Lift the Veil

by jarethsdragon

I know what you seek. You want to know if Loki ever has a happy ending...

3. The Princess in the Palace

Hogun was at the door when she knocked, glancing around like he expected enemies to fly at them from the sky. Frigga noted that the guard slipped around her, examining the paths, but she took one look at Sigyn and suddenly her heart stood still. Sigyn crouched near the camp stove, unmoving and practically swaddled in blankets. "Sigyn? Do you hear me?"

"I hear you," Sigyn rasped. She straightened, as though she had been sleeping huddled on the floor. "Is Hogun still here?"

"He is," Frigga nodded. "I've come to bring you to Asgard if you are ready?" Hogun grunted significantly. The guard appeared from the trails and grabbed the baskets and bag. "We must leave."

Sigyn stood wearily and shuffled to the party at the door. Hogun crept down the pathways first, followed by Frigga and then Sigyn with the guard behind them. Sigyn heard the shuffles as more guards joined them on the beach and friendly hands lifted her up onto the gangplank. Frigga followed swiftly, murmuring softly to her. Hogun boarded last, waiting until the last guard was aboard with Sigyn's things safely stowed before joining them.

This craft was somewhat larger and flatter than the one that Loki customarily used. However, it could hover and take off swiftly. Sigyn sat with the animals, petting them and speaking softly to them as they flew off. The rooster crowed loudly and in protest at being penned up, but the goats simply laid down in a huddle.

"Are you well, my lady?" the young guard asked her curiously.

Sigyn nodded slowly. "I suppose." She giggled a little dryly. "I had not thought that I would have ever been so anxious to be leaving the island." The guard said nothing, only stood by and listened attentively. "Will we be at Asgard soon?"

"Err...no, my lady," he said reluctantly. "There was no room for a full craft at the island. We are going to board The Sea Spritein a few minutes. The animals will be below and then we will make your official entry into Asgard." He thought for a few minutes. "The Sea Sprite is the favored ship of Her Majesty and one of the largest in the fleet. If you...need a few minutes, then we can take the wide way around the islands so that you have some time."

"Oh," Sigyn whispered. "Thank you―that would be very nice." She petted her goats one last time and drifted to where Frigga was speaking with the captain. The guard fell in step behind her. After only a moment, Frigga addressed her. "I was told that you might take the wide way around so that I could...have some time to get cleaned up appropriately."

"Of course, dear," Frigga nodded. "As soon as we are on board The Sea Sprite, we will go to my cabin and prepare."

Frigga's cabin was immense―larger than the entire cave on the island. Sigyn was hustled aboard and inside in a trice. Quickly, Frigga handed her some soap and poured some washing water from a pitcher. Loki had sent along a beautiful silk dress of green trimmed in gold. Shivering, Sigyn dressed in it, glad to be inside the cabin, rather than on the deck. Braiding her hair simply, she pushed the golden rose combs into her hair to hold the braid into a bun and pulled on her cloak.

It seemed no time at all before Frigga announced that they were approaching the last turn and almost at the docks. Frowning, Sigyn came out on the deck, determined to make a good appearance and to get to Loki as swiftly as possible. She felt Frigga's determined glow―the hard won sheen of serenity that came not from calm but from the knowing that something must be endured.

The docks had a relatively nice crowd on them as docks generally do when trading is high. That Odin and Loki were coming to greet The Sea Sprite was raising the levels of the crowds somewhat, but not nearly so much as if Thor had been coming. Still, there was cheering as Odin rode past on his eight legged steed, with Loki beside him astride a dashing black stallion. The black chomped at the bit and danced as it picked through the crowd―almost like it was eager to be there and be gone.

The cheering rose as The Sea Sprite came into view. Loki smiled as he saw Frigga and Sigyn on the deck with grim Hogun close at hand. Frigga was in ivory and gold and Sigyn dressed in his own colors of green and gold. The ship drifted effortlessly closer and finally glided to a stop at the dock.

Guards hustled around and helped the ladies down. Hogun grasped Sigyn's hand firmly as she gingerly set foot ashore and then led her down the docks himself. Loki's eyes gleamed in surprise as Hogun was far from his friend and yet he attended Sigyn so closely.

"Welcome, Sigyn of the Misty Isle," Odin said importantly.

Sigyn curtsied as best she could with her legs wobbling beneath her. "Thank you," she managed to croak out.

"We welcome you to the palace and...to our family," Odin said. The soft whispers raised into cheers as Odin continued to orate and welcome her to Asgard. The crowd roared in approval as Loki finally dismounted and led Sigyn to his steed. Seating her safely, he mounted up. Odin did likewise with Frigga as a guard handed the reins to a warhorse to Hogun. Quite soon, they were on their way to the palace.

"Pompous windbag does like his dramatic speeches," Loki whispered in her ear. He sighed. "You'll get tired of them soon enough."

Sigyn only huddled closer to him and shrugged. "I need to speak with you as soon as we can get away."

Loki frowned at her and dropped a kiss on her head. "As you wish." He glanced over at Frigga and back at Hogun. Frigga was whispering similarly to Odin. Hogun was as dour as ever as though he were eternally gritting his teeth, and refused to look him in the eye. Something had apparently gone...very wrong.

Instead of following the well-trodden path leading from the town to the stables, Loki broke off to follow a smaller bridle trail to a warm and sunny garden with high walls. Hogun followed without comment, breaking off as well. If Odin was surprised to suddenly find them turning off the expected path, he made not the slightest gesture and simply turned around to follow behind.

Loki glanced around as he dismounted, pleased at the little space. It was somewhat larger than the meadow on the island, surrounded by high walls on three sides. The fountain in the middle sported blooming water lilies with frothy pink petals floating around its rather plain feminine figure with the obligatory pouring vase. An ancient willow tree shaded one side with long trails of leaves dangling down almost to the ground and shading one of the benches. The other bench was in the full sun beside the bowl of the fountain. Stone cats cavorted around the base of the fountain in the tall grass. Against the wall was an old watering can and tall pots filled with rich, dark soil waiting for seedlings and care.

He lifted Sigyn out of the saddle and set her on the grass. She knelt down slowly, smiling as she felt the warm earth and grass. Her hand pressed suddenly to her mouth as she simply knelt. Tears refused to come—she hurt too deeply for that. But here there was warmth—sunshine and green growing things and she felt she could almost see the light that filled the garden.

Loki squatted beside her. "Sigyn," he said in the lowest, gentlest voice he could manage in the face of his rage. "Tell me what happened."

Sigyn gasped and suddenly it felt as though the dam burst inside, allowing the tears and hysteria to flood out. The torches in the walls suddenly burst into flame and the water seemed to wave wildly for a moment. "I...can only tell you what I know," she said. "Where is Hogun? He will know as well since he saw the meadow."

Hogun dismounted, glancing at the high walls with the guarded walkways. At least five guards could easily view the garden at any time from various points in the castle and seven currently looked down into the guard at the curious flares of flames. There were two doors that lead inside—one into the family wing and one into the wing where social events were held. He grunted—likely there was a hidden door as well, if he knew Loki. He waved at them and they drew back slightly with worried expressions on their faces.

Loki shot Hogun a fierce look as he wrapped his arms around Sigyn. "Will someone tell me what in the name of Odin happened?"

Hogun gave the reigns of his warhorse to one of the gardeners who was passing through and waved him away. "We were attacked," Hogun said softly. "She was attacked in the meadow."

Sigyn shuddered. "I went there alone to tend the garden and the animals-" Loki cursed softly. "I thought it would be all right since we had been there three days without problems, so I told Hogun to sleep for a few hours and we'd lunch together and wait for the...your mother."

Loki closed his eyes, feeling his own rage boiling over. Every muscle screamed to destroy whatever had attacked her, although in his gut he knew—just knew—who had. Holding on to Sigyn, he didn't even hear Frigga and Odin approach the garden. "Then what happened?" he gritted out.

"I felt the cold first," Sigyn whispered. "And heard a grinding of rocks and...something else. A voice told me to come forward. I couldn't—I said that I was blind—and it said that...I was interesting. Very interesting." She sobbed. "I tried to fight it off—but it must have been huge or something because my magic bounced off it and back towards me!"

Hogun's eyes went wide in surprise. "Are you sure...?"

"The meadow, Hogun!" Loki barked.

"The meadow...was entirely frozen." Hogun's voice was even and still, but seemed gritty with some emotion. "Nothing survived." He took in a sip of air. "We saved the goats and the rooster and one chicken. The trees both were frozen solid—one tree was split off at the trunk—and the cliffs were sheathed in ice."

Frigga gasped behind them, and fell into Odin's arms. Odin cradled Frigga and nodded to Hogun, who backed up.

"Hogun?" Sigyn called softly. "My thanks for your care." She spoke to Loki. "He guarded me so well and has been a good friend to have."

Loki's arms tightened around her. "My thanks for your efforts." He glared. "However, I will not thank you for failing her. It is only for some dread reason she still lives."

Hogun only nodded stoically.

"It is well, then-" Odin ventured. "-that Sigyn has agreed to stay with us. If the Frost Giants are interested in her, then she must be guarded." His eye turned to Loki. "You did well to bring her here so swiftly."

"Sigyn," Loki whispered. "Do you think that you will be able to rest in the palace? I wish to speak to my father."

"Will I be with you soon?" Sigyn asked softly.

"Soon," he promised. "And I will take you around myself." He shot another glare at Hogun. "I trust that you can lead her down the hallways to her apartments without mishap?"

Hogun nodded and Loki very deliberately placed Sigyn's hand on his, as though showing both his power and her ring. Hogun could not even fake a smile. "This way, princess," he said, leading her to the doorway into the family wing.

"When we have peace, you can tell me what you see," Sigyn offered. "But for now I am grateful to have a bed to sleep on and something to drink." She let Hogun lead the way silently into the palace.

Loki stared after them, lost in his own rage. His hands clenched in their gauntlets and he fought the inclination to obliterate something. After some moments, he turned towards his parents. With false calm, he asked them, "Why do you suppose that the Frost Giants find Sigyn so interesting?"

Odin cleared his throat and Frigga hid her face into Odin's armored chest. "I...I...can only guess." His eye dropped to Frigga.

Loki spread his hands hatefully. "I have been visiting Sigyn for well on to three years. And only now have they interfered." He glared at Frigga. "Only after I bring you, Mother, do they show an interest. Why is that, do you suppose?"

"Loki!" Odin barked. "You will treat your mother with more respect." His blue gaze snapped in anger at his son's murderous emerald one. "If you have an accusation, then make it, otherwise, let us be more productive."

"Yes, I have an accusation," Loki spat. "I accuse the Frost Giants of breaking the treaty and invading our land. Whether or not this was intended to trap me or...Mother, I do not know, but I mean to find out."

"How, Loki?" Odin snapped.

"By whatever means necessary!" Loki snapped proudly. "If I have to, I will go to Jotenhiem and rip it out of them one by one."

"I forbid it!" Odin snarled. "We must abide by the treaty."

"They have broken your precious treaty!" Loki growled. "Now they threaten all of Asgard."

Odin nodded. "The forays have been repelled easily and those who invaded paid for their blunder." He arched an eyebrow. "You can ask Thor if you doubt that."

"Oh, I will ask Thor," Loki promised darkly. Spinning on his heel, he turned and stalked away.

"Loki. Loki!" Odin shouted, but Loki kept walking and slammed the door behind him.

Frigga burst into tears. "Oh, my son, my son." She looked up at Odin with sad eyes. "We need to tell him. This is bigger than he suspects and he needs to be prepared."

"We will do nothing just yet," Odin decreed. "He needs to calm down." Frigga glared at him. "Sigyn is safer now that we can protect her within the palace. It was Loki's idea to spirit her away to such a distant and unguarded island."

Frigga stood stiffly. "This is Laughey," she stated simply. "Laughey is only making good on his promise." Odin's eyebrows raised. "He promised you as you took the child that he would repay you in kind." Frigga's purple eyes filled with tears. "And so it has come to pass..."

"We will protect Sigyn," Odin repeated. "She and her child will be safe."

"And the birth," Frigga snapped softly. "What then? When Loki realizes his child is half-blooded Jotun?"

"Then, we will have a grandchild," Odin murmured. "And I will bind the same disguise on the baby that I put on Loki."

"My love," Frigga sighed. "I have loved you for eons." She gestured lamely at the doorway Loki had vanished behind. "I loved you more when you took pity on the babe you brought back from the land of the Frost Giants—from that place where he was alone on a stone with blood all around him. I feared when you spoke of Laughey's words, but I thought that we were yet many years from such an impasse." She shook her head slightly. "But this must be fixed with honesty and truth. He will be less hurt if you speak plainly of this to him than if you continue to hide it—particularly since it now haunts Sigyn as well." Odin started to protest, but Frigga halted him. "You cannot continually enchant generation after generation, hoping to hide this truth. Sooner or later, someone will figure it out."

"You are wise, dear Frigga. But Loki is not ready for such a heavy burden." He smiled at her sadly. "When he has heard little but stories of the violence of the Frost Giants and how terrible they are, he is not yet ready to accept that truth—that he can be greater than his blood right." He gestured towards the selfsame doors. "Sigyn is a wonderful opportunity to open his mind to the possibility that he is a prince of Asgard as well as that." He looked at Frigga seriously. "Can you truly say that he will calmly accept his true identity?"

"He is a prince—and your son."

"He is Thor's brother. What would Thor do? Especially after he has seen so many of his brethren fall to the Frost Giants? What would Loki do to hide the truth? Would he start a war with Jotenheim to hide it? Would Thor?" He shrugged philosophically. "Thor and Loki are already strained-"

"Loki is straining because he doesn't understand what is going on!" Frigga snapped. "He knows that Thor will be your choice, but he doesn't know why! And not knowing is driving him mad because he will continually try to puzzle out why you don't consider him equal to Thor!" She flopped on the bench beside the fountain. "He is your son in that! He will continually peck and hack at the puzzle until it becomes clear. Just as you do! And this puzzle—this is his identity. His whole world is built on the lie that you are his natural father, but that you don't love him as a natural son!"

"I love both my sons!" Odin snapped.

Frigga sighed. "I know you do. But I also know that they had not yet come of age before you decided that Thor should follow you." She stared into the spill of water. "And now Sigyn comes in—with an entirely new perspective of the Jotun and of Thor. To her, Thor is the dangerously overpowered one." She shuddered. "We are luckily spared the prospect if she had thrown in with the Jotens—Laughey stopped that with his attack." She looked up at her husband. "Have you considered that she might tip the scales in Loki's favor?"

"Nonsense! Thor is adored by the people!" Odin bristled.

"Of course, dear. And he will remain adored so long as he follows your ways. However," Frigga smiled wisely. "Sigynwill give the people the wedding and children that they want to watch. Sigyn is humble enough to be gracious to everyone, friendly enough that even Hogun now watches over her gently, and desires to be peaceful with all she meets. She desires the simple things in life—her garden, her animals and peace with her chosen love. And you know how much the people love watching whirlwind romances and fairy tale love matches! You and Thor will always be adored, but Sigyn has the possibility of being loved."

Odin said nothing for a long while. "We can give Loki the spectacle that he wants—the royal wedding to Sigyn—and that will put him safely in the spotlight for some time until the child comes."

Frigga nodded in agreement. "I will ensure that she is comfortable and settled as she makes peace with Thor. She is...rough around the edges, but she has a good heart and noble intentions."

"It is a shame about her face, though," Odin remarked idly. "I would like to have our healers examine the scars, just to be sure that everything has been tried."

Frigga chuckled. Odin loved beauty as much or more than any other Asgardian. But the scars made Sigyn seem...approachable. Even the young guard who had helped her aboard the ship had been smiling at her, charmed by her humor and grace. Hogun's eyes had followed her and he himself had led her down the gangplank.

Now as long as she didn't seriously hurt anyone—including and especially Thor—they might stand a chance.

Loki made good his promise, winding through the hallways to Sigyn's apartments. Two of the maids that had been assigned to her service tittered in the doorway, giggling at some jest. They softly pushed the door open just as he rounded the corner. Cloaking himself in shadow, he listened to them titter.

"Oh, such a simple girl!" the first one said on a low voice—but not low enough. She had a long, skinny nose that reminded one of a hawk and long braids of flaxen gold that contrasted with the blue dress all the female servants to the family used as their uniform. "Can you believe the dresses she brought with her?"

The other one—a brunette with what might have been charming blue eyes—nodded uncertainly and grew suddenly bold in the hallway where she saw no one but her companion. "Yes—such crude little things. You can certainly tell which ones were picked out for her." She chuckled. "And those scars! Have you ever seen the like?"

"Never!" The hawk-nosed girl shuddered dramatically and tossing her braids. "Whatever did Frigga see in her to bring her here?"

