Welcome to the first chapter of A Sinister Tale Of Love! First I want to say thank you for 4 reviews in only 24 hours after publishing the first chapter. You are so nice and I am glad you liked it! I try to update some more soon, but it is hard to write after work. I should be asleep for one or two hours already, but I simply had to finish his chapter! I hope you will like this one as well. Please let me know what you think :)
A Sinister Tale of Love
The Prankster Princess
When Sigyn had left his side, she took a part of his heart with her. He never intended to let this little girl into his heart, but the two years they had spent together as brother and sister, had been the best two years of his childhood. She had been a friend to him when no one else was willing to spend time with him. While Thor was always surrounded by friends and comrades, Loki was on his own reading books and wondering why he was so much different than his elder brother. Loki always had his mother and her unconditional love, but it wasn't the same as a real friend. At first, the little Lady Sigyn had only been another being that got attention that he should get. He saw the love on his mother's face, when she looked at this little girl. She'd be the daughter Frigga always wished to have.
Only, when he found out that this new sister of his – how the Allfather had called her, although the girl had very little royal blood within her – had more in common with him than Thor. Also, when she had the choice, she would seek out his company. Sometimes, Frigga would ask him to play with her and look after her, when she had to fulfill her obligations as queen of Asgard.
Long story short – Loki was very fond of her.
When Frigga and Odin had taken her away from him, he had been angry for a long time. They had ripped his best friend, the only person that had preferred him over Thor, from his side. After Sigyns departure, Loki had kept himself busy with improving his skills and refining his pranks. Soon he was named Loki, God of Lies and Mischief. He fought in battles alongside his brother and the warriors three, played pranks on his brother and Lady Sif and tried to read as many books as he could. At some point he thought that he was over losing his little sister. He lay with other women, fought in battles alongside Thor and almost forgot that Lady Sigyn ever had existed. These two years with this little girl seemed like a dream he had some time ago. The memory of her was always real and clear, but it seemed so far away, that Loki sometimes wondered if he had dreamt her existence. But now and then, his mother would mention her in conversation. The king of Vanaheimr kept Frigga updated about Sigyn and sent word regularly. Loki listened to the messages of the far away kingdom, but never learned much. Only that she was healthy and alive. To him he was out of reach. Sometimes he wondered if she had grown beautiful or if she was still this little girl he remembered.
Almost nine years after Sigyn had left Asgard, his mother summoned him to give him some big news. After receiving the invitation from one of her servants, Loki left his chambers and made his way to his mothers.
As Loki entered her mothers rooms he found her sitting on a fancy chaiselongue and saw her tapping the free spot beside her. "Come to my side, my son." She said and Loki stepped closer. He wondered what she wanted to discuss with him, when she sent out her handmaiden and let her close the doors tight behind her. Usually his mother had very few secrets from her staff.
The queens' rooms were connected to his fathers and they, of course, shared a bedroom. They both had their own rooms to escape into their own worlds and his mother's room was light colored. Golden highlights made the chambers worthy to a queen. It was filled with books and pretty little collectibles. A few portraits of her children, of Thor and Loki hung on the walls. There was also a family portrait of them. Somewhere, Loki knew, was one of Friggas parents and one of Lady Sigyn. The queen truly loved this girl as if she was her own. He still couldn't understand why they sent Sigyn away at the mere age of ten. Frigga had adored that little girl and was sure that she would have done everything to keep the daughter of her late best friend.
When Loki took a seat beside his mother, she took his hands into her own little ones and she looked deep into his green eyes.
"I have urgent news for you, my son, and I fear that you won't like them." She began and tried not to alert him. "Now, that you are a man grown, your father and I have chosen a beautiful wife for you. She will arrive in Asgard in a few days and is already on her way from Vanaheimr."
For a moment, Loki could not respond or wrap his mind around this information. He looked at his mother in shock and pulled his hands out of her grip.
"How could you choose a wife for me without counseling me first? I know that it is usual for royals to arrange marriages, but I thought you knew me well enough to ask of my opinion. I am aware that father does as he wishes, but I thought that at least you would understand my point of view."
