Chapter 13

Odin sat on the throne peering down at them as they approached. Frigga stood off to the side, her facial expressions unreadable.

Each step Sigyn took, echoed throughout the room. She willed her legs not to shake as she knelt before the intimidating King.

"Rise," he said firmly.

Thor and Sigyn stood and Thor shot his mother a smile, which she tried to return. "Father...you know why we have come…"

"Yes," Odin's reply was a little more than a hiss. "Your minds have been fooled into seeing your traitorous brother as an innocent".

"My lord...if I may," Sigyn addressed Odin cautiously. "Loki was manipulated by Thanos...the Mad Titan. We know how powerful he is m,how difficult it would have been for Loki in his weakened emotional state, and he has an infinity stone".

"I do not see how that forgives him of his crimes, just because he had a weak mind".

"He was brainwashed. He was brainwashed because of your lies," Sigyn hadn't meant to snap and worried she had ruined it.

"Is this you, or your misguided feelings for him speaking," Odin replied angrily.

"I assure you, beyond emotion what is happening here is still wrong. On Midgard every person receives a fair trial before they are automatically charged. What you have done here is unfair and unjust," she said firmly.

"So now you will have me follow a Midgardian rule? Do you not see how far behind they are in their practices? They are still trying to call magic, science," he narrowed his gaze at the girl. "And what would you have me do? I was fair with his sentencing providing him with a comfortable cell to live out the rest of his days...would you have rather me sentence him to death?"

"Of course not," the firmness in her voice faltered.

"I agree that Loki should have received a fair trial. Despite everything he is still our son," Frigga was looking at Odin fiercely. Sigyn always admired her strength to stand up to him.

Odin sighed. "Frigga, I know you love the boy but the people of Asgard must understand I make no exceptions. Not even for my own...son".

Was that a hint of love? Sigyn wondered. "I am not saying you have to reverse his sentence and let him free. Just give him the chance to explain what really happened, and then we can let the people decide".

She had secretly hoped she wouldn't have to play this card. She hoped Odin would just perform the trial and make the decision for himself, but if he was so concerned about pleasing Asgard then she would have to get the people involved. Unfortunately, she knew Loki didn't have a lot of fans and Asgardians tended to hold grudges.

The room was silent for a few long still moments before Odin sighed heavily. "Fine, we will let Asgard decide".

Walking out of the room felt weird. Sigyn was concentrating on taking slow, careful, neutral steps away from Odin's careful watch. This went against her true nature, which willed her to run joyfully straight down to the dungeons to tell Loki the news.

As soon as she was out of earshot and eyesight of the throne room doors, she bid farewell to Thor with great enthusiasm and gave in to the urge to run.

Loki looked up from the book he was reading as the sound of the approaching footsteps. When he saw Sigyn in a dress he set the book on the table and stood up to greet her with interest.

"Was it a special day today? Or did you just get dressed up to prove how nice it is to have access to a bath?" he teased.

She didn't respond but instead kissed him immediately. The guards had grown tired of yelling at them about this and instead just turned around.

"Well good afternoon to you too…" Loki smirked, curious by the sparkle in her eyes. "Why are you in such a good mood? Me?"

Sigyn ignored his sarcasm and grabbed his hand. "Loki...Loki you're getting a trial".

His eyes went wide as he tilted his head back. "Wow…" is all he replied.

Sigyn could see the worry present on his face. "This is a good thing Loki. The worst that can happen is ending up back in the cell, but now you at least have a chance at freedom".

"Who is making the decision?"

"The people of Asgard".

Loki sucked in a breath sharply, then laughed. "You do realize they don't like me don't you?"

Sigyn rolled her eyes. "This is why you need to tell the absolute truth. No more worrying about Thanos finding out, no sarcastic comments, you just have to appeal to their good natured hearts".

Loki knew better than to argue with her so he resolved himself to one quick head nod. "I assure you I will be on my best behaviour...or at least...I'll try to be".

She punched his shoulder causing him to fake injury. "What is the first thing you would do if granted freedom? Take a walk? Enjoy the dining hall? Visit the library?"

Loki smirked. "I would tell you, but I fear you are already too hopeful for what is surely going to be a massive disappointment".

"Have a little faith Loki".

He moved closer, a devilishly sly smile on his face. "I think the very first thing I'd like to do if I was allowed out of here is…" he leaned down to finish his thought by whispering the last word in her ear.

Sigyn got so warm so fast she thought she was going to pass out. Did he really just? Part of her wanted to punch him, but the other part loved the way his words made her toes curl. He'd certainly be dangerous to her mental well being if he got out of here...and he knew it.