(SIGYN)

Homeless Asgardians still filled the basement of the palace, which meant longer shifts in the kitchen. As a result, I hadn't the time to meet privately with the soldier for almost a week—he was equally busy with relief efforts outside, helping with the city's rebuild.

Thyra must've grown tired of my not having news to share and volunteered to take my place so I could meet with Theoric in the evening. Not wanting to disappoint him, I painted my eyes—somewhat modestly in comparison to how I looked at the victory banquet, but still decorated nonetheless—and was sure to curl my hair and pin it with intricate plaits. Now that I knew about his celibacy pledge, I felt less pressure to impress him with my body, which allowed me to relax and focus on getting to know him instead.

He knocked on my door right at sunset, as he'd promised in his note the night before. Tiwaz jumped from my bed and hid under it. It was better than his growls, anyway.

I took a final glance at myself in the mirror on my desk and swung the door wide. "You certainly are a man of your word."

His armor was still vibrant, even in the basement shadows. Theoric bowed, unable to lean down very far because of his breastplate's constriction. "I'm running late, actually, but I didn't want to leave you waiting."

My informal black robe felt inappropriate next to him, and I fidgeted with the skirt. "Am I too casual for what you have planned?"

"No—you look beautiful." He pecked my knuckles while holding my gaze, sending a medley of flutters through me, which competed with a slight nausea for his cologne again. "I need to change to match you instead. Perhaps you wouldn't mind accompanying me to the barracks so we won't lose time together?"

I nodded excitedly. "Of course. Lead the way."

He offered me his arm, which was mostly covered in metal plates that matched his red torso. The black sheath that peeked through was darker than Loki's, as if it hadn't had time to wear out. After the battle when we met, though, he mentioned needing to mend it, so I was sure Liv was mistaken and he likely had many scars decorating his skin. With his physique, I looked forward to learning them all.

After he'd bathe, of course.

We strolled across the gilded walkway in front of the palace and into the city streets. Lamplighters climbed ladders to ignite torches for another night of festivities. Victory celebrations continued.

"Have you seen much of the city since last week?" he asked.

"No. Truth be told, beyond going outside to fight, I've scarcely left the palace in years."

"Ah. That might explain your tugging, since we need to go the other way."

"Oh—" I stopped, now aware that I'd been leading him straight ahead because Mother used to take me down the same path to see my grandparents ages ago.

He chuckled. "Don't fret. I'm not judging you. The wonder in your eyes is somewhat charming."

"I admit, the city feels different than it used to be. Everything was tall and imposing."

"That might be because of the damage. May I show you some of what we've done so far? It's on the way."

I wanted to ask if he'd been commissioned to find space for a great statue of Loki, fallen son of Asgard, but I bit my tongue instead. "Of course. I'm fascinated by all people who somehow make all evidence of battle disappear."

"Well, it might not be as perfect as that, but the king has great plans for his city. This way." With a kind smile, Theoric encouraged me to let him guide, and I merely kept hold of him for the sake of closeness.

He took me by a few empty lots which were bare to the ground, completely demolished—the former homes of people now being sheltered in the servantry. The rubble had been cleared away, and new construction could begin. "The king requested new designs that can withstand the blows that took these down. The shield will be expanded to these citizens closest so the palace as well."

Despite my polite façade, a snarky doubt was obvious. "Do you think the king truly wishes to protect his people, or is he making commitments he can't hope to keep?"

Theoric stopped and looked at me with a furrowed brow. "Of course he does. Have you not heard what he's been doing for the ones who lost their homes?"

I gulped, worried my open disdain would trap me somehow. "You mean how he's opened the palace to them? I know that all too well."

"No, not just that. He made special visits to each family and asked what they needed most in the rebuild. Said it was his duty to trust the populace and make changes according to their wishes. Honestly, I've never known the Allfather to be so concerned with individuals; in the past, he's largely delegated such things to soldiers like myself." He sighed and gestured at the blank spaces before us—clean palettes for the king's work. "I'll be proud to see how Asgard thrives in the wake of this tragedy."

I nodded, though a slight swell of pride filled my chest. Did I help to influence this great change in him, and in turn, our whole realm?

Theoric took me deep into the city to the soldier's barracks, which was set up like a collapsible encampment; after all, if they were called into battle on some neighboring realm, they'd have to be ready to leave without much warning. It wouldn't make sense to leave much behind. Their world felt like a tented servantry, with small spaces for individuals and communal baths. As Captain, Theoric's prominent location at the front made sense, though I wondered if he felt overexposed as the first stop going in.

