Chapter 12

If it were someone else, Loki may have found her optimism irritating...but Sigyn made it seem charming somehow. She had apparently forgiven all his crimes, which was more than he could say for himself. Bless her heart for always seeking out the good in people Loki wasn't participating in her scheming, but rather sitting on the floor, leaning back against the cot, observing.

She was determined that she would find a way to get him cleared of his crimes. She kept rambling about some kind of Midgardian job called a lawyer. He had tried to convince her it was pointless and that it would never work, but she had never been one to give up. He found her prattling amusing, she was sitting crossed legged on the floor scribbling furiously in a notebook.

If he was being honest with himself he was grateful that he seemed to have someone on his side. He wasn't sure how he had pulled off gaining her favour, but he wouldn't squander it.

Sigyn felt that she could get a few key players to see things her way...namly Frigga and Thor. If the three of them went to Odin and asked for a fair trial, maybe Loki would have a chance. She understood it would be a difficult position to put Odin in. On one hand he had to set an example to the people of Asgard, but deep down he loved Loki, he was his son whether either of them would admit it or not.

"This could work…" Sigyn was pouring over her notes. This was going to take a lot of effort, but she was starting to feel confident in her plan. She grinned up at Loki from the ball she had curled herself into.

He was still not convinced this would work. He doubted Odin would even offer her council longer than it took to hear what she was asking. Her smile was contagious as he had found himself smiling, when he honestly felt no reason to.

"I can't wait to erase that smirk from your face when I get you out of here," Sigyn teased.

Loki didn't fail to notice the way her eyes widened, realizing how that sounded. He was unable to help himself, the need to be sarcastic and tease her back was far too great. He shifted closer to her on the floor, inching towards her slowly enough to watch the blush spread across her face. "And how exactly...are you planning on doing...that?" he murmured softly.

Sigyn could feel the heat from his body, he had positioned himself so he was right next to her, his one leg bent and the other tucked underneath it. He leaned on his hand so his chest was a few inches from the back of her shoulder. She wished she could have come up with a clever response, but her mind had turned to mush. Besides, he was always the quick witted one.

His breath tickled the back of her neck. "What's this? No plan for the future? That's not like you," his lips had brushed the crook of her neck and he felt her shiver. He smiled, pleased at her reaction, then he pressed his mouth to her neck. She made the most delightful sound in response that was sure to replay in his mind for at least a few weeks.

"Loki…" she found her voice, though it was not strong. "Don't be mean…"

Reluctantly he removed his lips from her skin. "Mean?" he was mildly offended. "I am unaware of what you are implying".

She turned to look at him over her shoulder. His eyebrows were raised, his lips forming an amused smile. She wasn't sure when he had become a master at flirting, but he was certainly good at it. "It's unfair to play with me like this. I'm not a toy," she said firmly.

Loki pulled back to sit directly in front of her so he could look her in the eye. "I assure you...I'm not playing," there was a mischievous glint behind his grey-blue eyes. She was just staring at him as if she was waiting for him to continue. He realized he was going to have to spell it out for her. Though Loki was clever with his words, he wasn't great at expressing emotions. Hoping it would suffice, he grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss. After a moment he released her, "You told me you loved me in the past". He laughed, "The funny part of that is that...I loved you too".

Sigyn found herself seated across from Frigga and Thor. After being removed from the dungeons by force again, she was more determined than ever to get Loki out of there.

Thor had a huge smile on his face, pleased with the plan Sigyn had invented thus far. Frigga's face, though impressed, didn't seem to carry a lot of hope.

"Dear…" Frigga started. "I am so glad you two were finally able to speak truthfully about your pasts and I know how charming he can be, but I do not wish for you to get your hopes up about his situation".

Sigyn went to respond, but Thor got there faster. "What does it hurt though Mother? It does not hurt to just ask Odin, explain to him our reasoning".

Frigga sighed heavily and gently touched Thor's cheek. "I suppose you are correct, Thor. It would not do any harm to ask, though prepare yourself...you father will not be pleased…"

Sigyn was pacing the hall nervously outside the throne room. She had changed into a beautiful blue dress and matching robes. It was the more traditional outfit choice for Asgardian women, and Frigga seemed to think it would help.

Thor was leaning against the wall right next to the door absentmindedly fidgeting with the edge of this cloak. He looked fiercely determined and Sigyn was grateful to have his stoic company while they waited.

Frigga had gone to Odin herself to explain why they were here, and why he should listen to them. Everything hung on Odin being willing to meet with them. If he refused their council, it was over before it even started.

Sigyn was rehearsing her points in her head hoping she could convince the King to see reason. The longer the minutes ticked by, the more her confidence faltered. Then she remembered how miserable and disheveled Loki was and she knew she couldn't allow him to spend the thousands of years left of his life down there.

She was considering all the ways she could break him out of his cell. Maybe if Thor truly believed in his brother, he could help her. Just as she was about to grab Thor and go bust him out herself the doors opened. A guard nodded politely at each of them in turn and said, "The All Father will see you now".