Maeve pushed a black lock out of Loki's eyes as they swayed to the music of the night. Her own smile had been bright, but its radiance dimmed as she noticed the distracted airs of her husband.

"You okay?"

Her words dragged him out of whatever haze his mind was trapped in. He focused on her again. Just the sight of her, looking up at him hopefully, caused his lips to twitch upwards at the edges.

"I am," he replied as he twirled her gracefully. Dancing had always been a passion of his, and he relished sharing it with the one he loved most. For a few precious moments, it felt like nothing had changed, but then that harrowing voice scratched at the surface of his skull, and he involuntarily closed his eyes. Exhaling slowly, he said, "yes, of course I am all right. Why wouldn't I be?"

His answer didn't fool Maeve. On the contrary, it concerned her, and she answered his question with one of her own. "Where do you go?"

"Hm?"

"When your eyes get all faraway," she whispered, "they're like a foggy evergreen forest. Like mist hanging above the valleys back home in Vanaheim. Where do you go?"

You don't want to know. "A crowded mind, I suppose. One can't help wandering around a garden, no matter how tangled the vines are."

"Stay with me," she said simply, her lips turning downwards into a worried frown. "Don't leave us."

That expression caused his heart to ache, and he immediately looked for a remedy. Anything to see her joyful again. He kissed her lightly on the forehead.

"You've outdone yourself with this party, my dear. Everything is perfect."

To his immense relief, Maeve's cheeks flushed with pride.

A hand tapped Loki on the shoulder. "Might I cut in?"

Beaming, Maeve threw her arms around Asmund's shoulders. He hugged her tightly, not having seen his sister for over a year. The embrace was as familiar as ever.

"Your hair's getting longer," she said, giggling as she messed with his brown curls. He swatted her away, amused. "I'm so happy you could make it! It's been so long! Where's Gale?"

The king of Vanaheim laughed and gestured somewhere in the crowd. "With the boys. They wanted to see their cousins." Surely enough, Maeve craned her neck to see the reunion with her children and nephews. There was the eldest, Jaromir, spinning Eowyn in crazy circles while Cypress and Weylin, the three-year-old, clapped along. All four of them laughed uncontrollably. Gale stood near them, beaming, with little Leander in her arms.

"Well, I'd like to think that new companions will keep the twins out of trouble, but I gave up on that sometime around the day they were born," Loki said drily, smiling as he embraced Asmund. The relationship between her husband and eldest brother never failed to lift Maeve's spirits. "I'll be around, likely ignoring the majority of our guests. Enjoy your dance."

The small assortment of string instruments struck up a new song, filling the ballroom with a lively tune. Maeve grinned as she stepped and spun in time with Asmund, the movements as familiar as her soul mark or husband's voice.

"How is Vanaheim?"

"Prospering, though I'm sure you know that. Our harvest looks to be more bountiful than the last, peace has settled in rioting colonies, and Corey will still not admit to liking a girl who works in the stables. In some ways, nothing has changed."

She laughed under her breath, her ponytail bouncing as she moved, light on her feet. "You have no idea how happy your words make me."

"Would you like to be happier?" Asmund's eyes sparkled with a secret: she knew the look all too well. At her enthusiastic nod, he leaned down close enough so that her hair his lips and whispered in her ear. "Gale's pregnant."

"Really? Oh, that's fantastic! Congratulations!" Forgetting the dance, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he playfully spun her around. Just like when we were children.

"Thank you." He certainly looked happier than she had ever seen him. Despite his initial reservations about taking the throne of Vanaheim, Asmund Freyson was absolutely a man in his element. The realm had never seen such peace. "We only found out a few weeks ago. When she told me..." He chuckled, shaking his head. "You could have knocked me over with a feather."

"Think you'll finally get a daughter?" The two shared another laugh.

"Honestly? No. But Gale does, and she's generally right."

"Of course she is. The wife is always right, my naive brother." She smiled cheekily. "I'm assuming that this is a secret?"

He nodded. "Corey knows, but that's about it. You can tell Loki if you'd like. I trust him."

"You might be the only one besides me," Maeve said, her tone dark enough to surprise both of them. She exhaled, wishing that the present wasn't so taxing on her emotions. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be such a gray cloud, especially when you're so ecstatic and the night is so young. It's just... I'm worried about Loki."

"Loki? Is he all right? Is everything all right between the two of you?"

Despite the close friendship that had formed between the two men over the years, Maeve still heard protectiveness sneaking into Asmund's voice. She quickly and shook her head.

"Don't worry about us. It's not about our relationship. It's him who worries me," she admitted in a mumble. "He's been... not in his right mind."

Asmund frowned. His eyes sought the raven-haired prince in the crowd and found him near Thor, Eowyn clinging to his leg. He ran a hand through her black hair absentmindedly as he spoke with his brother and other dignitaries. His affection for his little girl was clear.

"How do you mean?"

"He hasn't been sleeping. Hardly at all, I mean. He gets dreams. Nightmares."

"What about?"

