Rightful heir

The dust had settled, Asgard's realms had once more found stability;Peace echoed throughout the kingdom. A small party erupted last night in the grand hall. So this morning a lot of tired faces roamed the grounds.
The time for goodbyes however crept too quickly for Y/N, she was actually getting used to having everyone around as guests. The thought of quiet evenings, no drunk Tony , no Natasha egging him on to lift Thor's hammer was actually daunting, lonely.
There was a light double knock at the door.
'You may enter' Y/N called, turning to see Steve Rogers entering with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder he approached Y/N on the balcony.
'We are ready to leave if you wish to grace us with your presence at the Bifrosy milady' he bowed slightly with a rather cheeky grin.
Scoffing Y/N gently pushed him, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth,
turning to look back out from the  balcony's edge; her eyes following the movements of Tony Stark as he prepared to leave for Earth. She tensed slightly, her thoughts veering between the past and the present.

Steve, ever perceptive, began the conversation with a knowing smile. "I can tell you cared for him, you know, you pushed him away to protect him."

Y/N nodded, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "Our destinies are different, Steve. Tony is still needed on Earth. He has a charm, I'll admit, but my priority lies with Asgard and the rebuilding of the palace. I do feel a sense of guilt for what happened, but it was a necessary path."

Reaching out he placed a hand on her shoulder, they both bowed their heads slightly and turned for a hug.

'It's been a pleasure m'lady' Steve joked.

As they spoke, Y/N's gaze shifted to the sight of Natasha Romanoff, who had found herself engaging with Fenrir, The massive creature towered over Natasha, who was undeterred, scratching his back leg , eliciting happy tail wags and pants from the wolf.

Y/N opened her mouth but felt a small lump forming in her throat,chest slightly tight though her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for not intervening in my fight with Odin. He had plans to capture me and imprison my shadow powers, imprisoned Loki to get him out of the way even managed to sway Thor to his side. My brother means well, but is sometimes blinded by the love of family, he isn't meant to lead, but is a loyal soldier and brother to have"

Steve just listened with a sympathetic look etched on his face - to which Y/N was thankful for.

Just then, Heimdall, the guardian of the Bifrost, approached below, announcing that the gateway was ready for the departing guests. Steve and Y/N headed down the stairs to join the rest.

As the Avengers prepared to depart from Asgard, a bittersweet atmosphere filled the air. The battle against the invaders had brought them together, though now it was time to bid farewell to the realm they had defended. Earth has its own matters to tend to and they had to return. No rest for Earth's heros.

Walking along side them the silence was welcomed , before she knew it they were stood before the gateway with her head held high. Y/N briefly reflected on why they were called here in the first place. To capture her and imprison her - yet here she stood with a beautiful crown resting on her head and Asgardian royal robes draping her tall but lean frame.

Heimdall reached the leaver and pulled, the gateway began to whirl and he beckoned them to enter through.

Tony Stark, still harbouring some unease, turned to leave. Still upset with Y/N's rejection he hoped to walk through the portal and not to look back but he felt a gentle but resolute grip on his arm, which stopped him in his tracks. Turning he looked straight into her mystical eyes twinkling just as he remembers them. Y/N leaned closer and whispered softly into his ear, "Tony, thank you for your help and trust. Asgard - I , will always welcome you, at any time of the day- or night, should you choose to return." With a wink she lets him go.

Tony, his usual sarcasm softened by a hint of a smile, nodded in acknowledgement before walking through the gateway.

Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff approached Thor, a sense of camaraderie and respect between them. Steve extended his hand. "Thor, you know you can always count on us, no matter where the path takes you."

Thor, touched by their words, shook Steve's hand firmly. "Thank you, my friends. I have much to reflect on, and I want to focus on my own self-growth, how I treated my siblings, how I was intoxicated by power and the throne. But should the realms call upon me, I will answer."

Natasha offered a reassuring smile. "Take care, Thor. Asgard is in good hands."

With their farewells exchanged, the Avengers made their way through the gateway, leaving Asgard behind.

Placing a hand on her shoulder Loki smiled 'It's for the best' he bowed his head ever so slightly. In her pocket she felt something heavy, fumbling it out it was a strange metal circular device with an large S and small letters next to it spelling tark. Stark.. she smiled still unsure what it was.

'Oh, Tony left his communication device, you can call him and ask him to collect it' Thor interjected, not once did it occur to him that Tony left it in her pocket on purpose. Smiling to herself she gripped it a little tighter. Loki rolled his eyes at Thor , realising that Thor had no idea it was purposely left behind for Y/N and Tony to chat and keep in touch.

A new chapter had begun for Asgard, and it was a chapter marked by unity, strength, and the trust of its true protectors. The past had been a tumultuous one, but the future held the promise of a realm united and resilient under the leadership of Y/N, the rightful heir to the throne.