Chapter 14

Word of the trial spread throughout the city. It was hard to go anywhere without hearing whispers of it. Worse, it was hard for Sigyn to go anywhere without people staring at her.

She knew very well what they thought of her. That she was just some lovestruck girl, captivated by a murderer's charms who thought she could change him. But no, charming as he was she wasn't that delusional. She knew he would never be the knight-in-shining-armour type, and didn't expect him to be. Though it was completely true her feelings for him had come rushing back, she was confident in her sound mind knowing it was more important to prove a point. Everyone deserves a fair and honest trial.

It would still be a few days before the trial would begin. Odin had immediately set to work preparing for it. Sigyn was doing her best to busy herself with work, training, or spending time with Sif and the Warriors Three. She knew none of them quite understood, nor did they believe Loki had any chance in Hel of getting out, though they would never tell Sigyn that. They did their best to steer the conversation to anything, but the upcoming trial.

Currently they sat in the dining hall having Sigyn describe fireworks. They were having a very difficult time understanding why they would waste their time with something so trivial.

"Mortals find the colours pretty," she tried to explain with a laugh.

"Still seems like a waste of time," Sif muttered, still not understanding.

"Can I borrow you for a moment?" Frigga had arrived next to Sigyn.

Sigyn startled having not heard her approach. "Of course my Queen," she stood and allowed the other woman to link arms with her.

Frigga was silent until they had reached the garden, twinkling under the night sky. "How are you feeling about the trial?" she asked.

Sigyn smiled. "All right. I keep reminding myself that no matter what happens, at least he would have had a chance. Better than where he is at right now".

"Agreed," Frigga nodded with a soft smile. "I really just wanted to thank you. No one has put an effort into his well being before...well at least other than me. My heart is full knowing that he has you on his side. He and Thor have always had their differences, so I'm sure he appreciates having you on his side".

Sigyn didn't speak but was touched by Frigga's words. They finished circling the garden and made their way back inside.

"Get some rest dear. It's going to be a trying few days," Frigga squeezed her arm and sent her on her way.

The next few days dragged and Sigyn's anxiety levels were at an all time high. She had been to visit Loki every day trying to gently coax him into the idea of behaving. As much as he had said he would behave, she was still skeptical. She knew it only took Odin asking the wrong question, or implying something he didn't like and Loki wouldn't be able to help snapping at him. That would certainly not be helpful for his case.

Sigyn was pacing her room. She had about 15 minutes until she was due in the throne room for the start of the trial. She had changed her outfit already three times, more out of nervousness than anything.

She took a deep breath, smoothed out her emerald green dress, and made her way down. The throne room was completely different than she had seen it in the past. The usual silence had been replaced with a low murmur, it turns out most Asgardians were very interested in this ordeal and had turned up to be a part of it.

Sigyn made her way to the front of the room and took the seat Thor had left for her. Thor squeezed her shoulder as a hello, but his eyes were staring straight ahead at his father.

Odin looked as stoic as always. Perched on his throne, deep in thought as he regarded the crowd carefully. Frigga looked radiant as she was seated next to him.

The crowd silenced immediately at the sound of the doors flying open. Two guards entered each holding two massive chains each. In between them was an already irritated Loki. His wrists were held together by a large set of handcuffs and his ankles had been heavily shackled as well.

Sigyn stifled a gasp at the sight of him. Is all that really necessary? The sight of his bindings had made her angry.

The crowd rubbernecked to watch him as he walked towards the throne. The chains clanged angrily as he went, Sigyn suspected he was taking longer strides in an attempt to make the sound even more dramatic.

Loki's usual look of pure amusement by the stir he had caused was present on his face. Sigyn looked to Odin, who naturally did not seem amused.

He locked eyes with Sigyn as he passed and offered her what seemed like his first real genuine smile. She smiled back and hoped she looked confident, she didn't need his trust in her to waver.

The crowd had begun to murmur again as he reached the front of the room. It was quickly silenced by Odin pounding his staff on the floor. He stood and stared down at his adopted son.

"Loki, of Asgard. You are here under trial due to your crimes on Midgard. Crimes that saw the destruction of one of their cities and the death of their people. How do you plead?"

Loki turned his face up to look at Odin confidently. "Innocent". Then the audience erupted into chaos.