Loki rose from his position and paced restlessly through the room. How could they do this? How long did they intend to punish him, for being different?
"Loki… Let me at least tell you a little bit about her. I am sure you will be pleased with my choice." His mother tried to calm him down, but failed terribly. "I at least ask you to consider this marriage. Please Loki."
He looked at his mother with a frown and shook his head. "I need to get out. I am sorry mother, but I need some space at the moment. I promise to be back in a few days." He said and started towards the exit. "But don't expect me to be pleased about this, mother."
Frigga hadn't seen her younger son for almost two days. Not until the morning after Sigyns return.
Slowly she pushed the curtains aside and stepped out onto the small balcony of her chambers. Her long, light dress danced a little in the soft wind and she could feel the fresh air on her skin. A low sigh slipped of her lips as she watched the rising sun. She still couldn't believe she was back. Finally back home. But was this place still her home? Almost every memory she had of this place was tainted with pain and regret. Her childhood had been a happy, but short one. Her parents had been honorable inhabitants of Asgard and close to the royal family. After their deaths it was the king and his queen who took her in and gave her a new home and family. Her father had tried to save Sigyn and her mother, but had failed. She should have died with them and she would have, if the Allfather hadn't saved her in the last moment. He tried to save her parents life as well, but it was too late for them. In a mere second her life was not her life anymore. Everything had changed and she didn't like change at all. The Allfather took her in and raised her with his own sons. She wasn't named princess, but he treated her like his own offspring. Also, his wife, queen Frigga, who had been friends with her mother, made her feel loved. Queen Frigga adored her and enjoyed a girl in her palace that was not as loud and wild as her sons. Often the queen would comb and braid her hair and shower her with new dresses and other presents.
They've tried very hard to make her feel comfortable and wanted, but how could they help her out of her misery? She didn't want this pretty room, in this big golden castle. She did not want any pity and comforting words. The only thing she wanted was her parents and old life back. And she certainly didn't need two nosy elder brothers.
She could remember the first few months with her new family very well.
After accepting her fate she grew close with the two princes of Asgard, Thor and Loki. Especially Loki became a very good friend of her and so much more. He was the brother she never had and a boy she admired. Somehow, she always had been drawn to Loki, even before she was brought into the palace. Yes, she also liked Thor, but he was not as interesting as Loki. Sigyn spent most of her time with the younger prince. After he had found out, that they liked similar things, he learned to enjoy her company. They spent their spare time in the library searching interesting books or playing hide and seek in the big castle.
Queen Frigga had given her many gifts over her first two years in Asgards golden palace, but Frigga offered Sigyn something else she could not refuse and they sealed the deal with a promise. Even as a mere child, Sigyn had understood the value of this promise. One day, the queen had vowed, Sigyn would be Loki's bride. Many girls dreamed to be wed to one of Asgards princes, even though Sigyn was sure that many girls rather marry Thor than Loki. But marrying her best friend in this whole realm seemed like an ultimate gift to Sigyn.
At the age of ten, Sigyn hadn't been able to understand why she had to leave Asgard to achieve the abilities to be a proper wife for her prince, but after a few years she began to realize what could have been the Allfathers reasons. She was sent to Vanaheimr to learn how to use magic and how to defend herself. Her tutoring also included diplomacy and some kind of princess training. The royalty of Vanheimr had the best manners and modesty. The main reason might have been that it would be improper to grow up with her betrothed side by side. If they were raised as siblings it would only bring up unpleasant questions.
Last night Sigyn had finally returned to Asgard. There hadn't been a big feast or anything similar to welcome her home. She simply had been welcomed by queen Frigga who had escorted her to her old and yet new chambers. Frigga had told her that she had let them be refurnished and renovated a little earlier this year. The elder woman was still a beauty and hadn't aged a day since Sigyn had left. Thanks to their long life span, it would take another era to give the queen wrinkles or grey hair.
"Frigga, please tell me of Loki. I hope my fiancé is doing well." The young woman said and looked expectantly to her queen.
They were seated in Sigyns chambers with a cup of tea and pastries between them. Sigyn couldn't wait to get to know what had happened in the last few years. Of course, Frigga had sent her lots of messages and information, but she longed to see her grown up princes and wanted to lay in their arms once again. She wanted to be welcomed home by the Allfather and finally wanted Loki to know, that they would be a married couple soon.
