Loki held your hand as you entered the Docat breakfast room, no longer troubled by the need to demonstrate his superiority in Jotun form. His concern was proving to everyone that you were his, especially after observing someone leave a humiliating and demeaning note at your door.

The first face you saw was Xanda, who greeted you with a friendly smile. He was also one of the reasons Loki chose to maintain his safer appearance, just so he could cling to you, solidifying that you belonged to him.

Bear came into view and promptly addressed you.

"Suri has filled us in on your Wesson escape. We will of course not bring it up any more, the ordeal was indeed grave. You and Suri are courageous, and we applaud your valiant efforts." His tone was triumphant.

Suri beamed widely, enjoying the attention, whereas you wished Hela would open the earth and swallow you. You disliked being at the centre of attention.

"Yes. We are so grateful that you survived." Sanna spoke up while glaring at the sight of Loki holding your hand. She purposefully pointed it out to Tres, hoping that she would intervene and stop the public display of affection. 

Loki zoned in on Sanna, perceiving her blatant lies of concern. He had suspected that she was the one who crept around the hallways last night, yet he had no proof to confirm his assumptions. However, when the strong scent of her overpowering perfume drifted past his nose, he immediately associated it with the note he discovered at your door. His suspicions were now confirmed; she was indeed the unknown visitor who attempted to come between you two.

Loki abruptly spoke out loud so that everyone could hear him clearly.

"I discovered a note by Eden's door last night; it contained cruel words intended to drive my queen and I apart.

There were audible murmurs as the Docat's exchanged glances.

"It has come to light that some of you oppose my union with Eden. Normally, I would embrace free speech, however, this obvious bigotry will not be tolerated." Loki advanced and approached the table where the majority of the Docat's, including Sanna, were seated.

While observing their expressions, he continued with his stern words of warning. "Whom I choose as my queen is of no one's concern but my own. If I discover anyone attempting to harm Eden, whether through words or actions, that person will endure an unimaginable fate: a lifetime of pain and suffering." He slammed his hand against the hard surface, causing everyone to jump. "Do I make myself clear?" He directly peered into Sanna's eyes.

Bear observed that he primarily addressed Sanna, and his intuition led him to believe that she was the perpetrator responsible for the horrible note.

Bear rose from the table and regarded Loki with solemnity.

"I assure you that the Docat's of my community are approving of Eden, we are grateful that she has come here willingly to aid us. While she is not yet our official queen, we view her as such. And we expect nothing but a brighter future for Jotunheim as a result of your union."

You gave Bear a smile and recognised the sincerity in his comments.

"Good." Loki spoke more composedly. "Fortunately for you, I will cut short my raging rant as I can audibly hear my queen's stomach rumbling. However, I believe that my point has been made clear?" He surveyed the faces of the onlookers, who all nodded in validation that they understood his warning. 

Bear was seen murmuring something into his wife's ear, prompting her to approach Sanna. When Tres began forcibly removing her from the room, Sanna's expression was one of shock.

You approached the table for unmarried women with a delighted expression after observing Sanna writhe in protest against her removal. You did not believe your joy could get any better, however, to your astonishment, Bear invited you to sit beside Loki at the couples table, increasing your happiness.

Loki immediately rose to his feet and pulled out your chair before taking his own. You were further surprised when no one objected to Loki grasping your hand or when he continued to hold it in plain view.

It felt wonderful not to have to conceal your affection for each other, and you hoped it could continue when you both appeared before your father in Embrodi and Asgard. Yet, that was another challenge you knew you'd have to face.

Anticipating that you were likely fatigued from your early-morning romp, Loki piled your plate with scrumptious food and, despite your protests, he continued to force more on your dish as soon as you had cleared it. However, you could not refuse any offer, especially when he boldly handfed you himself, taking great delight in doing so.

When Loki placed his hand under the table and deliberately rested it on your knee, your face became flushed. It was obvious that he was taking advantage of his newly acquired freedom to engage with you more intimately in public, but he appeared to be taking it too far.

