Sigyn sat alone on a windowsill in the library trying to rally her thoughts. Through the window she could see other Asgardians walking past the palace, spending their spare time on the green, all unaware what is really happening – and quite a lot happened since yesterday. OF course, they heard the rumour and that the army is being prepared, but like many other times, they thought it was not their personal concern. They had a king to worry for them…
But there was something wrong going on with Loki, Sigyn could see it very clearly. He was restless, and every mentioning of Thor coming back brought disgrace on the speaker, or at least a course of dark thoughts. There was some heavy burden on his chest, something Sigyn could not understand or make him share it with her. Something happened in Jotunheim, yet it had its continuance in the palace vault, a secret so forbidding that it drove Allfather to fall into Odinsleep unprepared and vulnerable and Loki would not tell her. How she craved to go back just a few days back, stop them from going to Jotunheim. She was happy then, in love and at piece. Now she tried to understand what was going on around her. What did the queen mean by asking her to "say yes"? Sigyn pulled knees to her chest and closed her eyes… Did Frigg know that Loki already asked her to marry him once? In his whimsical far from straightforward way, but he did.
It was the height of Asgardian mild summer, just days after war in Norheim. It had been a few difficult days, as Odin was trying to work out a treaty with the Dark Elves queen and Loki was recovering from a wound from a Svartálfar warrior's blade. The prince was injured during the enemy's attempt to murder the Allfather on the eve of the final battle. The assassin choose a moment when Thor was away. His mistake was assuming the younger prince was not as skilled in combat as his older brother, making it the last error he had ever made. Before dying with a throwing knife in his throat, he managed to wound Loki though. It seemed a scratch at the time, and despite the fact that Loki knew dark elves poisoned their weapons, he concealed his wound. All he wanted was to remain at his father's side and fight the last battle of the war – the last struggle would bring a long-lasting piece. In the aftermath of the battle though Loki developed high fever, and was brough back to Asgard unconscious. Thor was cheered for as the champion for winning the battle…
At first Sigyn was not allowed to see Loki. Their affair was by then an open secret, not taken kindly to by everyone. She didn't care for Thor's victory, his glorious comeback or the valuables he brought in, she wanted to be by Loki's side. Even when the healer declined letting her in, she sat in front of the room for hours, dreading for her man's life. In the end however Loki as usually got what he wanted by refusing to be taken care of by anyone else. It worked. Weak, bandaged chest and pale as Hela herself, but his green eyes flickered when he saw Sigyn.
- Are you here to take me to Valhalla, my valkyrja? – he asked, addressing her in an old Midgardian tongue she sometimes used too. He learned it just to know what minn astir meant.
- You haven't earned your safe passage, my prince – she replied, sitting by the bedside and bending over to kiss his forehead. He certainly had temperature and she smelled the bitter scent of herbs used to fight off the poison.
- I was the bravest and the most cunning of all the warriors,– he said.
- Yes you did, but you were also quite thoughtless by lying about that wound - Sigyn wet a small towel in cold water and wiped Loki's forehead and cheeks.
- I saved my father's life – he smiled faintly, toying with a lock of Sigyn's hair.
- And lied about feeling well! When they brought you in I was half to death, you reckless knucklehead! – she tossed the towel at him, getting up nervously.
- Are you finally admitting you have feelings for me? – he grinned, not even trying to catch the wet cloth. Sigyn shook her head and picked up the towel, slumping back onto the bed.
- Have I ever denied it? – she retorted, wringing the towel.
- Good. Would you promise me something if I asked then?
- Yes – was her simple, straightforward reply.
- You agree so easily? – he seemed surprised a bit - How can you know what I want?
- I simply assume you know what I can and can' do and your request will be reasonable.
- You certainly can, though I'm not sure if it's polite to ask you to bear me a child before I married you…
- What? Marry me? – she echoed.
- I actually thought that you may be more surprised at the idea of us raising children – he admitted, still smirking as a boy who managed to pull a really good prank.
- I shared your bed often enough to know children are not found on the doorstep – Sigyn sneered – Though I can't see why are you suddenly bring that up.
- Because I do want to marry you, and maybe I want an heir in case I'm going to be the king? – it seemed Loki was talking quite seriously despite the cheerful tone.
- And what if it's going to be a girl?
