Just as a warning, this chapter contains some sexual content.

Chapter 38 –The Night Before

There was one final party before the Convergence, and as much as they were all rather sick of them, the monarchs knew that it was probably best just to go along with it. This one was being hosted by Tony Stark, and it was a surprisingly elegant affair given the impression he had given them all on their initial meeting.

Although he wished he did not have to, Loki had spoken privately with Helblindi and Byleist, asking for their acceptance that Thor would be at the party. The two had given Loki a long piercing stare that reminded Loki of whenever Jörmungandr was suspicious of someone, before agreeing, with the provision that Thor not come near them. The politics of Thor's actions may have calmed down, but neither of them had forgotten or forgiven it.

So warned, Thor made a point of staying as far away as he could, looking nervous whenever he caught sight of them. Loki stayed with his brother, watching as Stark and his partner Pepper glided through the crowds, chatting each guest up.

"So, tomorrow evening," said Thor softly. "Nervous brother?"

Loki side-eyed Thor for a moment, wondering if the phrasing had been deliberate, before saying,

"We're about to do a highly experimental working that will affect every planet in the Nine. Why would I be nervous?"

Thor grinned and shrugged,

"Seiðr is your dominion, I'd expect you to be in your element."

"That doesn't mean I know what's going to happen. You'd know that if you'd ever paid attention in lessons."

Thor huffed, shaking his head,

"Maybe."

Loki groaned,

"Oh stop being so humble, it's getting annoying now!"

They caught each other's eye and then looked away chuckling. Loki finished his glass of champagne, and set it on a passing tray. They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, then Thor said,

"You should dance with her."

Loki did not need to ask who he meant. Sigyn was dancing with Steve, mostly swaying and talking animatedly about something.

"She's enjoying herself, I don't want to disturb that," he said with a soft sigh.

"But maybe if you wooed her a little…" wheedled Thor.

"It's not about wooing," said Loki, "If it were it would be easier. Sigyn doesn't want to be wooed, she wants to do what's best for Vanaheim. As I want to do what's best for Asgard, only I am privileged enough that Asgard is still strong and golden, so my choice of wife will not affect the next ten generations. No, we have talked as much as we can for now. She knows where I stand… or at least where I am trying to stand for our mutual benefit. I know where she stands. There's nothing more to be done about things for now."

Loki noticed Thor's glum expression and gave him a light pat on the back,

"Ah brother, we're all still young. There is time to find our way." If he kept saying it, maybe he would start believing it.

Being held in strong, gentle arms was a dangerous thing for Sigyn right now. The urge to press closer and burrow into Steve's hold was almost overwhelming. It was not even a sexual desire, but a pure instinct of wanting closeness. Sigyn stamped on it and tried to focus on Steve's story, about some incident on a recent mission, when another figure drew up next to them.

"May I cut in?" asked Byleist, his dark red eyes fixed on Sigyn, who felt a stab of annoyance at being interrupted, but also relief at being saved from herself. Steve gallantly let her go and stepped back,

"Sure, of course," he caught Sigyn's eye, and she knew he was checking that she was fine with this. Sigyn nodded, reminding herself that she liked Byleist and she did not want to complicate her friendship with Steve considering how humans viewed sex.

Byleist stepped closer and rested one hand just under her shoulder blade, the other taking hers. Sigyn rested her hand on his shoulder, smiling up at him.

"You make me feel short, you know," she teased him, "I'm not used to looking up at people."

"Maybe you've some Jötnar ancestry, you are tall even for a Vanir," said Byleist as they started to sway.

"Maybe," agreed Sigyn. She was half expecting a joke about whether she wanted some Jotun in her now, but it didn't come. Instead, Byleist narrowed his eyes and bent his neck to speak more quietly.

"That would not bother you? To know you have blood of Jötunheim in you?"

"Why would it? I am not Asgardian, my people were busy trying to kill each other when your father and Odin battled for power. The hatred of Jötunheim never reached my realm from Asgard."

"And yet your people never seemed inclined to break Asgard's decrees about my world."

