Chapter 4

Change happens when you least expect it.

It was a well-known saying, one Sigrid had heard many times from both her parents and Loki's. Change, like death, was inevitable. Sometimes it occurred when you needed it the most. Other times as the tides went by. It could be as sneaky as a snake, as merciful as a miracle, yet Sigrid certainly did not expect it to make an appearance at breakfast that morning.

Sigrid sat in the middle chair on one side of a rounded table, Queen Frigga on the other. She was having tea in the queen's private chambers before she and Loki went off to spend the day together. They always did so after one of his long missions away, and she had been hoping to go riding with him to the lake to collect more of those purple wildflowers that grew in abundance. She wanted to make sure she had enough to make flower crowns for her and Loki to wear to the star gazing festival in a few days.

The trickster in question was still asleep. Sigrid had snuck into his room on her way to tea and found him snoring away beneath the thick, emerald sheets. The journey must have tired him out more than he let on, and she decided to let him sleep until after her visit with the queen.

"That's a beautiful flower," Frigga complemented. "I don't believe I've ever seen them in the garden."

Sigrid touched the soft pink petals tucked into the side of her hair with a small grin. "It's a camellia. They grow on Midgard. Loki left it for me." Frigga bit back a grin.

"Did Loki find you last night? He had news for you."

"Oh, yes." She finished sipping her tea before elaborating. "He told me about the festival and that you were integral in getting the Allfather to agree to let me go. I cannot thank you enough."

Frigga's hand came to rest on hers, not a hint of her age showing in the still unwrinkled skin. "Thanks are not necessary. We've kept you away from as much unnecessary public events as possible and I hear it is no longer needed. Your father has been keeping us updated on the situation at home. Is it true you're thinking of returning soon?"

Sigrid nodded. "Just for a visit to see how I'll be received." She popped a ripe grape into her mouth, reveling in the tangy taste. Loki would have been stealing them off her plate had he been present. "I must confess I'm a bit nervous. My last encounter with Vanaheim was a tragedy, and even though papa says the people are more tolerant, there's always a chance things will go south."

"And what does Loki think?" Frigga peered at her from over the brim of her teacup. Sometimes when the queen made an inquiry, it felt as though she were searching for the answer to another question entirely. This was one of these times. Having been in the situation before, Sigrid knew to the only way out was to tell the truth.

"He believed I was returning for good, it seemed." She recalled the strained look on Loki's face the night before when she had first relayed her father's words. "Yes. He definitely did." The queen lifted a brow.

"Really? What did he say to that?"

"Well, I informed him that it was just a visit. He seemed awfully relieved once I did so." Loki's shoulders had indeed fallen when she explained the details of her supposed return. "Afterwards, he was very supportive."

Frigga placed her cup to the side. She picked up a spoon and stirred the liquid as she spoke, an enthralled look in her eyes. "My dear, do you have any idea why he jumped to the conclusion that your return would be final?"

Sigurd shrugged. "My time here will eventually come to an end. I am the heir to the throne of Vanaheim and as much as I have come to love Asgard, I cannot possibly rule from here." She picked up another grape, this time running her nail against the outer skin in lieu of eating it. "I suppose, even though I have always known this, the prospect of beginning my transitioning back is a bit jarring. Asgard has become my next home and there are so many people here who love me and whom I love the same." Another pregnant pause punctuated her sentence. "I'm going to have to start a whole new life, aren't I?"

"I'm sure it may seem like that. It's what I had to do when I married the king." The queen's fingers went to the ring on her finger and began twirling it. "Before I was married, I was raised by a coven of witches. They were my family. I had friends and a life and," here, Frigga gave a little smirk, "my fair share of gentlemen callers."

Sigrid gave a startled laugh. "Your Majesty. Does the Allfather know?"

