The room was silent for a moment as Thor took in the knowledge that he had been lied to and that he had not truly lost everyone. He stared at the Trickster in disbelief, desperate to see if this was some form of cruel illusion, and then reached for an empty cup before throwing it. Loki instinctively caught it before it hit him, and gave his most charming smile, while Freya could only watch quietly. Thor frowned, then turned on Freya.
"You knew this whole time? Everything you just said was a… a lie?" He asked, the air fizzing as she saw sparks form on his hands. Freya instinctively took a few steps back, trying to calm her fluttering heart and praying that she had not just made the biggest mistake of her life.
"I…" She stuttered, not wanting to face the God of Thunder's wrath again. It had been bad enough on Asgard, and that had been over ten years ago…
"Freya…" He warned. "If this is a trick then…"
"It's no trick." Loki said softly as he approached. "I am truly here brother."
"Loki died. I saw it happen. I held him in my arms as the ship…" Thor stated, still not taking his eyes off the woman.
"He lives." Freya stated quietly. "Everything I said was true Thor. I just didn't tell you everything." He glared at her for a few more seconds, before turning his attention on the God of Mischief. Loki was stood just a few metres away, and he looked a little fearful as Thor stormed across to him.
"Thor, I…" Loki began, and for one horrible moment Freya worried that Thor might kill him on the spot. However, Thor just shook his head and poked him, before hugging him tightly, almost as if to prove to himself that this was not an illusion.
"You died." Thor said sadly as Loki returned the hug. As much as he hated such sentimental expressions, he was also glad to have his older brother there. "I watched it happen. I held you in my arms and… You… You died."
"Well, it's not the first time I've escaped death." Loki shrugged as Thor let go of him.
"How did you…?"
"Truly I have no idea." He explained. "One minute I was on the ship, and the next I was in Freya's home."
"How long have you known?" Thor asked Freya, and she sighed.
"A few days. I wanted to tell you earlier, but we had to get here, and you don't have a phone." She pointed out.
"We thought it would be for the best that my true identity is kept hidden, what with everything that has happened." Loki explained as they sat down.
"Of course, if the Avengers find out then we are both in trouble." Freya pointed out as she stifled a yawn. "I have no doubt that there are many who would like to see Loki punished for his crimes."
"That is true." Thor agreed before shaking his head. "I can't believe you're really alive!"
"I will let the pair of you catch up." Freya decided, for she was struggling to watch their reunion. More than anything she wanted to see Astrid again, for though her sister annoyed her more often than not, she would give anything to hug her sibling. If she did get to see her family again, Freya swore that she would hold on tight to them all and never let go.
She wandered around the palace for about an hour or so, and was glad when she stumbled across the kitchens. Helping herself to a cup of tea and something to eat, she could not help but wonder if she had done the right thing. After all, she was now relying on Thor keeping quiet, and she was not entirely sure that she could trust him. She also knew that Loki would not be happy with her, and yet… yet she knew that she would not have been able to stay quiet for much longer. At least now she had one less thing to lie about, and her thoughts then turned to the morning. She was glad that it was still very early in the morning, for they had agreed to set off at first light, and Freya knew that she was not in any fit state to fight. She was sore and tired from the journey, and she was starting to lose her battle against the grief that wanted to overwhelm her. Yet she could not just sit idly by while everyone else risked their lives to bring back their loved ones. Sighing, she sipped her tea and hoped that she would see another sunset…
The brothers had been in deep conversation for over an hour when there was a knock on the door, but before they could answer, it opened. Loki shifted back to his disguise the moment he realised that their visitor was not Freya, but it was too late. The First Avenger stared at the Trickster in surprise, before raising the alarm. Within seconds the room was full of the Dora Milaje, and for one moment Loki seriously considered fighting his way out. However, he knew he was outnumbered, and it was not just his freedom that was at stake. He knew that the fate of the universe probably rested with him too, and he had to make sure that Freya was safe. Thor gave him a stern look, and so Loki held up his hands in surrender, for he knew that there would be no talking his way out of this one. He did wonder if Freya had also been found, and he got his answer as they reached the cells. The woman was pacing furiously, her anger evident as she cursed under her breath. Both knew that their chance of freedom was gone, and Loki sighed as he was placed in a cell opposite her. He was not allowed to roam so freely though, for he was shackled to the wall by his wrists and ankles, and he wondered how long it would take for him to get out of them once they were alone.
"It was Thor, wasn't it?" Freya's quiet voice asked after the guards were gone. Loki could only bow his head, for he knew his mistake carried a heavy price for them both.
"You are not to blame." He assured her, wishing that he could tell her the truth. "I would have done the same in your position."