Sigyn shrugged, idly brushing her thumb over his shoulder, feeling the slightly rough, almost reptilian, skin. She wondered what it would be like to explore that skin –then immediately killed the thought.

"My parents had to deal with the fallout of our civil war, and then were too busy arguing over how to rule to be concerned with other realms. It is regrettable that your world has suffered, but we were not the cause."

"Actually…" started Byleist and Sigyn remembered too late that Laufey's first queen had been of Vanaheim. But to her surprise, Byleist shook his head and continued, "It's pointless to argue now. The future is the only thing we can have any say in."

"And what future do you envision?" asked Sigyn, smiling more easily again. Byleist slowed their movements to barely a sway, his red eyes fixed on hers. Sigyn felt her smile slip as she realised what his scrutiny meant. "…Oh."

"I swore to my brother that I would never consider a union with anyone other than one of my own kind. It has only led to misery for my people. Yet…"

Sigyn's mouth was so dry her tongue seemed to be stuck to the roof of her mouth. Her heart was hammering against her ribs, her gaze fixed on his lips as he sighed,

"Yet I think I could… make a good union with you."

Sigyn tried to swallow so she could speak, but it was impossible. She did not want to have this discussion.

"Our worlds could help one another rebuild. We need seiðr users skilled in natural motions, you need hardy workers. I'm sure there are hundreds of other ways we could support each other." Byleist gave her an expectant look, obviously waiting for her to say something. Sigyn forced her mouth open,

"That's a very logical argument."

Byleist seemed to sag a little and he pulled their joined hands closer, resting them against his collarbone.

"We're rulers, and our power is based in dynastic continuity and strength. But… if I may say, I think we could fit well together."

"Why do you think that?" asked Sigyn, hating that she was allowing this topic to continue.

"Because you have shown me nothing but kindness since we met and as you said, your world had no interest in mine. That suggests to me that your treatment was purely genuine, and if that is the case, well, if I must marry for the benefit of my realm, I would like to marry someone who I can have some emotional connection with."

First Loki, now Byleist. Sigyn did not know what to do, she barely understood why she felt so shaken. She stilled their movements and said,

"I will consider it." She started to pull away, then felt compelled to linger just long enough to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. She didn't want him to think she was repulsed by him. He was probably getting sick of that reaction from others. "I'd like to get some air, if you'll excuse me Byleist."

Byleist let her go, not giving much away in his expression. How very Loki-esque.

Sigyn cross the room as fast as she could without looking distressed, hurrying out onto the balcony. She gripped the railing and inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself down.

"It really stinks here, doesn't it?"

Sigyn jumped and looked around. Berach was sitting above her, perched on a ledge and glaring out at the city. Sigyn leaned back against the railing, folding her arms across her chest.

"Doesn't smell that differently to home as it is now," she said coolly. Berach snorted, his wings wafting in the breeze.

"Has Byleist proposed yet?" he asked. Sigyn felt a stab of anger,

"Why? Worried he might beat you to the task?" She regretted it as soon as it left her mouth, but she was fed up with all of them. Always watching her, scheming about her, trying to tell her what to do like she was a child.

Berach regarded her with that blank expression he always used when she had disappointed him. Sigyn crushed the impulse to apologise. He was not her mentor anymore, he was a prince and she was a queen. It would be weak to let their previous relationships affect their interactions. Finally Berach looked away, frowning slightly. Sigyn turned away and looked out over the city. It was so bright, even now, with the sun long gone. She heard Berach move then felt him land beside her. She didn't look at him, instead fixing her eyes on the large statue in the distance.

"You seem happier since your form was restored," said Berach softly. "I am glad to see it."

Sigyn snorted,

"You can thank Loki's magical baby for that. He's going to be one to keep an eye on."

"Indeed. His boys are certainly unique. Máthair thinks they could bring a new age of seiðr when they are older, if Loki can curb Jörmungandr's more violent tendencies."

Sigyn could not stop herself from reacting to that,

"Violent tendencies?"

"He's young, but he's also powerful, and Loki spoils him. Máthair has said that his tantrums can be quite impressive. Almost like his uncle."