"Yes, but I was intact when we wed so it made no difference. And though I missed the people I grew up with, I never once regret my decision to marry Odin. We have a wonderful life together, and two sons that are great men in their own way…"

Sigrid lay her chin on her propped hand whilst Frigga spoke. She loved hearing stories about her younger days. As children, Frigga would keep her and Loki entertained for hours just telling tales of her life growing up. From finding out about her gift for seidr to harnessing it, then to meeting Odin and becoming the queen of Asgard. Frigga had had a colourful life, one filled with adventure, love, and romance. Sigrid could only dream of having the same for herself.

"I do hope the day I leave for good will not be the last time I see everyone here," Sigrid admitted. "I'm not so naïve that I don't get that my time will not always be my own, but surely some communication will be kept. Asgard and Vanaheim are more than allies. There is real friendship between our nations."

Frigga made a noise of content. Her hand came to rest on Sigrid's cheek as she spoke. "My child, you are welcome to visit here anytime, as few and far between as that may be. Your return will be followed by a few years well stagnant on Vanaheim, because whilst you are a princess, you've not yet learned how to be a queen. I have no doubt that once you do, you will be a force to reckon with."

"Thank you," Sigrid murmured. "That means more than you'll ever know." Frigga was one of the persons she had admired the most on Asgard, right up there with Sif, Loki, and Odin himself. To know that the woman had so much faith in her swelled her chest with pride.

"I spoke only the truth." Frigga dropped her hand back to her lap. "And as far as your time back on Vanaheim goes, I'm sure my son will find every excuse to come see you."

"Ah, yes." Sigrid reached for her cup of tea. "I'm sure you'll have to ask Heimdall to limit his use of the Bifrost."

"My dear, I'm afraid not even the all-seeing Heimdall can keep Loki away from you." The queen stopped to wipe the side of her mouth with a fresh napkin. "Even as children you two refused to be separated. Anyone trying to keep him on Asgard would be hard-pressed."

Sigrid leaned forward in her chair. There was something she had been meaning to ask of Loki last night before they had gotten distracted. She planned to bring it up later that day on their outing, but she supposed running it by his mother could not hurt. "There's something I've been meaning to—"

A knock on the door interrupted her. She turned, cup still in hand, to see a guard enter with his head bowed. He only looked up when Frigga addressed him. "Speak, child."

"Pleasant morning, your majesty, your highness. I'm terribly sorry to interrupt." He paused to look at Frigga, who waved him off, so he continued. "There's someone here to see the princess."

"Is it my father?" she questioned, albeit a bit puzzled. Her father had stated he would not be seeing her for a while, but who else would come to see her? "Is he here?"

"No," said the guard, whose name she knew to be Magne. "It is not your father."

"Well, who is it?" Frigga interjected, not in a rude manner. "Do spare us the anticipation."

"Tis a fellow from Vanaheim, your Majesty," answered Magne. "He says his name is Leif Erlingson."

ooOOoo

There was a piece of paper waiting on Loki's pillow when he awoke late that morning. It was addressed to him in Sigrid's curly script, so he snatched it up and read the words she had written.

Lokes,

Could not bring myself to wake you from your sleep. I'm going ahead to breakfast with your mother, and I shall come fetch you after. It's a wonderful day out, and I've asked Erik to ready the horses for riding.

Yours,

Sig

Loki squinted into the sunlight. It was hitting him directly in the eye. Usually when he awoke on mornings it lay at the foot of his bed. The height of the sun coupled with Sigrid's note made him understand that he had overslept. Not wanting to keep her wanting any longer, he used his magic to clean himself and change his clothes. There would be time for a proper bath later.

He was halfway down the hall when a voice called out to him. "Loki."

"Mother," he greeted her approaching form. "Pleasant morning."

"Pleasant morning, my son." As she reached up to caress his cheek, Loki noticed that her usual smile did not reach her eyes. "How are you? Did you sleep well?"

