Dragonscales

Chapter 62|Picnic

My shoes clicked against the stone flooring of Asgard's palace. "I hope your time on Asgard has been pleasant so far, apart from the incident." Thola trailed behind me, next to Svanhild. "Yes, but the 'incident' is something I would not like to repeat." My fingers ghosted over the bandages wrapping my wrists. "Our king may be wrong in many ways, but we can not argue with him unless we wish to separate our heads from necks." Svanhild tucked a strand of her tawny hair behind her ear. My thoughts shifted to Aunt Astra, who executed her brother for falling in love. "Stardust Grove, where I grew up, once had a queen like that," I said solemnly. The words fell from my lips as we reached our destination.

Thola and Svanhild dipped into polite curtsies as Queen Frigga beckoned me into her room. The pair of handmaidens left, leaving me alone with my future mother-in-law. "Did you sleep well, dear?" "Yes, I did." I blew softly on a cup of tea before taking a sip. "That's good. You need rest to heal after your incident," Frigga noticed how I tensed at the mention of being locked in a cell and quickly changed the subject. "So, Loki tells me you'll be leaving tomorrow morning." I nodded, taking a bite from a pastry. "We weren't planning on staying for long, just long enough to formally announce our engagement. New York needs me." "I understand, Thor is also always busy with his duties to the Avengers," Frigga sighed. 

Breakfast was soon over. Svanhild and Thola met me at the door. "What else would you like to do today, Thistle?" Svanhild gazed out the large windows as we wandered the halls. I spotted Loki walking in our direction. His face lit up as he saw me. 

"Ah, there you are, my love." My eyes flicked over to where Svanhild was gagging and Thola was shushing her. I chuckled, intertwining my arms with Loki's. "I thought today I could show you the town surrounding the palace," Loki suggested. "That sounds lovely, Lokes," I said, while I could hear Thola and Svanhild giggle at the nickname. Loki's eyes narrowed. "You two are dismissed." "Go ahead and relax, I'll see you tonight when we get back," I added, sending a look at my fiancé for being rude. Loki and I left the palace hand in hand. 

My leather boots thudded against the cobblestone streets as we walked. I scanned the multiple shops for anything interesting, settling on a jewelry shop. I dragged Loki with me into the shop, immediately finding the section with bracelets. "I need a present for Snowdrop," I stated simply. Loki nodded, perusing the selection, "Are bracelets her favorite?" "Yes, clinking them together calms her." A particular bangle caught my eye. It was carved out of blue jade, veins of silver running through it to form a pattern of snowflakes. "It's perfect." 

Shopping bags swayed gently to match Loki's arms as we strolled through the square. The sun sat lazily in the middle of the sky, signaling that it was noon. "You know I can carry some bags myself," I pouted while a slight breeze ruffled my frosty hair, which now almost brushed my shoulders. "Well, yes, but that wouldn't be polite, now would it?" Loki's lips curled into a teasing grin. The moment was perfect until my stomach rumbled and ruined it. "What are you thinking for lunch?" I inquired. With a swirl of green magic, the shopping bags had disappeared and a wicker basket now hung from Loki's arm. "I believe it is time to show you the Palace Gardens." 

I sprawled out on the blanket Loki had set down, one of my hands playing with the grass. We were on an out-of-way island, concealed by the hanging vines of large willow trees. Surrounding us was a babbling brook. Loki set out a few sandwiches on a plate with a pattern of roses embossed on the rim. My betrothed took a sip of tea, gently cradling his saucer in his hands. "What do you think, my flower?" He asked. "It's beautiful, darling. Thanks for taking me here." I sat up and took a bite out of a sandwich. "I love you, Loki." I leaned into his chest, crawling onto his lap. "I love you, too, Thistle." Loki pressed a kiss to the top of my head, careful not to get stabbed by my horns. 

A/N: 

Hey guys! It's been a hot minute; sorry about that. I've had a lot of stuff going on in my personal life but hey! Another chapter with these lovable idiots! Also, Loki's birthday was like seven days ago so happy birthday to him. 

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a belated Happy Hanukkah to all my readers who celebrate that! (Because Hanukkah was kind of early this year so I'm a little late on that one...) 

~Toadstool <3