Aura, disguised as Sigyn, hummed a simple Asgardian tune as she meandered through the royal gardens. She had been concealed for some time now. While she was wary of the idea at first, she grew accustomed to her new identity. Hardly ever removed the pearl necklace shrouding her true self. And she enjoyed the new dresses with the orange trim. Wearing actual dresses were much easier to maintain than illusionary ones.

It was the first week of adjusting that had been particularly rough.

The first few days were spent learning how to respond to her new name. It wasn't that she didn't like the name. On the contrary, she genuinely thought Sigyn was a beautiful name. Even if she didn't know what it meant. But she supposed not every name required a meaning. It just wasn't her normal name.

The second biggest obstacle was learning not to be scared of everyone in the palace. Long before she was banished, Odin made it clear he wasn't fond of her. Which made some people give her the cold shoulder or stare at her for long periods of time. She feared for her life most days as she walked the halls of the palace. Especially after the guard named Galensar cornered her.

She shuddered and rubbed her left arm. Thankful the illusion hid the scars that man gave her. Some of the soldiers flirted with her now; apparently, many of them liked dark-haired women, but they left her alone when she walked away. None of them were aggressive with her. Not like Galensar. She didn't wish death upon anyone, but she was glad Loki killed him.

Her current fear of the palace stemmed from someone discovering her true identity and sending her away again. She had many long conversations with Queen Frigga before she believed no one could see through the magic. To the point where the full-blooded light elf chastised her for doubting her abilities. Not even Heimdall could see through the disguise. It fooled Thor. Odin never once looked at her. And Loki...well...

Aura hadn't seen Loki. Not even the bad one who persistently lurked in corners. The last time she saw him was when he left the healing chamber. She thought she would aid him with Queen Frigga, but before they reached the throne room, she was sent elsewhere. She never helped him. Nor did she see or hear from him.

Why did he disappear? Where could he have gone? She heard whispers of a fiasco in the throne room. However, she mostly ignored the common prattle. One bad thing about having a palace full of servants was the amount of rumors constantly circulating. She stayed away from the nonsense. Most of it wasn't true, and there was no reason in participating the spread of lies.

At least, no one questioned her. No one bothered her. For the most part. The other handmaidens were friendly. They were the only ones who remained nice to her when she was Aura. Thankfully, they accepted Sigyn just as well.

The day she took on the disguise was the day Queen Frigga introduced her to everyone as an Asgardian maiden from a family of gypsies who currently travelled the Nine Realms. She stayed behind so she could learn from the queen and be of service to the royal family. Many individuals entered servitude for similar reasons. It was a simple story she could easily follow. And one that didn't raise many questions she couldn't answer.

She inhaled a deep breath of fresh air. Oh, how she missed being outdoors. How she missed the flowers, the trees. Missed the butterflies who flitted around her. She was glad they found her even in a new form. The garden was the only place she felt at peace. Nature cared not for status or race or allies. It didn't judge appearance or class. Nature was just there; it never questioned who you were and why you existed.

Her bare toes curled into soft soil as she gathered large blooms of wildflowers, smelling them and placing them in her basket. Every morning, Queen Frigga sent her to collect flowers for her personal chambers. She never once complained. She eagerly entered the garden, listened as the night creatures sang their final songs before their slumber, watched the sun rise, and spent time with nature. It was the best way she could start her day.

And she knew Asgard's queen understood that, as well.

Queen Frigga gave her a normal life to the best of her abilities. The queen also put her in situations that could hopefully trigger memories. Nothing bad or harmful in any way. Situations for happy memories. Like taking her back to the hall where the little school had been. Pleasant memories.

Sometimes, it worked. Most of the time, it didn't. The cold pushed and locked out much of her former life. Queen Frigga reassured her that rebuilding herself would take time. Also reassured that it was okay to take time.

Aura checked around the garden. Only she treaded its paths, and that was how she liked it. She paused. Her fingers brushing the petals of a purple bloom in the middle of the route. A bloom that would be pulled and tossed away because it was considered a weed. Her brows knitted. When they were younger, Loki enjoyed sneaking her flowers, which were usually weeds. Because he claimed she had a way of making even the unwanted feel loved.

