Hugo is in meetings with Odin. You figured Loki would be sitting in on them as well so you went to go spend time with your family. You got to catch up on everyone's lives and hold your newest niece for a while. You manage to get your brother to talk with you in a break of his busy schedule. With you both being the eldest of the siblings he knew you wanted to talk about more than just his recent activities. "How is everything? How's mother and father?" "Everything is alright. Father is enjoying retirement and mother is still at Frigga's side. I doubt she'll ever step down unless father takes a turn for the worse. Loki checks in on us often which I guess is at your request." Your brother, Jasper, says as he stirs his tea. "Yes I've asked him to keep an eye on everyone. I know I'm not around anymore but please don't take on the family burden on your own. I can help even with being so far away. We always have the bifrost." You say as you give his hand a squeeze. "I know but with you being queen now I don't want to pester you with something I can handle." "Family issues aren't a pester Jasper. Nor is your own health and sanity. You need to let me know if you need a break. I can bring them all to my home and give you a little alone time." "Father shouldn't be traveling and if he can't go mother won't either." Jasper sighs wishing he could have a break from household duties. "Well I can at least get the siblings, their partners and children out of your hair. I'm sure that would help. Then they can all come back and tell you about my beautiful kingdom and how well I run it." You tease earning a smile from your brother. "That would help. They come to me about everything you know." "Just as we would come to father and mother. Remember when you asked father if you could ask that red headed girl out to the harvest ball? Remember what he said?" You laugh as you reminisce. "Well I'm not sure why you're asking me? I'm not that red haired girl you like from class. I'm sure she'd give you a better answer." He says imitating your father's voice. You both laugh enjoying the moment. "Oh how I've missed you (Y/N). You're always good for a laugh. I best be getting back though." "Indeed those warriors can't train themselves now can they Captain." "Umm it's actually Major now. I must have forgot to tell you." He says after he stands from his seat at the table you shared. "Really? That's wonderful Jasper! I'm so proud of you." You say as you give him a big hug. "Thanks sis. But I really must get going. See you tonight your highness." He says with a bow causing you to roll your eyes.
"Has anyone seen Enit? I haven't got to talk to her yet." You ask as you walk back into the common area of your family's chambers. They all kinda shrug and shake their heads no. "Let's go on a walk in the gardens." Oh yes please can we." Your twin nieces, Ina and Dina say as they hook their arms into yours. "Only if it's alright with your father." You say as you look over at your little brother, Segit who always has his nose in a book. He waves you three off with his eyes barely leaving the page. You all leisurely stroll through the palace gardens. The twins talk your ears off but you're just happy to be home so you don't mind it. "Aunt (Y/N) we found something a few months ago and want to show you." They giggle as they start to lead you to where the gardens bleed into the forest. You figured they "discovered" the old sundial that every child finds while playing in this area. You had to hold in a laugh as they excitedly explain to you that they found it all on their own and they are master explorers. You find it odd when they walk past the old sundial and stop at a tree. "Tah dah!" They exclaim as they pull back some overgrown brush to reveal a carving in the tree's bark. You gasp as you read the words. Tears come to your eyes causing the twin's excitement to deflate. "We're sorry auntie. We'd thought you'd like it." "Oh no darlings it's alright. It's just I've forgot about this and all the memories came back. Have you shown this to anyone else?" "Only prince Loki." "And what did he say about it?" "He laughed for a long time and told us to make sure we showed you the next time you're here. What is it?" You dry your eyes with your handkerchief and motion for the girls to take your hands. "I'll tell you all about it on the way back."
You and Loki skipped school for the day because he convinced you that you wouldn't get in trouble since he's a prince and will be king one day. So teachers can't punish their future king or his best friend for that matter. He convinced the kitchen to pack him a picnic lunch for the two of you and supplied his horse early in the morning so no one was around to question it. You both acted like you were going to school but at the last second you turned the opposite direction. Breaking into a sprint you both ran to where he tied up his horse. After mounting you were deep into the woods within minutes. You both hiked, climbed trees and swam in the lake all day. You had your picnic by the lake and watched the ripples on the water. Noticing the time you both head back to the palace so you can leave on time with the other school children. At the edge on the forest where the palace gardens started Loki got off his horse and took out his dagger. He craved your names into the tree bark with a heart around it. He then used a spell so a bush would grow over it so no one besides the two of you would know it's there. Just as he got his foot in one stirrup is when Frigga and your mother caught you. "Your grandmother was so mad at me her face turned red. And queen Frigga said she would throw us both in the dungeons. I was so scared she was really going to do it but prince Loki tried to use his magic to make them forget they saw us. Queen Frigga snatched him up by his ear before he could finish his spell. I'm sure it wouldn't of worked anyway because he was still learning his magic back then. But there you have it. We skipped school, had fun, immortalized that day in the bark of a tree and got severely punished by our mothers." You laugh as you tell them the story about that day. "But why did he put a heart around your names? Did you both love each other?" "Yes but we didn't understand what that meant yet. We were only 12 at the time." "Do you still love each other?" They ask in that tell tell way little girls ask things when they want to know some juicy gossip. "I'd surely hope she still loves me." An all to familiar voice says behind you. You turn to find Loki, who seems to have been following you for a few minutes. "Did you show her the carving girls?" "Yes prince Loki just like you asked." They say in unison with a giggle after Loki gave them a wink. "Wonderful now how about you tell your father I can read a book faster than him without using my magic. That always gets him fired up." He laughs as you cross your arms. The twins run off to deliver the message. "Why must my brother be the subject of your mischief?" "Because I needed the children to leave us so I can correct your memory about that story your highness." He says as he links his arm with yours so you can continue your walk. "Is that so?" "Yes. You see there were some errors like we were far beyond 12 years old. Closer to 15 if my memory serves me right and it always does. And that was the first time I saw you almost naked." He coos causing you to blush and earning him a shove with your shoulder. "Can you not say that so loud? I do remember and I kept that out of the story for the sake of my nieces ears. Surely don't need them blurting that out to Hugo. Speaking of, where is Hugo? Weren't you two in the same meeting?" "Yes but he might have had another one after that I wasn't invited to."
