{part four | chapter four}

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"Asgard!" Loki addressed the kingdom's population, disguised as the Allfather. Loki had transformed Lilith's jeans and sweater into a long, cream-colored silk dress. She shifted uncomfortably from where she stood behind the god, her hair had been magically curled and cascaded over her shoulders delicately and her skin glowed in the warm sunlight. She looked just like any other Asgardian.

"My beloved people. It is my greatest sorrow to inform you that our prince, Loki Odinson, God of Mischief, has died." An audible gasp and a few unintelligible murmurs rippled through the crowd. Lilith stared at the ground as he continued his speech. She didn't dare to meet the eyes of the few Asgardians that watched her with confused expressions. Clearly they were confused about who she was and why she was standing with their king.What would he tell them about her?

"This loss will be felt by us all. But my son will not be forgotten. He will live on in our memories, our hearts, in every mischievous smirk. I wish to give you time to mourn, but first, I must introduce you to someone." Lilith's eyes widened as she snapped her head up to look at the magically disguised god with confusion and worry. The false Odin continued anyway, never turning away from his peoples' attentive gaze. He held out his hand to her and she took it hesitantly. He led her forward so she was now adjacent to where he stood.

"Please," he spoke, "On this dark day, I encourage you to welcome a little light into your hearts. I ask you to welcome Lilith, Lost Princess of Asgard, and the Goddess of Dreams and Illusion." Lilith felt faint. Lost princess? Goddess? He couldn't actually make her a deity, could he? Finally he looked back at her and saw her frightened expression. He smiled warmly at her and she felt a strange, overwhelming sense of calm wash over her. The crowd's murmurs filled her ears, they seemed to be just as confused as she was.

"Don't be afraid, Darling," she heard Loki's voice echoing in her mind and she did her best not to be visibly shocked by the sound of his words, "This will only be a moment more. Do you trust me?" She nodded her head the slightest bit so only he would notice.

"Lilith," He began, speaking out loud once more, "Please do this great kingdom the honor of accepting your place among the gods, as princess of Asgard."

"Say, 'I accept.'" Lilith repeated his words out loud, her voice shaking slightly.

"Asgard," Loki proclaimed, "You have your princess." The crowd, that had moments before been standing in silent shock and confusion, began to kneel before her. The false Odin nodded at his subjects one last time before beginning to lead Lilith away from the eyes of the crowd. When they reached an empty hallway, Loki morphed back into himself and scooped Lilith up in his arms, cradling her. They were surrounded by the green light once more, the young woman closed her eyes tightly on impulse. When she opened them again, they had returned to Loki's chambers. He set her down in front of him.

"What was that? Lost princess? Goddess? Loki I-"

"I had to explain your presence somehow."

"But why choose all of that?"

"You'd be allowed to come and go from the palace without suspicion, you would be close by my side at all times, you'd be staying in my chambers, and your status would be unquestionable. It was the safest option."

"Alright, princess I can manage. But how am I going to fake being a goddess?"

"With a little bit of mischief, of course." Loki winked.

"How long have you been planning this, exactly?"

"I decided on everything within the hour before the speech."

"Impressive."

"Thank you, Darling. Look," He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her gently towards the open balcony doors. The sun was setting and the moons were rising, the colors blending into a blurry, flaming combination that took the mortal woman's breath from her lungs.

"It's beautiful."

"It's getting late," Loki stated matter-of-factly, "We should get you something to eat and then into bed, you've had a long day."

"I'm really not hungry." Loki kissed her behind her ear and placed his chin in the curve where her neck met her shoulder.

"You need to eat, Darling. Something small, at least. A glass of water and..."

"Peanut butter toast?" She finished for him tentatively.

"Anything for you, My Love."

"Thank you."

"Wait here. I'll only be a moment." And with that, he disappeared once more into the green light. Lilith yawned and made her way towards the bed. Not bothering to pull the soft comforter away from the mattress, she laid down on her side and stared out at the terrace and the magnificent colors painting the sky. Soon, her eyelids began to droop and she felt herself dozing off.

When Loki returned merely five minutes later with her toast and her water, he smiled at the sight of her. She was curled in a little ball, clutching one of the smaller, decorative pillows that she hadn't shoved off of the bed yet. Her previously immaculate hair was frizzy and splayed out around her, and her makeup was smeared. Her mouth was open slightly and he could hear her snoring softly as she slept soundly. Placing the water glass and the toast on the night table, He used his magic to clean her face, tie her hair into two, long, french braids, and change her dress into a pair of soft, green pajama pants and a white t-shirt as well.

"Sweet dreams, Lilith," he leaned over and pressed a kiss to her temple, before conjuring a blanket to drape over her and moving himself across the room. Stretching himself out on the chaise lounge, he summoned himself a book to read in the last minutes of daylight. Soon, he drifted off as well, comforted by the Midgardian girl's presence and the sound of her gentle snores from across the room where she rested in his bed.

Not long after the god drifted off to sleep, Lilith stirred. Still half asleep, she dragged the blanket across the room with her, and crawled onto the chaise lounge, resting her body on top of Loki's, resting her head on his chest and covering both of them with the blanket. Still fast asleep, Loki wrapped one arm around her waist and brought one hand up to pet her hair lazily. They stayed that way until sunrise, when Loki awoke to the sound of Lilith mumbling something quietly in her sleep. He smiled and placed a kiss on the top of her head, sighing contentedly. Picking her up and carrying her back to his bed, he placed her gently under the covers and crawled in next to her. He held her close as she continued to sleep, savoring the quiet moments of the morning with her by his side.

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