She picked the flower and laid it in her basket. A flower was a flower, weed or not. It was a shame to see such beauty wasted because it grew in the wrong place. That was no fault of the flower. It rooted where the wind blew its seed and where the soil favored its growth. Was it wrong for the flower to find life where it could?

Her gaze softened as she followed the path toward the largest tree in the garden. The largest tree in Asgard. It was named Yggdrasil, and it flowered all the time. Its sprawling branches and exposed roots a familiar comfort. The tree told countless stories, held the knowledge of a thousand histories. It was said it emerged the same day Asgard came into existence.

Smiling, she placed a hand on its trunk. Yggdrasil was very much alive. She could sense it when she touched it. Her eyes fluttered, and her heart picked up its pace. The tree bestowing some of its knowledge upon her. She inhaled sharply as she glanced over her shoulder, her fingers still feeling the rough bark. It was as if she watched the recollection unfold before her very eyes.

She was a young adolescent, sneaking out to Yggdrasil for studies. She followed the gnarled roots until she found one leaping out of the ground enough, there was a small space underneath it. A perfect size for her to curl up and read without being bothered.

Somehow, an equally young Loki found her. He always had a way of finding her. "Aura!"

The present Aura clutched her free hand on her chest, hearing his youthful voice. It was so vibrant and full of life.

The past her looked up. "Loki! What are you doing out here?"

He appeared rather shy as he held out his gift. "I got a book for you."

Child Aura took it with a smile. "That's so nice; thank you." She scooted to one side of the root's cove. Patted the ground next to her. "Do you want to read together?"

"Mother taught me a new spell, so I was going to practice."

She clambered out from her reading spot. "Can I see?"

Loki squinted an eye. "You want to see me practice?"

"Haven't I always?"

"But I just learned it." He rubbed an arm. "Normally, I don't show you until I've had time to practice it on my own."

She placed her hands on her hips. "You're the one who brought it up, silly. Now I get to watch you."

"Fine. But if something goes wrong, I warned you."

"I've never doubted your abilities. What'd you learn?"

He glanced up. A new excitement in his features. "How to create water. Or, rather, how to pull it out of your surroundings." He secured a stance. Raised his hands at shoulder level. Then he playfully glared at her. "This is my first time, okay? Don't judge me."

She giggled. "You already know much more magic than I do. I won't be upset with whatever happens."

Inhaling a deep breath, his dark brows furrowed with concentration. Water droplets formed in the air, gathering into a ball.

Her eyes widened with wonder.

His tongue stuck out and pressed against his upper lip as he collected more water. After several minutes, the ball grew bigger than the sizes of their heads. His arms trembled a bit. His eyes narrowing. "I swear I can hold it."

"You're doing it!"

He looked up, a big grin on his face.

The sphere burst. Spraying them both.

Loki sighed. His shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen."

Aura laughed and hugged him. "But you did it. You did what you described to me. On your first try, too. Who cares if we got wet?"

His face reddened as he hugged her back. "I still didn't do what I wanted, though."

"You will eventually. Once you practice more. Without me watching." The tip of her tongue stuck out.

He crinkled his nose. "Getting splashed is what you get for making me doing it in front of you."

"Do you wanna try it again?"

"No!" He stiffened and relaxed. "No, I actually liked your idea of reading. It's just a shame we're wet now. We could sit in the sun?"

Her face blanked. "What about being seen?"

He shrugged. "I don't think it'd be that big of a deal." He searched her worried expression. "But you did find a really nice root to sit under. We're not soaked."

She nodded.

The pair picked up books, traded, then situated themselves under Yggdrasil's watch. Where they read, talked, and giggled for many hours. They even read by the glow of a small light orb Loki conjured once night had fallen. They only looked up when they heard the shouts of a palace guard.

"Prince Loki? Your highness? Are you out here?"

Loki's eyes widened, and he quickly swatted away the orb. "Oh no. It's past the servant curfew, isn't it? I don't want them to be mad at you. I-I think I can turn us invisible."

Aura gathered the books in her arms. "You can do that?"

"Well, I haven't actually tried it on a person, but I turned a bowl of fruit invisible the other day. I've been reading about it, though. Grab my hand."

"Your highness?"

