Loki shook his head, his arms tightening around her in response. "Don't look so dire, dearest. I thought you knew by now that I am yours, yes? There are no conditions to that and never have been."

Internally, something very selfish squirmed at the notion of being so giving, and he quashed it. There was always give and take. This was something he wanted; that order of selfishness was far superior to the one demanding that everything have a price paid in full.

"What I mean is this. You draw into yourself with worry and fear. And I wish you free of that. I think you would be happier if you did not fight yourself. You have often told me you wish me to be free. Well, I wish the same for you." He took a moment to lean down and kiss her. "You deserve every happiness, including the fullness of my own paltry offering. Do you understand now?"