Chapter Eighteen

Many Months Later

Nothing had changed. Loki was still imprisoned for his crimes against Midgard and Asgard, with no hope of release. Despite Lilah pleading with the Allfather to give her custody, nothing ever came of it. Loki tried his best to be a good Father from his prison, but he felt that it was never good enough. Even though Lilah brought Dýnami̱ to him every day, and night, it still pained him every time they both left. Lilah knew that the Allfather was not pleased with her visits, since he was meant to be in his cell to reform and repent for his sins. And while Lilah was visiting him often, Loki would never feel any remorse for his crimes when the light of his life was with him.

Though while the months pass, Lilah is skilled with her new powers, an almost unstoppable force. Although she has all this power at her fingertips, she does not use them to bring death and destruction to all who oppose Loki. She wants her son to grow up in a non-violent world, where he feels loved by his Mother and Father. Lilah could not help but wish that the Allfather would banish them both back to her own realm where they could live out the rest of their lives in peace away from all this turmoil and grief. The more Loki was kept away from Lilah the stress was becoming all more evident as a single parent. Loki could not be there for the late night/early morning wake-up calls, or the screaming cries where Lilah could not console their son. Lilah felt that Loki was only experiencing the better parts of parenthood, and that made her hate the Allfather all the more. Who was he to deny a man the right to be a Father? Lilah knew that one day the Allfather would get what was coming to him. There was only so much damage a man could do to a family before it snapped.

While the months are passing, many events outside of Asgard had been taking place. Since Loki's destroying of the Bifröst, the protectors of Asgard had to go to the other nine realms to restore order once more, including Thor. It is the day of Thor's return from Vanaheim that we continue this story.

Upon the success of Thor and his team returning peace to the Nine Realms, a great celebration is held in their honour. The entire castle was decorated, and everyone in Asgard was dressed in their best. Lilah, being somewhat a Princess of Asgard, was inclined to attend. The thought of leaving Dýnami̱ with someone else displeased her, but she forced herself to make an appearance. Even though Loki was still a prisoner, she wore his colours, if only to make others uncomfortable. Yes, she was Loki's mate, and the mother of his child, and she was damn proud of it.

Lilah enters the dining hall, her shoulders back and head held high. Her dress swirled around her legs as she walked past several crowds of people. Lilah was not oblivious to their whispers and accusations, but she did her best to ignore them. Looking around, Lilah met the eyes of the people that dared scowl at her, the threat in her own eyes clear. The people then ignored her as best they could, now suddenly afraid of what the threat behind her eyes.

Continuing on her way, she saw Thor, Fandral and Volstagg in the middle of all the revelry. Volstagg was retelling stories of their time of Midgard to the people. "Another!" Volstagg yelled and threw his flagon on to the ground, earning laughter all around. Fandral sat with two women on his lap, all of them joining in the merriment. Thor seemed to be the only one not enjoying the festivities around him. Though he smiled at his companions, there was a haunted look in his eyes. Lilah understood that look all too well. She still felt contempt towards Thor and his Father, but she sympathised for Thor and his mortal lover. She knew what it was like to be parted from the one you loved. Thor left his friends and headed away from the celebration. Catching Lilah's eye, they nodded to each other, understanding one another's pain.

Not wishing to join the celebrations either, Lilah went in search of a quiet corner so she could watch from afar until it was polite enough to leave. On her way to her solitary corner, a little girl tripped over in front of her. Tears immediately fell down the little girls face. Lilah kneeled down and helped the little girl up, brushing the dirt from her pretty dress.

"There you go, all better," Lilah smiled, "Now wipe those tears away." Lilah then brushed her hands through the little girl's hair, flowers braiding through the locks. The little girl gasped in wonderment, touching her hair in awe. "Now you look like a princess." The little girl giggled and gave Lilah a hug before running off to her parents. The parents looked over their daughter making sure that she was unhurt. Lilah wanted to scream at them for thinking that she would hurt a child, but she simply went on her way.

"They're jealous of you," a voice stopped her. Lilah stopped to look at Fandral. He had left his bounty of women to speak with her? Interesting.

"Of course they're jealous," Lilah spoke, "And so they should be." Fandral did not miss the scorn in her voice. "Though, I feel it rude to insult a Princess directly in front of her."

