Enchanted Shadows

Chapter 66 - The Threads of Control

**POV:** Maya

The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow over our chambers. I watch Fenrir as he babbles happily on the floor, his little fingers grasping at the toys scattered around him. He's one year old today. The thought fills me with a bittersweet joy. It feels like just yesterday he was a newborn cradled in my arms. Time has flown by so quickly.

Loki stands by the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He's been quieter lately, his eyes often distant as if he's looking beyond what's in front of him. Yet, when he's with Fenrir, there's a softness to him, a gentleness that I didn't know he was capable of.

I walk over to him, reaching out to touch his arm. "Loki," I say softly. "He's growing up so fast."

He turns to me, his expression softening. "Yes, he is," he agrees, glancing over at our son. "He's becoming stronger every day."

"Do you think...he's happy?" I ask, watching Fenrir play. "Are we giving him the life he deserves?"

Loki turns fully to face me, taking my hand in his. "He is a prince, Maya," he says gently. "He will have everything he needs and more."

"I know, but..." I trail off, searching his eyes. "It's not just about what he has. It's about what he feels. I want him to feel loved, not just powerful."

Loki sighs, pulling me closer. "He will feel love," he assures me. "Our love, the love of his people. But he must also understand the world he is born into. He must know strength."

"Strength," I repeat, feeling a knot in my stomach. "I know it's important, but sometimes I worry we're pushing him too fast."

Loki's eyes darken for a moment, then he softens again, cupping my cheek with his hand. "Maya," he murmurs, his voice soothing. "You are his mother. You have given him love from the moment he took his first breath. That love will always be his anchor. But we must also prepare him for the world outside these walls."

"I know," I whisper, leaning into his touch. "I just...I just want him to have a childhood."

Loki tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. "He will," he promises. "A childhood filled with wonder, knowledge, and yes, strength. But never doubt our love for him. He is the center of our world."

I nod, feeling reassured by his words. "You're right," I say softly. "I'm just overthinking again."

He smiles, a rare and genuine smile that makes my heart flutter. "You worry because you care," he says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "And that is why you are the perfect mother for him."

"Thank you," I murmur, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I just want to do right by him."

"You are," Loki assures me. "Every day."

We stand there in silence for a moment, watching Fenrir as he tries to stack his wooden blocks. His brow furrows in concentration, and I can't help but smile at his determination.

"He's got your stubbornness," I tease gently.

Loki chuckles softly. "And your heart," he replies. "A powerful combination."

I laugh, a light sound that fills the room. It's been a while since I've felt this...normal. This sense of family, of togetherness, is what I've always wanted. I reach out and take Loki's hand, squeezing it gently.

"We're doing this," I say quietly. "We're really building a life."

He nods, his expression serious yet warm. "Yes," he agrees. "A life that no one can take from us."

A knock on the door interrupts the moment, and I turn to see one of the palace servants standing in the doorway, her head bowed.

"My lord, my lady," she says respectfully. "The council has requested an audience with you both."