The next day Loki summoned his courage and decided to take a walk. He got out of bed earlier than usual and stood at the window, breathing in the cool air of the night. Dawn was breaking over Asgard and the soft light made the edges of the golden buildings shine with a gentle light.
Loki smiled slightly then sighed, running his fingers through his ebony hair. He turned from the window and went to get dressed. He pulled on his normal outfit but forsook the heavy top for a light shirt that wouldn't rub on his back. He sighed, taking in the black trousers and dark green shirt, hoping that he wouldn't appear like he was in pain as he walked.
Taking a deep breath he opened his door and walked out. The guards that stood at his door had been allowed to leave and were now on duty elsewhere in the castle. He smiled slightly; glad of the freedom, though until today he hadn't the strength to go anywhere. He strode out of the room and headed down towards the dining hall.
He was surprised to find his mother there already and smiled softly to her. She had been the one to beg Odin to remove the guards, persuading him that it looked back and that Loki was a prince, not a prisoner. Walking towards her he bowed beside her chair then leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Good morning mother," he said, looking into her eyes. "How are you?"
"Well, thank you my son," Frigga replied softly, looking back and seeing the softness in his eyes that few others saw. She smiled and put her hand on his cheek. "Sit beside me and let us talk. There's little point in sitting in silence when there is so much to be said."
Loki sat beside her and looked at her. "Mother, I'm sorry," he said quietly. "Before all else, I did not mean for things to happen the way they did, I was driven by anger and hurt, I was stupid. I'm sorry I caused you such pain."
"Never stupid," Frigga replied softly. "You were silly yes, but I understand. If it helps, Thor is not my true son." She smiled slightly. "Keep it to yourself, but his mother is not me though I raised him as mine, as I did with you. You are both my sons, and I love you equally and dearly."
Loki frowned, "if Thor is not yours who is his mother?"
Frigga shook her head. "That is of little importance and something Odin and I prefer to keep between ourselves. Odin had his reasons for choosing Thor's mother to be with, and we talked about it, it is in the past." She waved her hand in the air and smiled. "Besides, Odin brought me two sons, I am content."
Loki took his mother's hand and kissed it softly, amazed she was sharing such things with him. He felt honoured by her level of trust. He looked into her eyes and smiled slightly, lost in the warmth of her smile. He did not look around until a familiar and soft voice interrupted the moment with a quiet cough.
"Excuse me your Highness," Elva said softly. "You called for me?" She curtsied and lowered her head, her black dress flowing out around her, a pristine white apron tied over the front. Her hair was pulled back and flowed down her back in soft waves and her eyes were bright and warm.
"Yes Elva," Frigga said, smiling warmly at the hand maiden. "I wanted you to summon Loki for me, but it seems that was unnecessary. I'm sorry for interrupting you in your other duties."
Elva sighed and shook her head. "It is of no consequence my Queen. I was not doing anything of great importance and it took but a moment to put it aside. Is there anything else I can do for you or might I return to my duties?" she replied, smiling slightly.
"No Elva, that will be all. Thank you," Frigga smiled. "Why the sigh though dear?"
Elva smiled slightly wider. "I was enjoying my sewing my lady, it is rare I get time for it and I was hoping to finish today. It is a project I have been working on for a few weeks now."
Frigga smiled. "Then by all means continue. Take as much time as you need and return to me when you are done," she said warmly, dismissing her and watching as she curtsied and left the room.
Loki watched her go, his eyes not leaving Elva until the door shut behind her. He turned his gaze to Frigga and frowned slightly at her expression. One of amusement and interest, it seemed to have little place considering their previous topic of conversation.
"Why, may I ask, are you smiling so?" Loki asked, slightly confused.
Frigga smiled. "You are young yet my son, in time you will know. But for now, I wonder at your apparent interest in my handmaiden. Has she been tending to you well?"
Loki smiled. "Yes mother, she is gentle and speaks little of subjects that might cause conflict. She does her job but yet, though she seems quiet, it amuses me to see her temper when she rarely displays it. Did you know of how she treated Thor?"
Frigga shook her head. "I have not heard this story, please, enlighten me." She smiled and laughed brightly as Loki told of how the slender young woman chased the Prince, a man three times her size, from the room with apparent ease. Their laughter doubled as Thor walked into the dining room and looked up in confusion.
Thor soon joined them and Loki closed in but conversation continued with light teasing and jokes, bringing forth laughter and smiles from the three of them.
Frigga watched Loki more, taking with a new light in his eyes and smiling slightly. Even if he did not know what was happening yet, she did, and it would surprise him when he found out.