You felt a stirring thrill as the palace came into view. Both because it was your comforting home and because you knew Loki resided inside.

You were so proud of him for maintaining his fortitude throughout the siege; his refusal to retreat because he was determined to find you was not only romantic but also valiant. 

With increased excitement, you drew closer, your heart physically pounding with elation. However, you gasp with a wounded heart when you see the ancient Embrodi wall in ruins. Its destruction, forged by the conflict that took place in this area, was a clear indication of its severity. You prayed that no one was seriously injured.

"Who goes there? Cease your movement and retreat. The palace is under siege!" Finnion stops and holds out his weapon, directing it at the three hooded strangers who approached the palace borders.

You quickly remove your hood to reveal your face.

"Princess Eden!" Finn exclaimed, shock riddling through his body.

"Hello guard Finn, how is Anya?"

"She, uh, she is well."

You eye the wall with a look of sadness. "Please tell me my garden does not appear as despairing as this wall." You step over a large rock and stumble, but Javier catches your hand and holds you up.

"Careful Princess." Javier cautions, steadying you.

Thor immediately takes hold of your other arm and both men guide you towards Finn.

"My footing is still occasionally shaky. I have slept for a considerable amount of time and am thus still adjusting to walking." You respond to Finn's worried expression.

"Your garden is untouched Princess. King Loki made sure that the battle was conducted away from your flowers." Finn answered your initial query.

You beamed warmly. Even in the midst of an unexpected conflict, Loki thought of you, safeguarding your possessions and the things you cherish.

"My love is so very considerate. I miss him. Please tell me where he is, Finn."

Finn turned around and pointed towards the royal quarters. "The palace is locked down, and both men now reside within your room, while guards from Alfheim, Jotunheim and Embrodi, camp just outside of it."

"Then that is where I go." You strut ahead, avoiding the larger debris.

As soon as you entered the palace, your attention was drawn to the poorly constructed barricade that now serves as the entrance to the royal quarters. The heavy and magnificent bronze doors that were originally installed were in fragments on the floor.

"Who has the strength to shatter a solid door?" You gasp, expecting someone to say explosives. However, Thor immediately detected asir magic.

"There is no denying that this was the work of my brother. It was indeed his wrath filled magic that rendered the door in this state."

You couldn't help but be impressed. You knew Loki was strong, but it was clear you had not witnessed the true extent of it.

You ordered the Embrodi guards to open the makeshift doors, where you knew a handful of Docats, Jotuns, and Elves resided. They promptly complied, and as soon as you entered, the rancid smell of bodily odours assaulted your nostrils. Sif had warned you, but you had no idea the situation would be so dire.

You observed men from all sides dispersed throughout the larger lodgings, none of whom noticed your entrance because they were so miserable, and famished.

As you stepped over the broken rubble, you recognised the figure rummaging through pots that once contained food. Ovahh's familiar snippy retort echoed through the stillness, followed by loud rumblings from his stomach.

"I am this close to chewing off my own arm if it means I get some sustenance!"

You felt instant remorse for your friend and quickly hurled an energy bar towards him with no intention of striking the back of his head. But it occurred. Bouncing off his large head and landing on the floor.

He ceased his desperate hunt for food and deliberately straightened up to demonstrate his intimidating size. With his back turned to the culprit who had struck him, he let out a deep growl that carried an ominous threat.

When you noticed his back muscles tensing, a wave of anxiety swept over you. His body language indicated that he intended to attack, and before you could declare your presence to calm him, his massive form whirled around and raged blindly towards the enemy who threw an object at him — you.

He charged forward and collided with you, encasing your small body in his arms before violently pressing you against the wall. With an angry snarl, he peered down at the person he forcibly held, expecting to see a frightened elf. However, his eyes widened when he realised it was you, and in a panicked state, he let go and retreated back.

"E-Eden?" He stuttered, shock overwhelming him. "Are..are you hurt?" He looked on mournful.

You quickly push yourself from the wall and brush down your ruffled dress.

"I'm fine, Ovahh." You take several ragged gasps. "However, that was an impressive tackle. Dare I say, when irritable and hungry, you could single-handedly kill a Wesson beast."

He observed your laboured respiration after having the wind knocked right out of you and grew concerned, preparing to whisk you away to a healer. However, because you exhibited no visible burns, he abruptly stopped his frantic worry, concluding that you were merely part of his fragile psyche and that he had succumbed to starvation-induced hallucinations.