The other girl smirked. "The Mistress of the Wardrobe told her assistant who told me that she is pledged to Loki."

"Serves her right," the first nodded smugly. "Such a homely, simple creature thinking so much above her station!"

Loki opened his mouth—the word to dispel his magic and appear before them out of seemingly thin air was on his tongue—when another maid exited and closed the door behind her. This one was a rather portly older woman with her gray hair in a neat bun behind her head and a rather matronly air about her. She turned, looking right through Loki, and smiled frigidly at the other two.

"Are you both still here?" she snapped angrily. Loki took one look at her face and ducked out of the way. The two younger women gaped in shock. "Haven't you both said enough?" With wave, she slapped both girls. Their hands went up to their faces—now each marked with a rosy hand print. "You are both fortunate that no one else was here but me." She glared at them as they both stared in shock. "Any member of the royal family would punish you by setting you in the dungeons!"

"Oh, Memnet," one of them whined. "It's just a blind beggar girl."

"'Just a blind beggar girl'?" Memnet asked indignantly. "Firstly, the lady is a 'she'-not an 'it'. It doesn't matter where she has come from or what her story is, she is a guest of the royal family." Memnet shoved them both towards the wall and Loki narrowly leaped out of the way. "The guest is polite and mannerly and has not asked for your heads on platters."

"Why? What did we do?" they both chorused.

"As if you didn't leave the door open so that she could hear you!" Memnet all but shook in her fury. "If you don't have any particular attachment to your positions here, I'm sure that you can both find employment elsewhere!" She shot them both an evil eye that even Loki found somewhat blood chilling. "And do not even think that I will not report this. The maids under my fosterage know how to treat guests—no matter who they are. The maids under myfosterage are known for respect and treating all with courtesy. The maids that I train and supervise are renowned through the palace for being mannerly, gracious and generous." She reached and grabbed their braids and yanked hard. "And I will not have two oafish, nasty, mean-spirited vipers spreading vicious stories because they are too featherbrained to realize that their behavior has consequences!" This last she bellowed to the flinching maids. Puffy cheeks red and her eyes bloodshot, she bellowed like a dragon, "Now go! I will attend her myself and try to put this aright." She glared at them again. "And if I have any more trouble from you, Frigga herself—who commanded this place welcome her—will hear of it!" She glared at them again. "Now, Kendal, would your palace guard welcome you after being removed from service for such gossip or would he throw you back so that he would not be associated with such trouble?" The hawk-nosed girl gasped and fled. "And you—Shannon! I will speak to your father about this!"

Memnet watched both girls flee. It was a reflection on her if any of the maids she supervised misbehaved and she had also heard that Loki had taken particular care with this guest. Whether it was true or not was almost irrelevant because of Frigga's interest. "Stupid chits!" she muttered under her breath.

Entering the room again and not knowing that Loki followed her, she looked around the first room of the apartment. Many of the low tables had been removed, along with the usual collection of floor pillows and hassocks. Everything had been spaced so that there was plenty for two people—such as when one had to be led—to get around. Two vases stood in front of the huge windows with bouquets—one of pink roses and one of honeysuckle blossoms. A large couch stood in the middle of the room with a low table in front of it. There was an immense fireplace with an ironwork grate against the wall. The marble floor shone brightly—the rugs having been removed temporarily.

In the next room was the immense canopy bed with two sets of curtains—one of sheer fabric with embroidery so fine it resembled lace and one set of green velvet for chilly nights. Frigga had arranged for three bookcases—regrettably empty of books—to be placed in here, along with an immense chest of drawers. A small dressing table was against the wall on one side of the bed with a box for combs, a silver and gold backed brush and matching comb.

Against the wall on the other side (closer to the window) was a handsomely carved desk and chair. A second fireplace was opposite the bed, along with the door to the dressing closet and the bathing chamber.

The closet contained racks and drawers and cubicles of all sizes to store dresses, hats, shoes and whatnot, along with a carved chair that allowed sitting while dressing. The closet was very obviously for those with more lavish wardrobes. Sigyn's few clothes hung neatly on the rack, her slippers and boots the only two things in the bottom.

The private bathing area was cozy and dominated by the tub against the back wall. Sigyn rested in the steamy water, surrounded by the soft, floral fragrance of the oil that Frigga had given her. A stack of soft drying cloths of linen was folded within her reach and the midden was shielded by a wall and door.

"Who is it?" she called as she heard Memnet approach. She sat clumsily and reached for a cloth.

"Just me, child," Memnet puffed.

"Oh," Sigyn said, laying back down.

"Don't worry about a thing," Memnet said, pushing the stack of cloths closer. "You rest and relax and then you can have a nice nap." She smiled benignly at her. "The journey must have been immensely tiring."

"Mmmhmm," Sigyn nodded, breathing deeply.

"Now, let me go fetch you something to nibble on and something to drink," Memnet sighed.

"Thank you," Sigyn said warmly. Then, blushing shyly, she added, "For everything." Memnet looked at her with a curious smile. Sigyn stood and wrapped a cloth around herself. "Please...I don't want to be any trouble."

"Oh no trouble! No trouble at all!" the older woman replied cheerily. "While I'm out, I'll see about a robe so that you can stay warm. I reckon it will be a cool spring."

Sigyn chuckled softly. "I meant about the...other girls." She could hear the quick intake of breath, but not see that Memnet paled. "It really doesn't matter—what they said..."

"Nonsense," Memnet said, puffing her chest out again. "We can't have the maids insulting our guests. It is unthinkable!"

Sigyn gingerly stepped from the tub and felt until she found the stack of cloths and began drying herself. Memnet bustled around her and began drying her gently. "I meant no insult, truly." She shrugged a little. "It takes time to get used to my face, I suppose."

"Oh, don't you worry about that." Memnet dropped the moist cloth and picked up another. "I'll take care of it."

"You are truly a wonder, then." Sigyn smiled and went through to the closet to take one of her "crude" dresses off the rack. "No wonder Asgard is the envy of other realms if everyone can have doubtless a full day's worth of work and then still manage to take care of random guests so carefully."

Loki nodded in silent (invisible) agreement. He was sure that Memnet would appreciate a little extra pay with his gratitude. Kendal and Shannon...he would deal with as well.

Memnet bustled around Sigyn, trying to help and shrugging her shoulders as Sigyn got on with dressing by herself. Dressed, she reached down and picked up the moist towels. "Where do these go?" Sigyn asked.

"Just give them to me, dear," Memnet muttered taking them from her. "If you wish, you can just go on through and I'll be back in a trice to brush the tangles from your hair."

"Oh!" Sigyn started. "Ahh...if you wish..." The younger woman allowed herself to be led to the dressing table and her hair brushed in long, soothing strokes and then braided.

"Such lovely hair," Memnet said. "It must be a source of pride..." She wrapped the end in a silky white ribbon. "When we have the feast tonight, I'll come back and we'll put your combs in and do your hair up right so that you'll be proud to come down. We'll put curling ribbons in it to match the lovely green dress.

"There you go," the maid said approvingly. "Now, off to bed. A body must have rest to keep up with everyone at a royal feast."

"Feast?" Sigyn asked.

"To welcome you, of course. It's so that those who were not there to see you dock can be introduced properly to you and you to them. You are to sit at the high table with the royal family." Memnet nodded and pulled down the sheets. "You'll likely be expected to be up most of the night, so rest now."

Sigyn sat on the bed. "My lady...?"

"Oh, heavens...just called me 'Memnet'."

"Memnet, then," Sigyn smiled warmly. "Tell me...is there gossip about me already?"

Loki's arms crossed his chest as he waited for the answer.

Memnet blanched and then sighed. "Yes...there is already gossip. Most of it is nonsense and blather—nothing to trouble you with."

"Some of it is more than 'nonsense and blather', though, isn't it?" Sigyn tried to smile. "I do not seek trouble, but it might be better to have questions asked and answered rather than rely on word of mouth." She quirked her mouth. "And gossip does tend to die down when the truth is spoken."

Memnet nodded slowly. "All right then, but then no more dilly-dallying!" She studied the younger woman perched on the bed. "There's a rumor that you are a witch that has bewitched the queen-" Sigyn laughed so heartily at that, Memnet laughed too. "-or Prince Loki!"

Sigyn felt her nose stuff up. Had she had eyes, they would have been watering with her laughter. "Oh my! I cannot see him, but I'm supposed to have cast a spell to bewitch the greatest sorcerer in Asgard. Can no one else see how silly that is?"

Memnet laughed as well. "Nonsense and blather!" She sat casually at the dressing table chair. "Then there is the one that you are actually an enchanted princess-!"

Sigyn laughed again. "With not more than a dress or two to my name. 'Tis like a children's story!" She smiled. "I think that I can trust you, so I ask you for advice." Memnet sobered quickly, but the laughter was still in her eyes. "The truth is that...Lo—PrinceLoki and I are... Well, we are pledged to each other-"

Memnet's eyes twinkled. "Ahh...how wonderful! A love match?"

Sigyn nodded. "Truthfully I swooned into his arms the first time I met him!" She was still smiling at the older maid. "We are-"

"To be married!" Memnet finished. "Ahh...to have a gay wedding here." She stood almost instantly, checking the room again. "And their Majesties are overjoyed, I'm sure!"

Sigyn giggled—she had barely met Odin at all and could hardly say his reaction. "We were...trying to keep it something of a secret, but it is so wonderful I couldn't bear it any longer and we are going to announce it officially soon."

"Oh, my dear—I mean, my lady," Memnet said. "This is, of course, wonderful news. Everyone was expecting Thor to marry first, but this is so wonderful—so romantic. I was honestly wondering if either of them would ever find a true love!" She suddenly stopped herself and curtseyed. "Begging your pardon, of course."

"I'm so glad to have someone to confide in," Sigyn replied. With a sly smile, she said, "Of course, it must be announced at the right time. I'm sure that you'll help me in this...?"

Loki almost choked at the subtle manipulation. Sigyn was a natural at drawing people to her and making them feel welcome into her circle. Yet she had a deft hand at making sure of her outcomes. He wondered if he was responsible for that.

"And here I am keeping you up when you should be resting," Memnet muttered. "Off to bed with you! A nice nap and we'll dress you up and you'll attend the feast." She drew the covers over Sigyn. "And don't you worry—you'll be the envy of all who attend."

Loki waited until the maid left and then made himself visible. "Hmm...a little dove is in this bed..."

"Loki!" Sigyn sat up and fiercely hugged him. "I was afraid that I wouldn't see you until this feast tonight."

"I am here," he said with a grin. "Now, we must sleep if we are to be rested for the feast. It will go on and on and on until you wish it would end and then go on some more." He lay on top of the covers, tucking Sigyn in. "Of course..." His hand drifted over her gown. "If there was anything...else you needed..."

Sigyn smiled at him and he could not resist reaching for her.

Sigyn was alone in the immense bed when Memnet came to rouse her that evening. Two different maids accompanied her, carrying a fashionable outfit of the green and black silk Frigga had so admired, a cloak, a headpiece and various undergarments. Memnet herself sported a new bracelet and none could know but her, she had 'found' a gift of several gold coins wrapped in a small piece of green cloth beside the small package that held her lunch.

Sleepily nodding and finally rousing, Sigyn was swept into a well-meaning storm of gentle hands that helped her dress. They brought her a cold washing cloth for her face and rubbed lotion into her skin. Her undergarments were of fine silk—a delicately embroidered chemise, thin chausses that were like Midgard stockings. Over that came the kirtle of green with lavish gold embroidery—this time of lush vines of flowers. The kirtle tied at the neck with a silky green ribbon and came down to her knees. The first gunna was a plainer dress with embroidery of flowers and leaves along the hem a few inches from the floor and long green sleeves that fitted closely all the way to her wrist. The second gunna was the green-black silk with a wide panel cut away in front to expose the embroidery beneath and the sleeves were loosely tied around her arm. Laces of emerald ribbon went down the sides, allowing it to be tightened around Sigyn's body. The deep neckline sparkled with emerald gemstones scattered in the gold embroidery and down the arms.

Memnet led Sigyn to the chair and took out the simple necklace and laid it around her throat. "Aye, just right. Not too fancy," she said. The maids and Memnet unbraided Sigyn's hair and spread it out against her back. "Did I not tell you that this was beautiful hair?" Memnet asked no one in particular.

The maids nodded and carefully drew back two locks of hair from her face and began braiding it. It was the fashion currently to have two braids to the back of the head since that was what Thor sported these days. Memnet clucked and braided the rest in some complicated fashion and coiled it into a slick bun at the very back of her head. Fishing in her pockets, she pulled out the emerald tipped, gold hair pins and fastened the bun in place. The headpiece was a coil of gold that sat on the crown of the head with a neat fold of lace that came down over the top half of Sigyn's face rather like a veil. The maids were very silent, watching as Memnet took over—gently rubbing Sigyn's cheeks to bring out the color and pulling a tiny bit of hair to drift around her face which softened the severe hairstyle.

"Ahh, chick," Memnet said softly. "You'll steal many a heart tonight."

Sigyn laughed softly. "Doubtful since the only heart I desire is..."

"Loki's," one maid giggled. "He's so handsome-!" The other maid frowned and shushed her. "What? He is!"

Sigyn blushed a fiery red and giggled. Gesturing at the one who had spoken, she reached out to touch the maid's hand. Memnet frowned at the maid, sure that Sigyn was going to remind her that she was only a maid, but instead Sigyn whispered overly loudly, "I think he is, too. But don't tell him that or he will become swelled in the head."

Everyone burst into friendly laughter. Memnet brought out a pair of lovely slippers of deep mahogany. Carefully, they helped Sigyn up and straightened her skirts. Memnet hovered around, carefully adjusting the netting and her hair and necklace. Then, whisking a bottle off the dressing table, she applied just a little of the perfume to Sigyn's neck. "It will make him draw closer, lass," Memnet nodded.

Sigyn flushed again, considering how close Loki had already been. Fortunately, she was not yet showing. She shifted restlessly and waited for them to finish.

Fortunately, a knock sounded at the door. "Oh, that will be himself," Memnet muttered. "You—go lead him in. No—wait. Let him sit in the front room until we're done. Go on, you."

One of the maids tripped out and closed the bedroom door behind her. Sigyn turned towards Memnet. "That isn't nice. We're surely almost ready."

"Won't hurt him a bit to wait a moment to see you," Memnet said with confidence. She fished in her pocket again and pulled out a lavish emerald bracelet and wrapped it around one wrist. "Now...you're ready."

Loki stood in the front room, watching the fireplace, as the doorway opened. In a mesmerizing swish of silk, Sigyn emerged, lead by Memnet. He smiled widely, his heart puffing with pride, at how well she looked. "Sigyn," he whispered, approaching. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "You look...good enough to eat."

"Now, none of that Your Highness," Memnet said only half-way teasing. "There's time enough for that after the wedding. 'Tis only a month away."

"A month?" Sigyn gasped.

"Yes, Memnet," Loki replied without the slightest irritation. "I will have her back in your care as soon as the feast ends." Memnet lit out a harumph and drug the maids off. To Sigyn he explained, "Memnet was one of the maids to my mother when I was growing up. She has longed for children of her own, but unfortunately could not have any, so she is glad to have someone to mother." He shrugged. "Not to mention that she seems to adore reminding me of my manners."

"It makes her feel useful and young, I imagine."

"Hmmm..." Loki began to lead Sigyn from her rooms to the great hall. "Do you want me to try to spell out what's happening or do you want to improvise?"

"Oh dear," Sigyn frowned. "That sounds...serious. I thought this was a...well, casual feast."

Loki laughed shortly. "Nothing that the Allfather does is casual, my love." He tucked her arm against him. "And you have blessed Frigga with weeks to stew about the wedding, so she has already laid out the plans." He laughed brightly. "All of the dressmakers are waiting with baited breath to see which one you will choose and the flowers you will carry."

"Heavens," Sigyn sighed. "All this fuss. I suppose that you had best tell me what to expect." She tossed her head. "And when I should curtsey and nod and whatever."

Loki laughed. "When I press your hand here, curtsy as I bow. If it is here, then simply nod regally. And, then here, we will be moving on to the next group." He gently touched her hand in three places. "So what happens here?"

"I bow."

"And here?"

"I curtsy."

"And here?"

"You want us to move on to another group."

"And here?" he smiled as he pressed his hand against her chest.

Sigyn smiled. "You wish to leave immediately so that we can...rest."

"Smart woman," he chuckled. "See? No need to worry."

"And what about all the names? The places?"

"If you like, this time around I'll do most of the talking. There will likely be hundreds of people—and no one will expect you to remember the names completely." He sighed dramatically. "But, you will be bumping into these same people again and again, so in time you will know them very well."

