NO REGRETS [l.laufeyson]

EIGHTEEN

     "We were able to share out enough rations for the poorer villages in the West of the city. But I'm afraid we won't have enough for the villages in the East heading into Winter." A council member spoke. Thor was having a meeting with the council alongside Fandral and Loki.

"How have we run out so quickly? We've managed to subdue our rations all year long." Loki questioned.

"King Njörd sent a message to Heimdall early this morning informing us that he has extra to spare and will be sending them over within the next few days..." Thor explained. "In the meantime, we will hand out any extra food from the palace. I will send some troops to each village with anything to spare from the feast."

"I will lead them-" Fandral began as Sif burst through the door. Loki instantly knew something was wrong and shot up out of his seat.

"Thor- I mean, your majesty. I apologise for the interruption but I really need Loki to come with me." Sif spoke with a panicked tone and Loki made his way out the doors before she could finish.

"Meeting dismissed!" Thor ordered as he rushed after them.

"Eir ordered me to bring you back to your chambers immediately." Sif spoke as she rushed next to Loki down the hall.

"What happened?!"

"She's gone into labour." Sif said and Loki pulled her to a halt.

"Labour? She still has two weeks before her due date!"

"Yes, well apparently your child didn't want to wait that long." Sif stated as Loki and her walked towards his chambers again. "She was picking a book out from the library and the next thing I knew she was on the floor crying out in pain. Volstagg wasn't far from us and he's already informed her parents."

"Loki! Sif!" The two turned their heads to see Thor running up to them. "What's going on? Is Evelyn okay?"

"The baby, it's coming." Sif explained. Loki started to run ahead of them leaving them slightly behind. All he wanted to do was get to his wife.

~

As he reached the doors to his chambers, he saw Evelyn's parents outside. Erik was leaning against the wall and Thyra stood up and pulled Loki into a hug. Loki could tell she was beginning to worry for her daughter. As they pulled apart, Thor and Sif appeared from round the corner.

"What's her condition?" Loki asked.

"She has a bit of a fever and the contractions have started. But thanks to Sif, she got Eir early enough to give her some remedies to help her." Thyra explained and Loki turned round to face Sif.

"Thank you." He whispered. Sif smiled and nodded her head. Even though it was her job to protect the Princess, Evelyn was her friend. She would protect her with her life. Without wasting another second Loki rushed in. He saw Eir working on Evelyn's body using a soul forge. She already looked exhausted and the labour has only just begun. Eir had one of her apprentices, Rose, with her, she was wiping a damp cloth on her forehead. Loki rushed to Evelyn's head and held her hand tightly.

"Hey, I'm here. I'm here..."

"L-Loki." Evelyn said tiredly before screaming out in pain. She squeezed his hand as tight as she could. "I'm so... I'm so glad you're here."

"Hush my darling, it's going to be okay. You're doing great, just hang in there." Loki kissed her hand and then her forehead to calm her.

"I'm alright." Evelyn reassured Loki though she was out of breath. "I will give birth to your child, and the three of us will be together. We can be a real family."