He asked me to wait by the front gates while he freshened up, and I was happy to oblige, somewhat hopeful that he'd return less offensive to my nose. This far away from the palace, the sky was darker than usual, and a few of those precious stars I'd recently learned about were visible.

I chose to stare at my feet instead. The less I thought about Loki, the better.

Theoric returned much the same way he did when he asked me to attend banquet with him a week prior—muted in brown and a cream tunic, with his hair only half-tied back above his ears. He was simple and beautiful in an understated way, despite the fact his face was well-proportioned and pretty. Like this, his inner splendor shined through.

I couldn't help but slightly curtsey when he offered me his arm again. "My, my...I'm afraid you still put me to shame."

He grinned. "You're mistaken, but I appreciate the compliment."

"You're welcome." I wrapped my hand around his elbow as he led us away, toward further outskirts. "And I like Theo, by the way. The nickname you put on your note. I think I'll call you that from now on, if that's alright with you."

"Only those closest to me ever use it. You are absolutely welcome to." He patted my knuckles and flushed a fair pink in his cheeks.

"Have you always gone by Theo?"

"No. Mum called me Ricky." He cocked a brow at me.

I grimaced. "Not a fan of that one, I take it?"

"Precisely. Do you have any nicknames? Something you'd like me to use?"

"No, I've never had one. I'm afraid Sigyn isn't exactly the simplest thing to shorten."

"We'll find something that works." Theo strolled at a reduced pace, as if talking about our names made him less nervous to be around me. "My family's always giving each other new names and things. It would be strange to only use your given moniker."

"Tell me about them. Your family." I cleared my mind of everything else so I could etch his words in my psyche, aware that someday the people he spoke of might very well be permanent fixtures in my life.

"Where do I begin?" He sighed but didn't hesitate to open up. "We weren't noble by any means, so the army was how I could bring my family honor and change my station. Mum passed away a year ago, and Father was gone before I knew anything about him. Some say that's why I'm less harsh than the other soldiers—being raised alongside my sister gave me a softer edge." Theo's instant trust was appealing, refreshing, and somewhat abnormal, but it made understanding him quite easy.

"And where is she?"

"Maia's on the other side of Asgard, toward the mountains. She and her husband have five children. Please don't ask me to recite all their names."

I snickered, though panic soon followed. "Five? Is...are...do you—"

"I have no desire for a brood like that," he said, guessing my question before I could ask it. "Truthfully, I feel she's sold herself short. Could've been a great warrior, like me, but she settled for her husband. A healer. They'll never be able to gain more ground than they already have. It seems a waste to me."

"You really are different, aren't you?" I watched his face carefully, attempting to detect any sort of lie or signal that he'd take issue with my stance. "I don't think I've ever met a man, let alone a soldier, who believed in women's power so much."

"How can I not? I didn't exactly have the most incredible example of a father. Mum did everything on her own because she had no other choice. I thought, given all the options, all the men she could've picked, Maia would've wanted something different for herself. Mark my words, if I ever have a daughter, she'll see glory."

"A different kind of expectation. I can appreciate that." I watched our feet as we walked, step by step, matching right and left sides as if we moved in tandem. "Mother and Father didn't really have expectations for me either way. I'm not sure where I planned to end up. Father became ill when I was too young to work on my own, so I took care of him when he lost his faculties. Mother served Frigga all day, and I stayed behind." Thinking about his frail form deteriorating day by day made me pause.

"I am so sorry you had to witness that," he whispered, understanding the weight of what I went through.

"Thank you." I met his gaze with mine for a fleeting moment. "Perhaps all that time in the palace is what's tainted me to everything outside. Because both my parents served nobility—Mother as a servant and Father in the armory—we had chambers on the second floor. Small, but private for all our needs. After Father died, I became a servant in my own right officially, and was forced to move into the small chamber where you fetched me from tonight when she passed as well."

"Do only servant families receive larger homes? Forgive me, I know little about the inner workings of those who assist at the palace."

"It's quite alright...why would you know?" I took in a deep breath of cool air while we approached the barrier over the sea, admiring the glint from the rainbow bridge stretching out to the Bifrost. "I believe there are only a select few who are granted larger spaces than those in the basement if they don't have families. Servantry leaders. They give assignments, allowances, uniforms...you asked if I answered to anyone in particular when I do my work, and while I don't make formal reports, there is still a hierarchy of leadership."

