The next day, Loki left to get things in order before we went back to earth. I slept in and laid in bed for a while until I felt like I couldn't anymore. I got up and dressed in something Asa brought me. To my surprise, she didn't bring me a dress. She brought me a soft white shirt, a dark brown leather half-corset, dark brown leather pants, and black leather boots. When I asked her about it, she said that Queen Frigga thought I'd be more comfortable in this than a dress. I silently thanked Frigga in my head as I dressed. Asa helped with tying the shirt and lacing the corset. When I was dressed she bowed her head and left. I was confused as why she bowed her head to me since I was not royalty, but brushed it off as a sign of respect.

I wandered throughout the palace exploring what I could. I finally found an exit after over an hour of walking around. The guards I passed on my way out of the palace all bowed their head in respect. I ignored it and continued out of the palace. When I was fully outside I took a deep breath of fresh air and looked around at my surroundings. I was at the entrance to the rainbow bridge. I stepped out onto the bridge and looked at all the colors of the crystal beneath my feet. I walked down the bridge, spacing out and continuing to follow the colors until I heard someone clear their throat. I jumped and looked up to see that I made it to the Bifrost.

"Lady Sammee." Heimdall greeted with a smile.

"Heimdall!" I smiled back excitedly after recovering from my freight. "Just call me Sammme, or Sam. Lady is too formal." I waved off. I glanced behind me to realize that I walked about two miles just zoning out. "Huh..." I mumbled to myself before turning back to the gatekeeper. "So, Heimdall, anything interesting happening in the nine realms?" I asked while walking into the large golden dome.

"Depends on what you find interesting, Lady." He responded. I frowned at hearing him still use honorifics.

"You're not just going to call me Sammee, are you?" I asked with a raised brow. Heimdall only smiled at me in confirmation making me sigh and roll my eyes. "Fine," I gave in, "how's Tony Stark?" I asked. I was a bit nervous to hear the answer. My thoughts went wild with assumptions as Heimdall looked through space to see Tony.

"He is well. He moved out of the tower with a woman named Pepper Potts. He seems to be working more than usual though." Heimdall informed me.

"Already?" I asked surprised. Heimdall turned to me and nodded once. "Heimdall, what is the date back on earth?" I asked. "Midgard." I corrected myself. Heimdall looked confused for a moment before looking back into the void of space.

"It is the fifteenth of December." He told me. My eyes went wide.

"What? How?" I questioned. "We've only been here a few days. How has it been months?" I was starting to panic slightly. I wanted to get back before Ironman 3 started, but it was already starting.

"Time moves differently on Asgard than it does on Earth, my Lady." Heimdall explained.

"That's just... great." I mumbled and rubbed at my eyes, sitting down on the steps as I did. I really needed to get back, now more than ever. "How pissed do you think Loki would be if I told him to meet me on Midgard and just... left now?" I joked, not really intending to do it.

"Very." A voice said from the entrance to the dome. I jumped up and smiled nervously.

"Loki! I- Uh..." I trailed off at the dark look Loki gave me as he slowly stalked up to me.

"Heimdall, I need to barrow Sammee for a while. Please excuse her." Loki told Heimdall before wrapping an arm around my waist and leading me out of the dome.

"I was only joking." I said softly. "I wasn't actually going to leave without you."

Loki hummed in acknowledgement as he kept walking.

"But, I need to get back, and soon. I didn't realize how differently time moved here." I explained.

"That's what I was coming to tell you. We'll leave after dinner tonight." Loki said and moved to hold my hand as we walked.

"Ok," I sighed in relief, "good."

When we got to the end of the bridge Loki turned left instead of going inside the palace.

"Wait, where are we going?" I asked as I looked behind us at the retreating golden structure.

"I want to spend some time in town with my kitten, is that so wrong?" Loki teased. I turned to him to see he was already looking at me with a smirk.

"Yes, because you're up to something." I said and narrowed my eyes at him. Loki turned to face forward again and placed my hand in the crook of his elbow to lead me formally.

"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about." Loki commented in a tone that meant he obviously did.

