Lift the Veil

by jarethsdragon

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

4. The Wedding

And then, quite without anyone knowing how, the wedding day arrived. Memnet was up at dawn, heating water for a bath and waking the maids. The dressmaker yawned as she escorted the dress and frills to the bride's bedroom where the Queen had already brought a hearty breakfast. Sigyn was bathed and pampered, her long hair left flowing freely down her back and her skin radiant and finally put in the dress Loki had chosen. The veil was set on her head and the frothy lace Loki had ordered set over her eyes arranged.

With surprise, Sigyn felt an arm ring placed on her arm. "What is this?" she asked softly. Her fingers brushed the woven strands of metal and the delicate jewels set into it.

Frigga smiled and said, "A gift from Loki, though where he found someone to work gold in such delicate and beautiful strands and then weave our crest into them, I do not know." Frigga settled the design on Sigyn's arm. "It is beautiful—made from red, white and yellow gold."

"It must be beautiful," Sigyn breathed in wonder.

Frigga smiled benignly and smoothed out her own green dress and handed Sigyn an armload of flowers.

"It is tradition for the bride to offer flowers to the guests," Frigga explained. "It is to wish them happiness."

"Where is Gwyneth?"Sigyn fretted.

"Jonathan and Gwyneth arrived a short time ago. She is in the hallway with him, waiting to see you."

"Oh, good. I think she will be a lovely flower maid," Sigyn sighed peacefully.

"She is dear, and practically beside herself in her excitement."

Sigyn supposed that it was fortunate that she could not see what was going on or else her nerves would have deserted her. Frigga walked her to the large formal garden and left her with Hogun so that she could take her place beside Odin. Little Gwyneth beamed and chattered constantly, which was soothing in a backwards way.

Then the drums sounded and the guards opened the doors. Gwyneth bounced ahead first, spreading leaves and petals down the aisle. Hogun gently led her past the guests—some of whom were Asgardian and some who apparently weren't based on the languid whispers floating around her. Thor and Loki stood at the end of the grassy aisle, waiting as she drifted down to them.

As Hogun stopped and tucked her hand into Loki's, the drummers thundered a quick staccato and then silenced. Sigyn flushed beneath her veil. At least Frigga had told her this part.

Odin stood before them with a golden chain belt set with small emeralds in his hands. He smiled at Sigyn and then at Loki. Loki smiled back and nodded. "Friends," he boomed. "You have been called to witness the vows of Prince Loki Odinson to Sigyn—vows of fidelity, vows of protection and vows of honor." He took a deep breath. "Who will guarantee these vows?"

Sigyn swallowed deeply. In all the preparations, she had not even asked about the guarantor—the one who would protect her, cherish her and honor her as Loki's wife until the end of her days and take her into his house and join her to his family should Loki be called to Hela before her.

In the silence, Thor spoke with a wide smile. "I guarantee these vows. I pledge to honor the lady as Loki's wife, to protect her as I would my own, to see that she never wants so long as she lives and then to honor her as she is called to Hela."

The crowd roared its approval and Sigyn wavered, leaning a little into Loki. The cheering echoed around her and she shook for a moment. There was again the feeling of terrible cold in her belly and for a moment, she fought to quell her rising bile.

Odin must have gestured for silence. "Do you accept this guarantee, Lady Sigyn?"

She nodded and said firmly, "I do." The guarantee was to protect the lady in the event that her husband died before her—allowing her the security of knowing she would have a roof overhead and food for her family. Usually, it was a member of the man's family and the higher in status that guarantor was, the better for the lady's status in the community. Of course, as a member of the royal family, even as a widow she would be guaranteed income and housing. Still, it would have meant more to her had Hogun been the guarantor—or Fandral or Volstagg, come to that.

The crowd cheered again and for a moment, Loki felt blindly enraged. Had it been any other man, he might have felt better—even terse Hogun would have appeased him. But somehow it felt as though Thor was joining in the marriage. He squeezed Sigyn's hand as though to reassure himself that she was actually there.

Odin spoke again. "These vows have been guaranteed by Thor Odinson, pledged by his oath to honor the Lady Sigyn until the end of her days. Will you now pledge to each other?"

Sigyn smiled at Loki. "I pledge to you. I pledge that I will forsake all others, love all that you love and curse all that you curse. I pledge that your heart, your happiness and your life will forever be in my mind, my heart and the fountain of my happiness. I pledge my heart and soul to you. I pledge this in the name of the Allfather, for now and forever."

The crowd unexpectedly cheered and Sigyn felt rocked by their approval. Little Gwyneth cheered and shouted, along with Jonathan and Gwyll and Boyar. She smiled unsteadily at Loki as he took her hand and waited for quiet.