"When you served Odin, did such people make the change to where you are now?"

His question was innocent enough, but it stung in a way I couldn't describe. "Um. No, actually. Those orders came directly from the king. Like I said, I earned the position with Frigga because it was my mother's place—he made a...a determination that I wasn't well-suited for his service."

Theo hummed. "So receiving a new placement from the king is...rare, at best, yes?"

"Yes. Quite." I couldn't give more than that—I didn't truly know if the real Odin made decisions like that or not. "Anyway, I'm pleased to be where I am."

"Are you?" He stopped us and turned to me, taking both my hands and rubbing my knuckles with his thumbs. A new energy flowed from him that buzzed in the air. "Because I fear you are not unlike my Maia, Sigyn."

I squinted. "How do you mean?"

"I believe you sell yourself short." Theo's eyes couldn't lie if he tried—they were too clear. Too innocent. "When I saw you fighting alongside us, you were astonishing. Better than any of the Valkyrie I'd seen before."

"Oh, stop—"

"No, I mean it." He pressed his lips in a serious line. "If I had the right to put you in my own army, I'd do it." Theo snapped to make his point. "No question."

This flattery was one I hadn't heard before. A man praising my strength over my sweetness? My mind swayed back and forth like the waves before us, unsure if what he said was really true of me. While I enjoyed the thrill of the fight in theory, in practice, it was terrifying and not something I'd volunteer for again. After all, I'd already been forced to learn in childhood how dangerous a fire was—as an adult, becoming a warrior would've made me a fool.

"Alas, I cannot make you a Crimson Hawk. That is not my decision." Theo came a bit closer, blending his breath with mine. "But I can make a recommendation. Just say the word."

I found myself gulping again as I did earlier with the rebuild questions. "I...thank you. I shall think about it."

"You should." He backed away and stared out toward the Bifrost with me, which was a golden landmark amongst the misty air above the water.

Me, fight for Asgard? I bit the inside of my lip. Perhaps Maia did know what she wanted. There's no shame in motherhood. What if she's happy with her healer and her children and her status? Theo's unconventional support made me question my priorities and even the rest of my life—if I wasn't a servant, what would I do? What did I want?

I had plenty of time to consider my options while we lingered on the path back toward the palace. Hardly any moment between us was silent, filled instead with compliments and jokes and anxious laughter. Typical early time between two people who needed to lay groundwork. We agreed that such things were somewhat boring, but the rest of our lives wouldn't make sense if we didn't know each other's basics first.

Theo's favorite color was a light sky blue. Mine, deep green. He enjoyed the occasional sip of wine, while I tended to overindulge and lose my inhibitions. Someday he hoped to visit Midgard and told me some of his most challenging battles, confirming the existence of three prominent scars. I was cautious not to reveal too much about my physical history—we did not discuss his celibacy, though it felt like the obvious obstacle between us.

By the time we entered through the basement doors, I was exhausted and ready to surrender to my bed, but Theo had other plans.

"Come this way. I need to show you something." He pointed up the stairs, away from my chamber. "I promise, you'll get to rest those feet soon."

I stood up straight, preparing for a steep climb to the top of the palace in case that was his aim. "You better keep your word on that, or I'll force you to carry me back down."

"That wouldn't be the worst thing, would it?" he said, winking.

This back staircase was virtually abandoned and nothing like the well-lit path I used to take to the noble floor high above. Thankfully, he stopped after two flights and pointed down the quiet hall.

"What could you want to see here?" I asked, looking for familiar faces. A few choice healers lived on this floor, as well as servant families with small children. It was surprisingly quiet considering how many youngsters normally raced back and forth across the smooth marble.

"This." Theo directed me to a closed door on the right and pointed to a symbol at eye level. "Are you familiar with this insignia?"

What is your aim here? I folded my arms. "Yes...that's a servantry leader's mark. Directorial."

"I thought so. And this?" He moved his hand down the wood, but I was distracted by the distinct curl of his lips, holding back some kind of secret.

"Let's see. It's—" The moment my eyes passed over it, I felt dizzy. Different. "It says...d-daughter of Edda."

"Indeed." Theo arched his brows and smiled with closed lips, cautious with his words. "Tonight, I was given a single task: distract you until the hour is late so there would be time to relocate your things."

"My...what?"