She held onto his hand. Biting her lip as he muttered to himself. Then her eyes widened. "Uh, Loki?"

"I'm concentrating."

"But—"

"Ow." He rubbed his head, looking up at what smacked him. Glanced down. His gaze flicked toward Aura.

She giggled as she hauled herself onto a branch. "I don't think floating off the ground counts as invisibility."

"Shh." He settled next to her. Keeping an eye on down below.

"You shh."

"He's gonna hear us."

"Then be quiet."

"You be quiet."

She clamped hands over both her mouth and his. Watching the guard stand underneath them.

"Prince Loki? Are you out here? Your highness? Your mother is looking for you." The guard walked out of earshot.

The pair faced each other. Erupted into fits of laughter.

Loki surveyed their predicament. "How are we getting down? If we don't get inside soon, Mother will send the whole army looking for us."

"You mean send the whole army looking for you. Queen Frigga will be upset with you, not me. And I can climb." She pulled her legs up and balanced along the limb. Dodging and swinging onto other branches. Working her way toward the ground with the ease of her elven heritage.

He smiled. Followed her movements. Albeit, not as gracefully.

Aura made it to the ground first. Stifled a giggle at his struggles. She became horrified when he dropped the remaining seven feet, rushing toward him. "Loki! Are you okay?"

Rolling on his back, he propped himself up on his elbows. Flashing a signature grin. "I think I just fell for you."

"I know you fell. Are you okay?"

His smirk faded. "That's not...yeah, I'm okay." He pushed himself off the grass. Brushed himself off. "I guess we should go back inside."

"Yeah." Her head tilted. "But I don't understand. Why would you fall for me? I never asked you to do such a thing."

"It's just an expression."

"For what?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. Cheeks reddening again. "Well, for when...for when people like each other. I've heard Thor and his friends use it."

She smiled. "I know you like me. I like you, too."

"No. Well, yes. But it's for like, liking."

"I don't think I understand."

His whole face red, he quickly pecked her on the cheek and took off running, calling behind him. "Good night, Aura. I'll see you in class tomorrow."

Her eyes were round as she stood frozen in place.

The present Aura blinked when the memory faded. She searched the tree her hand still rested on. Swallowed and rested her forehead on the bark. They were so young and carefree. How could she forget that? Had they really liked each other for so long? Were they truly been destined to be together? They had found each other after spending so long apart.

She wished they could've created more memories as children. But that was the night before Odin disbanded Queen Frigga's school. That was the night before their lives changed. The king saw to it that the royals and slaved stayed separated afterwards. Every once in a while, however, she'd discover a fresh flower or trinket or morsel of food under her door.

A sigh escaped her. Was she really so confident as a child? What happened? Odin happened. Her brows furrowed. No. She couldn't blame all of her problems on Odin. It was her fault. She chose to live in fear and anxiety. Her decisions had nothing to do with anyone else.

"There you are, Sigyn. I thought I'd find you out here. Is everything alright?"

Aura straightened and turned away from the great tree. "I'm sorry, Sjofn. Yes, I'm fine. I just—"

"Yggdrasil showed you a piece of the past, didn't it?"

"Yes."

The golden-haired handmaiden offered a smile. "It has an uncanny way of bringing ideas and people together, that tree. Hopefully, it was something good. I came looking for you because Frigga's requested your presence."

"Thank you."

Sjofn linked arms with the younger maiden as they headed toward the palace. "I sense a strand of longing and desire within you. Is that what Yggdrasil showed you? A former lover?"

Aura's brown eyes widened slightly. "I…"

The other laughed. "I may serve Frigga, but I'm a goddess of love, sweetheart. You're in love with someone, and there's no way you can hide it from me. Shall I guess who?"

"Oh, it's...he's no longer around. We were childhood friends. It seems like an eternity ago. Yggdrasil showed me an echo of us from that time. One I had long forgotten. I feel guilty. I cared so much for him, but I misplaced so many memories."

"Don't feel guilty. We all forget even the most important things from time to time. Life carries on whether we're ready or not, and sometimes it's messy. No one can blame you for overlooking something that happened in your childhood. Does this mystery man have a name?"