"Uh-huh..." I mumbled as I continued to walk with him.

A short walk later and we were at the markets. Even though I saw them before, it still amazed me. There was so much stuff and every booth had something interesting to offer. There were tons of shoppers browsing the booths, but when they saw Loki and me they turned to look at us. It was a little unsettling at first since it felt like they were all judging me, but then some smiled at me while others bowed their heads in greeting. I assumed that they were bowing because of Loki and not because of me.

"Do you see anything you like?" Loki asked me. He was bent down close to my ear so I could hear him. The closeness caused goosebumps to rise up over my skin. I turned to look at Loki before giving him a slow once over.

"Yep." I said, popping the 'p'. When I looked back up into his eyes I found him raising an amused eyebrow while a smug smile spread on his lips.

"Careful," he teased while pulling me in by my waist, "we are in public. I haven't the slightest quandary showing everyone here that you belong to me." I tried to be smug about it, but my body betrayed me as I felt my cheeks heat up. Loki noticed and laughed lightly before pressing a soft kiss to my warm cheek. "Come on, why don't you find something to bring back with us." Loki told me and gestured to the booths. I bit my lip and turned to look over the market.

"I don't really need anything." I told him and shrugged.

"I didn't ask if you needed anything." Loki said flatly. "I want to get something for you, so pick something out, or I will buy the entire market just to make sure I get something you like." He threatened. I turned and pouted at him.

"So, you're forcing me to get something?" I asked.

"Precisely." Loki smiled down at me. I rolled my eyes at him and started looking through the booths. Every booth sold something unique. I passed by woodworkers, metalworkers, seamstresses, and plenty more. As I was passing by a jeweler something finally caught my eye.

"Welcome!" A tall overweight man said as I walked closer. "Is there anything I can get you, your highness?" He asked. I thought he was speaking to Loki, but when I looked up he was looking at me. Confused, I brushed it off and looked down to the piece that caught my eye. While looking at it I got an idea. I subconsciously touched my necklace as I thought.

"Hi, uhm, this ring," I said and pointed to a beautiful black ring. The center of the ring was some type of stone that shimmered like the galaxy. The stone was a dark purple with flecks of gold throughout. "What is it made from?" I asked. The jeweler took the ring out from the display case and held it closer to me.

"The metal used is the same they use to make weapons, Uru, to make it strong. The stone is a rare gem found deep within a cave system on the other end of Asgard. It's called a thaum. Some believe it has certain magical properties." The man explained. I turned back to look at Loki with pleading eyes.

"What are you going to do with a mans ring?" Loki questioned. I added a pout to my puppy dog eyes and watched him cave. Loki chuckled at me and looked to the jeweler.

"How much?" He asked kindly as I turned back to the man. The jeweler looked from me to Loki.

"However much the Princess believes it worth." The man replied. My smile fell into a shocked expression as I stared at the jeweler. Maybe he meant generally... as in all women were Princesses... hopefully.

"I- We're not- I mean, I'm not-" I stuttered while trying to explain that I was not a Princess. The jeweler just smiled at me before turning to package the ring. "W-why did he call me Princess?" I whisper shouted to Loki.

"Because he believes us married." Loki calmly replied back.

"I'm sorry, what?" I asked and fully turned toward Loki. "Why would he ever think that?" I questioned with my brow raised. Loki looked at me with an amused smile.

"It may have something to do with the amulet you are wearing." Loki teased. "Or the fact that I can't keep my hands off you." Loki continued and pulled me to him by my waist.

"Ok, but he shouldn't think that we're married just from that. A prince of Asgard getting married is a big deal. I doubt he would get it confused with a simple courtship." I told him. Loki sighed, looking into my eyes.

"There is no need for formal ceremony on Asgard for two to be married. Here it is believed that to be husband and wife they must fit together perfectly, in body and soul. He believes you to be my fit, and I yours." Loki explained. I stared at him in complete shock, my mouth parted and my eyes wide. Then, it clicked.

"Is that why everyone keeps bowing to me?" I asked louder than needed. Loki licked his lips and nodded in answer. "But, I'm mortal... they wouldn't accept me..." I trailed off. Loki sighed and smiled warmly at me.