He began to smooth his hand up your dress while carrying on a conversation with Bear, boldly trailing towards your inner thigh with no sense of shame.

You attempted to shove his hand away out of fear of being caught, but he resisted, squeezing your supple thighs as he tightened his grasp.

Tres's sudden conversation startled you, and as you attempted to concentrate on what she was saying, Loki's hand made its way to your panties. You promptly felt an element of heat emanating from between your legs and realised that Loki had enchanted away your underwear. 

You whipped your head around to look at him, but he purposefully disregarded you and continued speaking to the Bear, suppressing his urge to smirk.

You turn your body towards Tres in the hopes that it will deflect Loki's hand; however, his fingers were determined to reach their target, and your legs were abruptly pulled back towards him. All the while, no one at the table was aware of the indecency that was occurring beneath it.

Tres began reiterating your previous instructions on how to close a wound in an effort to receive your approval that she was doing so correctly. Yet your ears ceased functioning as you focused solely on the emotions evoked by Loki's touch.

Your cheeks seared intensely as you felt his fingers finally separate your folds and his thumb connect to your sensitive clit.

You tightened your jaw to suppress a groan and wriggled discreetly in your seat as he teased his index finger around your velvety entrance. The thrill of being discovered as well as the feelings he elicited surged through you, making your core clench down on nothing.

When he thrust his finger inside you, sensing your oncoming orgasm, you took a gasping breath, gushing forth new nectar that saturated his finger.

You quickly clasped your hands around your face to conceal your post-orgasmic expression and to muffle your blissful cries. But it was only afterward that you realised your action caused everyone at the table to stare. 

Humiliation engulfed you, overpowering your euphoric high.

"Eden, dear, are you alright?" Tres asked with worry.

"Fetch her some water." Bear ordered. Xanda immediately stood up and brought over a jug of cold water.

"I'm okay." You spoke through your hands. "It must be the abundance of rich sustenance. I am unaccustomed to such pleasures." You steadily lower your hands while hoping your expression conveys calm.

Loki removed his finger from inside you and immediately feigned the appearance of a worried spouse. He dragged your chair closer to him, his face displaying faux concern.

"Darling, are you alright? You look terribly flushed. Is there something I can do to relieve you?"

You saw his smirk. His phoney worry was award-worthy.

You narrowed your eyes, and by the contempt on your face, he pondered whether his mischief had gone too far.

"Water." You say through gritted teeth.

Xanda attempted to pour you a glass of water, but Loki seized the jug out of his hand and shot him a glare.

"Here, sweetheart, you'll feel as good as new when hydrated." Loki presented you with a glass of water that he had personally poured.

"Feeling better, dear." Tres asked.

"Much." You reply as you begin to scoot your chair back towards her, much to Loki's annoyance.

Bear, believing that you had simply overindulged in food, seized the opportunity to discuss vital matters.

"So, king Loki. I have spoken with the second leader of the Docat tribe. He is called Maglev. Since some children in his community have become ill, he has cut off his group from ours, fearing that others had brought this disease. His strict isolation rules is the reason why I had to personally advocate for your visit this morning."

"But he has now agreed?" Loki asked, and purposely sucked on his index finger. You stared at him, fully aware that he was cleaning the remnants of you from his digit. His action only aroused you more.

"Yes. It took some persuasion for him to accept Lady Eden's entry. However, after I explained that she is our future queen, he relaxed his regulations that prohibited non-Jotun from entering his camp."

"So it is his tribe that has the sickness?" You ask.

"Yes. One of his children are among the sick." Bear replied.

"Why has the disease not affected anyone in this area?" You query. "Don't you all drink and eat from the same source?"

"We consume food from the land and water from the lake. But there are no kits here; our youngest child is past the age susceptible to illness."

"Hmm, it is all so strange." You murmur.

"I believe you should remain here, Eden. Should an infectious disease exist within Maglev's household, I want you to stay far away from it." Loki stated abruptly.

Your facial expression was one of irritation. His words were a constant repetition of concern and you had already heard them all before. So rather than debating with him, you chose to disregard his comment completely.