She hesitated as they entered the palace through one of the many entrances. "His father and I didn't get along, so I think it's best if I keep his name to myself. I'd hate for him to face reprimands for something that transpired so long ago."

Sjofn's head tilted, but she left the matter alone. Unhooked her arm from the other. "May you one day be reunited. The love you hold in your heart is real, and I would hate seeing such a beautiful thing never bloom."

Aura inclined her head. "That's a very kind blessing. Thank you."

"I'll see you later, Sigyn. Don't let Frigga boss you around too much."

Her nose crinkled with a giggle. "Never." She walked the palace halls in recollection. Subconsciously brushing her fingertips against her cheek. Her heart beating quickly. One of the very goddesses of love told her that her love for Loki was real. Had it always been real? What Yggdrasil showed made it seem so.

But all those visions in her cold room—except, that's what they were. Only visions. Fragmentations of reality. Delusions of her frozen mind. She must be getting better if she no longer saw the bad Loki.

Then where was the good Loki? The real Loki? Going from seeing multiple versions of him to none at all wasn't exactly reassuring. A pit gnawed in her stomach. She had a dark feeling there was some truth to the throne room fiasco rumors. Because Odin still sat on the throne.

Her deep brown eyes widened. Had he killed Loki? Did she lose him before she could even find him? Queen Frigga hadn't told her anything, though. Certainly, she would say something if her youngest son had died. Wouldn't she?

Aura turned down the private hall leading to Queen Frigga's personal chambers. Chambers Odin rarely visited because his wife wouldn't allow it. Her pace slowed when she heard voices. She stopped just outside the cracked open door. It was wrong to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help it. She peeked in.

Thor, who sounded very distressed, sat on a divan with his head in his hands. Mjolnir at his feet. "I know it has been weeks, but I do not understand. No matter which way I look at it, I do not understand."

Frigga sighed as she strode across the room. Planted herself next to him. "I know, my son. Your father…I have no excuse for him anymore. I honestly don't know what he thinks he'll accomplish out of this. He's beyond my control."

"You should have seen them, Mother. Both of them. They craved killing each other, and they had the power to do it."

"I won't lie to you. I'm surprised you were able to stop them. Both of them are headstrong and don't stop when they want something."

"I know we have already discussed this, but Loki concerned me most. He had this power I have only witnessed from him once before. It was a dark, acid type energy. I still do not understand."

She inhaled a deep breath. "That's what I kept warning him against. Thor, it's been forewarned that Loki is chaos incarnate. We know Laufey is his birth father, but I'm still unsure of who his mother is. But there is a darkness inside him he must constantly fight. What you saw was a glimpse into that darkness. For your father's sake, it was a good thing he was already so spent."

"What happens if he gives in to that darkness?"

"I am unsure, and I don't think we want to know what will happen. There's much about him even I don't understand."

"He is still my brother."

"I know he is."

"He is my brother, and I betrayed him. I could have resisted, should have resisted. I chose a mortal woman over my own brother. Why must I be this stupid?"

Frigga rubbed his back. "You weren't stupid, Thor. You were shocked, confused. You didn't choose anyone over anyone. You obeyed your father in a blind response to a strange demand. Odin may have very well killed him if you didn't do what he asked."

"That is what I feared. I feared that if I refused, he would have made me kill Loki myself."

"You very well could've saved Loki's life. Please try to see it that way."

"How am I still worthy of my hammer? How can I still wield it after my actions? I should not be able to lift it, yet I can call it after throwing it to other side of Asgard. I know. I tried."

"I'm sure it's your father's doing, somehow. Most likely a second form of punishment. He knew you'd be eaten up over what you did, and he knew keeping you worthy of Mjolnir would tear you up inside even more."

Thor lifted his head. "How can he claim Loki a villain when he is this twisted?"

She smirked in disapproval. "It's a question I've been asking myself for years."

"How can I call him Father when he made me torture my brother? I no longer speak with him. Who asks such a thing of his sons?"

"I honestly don't have the answer. I wish I did, so I could put your mind at ease, but I don't. I'm sorry."

His hands covered his face again, and he leaned into his mother's embrace. He cried into her for a few moments before sniffing and righting himself. "I am sorry. I should no longer be this upset."

