Unforgotten

Chapter 19

"Please remember to take it easy," Loki said to me as I hurried down the front steps of Fensalir.  The sun was shining in the afternoon sky, and there was a gentle breeze that smelled of lavender in the air.  I turned around and smiled broadly, the sight before me an absolute delight.

"Of course, darling," I said.  Loki smiled back, coming down the stairs carefully, cradling Charlotte in his arms in a beautiful, sparkling purple blanket.  I loved the way the wind played with his long, black hair, and seeing him smile at me while he held our child so close.  I walked back to meet him, pulling a little of the blanket back to reveal the soft, black hair.  I leaned down and kissed it softly, then met Loki's lips as he kissed me.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as we walked, the fingers of his free hand laced with mine.  I snuck a glance at him, feeling my heart swell with pride and love once again.  He was as handsome as ever, and he had taken so quickly to fatherhood, evident by having Charlotte snuggled safely in the crook of his other arm. 

"Sore.  But better," I admitted.  It had been six weeks since Charolotte's birth, and the healing sessions with Eir and her associates had been amazing.  I had healed much quicker than I ever would have on Earth.  I glanced over at him.  "Much better now that you're back with us."

I saw Loki smile, and look at the ground.  I knew it burdened him, the time he had missed while he was trapped in his frost giant form.  I had tried to let him know I was simply happy to have him back, but he beat himself up for it anyway.  We stopped by the river, looking out of the water. 

"It will forever linger on my mind," Loki said, "the way I was not there for you." I glanced at him in surprise. 

"What?" Loki turned to me, smiling sadly.

"Surely you know by now that I can read your mind?" I turned to face him.  He shrugged.  "I have done so since we met."

"You're a shit." I said.  I had wondered, but I was never sure.  I pulled him to me and kissed him gently.  "I guess if that's the worst of it," He straightened suddenly.

"We need to go back."  I frowned, and he handed Charlotte to me. 

"What's wrong?" I asked, and I began following his long stride back to the palace.  "Odin is here."  I felt my blood run cold, and I held my daughter closer to me. 

"He will not touch her," Loki said to me, guiding me by the small of y back as we walked.  "Do not worry about that." Suddenly there was a crack, and we were teleported to our quarters in the palace. 

"Pull your hair back." Loki told me as he changed into his more formal dress.  I nodded, and did so as I laid Charlotte down on the bed and began changing her diaper.  She gurgled at me, and I blew a raspberry on her tummy.  I finished, then put her soft dress back on.  I felt Loki kiss my cheek. 

"She needs a bottle," I said, and Loki touched Charlotte's cheek gently, smiling fondly at her.

"I will go and meet him," He said quietly.  I nodded, picking Charlotte up.  "Meet us in the library."

We left the room, and went in opposite directions.  Frigga had been back at the palace in the city since we had come to Fensalir, coming to visit every few days for a few hours, to check on my healing progress, and to love on her granddaughter.

I knew Loki was anxious to get back to Midguard, and to get our daughter out of the realm.  I fixed a bottle for her, and laid her out in my arms to begin feeding her, walking with my thoughts.  Frigga had warned us at her last visit that Odin had been notified of Charlotte's birth, but he had thus far not come forth to see her.  Today marked a change, and it made me nervous.  I ensured that Charlotte finished her four ounces, left the bottle in the kitchen, and put her over my shoulder to gently burp her as I headed for the library.