"I suppose this means we won't be going with them?" The grim expression on Loki's face was enough of an answer, and Freya finally allowed her grief to swallow her. The God of Mischief could only watch as the woman sank to her knees and broke down.
Few words were spoken after that, but Loki had done his best to comfort the heart-broken Freya from the confines of his cell while also trying to work out how to get out of there. He desperately wanted to make Thanos suffer for all the pain and suffering that he had caused, and yet he was to be imprisoned while the Avengers did their best to save the universe. He had no doubt that they would try, but Loki also knew that they were unlikely to succeed without him. After all, he did have some useful information and knowledge about the Titan considering he had once worked for him.
The Trickster had tried for so long to block out the memories of those torturous days, for he had done some unforgivable things and he had suffered so much as a result. Ever since his failure in New York he had been constantly on the run or in hiding. How he longed to settle down somewhere and finally figure himself out. Asgard had been enough for a few years, although it had grown tiring to pretend to be Odin every day. Sure, he'd had fun pretending to be the Allfather, and he had not been able to resist testing the waters to see how far he could go without being suspected as an imposter. The large golden statue had been the last straw, but he had been surprised to meet with little objection. It seemed that the Asgardian's view of the prince had softened since his 'death' and Loki had not been sure whether to be touched or offended at this. Of course, Thor's return had scuppered things, and Loki had then made himself comfortable on Sakaar for a few weeks. Alas, that had not lasted very long, and now… Well, he had no idea where he would end up. He could only hope that he would be able to do things again without having to constantly look over his shoulder wherever he went. Even now, trapped in this cell and surrounded by the Avengers, he was still frightened that the Titan would come after him, even though Thanos had personally snapped his neck. He winced at the memory of being helpless in such a tight grip, and he cast his eyes back across to a sleeping Freya to remind himself that he had survived. He still had no idea just how he had done it, but he was eternally grateful that he had ended up in the home of such a kind individual.
The God of Mischief could not help but wonder what would happen to Freya now. After all, he knew that he would be facing trials and lots of questioning, but he had no doubt that he would be able to figure out a way to get himself free. Freya, on the other hand, had knowingly harboured a wanted criminal and helped to smuggle him into the midst of the Earth's mightiest heroes. She had lied to many people, and he knew that this would carry a heavy price, for no one liked or trusted liars. She did not deserve to suffer such a harsh punishment- of this he was certain. After all, Freya had only wanted to help in any way that she could. Loki had no doubt that the mortal woman would still have made the journey to Wakanda without him, and he wondered just what lengths she would go to for the ones she loved. It was certainly an admirable quality, considering that Freya had no wish to cause any pain to anyone, and he hoped that she would remain just as resilient in the following months.
Loki had no idea just how long they had been in the cells when he heard hushed voices and footsteps outside. He recognised one of them though, and he wondered just why they were here. Was it to say goodbye? Or had they realised just how useful he could be? His eyes flickered to the cell opposite, and he willed the sleeping woman not to wake up, for he knew exactly what was to be done. He had promised himself that Freya would not get hurt, and now was the perfect opportunity to keep her safe, while also making good on his promise to her.
"Loki…" Thor began, before frowning as the Trickster placed a finger to his lips and gestured to the sleeping mortal.
"Shh…" The God of Thunder looked confused, but dutifully lowered his voice.
"It has taken much persuasion, and it is against much better judgement, but it has been decided to let you come with us." Thor explained as he undid the shackles that bound Loki. "Of course, one wrong move and they will kill you."
"That is to be expected." Loki said wryly, while his brother glanced over at the other cell. "Let Freya rest. She certainly deserves it after…"
"She will want to come with us." Thor pointed out. "It has been agreed."
"She needs to stay here." The Trickster stated as he got to his feet and welcomed being able to move again. "You know that she is no warrior."
"Be that as it may…" Thor began to argue, before frowning. "You have a plan for her?"
"We need her safe, and it is easier if she…" The God of Thunder was quiet for a moment as they both looked at the Midgardian woman. She looked rather vulnerable and yet content in her sleep, and Loki knew that she would need her strength for the following days. "She won't survive this fight. Let her stay here."
"She won't be happy when she finds out what you've done." Thor warned.
"Then so be it." He shrugged as he took one last look at the sleeping figure. He gave a heavy sigh, for he knew he was about to betray the only friend he had left, and he felt guilty for doing so. True, it was for good reason, but he knew that Freya would never forgive him for this.
"Shall we?" Thor urged after a moment. The Trickster just bowed his head, though his gaze lingered on the sleeping woman.
"I'm sorry Freya." He whispered, before falling into step with his brother, hoping that this was not their last goodbye.
