I promised it, and here it is! Sequel to Unknown Child. This is darker, just warning you. HOPE YOU LIKE IT!

The sight was perfect, something I had not been able to get used to in all my time in Asgard. The sun peaked just over the garden, lighting it up section by section, the flowers transforming from their soft night colors to the bright, vivid day colors. I'd spent many hours sitting in the garden, learning its secrets. I'd found a maze and had explored that in my free time, which wasn't often. Free time was the most precious thing to me, that and my visits to Earth to see Papa.

I leaned my head onto Ollerus' shoulder. "See? I told you it would be worth your time to get out of bed a little earlier."

"Once again, you were proven right," he said, sighing in defeat. The poor boy never got a win anymore.

"There's a reason I'm second in command of the Council," I said proudly. It had taken me a year, which apparently was very quick in Asgardian time, but I had not only made it onto the council that made all major decisions in Asgard, but also was the second most powerful person under Odin. I could propose options and I had to approve any decision made before it moved onto Odin and then was enacted.

"Yes there is. There is no one better suited for the position." He kissed the top of my head before helping me up. "Speaking of which, you have a meeting in an hour. Come on, we must prepare you."

"Ugh, another stuffy dress. That is one bad thing, having to constantly be in a dress."

"It is necessary."

"I know I know! I just spent the first few months being able to wear my resting clothes and now I'm back in stuffy dresses cause of the Council."

He looked me sternly in the eye. "Dresses, or no control over the fate of your realm and life. 'Tis your choice."

"I hate it when you get all serious. Dresses, dresses any day."

"Sometimes you have to be reminded to be serious."

"Hey! I'm serious when I need to be!"

"Well it's time to be serious again."

"Aw, can't we go back to bed and not be serious for just a little while longer?" I asked suggestively, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Two years ago you were horrified at the idea. What happened to my sweet, innocent Jodi?" he joked, but putting his arms around my waist and pulling me closer. I snorted.

"Sweet? Innocent? I practically taught you and Sif to be perverts."

"Yes, and you did a very good job of that." He leaned down and kissed me gently before letting me go. "Now, to the Council."

Twenty minutes later Ollerus was in full armor and I in a dark red floor-length dress, sitting next to each other in a large chamber. Around us there were about 10 other Gods, most I knew by name but didn't really talk to. The Warriors Three were all there as well as Thor and Sif, Sif being the only other female on the Council. Sif sent me a smile and a nod as acknowledgement. She had finally earned her spot on the Council after me continually bugging them to let her join and her levelheadedness helped maintain order in Asgard after the battle with Loki and the dark elves.

The royal family automatically had a spot. Frigga had decided eons ago not to be involved, and Odin never attended the actual meetings. So it was just Thor and I, Thor being right below me in the chain of command.

Thor also waved and gave me an encouraging smile. Uh oh. We were going to discuss something I didn't like today. The last time I had gotten that smile they were about to decide what to do with my family now that I was a full Asgardian and could see them regularly. We had developed a major respect for each other, each seeing the other's strengths and weaknesses and getting to know each other's habits. I knew every time he put that smile on his face that he has warning me. I looked at Ollerus with worry. He wasn't meeting my eyes.

"Ollerus, you don't look at me when you know something that I don't like. First the prophecy, then the rumors, Sif's injury, the list goes on. What are we talking about?"

"You'll find out." Vague answers. This was bad.

Odin's main advisor pounded on the table. "All rise." Fuck. My. Life. We all stood up and watched as Odin entered the chamber. This was just getting worse and worse. Odin only entered for the most important decisions. Odin motioned us to sit and sat at the head of the table.

He looked steadily at me. "Princess Niorun, it may be best for you to step out for this meeting."

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckity fuck. "No. I was appointed here for my ability to handle a variety of situations, extreme, calm, and personal. I will remain," I said firmly.

"As you wish." He paused and Ollerus squeezed my hand. "Today we discuss the possibility of Loki's release and the terms surrounding it."

All my muscles tensed and I sucked in a breath, restraining myself from shooting up and screaming, "No!" Any respect I had gained with the elderly council members would be lost in a second if I flipped out over this. I had to keep a calm demeanor.

