Odin,Frigga and her two sons were gathered discussing the hearing that just took place and it was not looking good for Sigyn.
"It is the law and we must show it respect, I feel for her I do but it's our way. She has had a proposal but she refused and to make matter worse now there is a claim that she loves someone else. Do you know if this is true?"
"No father, that is her private affair. She is close to Adira so I am not surprised that she knows but I am surprised that she would keep this from Sif" replied Thor.
"She does not love Theoric and forgive me for saying so I saw the looks he was giving her, he does appear to be an honorable man. He was selfish in his words while Mistress Sigyn only seeks to serve not own her property but keep it out of Theroics hands" said Queen Frigga
"He may be selfish but that is not enough to sway me Frigga, I need proof that she loves another for there to be a moral reason, I truly believe that she wishes to serve for she has done well so far. The question remains as if this claim is true or not, we do not know the identity of this man, if we did I may consider"
"What difference does it make if we do not know the man's identity, the fact she stood there in front of the entire court an openly admitted took great courage not to mention my lady in waiting. Do you truly believe Adira would risk herself and her family name if there was not some truth to this, besides I think what she says is true Odin about this law maybe it's time for a change?" replied the queen sternly, raising her chin slightly in defiance. Frigga may appear to be soft however it was wrong to underestimate her, for she possessed a fierce stubbornness that rivaled her husband's.
"You mean to tell me that you want me to abolish the law altogether, thousands of years of tradition to be discarded" shouted Odin
"Perhaps mother is right father please hear me out, not necessarily change the whole law just the marriage part. Allow a common woman to take ownership of her family's property if there is no male hair to lay claim to it. Do not force her to marry in order to do so, and allow them the choice to enter into service if they show the talent in a particular area and prove themselves worthy."
This was the first time Loki had spoken sense the trial, he stood in the corner observing the conversation silently waiting for the right moment to speak. Thor nodding in approval regarding his brothers siding with him
" Loki does present a good solution father, allow common women to claim ownership as well as all commoners to serve the house of Odin without sponsorship if they show talent in a particular area that benefits us and will swear their loyalty ."
"It would seem that I am outnumbered, however the proposal that Loki made sounds acceptable it still does not solve our current dilemma. I need proof that there is a courtship being offered and there is true feelings otherwise I cannot accept a moral objection. Even if I change the law it would have to take place after this situation in order to avoid favoritism, although you ask the law to be changed not because of your friendship. It will not appear that way to our people, so I hope Mistress Sigyn will forgive me but she must marry Theoric." Odin said with a touch of sadness hidden in the depths of his stern voice.
Loki exploded "NO FATHER SHE WILL NOT! I know of the man she speaks of and I know that Theoric is dishonorable and a liar who is obsessed with having her and can't be trusted. She speaks the truth about him, he did threaten her and he twists her words. THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN, if I give you then name of the man she gives her heart to. You must promise me that you will not make her go through with this" he snarled .
Thor looked at him with disbelief for he never seen his brother lose his temper like this before. Odin and Frigga stared at him wondering what happened to the calm collected son that stood before them a moment ago.
"POMISE ME ... please father" his eyes that were filled with anger now processed a mad desperation, as he stood pleading with his father. Hoping that in this moment he would for once be granted favor from his father.
Odin stared at his youngest son confused as to why he was acting in such a manner that was unbecoming of a prince, it was usually Thor who expressed such outbursts of emotion often leading to the destruction of a room or the unfortunate guards who are ordered to spar with him. Loki however was different he was always calm and collected, a voice of reason. Who kept his emotions hidden, his release came in the forms of magic and tricks, for this reason many people were wary of Loki never knowing what he was thinking or what tricks he would unleash on those around him.
"Very well Loki you have my word as King that I will not make Sigyn accept this marriage offer if you tell me ,but I am confused how you know of all of this"
Thor looked confused as well but Frigga was smiling and whispered " Of course I should have seen it before, I am losing my touch it would seem "
"Well brother I am at a loss , who is it and please tell me it's not Fandral"
With his father's promise the anger and desperation that Loki felt disappeared, and an all too familiar smirk appeared on his face "No brother not Fandral, she has much better taste. It's me"
The level of shock that followed this revelation made Loki grin even more for only he would find amusement in as situation such as this.
"WHAT! When did this happen brother, this would mean Fandral was right there is a woman." Thor responded with great amusement.
"Loki explain how long has this courtship been going on" Odin growled clearly not sharing his sons amusement or happiness regarding the situation.
Loki told how they met keeping the more private moments regarding their courtship to himself, his family did not need to know every detail. He went on to tell the reason they wanted to be kept secret because of the rumors regarding Sigyn and they wanted to truly get to know one another. However when her father died it all changed with the marriage law, how she wanted to sacrifice her own happiness for her family and it was he who told her that she could challenge the law. Loki also told them how he overheard Theoric's plans and how he wanted Sigyn all to himself without any regard for her.
