The Unthinkable Offering (A Loki FanFic)

The Catch

"Are you happy now?" Anina returned her vitriol to Loki.

"Of course not!"

"Lady Anina,"

She turned and quickly sank into a deep curtsey, "Your Majesty."

"I believe you have made your point. You may leave now." He motioned her toward a guard waiting to accompany her off the palace grounds.

With one last wistful look at Loki, she handed him her sister's bouquet, "Your Highness." She curtsied to Odin once more, "My King." Then strode quickly out of the courtyard with the guard trailing close behind.

"Everyone please," Odin waved his hand toward the tables set up with the buffet, "enjoy the lovely spread we have prepared for you."

The guests made their way to the food and drink, whispering to each other and casting sidelong glances in Loki's direction.

"You two," the King called over two of his Einherjar, "find the Princess and escort her home. Loki," he leveled Loki with a stern look, "a word."

Loki followed him back inside the chapel, a knot forming in his stomach.

The doors closed behind them with an ominous thud. Loki took the opportunity to sit down at the end of a pew and drop his head into his hands.

"That was quite the scene."

"What did you expect? You lit the fuse and are surprised by the explosion that followed? If you think Anina's reaction was dramatic, wait until Viggo finds out."

"Let me worry about Viggo. You need to concern yourself with earning your wife's good graces."

Loki looked at him aghast, "And why would I do that? I held up my end of the bargain. I married the girl, didn't I?"

"That is not where your obligation ends."

Loki shook his head, "No. I will not do it."

"The girl knows what is expected of her. She is eager to be a proper wife to you."

"I do not choose her. I will not do it," Loki reiterated.

"And why not? She is a striking beauty and a virgin to boot. A rare combination these days. Many would kill to be in your position."

"She is a child!"

"She is young, but she is of age."

"Really? By how many weeks?" Loki asked sarcastically. "Has she even finished school yet?"

"It may surprise you to know that she finished her secondary and post-secondary education in less than half the time, earning her the new record for the youngest person to graduate from the university. The record previously held by you."

Loki's eyebrows shot up briefly before he tweaked his expression. He held that record for centuries.

"Good for her."

"Loki, the kingdom needs an heir. I believe the two of you will produce extraordinary children."

He shook his head again, "Never. I will never lay a hand on her. I will not risk getting her with a child. The resulting offspring would be abominations. A curse I will not bestow on anyone, much less an innocent girl. It is a depraved notion. This is not what I agreed to."

"This is better. This is your chance to have a family of your own with a doting wife and a son set to inherit the throne. You and I together can start his tutelage as soon as he starts schooling. When his time comes, he will be ready to lead our people and keep peace in these Nine Realms. With our combined knowledge, he will be a wise and good king."