A while had passed since Loki had fallen into abyss but that time meant nothing for those close to him.

Thor had grieved openly, displaying his emotions without hesitation. For several seasons the mighty storms swept across the plains of the kingdom, dark clouds and lightning resembling the mood of the crown prince.

Frigga mourned quietly, in the private of her chambers, crying her eyes out over the loss of a child that was truly hers - not by the womb but by the heart, a heart that died together with him, replaced by void in her chest that soon filled up with pain and guilt that she as mother had failed him.

Odin however seemed completely unmoved by the events unveiled, as if the King was almost grateful that his foster son had perished, as if a great burden had finally left him.

Frigga always suspected Odin might have had second thoughts about the changeling, not because he regretted the act of mercy, but because he was afraid- the child was different from their own kin, strange, alien, unpredictable, like the winds of Niflheim.

Odin craved control, he liked his subjects complacent and obedient, like well-trained dogs, and so was with his children.
Thor was easy, simple, an open book for everyone to read.

Loki, however, was completely different. For when all other loved summer, he craved winter, when all enjoyed sunlight, he waited for the moon and stars, for when everyone took the spear in their right hand, he used his left.

It grew on Odin as a matter of great concern. The skills Loki possessed were unmatched, and that was what worried Odin so- no Jotunn had ever displayed any talents in magic, and wielding of words and spells was a trait of much older and much more dangerous race that was remembered only in legends. Odin's suspicions grew, his disapproval became resentment based on deeply rooted fear, and when the moment came, Odin didn't confront his fear as it befitted the true warrior, he just stood there and watched his son fall.

What a Queen's mind could understand, a mother's heart would never forgive.

She never left her husband's side, but she never shared a word with him again.

After Loki killed Laufey many in the Eternal realm rejoiced, many whispered in the shadows that the Silvertongue had been right, that his actions helped ensure peace because the demise of the frost giant king rendered the Jotun race powerless and finally eliminated the threat. Others argued that he had gone mad, that even giants deserve a fair fight and mercy.
What all of them had forgotten that the enemies of Asgard do not only come from Jotunheim.

While the rumors spread about what really happened on the bridge,the enemies waited and gathered power, their numbers swell and their hunger grew, and the second Bifrost was opened again they charged their hordes into the plains of Asgard.

All capable were called upon by a oath of honor to defend the realm, and the troops were spread thin, fighting trolls and dark elves and wizards from Svartalfaheim in bloody battles across the nine realms.

Only younglings, elderly and those unable to wield a weapon were left behind, under protection of the Royal palace and a tender guardianship of the Queen.
And so was Odin, who fell into Odinsleep once again after a very tiring battle in one of the worlds. Frigga ordered him protected and cared of, paid respects and left, not wishing to spend any spare moment at her husband's side.

Thor was gone as well, lost somewhere in Midgard, helping humans in their struggle against unknown invaders, alive and well, but unreachable.

And now the Queen was standing in the Great Hall alone, watching silently as the sun set over Bifrost in the distance. The Hall was empty, stripped of maidens voices and children's laughter.
She felt cold and tired, the weight of the reign resting upon her delicate shoulders.

Suddenly a roaring sound rolled through the air and the walls trembled, and the black smog with red stains enveloped Bifrost as if the mighty fire had been put out with a stream of blood.

Frigga blenched from the window, startled, as a scared maiden ran into the Hall, shouting her name.

" What is it?" - Frigga caught the girl as she stumbled and helped her back to her feet.

"Trolls, madam, they seized the Bifrost!"

"How many?"

A strike of terror distorted soft features of the girl's face.
" Four hundred, madam."

The blood chilled in Frigga's veins, horror of the news settling down slowly.

"How long do we have?"

"Not long, my Queen, they are charging here on full speed as we speak."

Frigga sighed, trying to calm down her heart, and cupped the maiden's face in her palms.

"Go to the guards and tell them to start evacuation, get all people out in the caves, the mountains should protect them until the army returns." She smiled reassuringly at the girl, " And be safe."

With that Frigga straightened up, fixed an unruly curl of her hair and gracefully headed to the grand stairs.

Thor, my son, I need you by my side. Please, answer me, Thor, wherever you are…

She got no answer.

Thor, where are you? Can't you hear my plea? We need you, Thor, Asgard needs you!

She passed the nursery and the healing rooms, where maids were gathering sick and wounded and helping them out in a haste.
The procession of healers and healing moved fast, but not fast enough, as there were too many of them in the rooms.

Her son remained silent, and a grave resolution settled down in her chest as the Queen approached the main gate.

The three remaining guards lined up in the center of the courtyard, paying her respects and blocking her way at the same time.

"Ma'am?"

"I ordered you to evacuate, have I not?"

The chief guard bowed and nodded,
"Yes, Ma'am, but we have to ensure your safety first."

Frigga dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
" Leave now, help maidens in the Healing rooms, there is nothing you can do here."

"But we can't..."

"Now!"

Frigga passed the men and started to open the lock.
The guards stared at her in shock.
" What are you doing?"

"I am going to show our guests hospitality that befits Asgard."

"We cannot allow you to do that!"

"I'm still the queen of this realm, am I not?"

Her stern tone made the guards cringe and bow in submission.

"But they will kill you…"

"Lets hope I'll buy you enough time then."

The guards watched in despair as the gates closed behind their Queen.

Frigga could see the dust cloud coming up from the road where troll's army was racing.
She looked at the palace one last time, adoring its eternal beauty and majesty, countless hallways and the peaks gleaming in the sun.
Tears filled her eyes and she clenched her fists, trying to remain calm. It was not fear, it was just…sadness. But then again, …

Loki, my child…You won't have to wait any longer…My dearest, I'll be with you soon.

She smiled solemnly to herself and quickened her pace.