Chapter 2

Loki looked up at the sound of soft footsteps. He watched as Sigyn walked into the prison, and he couldn't help but smile.

"Good morning, my Prince." Sigyn said as she reached his cell.

"Hello." Loki replied.

Sigyn smiled and slid the tray under the bars, just as she had done the night before. Loki watched her delicate hands silently as she pushed the tray toward him.

"Thank you." He said, taking the tray from her.

"You are very welcome." Sigyn said happily. "I made sure to have some of your favorites."

Loki looked down at the food and sure enough, his favorites were there. He looked back up at Sigyn. "They allow this?"

"Well… not exactly." Sigyn whispered.

Loki smiled. "You are too kind to a prisoner."

"You are not just a prisoner." Sigyn said. "You are a prince. My Prince."

Loki's smile faded. "No… I'm not."

"Yes." Sigyn said. "You are Prince Loki, Odinson."

Loki's eyes widened. "You must not know the truth…"

"Oh I do." Sigyn said. "Your father told me."

"Then you know I'm not Odinson." Loki said. "I am Laufeyson."

"Laufey did not raise you." Sigyn said, moving closer to the bars. "You never called Laufey 'father'. The Allfather is your father. Maybe not by blood, but he is your family."

Loki quietly placed the tray on the ground. "Why are you being so kind to me?"

Sigyn shrugged. "I see no reason to be unkind."

"You're not afraid of me?" Loki asked, his mind filled with questions.

Sigyn stared at him, staring straight into his eyes; he intensely stared back at her. "No."

"Why?" Loki blurted out.

"You are not a monster." Sigyn answered in a calm, kind tone.

Loki's eyes widened.

"You are a man, who was lied to your entire life." Sigyn continued. "You were lost, had no idea what to do. Your emotions got the best of you. And you made a few poor choices. But you are not a monster. I'm not afraid of you."

Loki looked down at the ground; he couldn't believe what he was hearing. This woman, whom he doesn't even know, this stranger, is being so kind to him- a criminal. For no reason that he can figure out.

And suddenly, a wave of doubt came over him. He looked up at her with his bright, blue eyes and said, "If you are so unafraid, then prove it."

Sigyn raised an eyebrow.

"Come inside this cell." Loki said.

Sigyn's eyes widened. She glanced back at the doorway to the room- there were no guards. She quickly turned back to Loki, unsure what to say.

"I knew it." he snapped. "You speak kind words, but that is all they are. Words."

Sigyn sighed and slowly pushed herself up to her feet. She softly touched the handle on the door.

Loki's eyes widened as she slowly unlocked the cell and pulled the door open. For a moment Loki thought about running out, pushing her out of the way and being free. But he didn't move.

Sigyn stepped into the cage and pulled the door shut behind her. She looked over at Loki and smiled. "See?"

Loki smiled slightly.

Sigyn walked over and sat down beside him. Loki stared at her silently. She slowly adjusted herself and pushed her hair back behind shoulders.

"You look confused." She spoke, watching Loki's expression.

"You really are not afraid of me?" He asked.

"Didn't I just prove that I'm not?" Sigyn replied with a small laugh.

Loki's lips curled up into a smile.

Sigyn softly grabbed his tray of food. "Eat. Don't make me feed you." She grabbed a small roll and held it out toward Loki; he glanced down at it, but quickly back to Sigyn's smiling face. He silently watched her, taking everything in. From the curly ends of her hair to the freckles on her nose.

He slowly lifted his hand, pushing the roll away. Sigyn watched him curiously as he moved closer to her. But she did not back away. Loki reached his hand toward her face, but hesitated and quickly pulled back. He stared at Sigyn's eyes, searching for any sense of fear- but there was none.

"I told you," Sigyn spoke softly; she gently grabbed his hand. "I'm not afraid."

Loki looked down at their hands and gingerly squeezed hers.

Sigyn smiled slightly at this. The touch of his hand on hers was amazing. Something she had never felt before.

Loki returned his gaze to her and again, moved closer. Sigyn found herself moving in as well. The distance between them lessened until their lips were almost touching. Loki was about to move in and kiss her when he felt her hand on his lips. He looked up into her eyes.

"You should eat my Prince." she said in a soft, breathy tone.

Loki slowly pulled back. Sigyn turned away slightly and stared at the floor.