"You think Jörmungandr could be like Thor was when he attacked Jötunheim?"

"I think it's very likely. They are of a blood, and certainly Loki's got his own temper even if he expresses it differently."

Sigyn looked away,

"Well, that is Loki's problem, not mine," she said, sliding her fingers against each other.

"True. Unless you end up marrying him," said Berach. Sigyn closed her eyes,

"Can we just stop talking about my marriage? I'm sick of hearing about it –it's not even going to happen for a long time."

"Not even if it would benefit your realm? You should always consider what is beneficial in the long run for your realm too."

A wave of hot rage crashed through Sigyn and she whirled around to face Berach,

"I am not your student anymore Berach! I don't need you to be constantly telling me what to do. I am not a child, nor am I an empty headed fool who just ascended to the throne with no experience. I was queen the moment Malekith killed my parents, and I did whatever I had to to lead my people. I know what it means to sacrifice myself to protect my people, so stop talking to me as if we are back in your classroom. Those days are gone, they are dead! No amount of you trying to force me back into that position will make it happen. So stop it. If you want to marry me, fuck me, get children on me, at least admit to it! Don't try to act as if you just want to be the teacher again, because I am not your student anymore. Have enough respect for me to do me that courtesy."

Berach looked taken aback by her fury, his wings beating behind him. Sigyn gripped the railing tight in one hand, trying to conceal her trembling. Then Berach drew himself up,

"I am not looking to be a suitor to you. Máthair has been considering offering herself, since she respects that our relationship is not compatible with the trappings of marriage. So no Sigyn, I do not wish to fuck you. I only wish to offer my guidance, since I do have more experience with ruling in times of peace than you."

"I don't care," she snapped, "Vanaheim is not Alfheim, and you have no experience in ruling a realm recovering from invasion and battle. The only person who does is your mother, and her methods are not Vanaheim's methods. So enough! Vanaheim does not need saving, I don't need saving. I saved myself, it was Vanir knowledge, strength and determination that saved us."

"I know," said Berach, "I know you did, and I am proud of you Sigyn."

Sigyn's throat closed and she flinched at the words. The emotion they caused was humiliating.

"I don't need your approval Berach," she spat. Berach's expression twisted and Sigyn braced for the lecture he was clearly dying to launch, when a third voice interrupted them,

"Sorry Sigyn, I just thought you might like a drink."

It was Steve, and Sigyn felt a great sense of relief at the sight of him. She walked to him and accepted the sweet drink he had in his hand. Steve was looking at Berach warily, clearly wondering what was going on. She glanced back at Berach, then hooked her hand into Steve's elbow, steering him away. They made their way up to a walkway that lacked any sort of railing.

"This looks like a landing pad," said Sigyn to ensure Steve did not ask her about what he had interrupted.

"It's where Tony lands in his Iron Man suit," said Steve. Sigyn nodded, she had heard about the Iron Man suit. A part of her was dying to see it, it sounded fascinating, but she could not spare the time. She already hated that so much of her time was being given over to these parties.

"Is everything ok?" asked Steve, and she realised she had been quiet for several minutes.

"I'm fine, it's just… never mind." Sigyn turned Steve to face her, "I've been thinking about what you said to me. About how difficult it is for you to go near the ocean."

Steve's expression tightened, she could practically see his walls rising.

"Oh yeah?"

Sigyn nodded, reaching up and curling her hands around his upper arms,

"I think I can help you get past it."

Steve raised his eyebrows, clearly dubious, but Sigyn smiled at him.

"Are you thinking of using magic on my mind? I mean, I was ok with the dancing thing, but-"

"No, nothing like that. There will be magic involved, but nothing I do will affect your mind. I simply want to give you a new perspective of the sea."

Steve didn't look sure, so Sigyn let him go, giving him some space,

"Think about it, I can't do it until after the Reset. If you say no, I won't be offended."

"I'll… I'll think about it," said Steve, still frowning slightly. Sigyn could not stop herself from reaching up and smoothing her thumb over the crease between his eyebrows. It disappeared as he started in surprise. Sigyn snatched her hand back, her heart beating against her ribs once more.

