The sun rose high on the cloudless sky above the city. The air was filled with a sweet, flowery smell coming from hundreds of bouquets and wretches which decorated the palace. It was a bitter morning for Loki though. He stood in front of a mirror, contemplating his royal armor, crafted especially for this moment of someone else's glory. Today his brother will ascend to the throne and shall become the sole heir of Asgard. This was a thorn in Loki's side – the one thing that sucked out the joy of his everyday pleasures and almost drove him to madness…
- Minn astir – whispered Sigyn, cradling to his back. This snapped him out of his darkening course of thoughts and he turned to his lover. As a valkirie she would wear an armor for the ceremony, but now she was helping Loki with putting on his, so for now she wore a sleeveless tunic and loose trousers. Such uncomplicated attire suited her best, maybe except wearing absolutely nothing.
- You look troubled – she said touching his cheek. Loki smiled, making a good face for the worst of games he had ever played.
- I was just wondering.
- About? – she adjusted one of the clasps of his armor and wiped away an imaginary speck of dirt.
- Anything and nothing really. This and that.
- You speak riddles I cannot even try to solve– she shook her head.
- It was nothing interesting compared to my thoughts now - He raised her chin to look her in the eyes. She knew that look just too well. It usually had something to do with staying in bed until further notice.
- That's tempting, but we don't want to be late for the ceremony. And I'm not unbuckling all those straps I've just managed to fasten. It takes ages – she smiled back.
- It would be worth your while.
- We would be late – she reminded him.
- To be honest I don't know what's more appealing, being late to my brother's little tea party or you in those silk sheets – he smirked and glanced at the door leading to the bedroom.
- Loki – she interrupted in a scolding voice. The prince sighed with sort of disappointment.
- Yes, yes. I know. My brother's big day – he said through clenched teeth, his fist tightening and opening like an eagle's claw. Sigyn seemed to want to say something, but instead grasped Loki's hand with both hers, and after a little hesitation pressing it to her lips.
- It's all Asgard's big day – she said.
- Really? I thought Thor would be kin, not all of Asgard.
-The king alone wears the crown, but there is more to ruling than the gold on your temples or the cheers of the crowd.
- I knew that long before Thor started to realize that. Maybe he never did – Loki turned round with his back to Sigyn, banging his fist against the wall. But the woman just put her arms around him.
- Maybe that is why you should stand behind the throne, instead of being on it? Thor has nothing of your wisdom or patience and he may be king, but he will need you where he can't or won't be. Asgard will need you.
- And what about you?
- I know what I am and what I am not. You are a part of that and nothing will ever change this – she whispered.
- Since when did you start speaking riddles? – he turned surprised.
- I learn from the best , my prince – she said, standing on her toes to kiss him. Loki relished the taste of her lips and the feel of her soft skin under his fingertips. Yes, this was one thing Thor cannot and will not take away from him. Ever.

The hall of the Asgardian palace was full – even a pin could not be squeezed in-between the spectators who came to witness Thor, Odin's firstborn son, to seize the throne. Young women stretched their necks to see the famous warrior. Thor walked past the isle covered with red velvet, cheering and greeting the crowd. Sif and queen Frigga stood on one side of the golden stairs, along with Loki, Thor's friends situated on the other. Loki sight just swept them, trying to find a speck of red hair. Sigyn was barely visible, small and plain comparing to the more dashing valkirie, but she was there, the only one in the crowd of Thor's faithful subjects to notice Loki.
It was the most magnificent ceremony since the birth of Odin's older son. Loki was bored to death and irritated. All he really wanted to do was sneak away, but that would reveal that he was bothered by all this. Instead, he waited and listened.
- Do you swear to guard the Nine Realms? – asked Odin.
- I swear! – was the reply.
- And do you swear to preserve the peace?
- I swear!
- Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition, and to pledge yourself only to the good of the realms? - hearing this Loki could hardly hold back from snickering. Thor abandoning ambition for the good of others? The tall story of the century!
- Then on this day, I, Odin Allfather proclaim you... – Odin did not finish his sentence and his face turned slightly paler then a second before and his expression abruptly changed from joyful to grave.
- Frost giants – he said. All cheering stopped. Sigyn held her spear more firmly and her gaze turned to Loki. It was an impulse of a woman wanting the protect what was dearest to her, but instead she caught a glimpse of Loki's smile. A flicker if the corner of his eye, an almost unnoticeable curve of the lip, which quickly faded. Odin Allfather struck his scepter against the floor, and left. The ceremony ended – Thor's most important day was spoilt.
- Loki – she whispered, her lips pale and stiff – What have you done?