- Better not – he answered with a serious face, watching her frown with a puzzled look in her eyes.
- A boy would be a son of Asgard, but a girl… I'd love her to a fault and spoil her rotten. Just like you – he swiped away her carrot-colour hair, counting every little freckle on her cheek.
- I don't feel spoilt – was Sigyn's reply, she said, pressing his palm to her cheek.
- Well then, maybe I meant that I love you to a fault – he said, making more room for her to sit on the bed.
The view was beautiful, but Sigyn didn't care much for it, sitting and staring at the night sky. She hadn't even notice the flow of time. The girl was at a loss. Frigg's meaning was clear – she gave them a blessing. Of course Sigyn wanted to marry Loki, but things changed and it could be a bit out of the question now. No king has ever taken a wife without noble parentage.
- I was looking for you, my valkyrja – Sigyn was so engrossed in her thoughts she didn't hear Loki walking in and he startled her. She jumped from the windowsill , opened her mouth and not uttered a word. She bowed and saluted her king, but instead of nodding back, as the protocol demanded, Loki yanked her to him and covered her mouth with his in a rapacious kiss. She could not help but to surrender to his touch, she wanted this so badly she could cry and beg. Lucky for her, she didn't need to. It was a prolonged kiss, turning softer the longer it lasted. Loki caressed Sigyn's cheeks and neck with his fingertips, nibbling on her lower lip and finally pushed her towards the wall. She moaned, which encouraged him to deepen his kiss, tasting her lips with his tongue. Even through all the layers of clothes he could feel her heartbeat, fast and strong, like a bird cornered by a predator. Nevertheless he didn't stop – not until he could hardly breath. Finally, he pulled away… Sigyn was panting, cheeks red and lips trembling.
- What was that for? – she gasped, breathless.
- Would you do something if I asked you to? – he said, brushing his lips against hers.
- Yes.
- You agree so willingly not knowing what I want?
- You asked me this question once.
- And what is your answer?
- Loki, what aren't you telling me? What is happening? – she looked him in the eye. He hesitated.
- I've waited too long to ask you – he tried to avoid answering the question. He won't lie to her, he just won't say anything – Tell me your answer…
- Yes – one confident word fulfilled his hopes, and he lifted her hand to his lips.
- I think this is a good moment to hold you to your word – he said.
-Now? You want to marry you right now? - it sounded so childishly, and Sigyn felt like a little girl who plays wedding with her best play buddy. Loki move his palm over hers, as if he was doing her favourite trick with a coin, but instead of it there was a ring. He was serious.
- Whatever might happen tomorrow I want you by my side as my wife – he said.
She nodded, unable to speak a word. Whatever happened next seemed a blurry recollection of a dream – a quiet chapel, with just a few candles hurriedly lit. A priest, looking extremely confused, sprinkling mead on their temples, as a sign of fortune and prosperity. Exchange of rings, while whispering the oath of loyalty and affection. They didn't had the most traditional symbol, a sword to pass between them, there were no guests with wishes of happiness. But it didn't matter in the least when later Loki carried her to the bed, pulling off her clothes, scattering them all across the room. All that did matter was his electrifying touch, his fervent kisses adorning every inch of her skin and his deep, throaty voice humming her name with pure delight. She returned his caresses as eagerly as he gave them, combed his hair with her fingers, nibbling on his neck so he would wear her love-marks tomorrow. It was their wedding night after all…
- I know this wasn't like you imagined – he said later, nestled to her back, his hand sliding slowly across her waist. It seemed marriage would change something, but it didn't. Being her husband was as natural as breathing. What possessed him to wait so long?
- No, it wasn't. It's better –her laugh turned into a moan of pleasure when Loki kicked her nape with his lips.
-It wasn't a ceremony fit for a queen, but I didn't feel like waiting.
- I'm not a queen, Loki – she replied, turning to face him.
- You are now, my wife – he whispered against her lips, tasting the word "wife" like a sip of sweet, red wine.
It's Gosh, I'm so lousy at love scenes, aren't I? I re-wrote it time and time again, and I'm still not sure about it. Or maybe I'm not sure because I re-wrote it so many times?Well, Chapter V is here, and I hope it's not too mushy and you'll like it – I really tried hard! :)
See you next week! As always, glad to hear if you'd like to see something in future chapters!