"Have you seen lady Enit?" Hugo asks a guard as he waits for her outside of the throne room. "No your highness." "I'm here I'm here. Sorry Hugo i needed to do something for mother and I lost track of time. Ready to learn how to dance for (Y/N)?" Enit says as she rounds the corner. "You sure you have the time to do this? And will she even like it?" He says nervously as he rubs the back of his neck. "Of course I'm only a lady of court I don't have much duties yet like my siblings. And trust me, she'll love it. Now let's go." She says as she takes his hand and starts to pull.
"No it's a hop spin then clap clap." Enit says trying not to sound too frustrated. "Right right I keep mixing them up. I'm sorry it's just all so different. Can we take a break?" Hugo pants as he try's to catch his breath. "Let's call it for a day. We got to start getting ready for dinner anyway." "Will we meet again tomorrow? I'd really like to learn this for (Y/N). It would be nice to dance with her on our last night here." "Oh I'm not giving up on you. I'll just need to gather some reinforcements. See you at dinner." Enit laughs as she leaves the room they were practicing in for a few hours.
You where giggling and having tea with Loki in your room when Hugo walked in. "Ah there you are my love. How were the meetings with Odin? Learn anything new?" You ask as you greet him with a kiss. "Hello darling. The meetings were informative. Isn't that right prince Loki?" "Indeed. Can't wait for tomorrow." Loki says dripping with sarcasm before taking a sip of his tea. "How was your day (Y/N)?" Hugo asks after you fix him a cup of tea and motion for him to sit down with you and Loki. "I spent time with the siblings, got to catch up and see how things are. Then I went on a walk in the gardens with Ina and Dina. I must take you there tonight after dinner, you'll love the queen's hydrangeas." "Can't wait. I'm going to freshen up a bit before dinner." Hugo says as he kisses the top of your head. "See you at dinner prince Loki." "Like wise king Hugo. I should start to get ready too." Hugo heads to the bathroom and you walk Loki to your door. "See you later little one." "See you tall one." He kisses your cheek before you shut the door.
You turn your attention to the bathroom when you hear the shower faucet squeak on. You can tell Hugo is stressed and uncomfortable and you had an idea of how to relieve it. The shower was already steaming up the shower door when you walked in. You silently undressed before you made your presence known. "May I share your shower my king?" "Of course my queen. Anytime." You open the door and get in quickly so water doesn't get all over the floor. You both stand under the shower head wrapped in each others arms. With you in the shower you can give his back a good scrubbing. You get one in return. He gets on his knees so you can shampoo his hair, making sure to massage his scalp just the way he likes. Once clean you both share a large towel and sit on the edge of the bed for a while just enjoying each others company.
"He looks more relaxed tonight." Loki says as he looks over at Hugo enjoying his meal. "Oh I think I helped with that." "Oooo going to kiss and tell?" "It's not what you think my prince. We only shared a shower and he got a nice back scrub." "Back scrub eh? Is that code for something else?" He teases before taking a drink of his wine. "No it's not code. And why would I tell you about our intimate life?" "Because I'm your best friend. I only have one question if you'll indulge me." "And what would that be Loki?" "Is he a good lover?" "Absolutely." You say with a smile just as Hugo looks up from his plate to meet your eyes. "I'm happy for you then." "Wow not even a hint of sarcasm? Who are you and what have you done to my tall one?" "Oh please (Y/N) it's not impossible for me to be genuine."