Loki's voice was tender and firm. "I pledge to you. I pledge that I will forsake all others, love all that you love and curse all that you curse. I pledge that your heart, your happiness and your life will forever be in my mind, my heart and the fountain of my happiness. I pledge my heart and soul to you. I pledge this in the name of the Allfather, for now and forever."

Another cheer started. Sigyn smiled as she heard Volstagg and Fandral bellowing with all their might only to be drowned out by Thor. Slowly, she drew closer to Loki and felt him raise the veil and his lips brush hers.

"Do it properly, Brother," Thor laughed.

And Loki did—dragging her close and wrapping his arms around her so tightly she felt almost smothered. His lips pressed harder against her, his tongue snaking out and teasing hers. Sigyn felt her blood boil and her magic rise like the fine bubbles that sometimes are in wine and tickle one's nose. Suddenly it burst from her in a brilliant blaze of firefly-like sparks.

The crowd roared in approval. Many assumed that it was Loki's doing—a fine piece of flare to mark the occasion. Several clapped—from Gwyneth's happy claps to the uncertain pounding of other, larger hands. Loki only smiled and brought their hands before Odin.

Odin smiled uncertainly, unsure of the display. It had not seemed to harm anything, though, and so he continued with the ceremonies. Wrapping the golden chain around their joined hands, he said solemnly, "Let these two be joined together, having pledged their oaths to protect and to honor one another." Under his watchful eye, they kissed each others' rings in the kiss of fidelity. Sigyn fidgeted with the bouquet slightly and Loki turned her palm over in the chain for the kiss of protection. Again Sigyn felt her magic bloom and again there was a shower of sparks in green and gold around them and snakes of sparks danced at their feet.

"I present Prince Loki and Princess Sigyn," Odin shouted with joy.

Everyone cheered—and Thor loudest of all. Sigyn flushed at all the noise, leaning against Loki for support. They raised their chained hands together over their heads and the crowds went wild. Loki turned and took the chain free and, as it was long enough still, wrapped it around her waist as a golden chain belt. Sigyn felt another wave of cheering, stomping, laughing and clapping. Then she felt a small body crash into her and tiny arms wrap around her waist.

"What is this?" Loki said in a low, frustrated voice.

"You did it!" Gwyneth shouted. "You married him and you really are a princess!" She jumped up and down and seemed set to knock Sigyn over before Jonathan managed to thread through the crowd to pull her away.

Sigyn smiled at the little girl and passed her one of the flowers from her bouquet. Gwyneth gasped and squealed with delight, dancing in a circle as Loki lead Sigyn through the crowd.

The crowd was pleasantly polite, accepting her gifts of flowers and giving the appropriate well-wishes. None had a cross word to say against either of them, but Loki fancied he could feel it in the air, unspoken but present. It did not miss his notice that while the ambassadors were equally diplomatic and polite, the common folk who had gathered were more enthusiastic and were almost to the last one thrilled to see Sigyn more than most anything else. She had things to speak to each one about as well—asking Gwyll about his family, Boyar about the progress on the cellar, Jonathan to take Gwyneth where she could be seated—and then tried to make some attempt at small talk as they greeted the guests. He guided her through the crowd, smiled at the right times and nodded at the right times.

Inside the great hall, the feast was well on its way. The usual crowd had gathered around Thor, listening to him speak on some battle or other. The Warriors Three had a table, along with Sif and were speaking amongst themselves. Loki turned to greet an ambassador from somewhere and be congratulated and when he turned around, Sigyn was being sat at a table of elves. He walked up quietly and caught the last of the ambassador's words.

"—and I can't tell you how interested we are in your work with the veteran soldiers," she was saying. "We have faced similar problems in our battles and very often the soldiers have had problems receiving help."

Sigyn flushed becomingly. "It has been a pleasure to help the soldiers. You saw little Gwyneth at the wedding. You might say she started it. But it was Odin's planning and foresight that made the funding possible."

"I see," said the ambassador. "And the healers were volunteering their time before then?"

"Yes," Sigyn nodded. "Right now we are looking for ways to increase the budget and to expand, but we need skilled healers." She smiled and nodded her head. "I have been considering doing some kind of expanded apprenticeship that would allow the apprentices a small sum in exchange for serving, but I don't have all the details yet."

Loki cleared his throat. "Sigyn, perhaps we should finish greeting our guests?"

Sigyn gaped for a moment. "My dear, you are right, of course. I must be excused."

"Of course," the elf tittered with amusement. "So long as before we leave we can exchange ideas. Your healing centers are a good idea that we would like to implement and perhaps we can provide healers for a short time to see how they are run...?"

Loki opened his mouth but Sigyn smiled and said simply, "We can try, but my husband invariably chooses to surprise me and whisk me away." She stood beside Loki, offering flowers to everyone at the table. "And we are just married..."

