The Asgardian palace was roaring with rumour about Thor's expedition to Jotunheim, guards whispering of Odin personally travelling to the icy realm to bring his sons back. Sigyn wondered how did Thor talk Loki into going along with him on this thoughtless spree…
It was the dead of night, but Sigyn couldn't think of sleeping, just walking in circles around the palace. And then lady Sif rushed in along with the warriors three. Fandral bleeding badly, was taken care of in the healing rooms, trying to flirt with the female healer while curling up because of the pain. Neither Thor nor Loki could be seen coming back though, and the Bifrost has been activated. Finally Sigyn was called in to help with the warriors' wounds but she was too worried about Loki to really put her heart into what she was doing. Finally the elder valkirie just threw her out of the chamber. She was more than relieved to go and look for Loki, but she did not find him in his chambers, nor in any of the gardens or in the library - she checked three times. She could no longer think about their quarrel, just wishing him safely back. And when sitting in the dark room, she heard light footsteps on the corridor and the door opening, all she could do was to run to him and embrace him. Loki was surprised to see Sigyn in his chambers after their argument, and when she dashed to him it was like a speck of warmth on an icy desert.
- I was so much afraid – Loki felt tears running down his neck when he held her close.
- I'm sorry - he said, but she sealed his lips with a kiss.
- It doesn't matter, minn astir – she whispered softly. Loki brushed away hair from Sigyn's face, but then she noticed his arm stripped of armour.
- What happened? – she asked, horror-struck. Whatever was capable of tearing down Asgardian armour must have been very determined to do so and extremely powerful.
- It's… nothing serious – ha paused, looking at his hand, still feeling the chill of the giant's touch - The armour served its purpose. Fell apart, but saved my arm.
- Thank the Ysir… Is Thor all right? I've seen Fandral in the healing room.
- Thor was banished – Loki said bleakly. Sigyn was speechless.
- Banished?
- He broke the treaty with Jotunheim by serving them a blood bath – he said - War is coming.
- War with Jotunheim and Odin casts out Thor? That's so… unwise. Unlike him.
- Maybe he finally saw that Thor is not cut out for a king – replied Loki with a strange new note in his voice, which Sigyn took for exhaustion and distress from hearing his brother exiled.
- You should get some rest – she said.
- You're the one looking so tired you could fall asleep standing – he replied, seeing dark circles under her eyes.
- I'll go home, and…
- I wouldn't think of you going anywhere – he said. She nodded, not really bothering to undress behind a folding screen – it would be just false modesty, as Loki knew every inch of her body. She had a slender figure, tiny but not unfeminine and her red hair were the only speck of colour in the dark room. She never wore any corsets, or tights, or any of that fashionable rubbish ladies loved to disfigure themselves with. When she had nothing left on but a chemise, Loki reached out and held her gently, his bare chest against her back. She appeared so fragile in his arms, warm and yielding against his cool skin. Maybe this is what drawn him near her: warmth, both bodily and emotional.
- Don't ever leave me – he said softly, tightening his embrace. Sigyn seemed to be surprised by this sudden burst of emotion, he rarely spoke of what he felt about her – she would rather read between the lines. But with his brother exiled, war coming she just thought Loki wanted to speak out loud things he never uttered before. She entwined her fingers with his.
- I promise – she said. But it not hushed Loki's thoughts, his eyes fixed on the hand unharmed by the frost giant's touch. He had to know the truth. He waited for Sigyn to fall asleep, and just went out. He had to know.

Sigyn woke up alone, suddenly . She had no dreams and it was middle of the night, but still she woke. Loki wasn't in the room. She dressed quickly and wanted to find him. One of the guards told her that he has seen the prince rushing to the vault.
- Rushing? – she asked. The guard nodded, and Sigyn felt something heavy fall on her chest, as if there was a stone lingering there.
- And what… - she didn't have the chance to finish. Suddenly she and the guard heard calls for help and Sigyn recognized Loki's voice. She never heard him like that, almost panicking. She hurried, leaving the guard behind. The door to the vault were open, two other house guards kneeling on the stairs. Sigyn caught a glimpse of green and gold – Loki was there, but he wasn't the one lying on the stairs. It was Odin. Loki was kneeling at his father's side. His eyes were watery, his trembling hand was clutching his father's and it took Sigyn several moments to drag Loki away from the king, so guards could take Odin to his chambers.
- You can let go now – Loki said dryly, his lips pale and stiff. Sigyn loosened her grip on his sleeve.
- What did he tell you? – Sigyn asked, touching his hand. It was cold as ice, and the tear running down his cheek resembled a frozen dewdrop. She looked at Loki surprised, almost shocked. He tore his palm from hers, and silently rushed after the guards who gently carried their king. Something wasn't right about Odin's sudden sleep. It looked more like a comma. Full of worst feelings, Sigyn hurried after them.

Hours passed and Frigg was still beside Odin's bed. Sigyn did dare to come into the chamber and watched Loki and Frigg from a distance. She wasn't part of the royal family, but took advantage of her position as a house guard to just be there. They talked quietly and Sigyn just waited there, silently and uncomplainingly. Loki didn't look at her once.
Suddenly the queen noticed her, and talked towards the valkirie. Sigyn was taken aback and wanted to leave, but then Frigg put a hand on the girl's shoulder.
- Sigyn – she said gently. The valkirie turned to face her queen, cast her eyes down and saluted by touching her shoulder with her clasped hand. But Frigg lifted her face to look the young woman in the eyes. She was so… plain comparing to all the other women, a small freckled redhead, but the queen have seen her and Loki when they thought no one was watching. He was happy with her.
- I see you so rarely, my child. You avoid it – the queen said.
- I know my place, my lady.
- This is a very unfortunate phrase considering all they say about you, my son and your place…
- Beneath him. Quite literally – Sigyn snorted - I've heard, and I'm sorry you did too. I must imagine how it seems to you and the Allfather.
- Do you love him? - out of the blue asked the queen, but the answer, given without hesitation was very simple and the one she had hoped for.
- Yes.
- Good.
- That is happening? - Sigyn asked. Frigg sighted sadly.
- My husband lies in Odinsleep and I fear he might not awaken soon, or at all. With Thor cast out… - she paused, but Sigyn was smart enough to understand what followed a situation like this, unparalleled in all history of Asgard.
- Loki is going to be king – she whispered, suddenly realizing the implications - I should leave the palace. A king can't…
- Can't love?
- Can't sleep around with a palace guard – grunted Sigyn, shaking her head.
- Then say yes – suggested the queen with a mysterious smile. Sigyn looked at the goddess with bewilderment in her eyes. Frigg was very confident though, and stroked the valkirie's face with a motherly gesture.
- Nobility is not in the blood, but in character. Remember this – said the queen, leaving Sigyn and sitting back beside Odin. Suddenly the door behind Sigyn opened, and a priest came, carrying Odin's spear. Frigg sat there, proud when he delivered the traditional speech of passing the rule. Loki smiled, but his smile was cold as ice.

Okay, this keeps getting harder and harder to write, but I'm desperate to go through this.
Also, from 1st June I'll be updating every Friday :)
Thank you for reading!