"Very, although a bit later than usual. Is Sigrid still in your room? We're going riding today." Frigga's face slid into what Loki and Thor had dubbed her 'queen face'. Whenever there was a nobleman at court she did not particularly like or an event she was not thrilled about, their mother would pull out the placid, pleasant expression to get her through the ordeal. It was a far cry from her usual countenance, and right now it let Loki know that something was amiss. "Mother, is something the matter?"

Frigga gathered both his hands in hers. "Son, before I tell you this, I need your word that you will not go and act a fool." Loki felt his heartbeat quicken.

"Is it Sigrid? Has she been hurt?"

"Sigrid is fine. An old friend came to Asgard to see her today." His mother paused to gauge his reaction. "Leif Erlingson."

Loki's intake of breath was sharp. Frigga bit her lip, eyes holding just a bit of worry. Seeing this, he let out the air through his nostrils. "I see. Where are they, perchance?"

"Loki…". His hands went up in surrender.

"You asked me not to act a fool and I shan't. Sigrid's father made mention of him in his letter and she told me he was just a friend. That's all. Nothing to worry about." By the end of his speech, Loki was not sure whom he was trying to reassure. He just knew that there was a sinking feeling in his gut that would not abate anytime soon. "Where are they?"

His mother hesitated. She kept looking at him for any sign that he would somehow upset the man, so he schooled his features as best as he could. He must have done a good job, he thought, since he saw her shoulders settle in defeat. "They're in the gardens."

"Thank you." He made to leave, only to be stopped by a hand on his chest.

"Loki, I am asking you not to cause any trouble. Sigrid is allowed to have friends that are not you, and that you do not also know."

Loki spread his arms wide, offended. "I would never prevent her from befriending another person. I just want to introduce myself. Show him that good old Asgardian hospitality." Frigga watched him in disbelief. "Mother, I am not going to cause any trouble. I swear it."

"If I were not certain that Sigrid would handle you if you did, I would be following you to those gardens myself. Do be pleasant, son." Loki nodded. His mother gave him one last, indecisive look, then turned on her heel.

As soon as she left, Loki hightailed it to the gardens. He told himself it was because he had kept Sigrid waiting. That he wanted to apologize for oversleeping on the day they were supposed to spend together. Still, as the well-kept folly and foliage came into view, he could not help the feeling of dread that rose in his stomach.

He was made aware of voices—one Sigrid's, the other husky and unfamiliar—which he followed to a clearing surrounded by flowered bushes. His eyes were drawn at once to the girl huddled at one edge of the marble bench. Thought he noticed the awkwardness in her position, she was indeed having a full conversation with the man opposite her. She was so engrossed, it seemed, that she did not even notice him standing at the entrance to the clearing.

"Go interrupt them!" The hiss startled Loki out of his wits. He craned his head towards the voice to see a pinched face waving him over. Ingrid was behind the bushes, slight figure preventing her from being seen. Loki was surprised he had not seen her himself what with the bright red of her hair. It was very hard to take him by surprise. He must have been too focused on Sigrid to notice.

"Child, what are you doing here?" He, too, crouched down next to her. From there he could see that she had an unobscured view of her unsuspecting victims. By the looks of the grass stains on her dress, it looked like she had been there for a while. "Are you spying on the princess?"

"Of course, I am," replied Ingrid. "Someone has to make sure that man keeps his hands to himself. I thought it would be you, but you certainly aren't."

Had anyone who was not his family or friends spoken to him like that, Loki would have had them flogged. It was a good thing he had grown fond of Ingrid over the years. The girl was as unorthodox as they came; smart mouthed, snide and talkative to a fault. Still, she possessed an innocence that he had only before seen in Sigrid, and she had a knack for reducing him to stitches by saying the oddest things.

Sigrid herself liked the girl more than she let on. Complain as she might, Loki had seen the protective nature Ingrid bought out in her. Sigrid never scolded her for mistakes or for being late. She gave her time off to be with her friends and made sure to shield her from the negative comments that others at the palace threw at her over her parentage. Their relationship was less of an employer/ employee and more of a younger/older sister. The girl was important to Sigrid, and that made her important to him.

