Denouement Beauty {Pure Illusion Series: Book 6}

Chapter 5

A/N: This chapter goes without saying that it is for a bit mature audience. While it is not graphic in nature (I've never been one to write in such a manner) there are dozens of adult themes in this chapter. However, this chapter is important as we revisit a lot of what made Sigyn and Loki fall in love with one another and why they still love one another. It was probably the hardest and most interesting to write for me as I tried to capture small things they cherished about one another that may have been overlooked before. Plus, I think it gives us a chance to see just how much they love one another. 

This is also one of the longer chapters in the story - so hopefully it makes up for a few of the shorter ones. Enjoy! 

❦

"If you need anything, anything at all please send word to us immediately."

Sigyn's eyes stared into her handmaiden, Eméra's. Eméra had been tasked with watching Vali and Narvi for a few days while Loki took Sigyn out for an adventure of their own. Sure, she had left the boys with Eméra, Eir, and even Amora before – but only for two days at the most. Never had she left the boys for an entire week.

"My lady, I assure you that everything will be fine. The princes are no trouble at all, in fact, I enjoy their company." Eméra replied, her stomach lightly touching her belly.

Recently, she had informed Sigyn of her pregnancy with Sir Meyln's child. It was why Sigyn had allowed her to watch the children for this trip, knowing that a mother – or almost mother – was exactly what they needed.

"Sigyn, my darling it's time to leave." The King's voice sounded far off until she felt his cool hand slip into hers.

Persing her lips together she smiled at him and then turned to her handmaiden. "Very well. Thank you Eméra, we shall be back in a weeks time."

"Safe travels your majesties. My young princes', say goodbye to your mother and father."

Vali, who had not stopped crying since his father had pulled him off to the side to tell him and his brother they were leaving, wiped snot all over the back of his sleeve. Reluctantly he walked forward and gave both his mother and father a hug before taking one of Eméra's hands. Narvi gave two quick goodbyes, scowling at the fact that he was being left behind.

"We'll be back soon Narvi, I promise. We love you both so very much." Sigyn said, kissing their foreheads one more time.

Loki smoothed down their hair as he gave a smile and a nod goodbye to Eméra. Walking out into the hallway, he fell in step with his Queen.

"It's never going to get any easier saying goodbye to them," Sigyn said quietly, her eyes staring at the stones in front of her.

"If it were easy, then it would not be love." The Silvertongue replied, his hand squeezing hers. She squeezed in return and leaned her head on his shoulder while she walked.

"I cannot remember the last time we had an entire week to ourselves..."

"Hmm I do, it had something to do with the goodbyes we just gave." Devilish lips kissed the side of her temple, lingering longer than normal. Her cheeks flared red instantly, remembering their time in her father's cabin.

The rest of their walk down to the stables was quiet, each in thought and for once enjoying the sound of songbirds in the trees.

Vona and Sto were already saddled and ready for their journey. It had been a while since Vona had been taken out of the stable and Sigyn had insisted that Loki take her out for their trip. She mounted Sto with ease while Loki did the same onto Vona. After giving a few instructions to the guards, he pointed them in the direction of the mountains of Asgard.