Loki's Redemption

Chapter 27

Back in the throne room

"Loki, momentarily you may return to your chamber to recover," Odin tells his son.

The raven haired man steps forward to face his father. He clasps his hands in front of his waist and focuses on steadying himself.

Odin steps to Loki and briefly touches his sceptre to Loki's chest causing it to glow.

With a gasp Loki looks to his father, "what was that?"

"When Freyr restored your magic, he didn't restore it fully. The more you used the more you were drained. I have corrected that, but it will take a few days for you to recover. I suggest you use the next several days to rest and reflect upon your future," Odin tells him as he turns and exits the throne room. Frigga follows closely behind him, but not before flashing a quick smile to her youngest son.

"Brother! Things are turning in your favor. Odin will end your banishment. I am sure of it," Thor bellows and grabs Loki in a bear hug. "It will be like old times! We will have many adventures and it will be grand."

"Thank you Thor," Loki stammers as he glances to Shelia, "I'll have to get a raincheck on those adventures for now."

Thor follows Loki's gaze and offers an embarrassed smile as he contemplates Loki's meaning. Ignoring everything else, Loki walks to stand in front of Shelia. Reaching up he caresses her cheek. She leans into his hand and closes her eyes placing her hand over his. After a moment Thor clears his throat and quickly exits the room leaving them alone.

"Shelia,..." Loki breathes.

He narrows his eyes sensing that something isn't right with her, but she says nothing, just continues to lean into his hand, a single tear sliding down her cheek.

"Shelia? What troubles you?" he asks quietly.

She opens her eyes and straightens up. With a determined look on her face she takes him by the hand and leads him out of the throne room

"Shelia, please, what is wrong?"

As they reach his chamber door she turns to him, "I have something to tell you," she begins.

"Then just say it. I have been away for too long. I wish to make up for lost time," he tells her, his voice husky with need despite his exhaustion.

When she doesn't answer he sighs and opens the door leading her into the chamber. Everything is as he left it other than the blanket casually thrown on the chair by the window where he had seen her reading. As the door closes behind her he pulls her into a deep kiss. He relishes the taste of her, the feeling of her body pressed against his, but can't help but notice her posture is stiff and tense. "Are you not glad to see me?" he asks drawing back from her.

"Yes, of course I am," she stammers.

"Then what is vexing you? I finally return home after all these weeks, Odin has not immediately sentenced me, which I think is a good sign and you act as though you do not want me here," he snaps getting impatient with her.

A sharp intake of breath is the only sound she makes as she covers her mouth with her hand and begins to cry.

"Shelia, hey, don't cry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound harsh. I'm just tired and I missed you so much."

"Please hold me," she interrupts him, "just hold me, and tell me more of your childhood. What was it like to grow up on Asgard?"

As he looks into her eyes he knows she is not ready to tell him her secret. Before his banishment he would simply force her to tell him, but he was no longer that person and so he would wait until she was ready. He climbs onto the large bed, leans back against the headboard and gestures for her to sit next to him. She immediately responds by snuggling tightly to his body. Wrapping his arms protectively around her he begins, "as a boy, I loved Asgard....."