Free Yuletide Mischief by Dahlia Rose

and women dressed in garb of old and warrior’s armor sitting at the table, all smiling and laughing. It proved that Valhalla was more than meets the eye and all the myths were true. The dead were honored and never forgotten.
    Later, they were sitting in the most impressive greenhouse she’d ever seen. The scent of hundreds of flowers filled the air. The warmth of the building reminded her of the spring and summer months in the Caribbean. She and her parents used to visit each year and one thing she could remember was the air being thick with the sweet smell of fruit and flowers. Unexpectedly, Loki pulled her into his arms and ravaged her mouth with a kiss. When they finally broke the kiss, both she and Loki’s breathing was ragged.
    “Hold out your hand,” he said. “It’s time for your gift.”
    Vivi held out her hand to him with the palms facing up. He lifted her hand close to the blooming flowers they were sitting under and gave a delicate bloom a shake. She watched as the liquid pooled on the petals fell into her hand. Loki closed her fingers and then held his hand over hers.
    “You are the rarest person I’ve ever met,” Loki said huskily. “I am deeply honored to be the one you love. You deserve to have something just as amazing as you.”
    He then opened her hand and a gem sat in the center of her palm. It was milky white and in the center there was a miniature image of the flower it came from. It hung from a silver chain and he placed it around her neck, fastening it at her nape.
    “Be my wife, Vivienne,” he asked.
    “I could never say no,” she whispered and cupped his cheek. Vivi kissed him and felt elation and happiness fill her until she was brimming with pure joy. “You’re stuck with me now, Mr. Loptr.”
    Loki grinned. “Now let’s go to my room so I can see you wearing nothing but your gift.” Her laugh echoed as he pulled her close and they disappeared from the greenhouse.
    * * * *
    The feasting was just as Loki told her, but this time it was not just a feast of Christmas but a wedding celebration as well. Tables stretched along the entire length of the great hall, while a long table at the front of the room was for the family and children of Odin, which now included her, because Odin had given his blessing for their marriage and performed the ceremony right there.
    She looked out into the crowded room and saw fairies, elves, kelpies, and every creature humans thought to be nothing but folklore and childish tales. She had finally met Thor, who lifted her as though she weighed nothing, all the while clapping Loki on the back. The rest of the feast he sat at the end of the table charming a beautiful elf until the tips of her ears turned pink. He looked over and winked when he caught Vivi looking and she laughed.
    “Did I mention you look ravishing?” Loki leaned over and kissed her.
    “You don’t look so bad yourself,” she purred.
    “Will you be making us more grandchildren right after the reception?” Joko teased.
    Loki smiled and brought Vivi’s hand to his lips. “You never know, Mother. You never know.”
    “Good. I’ve got a big lap. The more children the better.” Odin’s voice boomed and they laughed.
    Vivi looked down at the white dress she wore. It was made from gossamer chiffon and was so light and airy she felt as if she were floating on a cloud. Loki wore a hunter-green shirt with a black sweater-vest over it and his slacks matched the vest. She smiled brightly as they threaded their fingers together on the table. The thin silver wedding bands they wore caught the light of the fire in the hearths. Each time she looked down at their linked hands, Vivi wanted to laugh with joy and the sheer elation inside her. Her prince came with a tarnished armor, but that didn’t mean one thing to her. Loki had her heart and he in turn gave his love to her.
    Everyone was in a joyous mood, even Jack had given up his sarcasm and now was leaning over talking to Loki. Nick bounced a