"Bear, I believe we should depart immediately. This is of great importance."

Bear nodded and stood up from the table. As you rose, Loki grabbed your hand and heaved himself to his feet alongside you.

"Are you likely to always remain this stubborn?" He asks.

It seemed the frequency with which you've been labelled stubborn has now attained an everyday norm. You were undecided whether to feel proud or irritated.

"My headstrong ways could possible get worse after marriage. Are you prepared to deal with such disobedience?"

He took hold of your body and drew you close. "I wouldn't change your obstinate ways for all the riches in the world, and I look forward to the unyielding challenges you'll present me throughout our marriage."

You smiled. Proudly.

"Come, we must move." Bear spoke with urgency.

Prior to leaving the table, you brought Loki's ear to your lips. "I require my panties back! Loki."

He merely smirked as he stepped away from you and joined Bear at the door. His flagrant refusal to return your panties left you speechless.

"Well, are you coming, darling?" He called from the threshold. As you approached him, you grumbled and stomped your feet in irritation. 

Loki held you close as you exited through the rear doors and once more encountered a vast expanse of white snow. In the distance, there were a cluster of dwellings.

"We head over there." Bear pointed. "It will not take long."

Loki nodded and began walking alongside you while following Bear, but the unexpected sound of new footsteps behind you caused Bear to halt. He turned around and observed Ovahh trailing behind.

"You can not come!" Bear's tone was stern.

"I am the kings guard. I go where he goes!" Ovahh responded in an equally commanding manner.

"Your unexpected presence may prevent us from inspecting the sick. Turn back now!" Bear shouted.

"I follow my king wherever he goes!" Ovahh charged forward and stared attentively at Bear.

Loki brought peace to the situation by placing a gentle hand on Ovahh's shoulder. "Calm yourself, my friend."  Loki shifted his focus to Bear. "A king never goes without a guard. I'm confident Maglev will understand."

Bear huffed in irritation before resuming his strenuous trek. But seeing Bear's reaction sparked your curiosity. You left Loki walking with Ovahh as you advanced to join him.

"Darling, where are you going?" Loki called out.

"I just wish to speak to Bear."

As you were directly in his line of sight, he was assured that you were safe, and so he gave you a nod of approval. However, he continued to observe your every action as you settled by Bear's side and attempted to match his speedier pace.

"Your outburst leads me to believe that this leader has prevented you from visiting the ill children. You fear that an additional Jotun may frighten him, thus driving you all away?" You pant as you try to keep up.

"Yes. They have segregated themselves and rarely verbally communicate.  Tres and I are more laid-back than Maglev. They never stray from the strict rules."

"You, laid back?" You snort unintentionally.

Bear narrowed his eyes as he cast a sidelong gaze in your direction. "Since your arrival, I have indeed relaxed my regulations. I did not intervene when I clearly heard a Jotun's mating call last night, did I not?" His narrowed eyes shifted to an accusatory stare.

The realisation that Bear heard Loki's distinct growl while you and he were intimate in his Jotun form was humiliating. You immediately flushed and averted your gaze, unable to stare into his piercing dark orbs.

You just knew Loki's volume was excessively high; his grunt practically caused the walls to reverberate. So of course the Docat's heard and recognised his cries of breeding pleasure.

"I.. uh.."

"We do not need to talk about it." He quickly stated, recognising your embarrassment. You instantly breathed a sigh of relief. "It is evident that you are his queen. Paperwork is merely legal matter. But Maglev would not have tolerated such rule breaking."

"I'm grateful for your consideration of my and Loki's situation. Thank you for being.. laid back, Bear."

He smiled, pleased that you now concur that he was indeed laid-back.

"I should be the one to express gratitude." Bear said. "You are the princess of Embrodi, I am aware that your time is valuable. However, you jeopardise your life simply by entering the badlands, regardless of the possibility of contracting a life-threatening illness. Loki is correct. I worry about your well-being too. You are not as resilient as us, and you may be more prone to contracting this disease."