Maeve opened her mouth to respond, but Loki's words to her from the night before echoed in her mind. I don't want anyone else to know. The concerned wife in her warned against divulging anything, thought that she'd already said too much. A haunting whisper in her head, however, seemed to egg her on.

Loki would be so angry with me if I told.

He doesn't have to find out.

We don't keep secrets from each other.

Really? Does he always tell you what the nightmares are about?

"He won't tell me," she blurted out, "but he's scared. These dreams scare him to death, and it scares me to death because I feel like he's not talking to me like he used to. There's this voice in his head. I know he's not imagining things. Someone's out there, looking for us, and for him, and I just can't imagine-"

"Maeve, breathe." Asmund put his hands on her shoulders, his gentle blue eyes meeting hers. Cool reassurance tricked from his touch, his magic precise and much needed. The years had only refined his prowess concerning his powers as an Empath. "We'll figure this out. It's going to be okay. I promise you that."

She nodded, already feeling slightly better. "Thank you."

"Listen to me. You're in Asgard, the most powerful and well-protected in the nine realms. You're safe here. Heimdall wouldn't let anything happen to any of you."

"I suppose that's true," she said slowly, "but-"

"No buts. You know I'm right." Asmund smiled and wrapped his sister in a tight hug, not letting go until she did. "If you need to get away for a while, you know that you're always welcome in Vanaheim. You know that the boys would love to see you, and perhaps a change of scenery would do your entire family well."

Maeve's spirits lifted at the thought of going home to Vanaheim, even for a little while. This time of year, the fields would just be starting to turn gold in preparation for the coming harvest in autumn.

"I might just take you up on that."

"You should." A smile, a bow, and Asmund disappeared into the crowd, no doubt trying to find his wife. 

Maeve stood alone for a moment, unsure of where to go as she accepted a small flute of champagne from a passing server. Loki and Thor were still charming the guests, and it didn't seem right to interrupt. In a similar fashion, Frigga and Odin sat at a long banquet table, conversing with dignitaries, and that was something she had no desire to do. Sif, her best friend, was far away from Asgard, fighting battles with the Warriors Three at her side. 

It was strange. The only other person she had any desire to talk to would never be invited to an event like this. She sighed. It had been too long since the twins had seen their uncle.

The clinking of a spoon against a glass snapped Maeve out of her melancholy thoughts, and she turned her attention to the head table, where both Odin and Frigga had risen from their seats. Silence swept over the ballroom, and the people looked on with interest.

Odin, dressed in robes of shining gold, cleared his throat. "My beloved people, on behalf of my wife, Frigga, and myself, I would like to thank each of you for celebrating our anniversary. It has been many years, but those years have been joyful. Thank you for coming to celebrate our love." Applause, cheering, and whistling ensued, until Odin raised his hand again and it all ceased. "I would also like to extend a personal thank-you to my daughter-in-law, Princess Maeve, for organizing the festivities tonight. Everything looks truly splendid, my dear."

Maeve's cheeks flushed pink as the applause became directed towards her. Across the hall, Loki raised his drink to her, his smile soft and proud.

"I must admit, I do have another reason for gathering you all here tonight, and it is perhaps more joyous than the celebration of our wedding anniversary." Odin paused, surveying the crowd with his one good eye until his gaze rested on his two sons. "I love Asgard and its people, and I have defended it to the best of my abilities throughout my reign as king. However, as the years become decades and the decades become centuries, I find myself growing weary. The time has come to name my heir."

Maeve nearly dropped her champagne. Her heart began to hammer unsteadily in her ribcage. She could practically feel it trying to break out of her chest.

Please, please, please. 

"Frigga and I have spent many days and nights deliberating this choice, as there was no obvious answer. Both of my sons were born to be king, and their merits, while different, are evident." Odin smiled fondly upon his kingdom and raised a glass. Everyone followed his example. Maeve did so with a shaking hand. "We have decided that Thor, my firstborn, shall take my place as king of Asgard. Congratulations, my son."

The applause was deafening, but Maeve barely heard it. Everything around her seemed to have fallen into slow motion: there was no order to the chaos. She just stood there, silent as the world erupted into noise.

Thor joined his parents at the head table, his grin triumphant and infectious as he thrust Mjilonir into the air. Frigga embraced her eldest, but her smile held deeper emotions.

For a few seconds, Maeve found herself genuinely clapping for her brother-in-law. Because even though it wasn't the outcome she desired, she was still happy for him, and there was something to be said for being a gracious loser, a facade she doubted would be presented by her husband. 

Loki was nowhere to be found. 

Maeve wove her way through the throng of celebrators, hoping in vain to catch a glimpse of raven-black hair or an emerald cape. She finally pushed her way out of the ballroom and into the hallway, which was all but deserted. The cheering echoed oddly in the dark halls. A few guards nodded respectfully as she passed, but she only curtsied and hurried on. Thinking on her feet, Maeve brushed her finger over her soul mark and closed her eyes.

Where are you? 