Sigyn laughed this time. "I see. It's all boring for you since you've done this for years?" She frowned as they turned a corner. "What if I step on someone's foot or kick someone by accident?" She paled. "Or have...an accident?"

"Not going to happen," Loki growled in her ear. "I will be close by every moment." His other hand stroked the hand resting in the crook of his elbow. "And we will take it slowly so that there are no other...accidents."

And so it was. Odin greeted them warmly, along with Frigga. Loki led her to a seat at the high table and the feast was served. Frigga interjected often, asking about her favorite flowers, her favorite foods, and such stuff related to the wedding. She couldn't see it, but as Frigga began another line of questions—what sorts of cakes did she like best—Loki shot a pained look to Odin. He had scarcely been able to get a word in edgewise between talk of cake, flowers, dresses and the like. Odin only nodded with a look of straight-laced innocence—but he had an unmistakable twinkle of mischief in his eye as Loki squirmed impatiently for a chance to speak to his own lady. After the best part of the feast, Loki took Sigyn around the great hall, introducing her to what seemed like thousands of people. Everyone was curious about her—where did she come from and who was she—but when they began to pry, Loki would laugh and move her on.

Then Odin called everyone to order. Everyone looked forward respectfully and watched as Loki and Sigyn moved forward down the center aisle.

"Loki Odinsson," Odin's voice boomed. "Do you pledge to take this woman—Sigyn of the Misty Isle—into your keeping? To guard her life and honor with your own? To hold her in sickness, in health, in times of peace and times of war, in times of want and times of plenty?"

"I do," Loki said in a sure voice.

"Do you, Sigyn of the Misty Isle, pledge to take Loki Odinsson into your keeping? To guard his life and honor with your own? To hold him in sickness, in health, in times of peace and times of war, in times of want and times of plenty?"

"I do," she replied, trying to mimic Loki's own sure tones.

"Do you, Loki Odinsson, claim this woman alone and to pledge your fidelity only to her? To keep her above all other women? And in marriage bind this pledge into truth?"

"I do."

"Do you, Sigyn, claim this man alone and pledge your fidelity only to him? To keep him above all other men? And in marriage bind this pledge into truth?"

"There are no other men like him," Sigyn whispered so softly Loki alone could hear it. Loki flushed slightly and Odin's eye snapped sharply. "I do," Sigyn repeated firmly.

"Loki, Sigyn—you have given your vows for all to hear." He actually smiled—a real, warm, genuine smile this time. "You have been pledged to be married before all of Asgard and before your king. Now, please join hands."

Loki took her hands in his. "Turn to face them, beloved," he whispered.

Odin's joy rang in his voice as it boomed out in the hallways. "I present Loki and Sigyn. They have pledged to be married and so it shall be done!" Gungir thundered on the floor with a rather pleasantly dramatic flash of fire along the marble.

The entire hall erupted into joyful cheers. Loki smiled and nodded, wrapping one arm around Sigyn as she leaned against him. Sigyn tried to smile, and it came off as modest, rather than shy.

"Let the feasting begin!" Odin shouted and immediately servants came out with fresh platters of meat, an entire suckling pig, and yet more dishes. Not to mention pitcher after pitcher of ale, mead and wine.

Sigyn nudged Loki. "Please, my love," she whispered. "Allow me to sit. I don't...feel well."

Loki nodded and gradually began trudging towards the high table. Several times warriors who had previously spoken only in passing gave him hale and hearty welcomes. The wives that had looked at him suspiciously now noted with smiles as he carefully shielded Sigyn. He all but purred to hear the hall echo with his name and toasts to his health.

Sigyn finally pressed a hand to her lips. The smell of the multitude of perfumes was overwhelming and now the smells of renewed feasting—onions, garlic, grease and gravy—only added to her illness. Yet she had never felt Loki so happy—his manner seemed to sing with his contentment. Still, he sat her at the table beside Frigga as yet another warrior came forward to offer congratulations.

"My dear," Frigga commented, looking at her pallor. "Are you feeling well?"

"I'm sorry," Sigyn gasped. "I must be excused...to take some air." She put a hand over her rumbling stomach. "If you please..."

"Of course," Frigga nodded. "Loki is going to be occupied for some time, but Hogun or Fan...I mean, someone else, can escort you to our private balcony." She patted Sigyn's hand. "The fresh air will help you feel better."

Sigyn only nodded and felt her hand placed on a masculine arm. Surprisingly, she was led scarcely twenty steps behind the high table before there was a doorway to the balcony. The air was crisp and cool and clear and bore away the cloying smells of the feast. Quite soon her stomach settled as the soft smell of flowers and herbs in some garden down below the balcony drifted upwards.

It was so peaceful, so wonderfully quiet. Sigyn's ears perked as she heard low voices behind her. Turning a little, she asked, "Is someone there?"

Sif stepped out onto the balcony and slid the door closed with a quiet click. "I am here," she said with a calm she did not feel.

"Your voice is familiar," Sigyn nodded halfheartedly. "But I have met so many people today that I have difficulty placing it..."

"I am...the Lady Sif."

Sigyn swallowed heavily. "I see..." she said softly. She felt her stomach clench again, but from sheer terror rather than illness. Her head ached and she could not readily recall why someone would seek her out.

"We have met before," Sif insisted stiffly. "On the island...the Misty Isle." She approached warily. "And I should like to speak with the woman who has turned all of Asgard on its head."

Sigyn listened. "Is the guard still there?"

"I dismissed him," Sif snapped, her patience thin. "You do know that I am a well-known and respected warrior here, don't you?"

"I know nothing about you at all," Sigyn admitted. "Only that you came to the island and would not leave it when I asked you to."

"Is that why you are marrying Loki? To get your island?"

"No," Sigyn said. "I love him very much and we are pledged." She considered her options. There was some room on the balcony, but if her guard was dismissed and this warrior attacked her, she would be at the other woman's mercy. Her hand fluttered down over her stomach.

"Oh no!" Sif whispered softly. "It can't be!"

"What?!" Sigyn snapped.

"A child? You bear the Lie-smith's child?"

Sigyn felt her anger build. "I bear Loki's child. I bear a prince." She shrugged and a half smile cocked her lips. "Or princess."

Sif snarled. "'Tis the same—Loki is the Lie-smith." She stomped angrily. "So this is how he plans to oust Thor—to have a child to pressure Odin and Frigga to name him king."

Sigyn growled low in her throat. "Have you nothing better to do than to snipe at me? Surely you have some duty that you are neglecting!" She took a deep breath. "I am trying to control my temper, Lady Sif. It seems that you are failing to do the same." She would have glowered had she eyes. "Now, as it seems that you have nothing but poison to spit, I will take my leave."

"Are you so blind you do not see the evil in him?"

"Are you so blind you cannot find any good?!"

"Sif!" Frigga snapped from the doorway. "I demand an explanation for your behavior!"

Sif gaped and turned around to face Frigga in her fury. "My lady... that is...I..."

Frigga glowered and Sif fell silent. "I see that you have decided to corner Sigyn and attack her." She glanced at Sigyn. "And are fortunate that she did not defend herself." She waved at the doorway. "Why don't you and your friends take your leave?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Sif sighed.

"Your Majesty," Sif said softly. "A moment, please..."

"Yes, Sigyn?" Frigga asked in surprise. "You have something to add?"

"While it is true that she sought me out here and we have had harsh words for each other," Sigyn said with a nod. "Perhaps for the sake of Loki and...Th-Th-Thor we should try to clear the air and try to be civil." With a shudder, she added, "But under your calming eye, perhaps...?"

Frigga stared at Sigyn in surprise. She had been distracted by an ambassador and then turned to see the guard she had assigned to watch over Sigyn had been walking away with a chagrined look on his face. In only a moment more, she stepped towards the huge glass doors to see Sif screaming angrily.

"Very well," Frigga agreed, pleased that Sigyn was willing to attempt to work out her problems with Sif. It would make things easier if everyone could at least be civil.

Sigyn considered her words carefully. "I believe that it is abundantly clear that you do not like Loki." Sif scoffed, but Sigyn only flushed and continued. "However, I do not believe that it benefits anyone to have you openly attacking him—to me or to anyone else."

Frigga glanced at the other woman. Sif flushed scarlet but was silent. "Go on," the queen encouraged.

"If it would help for you to...tell me your side of what has happened, then I will listen. However, I should warn you that I am pledged to Loki and will not break that bond. I have pledged this in front of my king."

"And your king is listening," Odin said softly from the doorway. Loki stood at his side, eyebrows raised in confusion. Neither of them had missed that Frigga and Sigyn had vanished.

"Indeed," Sif purred. "Do go on."

"I believe that my king is fair and just. I cannot believe otherwise." Sigyn felt her powers growing, and hoped that she could just hold out a few more moments. "If there has been ill done, I would say that it is the king's duty to judge the merits of the case and not me. It does you no good to come to me unless you truly mean to stir me into rebellion against the one to whom I have pledged loyalty, fidelity and honor."

Sif's eyes went wild and she shrieked, "He plots against everyone and desires to only serve himself!" She waved her arms angrily. "I have seen him plotting and scheming. Everyone here has felt the sting of his mischief."

Sigyn faltered. "If that is the case-"

Loki sucked in his breath nervously. He had cut Sif's hair—that was true. He had done her ill and her hair had not grown back—courtesy of the magical blade he conjured. Instead, she had been forced to appeal to the dwarves, who made her a magical head of dark brown hair, rather than the ravishing gold she had boasted of. And that was probably one of the least of his pranks since he could not remember them all save that they amused him at the time.

"-then you must take it up with the king."

"I have!" she barked. "I have attempted everything to-"

"-To what?" Sigyn barked back. "To have Loki banished or killed?" She gestured angrily. "It would seem to me that you are instead angry at the outcome of the judgment and that rather than seeking justice and being content, you seek vengeance against the king's own judgment."

"I do not!" Sif roared. "You are blind-!"

"Agreed," Sigyn sighed. "That is without question. Why bring it up?"

Sif growled and realized that she was losing ground in this confrontation. She sputtered angrily.

Sigyn felt for the low banister and leaned against it. "Now, I have promised that I would listen to your complaints, if it would help ease your anger. I have promised—equally—loyalty and fidelity to Loki. I will not move against him."

"You will soon find a dagger in your back for your troubles," Sif promised.

"Would that be your dagger?" Loki asked softly, his eyes glittering green.

Sif sputtered again, glaring daggers at Loki. "You would undoubtedly beat me to it." She glared at Sigyn. "You are deluded, blind fool to think that the Lord of Lies and Mischief would spare you one moment longer than when your usefulness has expired. I don't know how you managed to manipulate this...this engagement, but I would watch my back were I you."

Sigyn sighed deeply. "I will consider your warnings carefully, Lady Sif." She offered her hand. "I am as deeply against Thor as you are against Loki for reasons of my own. So deeply that I tried...tried to strike him down when you were at my home." She shook her head and her empty hand dropped. "If you will work to find some peace with Loki, I will work to find some peace with Thor. Would that help you, Lady Sif?"

"Thor isn't even here!" Sif snapped. "He was sent on a tour of the battlements because of you."

Sigyn blanched. "Ahh...I did wonder." She hung her head and after a moment, she asked, "Is this true Your Majesties?"

"It is," Frigga nodded uncertainly. "We thought it would ease tensions and help you if he was not here during this ceremony."

"Ahh...and that has angered his supporters," Sigyn surmised. "I have wronged you, Lady Sif. I can see where you would be very angry at this turn of events. I, too, would be furious in your shoes." Sif could only blink in wonder and Sigyn's fury seemed to melt. "If Thor's lady were wroth with Loki or me to the point that we had to be separated when the entire family should be together to celebrate, I would feel...enraged." She shivered slightly—there were not words to describe how angry she would feel. She offered her hand again. "I...I am sorry to have so misjudged you. The entire family should have been together for this important day."

Sif sniffed angrily and only briefly touched Sigyn's hand before turning away. She could only glance at Frigga who was frowning sternly. Odin—Thor's father—she could not even meet his gaze.

"Is there more, Sif?" Odin asked finally.

"No, Your Majesty," Sif replied flatly.

"Then we will consider the matter closed," Odin decreed. Sif left quickly, feeling the need to be with Volstagg and to drink—lots. Fandral was with Thor—guarding the western gates. Hogun had lingered here under Thor's orders since this commoner seemed most at ease with him. She had worked so hard—praising Thor's works and deeds, smoothing over his indiscretions, and keeping his name at the forefront of the Allfather's mind. Now it felt like she had lost much.

The door swished closed. No one said a word for a few moments. To Loki, it felt like his tongue was made of metal in truth for no sweet words or jest would come to him. To Frigga, it felt like she had finally found a boil of hatred—putrid and smelly—that needed lancing to be rid of its poison. What Odin felt no one knew.

Sigyn leaned heavily against the railing and finally moved to face the gardens. For lack of a better plan, Loki moved towards her, slowly. Her magic crackled lightly—tiny sparks of green and purple fire arcing between her hands as she wrung them. A light breeze carried his own scent and the scent of his dragon's blood soap to her.

"Loki," she sobbed. "I...I had no idea."

Loki wrapped his arms around her, stunned for a moment. He could not remember when someone had...defended his honor. When was the last time someone had taken his side? This was a rare and priceless jewel that he had no idea how to care for. "It's all right," he murmured.

"No—it's not," Sigyn insisted. "Were it not for me, your family would all be here and would be able to celebrate together. I am the one at fault..." Odin moved forward but Frigga held up her hand to stop him, watching carefully. "I should not have nursed my anger and hatred so. It has helped no one and harmed many." She sniffed, cursing silently as tears that could not be shed gathered in her throat. "It is not right—not just that brothers could not be together this day." She turned slowly and faced Frigga and Odin. Her head was bowed in shame and she wrung her hands in agony. "I can only beg your pardon, Your Majesties, and offer that I will work to release my anger and hatred."

Odin swallowed heavily. He had not decided whether or not to bring her complaints to a court. He had dreaded even speaking to her about her wounds and accusations against Thor for fear he would have to find that those complaints had merit. It had felt like almost too much to hope for her to drop her complaints entirely.

"I forgive you, Sigyn," Odin said softly.

Frigga nodded and murmured, "I as well."

"Loki? My love, can you find it in your heart to forgive me as well?" Sigyn's hands froze—folded together so tightly that the knuckles were white. "I had not meant for my own hatred to split your family."

Loki's eyes seemed a bit misty and he could only say, "I do not know what to say..." He had—in his darker moments—considered bringing her complaints forward to the courts to forestall Thor the Great's march to the throne. It had felt like an extra, unexpected trick to be whipped out at the last moment. What this latest turn could mean, he had no idea.

"Brothers should not be separate," Sigyn insisted. "And their ladies should not be cornering each other on balconies."

"Sif? Thor's lady?" Frigga queried. She supposed that it was one explanation for how Sif did seem to accompany him everywhere and in everything. Yet, in looking at her eldest son, she had not seen the gleam in his eye when he looked at her—the gleam that said that he cared for her in return. Instead, she saw that he regarded her as—as another friend as much as Hogun, Volstagg and Fandral.

"Come, Loki," Odin smiled. "Your lady is correct. We should work to forgive past wrongs in each other—in our family."

"Agreed," Loki said.

Sigyn finally smiled wearily and took Loki's hand. "Thank you, my love." She curtsied deeply. "However, I believe it might be best to retire."

"But you still have not met the elvish ambassadors." It was all that Loki could think of to say.

Sigyn paused and then reluctantly nodded. "As you wish, my love." She tried to smile and then said, "Lead on."

Odin chuckled and tucked Frigga's hand in his arm. "I believe that is the right idea."

So they returned together and Loki took her around the room, introducing her much as before. So many more names and voices swam past that Sigyn's head ached as much as her feet. Finally, she leaned closely to him and whispered in his ear, "I believe that I shall go mad if I am not allowed to rest soon."

Loki laughed, twirling a stem of wine in his hand. "I think that we can retire now." He led Sigyn up to the high table and they bid good night before leaving the feasting.

Loki told Sigyn all manner of bawdy jests and made every insinuation and invitation ever known to lead Sigyn to his own apartments rather than hers, but she drooped against him and simply went into her own. She smiled and promised him a more entertaining night the next evening and then went straight into Memnet's care. Memnet yawned and began hovering around Sigyn, undressing her and unpinning her hair and finally putting her to bed.

Loki stood out in the hallway, considering what to do next. The night was young by his own reckoning, and it was a sour thing to have exhausted Sigyn so much that she was unable to stay with him. Frowning, he wandered close to one of the libraries to find a book to study.

"Loki," Odin called to him from down the hallway. "I would speak with you."

Loki grimaced and went to the down the hallway. The Allfather and Frigga sat together on the couch with a plate of lemon cakes and two goblets of sweet wine on a small table near them. Odin smiled at his son and gestured towards a nearby chair.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of your Sigyn," he said. "I am impressed with her level-headed reasoning and I have rarely seen such a worthy display of fidelity."