"I arrived here aware of the dangers, Bear. My objective is to assist Jotunheim. This cannot be accomplished by merely spectating."

He sighed. His shoulders visibly slumping.

"You are a good woman, but you'll be an even greater queen." He halted and took your hand, tenderly pressing it to his lips. "I am proud to call you Jotunheim's queen."

Loki observed the exchange, and his keen hearing picked up Bear's declaration. As he witnessed your ebullient expression, he smiled.

As the small cluster of homes became visible, Bear led the way and thumped on the wooden door. Loki transformed himself into Jotun for the initial introductions, and you obeyed his command to remain at a distance.

The door opened slowly until it was just wide enough for a woman to peek out of the gap.

"Hello Jeera, has Maglev filled you in on my intended visit today?" Bear asked.

She nodded hesitantly. Seeing two Jotuns next to Bear caused her to become noticeably more afraid.  Her fear likely increased because she was already anxious of the household illness.

"Welcome them in, Jeera!" Maglev shouted from within the house.

Jeera obediently heeded his command and stepped back to enable Bear to enter. However, as Loki and Ovahh also passed through, her eyes spotted you.

Now that you see her more clearly, her appearance alarmed you. In comparison to Tres and Suri, her washed out complexion and sunken eyes lacked vitality.

You hovered at the doorway, uncertain if you were welcome. But Loki detected your hesitation immediately and beckoned you inside.

"She is not safe here! It is best for her well-being to remain outside. I can provide her with thicker attire to maintain her comfort while she endures the chill."  Jeera adamantly declared.

You expected Loki to argue your case, but he failed to do so. He remained silent as he pondered her words that filled him with dread and was now in two minds whether to allow you to enter. However, maglev rose from his seat and strode towards Jeera.

"She must come inside! She is a Gaia, and her abilities may help the children."

"But the children are weak, as is she... I do not want her demise to be a burden on my soul. Please, reconsider Maglev!"

Her comments alarmed Loki, and he immediately started ushering you outside while being careful not to touch you with his Jotun skin. You retreated backward into the snow, feeling annoyed.

"Stop Loki, I must attend!" You plant your feet firmly, and Loki immediately stops his strutting.

"You heard her, she fears your death! This is bad, Eden."

"Her withered face reveals that she is terrified; I must help her, Loki."

"Please.. come inside, both of you." Maglev called from the entrance.

Loki whirled around to confront him and launched a barrage of questions. 

"Where is the sick?"

"They occupy the rear bedroom." Maglev quickly answered.

"Are they cordoned off?"

"Yes. They remain in the isolated area."

"Who tends to them?"

"Jeera is among the very few who can care for them."

"And what precautions do you take to stop the spread. Do you bathe and sanitise yourself?" Loki continued his rapid questions.

"We have a system in place. It seems to be working as none of the adults are sick, only the kits."

Maglev's response only slightly alleviated Loki's worry, however, he was still not convinced to allow you to enter. And you sensed it.

"See.. it is safe." You assert, passing Loki swiftly and darting inside before he could pull you back. He called after you, but when you stubbornly didn't listen, he quickly followed and joined you inside.

You observe your surroundings and notice a few peculiar details. For starters, the room was so sweltering that you began to perspire upon entering. All of the shutters were closed, preventing any natural light from penetrating the space. The atmosphere had an eerie heaviness, as if death had settled over the home.

You heard a commotion near the fireplace, and upon glancing in that direction, you observed a pot bubbling away with contents that were bright green. A cutting board that had been recently used, as it still contained traces of whatever made the water green, was located nearby.

"Please take a seat and we will explain all that you wish to know." Maglev stated, interrupting your observations.

Loki drew a chair out for you next to the fireplace, and after you sat down, he joined you.

Jeera stood tensely beside her seated husband, her hand resting on his shoulder. You could see she was anxious, and you observed as Maglev finally showed some kindness by gently stroking her hand to calm her nervous tapping against his skin.

"Maglev, this is King Loki-" Bear's introductions was abruptly interrupted.

"I was expecting the king, and the Gaia, but not this other Jotun. Who is he?" Maglev eyed Ovahh  suspiciously.