"The princess would not approve of this," he murmured.

A sly smile made its way onto the younger girl's face. "And do you approve, your highness? I ask because you've not yet ordered me away." Loki grinned back. This girl would be the death of some poor, unsuspecting man one day. He would enjoy every minute of it.

"That depends. Has he kept his hands to himself?"

"For the most part. He kissed her hand when she first met him but that was about it." Ingrid peered through the bushes once again. "Oh, I do wish I could hear what they were saying. Don't you have some sort of spell that would allow us to listen in from a distance?"

"I don't cast spells," Loki told her. "I'm not a wizard." Ingrid frowned.

"Well, that's no fun. What can you do?"

Loki scoffed. "More than hiding behind some bushes, that's for sure." He shifted around to brush the trimmings off his clothing. They surely would have ruined his outfit had it not been made of the finest Asgardian leather. "Fancy a stroll?"

"Umm…" Ingrid looked from his offered arm, to Sigrid, then back. "I should not. The princess is kind, but she may very well box my ears should she-"

"Brother!" The boom of Thor's voice pulled a curse from between his lips. "Whatever are you doing behind that bush?"

"Well, this has been fun," Ingrid chattered out. Her eyes were focused on Thor's approaching form. "I shall take my leave now, your highness."

Loki stared at the girl with wide eyes. Was this little minx really going to leave him to face this alone? "You're leaving? This was your plan!"

"Yes, and now your brother has all but ruined it. You'll let me know how it goes, yeah? Good luck!" She took off around the bushes, nimble form allowing her the speed she needed to make a quick getaway. Loki just shook his head in annoyance. Ingrid would wake up with a frog on her pillow the next morning for sure.

"Loki?" He looked up at the voice and met a familiar pair of eyes.

"Sig! Hello!"

"You're awake. How did you sleep?" She moved over to his side, away from the man next to her. No trace of irritation laced her voice or demeanor towards him. Sigrid was genuinely glad to see him appear. He also noticed that the flower he had left her was secured on one side of her head.

"I slept well, and I got your note. That's why I came looking for you." He did not feel it necessary to mention his run in with his mother.

"Oh," Sigrid tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Right." She gestured to the man who now stood across from her. "Loki, this is Leif. He's the old friend I told you about from back home."

The entire time he had been standing there, Loki was aware that Leif was next to her. He just could not bring himself to meet the man's eyes. Now that he was forced to, he surveyed him from head toe.

Leif was a striking man, though not the type to pique his own interest. He was almost as tall as Loki himself, with curling sandy hair cut in a style like Fandral's. His shoulders were broader than Loki's, back as well, muscles erring on the side of Thor's. There was a pleasant expression on his square face as he eyed Loki. "Pleasure to meet you, your highness. I've heard a lot about you."

"Likewise." Loki shook his firm hand. "Although, I'm afraid I was only made aware of your existence last night."

"Is that so?" He quirked a brow at Sigrid. "I would assume our last encounter warranted at least a mention. Or have you forgotten so easily?" Loki did not appreciate the teasing tone he took on, nor did he fancy the intimation of his words. He was even less satisfied when he looked at Sigrid for clarification to find her cheeks pink with blush. Loki blinked owlishly at her. She had made him believe this man was akin to a childhood playmate and nothing more. Why, then, was she so embarrassed?

"I- That was-". She was saved from giving an answer by Thor, who had caught up to them. Relief washed over her face when she saw the older man. "Oh, Thor is here. Thor!"

"Sigrid, brother. Hello!" He nodded to both before stopping short at Leif. "I do not know this man. Who are you?" His tone was not rude, rather that of someone ready to make a new friend.

"This is Lake, a visitor from Vanaheim." Loki introduced. He could not resist the purposeful screwing up of the man's name. The way he implied that there had been a dalliance between him and his Sigrid, followed by her subsequent flustered reaction, grated his nerves more than he expected it too.

