His Lady was a vision. A white dress with golden threading adorned, a white mask with swirls of gold adorned her face, and delicate white moonflowers adorned her head as a crown. Their eyes met across the room and she smiled. Loki jerked his head towards the balcony and she inclined her head. They both made their way through the crowds and to the balcony. The night air greeted them with a familiar welcoming embrace. She took her usual spot against the railing and Loki stepped up behind her.
"You are more beautiful than Freya tonight," Loki whispered in her ear.
She turned and Loki wrapped his arms around her pulling her close to him. "Do not lie, my Lord."
"What lie? It is the truth."
"Then you flatter me, sir. Shall we walk?"
"I would love to, my Lady." Releasing her Loki offered her his arm which she took with a smile. They walked in silence to the alcove they had been in twice before. Together they sat on the small bench, still silent.
"Three weeks," she finally said. "The ceremony will take place in three weeks."
She was looking down at her lap. Reaching over Loki lifted her chin to look at him. He saw that two trails of silent tears running out from under her mask. With his thumbs, Loki wiped away the tears. "I cannot stand to see you cry, my Lady. Please, it will be alright."
"Please, sir, forgive me," she said resting a hand over his. "I am being selfish."
"No, you are not, my Lady. If anything I am, asking you here once again."
"But I am. Noblewomen are expected to marry men they do not love. I may be from the third tier but I am still a noble, I should not be expecting anything different."
"You deserve different," Loki muttered stroking her jawline with his knuckles.
"My Lord," she sighed her eyes fluttering closed at his soft touch. Ducking his head Loki pressed a soft kiss against her lips. As he bestowed more soft kisses against her lips Loki's hand reached around to the tie that held up her mask. Tugging on the lace he felt it come undone and the mask slip on her face. Under her lips she gasped and jerked away from him. Her hand flew up to keep the mask in place.
"Sir…." She trailed off as Loki's hand covered hers. With a swallow, she closed her eyes and removed her hand. A smile crossed Loki's face and gently he lifted the mask away. The sight of her true face made him smile. She was even more lovely than he imagined. Lovely and familiar.
"Right below my nose the whole time," he said with a chuckle.
Her eyes opened and her eyebrows furrowed with curiosity. "You know me, my Lord?"
"I do indeed, my Lady, Keeper of the Library, assigned to the disused sections of Midgard's and Jotunheim's history and cultural, and the section of law books and familial records. I know your face, I know your position, but I admit I do not know your name."
"Sigyn, Sigyn Snorridottior."
"Sigyn," Loki repeated as he pushed a stray hair behind her ear. She smiled and slowly lifted her hands to his mask.
"My Lady, Sigyn," Loki said capturing her hands. "I must make a confession. The mask is not the only thing hiding my identity."
Her eyebrows furrowed with confusion again as Loki helped her remove his mask. At the same time, Loki dispelled the illusion, finally revealing to her his true appearance. Sigyn gasped and stood quickly backing away from him.
"M-my Prince!" She hurriedly said with a bow. "Forgive me, I-I…."
Her face drained of colour and then she bolted. Loki ran after her, easily catching her as he had before. "Do not run, Sigyn, please."
Sigyn tried to jerk her arms from his grasp but Loki held firm. "Stop. Sigyn," he commanded and she froze.
"Forgive me, my Prince," she said with an awkward bow.
"There is nothing to forgive," Loki replied gently letting go of her arms.
They were silent for a long minute before she spoke. "So all of this was just a trick to seduce me into your bed then?"
"At first," Loki confessed, "I saw you as a delightful challenge. But as we spoke, as I came to know you, my intentions changed. I truly did just want to know you. Even so, I never intended…."
"Never intended, what?" Sigyn asked her tone cool.
"I never intended to fall in love with you."
Sigyn was silent. Loki watched as a myriad of emotions played in her eyes. Finally, she sighed, "I did not intend on falling in love you with either, my Prince."
With a smile, Loki pulled Sigyn back into his arms. Her hands rested on his chest on she looked up at him a blush blooming in her cheeks. Dipping her back Loki grinned as she squealed in surprise right before he kissed her. Their playful kiss quickly became passionate. Her hands slipped around his neck and she moaned against his lips. Loki's grip tightened on her. He did not want to let her go.
Suddenly they broke apart and both looked to the sky. "Snow," Sigyn said with a giggle.