"You saved their Queen. Mortal or not, Asgard loves and respects you. They happily accepted you as their Princess." He told me.

"Oh my god... I- no...no, absolutely not!" I laughed humorlessly.

"Here is your ring, your highness." The jeweler said as he came back over with a small, beautifully wrapped, box. Loki noticed how I was still too shocked to move, so he took the box from the man and handed him a small pouch. The jeweler opened the pouch and looked back to Loki. "This is too much, your highness." He said with wide eyes.

"Keep it," Loki told him, "you deserve it. Your work is beautiful."

Loki finally got me back to his room and calmed my racing heart before he had to leave. He said it was about getting everything in order before we leave or whatever. I sat on Loki's bed just staring at the floor for a long while.

To Asgard, I was their Princess... because on Asgard, Loki and I were married...

My brain was taking a bit to catch up. I hadn't even told Loki that I was in love him yet. Hell, I didn't even know if I was in love with him yet! I knew that I loved him, but was a general sense of love all I felt? Was it enough to be married?

Maybe I was thinking too much into this. Just because a few people, or an entire realm, thought that we were married didn't mean we were. Or was that just wishful thinking? Maybe it wasn't even a problem... I loved Loki, I was sure of that. Just because my feelings were all scrambled up didn't change the fact that I loved him and would alway love him. I didn't want to be apart from him... but I could be if I had to.

Wasn't that a part of being in love? Not being able to live without the other person?

I sighed loudly and looked over to the ring box on the nightstand. I reached over to take it into my hand and sat back up. I looked at it while turning it in my hands. Such a simple thing now held way more meaning than intended. It made me question if I still wanted to do what I originally bought it for. I slowly pulled the white silky ribbon from the box. When it fell, I unwrapped the ring box from the black paper over it. The actual ring box was not a square at all. It was a beautiful glass pyramid with the edges dipped with spiraling silver. The top of the pyramid twisted and opened the sides. The ring sat beautifully in the center on a small black pillow.

I took the ring from its pillow and set the box aside. I twisted the ring between my fingers and felt the cool metal on my skin. Yes, I decided, I still wanted to use the ring for what I bought it for.

With that thought, I put the ring back in its box and walked out the door with it. I could only think of one person to help me. The only trouble was finding my way to them and not getting lost within the palace walls.

Unfortunately, my sense of direction was complete shit because I was definitely lost. I grunted in frustration and tightened my grip on the box as I turned down yet another dead end.

"Princess?" A cautious voice asked from behind me. I jumped and instinctively teleported further from the voice. I relaxed when I saw that it was a guard, but tensed again when I saw that it was the guard who's hand I disintegrated with the Aether's power. I quickly glanced down to see his hand perfectly intact. "My apologies, Princess. I did not mean to frighten you." He told me. He was young, I noticed. Not much younger than Loki though. He was also very good looking. He was tall with a athletic slim build. His hair was dirty blonde and short, and his eyes were a light grey color.

"It's ok, I frighten easily after New York." I told him with a small smile and a hand to my racing heart. "What is your name?" I asked curiously and dropped my hand.

"Emil, your highness." The guard said nervously.

"How is your hand, Emil?" I asked and nodded towards his right hand. Emil blinked in surprise and looked to his hand.

"It's as if nothing ever happened." He said, lifting his hand and wiggling his fingers to show that it was fine. I smiled in relief and he smiled back.

"I'm glad." I told him. "I'm very sorry that it happened, though." I said sincerely. Emil furrowed his brow at my apology.

"There is no need for you to apologize, Princess. You were only protecting your love." He replied. I quickly looked to my feet as I felt my cheeks heat up.

"I'm a bit lost, I'm trying to get to Queen Frigga. Could you help me?" I asked, changing the subject quickly. Emil smiled brightly and nodded.

"Of course, your highness." The young guard replied and gestured for he to walk in front of him.

"Just Sammee is fine, Emil." I said as we started walking down the hallway. "The whole Princess thing still kinda freaks me out." I laughed awkwardly.

