Chapter 97

Being with you relaxed me. You bring out the playful, good side of me. Who I used to be. I saw everyone's delight at seeing us together. When I came back that night of your birthday and saw that man with his hand on you, I saw red. Even more so once I learned who he was. That night scared me to death. Carter firing that gun on you, knowing I could not reach you in time to shield you. That is when I fully keyed into how Barns was feeling. He stepped in front of that bullet, willing to die to save you, without any hesitation or thought. I had read from you what had happened while I was away, but I had also seen your attraction and the confusion and the touch of horror about that attraction.

I had done research into soulmates as I was not very well versed in them. I never figured to have one. Like you, meant to be alone my entire existence. It was then that I read about some of the rare types of soul bonds. Ones where they are stronger than most, like the power we released together. Also, of the rare types that have more than one soulmate. Two or the rarest, three. It means that each person satisfies a need for you. I believe I satisfy that need for that dangerous romance. The taming of a God who would get on his knees for you and only you. I would burn the nine realms if you were hurt.

Barnes gives you more of your playful side and Thor your taste for pain. While we each can give you all, some can give better than others. And so, with the three of us, you are fully satisfied and complete. I believe I was amused at your attraction simply because it was Barnes. Someone similar yet so different from myself. I do admit my brother was a bit of a surprise. I had not thought him to be a third. But now, knowing him better and what he can do for you, I better understand. 

My heart beats for you and only you, Ariane. When I said I would give up ruling in any realm to be with you, that was no light thing. Much of the damage I did here was in my desire to rule Midgard since I was unable to rule Asgard. Jotunheim was destroyed, and that being the only realm I was the rightful ruler, I sought a kingdom for myself. To rule was always my ambition. But I gave that ambition up when I met you. And I do not miss it or regret it. Because my new ambition was to be by your side.'

I felt him take a mental breath. I was touched beyond words by what he had told me.

'Ariane, my love, my pet. Will you do me the great honor of being my wife?'

I opened my eyes and lifted my head. I stared at him in shock, my mouth open. Luckily the other two had fallen asleep or they would have known something happened. He looked back at me with his love shining in his eyes. 

'I promise to take care of you always. To love you always. To be someone you are honored to call husband.' 

He took my hand, threaded his fingers threw mine, and laid our hands on his heart. 

"Please marry me, Ariane. I beg you to say yes." His voice was a whisper in the dark.

Happy tears filled my eyes. He waited, hoping for my answer.

"Yes."

I felt his joy soar as he held me tight and kissed me hard. I gave a silent laugh and stroked his cheek. 

'I love you my Mischief Man, my Kokoro no Yokubo. I am happy that I get to spend thousands of years by your side, as your wife.'

He rested his forehead against mine. 'You have no idea how happy you have made me. I worship you, my Queen. Always the Kuin'obumaihato.'

I kissed him gently. 'Sleep, my future husband. We have a lot to talk about tomorrow.'

'Yes, my sweet. We do. And I will need to give you your ring tomorrow. It was my mother's ring, and I would be honored if you would wear it.'

'I can't think of anything I would like more.'

Filled with more happiness than I thought I would ever feel, I snuggled up to Loki. I felt him kiss my hair as he held me close. I smiled into his chest as sleep claimed me.