He opened the door and presented the room, which was at least three times the size of my chamber downstairs. A private bathing vessel was snug against the back wall, and a small window let in light from the streets. The bed on the left side of the room was larger than what I was used to, and the wardrobe was open, displaying all my clothes. The desk against the right wall was mine from downstairs, untouched and still adorned with portraits of my parents. A small bowl I set aside for Tiwaz at the foot of my bed completed my small collection.

I couldn't speak. My life had changed. A black robe draped over the chair for my desk, confirming my new station, setting me apart from servants in gray. My eyes burned with tears of confusion and happiness.

"Sigyn Eddasdottir, you have been underestimated." Theo took one of my hands and wiped my tears with a small handkerchief. "Everyone in this palace has noticed, and so it is time you were honored appropriately."

Now my heart pounded with more recognition. Loki said he had new plans for me. Was this what he had in mind? Changing my station in another way?

I stammered, "I don't understand," trying to keep my sniffles to a minimum. "What is it I'm meant to do now?"

"Your tasks are to keep the whole palace running as well as you've kept that kitchen downstairs. With your experience on all levels, you've proven yourself to be the wisest choice to decide who should be assigned where. The king himself gives this charge to you, and thanks you for your impeccable service—said this would be the next step up from where you were when you served him privately."

My jaw dropped, unable to keep my composure. "He said that? He...I'm..."

"You've earned a place of honor, Sigyn." Theo sighed and kissed my knuckle in the same way he did when he picked me up earlier. "Perhaps someday you will share this space with me."

If not for his ridiculous rule, I would've asked him to stay with me that night. The large bed and wide room were intimidating, and I'd likely spend most of the twilight hours investigating every small noise. What if Tiwaz couldn't find me? What if Thyra didn't know I'd moved?

But underneath it all was gratefulness. Loki was right—this was the only step above serving on the noble floor: commanding those who would do so. I was separate from him, but better off than when we met. He didn't need to keep me close anymore.

Loki trusted me.

"Thank you, Theo. Truly. Thank you." I kissed his cheek. "I'm happy you'll still know where to find me."

"And I'm happy you might learn to recognize your worth." He flicked some of his long hair away from his face, since now it was rustled from walking in the wind. His beard still did nothing to hide the blush in his cheeks and over his nose. "I know this might sound somewhat odd, but would you be willing to train with me?"

"Train?"

"Proper fighting—more than with your small knife. I'd like to see if you have the same skill with a full sword, or perhaps a bow."

I had no real reason to refuse. It would be good exercise, anyway. "Sure...so long as you don't have expectations that I'll be a natural at all of it."

"I have no doubt you are. Just as you're a natural at capturing my heart." He reached up for my earlobe and gave a gentle squeeze, which was more intimate and spine-tingling than anything he'd done thus far. "I'll retire now and let you get acquainted here. Sleep well, Siggy."

My stomach slammed straight down. Gods, I hate it. His effort at an affectionate nickname hit all the wrong notes. But no man had ever tried before, so who was I to deny him the chance? Perhaps it would grow on me with time. "Same to you, sweet Theo."

Once he was gone, I ransacked the room for Father's knife and couldn't find it in any obvious location. I cursed under my breath and wondered if it would be too suspicious for me to go downstairs and comb the old chamber. The only place I hadn't searched was between the mattresses of the new bed, and I reached in with a tiny spark of hope for success.

Cool metal met my hand, helping me breathe easy. I pulled the familiar scabbard from its hiding place and exposed the knife. A small note was tightly wrapped around the blade, clearly intended for me alone.

I closed my eyes and pressed the knife against my chest, grateful to have found my most prized possession and unwilling to admit how badly I wished for the note as well. Even with all my stubborn efforts, I couldn't escape him. He was still everywhere.

The tight writing was curt. Emotional by showing no emotion at all. It was a simple truth—and one that predicted an easy argument from me:

I did not enter your room uninvited, for this room was not yet yours.

His note made me laugh. I couldn't stop laughing. Loki's mischief was more than I'd ever imagined—the greatest fool of all was me.

But it was a game. A dangerous one.

With my weapon beside me to protect against the unknown, I stretched all my limbs, enjoying the opportunity to spread. I tried to force my mind to think about Theo, his blue eyes, and the ease of his words. He was my future, the answer to burning questions that asked where life was going. Far away from the palace. Maybe far from Asgard. A place where Loki couldn't have the last word, and therefore, the last thought before I fell asleep.