"I should get back, I'm sure someone wants to try and charm me for one reason or another," she said quickly. Steve nodded, looking as confused as she felt.

"Yeah."

Sigyn gave him a weak smile, then turned around and hurried back into the party where she pretended to listen to whoever spoke to her.

That night she dreamed…

Sigyn stood in the centre of her old bedroom, the moonlight streaming in through the open window. Snowflakes fluttered in and she watched them, hands pulling on her neck to ease the tension within.

A hand turned her around and Byleist pulled her against him. He was in a simple loincloth, and her hands rubbed against his chest, feeling that rough skin again. Byleist grinned at her, then bent his head and sucked on her pulse point. Sigyn whimpered, her head falling back as her skin came alive.

"No…" she tried to say, but instead she pressed closer. Her hands slid down his back and slipped into his loincloth, which faded away. He had a pert, strong backside and she gripped it as hard as she could, wanting to see how he would react. Byleist bucked his hips and growled against her skin, yanking at her clothes, ripping her top off. Heat coursed through her and she decided to throw caution to the wind.

"Fuck me!"

Byleist swept her up and dropped her onto the bed, crawling on top of her, biting and kissing her face and neck. Sigyn grunted, pressing up again him, their fingers linking against the mattress. She opened her eyes as Byleist moved down to kiss her breasts and her mouth fell open in shock.

Loki stood over them, his eyes blazing. Sigyn drew in a sharp breath, but Loki tapped Byleist's shoulder,

"Roll over brother."

Byleist grabbed Sigyn's thighs and flipped them over. Sigyn almost over balanced, but Loki's hand curled around her throat and pulled her back against his chest. His mouth was hot on her neck, other hand cupping and fondling her breasts. Beneath her, Byleist was undulating, his dark hands shredding her trousers and underwear, his red eyes fixed on her face.

Loki pulled her further back and kissed her, delving into her mouth. Sigyn rolled her hips, feeling both men and she cried out when Byleist filled her. The burn was delicious and she raked her nails down his chest, scratching at the tribal markings. Loki broke the kiss and shoved her face down into Byleist's chest, pinning her there.

'Finally!' she thought with glee. How often had she tried to get Loki to be rough with her? She laughed and dragged her teeth over Byleist's chest, making him buck up into her again. Loki was stretching her other opening, first with his fingers, but very quickly it was replaced with what she really wanted.

"Oh! Yes!"

The two men dragged her between them, they wanted her, they were sharing her and she laughed again, the heat pooling deep inside her. So close… so close…

Fingers buried into her hair and dragged her head, making her look up. Steve's chest was already heaving as he watched her being filled by the other two, his other hand touching himself. Sigyn reached for him, and he walked on his knees so he was at Byleist's side. Sigyn lowered her head, sucking hard on him, holding onto his backside as she was pulled and pushed between them all.

So close…

Loki and Byleist were crushing her between them, Steve was clinging to her hair and she wanted more. She wanted to devour these men, she wanted them to beg her for release. They filled her and chased away the hole in her chest.

A hand was rubbing between her legs, she was so close now –now –now

Sigyn woke so violently she sat up, her own hand still between her legs, but her orgasm long dead without arriving, leaving her relieved and dissatisfied in the same heartbeat. The only sound in the room was her own frantic breathing, which picked up even more when she remembered what her dream had been.

Shaking, she drew her legs to her chest and buried her face in her knees, hating her own weakness. She tugged on her hair, trying to pull herself together. She needed to be ready for the Reset, she needed to be centred or it would be her fault if it all went wrong. And if this didn't go well, her plans for afterward would be impossible.

Besides, she needed to face the fact that sex was going to be in her future. The only question was whether she would control it, or someone else would.

The Reset is happening next chapter. I cannot wait! The most difficult thing will be how I describe something like this, so I'm polishing it up as much as I can. Plus the chapter after it will… be significant.

I don't know if people are at all interested in my rambles about writing this fic, but if you're curious, please come and chat with me on my new !