"You can't be here. I'm hallucinating. You're not real." He exhaled in relief, thankful that he hadn't really charged into you and threw you against the solid wall.

"You're not hallucinating, Ovahh."

He paid you no notice and began chuckling to himself. "My mind has finally given in to madness." He sat on the ground, his arms flopping to the side of his slouched body. "I am relieved to be locked out of your bedroom. Grateful that evil elf did not see me in this state."

He looked up, expecting you to have vanished, and was stumped to see you still standing there. "Why are you still present? Does my insanity keep me conversing with your apparition?...Wait..."

His emotion changed to anguish as a haunting thought entered his mind. "Are you a ghost? Have you truly departed from this world? Please say it isn't so!" He wailed, his distress evident.

You gazed at him with sorrow. You have never seen him so upset, like an abandoned puppy, all alone. You kneeled to meet him at his level and took his hand in yours, speaking softly. "You are not deranged, nor am I deceased. I am really here."

"How I wish that were so." He cried. "I'd give you my last breath should it mean you live." He sobbed with heartache. "I know you are not here. I held you in my arms and touched your skin. You'd be screaming in blisters by now."

"Oh Ovahh, you affectionate big goof. I truly adore you, do you know that?" His eyes welled with tears upon hearing your words.

"I know you do. Even your ghostly spectre exudes such strong love."

"Perhaps eating will improve your ability to reason clearly."

The energy bar you held up in front of him drew his voracious attention. You removed the packaging and placed it to his lips. He consumed it in a single gulp, his pupils enlarging as his taste receptors came to life.

"More... please." He panted.

You stood up and emptied the entire bag of snacks onto his lap, witnessing his face illuminate.

Javier and Thor, who had been assessing the area, emerged from behind you and observed Ovahh devouring the food like a feral animal.

"His starved brain has convinced him that I am merely a ghostly image." You gaze at Thor and Javier with sad eyes, but kneel once more to present Ovahh with something else.

He stopped eating and stared at what you held in your hand, surprised that his fragile mind was capable of imagining the object's intricate details.

"I love what you made for me Ovahh. This ornament that you carved from Embrodi wood took a lot of effort. I will cherish it." You fall into his embrace and hug him.

You felt his arms slide around you, and soon his wet tears steadily fell onto your shoulder.

"I wish you were really here." His voice was laboured as he fought to conceal his intense emotions.

"Believe me when I tell you, I am here, and always will be." You glanced at him and looked into his red orbs, brushing back his scraggly unwashed hair. Almost all of him wanted to believe you, but the doubt he had was still so conflicting.

The unpleasant odour of his perspiring frost giant form suddenly wafted into your nostrils.

"Ovahh, as much as I love that we are hugging, you really need a shower." You laughed, and he gazed at you slightly offended.

Suri appeared out of nowhere, distressed that Ovahh had not returned to their little corner.

"Eden!" She exclaimed in shock. "It worked! Prune made you immune!" She squealed, noticing Ovahh's bare hands on your skin with no visible injuries.

You looked at her quizzically. "Prune?"

Your brows shot up in realisation as the answer to your sudden ability was finally revealed. "You took me to the Sedenia plants? What did you request of them Suri?"

"You were dying, the serum we tested on you had an effect but it wasn't enough. Loki pleaded with the plants to save you, and I asked all the prunes to make you as strong as a Jotun!" She grinned wide.

Javier and Thor exchanged looks of disbelief before uttering the same words. "As strong as a Jotun.."

"W-wait.. you mean, Eden is really within my arms right now?" Ovahh was stunned.

"Yes, you icicle!" Suri shrieked.

Ovahh's dark brows soared and his eyes grew to be the largest red orbs ever documented. He rapidly drew you closer to his body and completely absorbed you into himself.

"You're here; you are truly here!" As he buried himself deeper into the crevice of your neck, he wept, his large head becoming lost in your hair.

"And you were kind enough to bring me my preferred snacks!" He wailed even louder in response to your thoughtfulness.

"How could I not? Im pretty sure it was the sound of your grumbling stomach that woke me from my slumber." You laughed, and Suri rushed forward, abruptly descending to embrace you alongside Ovahh.

The pleasant mirth emanating from the three of you reverberated throughout the typically quiet and dreary quarters, attracting the attention of others.