"Of course. We will exchange letters then."

"Excuse us," Loki said simply and sketched a bow. Leading Sigyn to another table he whispered, "I thought that you were supposed to be with me?"

Sigyn bit her lip. "Of course, my darling. I simply got carried away." She swayed gently to the music as they walked to the next table.

It was late in the afternoon before Loki and Sigyn were able to escape to their apartments. Odin and Frigga were milling around, as was Thor and his little band so none of the guests were neglected or lacked company.

Sigyn swayed still as though she could hear the music. Loki smiled at her silliness and whirled her around in the empty hallway. For a few moments, they danced slowly and gently. Then a cheer was heard from the party and again they pulled a bit apart and continued.

Loki tucked her hand in his arm again. "We are going to my apartments. There is a chamber adjoining mine for you and your finery has been moved there." He brushed a kiss on her cheek. "It is Thor's gift to us that we will this entire hall to ourselves for a fortnight."

Sigyn looked surprised. "Oh?"

Loki nodded. "He is staying in one of the guest chambers to allow us privacy." Loki pulled open the door and led Sigyn inside. A tray was waiting of delicacies, pastries and candies. A brightly wrapped package of chocolate covered strawberries sat on the table. The fireplace was roaring and candles were lit. He gestured and the fire died down.

Sigyn wrapped her arms around him. "Oh my love, you are mine at last."

Loki chuckled. "Has the waiting been so terrible? I have scarcely seen you and every moment has been—"

"Awful!" she giggled as she kissed him. "If I did not have the healing place, I should have gone mad waiting for this day."

Sigyn smiled and undid the veil. Loki's hands were ready to receive it and then he undid the laces on her dress. Quite easily, their clothes landed on the floor and he pushed her to his bed. Only afterward, as night began to fall and Sigyn napped peacefully in his arms, Loki's hand wandered over her now swelling belly. For a moment, it seemed as though her belly were strangely cool. She shifted in her sleep and he withdrew his hand with a frown.

The fortnight passed quickly as they lazed about the apartments. Loki showed her the bathing chambers he shared with Thor. Sigyn giggled as he described the immense room to her—mirrors on one wall with wood frames to resemble windows, marble columns and marble tiles in a mosaic on the floor and a special, small tub fed directly from a hot spring for extremely hot water. The hot spring water would then overflow into the huge sunken pool. In the middle it was up to Loki's waist and at the ends it was up to his shoulders and was long enough for several strokes of swimming. There was a long, marble topped table at one side of the pool for the princes to be massaged. A smaller room on the other side of the pool was heated by rocks that had been baked in a fire and then water poured over them, which seemed rather boring and pointless to Sigyn until Loki undressed her on one of the benches. They spent time on the balcony speaking quietly of various things as he watched the starlight in the skies. Another afternoon was spent in the private gardens that the brothers had trained in as youths, laying in the grass and feeling the sun bake into their skin. Loki picked up a stick then and Sigyn laughed as he guided her through one of the basic exercises in swordplay.

It was on the last evening as they supped nude in front of the fire when Loki brought forth a tiny box. "My love, this is something that I have made for you," he said.

Sigyn grinned and took the box. She shook it lightly and listened to the rattle. She poked and prodded the box but it remained stubbornly silent about its contents. Finally she opened it and felt inside.

"A...rock?" She frowned expectantly, waiting for an explanation.

"Not just any rock," Loki said. He took a book from his numerous bookshelves and set it before her. Guiding her hand, he had her palm the "rock" and skim it over the words on the page.

Sigyn's face was shocked. "I...I can...see it." Her hand flew over the page again. "I see the words in my mind. And there—there is the illustration of the white hind and the hunter." Again her hand skimmed the page. "Loki..."

"I thought you might want to have some small thing to do as our son grows." He shrugged modestly but grinned wickedly. "And I do have a few recommendations."

"I can read stories to our children," Sigyn whispered. The words formed perfectly in her mind—even the large, elaborate initial letters for the chapter. "I can...read." With a squeal she launched at him, knocking him backward and covering his head with kisses. "My love—how could you have known that this is what I mourned losing the most? And you have—somehow—made it right..."

"I will escort you to the library," he said with a smile. "Tomorrow morning..." His hand ran over her hip. "After all, this is the last night..."

Thor was eager to be back in his rooms and rose early to begin moving back to his quarters. The married couple had been conspicuous in their absences from court and in their orders to be left alone. Odin had been consulted, but he smiled at Frigga and simply waved the concerns away. But the fortnight had passed and it was time to begin anew with Sigyn as his sister by marriage.