"Rather late in the season for it," Loki commented. Summoning a cloak Loki wrapped it around Sigyn's shoulders. The cloak was of green velvet, lined with dark brown fur, and it clashed horribly with her delicate dress; but the sight of her in his cloak was titillating.
"Thank you, my Prince," she said as he fastened the cloak at her throat.
"Loki, please Sigyn, when we are together call me Loki."
"As you wish, my-Loki."
Loki smirked, "My Loki? Possessive already are you, my Sigyn?"
They both chuckled but then Sigyn sighed and looked to the ground. "It matters not what you call me. The marriage will still take place in three weeks."
"I will talk to your father. He will not deny a prince of Asgard."
Sigyn shook her head. "You do not know him. My Father, he is very proud and very traditional. The man I am to marry, Captain Theoric, is the son of his good friend; and even though that friend is now dead, my Father promised to marry me to his son before he died. Father would never break that promise, even for a prince."
"I see….Theoric. He is the captain that drove back the trolls that were attacking the outer villages. A brave man, a good warrior, decent leader. Too fond of ale and whores though, he is known to get violent while drinking."
"I know," Sigyn said with a pained expression. "He has no respect for knowledge either. The one time we met he declared to me that when I was his wife I would no longer be allowed to work as a Keeper, not only that, but no books apart from poetry and cooking recipes are going to be allowed to me."
Loki's upper lip curled into a sneer. "Outrageous. I will not let you marry that brute."
Sigyn laughed sadly. "Thank you, Loki."
"I am serious, Sigyn," Loki said taking her hands, "I have researched possibilities. At first, I thought it was hopeless, but I think I found a way for you to get out of your marriage contract."
"And what of my vow to marry the man my father chose? I will not break it. The only other thing my father gave to me, apart from the promise of an unhappy marriage, was a sense of honor."
"I know, Sigyn, and you will not have to. Simply allow me to take care of everything." Lifting her hands Loki pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "Trust me, Sigyn."
Sigyn smiled gently. Taking her hands out of his own she caressed his cheek. "Trust the one who proudly calls himself the God of Lies? Never. Trust the man I have fallen in love with? Of course."
Sigyn should have known better than to trust the God of Lies. Today was her wedding day and she was still marrying Theoric. Ever since she and Loki had parted three weeks ago Sigyn had been waiting to hear of what he had planned. Three weeks and nothing had changed, she hadn't even heard from the Dark Prince. If anything her situation had become even worse. Upon his return home, Theodric had been called to the palace by the All-Father who, as a reward for his service and heroic actions in slaying the leader of the troll bands, offered to officiate his upcoming wedding. They were to be wedded by Odin himself! There was no higher honor nor a more binding contract. When Sigyn had heard the news she had fainted, there was no getting out of this now.
Now Sigyn was standing in front of a mirror in a small room within the royal palace. It was not going to be a large ceremony but Odin had also insisted that the proceedings take place within the palace grounds. So here she was. Staring into the mirror her hair plaited with flowers, in the most expensive dress she had ever worn, and about to be forced into the most loveless marriage she could imagine.
"Sigyn, it is time." Sigyn turned to the voice. Her cousin had opened the door and she could see her father just beyond in the hallway.
"Of course," she replied her voice hiding her despair well.
"There is my beautiful daughter. Theoric could not have a better wife. Your mother would be so pleased." Her father said as she stepped out into the hall and he caught sight of her. In his hands, he held a thin veil of blue lace. "This was your mother's, she would want you to wear it today."
"Thank you, father," Sigyn replied with a small but genuine smile. Her mother had died several years prior, it was nice to have a reminder.
After securing the veil to her head her father held out an arm. Sigyn took it and together they went to the hall in which the ceremony was taking place. Under her dress, Sigyn's legs shook but her face remained calm. She was resigned to her fate. Marriage to Theoric was inevitable. Loki had abandoned her.
Arriving at the door to the hall the pair waited for the doors to open. When they did Sigyn and her father walked down the center. Sigyn kept her eyes trained forward. She knew that on either side of her there was her's and Theoric's friends and family. The All-Father stood at the front of the room. On his right was Theoric, dressed in his formal military garb. If Sigyn did not know him she would feel lucky at having such a handsome and brave man as her marriage partner. Many young women in the room might be jealous of her for such a match.
In front of the All-Father Sigyn's father passed her off to the groom and Theoric walked her the rest of the way to her place. As the All-Father spoke Sigyn stared at his breastplate, thinking back on her previous life. It had been a good life. Her one regret is that she and Loki had not made love at the ball three weeks ago. He had told her they would save it for their wedding night. Lies all lies.
