Beauty in the Beast

Chapter 9

As they hurried back to Loki’s chambers, Laila could not shake the niggling feeling of doubt growing in the back of her mind. What if she was wrong? What if she was so overcome by grief that she had imagined the whole thing? The group reached the entrance to Loki’s chambers and Laila was forced to push the thought to the back of her mind. As quiet as possible, she pushed open the doors and stepped inside. Odin, Frigga and Thor followed close behind. Looking, once again, into the dimly lit room Laila waited for her eyes to adjust. Eventually she managed to make out Loki in the same position that he had been in when she left him. Laila’s stomach fluttered with nerves and anticipation. Now was the moment of truth. Now she would know if Loki really was alive or if she had just imagined it. She spoke softly into the silent room

“Loki? Loki, you have visitors.” Laila went quiet and waited for a couple of seconds. At first it seemed that Loki was not going to move at all, but just as Laila began to think that she had imagined it all, Loki turned his head towards to the door and gave a weak smile. Frigga gasped and covered her mouth in shock. After a second or two she rushed over to Loki’s bedside and hugged his frail body. Loki returned the hug and continued to smile as Thor walked over the opposite side of his bed. Odin popped his head out of the door and signalled one of the guards to fetch him a medical consultant. Meanwhile Loki turned his head to Thor and gave him one of his cheeky smiles. Thor sat down on Loki’s bed and patted his shoulder

“It’s good to have you with us brother. It’s been lonely in training.” Just as Thor finished, his voice cracked and the tears began to collect up in his eyes. Loki smiled sympathetically and grabbed Thor’s hand in a brotherly fashion

“It’s good to be back, and don’t worry, I’ll be back soon enough kicking your ass once again.” He said jokingly before he too, began to well up. Loki looked at Thor and laughed “Look at us. All blubbery and teary eyed. We’re meant to be the tough guys.” Thor laughed heartily at his brother’s feeble joke before speaking in a hushed tone

“Shh! The warriors must not know of my weakness brother!  You must not tell them!” He whispered jokingly. Loki chuckled.

“Don’t worry, you’re secret is safe with me, oh God of Crocodile Tears.” He said chuckling. Thor laughed with him before standing up off the bed and allowing Laila to take his place. Loki’s eyes softened as Laila took his hand “Hey” he said. Laila smiled at Loki

“Hey.” She said grinning. It didn’t matter how many times she looked at Loki or how many times he spoke to her, she was still struggling to believe that he was back. Laila felt a tear fall down her face. Loki smiled warmly and wiped the tear that was about to drip from her face.

“I think we may have to get someone to check your eyes. You seem to have a leak.” He teased. Laila giggled before embracing Loki into another hug. Cradling her head into his collar bone, she heard Loki breathe a sigh of content and nestle his face into her hair. Just at that moment the medical consultant walked into the room. Laila broke the hug instantly, a slight blush forming on her cheeks. The consultant seem unfazed however as he walked over to the bed and began examining Loki’s heart and breathing. As the rest of the family stepped back, Laila kept hold of Loki’s hand. Eventually the medical consultant finished his examinations and stood back. The family held their breath as they waited for the consultant’s verdict. The consultant began to speak

“Well I can definitely say that you are a miracle, Master Loki. Never have I seen someone recover from a condition as serious as this.” Laila sighed with relief. Odin walked up to the consultant

“What about his heart? Is his heart okay?” he asked. The consultant nodded

“I don’t see why he won’t make a full recovery All Father. It seems that the enchantments and ancient medicine worked. His heart has almost completely healed. I shall prescribe him some medicine to help his heart with the rest of the healing process, but I say he should be out of bed within the next day or so.” He finished. Frigga covered her mouth with joy, tears welling in her eyes. Laila looked at Loki and squealed with delight before hugging him tightly. Loki laughed at the excitement on Laila’s face