"How was your dance lesson with lady Enit?" Frigga asks catching Hugo off guard. "Not too well I'm afraid. How did you know?" "She asked me if she could use the room. Why is it supposed to be a secret?" "Yes actually it is. I want to surprise (Y/N) with a dance tomorrow night." "How lovely. Your secret is safe with me." She says before taking a bite of her food. "My mother in law told me last night prince Loki won't dance with any other ladies of court besides (Y/N). Is that true?" "Do you not believe your wife's mother?" She teases causing Hugo to let out a nervous chuckle. "I'm just getting a cross reference." "Well rest assured she is correct. Loki only likes to dance with (Y/N). He did try other partners but they just didn't fit well."
With dinner cleared from the table the dancing began. You watch your siblings and their children kick things off. "Aren't you going to dance darling?" Hugo asks as he sits in the open seat next to you. "Yes after my stomach settles. Don't what to become sick from all that spinning." "You said you were with your siblings today. How are they? And your parents?" "All seem to be well. I didn't get to talk with Enit though, not sure where she was hiding. And we might be hosting them to give Jasper a break from being head of household for a few days. Is that alright?" "Of course, you know we have the room. Just hope they don't think home is underwhelming compared to this place." He says as he looks around the room taking in the details of the architecture and art. "I'm sure they will all find something they love when they come. We have fancy things too darling." You say as you cup his cheek in your hand. He leans into your touch before taking your hand to kiss. "I hope I'm not interrupting something." Loki says behind you causing you and Hugo to look up. "Not at all. Care to join us?" Hugo says gesturing to the empty chair on the other side of you. "I actually came to ask queen (Y/N) to dance with me if that's alright?" He says as he offers his hand to you. "I suppose so but be gentle with me I may have overdone it last night." You laugh as he helps you up from your seat. "I'll save my last dance for you my love. I promise." You coo before kissing Hugo's lips then turning to Loki.
He guides you through the crowd and takes you into his arms. "Are you sure you're alright to dance? I don't want you getting hurt." "Yes I'm fine as long as we don't get too wild." "As you wish." You watch as ladies of court roll their eyes as you pass. You forgot how fun it was to make them all jealous. The envy dripping off of them, you couldn't help but laugh. "What's so funny?" He asks pulling you closer. "Just that people don't seem to change here. I've been gone for so long yet we still make everyone's eyes focus on us. Just imagine what it would be like if we got married." You say to provoke a reaction. You knew Loki wanted to keep that point of your relationship a secret. You knew he would never have told you in a million years but you do know. You watch as confusion washes over his face then a hard swallow. "Yeah what fun we would have. But I'm sure you make members of court jealous back home. I mean who wouldn't. You make an excellent queen." "You speak so highly of me yet you've never seen my kingdom." "Really (Y/N)? You think I need to see something to know? I believe you're going mad darling. Maybe I do need to visit, check the water supply or something." He laughs brushing things off with a joke just like he always has.
"Care to give an old woman a dance?" Your mother says to Hugo. "It would be a pleasure and you're not old." "Oh yeah? Tell that to your nieces and nephews your highness." You mother sasses as Hugo brings her out to the dance floor. "Anyway I heard the dance lesson didn't go so well. What do you think you need to understand it better?" "More time I think would be the best option but other than that I'm not sure. Lady Enit said she's going to bring reinforcements tomorrow. Not sure how that will help but we'll see. I really want to do this for (Y/N). I also have some selfish motives too." He laughs as he sways your mother in time with the music. "Selfish you say? Can't have anything to do with prince Loki does it?" She says in a knowing tone that all mothers have. "Yes it does. I understand they are friends and they've been apart for a long time but I can't help this jealous feeling I have. I don't know why I feel this way." "Could it be that you feel threatened by prince Loki? Of course that sounds silly, she's your wife after all but you see the things he does for her that you can't. The dancing, the laughing and companionship." Your mother says just as you both pass each other. You were a little surprised to see your mother out on the dance floor but you knew she is in great hands. "But I also give her those things." "Yes but it's different with prince Loki. Friends since the cradle basically. But he isn't her lover. That makes you and him so different. You out rank him in more ways than one."
With the evening coming to a close Loki returns you to Hugo's side. After good nights where exchanged he takes his leave for the night. "Would you like that dance I promised you now?" "Yes but not here. How about in the gardens you wanted to show me?" "Oh yes I know just the spot." You say with a big grin on your face. Arm in arm you slowly make your way through the gardens, pointing things out along the way. You come to a clearing where the fountain and some benches are. "Is this suitable for our dance my love?" "Of course now come here." He says as he pulls you into his arms. He holds you tight against him allowing you to rest your head against his shoulder. He sways you back and forth to music you guess is playing in his head. "Someone is tired." He hums and you feel it rumble against your head. "You are correct my king." "Well how about we go back to our room and fix that?" He says while his hands run up and down your back. "Sounds like a plan but you must carry me." You giggle as you lift up your arms and make grabby hands. Next thing you know is being swept of your feet into a bridle style position in the strong arms of your husband. All that hurt and confusion of Loki not asking you to marry him washes away as you look into Hugo's face. You wanted to confront him about it but that didn't seem to matter anymore You were honestly glad he didn't or you wouldn't have found the love of your life.