Part Four:

Loki's PoV.

The Trickster knew he needed this woman to get out of his cell and now that he made her trust him it would be easier than he thought. (Name) was dead which meant this woman in his arms couldn't be the woman he loved. He looked at the woman clutching his coat and pressing her body into his but couldn't see the one he loved so many years ago.

He didn't believe anymore that he could even love. If this woman holding him was the same person he loved still he was lucky… but he couldn't be lucky… or worthy of her love. She didn't know the monster under the disguise of Aesir skin, who she held now so tightly not wanting to let go. He saw the memories flashing through her mind but even if the obvious was screaming at him he couldn't believe it and told himself that all of this was just an act, a game of the All-Father.

'Loki? What is wrong?' asked (Name). He looked down at her showing sadness caressing her cheek with his thumb.

'They are coming' told her the Trickster knowing it was true even if he just wanted to draw her attention away from him. Loki let go of her and she was again outside of the cell. (Name) looked up at him surprised and somewhat frightened before she turned and ran away when Loki nodded at her unspoken question.

He needed some time to think over what he wanted to do now and where he wanted to go with this. He knew he forgot every possible plan he had when his lips met hers. They felt the same as the night he kissed her first and as he thought last. His heart was beating fast when the guards and Odin arrived to find him alone in his cell. Odin asked him a few questions but he just ignored the old king not noticing the smug look on his face as he walked away and left Loki alone to his thoughts.

Your PoV.

You ran down the corridors through the palace and only stopped when you closed your door. Your lips still tingled from the kiss you ached for so many nights and days through the hundreds of years locked up in the lonely tower Vraë sent you as its prisoner.

Your heart pumped quickly and you couldn't stop thinking about those sweet thin lips. You fell back on your bed in your clothes and sighed lovingly and giggled like a sixteen year old. Someone knocked on your door so you got up with furrowed eyebrows at who could it be and opened it. Frigga smiled at you from the other side to your surprise.

'We should talk' she said and walked inside. You closed the door and turned to her silently not knowing what to say or do. You knew she must be here because you were inside of Loki's cell.

'I do not know how I got inside the barrier, my queen… I blacked out and then suddenly was inside his cell' you started explaining yourself but she held up a hand still smiling warmly at you.

'Do not worry, my child' she said. 'You did nothing wrong by going to him… I assume my husband just got an idea of what to do with Loki.'

'What do you mean, my queen?' you asked concerned for Loki's life. You finally could feel his touch on your body and you didn't want to lose it so suddenly now.

'The Vardens called our kingdom searching for you. Your master, Eragon was quite worried about you. He asked if you were well and informed us about the on-coming war Alagaësia is at soon.' answered Frigga. 'The Vardens decided to help the elves and they wish for you to join their lines because of your victories in the former war five hundred years ago.'

'So I have to go back now…' you mumbled disappointed. You didn't want to leave just yet. You just started to build back up what you had with Loki, the only person you could love ever since you were children and you didn't want to give him up again.

'My husband and I assume that if we send Loki with you, it would prove if he could change… for insurance, we will send Thor and Lady Sif with you' smiled at you the queen. Your heart thumped in your chest happily at the thought that you could free Loki and you could be with him. Something however popped into your mind. If the Vardens would fight the elven army it would only mean their fail. Elven warriors were much faster and stronger than human ones. You knew you had to go back to protect everyone. There were friends you adored and you still couldn't apologize of your father. You parted quite angrily back before you were imprisoned.

Flashback~

You sat at the foot of the Menoa tree trying to find peace. A week passed since Srunugr died on the battlefield but it still felt like it was a few hours ago. Tears ran down your cheeks like raindrops on the glass as you slowly started singing to the tree. Your voice filled the area drawing small animals' attention to the beautiful sound.

Siúil, siúil, siúil a rúin
Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin
Siúil go doras agus éalaigh liom

Siúil, siúil, siúil a rúin
Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin
Siúil go doras agus éalaigh liom
Is go dté tú mo mhúirnín slán

I wish I was on yonder hill
'Tis there I'd sit and cry my fill
Until every tear would turn a mill

I'll sell my rod, I'll sell my reel
I'll sell my only spinning wheel
To buy my love a sword of steel

I'll dye my petticoats, I'll dye them red
And 'round the world I'll beg my bread
Until my parents shall wish me dead

Your pain was obvious if others listened to it but no one did. Or you thought. Suddenly, when you quieted down you noticed someone sitting next to you. You looked up at the intruder who was none other than your father, Eragon. His brown hair was swinging in the gentle breeze while his brown eyes were looking up at the sky. His lips in a tight line, his jaw clenched tightly. You saw his agony on his face.

'I thought… it was your mother…' he said quietly. 'Your voices are so similar…'

'Others told me that too' you agreed. 'I'm sorry…'

'What for?' asked Eragon looking down on you concerned.

