Firebird by NorseFan1

Chapter 18

When he woke up, the bed beside him was empty. Looking around he found her easily, standing at the window, looking out. He got out of bed and walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "What are you thinking about, my firebird?"

"We're getting married tomorrow. I keep worrying that I'll just wake up and this will be a dream, and I'll still be stuck in that bedsit. Or worse, back in Britain."

"That is not going to happen," Loki told her. "After tomorrow the bond will be active, and you never need doubt reality again."

Anastasia lent her head back against his chest and smiled. "I can't wait. But I'm not overly keen on staying in separate rooms for tonight."

"Unfortunately it is a tradition we have not been able to escape. But it is only for a night. Tomorrow will more than make up for it. Now, shall we get ready for the day?"

"Sure," she replied, smiling. "We have to check our new chambers, yes?"

"Indeed," he replied, releasing her. Now they were going to be married, they were being given a new set of rooms, ones that would accommodate any children that came along.

They both got washed and dressed and ate a quick breakfast before leaving and heading for another wing, a larger one designed with families in mind. The double doors leading to their new chambers were wide open and they entered. Ana fell in love with the rooms immediately. Decorated in creams and golds, there was a lounge, a small library, a study, a dining room and four bedrooms, each of which had its own bathroom. One of the bedrooms was already prepared as a nursery. She was smiling widely.

"This is wonderful. There's even room for guests."

Loki smiled and pulled her into him. "I am glad you think so. Tomorrow, some of the servants will move our belongings in here. It will be fully ready for us when we retire."

She reached up and kissed him. "Good, because I can't wait much longer."

She was finally ready, her hair and make-up were done and the dress was on. She looked into the mirror and smiled. Today was the big day. At last. Ana had not slept much the night before, but it did not show, thanks to the carefully applied makeup. She had hardly eaten a thing this morning either, her stomach a mass of nerves that she was worried would make her throw up if she ate anything, though Hermione and Jane were both trying to persuade her otherwise.

"I think I'll be sick if I have anything right now. Besides, after the service, there is going to be more food than any of us can eat. I'll make up for it then."

Hermione huffed. "Fine. But I'll be watching to make sure. And if I don't see you eat anything, I will let Loki know."

"I'm sure you'll be fine by then though. The actual ceremony will be the most nerve wracking part, I'm sure," Jane said.

"There's just so much to remember," Ana said.

"I know, but you will remember it. I've heard you recite your part without any scripting over and over the last two weeks. You will be fine," Jane assured her.

Ana nodded, but she was still worried. The two left when Thor arrived, in order to get to their places in the hall.

"How are you, Anastasia?" Thor asked her, smiling. He was in full armour and it was fully polished. She was sure that, when she saw Loki, he would be dressed similarly.