Frigga smiled softly at her son, she was happy that Loki found someone to love. He was always more reserved in all matters including women. Odin however was not impressed
"Loki do you realize what you have done, you interfered with the laws and customs of Asgard as well the expectations that comes with your position."
Loki spoke softly but his stance suggested he was not about to give into his father just yet "I do understand father, it was not my intention to disrespect or bring shame to the family. I love her father, when I look at her I do not see a commoner but a woman who is kind and brave. Did she not prove her worth today? I want to have her as my wife"
Frigga smiled and hugged her son "Oh this is wonderful, I like her very much and is a fine match for you. I agree that Mistress Sigyn would make a fine addition to our court. There has been talk of a distance between the nobles and the people of Asgard, that we are too involved with our own affairs that we forget the lives of the common people. Mistress Sigyn could help bridge that gap, to be a symbol that would help strengthen the people of Asgard. She has earned the respect of her fellow commoners here in the palace as well as some of the nobles through her talent and kindness. While she would need training I would be willing to teach her the ways of the royal family, she would offer a great incite to the lives and concerns of the people something we cannot relate to. "
Odin seem to ponder this, his eyes looked passed his son as if he was searching for an answer, considering all possibilities and difficulties they could face if he allowed this courtship to continue. Finally he gazed his eyes upon his younger son his eyes still searching perhaps looking into a distant future. In that moment the all father looked old, if one were to look upon him they would see the a great burden upon his shoulders, his cool blue eyes showing a hidden pain or possible regret, and it made Loki nervous but managed to keep his face calm as he awaited his father's answer.
Odin sighed "Very well if you two love each other then I will accept this courtship and your testimony. I will tell the court that I have the proof that I need and will allow her to pass ownership on to the next male relative, and I will accept the change in the law. However how are we going to introduce your relationship with Mistress Sigyn, if I do so now it will cause a great distress among the court and it will not be easy at first especially for her but I will give you and Sigyn the choice"
Sigyn entered the chamber and the first thing she noticed was the Queen was smiling at her as was Thor; Loki was looking at her with great affection
Please tell me he didn't I did not want him dragged through this. But they are smiling so it must be good.
She walked up to the all father and curtsied he then spoke
"Mistress Sigyn it would seem I was right that you would give me much to think about especially now where my son is concerned.
Oh no please.. He does not approve … Thor as well as the Queen does but it's his decision.
"You shown great courage today and was willing to sacrifice your own happiness to honor your family and I cannot dismiss that, I will ask you now do you love Loki enough to take him as your husband someday ?."
She turned to look at Loki before speaking
"Every word I said today is true whatever your decision I will continue to love him even if we are apart. He makes me happy and it is my love for him that gave me my courage today as well as my fathers, I cannot see myself loving anyone else." her eyes never leaving his, as they were filled with love for the man that stood before her.
"I feel you speak the truth and now I must allow you to make the decision to announce your courtship to my son but chose wisely for it will not look well on you. However it will pass in time and they will learn to respect it, for Loki is my son and if you should marry you will be Princess of Asgard. With this title comes great burden and responsibility, are you prepared for this?"
Her head was spinning
PRINCESS.. I never looked at it that way before, I just see Loki and not a prince. I love him and I will be with him in any way that I can I don't care about the gossip
"Your Majesty I will be honored for you to announce our courtship, I do not care about the gossip and in regards to any title I see Loki the man and not the prince. I love him for who he is and not what he is"
The all father did something she never would have expected he smiled at her and put his hand her shoulder
" There is humility in your words Mistress Sigyn, you process qualities that would make you a fine addition to the family"
She smiled at them all and Loki came over taking her hand kissing it "I can't thank you enough; I am deeply honored and grateful for accepting me" She beamed holding back tears of joy.
Frigga gave her a hug and Thor kissed her cheek whispering "You are good for each other I should have known it was you that brought him such distraction" he grinned Loki shot him a glance, and Thor responded by shoving his brother playfully.
"One more thing I have decided to grant you the permission to pass on ownership of your land to whoever you choose, and the law shall be changed so that a common woman will not have to marry to claim property if there is no male hair. The house of Odin would be honored to have you continue to serve with us; you have done well and proved yourself loyal." Odin said before leaving the room with his wife and son following behind him, leaving Loki and Sigyn alone. Sigyn touched his face softly, her body trembling with happiness. Loki took each hand and kissed them, before picking her up and twirling her around. His gentle laugh joined with hers echoing throughout the room, they finally settled into each other's arms lost in happiness and love. Outside the golden door stood Frigga who overheard her son's joyful laughter with a tear sliding down her face, overwhelmed with emotions regarding her son's happiness praying that Loki's laughter would continue to be heard in the days to come.