Frigga nodded and reached towards a goblet to take a sip. "I confess that I had been worried that she would not fare well in the palace, but it seems to me that once she makes peace with Thor that all will indeed be well."

"She will flourish here," Odin smiled. "Make no mistake." He leaned forward towards Loki. "Now, we will move the wedding up so that there will be no doubting of her virtue in having a child so soon."

Loki managed to not look surprised. However his mind was racing as he rearranged his plans. "Oh? After that display, I doubt that anyone would entertain any such ideas..."

"Ah, yes," Odin nodded. "She did manage to keep the little...altercation discrete and handled it very well, I think. I am very favorably impressed."

Frigga nodded again in agreement. "We were thinking of moving it to a fortnight from now. That will give her time to make any last touches and changes to the wedding." Loki nodded. "I have no doubt that you did the right thing in bringing her here."

"We would have lost a precious jewel had the Jotens captured or harmed her," Odin agreed.

Loki only nodded again, feeling his head beginning to pound. He had managed to ignore that little problem for most of the day—they still had no idea why the Frost Giants had attacked or what had been so interesting about Sigyn.

"Well done, my son," Odin smiled. "I had not thought..." He grimaced. "I had not even considered such a worthy woman as Sigyn could be found."

Loki agreed to the wedding plans—a fortnight was not much time, but as he had told Sigyn, his mother had had weeks to stew and plot and had apparently put it to good use. Besides, who knew when it would again be his turn in the golden light of adulation? "And what of the Frost Giant attacks?" he finally asked.

"We will post extra guards around her until the wedding," Odin decided after a moment.

Loki's brows lifted. "Only until the wedding?"

Odin sighed. "We will reconsider if there is another attack, of course."

"Do we even know why they would attack? Why now? Why Sigyn?"

"To get to you perhaps?" Frigga asked softly. "Or to hold her hostage in exchange for some favor?"

"What if I went and simply asked them?" Loki finally asked. There might yet be a way to salvage peace—he certainly did not want the threat of Joten attacks on Sigyn weighing over his head for all time.

"They would not tell you," Odin answered firmly.

Loki smiled and waved his hands. "Oh I agree that they would not say were I to simply walk in and ask the first Jotun I see-'Say, can you tell me why Sigyn of Asgard has been attacked?'. But I have been known to find even the hidden information—from time to time."

"I forbid it," Odin said in a dry voice. "Those who have attacked us have paid for it with their lives. And even knowing why the attacks have started, would that prevent us from one single battle?"

"It might," Loki nodded. "It might make us better prepared."

"I don't think that the slim possibility that we might be better prepared should overshadow the distinct danger of all out war should your little foray fail." Odin smirked a bit at Frigga then turned back to Loki. "Not to mention that Sigyn needs you here."

Loki sat back, not really looking at anything. The events were entirely too convenient for him to stomach. Odin and Frigga watched as he brooded. Finally he said, "What if I lead in a small group? I cloak them in magic and we simply sit and listen?"

"No, Loki," Odin said softly. "We will guard your lady carefully here. There is no reason to start a war if we do not have to."

Loki shot a tired glare at his father and nodded. "I will take my leave then." Without waiting for a reply, he left the room and went back to the library to find his book.

Sigyn awoke refreshed. For a moment, she thought that she had overslept and needed to tend the goats and chickens, but then she remembered all that had happened. The memories and impressions overwhelmed her like an onslaught of arrows.

Sighing, she stirred and finally stood. Inching her way around the bed and across the room, she made her way to the closet and the room beyond. Slowly she dressed and for once her stomach made no early morn protest. With patience, she began pacing—trying to figure out where everything was in relation to everything else. She had not found a way to do this except to pace and count, pace and count. Ten steps from the bed to the wall, fifteen from the bed to the windows and thirteen steps from this door to the that door.

Memnet came in yawning and bearing a platter of fruit, a wedge of cheese and some sweet bread along with a cup of water and a cup of milk. "My lady—you should have rung for us. We would have come in to aid you."

Sigyn smiled at the older woman. "You have taken such good care of me, I didn't want to..."

"Oh it's all right, dear," Memnet said. "Such a big day yesterday a body might be deserving of rest and some time alone."

"That is true," Sigyn nodded, allowing Memnet to lead her to the sitting area and on the couch.

"Now, we have some lovely grapes and apples, some cheese and fresh nut bread straight from the ovens along with butter and honey." Memnet guided her hands to the tray. "Then we'll get you up and around a bit more and you'll feel right as rain."

Memnet began herding everyone around, gather up the lotions and pins and heaven only knew what else. Sigyn nibbled at the breakfast and was surprised to find that her stomach did not heave.

"You'll be needing your strength, my lady," Memnet said over her shoulder. "Dressmakers will be attending you today to get you fitted. Tomorrow bakers will be lined up to see which cake you like the best." She nodded to herself. "You've got to keep your strength for the babe."

Sigyn almost choked. "Baby? Who told you that?"

Memnet chuckled. "Well...the servants were all buzzing around last night and the rumor started that there was a babe. But it wasn't until the Lady Sif stomped through demanding ale and—well, shrieking that we knew for sure."

"Sif?" Sigyn asked. "Oh."

"Indeed," Memnet nodded. In her most stern voice she said. "And now there's no bottling it back up. His Highness has agreed to make the wedding in a fortnight and we will all be busy from now until then getting ready. So, eat well and rest often." She tilted her head. "I don't suppose anyone has suggested a visit to the midwife?"

"No," Sigyn said sadly. "They haven't... Yet."

"Well, if you have questions, then I'll arrange my cousin to come here to visit. She's been a midwife for many years. However, I would say that Her Majesty, Queen Frigga, could also be asked. She has been a healer here at the palace ever since she was crowned, not to mention that she has birthed and raised the princes so well."

"I see," Sigyn said, though she didn't. Her mind buzzed so. Was Loki wounded at the rumors that were facts? Were Frigga or Odin worried about Loki's reputation that they moved the wedding so close? She sighed and put down the goblet, suddenly feeling unable to eat. "I do not see that it would harm anyone to visit both the queen and the midwife."

Memnet nodded. "And then as soon as you are married, we will need to find nurses and the like to lend you a helping hand with the little one."

"What will I be doing?" Sigyn laughed.

"You'll be hearing petitions for this and that," Memnet scolded. "You may be asked to bring suggestions before the king and to organize banquets and feasts of your own. Not to mention going around and..." She waved her hands in the air, trying to find something else. "-doing things with Queen Frigga. So you must find nurses and wet nurses and tutors to help you in the years ahead." Sigyn's mind boggled and she must have looked shocked and dismayed. "Heavens child! I'll not abandon you." Memnet reached out and petted her hand. "We'll do this one day at a time—and for today, we will be measured for dresses."

Sigyn leaned back and nibbled her bread, considering the host of things she was now apparently going to be responsible for. The cheese and apples tasted savory and tart—a pleasant combination—and the milk was welcome as always. Memnet herded the little crew of maids around—making the bed, picking out shoes and today's dress, laying out slippers and a hastily procured robe as well as a new chemise. Then she helped Sigyn wash her face and fasten her hair back into a simple braid that was coiled and then covered by a snood of fine lace.

It seemed the shortest of times before there was a knock at the door. Frigga swept in, along with two other women—the dressmaker and her assistant. Within a trice, Sigyn was stood up in her chemise and being skillfully measured.

Frigga was smiling and speaking softly with the assistant, going over the sketches of dresses and dress ideas. It was a pity that Sigyn could not see the dresses, Frigga decided silently. "It must make her feel rather like a doll being dressed by a child," she thought as she discarded a creation that looked more like a confection than an outfit.

Another short knock sounded at the door and Frigga stood to answer it. Loki looked at her with a half-smile on his lips. "Mother," he greeted. "How nice to see you!"

"Oh, no you don't!" Frigga sniffed with dramatic exaggeration. "A lady's room while she is dressing is no place for a gentleman."

"And that is supposed to stop me?" Loki wondered silently as he gave Frigga a roguish smile. "I but came to visit the Lady Sigyn."

"Loki!" Sigyn called with a giggle. "Is that you? Let me get dressed and then come in. You will have to tell me of the drawings of the dresses, as I cannot see them."

Loki smiled his most innocent smile at Frigga. "It seems the lady disagrees with you."

"Never mind," the dressmaker chuckled. "We are done with the measurements. Memnet, why don't you take her into the dressing room and we'll go over the sketches?"

Memnet sprang into action, holding the robe wide behind Sigyn and led her to the closet to get dressed. Frigga rolled her eyes with maternal devotion and let Loki come in. The dressmaker and assistant compiled their notes and ideas in quiet tones as they began bringing out swatches of fabric samples.

Sigyn crept in, lead by Memnet and was seated on a chair.

"Now, my lady," the dressmaker said. "We will begin selection of the dresses. I have been told that the silk dress I made you fit well and now we have exact measurements to create whatever you would like." She gestured to the assistant who picked up her papers and waited for direction. "What sort of clothing do you require?"

Loki stood behind Sigyn's chair and dropped a casual hand to her shoulder. Sigyn swallowed heavily and frowned. "I suppose..a few dresses. Plain ones for every day."

Frigga about choked. "Surely more than a few?" she said. She looked at Loki.

"We'll need just about everything," Loki said with a grand gesture. "But with generous seams to allow for the child to grow."

"A child?" the stuffy, grandmotherly seamstress said as the assistant recorded the note. "I see. Generous seams will allow for growth and with the high waist of some of the styles, there will be no problem." She stared at Sigyn for a moment. "I have sketches of several types of dresses—ones for daily wear, special occasions, and so on. I will describe them-"

"I will describe them," Loki interrupted smoothly. He glanced down at Sigyn. "Unless you object, I will help you with the choices."

"Not at all," Sigyn demurred. "I am...overwhelmed."

Loki looked at the first sketch and frowned. "No—too fussy." He took the next sketch. "This would look all right if you do not use too ornate a fabric. What have you in...linen?" He examined the few swatches and chose fabrics and colors. Three more sketches were discarded. Another was approved in soft green velvet. A third was approved in mahogany satin. He flipped through the entire stock of drawings, altering some, approving some and discarding some outright. He chose all manner of fabrics—velvet, satin, silks, fine wool, and more. Underthings were chosen—some in naturally translucent muslin and some others were dyed to go with the dresses chosen. Sigyn's mind whirled as the dresses were chosen, along with night frills and robes and so on. She was able to feel several of the swatches of fabric—though she had no notion of the colors—and could only hope that Loki and Frigga would be kind in choosing things that flattered her.

Frigga was peculiarly silent. Her son, as she had suspected, was gifted in choosing flattering colors and fabrics and styles. He had always had a certain flare for such things. Yet, it seemed that Sigyn was not consulted at all—she could scarcely touch a fabric before it was chosen and the next one presented. She frowned, determined to set this aright for the wedding dress.

The dressmaker was astounded as Loki chose the wardrobe. She had brought a little of everything—hoping to sell a few dresses to the women in the palace. Instead, she was providing an entire wardrobe—and a lavish one—to none less than the future princess of Asgard. The chick looked dazed as descriptions flitted past her. She glanced at the nervous assistant who was scrambling to finish the notes—which dress was ordered with gold embroidery and which one had the fox cuffs—and hoped that she had kept up.

"Now, for the wedding," Loki said as he discarded the last sketch. "I should like-"

"Loki, no," Frigga said impatiently. "You have done enough. Sigyn will choose the dress..."

"Mother," Loki said impatiently, looking at a rather lavish sketch. "There simply isn't time..."

"Not time for the bride to choose her dress?!" Frigga scoffed. She tried smiling and said reasonably. "I appreciate that you wish to take care of Sigyn, but really—it's her choice. And it's ill luck to see the dress before the wedding day."

Sigyn felt Loki's hand tense and grip her shoulder tightly. He said evenly, "And what sort of luck is it for the bride not to see the dress?" He shot an emerald glare at his mother and then seemed to reconsider whatever he had been about to say. With a self-effacing grimace, he said to Sigyn. "My love—have I overstepped my boundaries?"

"N-n-no," she stuttered, her fingers flowing over a sample of satin. "I had no preference and in sooth could not have chosen." She smiled wryly. "You know my preferences—simple and plain."

"But you are now a princess," he said lightly. Picking up her hand with the fabric, he kissed her knuckles. "Do you favor this fabric?"

"I only know that it feels cool and smooth as water in a deep pool," Sigyn flushed. "I think that you called it satin." She felt it slightly. "But what color is it?"

"Red," Loki answered.

"Oh," Sigyn said, disappointed. She loved listening to his voice—to the impossible, flowery descriptions that he laved on the most commonplace items as one spreads jam thick over bread.

"I thought that a dress like this one would be suitable," Loki said, plucking a sketch up. He drew her fingers over the outline. "There are two layers here, showing perhaps ivory embroidery with pearls on the second layer. Note how the embroidery curls here? And the sleeves would be slashed here to show the embroidered ones beneath and tied with ivory silk thread. There is a train with embroidery as well. And the neckline would go down like a heart, here."

Sigyn gaped as she tried to picture the dress in her head. "This is...too much, my lordly love. It would beggar all of Asgard to make, surely?"

Loki grinned at her. She had no concept of the wealth of Asgard and that charmed him. "Not so much, my love." He kissed her knuckles again. "Do you like this one?"

"Your Majesty—tell me, what do you think of this?" Sigyn asked.

Frigga looked at the drawing. It seemed almost completely unlike the sketches that had been produced, yet it was a stylish and flattering dress. "It is lovely," she said without emphasis. "Yet, is it what you want?"

Sigyn thought hard for a moment. "It sounds beautiful." How long ago had it been when she had dreamed of being married? How long ago—when she had been able to see the pretty ladies in the streets and had played as a child in the dusty alleyway behind her father's quarters? She had discarded those dreams so long ago it felt like another lifetime. "If you both think it would be acceptable, then I will trust in your judgment." She felt the piece of fabric in her fingers again. "Could it be made out of this? Perhaps not red-"

"Green," Loki said, rolling the sketch up and handing it to the dressmaker. "It will be in emerald green."

The dressmaker looked at the fabric. She would be hard pressed, but it could be done. "As you wish, if it pleases the bride?"

"As my lord says," Sigyn nodded. She surrendered the swatch and it was attached to the sketch.

Loki nodded and dismissed the dressmaker and her assistant with a wave of his hand. They began to gather their things—the sketches, the fabrics, and the measurements.

"Wait," Sigyn called. "Please...just a moment."

The two women stopped at the door and came back. "How may we be of service?"

"Please—tell me you names," Sigyn asked softly.

"I am Hedda and this is my assistant, Rowan," said the dressmaker curiously.

"I...I am flattered that you have come to me," Sigyn flushed. "It was very kind of you—especially since I am sure that you are very successful and very busy." She laughed at herself. "I hope that soon that I can visit your store and you will not be called all the way here."

"It was no problem," Hedda assured her with a curious look. "We are glad to be of service."

"Still, I hope that it has not been too much trouble. It seems that we have occupied all of your time this morning. I hope to learn more about Asgard and perhaps be able to visit you again." She smiled widely. "I will tell all who ask of your kindness and patience. Especially with eager and protective husbands." Hedda and Rowan chuckled with Sigyn, though they were more nervous than relaxed. "My thanks."

They bowed out, eager to be back at their shop. Every other dressmaker would be envious with such a commission. And to think that the lady had thanked them for their trouble when they should have been thanking her.

Frigga shooed Loki out and let Sigyn nap. It was after midday when the women went out together, purchasing hats, gloves and such. A warm cloak of blue-green quilted satin with a brown velvet lining and a deep hood was another purchase. Finally they came to a small shop that featured necessary items for an infant. Frigga led the way inside, guiding Sigyn to a small couch expressly placed for women who were heavy with child to rest on.

"You Majesty," came a melodious voice. "It has been many years since you visited my mother's shop. How may I be of service?"

"This is my daughter-to-be, Sigyn. We should like to see what you have for small boys."

"Oh? And when is the happy occasion?"

Sigyn frowned and gestured helplessly. "I regret that it will be a surprise to even me. We...well...we had not thought-"

"Ahh...a wonderful surprise, indeed. Now, I shall bring out what I have already made and my apprentice will bring you refreshments."

Frigga apparently could visit with shopkeepers and go through many shops without rest, but Sigyn was exhausted by the time they had picked out blankets, a pile of nappies, and other essentials. This shopkeeper was almost blatantly curious, continually asking questions. The apprentice brought out an immense platter of pastries and tiny sandwiches, goblets, pitchers of wine, cool water and chilled sweetened milk. It was pleasant to speak with the other women about such personally intimate things—how to hold a child, how to give milk, how to do all the things that mothers must learn to do. The apprentice was sent out to fetch the local midwife—Memnet's cousin—who came in short order. With a bemused tone, she gently answered Sigyn's questions and offered suggestions.