'For not being able to save mother' you answered knowing it if you wouldn't have been trying to kill everyone who tried to get close to Srunugr's dead body you would've been able to protect Arya from the soldiers closing on her.

'That wasn't your duty, (Name)' shook his head Eragon. He grabbed your hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

'But it was my duty to protect her, master… if I would've been stronger, faster… I would've-' you pulled away.

'You're still calling me "master"' noted Eragon. You blinked in surprise but anger took its place.

'Why would I call you anything other than that?! I don't even understand why you would want to act like you're more than that to me! You let me believe that Vraë is my father and I had to grow up knowing that my father hates me! I did everything to earn his love and the entire time I searched for the love of someone who hates me because I was born!' you screamed angrily at your master. You weren't angry at him nor hated him… you were still in deep pain because of your loss.

You jumped up and ran away to be alone somewhere no one would find you. As your feet padded on the grass Eragon closed his eyes sadly.

'But I never stopped loving you, little one' his voice however never reached you because you were too far from him.

End of flashback~

You walked into the All-Father's study where you spotted Thor and Sif standing waiting for you and Frigga to enter the room while Odin sat in a comfy armchair patiently. Thor smiled at you reassuringly while Sif bowed to you. You nodded at her not wanting to draw too much attention to you by protesting. You never liked it when your friends had to act on protocol other than on a conference.

'I assume, Frigga already told you why you're here' spoke up the old king looking at you with his one good eye. You nodded not trusting your voice. You were sure if you spoke up you would stutter or show nervousness and you would seem weak. 'Are you sure you can do it? Can you bring peace to the Nine Realms by making peace at your homeland and assuring Asgard of an alliance we had during your mother's rule on Alagaësia?'

'I am, my king' you replied without hesitation. You calmed down a bit knowing that the fact you got in Loki's cell was okay. Not like you didn't trust Frigga's words but… Odin was different when it came to Loki.

'Would you be able to keep Loki in Alagaësia when your war is over?' asked suddenly the old king making all of you look at him wide eyed. You could see the others didn't know about this by the look on their faces.

'Father, I believe that it would be-' started Thor.

'I asked (Name)!' shut him up the All-Father. You gulped not knowing what was the right answer. Did he assume that if you said yes, you would be an enemy to Asgard because you are on Loki's side? Or was he expecting you to imprison Loki as thanks to him for sending help to stop Vraë? You were unsure of what to answer when Frigga placed a gentle hand on your shoulder.

'I am certain that would be too much to ask of (Name). Loki is capable of stronger magic than anything the Alagaësian elves are aware of. He would escape or would break havoc on that land.' said Frigga.

'I thought you had more faith in me, mother' spoke suddenly from behind Loki's deep, smooth voice. You turned back to him surprised to see him there. He was in shackles and two guards were on his sides but he still smiled like he just broke out of prison.

'Loki…' escaped the queen's mouth.

'So? Why am I here?' quirked an eyebrow the Trickster feigning boredom.

'You are going to Alagaësia to accompany (Name) and to help her bring peace to her kingdom' answered Odin sternly. Loki flashed you a suspicious glance but looked back at Odin.

'Why would you let me out of my cage? Am I not the monster you keep away from your precious kingdom?' asked Loki showing his bitterness. You looked down sadly recognizing this act. You were like this once and it didn't bring you anything good.

'I asked for you to accompany me. I know that you are a good tactician and would always find a way out of any trouble we might face' you spoke up looking straight at him hoping it would work. Loki's smirk grew mischievous as he watched you.

'Do you?' asked Loki quirking an eyebrow at you still smirking. Your cheeks now had a pink hue to it but you still looked at him and nodded.

'I do' your voice didn't waver and you were grateful for that.

'Then… I am at your service, my princess' he circled his left hand in front of his chest as much as he could with the shackles on his wrists and bowed deep to you.

Time skip~

You sat on a brown stallion galloping towards the BiFrost alongside Loki, Thor and Sif. All of them were already in their own fine armor while you were only in your normal gown. You had a few armors in Ellesméra in your room and you would easily sneak in at night when you were already in Alagaësia. You turned to your left side where Loki was with his black stallion and you noticed that he looked completely like before you left.

You couldn't help but watch him and take every detail in admiring him as much as you could.

'Something is on your mind, (Name)?' asked Loki suddenly shaking out of your thoughts making you blush hard that you got caught.

'I-I… you just still look… noble' you muttered trying to hide your blushing face. He chuckled quietly and turned his face to you a small smile playing at his thin lips.

'Even if I lost my title and was banished, I still have my pride, (Name)' he answered. You opened your mouth to say something when Thor's booming voice interrupted your conversation.

'We are almost there!' his boyish smile broke onto his face and you noticed Loki's expression change into a soft one showing that he still remembered the times they went on adventures together. Loki noticed your gaze and he quickly hid that soft expression behind a cold and hard mask. You sighed sadly and knew it would be hard to build back up what you had once. But you were ready for it because you would never let go of him again.

To be continued…