Darkness Revealed (A Loki Love Story) Book 2 in Darkness Series

Making Arrangements

(His point of view)

Upon arriving back in Medina, I summon the men to follow Link, Thor, and myself as we march back to the castle on foot. No need for horses as they are so many soldiers. It would be more of a ruckus than anything to find a horse for each individual now.

As we make our way down the winding path from the temple and through the market, I cannot help but notice that there is an usual heaviness lingering in the air. There are looming gray clouds lurking in the sky above, bringing forth the threatening rolls of thunder and rain. Odd.....

As we make our way onward, the villagers in Town Market stop and gawk at the sight of the enormous army behind me. They part like rivers around its residing rocks, allowing a substantial path for the hundreds of us to pass by. For a time, they are deathly silent. However, it is not long before they all begin breaking out into cheers of triumph. It is quite clear that in our absence, the King has decided to share with the land the tragic news of late. I can hear some of them, loudly shouting, "Long live, Prince Loki! Long live the Princess!" I keep my eyes fixated on our destination, attempting to hold myself together as they cheer for their beloved future Queen. I must remain strong.....

Upon entering through the main entrance of the palace, we find the King and Queen standing just inside, smiling widely with relief. They practically run to us, embracing myself and Link before reaching for Thor. I quickly introduce them to The Warriors Three and Lady Sif before turning and waving my hand over the enormous amount of men that are still piling in through the entryway.

"Goodness!" I hear the Queen exclaim in excitement. "They are so many!" The King chuckles are her observation.

"This is excellent, Loki. Thank you for what you have done." I shake my head.

"No need, Your Majesty. The praise should all go to my brother, Thor, and my father, Odin. Without their willingness to comply, I would not have been successful."

"I trust you found your father in good health. I do so hope that you were finally able to make peace with him," The King replies. I smile before nodding.

"Father is aging, Your Majesty, but he is as well as to be expected in his latter years. And yes, we were able to reach a truce. A very agreeable one, I might add." He nods in return as his smile meets the corners of his eyes. Link steps closer to my side, bringing a heavy but proud hand up to my shoulder.

"King Odin sends his warmest regards to you and Mother, as well as his prayers in hopes that Christine is...." he stops speaking suddenly, flashing his eyes over to me. But it is too late, for my pain is already gnawing away at my insides.

"Safely returned home," he finishes hesitantly. I close my eyes, fighting like hel to erase her tortured expression from my mind. I feel the King's hand grasp my other shoulder, willing me to reopen my eyes.

"Do not worry, my son. Let us just rejoice in your safe return and successful mission." I force myself to nod once more, fighting back the urge to vomit. I bring my eyes back up to Link's face, finding him gazing in my direction with a seriously remorseful frown on his face. I shake my head at him, hoping that he will realize that I am not upset. But in all honesty, I am falling apart at the seams on the inside. The King releases my shoulder before he moves past me, holding out his arms as he summons for the men to crowd in as tightly as possible.

"Welcome, my new friends! Thank you all so much for coming! There is much to discuss, but for now, let us all adjourn to the banquet hall. I am sure you are all famished!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An enormous feast of brunch foods are served along with wines and ales of every sort. I find myself, once again, having to force myself to eat, but I manage it all the same.