"I do so swear," Theoric said beside her, his deep voice pulling Sigyn from her thoughts.
The All-Father looked at Sigyn. "Woman, do you swear that you will keep this man's house, make it a home, bear his children and keep him fed, be with him in times of plenty and peace and famine and war? Do you swear that you will be loyal to him, above all others, from this point on into death?"
"I do so swear," Sigyn replied, her heart aching as she did so.
Raising both of their hands Sigyn and Theoric's hands were fastened together by the All-Father. "The two are bound as man and woman. By their vows they are husband and wife, and a kiss shall seal that vow unto eternity."
Sigyn and Theoric faced each other. With his free hand, Theoric pulled Sigyn veil over her head. His hand took her jaw and Sigyn closed her eyes in resignation as he bent to kiss her. The kiss was chaste, Theoric's beard scratched her skin...but then the beard disappeared, the lips were still there but the beard vanished. Across the hall there were gasps and cries of outrage. Next to the kissing pair the loudest outrage of all.
"Loki!" The All-Father's voice thundered across the room. "What have you done?!"
Theoric pulled away. "I do believe, Father, that I just wed the loveliest woman in the realms."
Sigyn opened her eyes and to her amazement, it was not Theoric but Loki in front of her. Loki whose hand was fasted to hers. She had married Loki! Her mouth dropped open in shock and her emotions raged between elation and confusion.
"What the Hel?!" Sigyn's father snarled coming up and grabbing Sigyn's arm, trying to wrench her apart from Loki. "Get away from him, Sigyn."
Loki grabbed his wrist tightly and glared at him, fire in his eyes. "Release my wife this instant or I will break your wrist."
"She is not your wife, Trickster, she is my daughter and she will marry Theoric." Her father protested even as Loki's iron grip forced him to release his own.
"Snorri, silence," the All-Father commanded. His voice had a quiet anger about it that made all in the room fall silent. "Loki, why have you done this?"
Before replying Loki let go of Snorri's wrist, pushing the other man away from Sigyn and drawing his wife close to him protectively. Sigyn was still in a state of shock but she was aware enough that she was hearing everything going on around her. "Why marry? You and Mother were telling me to marry, I thought you would be pleased. Why Sigyn? Because she is everything I was looking for in a bride. From afar I fell in love with her, I could not allow her to be snatched away from me."
With the same quiet anger the All-Father continued, "and where is Theoric?"
"Sleeping, I would presume. He had an active night last night, after all. A whirlwind romance with a tavern maid, a rushed marriage to profess their vows, and a wedding celebration. Not to mention the wedding night. If you are looking for a location I would try a room at the Wickwork Inn."
The All-Father looked between the pair. Sigyn was coming out of her shock putting everything together. Loki's plan was brilliant. He had saved her from marrying Theoric while allowing her to keep her vow to her father. "Sigyn," the All-father spoke, less anger in his voice than before. "You have been tricked most cruelly by my son into marrying him. Even before consummation, marriage vows are sacred and binding in law. However, because of this trick, as All-father, I will allow you to disavow this marriage. If you so wish I will dissolve this union and no shame will come upon you or your family."
Sigyn looked up at Loki, then to her father, finally, out over the crowd, before turning to address the All-Father. "All-Father you honor me with your offer. My own father taught me the value of honor and in doing so that I should uphold every vow I make. As you said marriage vows are sacred, to many they are the most important vow a man or woman can make. To me, they are thus as well, and I made this vow to the man beside me. Our marriage custom does not use names, as you well know; simply man and woman, husband and wife, a reminder that our duty as what we are is greater than who we are. Whether it be Theoric or Loki I am handfasted to, my sacred vows and duty as woman and wife remain the same. I apologize, All-Father, but I must decline your offer."
Sigyn's father vocalized a protest but the All-Father held up a hand to silence him. "Sigyn, truly you are a woman of honor. In your marriage, I hope my son learns this from you. As befitting your new position and your soul, as All-Father, I proclaim you Goddess of Loyalty and Honor, wife to Loki God of Tricks and Lies. Let neither Aesir nor Fate drives them apart."