There was no response, and not because he couldn't hear her. They had been able to repair their bond years ago. 

Lo.

Nothing.

Loki.

Nothing.

Loooooooooooooooooooki.

Maeve darling, you're so infuriating.

She grinned to herself. That was the play. So where are you?

There was a moment of hesitation. Our library.

Of course. His small broom closet library that became theirs when they were courting. She changed directions and ran, green silk swishing around her ankles. Her feet were bare, as she had abandoned her heels after the fifth dance of the night. 

When Maeve reached the library, she knocked instead of barging in, giving him the chance to let her in. "Lo?"

"Come in." His voice was muffled by the door. 

Carefully, she twisted the doorknob and stepped inside. No fire flickered merrily in the hearth, which struck her as unusual. Loki sat hunched over on the green couch, an unopened copy of Julius Caesar in his hands. A few candles provided little light for the room.

Maeve leaned on the doorframe, hesitant to approach him. He's your husband. What are you afraid of? "Are you... how are you?"

"I will not lie to you Maeve: I've been better." He chuckled, but it sounded forced, nothing like the warmth of his usual laugh. "I suppose I'm just in shock. It hasn't really sunk in yet, not to me. And I don't understand."

"What don't you understand?"

"I don't understand why." Dropping his book on the couch, he stood and began to pace erratically. "What merits does Thor possess that I do not, other than being an Asgardian by blood? It's because Odin cannot have a Frost Giant sitting on the throne of Asgard! Why would Mother allow the realm to fall into the hands of such an idiotic oaf?"

"Loki," Maeve whispered, sensing a dangerous shift in his tone. She placed her hands on his chest and looked up into his jade eyes. "I know you're angry, but don't take it out on Thor. He's your brother-"

"He is not my brother, and he never was. Why do you take his side?"

"I'm not taking his side-"

"What more could Odin want from us? From me?" Loki asked angrily. "I grew up studying magic, diplomacy, and military tactics. I married a princess to solidify Asgard's alliances and to end a costly war. I gave him not one, but two heirs, to solidify Asgard's future. Thor has done nothing!"

"Hold on." Maeve glared at him through tears. "Is that all we are to you? Stepping stones to your majestic ascent to the throne?"

"No, of course not. I'm sorry. It was wrong of me to imply that." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, grimacing. "I'm just angry."

She ran a hand down the side of his face and got on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "You have every right to be."

"I want everything for us, Maeve. I want to be a good husband and a good father. I want opportunities for the twins, and for anyone else that might come along sometime down the road." He ran his hands down his face. They were trembling. "I've been second to Thor for my entire life, and it kills me to think that my family is now second to his nonexistent one. And now, I will have three kings for brothers, and yet I am no king."

"Oh, Loki." A few tears streamed down her cheeks, and he drew her in for a short but meaningful kiss. After that, they rested their foreheads together, sharing breaths. Eventually, she whispered, "maybe we should get away for a while."

"What do you mean?" He mumbled.

"Well, I was talking to Asmund tonight, and he thought that a change of scenery might be good for us. A few months in Vanaheim. What do you think?"

"I don't know..." He pulled away, a troubled look on his face. "What made him suggest it?"

Maeve's eyes widened. She could feel the red creeping up her neck. Instead of lying, which would have been an embarrassingly pointless endeavor, she admitted, "I told him everything, Lo."

"Everything? Why would you do that?"

"Because I'm worried about you, you stubborn prince!" She yelled, finally losing her composure. "You don't sleep. You barely eat. You're always distracted. That's not normal, Loki, and it's been five whole years!"

"You had no right to tell him all that," Loki snapped back, taking a step away from her. The light in the room flickered. "Can I not trust you at all? After six years of marriage?"

"I'm just scared!"

"You think I'm not?"

"I know you are! That's why I told him!"

"I can take care of myself, Maeve!"

"Clearly not, or else this wouldn't still be going on!"

A beat passed, and their screaming voices fell mute. Both were breathing heavily, now several feet apart. Maeve was shaking: Loki looked like a corpse.

He slammed the door, leaving her alone. The princess sank to her knees, rested her head on the couch, and sobbed into her arms for hours on end. It seemed that the tears were neverending, and she did nothing to stop the flow. The sadness felt better than the pain.

When she heard the knock, Maeve took a shuddering breath, hoping her face wasn't as red as she knew it was. "Come in," she muttered.

To her surprise, it was not Loki who entered, but Frigga. The queen glanced around the small room, clearly flustered, before her gaze fell on Maeve. She immediately knelt down next to her daughter-in-law and swept her into a tight embrace. 

"Oh my dear," she whispered, gently brushing the flyaway curls out of Maeve's swollen eyes. 

"It's all wr-wrong, I m-m-messed up! He h-hates me n-now."

"Shh, darling," Frigga murmured. "I know you're distraught, and I'm sorry to bother you at a time like this, but have you seen Loki?"

"N-n-not since our f-fight. Why? Where is h-h-he?"

Frigga's voice broke. "I don't know."

Thoughts????

Avengers soon!