Sif opened her eyes reluctantly, her body turning against her. She became aware of the figure pressed against her, holding her tightly. She peeled his limbs off of her, the bright sunrise stinging her eyes. She ran towards the waste basket, collapsing and heaving what felt like every meal she'd ever consumed into it. She crawled to her bathing room and quietly shut the door, attempting not to wake her lover.
After she had emptied the contents of her stomach she remembered they were to go to Jotunheim to discuss a treaty, which could easily end badly. She attributed her nausea to nerves though never having experienced them before an altercation.
She collected herself quickly, securing her armor and sharpening her blades. She failed to notice the stirring in her bed, Loki sitting up with a smile.
"Good morning" he paused "wife" his smirk making her heart flutter.
"Good morning" she got up, avoiding eye contact and walking out of the room.
At breakfast she picked at her food, nausea washing over her again. Her husband entered, eying her carefully. "Are you alright?" He asked, offering her more food. She refused and pressed her fingers against her lips, closing her eyes.
Loki backed off, allowing her to eat in peace. He looked across at his brother, who also noticed her behavior. They exchanges worried glances before beginning their meal. Sif paused uncomfortably before excusing herself and running back towards their chambers. Loki started to go after her but was stopped by his mother. Frigga had a twinkle in her eye as if she had a hunch, one she'd used on him multiple times.
The matriarch of the palace followed her daughter in law, knocking at her door. "Sif dear, are you alright?"
She was soon met by the dark haired woman who kept her head low. "Yes my queen, just a bout of nerves"
Sif exited quickly, gathering her weapons and shield. She was met later in the stables by the others, her husband trapping her in a corner. "My love maybe you should rest, shadow mother for the day, have the day off" his hands snaked around her waist.
She glared and pushed him away, mounting her golden mare. "I am leaving for Jotunheim, none of you can stop me" she kicked her steed into a gallop, taking off for the Bifrost. The others cursed under their breaths, taking off after her.
As she rode Sif wiped tears from her eyes, her warrior instincts failing her. As she approached Heimdal he stepped in her path, blocking her from entering the Bifrost. She growled something under her breath as he blocked her.
"I cannot permit you to travel to Jotunheim" his eyes were filled with worry for her safety.
"I am going" she attempted to push past him, only to be held back by a firm grasp.
"Sif, perhaps Heimdal is correct" Thor and his brother looked her over. She shook loose of his grasp only to have nausea wash over her again. She growled and pulled back her hair, kneeling at the edge of the bridge and spilling what she had eaten previously into the raging sea below.
Loki was at her side, massaging her back and cooing kind words. "You are ill, in no shape for battle"
His words angered her, she pushed him away. "I am not helpless" she yelled without control over her body.
"Perhaps not" Heimdal spoke up, "but you must care for matters bigger here on the safety of Asgard"
With these words a furious Sif stalked to her horse and rode back to the stables. She spent the rest of the day in her chambers, sulking and sleeping.
She had just regained consciousness when a figure entered her chambers. She groaned and stretched her stiff and aching muscles. "How was Jotunheim?" She asked as an exhausted Loki sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Surprisingly pleasant" he smirked as he kissed her.
She nodded and got up, jogging for the bathing room. She came back a few moments later, making it halfway back to the bed before returning.
"Are you alright?" Loki found this amusing, annoying her further.
"Loki I am fine" she exited and gathered her weapons, looking to relieve some stress.
"Nope" he caught her wrist and pulled her into him. "You've missed the midday meal, we are going to dine" she noticed the absence of natural light in their room.
Weeks past, Sif becoming more and more unstable and constantly angry. Heimdal hadn't let her leave, providing no further explanation. The whole palace seemed on edge in her presence ever since she'd laughed at a joke to the point of tears. She refused to visit the healers, Loki going as far as carrying her to their door.
She sat at the evening meal, pushing the pheasant around her plate in disgust. She hadn't noticed all eyes on her as tears rolled down her cheeks. She had no idea as to the cause of her sadness, the overwhelming feelings she'd experienced pushing her over the edge.
She looked up, suddenly aware of the moisture on her cheeks, wiping it away in confusion. "Excuse me" she hurried to her feet, running back to her chambers. She collected her fitted armor, attempting to strap it on, its resistance scaring her. She pulled it off with shaking hands, pulling her gown closer to her body. She noticed a slight protrusion of her abdomen, color fading from her face.
She collected herself and returned to the meal, Frigga gently placing her hand over Sif's. She struggled to meet her gaze, everything falling into place.
She mumbled something as she pushed her plate away, Loki leaning towards her in an attempt to catch her words.
"What is it?" Thor asked, his booming voice silencing the table.
Her pale face looked to her significant, she could feel the thickness in her throat. "I am with child" she mumbled, her voice cracking heavily.
Loki raised an eyebrow as if he hadn't heard her, looking up at his mother, who nodded. His lips curled into a smile, getting up and pulling her into his arms.
She smiled slightly at his actions, shock running through her still.