The All-Father made the pronouncement then left through the door at the back, anger radiating off of him. Sigyn was concerned, but a squeeze of Loki's hands turned her attention towards him. He smiled down at her and she returned it with a smile of her own. Leaning down he spoke into her ear. "Shall we head to the feasting hall or do you wish to skip the pleasantries and commence the bedding ceremony, my Lady-Wife."
"I believe we should give the impression of propriety, after all, I am not supposed to know you, my Lord-Husband. Also, I have not had a bite to eat all day, I am famished."
"Famished? Certainly, we cannot have that. To the feasting hall, it is then." Their hands still tied together, Loki led Sigyn out of the hall. The crowd was still in shock and it took until Loki and Sigyn were gone for the uproar to start.
"Brother!" A shout came from inside the hall. Loki and Sigyn glanced back. Thor, who had been a part of the crowd to honor Theoric's achievements, was coming after them.
"Thor," Loki greeted as the blond man caught up to them. "Did you enjoy the ceremony?"
"Brother!" Thor said again looking over both of them in disbelief. "You're married! You just were married! What...is this a trick of some sort?"
Loki raised an eyebrow. "I can assure my image may have been a trick but the consequences are not. I am married to Sigyn."
Grinning broadly Thor scooped both Loki and Sigyn into his arms in a tight embrace. "Congratulations! Brother! And Sister! Oh but I do not have a present for you!"
"Breathing at the moment would be gift enough, Thor," Loki said his voice strained. With a joyous laugh, Thor released them.
"Do not fear, Brother, Sister. It will be delayed but I will find you the perfect gift to celebrate this occasion! But right now I will collect our friends! Sif and the others will be overjoyed to hear of this news!" Before Loki could protest Thor was off to collect the warriors and Sif.
"I have never had a brother before," Sigyn commented with a smile to her husband.
"It is nothing special," Loki replied as they reached the banquet hall. "Older brothers are vastly overrated."
"Excellent to know but I shall make my own opinions of older brothers-by-law." Sigyn replied as they arrived at the banquet hall doors.
"And you will arrive at the same conclusion, I assure you, Thor is the essence of overrated." He told her opening the door for his new wife.
With a giggle, Sigyn pressed a chaste kiss to Loki's cheek. "Of that, I have no doubt."
"Loki!" From behind them, a female voice called out. The newlyweds turned to see the All-mother coming quickly towards them.
"Mother," Loki replied with a smile. "Come to join the festivities?"
The Queen stopped before them her eyes sweeping over Sigyn analytically before locking onto her son. "What have you done?"
"I followed your advice, Mother, I followed my heart."
"Followed your...Loki, this is not what I meant. You cannot trick someone into breaking a marriage arrangement."
"I believe I just did and with the All-father's unwitting help. There are no vows more binding than those made before the King. Besides Theoric broke the marriage arrangement first by wedding that tavern wench last night. It was either my trick or challenging him to a fight to the death during the ceremony, I thought this way would be more fun."
The All-mother continued to scowl at Loki but both he and Sigyn could see a spark of pride and amusement in her eyes. "Your Father is not pleased."
"When is he ever? Now, is that all Mother? I would like to feast with my new bride."
She nodded slightly but then her eyes moved to Sigyn. Sigyn swallowed in nervousness under the Queen's gaze. "Are you not going to introduce me, Loki," the Queen asked her son.
"Of course. Mother, this is my wife, Sigyn. My love, this is my Mother, Frigga."
"Your Majesty," Sigyn replied dipping into the appropriate deep supplication that someone from the third-tier would give to royalty.
"No, no, dear one," Frigga told her gesturing for her rise up. "You are a Princess now, my daughter. Do not bow like that to me anymore and call me Frigga, please."
"Yes, Frigga." Sigyn paled slightly as she spoke. She had not even considered the true consequences of marrying Loki. She was a princess now. From third-tier maiden to princess, she had not a clue how to behave or what was to be expected of her. And there was a chance, however slim, that one day she might be Queen.
Frigga smiled at Sigyn. "Do not fret, Loki and I will teach you everything you need to know."
"Thank you, that is most appreciated."
"Naturally. We have much to discuss but now is not the time. Today is a day to celebrate. My son has married and there is much feasting to be had. You two go along and while I calm down Odin."
With smiles, they parted Loki and Sigyn entered the feasting hall while Frigga went to speak with Odin. The Queen found her husband in his private sparing chamber knocking guard after guard on their rear ends. "Husband," she said announcing her presence.
"Fool of a boy!" Odin raged kicking the soldier nearest him across the room. "Insolent child!"
