Chapter 44: Loki
Jotunheim didn't get more inviting the more times one went there, Loki decided as he trekked through the snow once more. At least this time he was met by a friendly figure.
"My king," Sigyn said, kneeling with her head bowed as he entered the Temple. She held the Casket out to him.
Loki regarded the glowing object with a slight smile. With the Infinity Stones gone, this was the next best weapon with which to fight his enemies – should he make any. He could lay waste to entire countries, take over worlds, maybe.
But he didn't want to. He knew that now.
Gently, Loki pushed the Casket back towards Sigyn. "Keep it."
She looked up questioningly, a frown creasing her blue forehead.
"Jotunheim needs a ruler," Loki explained. "Regardless of who my father was, that's not me. I'd like you to be queen, Sigyn. Rebuild Jotunheim. Make peace with Asgard."
Sigyn nodded, drawing a deep breath. "It would be my honor, Laufeyson."
Loki smiled.
A fine mist of water blown off the lake drifted through the air as Thor and Loki walked along Bifrost towards the Observatory together. They were silent, but it was the sort of silence shared by friends rather than enemies.
Heimdall was waiting for them at his newly-repaired post, and bowed his head as they entered. The brothers returned the greeting and moved to stand at the far doorway, looking out over the void of space. It was truly beautiful, Loki thought.
"There's nowhere in the galaxy like Asgard," he said.
Thor smiled softly in reply. "Are you sure you want to leave?"
Loki chuckled. "I'll be coming back from time to time to smooth things between us and Jotunheim. Are you sure you want to stay on Earth?"
Thor nodded. "Jane's down there. As much as I love it here, wherever she is, that's home." He faced Loki, placing a hand on his shoulder with a smile. "And I'll have you, Brother. Things won't be so boring with your mischief to contend with."
Loki grinned. "Count on it."
Thor's expression grew serious. "I'm glad to have you back," he said.
A warmth filled Loki's chest that he'd rarely felt before, but he was pretty sure it was called contentment. "Me too," he said.
Then he nodded to Heimdall and together they let Bifrost pull them away from Asgard … and to whatever came next.