"-now garlic may sour your milk. If your babe does not care for it, he may miss a feeding until it is gone. Do not worry though—not a babe yet has starved himself to death." The midwife stopped for a moment to take a hearty draft of water. "Your babe will help you learn what to do and will adore you as much as Prince Loki does."

Sigyn flushed. Frigga was not being shy about announcing her condition. Far from it—she was proudly announcing it to all. "I am almost afraid of the birth—it sounds so...messy and painful." Her hands curled around her goblet tightly to keep from shaking.

"Ahh, but it is the payment for all the sweetness before," the midwife chuckled. "And never fear. My cousin Memnet works in the palace. When it is time she will call for me if you allow it and I will attend your births."

"Memnet works with me—she is helping me in the palace," Sigyn offered in relief.

"Then there will be no delay. And don't be afraid to walk or move to be comfortable! Too many women will lie abed as though the babe would walk in and introduce himself. If you are comfortable abed, then do so, but it may help you to walk, to sit or rock in a rocking chair. Don't be afraid to experiment!

"And don't be afraid of letting your husband know what you need—even if you need him to leave for a while." The midwife chuckled again. "It will not be the first time that a husband has dithered and been more nervous than the mother. I will ask them then to go find a companion to drink with if they cannot soothe and help."

Sigyn frowned, uncertain of what Loki's reaction would be. "I do not know..."

"That is fine. Fine. We will find out at the time and not a moment before. And this will be in the babe's own time."

The shopkeeper giggled. "And cherish this time when the child is within because it will be too soon when you will rush about wondering where he is and what he is doing—particularly if it is quiet."

Everyone except Sigyn laughed. They had all gone through the periods with their children when silence was more dread than noise. Sigyn smiled uncertainly.

It was a relief when Frigga stood and thanked the women for their time and paid them. Sigyn stood, fumbling for the immense bag that they had insisted she purchase and the piles of purchases.

"Don't worry about that Sigyn," Frigga said softly. "They will be delivered and after the wedding, you can choose the room for the nursery where we will put them."

It was almost dinner time when they arrived back at the palace. Almost immediately Frigga was distracted with someone needing her attention and she had a servant lead Sigyn to her apartment. Memnet clucked and fluttered around her, advising her to rest while someone fetched the masseuse. The masseuse came in and rubbed Sigyn's feet and legs as Memnet redid her hair and placed a less formal veil over her face. Then there was a knock and yet another servant led her to the small dining hall where the family had gathered.

Sigyn swallowed heavily, hearing all too familiar voices. Thor and Sif were speaking quietly and then silenced as she passed. There was a loud, boisterous voice proclaiming the virtues of every dish and a smoother voice—addressed as "Fandral" by the booming voice—making jests. Sigyn simply sat at the place she was led. She stood as Frigga and Odin entered and bade everyone sit. The place to her right felt empty and Loki's smooth voice was nowhere to be heard. Odin began making small talk about armies and battles and servants began to serve each plate. Sigyn took a small portion from some of the platters, but felt her appetite dwindling.

Then there was silence through the whole table. Leather boots came tapping in and Loki said, "Good eventide, Mother. Good eventide, Father."

He sat at Sigyn's right and served himself some of the pheasant.

"I am honored to drink to the health and long life of my sister to be," Thor said at last, raising his cup.

"Here, here," most everyone agreed.

"Sigyn," Frigga said. "Are you not feeling well? Or perhaps there is something you would prefer to eat?"

"I am well," Sigyn said, picking at the food. "Simply...overwhelmed by the generous welcome that I have been granted."

"I insist that you feel my child well," Loki said, adding a cut of pork to her plate.

Sigyn grinned at him. "Your child has dined well beyond my wildest imaginings today. Her Majesty—" The title stumbled out of her mouth as she tried to figure out what to say. "—took me shopping and to visit the midwife and we were so well received that I am hard pressed to hold another bite."

"Still," Loki said, picking at his own plate. "I will not have the babe scrawny because—"

"That's enough, Loki!" Frigga chided. "Sigyn may not know that you tease." She glanced at the younger woman. "And please, call me 'Frigga' if you do not feel that you should call me 'Mother' as Loki does."

"As you wish, Mother," Sigyn said. "However, I think that I will call again to that shop and get the recipe for their sweetened milk."

"Is it safe to venture alone?" Loki asked seriously. "Perhaps someone should accompany you-"

"Brother," Thor chuckled softly. "She but goes to the market—not to war."

There was a collective gasp as an arc of magic flitted around Sigyn. She picked up the goblet and took a hearty swallow and sat it down again with exaggerated care. After a moment, the arc flickered out.

Sigyn flushed darkly and pressed her napkin to her mouth. "I'm so sorry..."

Loki put a firm hand on her thigh under the table. "Breathe pet," he said softly into her ear. "Just breathe."

Sigyn panted for a moment and felt her chest ease. Reaching out with care, she took the goblet and gestured towards Loki for a refill. Then, in the uncomfortable silence, she tried to speak peacefully. "I am...unfamiliar with many of you..."

The Warriors Three each introduced themselves, speaking with measured tones. Sif only nodded and said her name, taking hearty swallows of wine.

"I am Thor." Thor smiled at her. She was pretty in her own way if one did not look too closely at her face. And Loki hovered over her like a hen with one chick. "I am glad to welcome you into the family."

A little spark popped at Sigyn's hand. "I'm sorry—I'm truly working to control that." She smiled at Loki. "But I am glad that the entire family is reunited."

Loki smiled back thinly. He wanted to brood or pace, but the idea that his woman be left with Thor beaming at her made his blood chill. "Of course, my love. One big family."

Sif grimaced. "I had doubts that you knew the meaning of the word 'family'."

Loki glared at her only briefly before focusing again on Sigyn. Sigyn felt him press a soft, warm roll into her hand and she said thoughtfully, "I am told that 'family' will have an entirely new definition when the babe is born." She took a bit of the bread. "But as I have spoken of little else but dresses and babies all day, I should like to hear of the other things that have happened... For example, what is this marvelous bird dish?"

This prompted a lengthy discourse from Volstagg on the honeyed chicken and rice, the stuffed dates, the pastries. Fandrall and Thor spoke briefly on their brief foray—there was no activity to report on the western front. Sif said little. Thor's report prompted merry memories of other battles, which were toasted as victories and quite soon everyone was chatting comfortably.

Sigyn sighed, replete. She turned to Loki and asked, "And what of your victories?"

Abruptly the entire table went silent again. "Loki's victories?" Sif scoffed.

"Sif," Frigga warned.

"I'm sure that there were many," Sigyn smiled, trying to hide a yawn. "Many times some interesting strategy won the day." She chuckled softly. "When one feels the size of a walrus, one tends to be interested in ways to outwit an opponent rather than out-fight."

Loki laughed—a little. "Hardly the size of a walrus."

She smiled. "Hmmm... I will not press you for details if you do not wish to discuss them." She shuddered. "However, I would like time to discuss whatever defense you feel I need. The Frost Giant attack is still near in my thoughts." She swallowed, thinking of how close to annihilation she had come.

"No need to fear," Loki said lightly reaching out to stroke her hand.

"Indeed, fair lady," Fandral agreed. "We will all protect you."

Hogun grunted in agreement while Volstagg simply muttered, "Here. Here."

Thor added seriously, "Sister, I will protect you and the babe as though you were my own."

Loki glanced at Sif. For a moment the venom seemed to ooze out as she glared at Thor and Sigyn. He cocked a grin and placed his hand on Sigyn's, amused.

"I am deeply honored," Sigyn said finally. "But all of Asgard must be your concern as well and I would not add burdens to your shoulders if I can help it."

"The palace is well fortified," Sif added almost absently. "Our outer wall is a marvel and strong enough to withstand Frost Giants. The giant who built it had demanded the sun and the moon and Freya. Loki estimated the effort to build the thing at 3 years, so he said that we should constrain the building time to a month. At the end of the month the wall was all but complete and the Allfather sent Loki out to discover why this was so. The giant's steed—an enormous stallion—was doing the work of a thousand. So, Loki had changed himself into a mare and tempted the stallion away from his duties." She shot a look of amused venom at Loki. "Apparently he did such a marvelous impression of a horse's ass it led to the birth of Sleipnir."

Loki almost choked. He hated the outermost wall—hated the role he had played in its creation. But then he caught Sigyn's wonder-filled expression.

"How...amazing," she said. "I would have never considered such a ploy and I would have lost the sun and moon and Freya." She shifted and squeezed Loki's hand, ignoring Sif's gasp. "I am impressed at the clever planning in such a scheme."

Odin thought for a moment. "Sleipnir is my favorite steed as well. He is swift, sure-footed—"

"And stubborn as an ox," Thor laughed. To Sigyn, he added, "The creature was so incensed at having a bridle and saddle on top of him the first time that he threw Father into a thicket and then single-handedly defeated three ogres who sought to take advantage just to prove his contrary nature."

Everyone laughed at that—even Sif. Sigyn could not help but yawn and, of course, Loki noticed. "Sigyn, are you feeling well?" He frowned at her. "You have not yet tasted the pork or the fruits..."

"Just sleepy," she yawned again. "I feel as though I went all through Asgard today." She shrugged. "I know that I haven't been through most of it, but I seem to grow weary more frequently now."

"An early night might do you well, Sigyn," Frigga nodded. "I admit that I was having such fun that I did not consider that it might tire you. I apologize for your exhaustion."

Sigyn smiled a bit wickedly. "I will forgive you so long as you show me where you bought the lovely chocolate covered fruits." She flushed. "I regret that Hogun and I—" Hogun grunted in protest and Sigyn flushed. "OK, I ate what was left at the island and if it is reasonable, I should like to have more."

Loki laughed. "After my appointments tomorrow, I will take you there myself." Sigyn grinned and started to speak and he silenced her with a finger to her lips. "So long as you rest tomorrow morning. If you are up to it after we break our fast, I will take you to the baths, but then rest."

Sigyn only nodded.

Frigga pouted dramatically. "Well, I suppose that I should arrange for the wedding feast tomorrow. The bakers can be brought in the day after, if it is agreeable."

"We are well set to have the wedding," Odin agreed.

Volstagg sighed in appreciation. "I love weddings."

"You mean you love wedding feasts, my friend," Fandral drawled.

"That too," Volstagg nodded.

"And the flowers," Frigga said to herself. "We will need to figure out the flowers."

"Later," Loki said, standing. "If you would excuse us, Mother, I would see that Sigyn goes to bed and rests well." Frigga nodded absently and Odin smiled with a decidedly roguish grin. "If you would send a servant with a platter—perhaps some cheese and fruits—in case Sigyn hungers in the night."

Without much further ado, Loki hustled her out and ushered her to her apartment. "My love, I urge caution when you speak of weddings and such. Mother will keep you occupied for hours if not days on these things and my son needs you well."

Sigyn grinned and pressed against him. "I will be well. You would have nothing less." She sighed. "But there is one thing..."

"Only one?"

"Indeed," she smiled. "I should like to-" Her hand trailed down his chest to his waist in a wistful fashion.

"Ahh..." Loki grinned and shut the bedroom door behind them. "I see..."

And so it was considerably later when he slipped out. The tray that he had asked for was in the sitting area, along with a pitcher of milk. He snapped up an apple and left silently.

The next morning, Sigyn reached in the immense bed and found Loki's place cold. Frowning, she sat up and called out to him softly, not truly expecting a response. Memnet came in and helped her dress and if she found it odd that Sigyn was clad only in a hastily gathered quilt, she made no mention of it.

The breakfast was as casual and friendly as the dinner the night before. Sif had found some other duty pressing that morning, but the Warriors Three were up and around, chuckling over shared memories and happiness. Odin and Frigga strayed in later, gazing moon-eyed at each other. Loki fetched Sigyn and brought her to the same place at the table, serving her boiled eggs, cheese, smoked strips of venison, thick slices of bread with jam smeared across them and oat stirabout.

Sigyn laughed as she tried to find some place to set her cup. "Loki, you are a rogue," she teased. "To set before me such bounty and not leave room for so much as a thought before me." She finally found an empty place for the cup and began to nibble the bread.

Everyone took portions of the food, relishing the bounty of Asgard. Apparently today was the appointed day for the princes to hear the concerns of the land. Loki usually took up the late afternoon and evenings while Thor usually took the morning.

"Yet, where is Thor?" Frigga wondered.

Fandral looked at Volstagg and laughed heartily. "He will rise anon, Your Majesty. When we retired he had found a good skin of wine and a lovely maid to spend time with."

Odin's eye rolled. "I suppose that it is good that one of my sons has sensibly settled down to a good lady."

Loki almost choked again at this compliment. Granted, it wasn't the constant hailing of his name as Odin was wont to do Thor's, but he relished it just the same. He glanced at Sigyn, his silent brooding not so dark. Finally he said, "I will do the morning roster, Father."

"Oh Loki—you promised Sigyn that you would take her to the baths," Frigga chided absently.

"No!" Sigyn protested. Then she flushed, realizing how her voice boomed in the small room. "No—Loki is right that the concerns of Asgard come first and foremost." She tipped a saucy smile at him. "Besides, it would then leave us the whole of the evening for me to explore this wonder."

"Eager to be rid of me?" Loki teased back.

"No," Sigyn smiled. "Eager for you to be done so that I have your company again."

Thor slunk in at this, holding his head. "Mother, Father-" he grimaced and lowered his voice. "I...I feel unwell."

"Loki has already volunteered for the morning roster," Odin chided. "You would do well to rest so that you can cover the evening concerns."

Thor nodded and tipped a horn to his brother in thanks. Without much more than a crust of bread in his hand, he wandered out again.

Volstagg laughed heartily. "That will teach him to not try to drink a bar maid under the table!" Fandrall and Hogun agreed.

"You both are bad influences," Frigga fired back. Yet, her voice held not so much rancor as gentle reprimand. "You should be encouraging him to follow his brother's example and settle down with a good woman." She wrinkled her nose. "Not...a barmaid."

Sigyn paled at that. If a barmaid was so low, what was she? She reached for Loki's hand, squeezing it lightly. "My love, if you would escort me to my room, I will rest and leave you to your duties."

"Of course," Loki nodded. "I must leave quickly anyway."

"I will do it, Loki," Frigga said. "You hurry on." Loki looked about to speak and she gave him a distinctly maternal look. "I will deliver her to her room and allow Memnet to take care of her, if you do not trust me."

"Oh, I trust you, Mother," Loki said evenly with a straight face. "I trust you to spend every breath with questions about the wedding." He cocked a smile at Sigyn. "Go straight to your bedroom and to bed to rest. The child will be here quickly enough without you hurrying him by scurrying everywhere and I don't want him to be the first to be born landing on his head in the street."

Sigyn tried to laugh at that image. "I will rest, but surely there is some small chore that I can do afterward. I...I like to be useful."

"You are carrying my heir," he replied. "There is nothing else that should be more important."

Sigyn nodded obediently and he led her to Frigga who was smiling serenely. When he had left, Frigga stood and bid them all good morning. Each one stood and returned good wishes for a good day as the pair left.

Sigyn was surprised when Frigga took her outside. "Surely the apartments are the other way, Mother?" Frigga smiled to herself and continued leading Sigyn to the walled garden. Once they opened the door, a rooster crowed and the sound of goats could be heard. "Mother, what have you done?"

Billy goat, Nanny goat and Gran-nanny goat were penned in a makeshift pen to one side with a deep trough of water. The rooster and his chicken floated around the garden, continually scratching up grubs and worms. The pots still stood to one side, but now a small collection of hand tools was carefully stored in a water tight pot nearby for her use.

"Oh this is wonderful!" Sigyn cheered, petting her animals again. "I had thought that perhaps someone would adopt them—if they lived at all—but I am so glad that they are here."

For perhaps two hours, Sigyn simply walked in the garden, pacing out her territory with her goats and birds somewhat following behind. Frigga sat at the bench, enjoying the sun and speaking every so often of flowers and gardens and the like. Sigyn finally joined her, sighing in comfort at the sun warmed stone bench.

"I had hoped that this would help you feel at home," Frigga smiled.

"I truly loved the garden and taking care of the animals," Sigyn nodded, trailing her fingers in the water fountain's bowl. "It was something accomplished without sight."

"Whenever you feel the urge, the pots are for your flowers and plants. We have larger gardens, but those are more for food than pleasure."

Sigyn shrugged. "I look forward—in the future—to visiting them. Though it will take me time to become useful in a new garden."

