The burning arrows were like falling stars through Volla's tear-filled eyes. Though she stood among dozens of Asgardians she had never felt so alone. The death of Frigga was a grief should could barely comprehend. She felt it when the sword went through her, when Frigga's life drained away. It was as if a limb had been wrenched from her body. Volla had never known such loss, such pain. Frigga was her life, her purpose, her queen...and now she was gone. Volla glanced at the people around her, at Thor and at Odin, seeking solace in her grief. Though all were solemn, none seemed to express the pain that she was feeling. Was she the only one who hurt so deeply? Was she the only one who loved Frigga as she would family? She clenched her teeth and eyes shut, stifling a sob. What would she do? What was her life now without her queen? She opened her eyes again and could not stop the cry that escaped her as Frigga's essence scattered into the night sky.

One year later

"No, no, no, no!" Odin cried, slamming his gold chalice down, "Do you mean to insult my son's memory with this puny rock?"

The sculptors faltered, glancing uncomfortably at each other and then to the life-sized statue of Prince Loki they had presented before the king.

"Is it...not to your liking, your highness?" one said tentatively.

"Not to my li- not my liking?" Odin sputtered in rage, "Of course it's not to my liking. I asked for the statue to be big!"

"It's not...big enough?" the other sculptor asked carefully.

Odin pinched the bridge of his nose. "When I said big I meant huge! Enormous! I want to be able to see the edge of the world from the top of it! Why is that so hard to understand?"

More uncomfortable glances, clearing of throats.

"Forgive me, your grace," said the first, "But that would require more time, more workers. It would cost you more coin-"

"Fine! So be it! Just get it done. Go!" Odin waved them off and they hurried as fast as they could with a life-sized marble statue.

Odin sighed and drained his chalice.

"Oh it's so hard to find good help these days," he said wearily. His wine bearer was about to refill his cup when he stopped her, "Oh, no more my dear, it has been a long day and I think I shall retire to my chambers. Being a benevolent ruler is so tiresome."

"Then I shall carry water to your chambers," the maiden said.

"Yes, yes very good," Odin said dismissively as he stood and began to make his way through the halls to his room.

Golden light poured though the windows leaving black shadows slanting across the room. Odin undid his cape and flung it gracelessly across the chaise longue. When he turned he was startled by the lingering presence of wine bearer. She had placed a jug of water and a tumbler on the bedside table but remained standing in the room as if waiting for something.

"That will be all," Odin said, waving at the door.

"Yes, your grace," she replied, a demure smile across her rosy lips. Still, she stood.

"Can I...help you with anything or...?" Odin's brow furrowed in confusion.

The woman broke into a grin and looked to ceiling as if thinking about this.

"I was just wondering how long you plan on playing the benevolent ruler," she said stepping forward until she was a few feet away from him, "I'm sure your father won't be too happy."

Odin let a nervous laugh. "What? What are you talking about? My father-"

"Is alive," the handmaiden said, "Not on this world, but alive. Your doing, I wager."

"Oh come on now miss-"

"Volla."

Volla. Familiarity rang with that name. Odin looked at the woman, properly this time, not passively as he did with all his servants. Her long brown tresses cascaded down her back, swept from her round face by a gold band about her head. Her skin was pale but there was colour in her round cheeks and her eyes were bright with mirth. He did remember her.

"I was Frigga's right-hand maiden," said Volla, a slight sadness in her voice now, "What would she think to see you like this?"

"I have no idea what you are talking-"

"Well maybe I'll just tell the high council and everyone on Asgard who you really are then."

"They won't believe you!" Odin snapped, and then less confidently, "Would they?"

Volla grinned.

"Show me," she said.

"What?"

"Show me who you really are."

Odin glanced to the door, to the windows.

"I assure you we are not being watched," Volla said with a curious certainty.

Odin's eye fell. He considered calling for the guards, spinning some story about some imaginary treachery this woman befell him. But he couldn't be certain of Volla's reputation. If she was indeed the queen's right hand there would be no way she would betray her memory.

"Can you keep a secret?" Odin sighed, defeated.

"Oh I am excellent at keeping secrets," said Volla.

Odin rolled his eye and as the light of magic swept his body, his appearance transformed to that of Loki, god of mischief.

"Are you happy now?" said Loki, sulkingly.

Volla looked him up and down and gave a satisfied nod.

"How did you know?" he said, feeling suddenly vulnerable.

"Oh Loki," Volla scolded, "I know you far too well. And I know Odin far too well. I'm surprised no one suspected sooner. If your were going to impersonate the ruler of Asgard you could have at least stayed in character. Ordering giant statues of yourself, how proposterously vainglorious, even for you."

Loki let that one go. This time.

"So I suppose you want, what, coin for your silence?" he queried.

"Mmmm," Volla's cheeks puffed out as she feigned deep thought, "I would assume that my silence is worth a lot more than coin."

"Well just name your price, I don't care." If Loki were revealed he would lose the throne when Thor returned and he was damned if he was about to let his hard work be for nothing.

Volla shrugged. "I'll think about it, " she said with an enraging flippance. As she made her way to the door she paused and said, "Sleep well, benevolent ruler. You and I are about to have a lot of fun."