"Leif," the man corrected, not missing a beat. "My name is Leif Earlingson."

His brother held out one meaty hand. "Thor Odinson."

Leif flashed his teeth. "I know who you are, Mighty Thor. I've heard many tales about you back home. Is is true you knocked the head off a Muspelheim giant with just one swing of your hammer? That was quite a bold move!"

Thor's head rocked back with a laugh, and that was how Loki knew he had found that new friend. "'Twas just a piece of his brow. I could have taken his entire head, mind you, had my father not warned me against murder."

"Loki?" Sigrid's fingers found his hand, burrowing their way into his clenched fist. He relaxed his hand to permit them entrance. "Do you mind if we take a rain check on today? I don't feel right leaving Leif alone. He's travelled from so far and he knows only me."

"Seems like he's making out alright." He gestured to Leif, who was still in conversation with Thor. They were on the topic of beheading now, lost to the world around them. "What is he even doing here? Your father never said he was sending anyone."

Sigrid gave a slow shrug. "There must have been a miscommunication. Maybe he thought I would not mind? I-" She puffed her cheeks out then blew out the air. "I don't know. All I know is he's here and I don't want to be discourteous."

"We were supposed to go riding." Loki was aware he sounded like a petulant child. Sigrid had many male friends that were not him whom she went on outings with all the same. He knew for a fact that she and Fandral went riding when he was on missions, and Thor would take her into town with him to get sweets from that shop they liked. So why did this one, insignificant man bother him so?

"I know, I'm sorry." Her fingers squeezed his hand. "Just let me spend the day with Leif and when he leaves tomorrow, I'm all yours again. Okay?" She gave him her most adorable smile, the one that made the corners of her eyes crinkle and outlined the dimple in her left cheek. Loki felt his heart melt immediately.

"Okay." He returned her squeeze with one of his own to let her know he was not angry. It was one day. Loki refused to be upset about her spending one day with an old friend, who would be gone by the time he arose the next morning.

"Thank you." She turned to the two other men, fingers still grasping his hand, and said, "Leif, would you like to see the palace? I can give you a tour before you leave tomorrow." Loki had never heard sweeter words than the last three of her sentence.

"You're leaving tomorrow?" Thor asked. No. No. No. "So soon? Won't you stay for the festival? It's only tomorrow." Oh f-

"Festival?" Leif's face lit up. "What festival?"

"Star gazing. It occurs every decade or so when the constellations line up perfectly," supplied Thor. "This was to be Sigrid's first one. Did she not tell you?" All eyes went to Sigrid.

"I would think Leif has more important things to return to," she answered. "Father did not even tell me you were arriving today, much less how long you were staying, and-"

"And I'm taking her," Loki interposed. He sensed Sigrid was about to being talking in circles, so he provided some aid. Plus he wanted Leif to know that the festival was his and Sigrid's thing, and his imposition was not welcome.

"Nonsense, we can all go!" Thor placed his hands on his hips. Never had Loki wanted to stab him more. "You can join us and our friends. What say you, Sir Leif?" Loki's free hand itched to conjure a knife.

Instead of replying, Leif looked to Sigrid. "I will go if the princess will have me." Loki wondered what the ramifications would be if he stabbed Leif too. Maybe he could say it was an accident? No, father, I did not stab him on purpose. I was merely holding my knife and he walked into it. Repeatedly.

"I…" Sigrid looked to him for help, and he just gave her a half smile. He already knew what her answer was going to be. She just wanted to ensure he would not be put off. "Yes. Sure. That sounds lovely."

"Great!" He reached out to take ahold of Sigrid's hand, pulling her away from Loki and breaking their hold. Loki just managed to refrain from tightening his grip and beginning a game of 'Tug of Sigrid'. "Now, should we go riding after the tour? I've heard about this lake and..."

Yes, Loki thought as he watched their retreating forms. My brother is definitely getting stabbed today.