"You are a lady of leisure now," Frigga advised, watching Sigyn bask in the sunlight. "You can afford to relax some. Not every moment that Odin has made need be spent in work."

"Ahh, but I have already spent more time in leisure during my stay than I have in three years," Sigyn giggled. "It is hard to give up the habit."

"Sigyn," Frigga said seriously. "I would like to ask you something."

Sigyn sat up reluctantly. The warm sun beat down on her until every memory of chill was erased from her bones. But the very heat made her lethargic. "What is it?" she replied softly.

"Odin and I were considering what to give you for a wedding gift-"

"Oh, no, please. I have already received so much from you." Sigyn blushed. "And I offer little in return."

"We still would like to give you this gift." Frigga shifted uncomfortably. "He and I thought that you might like to visit the healers here to see if there was anything that perhaps they could do for you." She shrugged. "And if not, our gift would be the illusion of a flawless countenance. It would not be sight, but your scars would not show."

Sigyn gaped. "I...didn't even think that it was possible..." She laughed shortly. "I hadn't even thought to ask Loki." She flushed suddenly. "Is he...ashamed? Does he fear for me to show my face because of the scars?"

Frigga blanched. She truly did not know. She had only seen how sometimes people reacted poorly—cringing or staring—and had decided that the young woman deserved more than that. Odin knew that a lifetime with Loki's moods and brooding was worthy of reward.

Sigyn felt a scream building in her throat as she took Frigga's silence as an affirmative. "I see... I—he had not said that he was so ashamed." She stood resolutely. "Excuse me, Mother. I must leave."

Frigga stumbled up to go with her. "But Sigyn—in sooth, this is a small thing. We had thought it would worry you-"

Sigyn made her way, stumbling past Frigga, to one of the doorways. Signaling a passing guard, she whispered softly to him and tucked her hand into his arm. The guard glanced at the Queen who could only nod sadly and watch as she was led away.

Sigyn stopped briefly at her apartments—long enough to have Memnet fetch her new blue-green cloak. Pulling up the hood, she bade the guard to lead her to where Loki was holding audience. Unlike the big, smelly brute that Loki had teased her with, this one was only a few inches taller than she was and led her easily through the palace.

The waiting chamber was empty save for the last three souls. A tired clerk merely noted her presence and gestured to a bench. The guard let her sit down and stood over her. Time passed slowly and Sigyn felt a chilly knot form in her belly as she waited. It seemed ages before each petitioner was called and the heavy door would swing open and the previous would come out, allowing the next to enter.

Sigyn was the last one—alone—when a page came out to announce that Prince Loki had concluded his audiences for today. Sigyn started and rose. The guard collected himself and led her to the clerk.

"Prince Thor will be here shortly," the clerk said. "You'll be undoubtedly better served waiting for him."

"Please—allow me to see Prince Loki," Sigyn asked, trying to fight the cry in her throat.

He rolled his eyes. "If you wish, miss, I can announce you, but you'll find the Prince is in a foul temper." Thankfully, he was as good as his word and announced her.

The guard led her inside the huge chamber. The cloak brushed against an immense stone pillar three times before they stopped.

Loki stood on a raised dais with his desk covered in the notes and papers that he had to sort through to conclude the business of the day. Scowling, he snapped, "I have concluded audience today."

Sigyn felt her knees wobble and she dropped into a curtsy to hide their faltering. "My lord...a moment only."

Loki's jaw gritted. He had been only half paying attention today, wondering if Sigyn was resting or if she had allowed Frigga to carry her off again. Now he wondered at this soft voice, muffled in the deep hood that sounded so like hers. "Then spit it out—I have little time for games."

Sigyn felt the guard leave and heard him retreat and the door close behind him. Standing firmly she said, "My lord...can you grant me a small favor?"

Loki cocked an eyebrow and glanced at the guards stationed around the room. As expected, the one on the right winked with his right eye—a signal that he expected Loki to turn this one away with nothing—and the one on the left nod ever so slightly. "What is this favor?"

"My husband... I believe that he is ashamed of my appearance and I would do him honor. Can you help me?" Sigyn felt breathless as she remembered the pretend on the island.

Loki smiled. "Are you not more interested in hearing whether or not the husband is actually ashamed? Or if he prefers you as you are?" He stood importantly—unknowingly mimicking Odin's stance when he was delivering a particularly important lecture. "Or is it vanity speaking?"

"My lord, my husband is very important," Sigyn smiled. "I know that many flock to his side and seek his attention. I would only seek to do him honor and not discourage the blessing of his fidelity with this face of mine."

Loki's smile grew into cat-like confidence. "I may not help you. Indeed—what do you offer me?"

Sigyn pulled back her hood. "I offer you my gratitude and fidelity."

"Sigyn," Loki said. "Did you truly come all the way here to see if I were straying from your side?"

"No. I already know that you have spent the day far more wisely than I. But I would know if this face of mine makes you ashamed."

Loki came forward—astounding the guards. Apparently both of them would lose their wagers tonight. He took Sigyn's hands in his own and swept her close to him. "And what brought this on?"

"Frigga and—I mean, Their Majesties wished to gift me with a countenance that would please you." She shrugged. "I still would not be able to see, but others would not see me as I am and would not shun you for it."

Loki chuckled. As if any would shun him for the mere looks of his wife. They shunned him already in favor of Thor. Yet still, some still sought his advice out. And some came forward simply curious at the rumors spreading like wildfire. "It is as you wish it. If it does not bother you, then I have no quarrel with your face."

Sigyn nodded and kissed his face gently. "My thanks, my lord."

Loki nodded at the guards and led Sigyn out. The guard who had escorted her in was dismissed quickly and the clerks rotated out so that Thor's shift could continue. Some had gathered to see Thor specifically and were amazed to see Loki escorting the smiling lady out.

They were meandering down the hallway and met Thor as he came to the audience room. He smiled at them and said softly, "Brother, Sister—I hope that you have a good evening."

"We will," Loki purred, pulling Sigyn closer. "But there is quite a crowd gathering and awaiting you."

"I will hurry," Thor laughed. "Although I would avoid Mother today—tonight, rather. She is upset over some matter and fretting."

"The wedding?" Loki asked absently, petting Sigyn's hand.

"Perhaps, but I think not." Thor shrugged. "But she will not speak to me of it."

Sigyn laughed softly as Thor ambled away. "I suppose that I should speak to her—beg her pardon for leaving her in the garden so suddenly."

"Let her fret," Loki smiled. "She is happily fretting over the wedding anyway, so we may as well not try to stop her." He pulled her close. "Besides, I have spent the whole day thinking about...this." His lips grazed her neck.

Sigyn couldn't help but giggle. "I am equally eager. But here?"

Loki laughed. "No one will see us, love." He kissed her hand and gently undid the cloak. "You pledged to a sorcerer after all."

Some time later, they tumbled into Sigyn's bedroom, their clothes mussed and half off. They had missed dinner, but a platter of food waited for them on the table. They split the meal between them, giggling and laughing.

Sigyn was drawing a single, sweet grape up Loki's side when a knock sounded at the door. Loki flinched and Sigyn traced the area again, hearing his gruff, soft laughter. "Is my lord ticklish?"

"Sigyn!" he whispered. "Stop... I'm warning you."

"Oooh! Threats!" Sigyn whispered back. She abandoned the grape and traced the curves of his muscles. Though he was not as massive as others, his chest and form were muscled and fit. She giggle, twitching as Loki began to find that little place under her ribs where she would be beset with giggles.

The knock sounded again, more firmly.

Sigyn pouted and pulled away. "Who is it do you suppose?"

"Someone who will get a piece of my mind," Loki snapped, pulling on his pants. "If not my boot to his backside."

Sigyn frowned and pulled on her dress.

"What?!" Loki barked as he swung open the door. Frigga stood there, glaring at him in surprise.

"Is this how you treat your mother?" she asked acidly.

"We were enjoying a quiet moment," Loki explained. He drew in a deep breath. "I'm sure you understand."

"Indeed," Frigga nodded, brushing past him. "My dear—I am glad to find you and Loki together. We sent up a platter when you did not arrive for dinner..." She smiled at the empty platter and plates and pretended not to see the errant few grapes on the floor. Or the drips of melted chocolate from the dipped fruits. "But I wished to speak to you both."

Loki raised an eyebrow and led Sigyn to a chair, wrapping his cloak around her and standing stiffly behind her. "What can we do to help you, Mother?" he asked, cocking his head.

"I wished to bed Sigyn's pardon," she explained. "I had thought that...well, never mind what I thought. When I offered to help Sigyn disguise her face, I did not intend that she be offended." She arched an eyebrow at Sigyn, who was listening attentively but without expression and her son who was thinly disguising his irritation. "I was mistaken and do not wish there to be bad feelings."

Sigyn fought to hide a blush. "There are no ill feelings. You both made a generous offer and Loki and I have been—discussing it." She swallowed. "It matters little to me what I look like, but I would not reflect badly on Loki. If there is a problem with how I look, then I will change it. Otherwise, if left entirely to me, I would stay as I am."

Frigga nodded slightly. "As you wish my dear." She frowned at Loki. "Now—you must leave discreetly. You do not wish to have people whispering-"

"Whispering what?" Loki smiled sardonically. "That Sigyn bears my child? I'm afraid that bit of information has already run around the palace several times." He shrugged. "I even had a petitioner come to congratulate me."

Frigga sighed. Rumor was the uninvited guest at the palace. "As you say, then." She bowed her head in exasperation and to avoid showing how relieved she was that Sigyn had not been offended. "I will see myself out and look forward to breaking the fast with you both in the morning."

The next days flew by in a hurry. Loki was tied up quickly by Odin in some kind of complicated negotiation of land rights and rarely saw Sigyn other than at mealtimes. Sigyn rarely saw anyone but Frigga, who was determined to bring out every detail and get her approval. The dressmaker came forward with her dresses and the all-important wedding gown and needed fittings for each. The bakers lined up to have her try their cakes and desserts. Yet, Sigyn thrived—hustling out to do a little gardening each day as well as visiting her animals.

A week before the wedding, Frigga announced that she was going to go to the markets and take Sigyn with her. Loki only rolled his eyes, which caused Odin to snicker. Thor was suddenly beset by a hearty cough and drank deeply to hide his own expression.

"Mother—don't you think that there is enough to do here?" Loki asked. "I mean—we are getting ready for the wedding."

"And the feast!" Volstagg added.

"Everything is moving forward as planned," Frigga said. "And I think that it wouldn't hurt Sigyn to go out."

Loki looked at Sigyn thoughtfully. "I think it would be better if she were to rest." He swung his fork at Sigyn. "My dear—you bear a heavy burden. Don't you think that it would be better to rest here?"

"What do you think will happen?" Frigga teased. "Do you think that some beau would waltz off with her?"

Sigyn surprised them by laughing heartily. "If anyone is at all interested in me, it is only the company I keep and the clothes that I wear that attracts their attention." She sighed. "I think an hour or two only would not overtax me or the babe."

"I will go with you, if you like," Thor offered. "Then none would dare harm you."

Sigyn felt her muscles clench. As nice as Thor seemed to be, it was still an instinctive reaction to flinch when she heard his hearty voice. Frigga had said that it would take time, but it didn't seem to be getting any better. So, she pressed her nails into her palms, forcing herself to calm down. "I think that we will be fine," she whispered.

Loki brightened at her refusal. She was steadfast in her ways—she would be courteous and civil at mealtimes, and speak politely when their paths crossed, but she still did not favor even the thought of being around Thor. Even Odin she hesitated with, though she worked not to show it.

"We will take guards, if it will help," Frigga said with a concerned frown. Loki's overprotective actions were bordering on smothering. He insisted she nap at least once a day and that she not leave the palace if at all avoidable. This had made getting the fittings and so on done a trial.

"I'm sure that we'll be fine, my love," Sigyn echoed with a smile. "And we will be back quickly." She picked at her bowl of fruit—mainly early strawberries and blueberries. "I hope that we're going to go to the candy store."

"Of course," Frigga nodded.

So it was that Frigga and Sigyn were in the marketplace. Frigga, of course, had a thousand errands to do and people to speak to—old friends and shopkeepers and so on. For all that the palace was in the midst of wedding preparations, there was still a lot of commerce to be settled. Sigyn bought the candy she wanted—mainly some chocolate covered berries and some pieces of the dark chocolate Loki favored—and then ordered a dozen chocolate strawberries for after the wedding. The shopkeeper smiled and was charmed as she spoke with him.

"My dear," Frigga said with a calm voice. "Do you mind if I go to this shop? I will have Royce take you back to the palace if you wish to rest, but I do want to see about some fine thread for the tapestry I am working on."

"I will rest in the common green," Sigyn decided. "It is simply a beautiful day and it seems a shame to go hustling in." She waved the paper wrapped package of candy. "If there is a bench under a tree in the common green, I can eat my candy in peace."

"As you wish," Frigga nodded in approval. It seemed to her that Sigyn had not been able to draw breath without Loki overseeing it, and she was happy to see Sigyn able to relax without him. "Royce will escort you. In fact, I will make my own way back to the palace if you wish to make an afternoon of it."

Sigyn nodded and swept out with Royce. The bench was shaded lightly by a willow tree and Sigyn opened her little package.

"What's that?" a small voice asked.

"It is candy," Sigyn answered, cocking her head at the new voice. "Who are you?"

"I'm Gwyneth," the small voice answered. "I come out here a lot, but I haven't seen you before. Do you really know the Queen?"

"Yes," Sigyn giggled. "And she is very nice." She thought for a moment and broke off a piece. "Would you like a taste?"

"Oh, yes!" Gwyneth said. "I haven't eaten all day."

"Oh?" Sigyn said.

"My da'-he is ailing." Gwyneth plopped the piece in her mouth. "Not like when he came back from the wars, though."

"What happened in the wars?"

"He was injured. The Frost Giants hit him and it burned his skin." The little girl crawled up beside her on the bench. "It smells bad and oozes."

"But why does he not go to a healer?"

"I don't know," Gwyneth said. "Is there more candy?"

"Of course—here is another piece." Sigyn thought for a moment. "The King has said that there is money for soldiers who cannot pay for healers. Perhaps your father could find aid there...?"

"Gwyneth!" a loud, hoarse voice rasped. "Where are you?"

"Da!" she called. "I'm here. This lady knows the Queen!"

"Oh?" the male voice chortled. When he approached the bench, he stopped. "Why, Gwyneth, this is..."

"I'm Sigyn. We have been having a lovely conversation here. Won't you please join us?"

"My lady-I..." The man grunted as he sat down.

Sigyn smiled and fed Gwyneth another piece of chocolate. "My little friend says that you were injured. Is there anything I can do to help?"

The man gaped for a moment, unsure how to respond. "I need...well... I need a little help. My leg was shattered and I can't march like I used to. Couldn't do soldiering any more and...well...it's hard trying to get around."

"And your arm, Da'" Gwyneth said innocently.

Sigyn smiled. "There is a fund to help soldiers heal from their wounds. I can help you a little there to see that you are properly healed." Sigyn gestured. "Royce—will you help us to the palace?"

"My lady, of course," Royce said.

"Oh there's lots who are worse off than I am," the man said. "All but a few of the healers say that they won't do anything without getting paid."

Sigyn frowned. "We'll see about that."

It took actually most of the afternoon to wander through the palace and find the correct clerk to ask about funds for the veteran and retired soldiers. There was money set aside, but it was hard to find out how to apply for it since the clerk who had managed it had retired. Sigyn took a purse and left with Royce in tow, following Gwyneth and her father.

She was led to a small house on the outskirts of town. Inside were several men on pallets and a harried healer trying to help them. She smiled uncertainly at Sigyn—taking in her costly clothes, graceful hands and proud stance—and the family with her. Sigyn could not know it, but she blanched as she considered the scars across the woman's face.

"How may I help you, my lady?" she asked timidly. "Jonathan, it is good to see you and Gwyn as always."

"I believe that there has been a misunderstanding," Sigyn replied softly. "Someone said that there was no money to pay for healers for the soldiers who were injured."

"Oh, my lady. That is only the half of it. Several healers like myself volunteer our time and skills, but there is little to go around for medicines and supplies. And many suffer worse because—like Jonathan, they are so injured they cannot take another occupation after being dismissed. This leads to hunger—"

"Starvation," Jonathan muttered softly.

"And that makes this a hundred times worse," the other woman finished up.

Sigyn felt her gorge rise at the strong odors of this place. "Please—I cannot see what is here. Could you please describe the need?"

"I can," Royce answered. "My lady, there are only ten pallets on the floor, most of which are occupied. I know some of these men—they were assigned with me and are good men. But they were injured badly and no one knew about the monies set aside for their welfare."

Sigyn turned to the healer again. "If you had the funds, could you improve this place? What would you need?"

"Oh I'd first get the supplies—medicines and such. The building is sound, and the mats are not much, but we get by."