"Loki is fine as far as I am concerned, even though he wasn't enthralled to learn, that his betrothed would arrive in a few days." Frigga confessed and smiled a little. "Mayhaps, I forgot to mention to him that his betrothed was called Sigyn Ariksdottir."
"You did not tell him?" At first Sigyn was shocked to learn, that Frigga had already told him that he would marry soon, but the more shocking was, that she did not tell him of his wife to-be being her. Slowly, an idea grew within Sigyn. Maybe she should play a little game with Loki. She was eager to find out if the God of Mischief would fall for her prank. Frigga had always intended that Sigyn would grow up to be a good match for her son. He needed someone he could rely on and that would always choose him over everyone else. So, when Sigyn described her little hoax to Frigga and the queen was eager to help her.
"I will help you dear Sigyn. But I must warn you. Loki isn't the innocent little boy that you may remember. He is a grown man and a powerful sorcerer." Frigga didn't want to scare Sigyn away, but she had a feeling, that her son would not like Sigyns little idea. Nonetheless, she was certain that she had made a good decision many years ago, when she had the idea to set them up with each other. "Loki will return home tomorrow. You may start with your plan as soon as you'd like to. I will warn my husband and maybe Thor and tell them not to interfere. I hope you can outsmart my son."
At the next morning, a loud knock on the door startled Sigyn. "Please come in." She said and expected her breakfast. One of Friggas maids entered the room and bowed deep. "Welcome in Asgard, Lady Sigyn."
"Thank you very much." Sigyn said and smiled at her. The young girl placed a tray with all kinds of food on the little table in the little apartment of Sigyn and poured her a glass of juice.
"Queen Frigga told me to assist you in any matter you see fit. I will be your handmaiden from today on. My name is Ingvild Ivaldasdottir, my lady."
Sigyn devoured her breakfast and filled Ingvild in on her plans with Loki. Her maid was a nice young girl and of the same age as Sigyn. "Your betrothed will be stunned and I think you are his perfect match, if I may speak freely." Sigyn knew that the girl could not understand, why she was so eager to marry the God of Mischief. Frigga had warned her that many people in Asgard avoided Loki. She couldn't understand why someone would avoid Loki. Already as a teen he had been exceptionally smart and talented. Maybe him being so different from Thor and the Allfather startled other Aesir.
"You may, dear Ingvild. I hope he will be pleased when he finds out 'tis me who he will be marrying." Sigyn confessed and tried not to seem scared of his possible dismissal. If he told her he didn't want to marry her... she didn't even want to think about this possibility. Half of her life she had spent with the idea of becoming Lokis wife, never even thinking about the risk of him saying no.
"I am sure he will fall in love with you, my lady." Infvild assured her and got ready to get back to her duties.
When Sigyn had finished her meal she started to work her magic to prepare her trick. Her plan was really not that complicated. Somehow, Sigyn hoped that Loki was smart enough to guess who his future wife would be. Her coming from Vanaheimr was surely not enough. But once he spotted her honey colored hair with a golden-red shimmer and her shining blue eyes… Maybe she had changed to much for him to recognize her as little Sigyn. Everything about her appearance had changed. She was taller now, even though small for a woman of Asgard. Her hips and breats were round and fuller and her legs longer and slim.
In order to trick Loki, she decided to change her appearance a little more. She had learned a few tricks in Vanaheimr. Sigyn let a violet shimmer appeared nearby and slowly it reformed around her figure. Her magic did not only change her attire, but her whole look. Her honey colored locks turned shorter, as well as sleek black and she made herself a little taller. Her eyes turned from stormy blue to a warm brown. Instead of her favorite light blue dress with silver ornaments she now wore a dark robe of black and violet with a wide skirt and tight corsage.
A glance in a mirror told her that she didn't look like herself anymore and this was perfect. Of course this was only a simple illusion. She couldn't wait to present herself to Prince Loki and make him believe that he was promised to a stranger. She looked at her face a little longer and adjusted her nose and cheekbones a little. She hoped that she wouldn't fret and let her guard down. If she was out of concentration her illusion would disappear and leave her unable to create another one if she was too nervous.
