Emprise [Fólkvangr End, Book 2][Loki Fanfiction]

Chapter Six - Furða

Author's Note: Happy Christmas, everyone! It's a terribly weird Christmas season here and everyone in my family is sick and grumpy, yet we get to host Christmas dinner in an hour. So I've escaped because I promised I would supply a Christmas update. Because I love Christmas and because this chapter ended up being Christmas themed...well, it takes place on Christmas. That's not made abundantly clear in the chapter, but there is a hint towards it. There are also hints towards the future. I'm not saying what precisely, but I am saying there is definitely something there that wasn't there before. And aside from just incidentally quoting Beauty and the Beast, it's time to get to the chapter. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, and a happy New Year, as I may not get around to posting before then. Happy Holidays!

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Chapter Six - Furða, or Surprise

I sprawl myself out on my bed, thankful for my first night alone in a very, very long time. I appreciate the feel of fresh washed linens and the smell of soap filling my nostrils. My own bed is just as comfortable as I remember and it feels as close to home as it gets. It's times like this when I find myself truly grateful for what I have. Sometimes Asgard isn't all it's cracked up to be - a monarchy is a monarchy after all. A monarchy that my betrothed is now ruling. Betrothed. Ugh. Who made up that word? It sounds like some sort of illness. Not that I'm not eternally grateful to be betrothed...engaged to Loki, that is!

I really should just count my blessings. Take five seconds off my stupid social justice crusade and just...let my mind wander. Of course, my mind wanders a lot to Loki and how things have been so blissful. It's been like a honeymoon. Aside from being kidnapped and fighting dragons...and that time we had to fend off a few trolls...or the other time when we bathed in the siren lake and they really weren't too pleased about that. Well, I mean, aside from a few little mishaps it has been bliss. 

I sit myself up and shuffle into the bathroom and draw a bath. While I wait for it to fill I sit on the edge, toying with the idea that perhaps Loki and I should take another trip. Because even those moments that weren't bliss were exhilarating! It was what I was looking for all along. A little excitement, a little danger...a little romance. Nothing gets the blood stirring like a duel with the lord of a far off land so that he will return his stolen bride to her true love. Loki loved that. I loved that. We loved each a whole lot that day. And every day. 

I duck out of my clothes and into the bathtub, relishing the feel of hot water against my skin. But still, Loki and I are not married. And from our earlier conversation it seems he has every intention of getting the job done and starting a family. Not that I don't want the same, I do, but with a family and a kingdom to be responsible for we will no longer be able to take off on a whim and have the adventures we spent the last few months having. 

"Why so glum?" Loki's voice startles me and I look up to see him sitting across from me in the bathtub. 

"Oh I'm...I'm not glum, I promise. Just...contemplative is all."

He reaches out and pulls me towards him, turning me around so that my back is pressed to his chest. His fingers instantly work into the knots in my shoulders and I relax against him. I tilt my head back against his chest and gaze up at the exquisite line of his jaw.

"Don't you have kingly duties to be attending to or something?"

He gazes down at me through his dark lashes. "Would you be rid of me?" he practically pouts. His fingers  press firmly into my shoulder blade.

"Ah, ah, ahhh," I murmur in sweet ecstasy. His fingers are like pure fucking magic. He slides his hands down my back and I twist around so that we are chest to chest, my legs woven clumsily through his. "I would never be rid of you, my king."