Sigyn frowned. "Royce, please give this healer half the purse."

"Gladly, my lady."

The coins clinked loudly. The healer gasped. "My lady...this is a true blessing. Cora! Menda! Come here!" Two other sets of feet tripped up close. "Cora—go to the herbalist and fetch this list of things. Menda—you know where to go."

"Yes!" they echoed.

Sigyn smiled. "It is not much, but I will try to see that there is more." She turned to Jonathan. "Sir, could you gather two or three men who are hale and hearty?"

"I know of several. They're not much to look at but they are good friends."

"Then I will pay them for their time if you will fetch them."

"Yes, my lady." And Jonathan left, his feet flying out the door.

"Royce—did you know of this?"

"I knew the rumors, but had no need to come here. Yet."

"I want you to take me and the men with Jonathan to the markets. I will visit several areas and need men to carry supplies back here."

"As you wish, my lady."

Jonathan returned quickly with two others. Sigyn tucked her hand into Royce's elbow and they journeyed out together. Quite quickly, she found thick pads to rest on, along with sheets and pillows. Another stop and she found two old camp stoves at a tinker's shop. Counting her coins carefully, she moved through the market, finally purchasing two baskets of bread, an enormous supply of dried meats, and a barrel of ale.

The little building was buzzing when they returned. The men that Jonathan had engaged were setting up the new bed clothes. The camp stoves—similar to the one that Loki had given her—were set around to warm the space. The bread and dried meats were passed around, along with horns of ale.

"Blessings to you, my lady." The healer stood at her side. "This will mean the world to these men."

"I will return tomorrow to the markets to see about other rations. I fear that the meat will not be enough."

Royce cleared his throat. "The shopkeepers often have vegetables that they cannot sell in the summer. If they had a proper cellar to store them, we could supply these men with soups and then store extra for the winter."

Sigyn tried desperately to hide her yawn. All the excitement was making her tired. "That sounds like a lovely idea. We will go back to the markets and see about donation tomorrow."

"As you wish, my lady. I will be available after midday."

Gwyneth ran to Sigyn and hugged her close. "My lady... Will you come back tomorrow?"

"I will try. But I cannot promise anything." Sigyn smiled sadly. "Truly, I give you my word that when I can, I will return."

Jonathan took her hand and kissed her knuckles gently. "It is a blessing."

"We are blessed to have such men as you in our armies," Sigyn replied. "If your friends are able, could they dig the cellar?"

"Indeed we could." Jonathan coughed suddenly. "Well...maybe they could."

"And a well?" Sigyn asked.

"A well would be an immense blessing," the healer piped up. "Our small gardens would bloom indeed."

"Gardens?"

"Indeed, my lady. We have a small collection of gardens for our herbs and some amount of vegetables. It is little, but we do what we can to feed these men."

"Then let those who can help out with the cellar and the well. I will petition for moneys for their time and effort and will try to work with the clerk to see that money is given here as well."

"Odin bless you, child." The healer dabbed at her eyes with her apron.

Sigyn smiled. "He already has."

Sigyn felt wretchedly tired and sweaty as Royce finally led her to her room. She felt heartsick as well—Royce had been only too eager to tell her of the problems with the little building and how sometimes it was the only thing between an ex-soldier and starvation. At least the little clerk who she petitioned had been still at his office and agreed to sit with her on the morrow to determine a budget. Her stomach growled angrily as she finally went into her sitting room.

"So you finally have returned?" Loki said sarcastically from his place in the chair by the fire. Though she could not see his eyes blazing emerald or the snarling frown that distorted his face, she could hear them in his voice.

Sigyn threw her cloak on the back of the couch. Her head buzzed with happiness as she contemplated what she could do to help Jonathan and the others. "My love, you would not believe the day that I have had. I-"

"You deliberately disobeyed my orders to stay here and rest. You promised me that you would return quickly!" he barked. He rose from the chair he had been sitting in and stalked over to her. "Did you think that I would not know?"

"I...I'm sure this is a misunderstanding."

"There was no misunderstanding! You disobeyed me." He grabbed her arm roughly. "You will not leave here again."

"But Loki! I promised that-"

"I know about your promises." He cocked his head and looked at her strangely. "Do tell what kept you from obeying me, your prince." He snarled in her face, dragging her close to him. "Some handsome beau, perhaps? Maybe even, Royce?"

"What?! No! Royce took me-"

"I don't care where he took you," Loki snapped again, pushing her towards the chair. She stumbled a small bit and then gingerly sat down. "I do care that you pledged your fidelity to me alone. I do care that you are heavy with my child and have been under attack from Frost Giants." He squatted down in front of her, gripping her hands tightly. Sigyn whimpered in his grasp and his knuckles turned white around her hands. "Now whatever ideas you may have about leaving, you can forget them. You belong to me."

"Loki—you're hurting me!" she groaned.

He released her hands as quickly as he had grabbed them. With a snort, he stood up. "I will speak to Mother about not letting you wander around the markets again." He turned to face the opposite wall. It was a petty thing to turn his back to her when she couldn't see it, but it helped him to focus on his fury rather than the sudden mournful look on her face. "I will also speak to Mother about her penchant to let you wander the streets. I will ask Father to not allow her to take you out of the palace."

"You don't have that right," she whispered defiantly. She shook her head sadly. "Please, my love, let me explain!"

"Your explanations bore me," he snarled. "I think that I will seek another's company tonight. I don't favor the company of oath-breakers." Sigyn gasped in shock. With that, he walked out and slammed the door. With an angry oath of his own, he locked the door.

Sigyn sat very still in shock as the bolt slid home. Slowly, she rose and, struggling with the laces, she slid out of the gown. The bathing room had a pitcher of cool water and she washed with that, saving a little to drink. Taking a night robe out, she pulled it on and slid into the bed. There was a soft thunk outside and then another as rain began to pelt the windows and slowly Sigyn forced herself to sleep.

The next morning, Sigyn was awakened by loud pounding on the door. She staggered up and made her way to the door.

"Sigyn. Sigyn!" Frigga called out. "Are you awake?"

"I'm here," she sighed. "But...but, I can't get out. Loki has the key." She tried the door and, sure enough, it was still locked. Sighing and wiping her face, she went back to the closet to throw on a dress.

Presently Frigga knocked again. "Sigyn... Can we come in?"

"We?" she asked wearily. "Who else is there?"

"Loki and I are," Frigga replied quietly.

"We are coming in," he called.

"As you wish," Sigyn said, sitting down on the couch.

The door was unlocked and opened and Sigyn smelled the scent of breakfast—eggs, buttered toast and sausage along with a cup of the chamomile and mint tea that she favored. Two sets of footsteps bustled around her, but she paid them no mind. Absently, she wondered where Memnet was to do her hair and then cursed herself for being so weak. Weren't there greater things to worry about?

"My dear," Frigga said, glancing at her. "Are you feeling well?"

"Yes, Mother," she answered mechanically.

Frigga looked at her with a touch of sadness. "Well, we brought you breakfast," she finally said, setting the tray down on the coffee table in front of her. "Do eat up-"

Sigyn shrugged and said, "I'm not particularly hungry." She waved her hand stiffly and tried not to wince. "You both may share it if you wish."

"We've already eaten," Loki said softly, sitting down beside her. He draped one arm around her shoulders. "Now—here is a lovely piece of the sweet bread that you favor."

"I'm not hungry!" she snapped at him. If his hand hadn't gripped her shoulder, she would have stomped out of the room. As it was, she turned away from him.

"Mother," she finally said in a choked voice. "I should like your help."

"My dear-" Frigga looked at Loki who only frowned his brooding, stormy frown. "I...I think that..."

"Yes," Sigyn sighed. "I've already been informed that I should remain here." She swatted Loki's hand lightly. "But, you see, I had a meeting arranged with one of the clerks to discuss funding one of the volunteer groups in the city that cares for soldiers who have come home too wounded remain enlisted. He was supposed to give me a budget of what moneys could be dispensed over the next six months. I should like to give him a message to give Royce the money to deliver and then to bring back a receipt from Cora or Menda." She shrugged. "It's a small thing, I know. But the clerk that Odin had originally put in charge of the money retired and few knew that the funds existed. They have been living hand to mouth trying to support a place for the soldiers to receive healing and help." She shrugged again helplessly. "I wanted to help them out..."

"It sounds like a grand idea," Frigga smiled, casting a knowing look at Loki. Loki's half smile thinned to a frown, looking at Sigyn. "I will see to it that the moneys are couriered safely. Do you have someone you can trust to read the budget to you? Do you know how the funds should be used?"

Sigyn nodded, her pale cheeks growing rosy. "I am so excited about the plans. The first thing is to dig a well so that they have clean water for their gardens and for cleansing of wounds. Then next build a cellar for the building. This will be for storage and to store extra vegetables. There was a gentleman named 'Jonathan' there with his daughter Gwyneth who found several men who were able to help me. Those men need the work—work that they can do with frequent breaks and slow movement. One of them—Gwyll-needs to rest often because his peg-leg is too short and makes him ill-balanced. Then there's Boyar who was hurt in the head. He is gentle as a lamb, but sometimes needs the others to help him to do his task. He was the biggest and brought back all of the pillows that I needed when we went out yesterday-"

"You were trying to outfit the place in one day?" Frigga gasped, looking at Loki in surprise.

"No—I did not need to do much. Only the bedding. I should like to provide other services, but I need to know how much money there is to spend. When the gardens come in, I hope to have Gwyll and Boyar go to the merchants' stalls in the market to buy leftover vegetables so that they can make soups and such. Then there's finding a place to get beans and rice and such. And chickens—they will need chickens for the garden and for eggs-"

"My heavens!" Frigga smiled. "You have been busy." She fumbled for a moment. "I must have left my writing things at my desk. Loki—could you? Never mind. I'll use these here unless you mind, Sigyn."

"No...not at all." Sigyn smiled widely.

Frigga made copious notes and plans, listening eagerly as Sigyn outlined the foodstuffs and supplies that the little group needed. Sigyn felt lightheaded, but she scarcely dared stop for breath because who knew how long silent Loki would allow her before he stomped off and locked her in again? She did finally accept a cup of the lukewarm tea and sipped it as she spoke about her plans.

"Enough," Loki said finally. "Surely that is plans enough for today?"

"I should say so!" Frigga sighed happily. "I will fetch the clerk and give him the messages. If I can find Royce, then he will carry the message with me. I will, of course, apologize that you are not able to deliver it personally unless...?"

"No, Mother," Loki said softly. "I think that I will stay with Sigyn today. All day." He gently touched the frazzled braid. "If she will have me."

Frigga waited for Sigyn to nod or protest or something. Instead, she only bowed her head as if praying for patience. "My dear—is there anything else that should be taken care of today?"

Sigyn cocked a sad smile. "I suppose that I should find Memnet to get cleaned up."

"I will help you, my love," Loki purred.

Frigga frowned at him. "You should see to finding someone who can be trusted to help Sigyn."

"Later."

"It's all right, Mother," Sigyn said. "Better to thrash this out before the wedding."

Frigga nodded at her uncertainly. "I will do these things myself so that the soldiers may be helped. We had no idea that this happened, but of course, we must work to fix it."

Sigyn smiled—indeed, she couldn't help but smiling. "Mother—it is a relief knowing that you will be taking care of this. My thanks."

Frigga frowned again and rose with her notes. "I will expect to see you both at the noon day meal. In the meantime, I will take care of this. Good morn."

Sigyn was smiling softly until she heard the door close. Inexplicably, a chill raced up her spine. Loki's hand still rested on her shoulder, but his fingers did not bite into her flesh like they had. She twisted her hands into her skirt idly, frowning as she considered what she should do. "Am I so weak that I can help no one?"she thought sadly.

The sad silence filled the room. Sigyn had neither appetite nor thirst and small desire for a bath. Finally, she tried to stand up to go to the bathroom. Loki's hand unexpectedly fell from her shoulder. For a moment, she thought that maybe he had reconsidered his rash anger.

"I will go bathe," she said finally.

"Will you go with me?" Loki said softly. Had Sigyn been able to see, she would have seen the wounded expression in his unguarded eyes—how he yearned to see her smile again as she had been with Frigga. He hadn't given it much thought, but if helping the soldiers was something to make her happy, he supposed that it was not such a bad thing provided she was willing to accept his limits.

Unfortunately, Sigyn saw none of that and might not have believed it if she had. So, she said, "I will be in the bathing room."

Absently, she doffed the dress, laying it across the corner of her bed. Her underthings were deposited in a pile and she went to the bathing room. It almost surprised her that the tub was somehow filled with warm water and gave off a spicy, sweet scent. But then, Loki could do anything, she supposed.

She sank into the tub, feeling the warm water wash over her. Her stomach was rounded now and she stroked it absently. With a stretch, she reached to undo her hair. The great lengths of mahogany fell around her, hiding her flesh from prying eyes.

Loki's eyes narrowed as he saw Sigyn silently bathing. She had no need to hide her form from him—he had already seen her every inch—but that she did so wounded him. It was as though there was a wall between them that he had no idea how to scale.

Then he saw her hands. There were bruises on her hands where he had grabbed them the day before. Another, slight bruise the exact width of his palm was around her upper arm. Every other inch of her was sweetly colored cream with just the right dollop of rose.

"You are hurt," he finally said.

"It is nothing," Sigyn replied softly. She tucked her hands into the tub around her. "Will there be anything else today?"

"Breakfast," he grunted, then winced. Bad enough to be in a such a foul temper, but then to sound like Hogun with his grunts and short replies was sore prick to his pride.

"As you wish," was all that Sigyn said. She ducked her hair to wash the dust and sweat from it and then rose. Memnet had once shown her where the towels were kept and she slowly took one out and dried off. Without haste, she brushed past him and went mechanically put on her clothes.

Breakfast was short-lived. She ate whatever he offered her, but made no move to enjoy the food on her own. Loki was silent as well, trying to put together the words to say to her.

Finally, she finished the tea and set down the cup. "I wish to rest. I assume that you will be taking everything with you?"

Loki started to nod, but flushed. "I will..."

"Then do so," she said, walking to the bedroom door. She opened it and then closed it softly behind her with a small click.

Sigyn crumpled inside. She clapped her hand over her mouth, waiting for the sound of his boots in the other room. When it seemed like minutes had passed, she had to bite her knuckles to keep from crying out. At last Loki's footsteps were heard, along with the outer door opening and closing. She didn't bother to wait to hear the lock, but instead threw herself on the bed. She could shed no tears at all, but that didn't stop the hoarse feeling in her throat as she cried out against the pillow.

The morning passed slowly. Sigyn dozed off and on, waiting for the time to pass. Occasionally, she wandered to the front room to see if there was anything to do. Even sewing would have helped—but there was nothing.

"He is thorough in his punishments," she sighed to no one at all.

Finally, she opened her window to at least be able to hear the sounds outside. There were birds singing and some sweet smell in the air. For some time, she was able to remember her island—funny how she always called it 'her island' in her head—and the sound of the ocean, the smell of the earth and the feel of the plants beneath her fingers.

Idly, she tried the door again and to her surprise, it was unlocked. She opened it timidly. "Is anyone there?" she said softly.

"We are here, my lady," a gentle masculine voice said. "We are your guards."

"Oh...," she replied. "Am I allowed to leave my rooms?"

"Only with us, my lady," the voice replied gruffly.

Loki's voice smoothly cut in. "Or with me." He reached out and gingerly touched her hand. "Will you take lunch with the family?"

Sigyn nodded solemnly. "If you would have it so."

"I would." He took her hand as though she were made of the finest glass and tucked it into his arm. "Mother is most upset and would be greatly relieved to see you."

Sigyn only shrugged. "Are you glad to see me?"

"I am," he said smoothly. He nodded to the guards and they bowed as the pair left. "Come. Let us go to see them."

They proceeded in silence and joined the family. Sif, the Warriors Three and Thor were already seated with Odin and watched in silence as Loki led Sigyn inside. Frigga at last came in with a small parcel of wildflowers and everyone rose in respectful silence. Odin smiled at her worried face and led her to the table. All saw her reddened eyes and the purple shaded hollows beneath.

"Let us sit," Odin said softly. Usually he just waved his hand, but without sight, Sigyn could hardly see his grand gestures.

Servants came in, along with the nervous, thin cook. Loaves of bread were set in easy reach, along with two salt cellars. The first course was a hearty soup—thick with minced vegetables. The second course was a ham with baked apples—one of Volstagg's particular favorites. The third course was a roasted bird with onions in gravy. At last was the salad of greens with walnuts and strawberries and the sweets—pastries with sweetened, creamy cheese filling and various berries and candied violets on top.

