21 Chapter 21 A Royal Announcement

Loki's POV

Leaving Earth was one of the hardest things I had to do and leaving Katrina behind, hurt more than anything. But she was right about her going to age and how I needed to be with my family. However it doesn't mean my love faded away or that I didn't miss her terribly. I am still hopelessly in love with her and even though I will never see her again, I refuse to let her go from my heart. I cherish her to deeply and yet I am worried about her. We speak every day but she didn't call out to me last night like she always does. I fear she is getting on and doesn't have much time left. I hope not.

Apart from my worries and love for Katrina, it has been rather nice being back on Asgard and being reunited with my friends and family. They have all welcomed me back and even my father has warmed up to me. I'm home and yet all I can think about as the years have gone by, training and helping the realm is my gorgeous girl on earth. She is all I think about, dream about and how I wish I could have her in my arms again. To be together again and yet I know that isn't possible. She has no doubt aged and soon will die and the idea of that, is too horrible. Even though I would still love her no matter what she looks like. God I just want her back.

It's another boring day on Asgard and I haven't got training today so I have decided to stay in my room and worry about Katrina. I haven't heard from her and I fear something has happened. I can't help but worry and a part of me wants to go to Earth to check on her. But I know it would only hurt us both, seeing each other again and not being able to be together. I'm sure she is ok but its nearly been three days with no word and I fear for her. I pray she is ok and Tony is looking out for her.

I'm tempted to skip the feast and try and call out to her and see if I get a response. But before I can even make my mind up, there is a knock on my bedroom door and I turn to see my brother come in. He knows I have been moping and probably wants to drag me down to the feast. I'm just not in the mood.

"Brother I'm not going to the feast." I tell him, putting my book down.

He shakes his head, "You have to go. There is a ball and feast in your honour. Everyone is going."

I look at him surprised, raising my eyebrows, "My honour?"

He nods, "Apparently father has an announcement to make so you have to go. So come on or do I have to drag you out of here?"

I roll my eyes but give in, "Fine I'm coming but I'm escaping the moment I can. I just want to be alone."

He chuckles as we leave my room, "You won't be alone tonight."

I'm about to ask him what he means by that but I get distracted as we go down the corridor and to the feasting hall. It really is packed and there is a lot more people here than usual. Everyone is whispering about me and I wonder what my father is up to. Why is he hosting a ball and a feast in my honour? What is he up to? All I know is that it has something to do with me and I hope he isn't trying to set me up with someone. That's the last thing I need.

We go into the feasting hall and the hall has been extended so there is the tables for the feast and more room for the dance floor. Everyone is gathered at the tables on my left, eating and drinking and I see my friends gathered at the table. Lady Sif aka Thor's girlfriend, Hogun, Volstagg and Fandral. All of them have already started drinking but I focus on my father who is at the head table with mother, both smiling.

Father gestures to me to come over to him and I approach him as Thor goes to join Lady Sif. I notice as I approach, the hall has become quieter as everyone wants to listen in on our conversation. What is going on?

"Father." I greet as I reach the table.

He looks at me with a shine in his eyes, "My son, you seem worried. Has this got to do with your confused and distracted heart?"

I nod, "I just haven't heard from Katrina, that's all. And I heard the ball and feast is in my honour and I was wondering why."

This makes him smile, "Well Son, I have news which you will be keen to hear. Today a young maiden came from Earth, seeking an audience with me, the Lady Katrina."

My eyes widen in shock, "Katrina was here? Why?"

"She had found out of her true heritage, Asgardian, and asked for my permission to allow her to stay here and court you." He tells me, shocking me to the bone.

I'm in shock and it can't be possible but it explains so much. How she has magic and how she can speak telepathically across the realms. It's amazing and I can't believe she is an Asgardian but I'm so happy she is. But if she came to Asgard to see my father, does that mean she is here? On Asgard? But I haven't seen her and I know she would have come to me straight away… unless… he sent her away?

I speak, everyone's eyes on me, "I'm guessing you sent her back to Earth?"

He shakes his head, "No, I did not. She's an Asgardian and belongs on Asgard. As for your courtship, why do you think this ball is in your honour?"

My eyes widen and it finally hits me, like a flood. My brother said I wouldn't be alone tonight and now I know why he said that. It wasn't just a comment. He knew. He knew and I bet he was the one who brought her to Asgard to meet my father. But she didn't leave, she is here and this ball and feast is to celebrate our courtship. It all makes sense and I can't believe it, I really can't. I must be dreaming.

I look at my brother, "You knew?"

He chuckles, "Who do you think brought her here?"

I feel a smile spread across my lips as I look at my father, "You approve of our courtship?"

He nods, "Lady Katrina is the reason our family is whole. She brought you back to us so it only seemed fair we brought her back to you." He then announces, "May I present, the Lady Katrina of Asgard."

There is the sound of footsteps and I feel like time has slowed down. I look towards the side entrance of the hall where its risen up and on top of the stairs, stands the woman I love. She's stunning and she takes my breath away. She's wearing an Asgardian emerald green dress with gold plates by the hem with her hair tied up and the green pendant necklace I gave her around her neck. I stare at her in awe, the woman I love dressed in my colours and who I have missed so terribly. That I love and feared I would never see again. She is here, she is really here, my girl.

A smile spreads across my lips, a real one for once, "Katrina."