Soon, Bear and his son Xanda appeared, followed by everyone confined within the siege's gloomy settings. Their spirits rose, instantly illuminating the dull environment when they saw you. Still, they could not believe their eyes. Seeing you alive and well in their presence was shocking enough. But witnessing you touch Jotun skin was even more astonishing.

"Take me to Loki, please, Ovahh." Your heart, though happy to be reconnected with Ovahh and all the Docats you've grown to adore, would not stop its relentless ache until your yearning to be with Loki was met.

Ovahh grasped your hand, beaming with joy that he could touch you without harm, and led you through the crowd of people. You tangibly sensed Loki's presence nearby, prompting the thrill of his last kiss to burn across your lips.

Ovahh came to a stop outside your bedroom door.

The knowledge that Loki was on the opposite side caused your stomach to churn with nervousness. And in an effort to calm the sudden onset of anxiety that was overwhelming you, you focused your attention on the swirling patterns ingrained within the wood as you take several deep breaths.

With your pulse racing, you raise your closed fist and hover it against the door, taking a moment to mentally prepare yourself to knock.

~~~

King Hoyd rested in one corner, surrounded by his armed men, while prince Caspian sought refuge in another. Loki, however, sat alone. His nook had became a solitary space after Ovahh had become locked out.

Though Loki was isolated, he felt the presence of his people just outside the door, awaiting his signal to break it down. Yet he was confident that he would not need their help. He was more than capable of leaving the room without exerting any effort. He merely participated in the siege to appease King Hoyd, his prospective father-in-law, in hopes that one day he would accept him and acknowledge that he loved his daughter more than anything else in the world.

During this stalemate, his other covert objective was to observe Caspian's mental collapse. He occasionally laughed to himself as he revisited the vivid image of Caspian pounding on the door, imploring to be let out. He hoped to witness it unfold in reality, as opposed to solely in his mind.

The small group of elves sighed heavily, and King Hoyd grinned. "This is day three without food, men. Give up the location of my daughter, and we can move on and reach a peaceful truce." He first looked at Caspian, then at Loki, but neither of them responded.

"So be it." He declared. More resolute than ever. "Crank up the heat and ration the water!"

His soldiers at the door's threshold acted swiftly in response to his startling order. Loki stared at him, slightly unnerved by his command, but he kept his expression neutral. He would not display his anxiety over exposure to increased heat.

Soon, the men grew sluggish and immobile as the room's temperature reached a suffocating level. Loki, as a Jotun, was incapable of cooling down effectively when he became overheated, it made his suffering even more excruciating. But he was resilient, and despite the fact that he was in pain, he maintained his determination to prevail while concealing his misery.

After three long hours without ventilation in the stifling heat, the perspiring men began to emanate a foul odour. The combined stress of the offensive air and the inability to drink were the final straw for Caspian. He finally demonstrated a weakening of his resolve, which, as Loki had predicted and much to his delight, made all of his suffering worthwhile.

"I can no longer tolerate this barbarism!" Caspian darted up. "I need fresh air, I cannot breathe in this humid hell!"  He gave his men the order to open the shutters.

"Don't you dare! You will all suffer until truths are spoken!" King Hoyd was pleased that he had finally succeeded in unravelling someone.

"Truths? You know the truth!" Caspian yelled while frantically fanning himself. "Loki conspired all of this, he secretly has Eden stowed away."

The suspicions of King Hoyd were piqued as he narrowed his eyes at Loki.

Loki sneered at Caspian. "You believe I would remain in your haughty company if I had Eden? I've awaited her for centuries. Yet every lonesome night was worth the wait; even this humid purgatory created by King Hoyd, because Eden is my entire world. If I had her concealed as you suggest, I would not squander a single second more apart from her."

Hearing additional denials from both Loki and Caspian made King Hoyd more irritated. "You will break sooner or later. No man can endure this level of torturous tedium."

"I am no man." Loki replied. "I am a fiercely determined Jotun who is madly in love with your daughter. Someone in this room knows the truth of where she is, and they will break long before I."

"You do not love her as much as I do." Caspian spat. "Jotuns are notoriously emotionless. They're unfeeling creatures who's heart remain as icy as their domain."

"My heart leapt to life the moment I met Eden!" Loki snapped, breathing rapidly in response to Caspian's rude declaration. "Just as the emptiness of my existence was about to devour me, Eden entered my world and delivered me from the jaws of despair. She awoke within me dormant butterflies that will never cease to flutter. You, on the other hand, only love yourself. You merely desire Eden because she will enhance your reputation. She is an item for your collection. Nothing more."