Hogun sat in silence, glaring at Loki. Fandral was also particularly subdued. Sif took her usual portions, along with Volstag. Thor swatted her hand and made a small gesture and she frowned at him. Leaning back, she whispered into his ear some angry thing and he glared back at her.

"You take nothing for yourself, Frigga," Odin observed.

"I find...I am not hungry," she replied.

Odin nodded and took a slice of ham for himself. "You bring us a gift of springtime with your lovely flowers," he said.

Frigga let out a thin, harsh smile and looked at Loki. "They are not mine," she said, her hoarse voice coming out almost as a hiss. "They are Sigyn's gift."

Loki's eyes widened and he almost dropped his goblet. Sigyn only paled, her hands stiffly knotted in her dress. Loki shot her a glare.

Odin nodded stiffly and gestured for a servant. "Bring us a vase of water, that Sigyn may receive her gift." He looked at the flowers again. They were common flowers—dandelions, daffodils, daisies, violets and such flowers that could be found on any roadside—wrapped in a piece of paper from the candy store that Frigga and Sigyn had been visiting. "Tell us about this gift."

Frigga nodded, taking a hearty gulp of her wine as she struggled with the rancor in her voice. Even if he younger son did not listen, he would hear her words. "She does us honor." Heartened by the attentive audience, she continued. "Sigyn accompanied me to the markets yesterday and found that some of Asgard's soldiers were not properly being cared for at home. She instructed me this morning to inquire about the funds we set aside for the veteran's care and to take a portion to the shelter the people of Asgard had left for them. It was she that found the place—many refused to take me until I found tiny Gwyneth-"

"Why would they refuse to take you?" Odin asked almost innocently.

"They said that it was a—I believe that they called it 'a bad part of town'." Frigga shuddered as Loki's expression grew stormy. "It wasn't so bad—just poor. The roads are ill serviced and the people are not wealthy. At any rate, I found the shelter only after Gwyneth took me into her confidence. And I wouldn't have known her had she not shown me the chocolates Sigyn had forgotten."

Frigga swallowed heavily. "There were six that day who were each lying in the pallets Sigyn purchased. Each of them could describe her to me and how they waited for her visit because she promised to come back. Two—one of them was Jonathan, I believe—were being treated for smaller injuries.

"It surprised me—but four had brought out borrowed shovels and were digging the well. Gwyll and Boyar were both there—taking turns. They were sore disappointed that Sigyn herself could not return, but they had been told yesterday to dig a well and that they would be paid for their time and they were doing very well to please her. They even asked what task would be next so that they could continue to work and perhaps bring more to do her bidding."

The entire table was silent. Frigga smile more warmly, glancing out of the corner of her eye that Loki had gone entirely stiff and pale except for spots of red on his high cheekbones. "I found each of them to be honorable men who had been injured in battle. Their injuries prevented them from continuing as soldiers and they had been sent home. Unfortunately, many of them were similarly too injured to do labor and most were too old to be apprentices. Some, like Jonathan, had families and could ill-afford to begin the seven years as an unpaid apprentice."

Sigyn finally stirred, taking her glass into her hand. "And what of the coins? Did Cora or Menda-"

"Cora and Menda were both healing as I arrived and the healer wanted to give you her thanks because the medicines that you provided saved two of the soldiers' lives." Frigga shifted uncomfortably and finally took a portion of bread. "The coins that you gave them were put to good use."

"And the well?" Sigyn asked hoarsely.

"Gwyll and Boyar were taking turns digging when I left and they promised that by sunset tomorrow, your well would be finished." Frigga took out the heavy purse and dropped it on the table. "They would gather again after that and would tend the vegetable gardens until you bade them-"

"Oh no," Sigyn gasped. "I did not leave moneys to pay for their time. It was all such a rush yesterday...!"

Frigga smiled at the younger woman. "I had the money with me, but they men said that you were the one to contract with them and refused to take it until they were finished." She arched a fine eyebrow. "I daresay that they will accept no reward until you give it."

Sigyn nodded. "The gardens are good—most every man there could help in the gardens. But the cellar should be next." Her head raised and her cheeks began to glow. "The healer said that some of the medicines would require cool storage during the summers. Perhaps their families could also learn from the healer what to do and what to gather-"

Thor nodded. "I will go and see if I may aid them as well. It is not good that the faithful soldiers of Asgard who must leave our service do not have adequate provisions."

"Here, here," said Fandral with a rakish grin.

"I do not think that we will be much help without Sigyn there," Frigga said archly. "Indeed, this little enclave was most dedicated to her."

Loki felt a chill run up his spine. Frigga was manipulating him—and doing a rather poor job of it. He took another slice of bread and buttered it.

"I would be honored to escort the lady," Fandral offered at last. "It is the least that I could do for Asgard's valiant forces."

"Indeed," Thor agreed and repeated himself. "I should like to join the party and see if there is anything I can do."

"Loki," Frigga said at last. "Do you think that you could let us have Sigyn for the afternoon?"

All eyes turned as one towards Loki. He smiled slightly. "Of course, Mother." He tried to gently touch Sigyn's hand and then drew back. "If Sigyn is up for it."

Sigyn nodded slightly. "I should at least like to pay the men for their time."

"It is settled then," Loki nodded. Sigyn smiled a little, as though relieved and it helped soothe his temper somewhat. He swallowed heavily, trying to hide the flush of embarassment that he had all but accused her of infidelity when she had truly been doing him honor and Asgard good. "But perhaps I should go with her. I should hate to keep Asgard's finest warriors from their tasks." He shot a glare at Fandral and Thor, who only grinned back.

"Royce perhaps can take me," Sigyn offered, ignoring a slight static filled pop of her magic. "He knows the way and the others are comfortable with him. I would hate to keep...e-e-either prince of Asgard waiting on my whim."

Odin raised his hand and Frigga shot him a glare before speaking. "My dear—I could not find Royce. Many knew of him and knew that he had escorted you, but none could tell me where he had gone this morning. Only that a message had come from the palace early that morning and he had left."

"Oh," was all that Sigyn said. She nodded. "I see." She seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Would the Lady Sif agree to escort me?"

"What?!" Sif gaped.

"Sif?" Loki asked, unable to hide his surprise.

"She is a well respected warrior and there would be no doubt of any...trickery," Sigyn explained softly. She laughed dryly and Loki raised his eyebrow. "And I have no doubt that she would do all in her power to bring me back as swiftly as possible."

Odin laughed at such clever reasoning. With Sif in attendance, the lady would be well guarded, there would be no thought of treachery or infidelity, and Sif would be pressing them to return quickly. "It is agreed, then," Odin pronounced.

The lunch went on more comfortably. Sigyn began to eat heartily, to Loki's relief. Sif only scowled and pushed her plate away. Thor smirked at Loki and watched as Sif left the table. He mouthed, "Meow" to his brother.

Only—that smart comment did not make Loki laugh like it might have. Sigyn was hale and hearty and plainly eager to go. He watched as the vase was brought forward and she delighted in the flowers in it. Had he broken her trust and her love as easily as his spells might smash the vase itself? Would there be a time when she would simply vanish into the streets and not be seen again?

And there was no getting a word in between Frigga and Sigyn. They discussed expanding the building, improving the conditions, expanding the gardens, building a second well indoors for winter use, and other such plans almost non-stop. Sigyn was flushed with her excitement and her hands spoke eloquently as she illustrated her point.

"Sigyn," he said as patiently as he could muster. "Please...for the babe's sake if not for mine, please eat."

Sigyn popped a bite in her mouth and continued listening to Frigga as the Queen began discussing buying other abandoned buildings to expand the services this one offered. Absently, she took a sip of her drink and picked up a bit of bread. Loki tried prompting her to continue eating, but at length he realized that he may as well have saved his breath because she was neck deep in the schemes and had no desire to listen to him. Odin smiled in understanding and raised his glass.

Finally, they both stopped to drink and wet their throats. Loki cleared his throat and tried to prompt Sigyn. "Careful, myn lykyng. You actually took a breath that time." Sigyn giggled and plucked some grapes from her plate. "You might want to consider a sandwich?"

Sigyn giggled and flashed him a smile. "Isn't it wonderful, Loki? There is so much that can be done."

"But it does not need to be all done today," he countered pleasantly. "And definitely not all before dessert."

"Here, here!" boomed Volstagg with a grin.

Sigyn pouted and finally ate a few bites. "As you wish..." She sniffed the air delicately. "But the flowers are wonderful."

Frigga nodded, suddenly famished herself. "Gwyneth picked them. Although she confessed she ate the last chocolate."

Sigyn giggled and then her face lit up. "That's a great idea. We can see if perhaps we can do celebrations of birth of the soldiers. If they are being healed, surely it would harm none to have some small treat for them?"

Frigga nodded. "Perhaps. The bakers are notoriously hard to work with sometimes though and none will consider baking on the premises without a proper oven."

Sigyn frowned, again abandoning her meal. "There's hardly enough room for the camp stoves and the mats."

"My ladies," Odin said finally. "It seems to me that you both must go and plan what is to be done."

Frigga nodded eagerly and then frowned. "But the wedding...!"

"Most everything is decided, surely," Sigyn said innocently. "We can spend a few hours and gather our wits and then be back to do wedding tasks?"

"We'll take Sif," Frigga nodded. "As a warrior, she will see things that we do not."

"Agreed," Sigyn said shyly. "Although won't we need some paper to write notes? And perhaps a candy for Gwyneth?" She fretted, knotting her hands in her napkin. "Gwyll has a small child too. I wish that I could read to the children. It might take their minds off of their ills and I would think that it would help the soldiers to know that their kin are well minded."

Loki grinned his famous, mischievous cat's grin. Idly, he toyed with his wine as he listened to the ladies continue on like a hurricane. When they both finally stopped for sips of wine, he conceded, "Sigyn, please go with my blessing."

Sigyn squealed and wrapped her arms around him, knocking over the vase in her excitement. Thor grabbed it and moved it aside with a small grin. "My love, thank you. This is so important and precious to me."

"But I will take you to task-" He shot Frigga a telling glance. "-if you are the least moment late for supper." She kissed him again, smiling gleefully. Whirling out of her seat, she almost danced out of the room, leaving Frigga scrambling to catch up.

Odin rolled his eye. "That is a secret to a happy union."

"Oh?" said Thor with a sapphire twinkle in his eyes. "What is that?"

"Never stand between a woman and her heart's task," Odin rumbled with a laugh.

Sif was silent as the other two women found her at the palace gates. She glared at Sigyn and led them to the horses she had chosen. Sigyn settled in beside Frigga, laughing and chatting as they rode out in the warm air. For a brief period, Sif felt out of place in the talk of dresses, flowers and gardens-she had never cared for such-but was relieved when the talk again turned towards soldiers and their needs.

The afternoon flew past on golden wings for Sigyn. Gwyll and Boyar had finished the well and several other men had shown up, hearing of work that might be available. Cora and Menda had put together a list of general supplies that they needed regularly, as well as plants that were useful to them. Gwyneth was delighted to see her friend again and nothing would do but to sit next to her as she plotted the size and dimensions of the cellar and the gardens. Sigyn, with Frigga's help, listened to each man as he spoke of the things he came to the little building for and what he still lacked.

"I cannot make any promises," Sigyn repeated for the umpteenth time. "But I will add this to my list to take before the King and we will enlist his aid." Frigga smiled as she wrote down each complaint and suggestion, listening as Sigyn tried to avoid setting anyone up for disappointment.

The man before her nodded and smiled. "I cannot tell you how much it means to know that we will have medicines here again." He smiled at Gwyneth who had curled up beside Sigyn and was yawning sleepily. "And to think that our children will be able to play here without interrupting anyone while we receive our healing-that is a miracle."

"I will do my best,"Sigyn said.

"Are you really going to marry Prince Loki?" Gwyneth asked suddenly, though only one eye cracked open to look at her idol. "And be a princess?"

Sigyn smiled down at the little voice. "I am."

"My Da' says that he's a liar and trickster," Gwyneth said plainly. "How can you love him?"

Frigga almost choked and Sigyn's cheeks colored a firey red. Jonathan came hurrying up to whisk her away, but Sigyn only smiled and wrapped an arm around the girl. "Well...I suppose anyone is entitled to his opinion. But surely it is not wrong to trick an enemy and avoid the loss of lives?"

Gwyneth's brow pleated as she thought about that. "Da' said that he tricked a Frost Giant into running off a cliff with an illusion of a bridge and it saved his life." She shrugged. "But lots of people say such things about him... I'd be scared of him."

To everyone's amazement, Sigyn only laughed. Jonathan was about purple in apoplexy, but Frigga only waved silently for him to wait. Sigyn giggled. "When he yells, he scares me too, a little, but he is also kind to me. And surely everyone deserves a second chance to be better than they are?"

Gwyneth nodded. "But if he's mean to you then...I guess you can come to my house."

Sigyn chuckled. "And we'll hit him with feather pillows until he apologizes?"

Gwyneth laughed, "And tickle him!"

"That's a good idea, too."

Jonathan let out a deep breath. "I think that's enough Gwyneth. Remember that Prince Loki is our prince like Prince Thor. Beggin' your pardon, ladies..." Gwyneth slid off the bench and was herded home by Jonathan.

Sigyn flushed and turned towards Frigga. "Oh dear..."

Frigga sighed deeply. "I...I think we need to finish for today. We're expected back for dinner, after all."

Sigyn nodded and picked her way through, thanking Cora, Menda and the healer, as well as Gwyll and Boyar. She gave Gwyll and the healer the notes for the cellar and the garden, promising them that she would pay for the time that any veteran spent improving the place.

"That's going to attract them like flies to honey," the healer groused with a good-natured smile.

Sigyn fumbled for a moment, taking the teasing seriously. "I...I..."

"We will return with a plan to help verify that each man has worked as he has claimed," Frigga chimed in. Then in an overloud voice, she said, "We must hurry back, else we will be late. Now where is Sif?"

Sif, it turned out, was outside, leaning against the corner of the building with the reins in her hands. It...unnerved her to see the soldiers so wounded. One had been missing a leg and another had lost a hand. Would the day dawn when she was forced to beg for help and healing from such a lowly place as this? Thor would not end such as this—he was royalty, after all and would be cared for 'til the end of his days. Surely he would take care of them—Fandral, Volstagg, Hogun and her? In silence, she rode back with the other ladies.

Loki smiled from the high window as he watched the three riders approach the palace. For some reason it made his world seem more right to know that she had actually returned to him. He could not see what she said to Frigga, but she gestured grandly as the horses walked through the gates. His work was far from done, but he had not been able to prevent himself from peering out the window all the long afternoon, waiting to see if she would. He frowned at the papers in his hands—he would have chased her through Helheim to get her to return. And the writing seemed strange to him. Giving up, he simply waited for the summons for supper.

Supper was a noisy affair that evening. Frigga and Sigyn were again deep in their schemes and there was not a breath between one idea and the next. Thor and Volstagg had hunted, bagging a fine deer to be served. Hogun had gone on some errand and not yet returned. Sif only sipped her wine and sent only wondering glances at Thor from time to time as she tripped over her thoughts.

Between the first course and the second, Frigga changed topics to the wedding. "Oh heavens! The dress fitting is tomorrow."

"How will there be time?" Sigyn giggled. "We must get the garden started for there to be enough for the harvest! Not to mention the problems with water—"

"I thought the well had been dug," Loki asked.

Sigyn beamed at him. "Yes—so soon! But it is time consuming for water to be pumped or drawn up and taken to the far plants."

Loki shrugged. "Pipes could take it wherever it needed to go."

Sigyn stopped in wonder and the whole table seemed to pause. "I had not thought of that..."

"That idea has merit," Odin ventured softly. His eye twinkled at his younger son as they considered the storm of activities and energy about to break.

"A blacksmith!" said Frigga.

"A tinker!" said Sigyn at the same time.

Frigga laughed. "But the fittings... They will take some time. Already some of the new dresses Loki ordered are finished, but we still need fittings for the wedding dress."

Sigyn smiled softly. "I can't get married—I'm too busy."

Frigga scoffed and waved her fork merrily. "You may not get another chance to bring Loki to the altar."

Everyone stared at Loki with looks ranging from wide-eyed shock to wonder to amusement. He glanced at his meat and poked it with a fork. "I doubt that I shall be further than my own study."

"Why not just get married there?" Sif sniffed. "Save everyone the trouble?"

"Sif," Thor chided. "That's hardly like you... Come be happy that my brother has finally found someone to put up with him."

"For you I will be happy," Sif responded.

The next days seemed to fly. Frigga and Sigyn were often out organizing other places for wounded soldiers to receive healing. Loki was usually buried in the neverending paperwork that accompanied a great kingdom. Thor was off doing whatever it was Thor did. There were two evenings where Loki escorted his lady to feasts held in their honor and while neither of them danced, they encouraged all to enjoy themselves.