"As you all know, Loki has been in rehabilitation for the past three years. He has shown extreme improvement after his time on the Isles of Silence and in the slow reintegration into society. I believe that it is time to discuss the terms of his release." He motioned that it was for the floor now. I immediately rose, calmly but quickly.

"If I may speak," Odin gave me the go ahead, "Loki is the God of Mischief and Lies. He has taken on many forms in his life and is the most adept actor in the Aesir. It is entirely possible that he is simply putting on a front in hopes to return and cause chaos again. He is patient and calculating, and three years is not all that long for a god. He fooled all of us three years ago; we can not allow him to repeat it." A few of the other gods, Sif and Ollerus included, nodded their heads in agreement.

Thor rose in front of me. "I know my brother, better than most. Niorun, I understand why you show concern, and it is not unfounded. But if the Allfather believes that Loki has begun to show progress, I will defend that. I will guard over Loki, as I know his habits best, and report if there are any signs of trickery arising."

I kept breathing evenly. Thor, still so stubborn and faithful to his family. "Thor, he deceived you also. Who's to say that he is not simply counting on your faith in him to allow him back? I simply do not think a sufficient amount have time has progressed for us to be absolutely sure that this isn't part of another scheme of his."

"Your views are clouded by the one incident with Loki in which you were directly involved in," a gruff and unfamiliar voice said from the other side of the table. A man that looked like he could sit on Thor and kill him stood. He wore a dark purple cloak that had a hood, but it was lowered. He had unkempt brown hair that was closely cropped and piercing black eyes. His jawline seemed to be chiseled from stone with sharp cheekbones to match. I would have considered him handsome if I hadn't been shocked by his stupidity.

I raised my eyebrows. "One incident? It was the 'incident' of prophecy. He was the false sun and if I hadn't defeated him you would all be kneeling before him and Asgard would be overrun with dark elves, dwarves, and God knows what else. My perception is not clouded. He was my friend just like he was all of yours and he betrayed me too. I deserve as much say as the rest of you."

"He nearly killed you and your husband. I am sure that you would be happy to see him locked away from the palace for the rest of eternity," he retorted.

"I have attempted to keep myself distant from anything pertaining to him until I was able to see the situation more clearly, which I can now. I was even asked several months after the battle if I wanted to contribute to the sentencing and I refused because of my emotions at the time. I have maintained a neutral ground and this should be taken into consideration before completely dismissing me." Who was this man to think he could question my own neutrality in the situation?

"Child you are still too young to be able to view something this emotionally damaging without some bias." Ollerus grabbed my arms roughly and made me sit back down, immediately seeing the warning signs that I was about to flip out. How dare this man call me a child? Emotionally damaging? I was his superior, and I had gotten there through hard work. He had no right…

Ollerus stood up, beginning to advocate for me. "Princess Niorun has proven time and time again that the battle with Loki has only left her stronger, leading her to the position she currently resides in. You would do well to remember she is your superior and not another child."

"She is no superior of mine. We have all known Loki for far longer than we have Niorun. If Odin believes he is ready to return, who are we to question it? Of course there should be provisions, such as a trusted guardian accompanying him at all times, but there is no reason not to believe he is ready to return."

I narrowed my eyes at him. Who was this man, and where had he come from? What was he planning? Ollerus shot me a glare. Stop being paranoid it said. Damn him, he knew me too well. Everyone suddenly started agreeing with the man and I looked around frantically. No no no, why were they doing this? Didn't they see how illogical, how wrong it was?

"Then is the Council in agreement?" Odin asked.

"No, the Council is not in agreement!" I shouted, making sure my voice was heard.

"Then let there be a vote. Who believes Loki should be released?" One by one, each hand went up. Even Sif. What the hell was going on? Sif would never vote for his release. Ollerus and I were the only ones who kept are hands by our sides.

"Princess Niorun, since I am present, I have the authority to overrule your vote. I know under normal circumstances any decision would come through you, but this is an exception. Considering all factors, I am afraid I have to overrule your say and excuse you from this Council for today. Majority rules, Loki shall be released. Now, for the formalities," Odin said. I slammed down my fists and shoved my way out of the chamber. I couldn't think. Dammit I was being reasonable! Who the hell did this guy think he was, and how did he influence Sif so much? Whoever he was, he was going to get a piece of my mind, and not the nice piece.