Frigga dried his tears, her voice soft. "Don't trouble yourself over showing compassion for the ones you care about. It was a wicked thing that Odin made you do. I'd be upset if you had no reaction or enjoyed it as much as he did."

Thor faced her. "How is Loki?"

Her lips thinned.

"I want to know how he is faring."

"Not well. He's...let's just say he's not well."

"Mother, please."

"It's been twenty-nine days. He's been worse every time I've visited him. Which are getting fewer and farther between because your father knows I've been seeing him and making him as comfortable as I can. But I'm afraid I'm losing him."

The thunder god fell silent. He looked at her. "May I see him?"

She took his face in her hands. "I wish I could tell you yes, I really do. However, if you see the state that he's in now, it'll only worry you more. Please trust I'm doing what's best for the both of you. I know it's hard, but please trust me."

He nodded. "I will honor your wishes."

"Thank you." She glanced at the door. "Why don't you fetch something to eat? You're no good to your brother if you don't care of yourself. He needs you to be strong for him."

"Yes, Mother." Rising, he headed for the chamber's entry.

"And take Mjolnir with you."

After a long pause, he called his hammer into his hand. He stared at it before hanging it off his belt.

Aura ducked out of sight from Thor. Entered the chambers with the basket of flowers gripped tightly in her clutches.

Frigga stood. Smoothed her teal gown. "How much of that did you hear?"

Her head sunk between her shoulders. "Probably more than intended. What's been twenty-nine days?"

"Loki's capture."

"Loki's been captured…how?"

The queen took the basket from her and sat her on the divan. "When he left the healing chambers, he went to kill Odin for you. He was weak, but he continued exerting himself past his point of exhaustion. His judgment left him, and Odin managed the upper hand, defeating him."

She searched the door. Her altered voice quiet. "And that's why his condition is declining? What did Thor do that made him so sad?"

Frigga paused. "Odin made him punish Loki."

"What kind of, kind of punishment?"

"One that hasn't been used for many years."

"Is this why I haven't seen him all this time?"

"I'm afraid so, yes."

Aura played with her chocolate hair. "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"You've been making such great progress that I didn't want to overburden you. Loki's in the prison here on Asgard, and I've been able to visit him, so I know he's safe. Tell me, have you had any visions or nightmares, recently?"

She shook her head then hesitated. "Well, when I was in the garden today, Yggdrasil showed me a memory from when we were little, but it wasn't bad."

The queen nodded. "Speaking of which, have you seen the bad Loki?"

"No, actually. It's been relieving."

"I hate to do this so soon, but I must ask you for a favor."

Her gaze lifted. "Of course."

Frigga grabbed one of her hands. "This is a lot to ask from you, but I want you to come with me when I see Loki today. I am losing him, and I'm afraid he no longer listens to me. He's broken beyond what I can repair."

Aura's brows knitted. "What of my disguise?"

"I would let you be yourself, but the guards have been scrutinizing my every move. I don't know if they would recognize you. Still, I can't take that chance. There may be a way you can reach him as Sigyn, though."

She searched the floor. "I'll go with you."

The queen squeezed her hand. "It's only if you want to, my dear. I will not force you or coerce you. I want it to be your own decision."

The handmaiden paused. "It is my decision. When Sjofn came for me, she told me she could sense I was in love with someone. She also said my love is real. The only one I've ever loved is Loki. I can't sit by and do nothing if I know he's in pain."

Frigga grinned a little mischievously. "I'm well aware of her abilities. I've had her keep an eye on you since you've returned."

She slowly nodded. "Which is why you sent her to fetch me."

"I am a goddess of love, too, my dear, but it always helps to have a second opinion. Come. Let us go before it gets too late and the whole palace is alive and messing in our affairs."

Aura rose. Searched the basket of flowers. Her gentle touch wrapped around the purple weed resting on top. "Is it okay if I ask you one thing before we leave?"

"Of course."

She faced the other woman. "Does Sigyn mean anything?"

Frigga's roguish smile only increased. "It means 'victorious girlfriend.' And before you say anything, I wouldn't give it to you if I didn't think you were worthy of it." She swept out of the chambers.

Aura stood still for a moment. Her cheeks warm. She looked down at the flower in her hands. Giggled a bit before following the queen's dramatic wake.