Loki was lying in bed, unable to sleep. He wanted to confront Solweig after his talk with the queen, but as he reached for her chambers he was informed by her staff that she was unwilling to see anyone. He had hesitated to invoke his right as prince of Asgard for them to let him in, but he finally conceded that she deserved some privacy.

His head resting on his pillow, his mind was jumping from one memory to the next. He was actively searching for clues that could confirm Frigga's earlier confession.

He remembered that he'd kissed her once, a few years ago… They both had a lot to drink and she had asked him to show her what it felt like. He did it of course, because she was a beautiful woman and because she'd asked nicely. Her mouth was soft and tasted like summer, and he remembered the lust growing in his pants as she parted her lips, allowing his tongue to enter her more deeply.

He had had left it at that, though. He knew they would not go further as she obstinately saved her virginity for whomever she would marry. He instead retreated in his apartments and fucked one of the servant girls against the wall before sending her cooking him some dinner.

He sighed, displeased. Was it possible that she fell in love with him after that? He should really be more careful with whom he'd choose to share his intimacy in the future. It was not the first time it'd happened. He smirked as he recalled that one time he depraved the sweet daughter of one of Asgard's oldest friend. His father's friend was outraged, so much so that he was almost forced to wed her. "What can I say? She loved it. She even begged me to accept her as one of my slaves once we were done" had said Loki, shrugging carelessly while the girl's father seemed on the verge of fainting. He hadn't lie, though. Why did people always assumed it was his fault?

The thought of Solweig's fate quickly came back to his mind, and a sudden, surprising sadness filled his chest.

He rubbed his eyes. He should get some sleep for he knew the next day would be exhausting but he couldn't appease his mind. He called for the guard in front of his door and asked him to go fetch Daia. She for sure knew how to tame his anguish.

—-

Solweig was sitting at the edge of her bed, looking at the furnitures in her room. She wondered what she would be allowed to bring along to Svartálheim. All night she had considered reaching out to her brother, begging him to find another way, but she knew this was hopeless. Considering the circumstances, she knew she should be grateful for not having simply been sentenced to the axe. Theoretically, she was now nothing else than a prisoner of war.

She could also run away and seek protection in her own land, waiting for the war to be over, but she knew Fólkvangr would not stand against Asgard's fierce warriors. While she was all pampered by Odin and Frigga, her brother was left in the care of the priest in the mountains, abandoning the realm. Fólkvangr was in a pitiable state and it would take more than a few months to get the kingdom back on its feet…Thorsten's plan was suicidal...

She was brought back to reality by Frigga's maid who informed her that breakfast was awaiting her. She slipped into a dusty pink dress and headed to the banquet hall. Everyone was already seated, obviously awaiting her. They rarely shared such family breakfasts, but she supposed everyone wanted to be there since this was one of the last meals they would enjoy together.

They discussed various topics, none of them was particularly exciting, but she made a point to show how thrilled she was by the realm's affairs. If she would display her interest in politics now, perhaps would Odin ask to go fetch her whenever he would visit the Svartálfar while discussing similar matters over a banquet. That could be her only chance to see him again.

Speaking of the devil, Loki was more quiet than usual, and she kept feeling his cold gaze against her skin. She always had the feeling, whenever he stared at her, that he was able to look right through her. His eyes had the power to strip you naked, to pass the barrier of your skin and go explore the scariest, ugliest secrets you'd hid deep within yourself.

At the end of the meal, she turned her eyes to his, only to notice that he was still watching her. He did not look away, imperturbable and even though she felt awkward, she kept staring back.

He couldn't help but smirk when he understood that she would not give up that easily. She was as proud as an eagle, he thought. He wondered whether that would serve her right in the bedroom of King Harald.

"So, my dear child, have you considered the options we gave you?"

Solweig turned her head to Odin, finally bringing to an end the little eye argument or whatever she was having with Loki.

"I have, my King" replied the girl.

They were all staring at her now, awaiting for her to pursue.

"I will renounce my freedom and go to Svartálheim"

Frigga gasped, her hands trembling.

"Do not rush into such decisions my dear child… Think it through"

"There is no need to think further, my queen" said Solweig, turning her beautiful eyes to whom she was addressing. "I have already decided."

"Very well" declared Odin before standing up. "Am I to understand that we can advance the ceremony to tonight's audience?"

Solweig nodded, a lump in her throat at the sight of Frigga drying her eyes with the corner of her napkin. The queen quickly stood up and followed her husband, leaving the three of her children alone at the table.

No one was talking and Loki and Thor just kept staring at Solweig who feigned to be completely indifferent about what just happened. She finished her plate in silence, before curtsying to the both of them with a "if you'll excuse me" and disappeared behind the heaving golden door as well.

A heavy silence filled the room. The two brothers exchanged a knowing look.

"Did you know?"

Thor reached for his glass, drinking its content down in one go.

"That she is in love with you?" he snorted, shoving a piece of bread in his mouth.

"That's not what I was asking for but go on" inquired Loki, spinning on his chair, his elbows now resting on the table.

"Well, that's quite obvious. It's funny that you're the only one who never realised it though" he joked. "I didn't want to marry her either, if that was your first question"

Loki moved backwards in his chair, thinking. He caressed his chin pensively, wondering what they all saw that he'd missed. All those years, suitors have been queuing up in Odin's hall, asking for the gorgeous goddess' hand. All those years she had refused them. If everyone knew she had fell for him, why hadn't his Father offered her to marry him, Loki, instead of his brother? The only plausible argument he could gather was that Odin wouldn't let Loki marry before Thor. The risk of Loki to father an offspring before his first born was too high… But if… if Odin had asked him, what would he have had said?

Thor cleared his throat loudly.

"More seriously brother, we can't let her be sent to King Harald"

"Of course not" Loki replied, rolling his eyes. "But we need to come up with a solid plan"

"We still have a few weeks" advanced Thor carefully "Theoretically, she would have to undergo the training in Asgard first… But she can be so stubborn sometimes that if we'd let her know of our scheme, she'd do everything she can to make us fail"

"Of course she'd do that" whispered Loki.