Chapter Twenty-Four

Early the next morning, Sigyn came downstairs wearing her nightgown, looking much better for a good night's rest. Freyja silently gave her some toast and fruit.

"I'm sorry, Mor. I didn't realise that it would be so easy to get drunk."

Freyja sat down beside her daughter. "Are you really sorry or just sorry you were found out?"

Sigyn looked absolutely miserable. "I'm really sorry. I just wanted to be grown-up like you..."

"Oh, Sigs." Despite having initially hating the nickname, Frey's continued use had grown on Freyja. "You don't need to be grown-up just yet. Grown-ups have lots of problems."

"But I want to get married and have babies."

"Only time will make you grown up enough for that!" Freyja exclaimed, tapping her daughter's nose. "Wait at least another seven years before getting married. Longer would probably be better."

Sigyn poked at her toast. "But what if I fall in love before that?"

"Then we'll talk about it."

"Are you mad at me? For getting drunk?"

"I'm disappointed, and expect you to avoid alcohol until you're old enough for it. Thirteen is too young, you can't process it. Maybe when you're sixteen I'll start letting you have a glass of wine with your dinner. That seems to have worked with your sisters." Except Syn! I'm going to have to talk to her soon... Before Ve's next day. If she really is pregnant, I need to tell him about it.

"I don't think I ever want to drink again!" Sigyn said, making a face.

Freyja laughed. There was a knock at the door and she went to answer it. Frigga stood on the front step, her hand on the shoulder of a bashful-faced Loki. The queen gave Freyja a tight-lipped smile and nudged Loki gently.

"Lady Freyja," he began, stiffly and formally. "I would like to take this opportunity to convey my most sincere apologies for my shameful behavior yesterday that resulted in Sigyn's inebriation. It was a terrible oversight of decency on my part and I should have had the foresight to realise the consequences of my actions. Furthermore-"

"Don't overdo it," Freyja interrupted. "I'll accept your apology – this time – if you stop right there."

Loki bowed. "Thank you, gracious lady."

Frigga rolled her eyes.

Freyja fought a smirk, but at the same time, this would be a good time to try to start rebuilding her friendship with Frigga... She had no real friends anymore. "Would you like to come in?"

Frigga smiled and nodded. "I was hoping you'd ask."

Loki seemed to stifle a groan, but Frigga propelled him into the house. Freyja led them to the parlour.

"It's been a while," the younger goddess began, perching on the edge of the sofa.

"Too long," Frigga agreed. "I've been meaning to visit for a while."

"Mor, who was-" Sigyn came skipping into the parlour, nightgown swishing around her, and stopped dead.

Her eyes widened when she saw Frigga, and then she saw Loki. Her face went bright red instantly and with a shriek she fled. Freyja smothered a laugh; she glanced at Loki, who was sitting beside his mother. His face was just as red as Sigyn's had been and he was studiously staring at his hands.

The two mothers shared an amused glance.

"How have things been?" Frigga asked politely.

"Well. I'm considering volunteering in the Healing rooms."

"Oh, that's wonderful to hear. Eir has been complaining that they are short-handed, but there isn't really enough in the royal coffers to pay for training new apprentices."

"Idunn was telling me about it. Her hours there have been cut and she's had to increase her dancing lessons. She and Bragi have just been able to scrape together an emergency fund, with his medical needs. But they are fiercely independent," Freyja added proudly. "They won't take any money, and have put a cap on how expensive I can get with gifts."

"Actually, while I'm here, I was wondering if I could talk to you about arranging a – Oh, hello Sigyn. You look beautiful."

Sigyn, still red-faced but wearing her favourite gown now, with her hair neatly brushed and braided, quietly joined her mother on the sofa. "Queen Frigga. I apologise for earlier..."

Freyja frowned at the way Loki kept shooting glances at Sigyn; his face was growing steadily redder and she wondered what sort of thoughts were embarrassing him so much.

"It's quite all right, Sigyn. You obviously did not expect company."

"Thank you." Sigyn looked at Freyja hopefully. "Mother, can Loki and I take a walk through the gardens?"

"Hmmm. I'm not sure about that."

Both of the teenagers seemed to hold their breath, while Frigga fought an amused smile. Eventually Freyja nodded.

"That will be fine. Just stay away from wine."

Sigyn went scarlet, but jumped to her feet. "Thank you, Mor!" she cried, and grabbing Loki's hand she practically dragged him out of the room.

"Thank you, Freyja," Frigga said sincerely.

Freyja's brows rose. "For what?"

"Not reacting too harshly for Loki's behaviour yesterday. Sigyn is the only true friend he has at the moment. I know they've only known each other for a few days, but he's so private! Thor and his friend Sif are the only children his own age he spends any time with, and then his nose is usually in a book. But he actually talks with Sigyn."

"Sigyn doesn't have many friends, either," Freyja admitted. "Unless you count her books."

Frigga laughed softly. "They're still mirror images of each other, then?"

"Apparently. Anyway, what were you saying? About arranging something?"

"Yes, that. Trade has been slow for a few years now, as I'm sure you'll know. That, and with the crop shortages we have been having, budgets have had to be readjusted in order to keep our infrastructure intact. This has affected many different areas, including the healing centre. I was wondering if you would organise a fundraiser to get the money to train specialist healers."

Freyja contemplated the proposal. "Do you have certain individuals in mind?"

"There would have to be a application process that Eir would be in charge of."

"Right. Good. I'm sure I can arrange something."

Frigga smiled in relief. "Thank you! I know there are only a few weeks until Ostara, but do you think you could have something ready for the celebrations? I think there would be more participation that way."

"I can do it." Already her mind was whirling. Perhaps she could convince Brokk and Eitri to put up some of their wares for auction...

"Good. Thank you."

Freyja nodded absently, already planning what she would do.

"Well, I had best get back... If it would be alright with you, though, I think it would be nice if Sigyn could come spend the day at the palace? It's good for Loki, to have the company... I've never known him to spend a full day outside, drunk or not."

"I suppose it will be alright."

Frigga smiled. She stood. And promptly went green. She clapped both of her hands over her mouth and rushed to the washroom. Freyja followed to make sure she made it, and soon heard the tale-tell sounds of sickness. She waited for several moments before Frigga emerged again.

"I apologise..." she started.

"No need. Sickness comes unexpectedly when you're pregnant."

Frigga's jaw dropped. "How did you-"

"I've had eight daughters. I know why women get sick for no reason."

Frigga smiled. "You've always been observant. Yes. I'm due in spring."

"That is excellent news. Are you hoping for a girl or another boy?"

"I do not have a preference," the queen replied. "As long as he or she is healthy. But we're not telling people just yet. We've only told the boys a week ago."

"I understand." Freyja smiled, walking Frigga to the door. "I hope we'll be able to talk more? About the fundraiser."

"I hope we can talk about more than the fundraiser," Frigga replied.

"Yes, that would be nice." Freyja smiled as the queen left. Well, she was going to be busy for a few weeks now!