"Loki, why did we awaken in the middle of our own funeral?" Thor asks his Queen.

"To survive a coup dear." Loki replies. "What happened after we fell?" Loki asks.

"The Palace Seamstress was put to death and I slit Lord Behur's throat for the part he played, but General Gundirth had no qualms about being found out for his conspiracy and attacked Odin openly in the feasting hall. He fought well, but the Odinsleep tried to take him. He died without injury." Frigga says distantly. Thor pulls his mother into his embrace. He knows Frigga grew to love her husband in her own small way over the years. The loss will be hard for her.

"What of Gundirth's supporters, the army?" Loki asks.

"Cleared out. Those loyal to our family were either killed or put in the dungeons. Those who fought for Gundirth no longer live." Frigga says. "Why did you not tell me? I stayed up for days waiting for you to awaken. How did you manage to stay under for so long?" Frigga asks.

"I am sorry Frigga, but I could not tell you. You're reaction to our deaths had to be convincing and I did not want to risk the conspirators finding out that I was on to them. I spent a week recrafting the spell you taught me. I knew whether you were victorious or the general was, our bodies would be burned, so I used that as the catalyst for our awakening. Without me as a scapegoat their treachery was exposed." Loki says. "Now, any that might have opposed or undermined Thor's rule have been removed. Thor's reign going forward will be much smoother and we will face fewer obstacles."

"Loki, why did you not tell me? I would have smashed the General's head in with Mjolnir. So many good men needn't have died." Thor says.

"No Thor, Loki was smart. He removed not only the General but all loyal to him and managed to protect his own good name. If Loki had accused him the public would have called him a lying Jotunn traitor and accused you of being bewitched by him. Loki played the situation perfectly." Frigga explains.

"Let no one doubt your value or loyalty to me now." Thor says kissing Loki's head. "Well, shall we pick up where we left off?" Thor booms. The crowd cheers as all turn to return to the city and the palace.

XxXxXxXxXx

"I cannot thank you enough my friends for your assistance. You protected my mother and aided those loyal to me. I will be forever in your debt." Thor says loudly in the feasting hall. The Avengers stand before Asgard's new King and Queen feeling much relieved after having endured a very hard and difficult three days. "For your service to the crown and to my family I have a gift for each of you." Thor stands and rounds the high table. He is handed a silver tray with five golden apples of Idunn.

"Long have my people eaten the apples of Idunn to slow their aging and preserve their bodies. I give to you the gift of extended youth that Asgard and Midgard may benefit from your extended lives." Thor proclaims before the court of Asgard. The people of Asgard cheer for Thor's mortal friends as they each sink their teeth into the golden flesh of the magical fruit. The transformation is subtle. Tony has fewer wrinkles and their skin appears luminescent.

Thor spends the rest of the feast thanking his loyal men with gifts and favors. The foreign delegates have come out of hiding from their quarters in the palace to congratulate the Thunderer and to negotiate new treaties. The days of slave reaping from their lands are over. Helblindi is most relieved. Loki has no desire to reclaim the throne of Jotunnheim. He has firmly ensconced himself into the power structure of Asgard. No one in this realm will ever nay say him again. Loki has earned the loyalty of the people.

Loki and Natasha spend some time reminiscing as Thor continues with his display of Kingship.

"You saved his ass. You could have let him die." Natasha says.

"Not really. The people of Asgard would have figured out that I had the ability to save Thor but chose not to. Such an act would not have inspired loyalty from them. No, I knew I needed to let Thor live." Loki says.

"Was that your only reason?" She presses. Loki gives a small smile at that, looking up at his husband in all his golden god glory.

"He really is magnificent isn't he? He's become the man I hoped he'd be. Killing him off now would just be a waste." Loki says.

"Uh huh."

"Perhaps I'll kill him after I birth my second child, just to be on the safe side." Loki muses.

"Well you could but then you'd have to raise them both alone and run the kingdom at the same time. That's a lot for a single parent." Natasha says.

"You are right. I guess I'm stuck with him." Loki says.

"And lastly I wish to thank Loki, my Queen, my beloved, and mother of my unborn. Not a day has gone by since you came to Asgard that you did not suffer for my sake. You suffered first by my own hands, and then by the distrustful tongues of the people. You have been insulted and derided for many years and still you protected me when you were well within your right and ability to seize the throne of Asgard for yourself in the name of our child. From this day forward I declare it a crime for any to insult you or question your loyalty to me. Let all who would do so rot in the dungeons below." Thor says.

Loki refrains from rolling his eyes. Surely Thor knows that such a law cannot be enforced. People are still going to think whatever they want about him. Still, it is a nice gesture, and Loki knows he has bought much good will for saving the King and House of Odin. He would be surprised if there are any naysayers left.

"I thank you husband. Long have I sought recognition for my sacrifices and my loyalty to you over the years. I only request that the people of Asgard show me the basic level of respect they have shown Queen Frigga all these years. I must also say that I have one last surprise up my sleeve for you." Loki says.

"Oh? And what is that?" Thor asks.

"I'm carrying twins." Loki grins.

The End...Maybe