw myself in you, Ovahh: witty, mischievous, and with a big heart." Loki smiled warmly at Ovahh. "We are different you and I, and it is not bad that we feel emotion more strongly than most of our kind. I believe this is the result of the gods evolving our race, and we are fortunate to have been chosen to recalibrate future generations. Your children, my chil—" Loki stopped mid sentence, realising he will likely not have kids of his own.

He quickly continued, pushing the aside the brief sadness he felt. "Your children will not be so formal in emotions, and I'm certain that we will make positive changes. So I hope you stay around, as my queen and I do not wish to lose you."

Ovahh was at a loss for words and struggled to hold back his emotion. Loki observed his tears as well as his unease at being seen crying in your presence. Loki quickly dropped the snacks in the snow, and embraced him in an effort to conceal that he was crying. As Ovahh silently wept on Loki's shoulder, he wrapped his strong arms around him, and upon skin-to-skin contact, Loki instantly transformed into his larger Jotun form.

"You always have a home in the palace, and in our heart." Loki whispered.

"Would you like to proceed on our travels today? Because if you keep talking my king, I will not cease blubbering." Both Ovahh and Loki laughed.

The horse's neighing attracted their attention, and you swiftly turned around, pretending to continue feeding them.

"I swear I wasn't watching." You shout without glancing around.

"I will add lying to the Embrodi traits" Loki teased, as he crept up behind you and resumed his favoured form of affection; nuzzling your neck.

His tickling touch causes you to wriggle, and he spins you around to face him. "The trio has reunited, and we are all back on good terms." You could see the relief in his smile.

"Good" you say, "because I don't think you're quite scary enough to scare off a Lassim beast, let alone a dire wolf." You taunt before quickly entering the carriage, leaving Loki amusedly gazing at you.

Ovahh patted Loki on the shoulder. "I believe she is subtly asking to see your more dominant side, my king."

Loki glanced at him. "She has already sampled it, but if she desires more, then so be it." He smirked with mischief.