"You felt the flutters?" King Hoyd asked in surprise.

Loki met the gaze of your father and spoke with conviction. "Initially, I denied the sensation, doubting that I could experience such intense emotions. But the limited time I spent in her presence at the Asgardian ball, sparked my heart to life. She spoke about literature and plants with such fervour that her enthusiasm for life and all things living drew me out of my own darkness. How could I not fall passionately in love with her? She was a beacon of light, and I a lonely moth."

"You are the mysterious stranger from the ball?" King Hoyd was unaware that it was Loki who had caused your flutters, adding to his astonishment.

Clarity befell your father. It explained why you remained in Jotunheim. Not only because you wanted to aid the realm, but also because you had located the enigmatic stranger you had spoken of.

Caspian observed the softening of King Hoyd's features towards Loki. He didn't like it. Not one bit, and attempted to disrupt their bonding with an argument he knew Loki could not refute:

"With you, the great Embrodi lineage dies; it ceases to exists because Eden can never conceive with your seed. But with my illustrious sperm, I will breed her, and we will have many successors. Offspring that will carry on the bloodlines of both Embrodi and Alfheim." Caspian smirked triumphantly.

"Breed her?" Loki growled in rage. "Eden is not cattle to be bred!" His temper rising was not solely due to Caspian's profane choice of words, but also because they contained truth, that he couldn't give you children. It hurt him. "Children or not, I can make Eden happ—"

"—She will grow to resent you for stripping her of motherhood!" Caspian rudely cut Loki off. "You're a fool if you think love is enough. Heirs are our legacy! The fact that a married man unable to father children pursued a coveted princess indicates that your selfish needs took precedence over hers!"

Loki tried to respond to Caspian's literal spew, but King Hoyd silenced him with a single hand gesture.

Your father's wish to hear Caspian's argument upset Loki. Now he was certain that the controversy of never being able to provide Embrodi with future generations was King Hoyd's breaking point. He'd never allow you to marry him.

Caspian was delighted with King Hoyd's attentiveness as he spoke and before resuming his tirade, he observed Loki's glum expression and cracked a smile. It amused him.

"You mention that I want Eden to advance my reputation, but what about you, Loki? You desire her companionship to make you feel better about your abominable ancestry. But having a normal-appearing queen by your side will not conceal the fact that you are of a monstrous breed. By uniting with you, Eden and Embrodi sink to the lowest depth. But with me, she will ascend so high her fingertips will touch Valhalla." Caspian felt invincible as he glared at Loki with an arrogant expression.

Loki's temperamental magic suddenly materialised; a powerful brooding that was a result of his overheated and overburdened psyche, exacerbated by the crippling belief that he was not good enough for you. It grew within his clenched fists and spread outward, tinting not only his body but also his eyes an emerald green.

Caspian and King Hoyd, alarmed by the unexpected display, retreated in fear of the potent magic that radiated around him.

Loki's green glowing eyes centred on Caspian's now less assured countenance. "If I were to murder you, the realms would be a better place."

"You cannot touch me; if you lay a finger on me, an unholy war will resume and all realms will turn against Jotunheim! It will be certain demise for your people!"

The upward curve of Loki's lips formed an unsettling smile. "Then I will not touch you. However, they certainly can..."

Caspian and King Hoyd froze when they witnessed Loki manifesting an unnatural magic that was long believed to be obsolete.

Spectral legs stepped from his body prior to the emergence of two fully formed shadows resembling human forms. When the menacing figures began to skulk stealthily around the room's perimeter, the  fear Caspian felt, increased.

Caspian's elevated heart rate was like a drum in his chest, but his short-term panic soon subsided when his rational mind persuaded him that they were merely holographic shadows and that this was simply a fear-inducing trick manifested by Loki. However, as one of the silhouettes crept closer towards him, it purposefully knocked over a vase, causing it to shatter on the floor.

The sudden shriek that erupted from Caspian's vocal chords revealed that elves not only appeared womanly, but also exhibited significant notes of femininity when frightened. Yet, Caspian did not care that he let out a humiliating scream, as witnessing the shadow's ability to tangibly interact with objects terrified him.

The shadows approached him from both sides, but as they drew closer, their transparency darkened and became more sinister. It scared Caspian to the point where he lost all resolve, and now, fearing for his life, he ran to the door and pounded on it, imploring for someone on the other side to open up.