"This is my guard and loyal friend." Loki cut in.

"He is also Suri's bethrothed." Bear added, knowing the bond would ease Maglev's suspicions over Ovahh.

Jeera smiled warmly. "Oh, what joy! Tres must be so happy. I too am so happy.... So happy... so so happy." She began tearing up as her words trailed off to a murmur.

It was evident that her exposure to high levels of stress and worry had left her in an emotional and fragile state, and now you feared for her mental health. You know that no mother could sustain prolonged distress when it concerns their child.

"Why do you keep this dwelling so dark?" You change the subject fast. Feeling compelled to get straight to the point before a situation arises and makes it impossible to pose questions.

"The younglings. They have developed an intolerance for light; otherwise, they develop red sores; and to combat the chill, we must maintain a constant fire. It is as though they yearn for the heat." Maglev answered.

You immediately recalled the deceased Lassim you observed on the icy lake. Some were found in the open light, but the majority were discovered in the shade of the trees. Were they also afraid of the light? They, too, displayed blisters around their mouths.

"Your crops, have they began rotting?" You ask.

"We no longer cultivate any crops. All of our once-thriving harvests near the lake have perished. We rely on our stored provisions and whatever we can hunt."

Jeera began humming as she approached the fire and stirred the pot. You understood that her action of humming a gentle melody was an attempt to alleviate her mental suffering. She was desperately trying to hold on to her psyche.

She smiled at you, but you could see in her eyes that she was gradually losing her battle to maintain her sanity. Your heart ached for her.

You wondered if she ever took a break from caring for the children. Who cared for her mental woes and made sure she ate? It was evident she had not had sustenance or slept for some time since she appeared so pallid and drawn in.

You raised your hand and grasped the spoon's handle, stirring for her. "I can help." You offer.

"Thank you, dear." She replied sincerely, continuing to sing a tune.

As you stirred, you listened as Loki posed further questions.

"So you all consume the same food, but the adults remain fit. It begs the question, where have the children been recently?" Loki asked a valid query.

"They go nowhere without us. And of late, we have only hunted and gathered what was a viable to eat. I have wracked my brain with possible causes and I find none." Maglev replied.

The sight of Jeera removing green sticks from a bucket of water and chopping them, prompted you to raise a question.

"What are those? They resemble roots."

"These are Jorvik reeds, they are indeed roots." Jeera smiled, continuing to add the chopped pieces to the pot.

You picked up a piece and began examining it; the green substance that oozed from it was unlike any other root you've encountered.

Maglev continued speaking after determining that your query was irrelevant, but you abruptly cut him off.

"Please pardon my lack of understanding. But what function do these roots serve? I see that you simmer them; as such, do you consume the infused water?"

Maglev appeared annoyed by the constant interruptions, so he quickly responded to your query to stop them.

"It is a tradition for the younglings to pluck these roots from the shallows of the lake; their nimble hands enable them to do so with care. Jeera adapts it into a broth since it provides our kits with the necessary calcium to develop strong bones."

"And do you, yourself, drink this broth?"

"No. Once we reach maturity, we store enough calcium to never require supplementation. This is reserved for the young."

Jeera rose to her feet after pouring a ladle of the broth into a cup. "Excuse me, it is time for me to feed the children."

You observed Jeera's departure with a sorrowful heart. However, as you stared into the green liquid, you couldn't help but sense a foreboding sensation.

"Jeera!" You propelled yourself upward.

She turned around prior to entering the isolated area.

"Do not give that to the children."

She examined the cup before refocusing her attention on your bleak expression. When she realised what you were implying, her countenance fell. She dropped the cup, sending its contents splattering against the walls.

"I... I have been poisoning my children?" She murmured in shock.

"Not intentionally." You speak calmly, approaching her distressed state with caution. "If the crops near the lake withered and if the Lassim that also manifested sores succumbed to the disease, it means the area around the lake could be the origin of the disease. These roots that grow from the mud are potent. That is why the children get sicker. They drink contaminated and potent broth."

