WARNING: You aren't really supposed to read this unless you have read the rest of Midgardian Princess, but I can't tell you what to do so... whatever

Author's note: What if your necklace would have been kept safe? How would things have played out?

***

After a moment of hesitation the guards allow you to pass and with your head held high you begin your decent into the depth of the ground. The numerous steps finally lead you into a grand hall that is filled with rows upon rows or prison cells. You look at the inmates, most of them stare back with a murderous expression, one monster more terrifying than the other. You walk on, keeping close to the walls when you finally see a familiar figure. Loki stands proud in the middle of the room, his face surprised as his eyes meet yours. As you go closer you start to notice his tricks and illusions, after all you knew them better than anyone.

"Loki... lift your magic," you silently say as you stand in front of this cell. He hesitates not wanting you to see the real him at that moment, but the illusion fades and you see him sitting in the middle of the mess he's created, the furniture thrown around the room in pieces, his ragged looks matching his surroundings.

"You shouldn't be here," he says.

"I'm so sorry," you say and walk closer to the barrier, "It's not fair that you couldn't attend, that you didn't get to say goodbye."

"She wan't my mother," he silently says.

"You don't believe it yourself. She raised you, she thought you, she was always by your side. She was your mother... she will always be your mother."

"You shouldn't be here," he repeats and stands up to walk closer to you.

"There is no place for me but by your side."

You just sit there, your conversation brief as neither of you can really find the words. Finally some guards show up who have been sent by Odin to escort you back to the castle and with a heavy heart you leave your love behind.

***

You run up to the man and hit his chest, you try to push him.

"You stupid, stupid man!" your voice thick with anger, sadness and worry, "You stupid man!"

Your strength is no match to him and as you try to push and hit him, he doesn't move an inch.

"You fool!"

"Yes, yes I am a fool, I deserve it all," Loki answers you and just wraps his long arms around you and pulls you close against his chest. Your fingers still uselessly claw against his armor as you start to breath more deeply.

"I'm an idiot, I've hurt you and I can never make it right," he says against your head, "I'm so sorry for everything I've done. I am so sorry."

"Don't say it like you're saying goodbye," you whisper, "This isn't goodbye, this is just the beginning. You are free, we can just go, disappear."

"Oh, love," he takes you hands into his and looks at you, "I can't hurt you again, I can't cause you any more suffering. I'm going to go to Odin, I'm going to face whatever sentence he assigns me. Last time he sentenced me to a life of imprisonment, but only because of Frigga, now, after breaking out of the prison... nothing is stopping him from taking my life."

"No, you can't... he won't. You saved the Universe from the dark elves, you helped your brother, you are a hero, it has to be worth something."

"I'm so sorry, but this is the way it gotta be. Only then will you be truly free."

***

You stand behind the rest, a little ways away, you are here as a representative, as a royal. Loki stands in cuffs, his head low. The guards hold the chains tightly, but Loki isn't going anywhere. Thor stands a step closer to his father, explaining the situation. After all, he had committed treason. Behind the brothers Sif and the warriors three await their sentence together with Heimdall.

You can barely watch as the old King weighs his options and looks at the traitors. His expression puzzled, but not angry, he doesn't let on anything.

"All of you have committed treason of the highest order. You failed to follow orders, you risked the life of everyone by giving Malekith the Aether. Darkness could have swallowed the universe and it would be your fault."

Everyone looks down as the All-Father speaks. Nobody denies their fault.

"You deserve death for your crimes against the throne, because if anything would have gone differently, death would be all any of us would have gotten."

You watch as the All-Father stands up.

"But if it wasn't for that betrayal, Death would have come for us all with certainty. For that reason you are pardoned of your crimes."

You can hear a gasp of surprise fill the room as everyone looks up at the King, everyone but Loki.

"I wish to speak to my sons now, the rest of you can leave," Odin looks at you, "You can stay too."

You walk closer as the rest of the warriors walk out of the great hall. Odin gestures to the guards holding onto Loki to let go and leave. With a second of hesitation they do as told. Loki looks up at his father surprised.

"Thor, today you had the best interest of our people in mind, you didn't let anything stop you from protecting them. It's a sign of good leadership, you will be a good king."

"I don't deserve your forgiveness, Father," Thor lowers his head.

"This isn't forgiveness, this is my gratitude." Odin turns to Loki. "You showed courage today, you proved me that you are still a good man, deep down."

Loki looks down and keeps still.

"But you have committed horrible crimes that cannot be excused nor tolerated, but without your help their mission would have been doomed to fail. You are my son, whether you want to accept that or not, but the throne suits you ill and the prospect of a crown poisons you, therefore I have no other choice but to annul your claim to the throne. I will take away your title and banish you to live your life as human on Midgard."

You look up at the All-Father just as Loki. The meaning of the words don't quite register.

"You'll let me go?" Loki finally says.

"Yes."

***

200 years later

You have returned to Asgard. The king stands on the bridge, already waiting for your arrival. Loki stands behind you, not saying a word.

"All-Father," you curtsy.

"Y/n!" the low voice booms with a chuckle.

"Thor," you smile at the armored man.

He closes the distance and hugs you.

"It's good to see you. Is it time?" he says.

"Good to see you too and almost. We thought it would be wiser to wait it out here," you nod.

"If it means you'll stay here even for a little bit, I am glad. And of course, I can't wait either." Thor nods before turning to Loki.

"Welcome back, brother."

Loki nods, more concerned about what is about to happen than the fact that he has returned home after all this time. You feel his hand on your lower back as he steps next to you. All together you go to the castle where the healers are already waiting.

  ***  

Every atom in your body is being ripped into pieces. Yet again you dig your nails into the mattress. Another jolt of pain fills your body. You feel a hand on your back, but you shake your head and Loki steps away again. It hurts to see you in so much pain, but you don't want to be touched, you want to be alone with your pain. Of course this is not an option as all the healers buzz around you and prepare.

Soon Loki is guided out of the golden room and the doors are closed, the last you see of him he mouths I love you.

Loki stands right were he is guided, too struck with worry and panic to do anything but just stand there. His fingers are knotted together in front of him as he stares at the ornaments. Occasionally he hears your moans of pain and he would rather be stabbed than hear that.

"Everything will be fine, brother," Thor comes in and slaps Loki on his back, but his brother just slowly shakes his head.

"I can't do this. How could I possibly do this?" Loki silently says still not looking up.

"I worry too much. You'll do great."

  ***  

You walk into the bedroom you are staying in. The dark haired baby boy sleeping soundly in your arms. You smile at the man sitting on the edge of your bed. Loki smiles back, admiration in his eyes before looking down at the infant girl on his lap. You carefully sit down next to him and lean your head on his shoulder.

Tired as the both of you may be, after everything the two of you had gone through, nothing in this wast Universe could make you happier that this moment.