When Loki and she were younger, he was able to transform himself into anything he wished. Sigyn was certain, that he was a master by now, not only in disguising himself, but in all kinds of magic. She let her fingers stroke over the book he had given her when she left to live in Vanaheimr. She had tried to master the tricks described in this book, but could only learn a few. She was sure, that he could pull off every single spell. The biggest thing Sigyn could do was disguise herself. If she wished she was invisible, but she could not transform into animals. She could alter her appearance, but could not transform into a real man. She also could create some tea and summon little objects, like books, daggers or pencils. But that was quite it. Maybe she was able to do more, but so far she couldn't pull off more. The book sat on her dresser where she always had it in few.
As soon as she was pleased with her new form, she left her chambers and made her way to Friggas rooms to begin with her play. She thought of another name quickly and mentally prepared herself.
The throne room was almost empty. Loki stood beside his bigger brother Thor and both of them waited for the arrival of their queen mother and Loki's soon-to-be wife. Odin sat on his throne and tried to keep Loki from escaping. All of them stood there in their full formal armor. Normally the whole court would be present at an occasion like this, but his mother and fiancée had wished for a little more privacy at their first encounter. To be true, Loki was glad about this fact. He didn't need everyone to see the woman he would be forced to marry. Probably she was an ugly and deformed heiress of nothing that saw no better chance than marrying the younger prince of Asgard to gain some power.
The younger prince had made his way back home in the middle of the night. He didn't want to disappoint his beloved mother, so he agreed to at least meet the girl that his mother thought was worthy to keep him company from today on. Also, Loki wondered, why he was the first to be wed off. Usually the crown princes' wedding had to be the first, but it seemed that their parents knew very well that Thor was not even close to be ready to be responsible for a family of his own. Thor was betrothed to Lady Sif, but there wasn't any sign of a soon marriage, while his mother made it quite clear that the marriage of Loki would take place within this year. But why did they think Loki was ready for a step as big as this?
Loki's thoughts were interrupted, when two guardians of Odin opened the gates in front of them and some staff member announced the arrival of his dear mother and his fiancée.
"I may present you: Lady Alva Joradottir of Asgard!"
A tall, slender woman entered the throne room after Queen Frigga and walked with steady steps towards the throne. When she came within the reach of the Allfather and his sons she kneeled down and bowed deeply.
"Welcome home, Lady Alva!" His father stated with his booming voice. "Rise and present yourself to your king as well as your princes and your betrothed."
When Frigga finally had reached her spot beside her husband, the young woman rose and looked first at the Allfather. "Thank you for inviting me to your palace and granting me this great honor, your Highness."
Even though he couldn't see his father, he knew that he nodded in approval. Lady Alva moved her attention to the two brothers and first curtseyed towards Thor and then another time to him. When she raised her gaze to his, he looked into brown eyes. Somehow they seemed to be cold and expressionless. She was beautiful, even if her good looks weren't of bold nature like his mothers for example.
"Let me introduce myself, my prince." She said politely. "I am Lady Alva, daughter of Jori. The last few years, I spent in Vanaheimr where I was trained to be a proper princess to please your desires."
Something about her was suspicious, but he couldn't quite tell what it was that alerted him. Slowly he stepped down and took her hand. He placed a little kiss on her palm.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady." He claimed and once again looked into her eyes, while still holding her hand. Suddenly he could see her eyes flicker. She did not blink. It was if her eyes seemed to change color only to appear brown once again. Interesting.
"Maybe you want to give Lady Alva a little tour through the palace, my son." His mother suggested and somewhere, back in his mind this sounded familiar.
"With pleasure, mother." He answered without ever taking his eyes off his future bride. Loki offered her his arm and escorted her from the throne room. The God of Mischief could not wait to find out which secrets this little lady tried to hide from him. He could sense her distress and he had to keep himself from grinning to openly. Oh boy, he would test this girl before he'd agree to marry her. If he had to endure Lady Alva for the rest of his life, she'd better be worthy of his attention.
To be continued