Jeera emitted a heart-wrenching sob as she collapsed into your arms. You held her tightly as you consoled her grieving heart.

"Could this be true?" Bear asked Maglev.

Maglev stared at the ground in a state of shock.

"Eden, are you sure?" Loki asked.

"Loki, please open the blinds and let the light in." You instruct.

Loki didn't hesitate. He complied with your request by throwing open the shutters and drawing back the drapes.

As soon as the natural light struck the walls, the green contents of the splattered broth began to illuminate.

You heard shocked gasps, and upon Jeera hearing them, she gazed up with a frightened expression on her face as she, too, observed the glowing green substance.

"It's.. it is moving." Loki remarked as he inspected the remnants on the walls.

You assist Jeera in standing and deliver her to Maglev before joining Loki to observe.

"It reacts to the light. The lethal microorganisms dislike it, thus why it squirms." You reply.

"What is contaminating our lake, Eden?" Loki regarded you with graveness.

"Several potential diseases share these symptoms. However, I will know for certain when I reach the lake and speak with the life force tree."

Loki inhaled deeply. "Then let us go, before we lose daylight."

As Loki and the others waited outside, you stood at the doorway and gave Maglev and Jeera vital instructions.

"Open each and every window and shutter. Allow a cooling breeze and do not shade the children. They will weep, beg for darkness, and complain of being cold. However, that is merely the infection speaking. Be courageous for them. This is the first stage in treating their condition."

"Will this be sufficient to save them?" Jeera pleaded, grasping your hand as you prepared to depart.

You took an anxious gulp. It was not necessary to see the children to perceive the imminent threat of death. It loomed in the air like a haunting spirit that waited to collect their souls. But you could not admit what you sensed. She required faith and optimism to maintain her sanity as she was already on the verge of mental decline. You refused to be the one to finally break her.

"Beseech the deities within the heavens, Jeera, and I will give my all here. Jotunheim will triumph." You hoped your words provided comfort and reassurance.

Loki summoned you, and when Jeera refused to release your hand, Bear lifted you off the ground and positioned you next to Loki.

Once out of view of Maglev and Jeera, Loki transformed into his Asgardian self and drew you in for an embrace. As soon as he held you, you felt your defences crumble, and you began to cry.

"I feel your sorrow, Eden. Let the grief out. Do not let it swell inside you."

Your tears saturated his cloak as he gently stroked the back of your head.

"I sense mortality approaching, Loki." Your eyes met his, and he observed additional tears rolling down your cheeks. "When the elderly who have lived a long life travel to Valhalla, we rejoice as they ascend to their eternal life. But when a child is taken, the day is dark, for they are robbed of a life that should have been lived." Your knees grew weak and began to wobble. Loki swiftly seizes you in his arms and carries you before you fall.

"I must take you out of Jotunheim. You must go home." Loki implores in desperation for your safety.

You peer up into his concerned features, and lightly stroke the curve of his jaw. "My home is within your arms. I am not going anywhere."

"For once, Eden, do not fight me with your stubbornness."

"For once, Loki... see me as more than just frail."

His eyes grew glassy as he gazed into yours, losing himself within them.

"I can't lose you."

"You won't.... I promised, remember?"

"Promise me again, I need to hear it."

"I promise you, Loki. You and I will grow old together."

He fought back sobs in order to articulate his words.

"You are the ray of sunlight that breaks through the clouds. The rainbow following a storm. The now glowing coals inside me that were once incapable of igniting. You pulled me from my shadows, Eden. I can't ever go back there."

You caressed his face and used your thumb to wipe away the tear that rolled down his cheek. "You will never enter that place again, my love. I am your flame; I frighten away the shadows; they can never coexist with us."

You drew his lips to yours and kissed him tenderly, releasing your love through your embrace in the hope that it would calm his fears. However, your kiss only increased his sense of dread as the abrupt, dark notion of losing you struck him so vividly.

He refused to allow you to return to Bear's territory on foot, carrying you the entire distance in his arms while maintaining constant eye contact.