The room abruptly reverberated with Loki's full-throated laugh. Caspian's frantic attempts to flee the room amused him, as did the realisation that this was his prior vision coming true.

"I must be let out! Unlock the door!" Caspian screamed as he felt the frigid touch of Loki's shadow people on the back of his neck. It caused his hair to stand on end and produced unpleasant goosebumps all over his skin. 

"It's locked!" King Hoyd yelled. "Only I have the key. And no one is leaving until Eden is returned to me!"

Loki continued to chuckle as Caspian curled into the foetal position on the floor, whimpering and refusing to look at the hovering shadows. Afraid that their touch would allow them to drag him directly to Hell.

"That's enough, Loki!" King Hoyd erupted. "Recall them, now!"

Loki huffed. He was enjoying himself tremendously. However, he complied, and his two shadows slowly glided back towards him and merged into his body. He perched himself on the edge of your bed, once more bringing a lock of your hair to his nose as the crippling loss of your absence was felt again.

Two small knocks suddenly sounded on the bedroom door. At first, Loki mistook it for Caspian still attempting to obtain aid from the other side. But when he turned to look at him, he noticed that he'd already recovered from his humiliating cowardice and had resumed his position within his guarded corner.

Loki's stomach began to flutter in reaction to hearing two more taps on the wood, the impact of these gentle knocks sent his adrenaline soaring and his heart racing, and he couldn't tear his eyes away. He quickly leapt from the bed and made his way to the door, halting directly in front of it due to sudden nerves.

After pausing to take several deep breaths, he extended his arm and grasped the handle.

"I have the key, remember? No one can leave or enter." King Hoyd firmly reminded, feeling confident that Loki couldn't go anywhere.

A shimmering glow emanated from around the handle that Loki held, and in the silence of the room, the door unlocked with a resounding click.

Caspian and King Hoyd were taken aback. Both parties were unaware that Loki had the ability to depart whenever he desired. It made them ponder how far his magic reaches, but it also enraged King Hoyd.

"If you allow whomever stands on the other side of that door to enter, I will sentence you both to a week of confinement within this room while Caspian and I search for Eden!"

Loki paid no attention to King Hoyd's words; he was intently focused on the door and, more significantly, the sensation he felt as he lingered around it. The feeling too comforting, and too alluring to resist.

"I'm warning you, Loki."

Loki glanced momentarily at King Hoyd, but something buried deep down, within the crevice of his heart, compelled him to disobey. With no more hesitation, he turned the handle and, holding his breath, slowly pulled it open.

The peering eyes of many Jotuns and Docats were fixed on him, but Loki's were only riveted on you as you stood in the midst of them.

"Hello, my love." Loki released his held in breath upon hearing your soft voice, his body nervously shaking.

"E-Eden?"

You greeted him with a smile before crossing the threshold into your room.

Infuriated that someone had entered, King Hoyd marched towards the door. "I pity the impertinent fool who has just trespassed into this room, which, by order of the king, me, is under siege! You will now spend the next week in seclusion with Loki. Enjoy your punishment!"

You peered around the side of Loki's Jotun body and arched your brow towards your father.

"That penalty doesn't sound so bad. When does it commence?" You make eye contact with Loki and wink at him. He was in such a shock that you were here that he simply froze, as did your father.

"She isn't an apparition, Loki." Ovahh yelled from within the hallway, witnessing the same expression of disbelief on Loki's face that he once displayed.

"Have you missed me?" Your question caused his flutters to dance wildly; your voice a melody he sorely missed.

His sudden wide smile of adoration towards you indicated that he was emerging from his state of stupor, his doubt that you were truly here diminishing.

He immediately transformed into his Asgardian form and snatched you up in his arms, lifting your feet off the ground as he twirled you around.

He stopped and drew you so tightly into himself that your ribcage became compressed. But you desired to melt into him and embraced the sensation of being encased.

Staring adoringly into your eyes, he answered your initial question. "There are no words to describe how much I have missed you, my queen. Every second of your absence has been agony."

"I completely understand that feeling, Loki. When we are apart, the sun beams less brightly and I wither without you."

"Oh, Eden! Never leave me again. I beg of you."

You placed your hand on his cheek as you gazed lovingly into his imploring eyes and made a solemn promise.

"If the gods decide to grant me a lengthy life. I vow that not a single day will pass without you."

Loki's pulse raced when he decided to act on a long-held desire. With nervous eagerness, he grasped your hands before kneeling on one knee and peering up at you from his lower position.