Frigga resisted the attempt to roll her eyes. Instead, she grabbed a shield and sword herself and stepped into the ring facing Odin. "Calm, my love, all is not lost."
"Is it not?! He was never even supposed to meet Sigyn! Snorri swore he would kept Sigyn from Loki's sight! Now they are married! Ragnarok is bound to happen!" As Odin yelled he began sparring with his wife. Even with her age, she had not lost her edge, a much more worthy opponent than the soldiers.
"Yes, Loki and Sigyn are wed as the Norns foretold but Baldr was killed by a Bilgesnipe not Loki, we have the Casket of Ancient Winters, and Fenrir has been dead for centuries. One of the warnings of Ragnarok has passed today but not any of the others." As she parried and struck out Frigga spoke calmly to her husband, whose rage was beginning to fade.
After a couple more minutes of sparring Odin's age began to catch up with him. Slowly the pair stopped fighting and put their weapons away. "I will not give them my blessing," Odin told her.
"I did not ask that of you. I shall, and I shall do so today during their wedding feast. The one at which I do ask you to make an appearance." Not waiting for a confirmation Frigga left her husband to join her youngest son and his new wife in their celebration.
The celebration feast was a joyous mess for Loki and Sigyn. They sat at the head of the room feeding each other while the servants rushed about trying to substitute a feast fit for a newlywed Captain to one fit for a Prince and his bride. Thor, Sif, and the warriors joined the feasting, at first the other had only come to see how Thor was misunderstanding the situation but when Loki explained that he truly was married they all offered their congratulations. Eventually, Sigyn's family, sans her father, drifted in each offering their hesitant congratulations.
Finally, Frigga arrived a smile on her face and informing the servants that they need not worry too much. "We will have a planned festival for the whole kingdom in a few weeks. There we will give gifts and give this union the celebration it deserves. For now, allow me to give my son and his new wife, my new daughter, my blessing. May Loki and Sigyn be forever happy together and have a bountiful life."
Everyone around the feasting hall cheered and raised their glasses before drinking deeply. Several more hours of feasting passed before Loki began touching Sigyn's side sensually, his kisses were getting longer, and all watching them could tell that the dark prince was growing impatient to bed his bride. Thor came up to them grinning. "Brother, Sister, the hour grows late."
"It does Thor."
"I do believe if all your guests would understand if you and Sigyn retired for the evening."
Loki smirked. "I know." Then the image of Loki and Sigyn flicked and disappeared causing Thor to laugh. He should have known his brother would have snuck out.
Ten minutes earlier Loki had taken Sigyn by the hand and turned them invisible. Leaving behind copies the pair quietly exited the banquet hall, Loki leading his new bride to his chambers. He shut and locked the large ornate door of his quarters behind them once they entered. Though Sigyn's eyes had been on her new husband almost constantly they were drawn to looking around the room in curiosity. Loki took the time to let his eyes roam over the figure of Sigyn. She had worn more sensual dresses during the masked balls but there was something about seeing her in the delicately woven and modest gown that made him wish to tear the fabric from her body to take her against the door...though that feeling may simply be the knowledge that she was completely his.
"I will give you a tour in the morning," he told her, stepping up and encircling his arms around her.
Turning in his arms Sigyn wrapped her own arms around him and rested her head against his chest. "I should admit that I hated you this morning before the ceremony."
"I told you I had a plan. Did you doubt me? A wife is supposed to trust her husband."
She looked up at him with a small smile. "I was not yet your wife...but now I shall trust you with all, my husband."
"As I shall trust you, my wife. I shall trust you to teach me honor. And loyalty. Just as. The Allfather. Commanded." Loki broke off his sentence with a series of increasingly passionate kisses. "And in reward for your lessons, I will give you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams.
Sigyn sighed with pleasure in his arms and she looked at him with a half-lidded expression. "I believe it will take a long time to teach you those values. Centuries. Millennia even."
Loki gave her a roguish grin. "Well, we do have a lifetime together. Now how about I give you a downpayment." With that Loki captured her lips. The time for play was over, now it was time to savor his new wife, and she would enjoy even second of it.
Basically, this story started as a way to explore how the original myth of Loki and Sigyn could work in the Marvel universe and was partially inspired by the song "The Party is Over" from the movie the Bell's Are Ringing (interesting movie if you ever get the chance to watch it). I hope everyone enjoyed this little ditty.