"Perhaps, if you weren't so hostile…"

Lilah's eyes widened at Fandral's words. "You have not seen hostile." She lifted her hand and the snow that was falling above them became tiny little flowers. People looked up in amazement as the hall was filled with the most pleasing aroma. The children played around in the snow-flowers as the adults looked on in wonder. Lilah turned back to Fandral, a smile gracing her red lips. "Is that hostile enough?" She swished her skirt imperiously for effect, and left the hall.

Forgetting about politeness and etiquette, Lilah headed back to her room. As she walked, she could not help but think why she had bothered going in the first place. The people would never forgive Loki for his actions, and they would condemn her as if she had committed the crimes herself. Lilah could not help but try to fit in; it was in her nature to be kind and hospitable. People were hard to change once they had been wronged, and it was almost impossible to earn their trust back. Heading in her bedroom, she dismissed the nanny and went to Dýnami̱'s crib. He looked up at her with adoring eyes. Smiling, Lilah picked up her child and cradled him to her chest.

"At least you do not judge me," Lilah whispered. Dýnami̱ cooed and played with her hair. Chuckling, Lilah kissed her son's forehead. "I wish you could stay this innocent. The world is cruel, and I will protect you with all my power."

While the festivities continue, Thor goes to see Heimdall to get an update on Jane Foster. When he is informed that Heimdall cannot see Jane, Thor immediately goes to Midgard to search for her. When Thor brings Jane back, the Allfather is displeased and straightaway orders for her to be taken back to Midgard. But they soon learn that Jane has the Aether inside of her. Jane is then permitted to stay in Asgard until they can think of a way to get it out of her.

The Next Day…

Fandral and Volstagg bring prisoners from off world to imprison in their dungeons on Asgard.

Sitting in Loki's cell upon the chaise lounge, Lilah magically knits a blanket for her son. Loki looks out the cell walls, his face turned into a smirk. A clattering a noise sounds and new prisoners are walked into the dungeon and taken to their cells.

"Odin continues to bring me new friends," Loki mocked, "How thoughtful."

"The books I sent, do they not interest you?" Frigga asked him, hoping to bring his attention back to Lilah and herself.

"Is that what I'm meant to do with my time? Reading."

"I have done everything in my power to make you comfortable," Frigga argued. Lilah watched on silently, hoping that an argument would not ensue.

"Have you? Does Odin share your concern? Does Thor?" Loki sneered, "Is must be so inconvenient for them, asking about me day and night."

Loki, don't. Loki looks at her briefly, but his mood does not change.

"You know full well that it was your actions that brought you here," Frigga disputed, trying to make Loki see sense. Lilah knew it was a losing battle and kept silent

"My actions," Loki scoffed, "I was merely giving truth to the lie I've been fed my entire life. That I was born to be a King."

"A King? A true King admits his faults. What of the lives you took on Earth?" Frigga continued. Lilah stopped what she was doing, her attention now completely focussed on Frigga and Loki.

"A mere handful compared to what Odin has taken himself," Loki bit back.

"Your Father-,"

"HE'S NOT MY FATHER!" Loki bellowed, the room quivering with the force of his statement. Lilah stood from her seat, but unsure of what to do next.

Frigga smiled shortly, "Then am I not your Mother?"

Loki stared at Frigga, "You're not."

The hurt was evident in her eyes and Lilah wished Loki could take back those words. Lilah hoped he had only said that in the heat of the moment and had not actually meant what he'd said. Even though Frigga was not his birth mother, she might as well be. Lilah owed everything to Frigga. If not for her love of Loki, then Loki would have been executed and who knows what would have become of Lilah?

Frigga smiles and lets out a quiet laugh, "Always so perceptive around everyone but yourself." She held out her hands for Loki to hold. Loki hesitates, but soon reached out to touch her, the regret of his words in his eyes. As he touched her, however, Frigga disappeared like a mirage, leaving Loki with his guilt.

Knowing that Loki needed some time alone with his thoughts, Lilah walked over to her beloved and kissed him warmly on the lips. She said her goodbyes and went after Frigga.

Authors Note

Hey all, I hope everyone is still reading this. Sorry about the delay. I've been battling with depression and it took me a while to get this out. If none of you have seen the new Thor movie, then beware of spoilers!

The Link to Lilah's dress can be found on My Mibba page. Just search for 'Heal the Soul' and you can find the link in the latest chapter.