"Well then, if it is ever just the two of us, I will call you Sammee." Emil told me kindly.

While we walked I got to know him more. Turns out I was right about him being younger than Loki. He also told me why he joined the kings guard. He told me how it had always been his dream to help protect the palace. He talked about his mother and little brother, and how he missed them. I, in turn, told him about my family and that I also missed them. I left out the part about shifting universes though.

After a few minutes of walking, we came to a large golden door. Emil bid me goodbye as I stepped up to the door to knock. I knocked three times and waited for an answer. A few long seconds after my last knock, the door opened. Asa poked her head out to greet me before turning back to the Queen. I waited a few more seconds before Asa fully opened the door to let me in.

Frigga was on the right side of the room watering a beautiful green plant. She was wearing a long golden dress today with her hair in its usual half up half down style. She turned when the door closed behind me and smiled brightly.

"Sammee! I didn't get to talk to you after dinner last night. How are you?" Frigga asked. I could feel my body relaxing in her motherly presence. It made me realize how much I missed my mom.

"I'm good, thank you for asking." I smiled back at her. "I actually had something to ask you."

Frigga put down the pitcher of water she was holding and walked closer to me. Her smile turned curious as she got closer. She sat in a chair in the middle of the room and gestured for me to sit in the one across from it.

"What can I help you with?" Frigga asked once I sat. I took out the ring from its box and held it up.

"Is there an enchantment you can do so that I can feel Loki through the ring as he does me through the amulet?"

Frigga's eyes lit up at my question.

"Yes, of course." She smiled brightly. "It's a simple enchantment. Should only take a few minutes." She explained. "May I?" Frigga asked and sat forward in her chair, extending her hand toward the ring. I nodded and let her take it from my hand. She studied the ring in curiosity. "This is thaum, is it not?" She asked as she looked up at me.

"Uhm, yes. Loki took me into town and a jeweler was selling it." I explained. Frigga smiled happily.

"Thaum takes well to enchantments. They're very rare to find though. Which is why we don't use it all the time." Frigga said as she stood from her chair. I stood with her and watched as she turned to a small table on the other side of the room. The table was filled with herbs and glass jars full of different things. Frigga lifted a small, empty bowl and searched through the jars until she found what she was looking for. Once she picked up the jar, she turned and came back over to me. "Please, sit." She told me as she returned to her seat across from me. She set out everything she grabbed on the small tea table separating us before summoning a small knife and laying it next to the bowl. "Now," Frigga started, "the enchantment does call for your blood, but not until the very end. Don't worry it's only a drop." She ensured.

Frigga placed the ring into the empty bowl before pouring the contents of the jar over it. It was a light pink sand that completely buried the ring. Frigga then picked the knife up and held out her hand for mine. I placed my hand in hers, palm up and waited. Frigga brought the knife to my finger and pressed down until a small bead of blood gathered. She then turned my finger over the bowl and placed the blade to the side. A drop of blood fell onto the sand and was instantly soaked up. Frigga released my hand and gestured for me to move back a little. I furrowed my brow, but did as she suggested and sat back in my chair. Frigga closed her eyes and placed her hands over the bowl. She took a deep breath as her hands light up with her magic.

Within seconds the contents in the bowl burst into flames. The flames went from a light pink color to a dark purple color as it burned. After a few seconds the fire abruptly stopped. Frigga smiled and sifted through the sand to take out the ring.

"There," she said happily as she pulled the ring from the sand and held it out to me. "As soon as Loki wears it, you should be able to sense him." Frigga told me as I took the ring from her hand.

"Thank you." I sighed with a smile and put the ring back into its box.

"Of course, dear." Frigga responded kindly. "Now that that's done, can I ask why you left the feast so soon last night? Were you feeling alright?"

My smile fell as I looked to my lap. I bit my lip in frustration at the memory. I wanted to tell her. I knew she would be just as upset as I was, but part of me was afraid of how Odin would react after being scolded by his wife.

"It's ok, I can deal with it." I assured her.

"I know you can, but it doesn't mean you should deal with it without help." She responded. I sighed loudly and gave in.