"This may not be the most romantic time to propose. But I do not wish to squander another second of waiting."

His palm began to glitter with light, and a tiny suede box suddenly appeared. After slowly opening it, a glistening emerald ring was revealed.

"Will you marry me and be mine forever, holding the prestigious title of my wife in this life and the next?"

You were overcome with emotion as you gazed upon Loki's stunning face, which, despite gleaming with excitement, bore the signs of having just endured a trying time.

He held the ring against the tip of your finger and awaited your response with bated breath. But before you could respond, Caspian stepped forward and began protesting audibly.

To your surprise, your father swiftly muzzled him, putting an end to his unwanted objections.

"Continue, my beloved daughter. Say your response. I will support whatever decision you take if you speak from the heart."

Loki smiled graciously at King Hoyd. It was his greatest desire to earn your father's affection and esteem.

The small nod of approval that your father gave Loki warmed your heart, and you felt a surge of excitement as you finally gave Loki the response he sought so urgently.

"Yes! A thousand times yes!"

As soon as Loki placed the ring on your finger, he vaulted into the air and reclaimed you in his arms. This time, swirling not your body, but his lips against yours as he passionately kissed you for all to see.

However, a violent tug on your arm ripped you from Loki's embrace and caused you to crash into Caspian's chest. He yelled in your face, incensed by his rejection. "Had you not saved that wretched realm from the kellite I sent, he would have perished with the rest of those frost rats! You stubborn girl! Extermination of the Jotuns would have been advantageous for many, including Alfheim and Embrodi! You were supposed to serve under my authority and provided me with heirs!"

In addition to being wrenched from Loki's embrace, which ruined your joyful moment, you were also angered by Caspian's saliva splattering in your direction as he screamed at you. You became extremely furious as his rough hands continued to grasp you. It evoked horrifying memories of him forcing you to sleep and touching you against your will. In response, you felt the familiar icy prickles spread across your body as you battled to halt the beginnings of your Jotun transformation.

However, before your change could completely materialise, Loki violently threw Caspian against the wall, and growled in his terrified face.

"You're the one who contaminated Jotunheim and nearly caused Eden's death! Never again will you lay a hand on my queen!" Loki abruptly assumed his imposing Jotun form and finally fulfilled the promise he had been patiently awaiting—to return the mark that Caspian had imposed on you, albeit, a lot more severe.

Your transformation went unnoticed as everyone became too preoccupied with staring at Loki as he touched Caspian's cheek with sufficient force to melt away his skin. People winced as Caspian's high-pitched lament reverberated throughout the room to a painful degree. Now it was unclear whether the aroma of charred flesh or the stench of unwashed men was more offensive.

When Loki released Caspian, he promptly collapsed to the ground, wailing in agony. His grotesque wound would leave a permanent reminder that this was his punishment for attempting the genocide of Jotunheim and injuring its queen.

As many eyes followed Caspian's every movement as he was led away by his guards, one pair of eyes were fixed on you, and you could feel it. Afraid to immediately meet Loki's gaze, you took a few deep breaths before looking up.

He stood motionless and so still that you questioned whether he was still breathing. In desperation for any sign of acceptance, you nervously swallow before whispering his name.

Loki took a quick, hesitant breath, confirming that he had indeed forgotten how to breathe, and you began twiddling your fingers out of nervousness as you gathered the fortitude to ask him a difficult question.

"If you don't like me like this I—"

"You are beautiful."

His reassuring words were exactly what you needed to hear to experience relief. As you began to shed tears, others finally noticed your transformation, eliciting audible murmurs.

Loki approached you steadily, his blue skin and ruby eyes resembling yours. As he ran his fingertips through your hair, he admired its gorgeous hue. Pleased that you maintained your Embrodi characteristic.

"How is it that you are able to steal a god's breath away? I have never seen a more beautiful Jotun, nor will I ever again."

As a response to his words, you bit your lip and blushed. However, when he began gently caressing your arms with his fingertips, an electric tingle spread throughout your entire body. Even his lightest contact ignited a powerful spark in you that no one else could conjure. You smiled as, based on Loki's expression of unrivalled pleasure, he was experiencing the same incredible sensation as you. 

His hand rose to cup your cheek, and closing the distance, he pushed his chest against yours. You both suppressed a moan upon more skin-on-skin contact; the resulting sensation now extremely intense and overwhelming.

"Do you feel what I feel?" He whispered. Barely able to get out words as his loins stirred within his pants.

"I feel a profound connection. A summons to which I must respond. It calls to me. You, your physique, your heart, your touch. It urges me. I must be by your side."

You did your best to describe the deep yearning you felt when you were both in Jotun form. Yet, no words could adequately convey the feeling.

"It's our souls, Eden. Each of our past, present, and future selves are connecting and recalling each other. Our bond unifying. There is no version of you I won't ever love."

"We belong to each other." You murmured, your warm breath brushing against his lips as the sensation you felt compelled you to get closer to him. It also urged you to do a lot of things. Namely, explicit actions.

Loki observed the same look of sexual desire in your eyes as he possessed, and with a ferocity that ignited a fire within him, he tightened his hold on your rear and pressed you harder against him. This act was significantly tamer in comparison to what he truly wished to do.

Ovahh and Suri exchanged knowing looks, both recognising the exact emotions you and Loki now experience. It was a desire to mate, to procreate. And if this yearning were to go unfulfilled, wild desires would soon emerge, regardless of who was watching.

"May I suggest some alone time for the happy couple. They have a lot to, um, talk about." Ovahh abruptly began ushering everyone out, and Suri gently persuaded your father to leave as well, despite his protests to remain.

"Come, King Hoyd, I'm certain you've missed your nightly tipple. Let us raise a glass to the return of Eden." The king was pleased with Sanfil's suggestion of a toast, and agreed to participate.

As the room emptied, both of your and Loki's ruby eyes remained fixed on each other. The loud click of the lock was the only thing that broke your hypnotic gaze and made you aware that the room was now empty.

"It appears we are alone, my queen." The tip of his nose came into contact with yours.

"It seems so."

You observed his eyes shift from your face to the four-poster bed of your childhood. You grin, knowing precisely what was going through his mind.

"I sincerely hope my bed can withstand our Jotun lovemaking. It would be regrettable to destroy it."

Loki's low growl disclosed his growing desire. "Do not fret about the regal bed that we will undoubtedly ruin. Or the desk we will shatter. Permit me to ravage you however I see fit, and I will fix everything I break with my magical abilities."

Your sexual hunger surged.

"Then I am yours."

A lustful gleam radiated from his eyes at that instant, compelling his arms to seize you. You instinctively entwined your legs around his waist as he carried you to the bed, but before he kissed you in Jotun form for the first time, he made a brief request.

"Say it again, Eden."

You grinned while repeating your words.

"I am yours."

His voice became beastly as a guttural groan reverberated throughout the room.

"Yes you are."

As soon as his lips touched yours, an eruption of sensations detonated inside you, resulting in rapid breathing. He carefully lowered you onto the bed, your long hair strewn widely, and stared down at you from his elevated position.

"I can see your blouse strain against your breasts each time your chest fills up with air. Shall we free them, perhaps?"

His breathing grew heavy as your hands moved to the buttons on your blouse, and he watched you with rapt attention as you seductively unfastened them one by one, fulfilling his request to free your ample breasts.

His eyes settled on your protruding nipples, prompting his lips to grow moist from want and need. Seeing the burning lust in his gaze amplified your primal urges, and you were unable to contain yourself. You quickly drew his body against yours, adhering your lips against his, and ignited the beginning of your erotic lovemaking.

The lengthy duration of your romantic activities seemed like mere minutes, as your resilience and stamina appeared to replenish from an infinite well. As time passed and you indulged in unfathomable pleasures, your wildness increased, causing your Jotun form to emit untamed noises.

A small number of Jotuns and Docats who loitered outside your bedroom door chuckled to themselves. Each was impressed by the ferocity of your mating calls and placed wagers on how long it would continue. However, it was all fun and games until Suri uttered a startling sentence.

"Think how wonderful it will be when Jotunheim has an heir. Many heirs in fact!" She squealed.

The men regarded her declaration with astonishment.

"Do you truly believe that Eden is able to conceive?" Ovahh inquired, his enthusiasm audible in his voice.

"But of course. I asked the prunes. Our queen will indeed swell with child."

Their stunned silence was broken when Loki's final breeding roar bellowed throughout the entire royal quarters. It merged with your own euphoric sounds, intensifying its potency.

As they all contemplated whether that impressive release would yield an heir, Bear jumped to his feet, a broad grin etched across his face.

"I won the wager! Pay off your debts gentlemen."