Loki was coming out of his own apartments—fully clothed, despite the reports that he had fully abandoned clothing entirely. Sigyn was wrapped hastily in what appeared to be sheet or cloak and kissed him swiftly before he shut the door in the face of her laughter.

"Brother," Thor beamed. "Married life becomes you."

Loki nodded at the compliment. "It has been a most relaxing fortnight," he said with a smile.

"Good," Thor nodded, shifting his bundle of armor and the like. "I hope that it continues to agree with you. Long life and happy marriage."

"And you have risen early to bid me such good greetings?" Loki asked with a sparkle of mischief in his eyes.

"Only to move back into my apartments. However, Father has asked that we join him in his study after breakfast."

"I will be there," Loki nodded with a grimace.

"All good things end," Thor said sympathetically.

Then there was a bloodcurdling shriek from Loki's apartments. Loki actually ducked at the outrage and Thor dropped his bundle to race to the door. Loki's hand shot out to stop him.

"LOKI!" Sigyn bellowed most impressively through the door for someone who had been carefully quiet. "Where are my CLOTHES?!"

Loki's smile curled upwards in a devilish grin. "I was wondering when she'd discover that."

Thor glared in good humor at his brother. "What did you do?"

"I moved her clothes from one dresser to another," he shrugged. "I told her to go back to bed until I had broken my fast and seen to the day's activities. Then I was to take her to the library."

"And she cannot see them," Thor reasoned with an eyebrow cocked just so.

Another shriek sounded from the bedroom and something thumped against the bedroom door. Then there was silence.

"Go back to bed like you promised," Loki called in a sing-song voice to the silent door. He grinned wickedly at Thor. "Might I suggest that we go see what Father wants?"

Thor looked at the door carefully. He was about to agree when the doorway opened and Sigyn stepped out—clad in a pair of Loki's pants (which were backwards) and one of his shirts which dripped off of her frame and yet hugged her belly.

Loki's eyes bugged out. "Sigyn," he said with a frown. "I thought you were to go to bed."

"I will go break my fast," Sigyn sniffed.

"Not like that!" Loki snapped.

"You poofed my clothes, so this is what I have," she snapped back.

"Good morn, Sigyn," Thor greeted carefully. He pointedly kept his eyes on her forehead, rather than in the view that the open laces of Loki's shirt afforded him.

Sigyn flushed in surprise and then gaped a bit like a fish. "Th-th-th-Thor," she stammered. "Good morn to you as well. Forgive me—I was just returning to the room." And she beat a rather hasty retreat and slammed the door again.

Loki burst into laughter outright and Thor flushed. He tried to sound stern as he said, "That was hardly a pleasant trick for the mother of your child, Loki." But he scarcely got the words out of his mouth before he laughed as well.

"Read your books, dearest," Loki called as he began walking down the hallway again.

Thor picked up his gear and headed to his own doorway. Perhaps it was time for him to consider moving his apartments—perhaps to the next floor. Sigyn and Loki seemed to have developed a penchant for noise as well as drama.

Loki stopped long enough to order a hearty breakfast taken to the Princess Sigyn. The maid curtseyed and hurried off as they went to dine with Odin and Frigga.

"Good morning, Mother, Father," Loki said, picking up a peach and peeling it with a slender paring knife.

"Good morning, son," Frigga smiled. "I am glad to see you." She looked around. "But where is Sigyn? We have much to discuss about the shelter and-"

"She is resting in our room," Loki answered. He grimaced and whispered meaningfully to Thor, "I hope."

Thor laughed outright and could not meet the eyes of anyone at the table. "It seems to me to be a hazard of married life that you are at her mercies as well," he observed.

Loki looked at him seriously and without a trace of humor. "Do you suppose-?" he swallowed heavily. "She would not...?"

"Would not what?" Frigga asked innocently.

"My...my books-" Loki blanched.

Odin and Frigga looked at each other and then Loki curiously. "What about your books? New volumes arrived not three days ago..."

Thor laughed again. "What Loki is not saying is that he has apparently...convinced Sigyn to rest in their rooms by moving her clothes. She is confined to their apartments until either he relents or until she find them. And she is with his precious bookshelves."

"Oh my-" Frigga frowned and could not finish the words. "Will she be all right?"

"Her?!" Loki blustered. "What about-gah!" He threw down his napkin and pushed his plate away. "I have left her provided for..."

Thor howled with laughter as Odin raised his eyebrows in the particularly fierce I-am-going-to-lecture-you-until-you-beg-for-mercy look. "Loki... Of course you would know Sigyn better than anyone here, but she is an active lady who has found a place and duties to attend to."

Loki scowled and snatched his goblet. With a glare at the table in general he snapped, "Aye—duties and work abound. But have any of you thought of the child? How she will need to rest and to eat rather than constantly chase around Asgard?" He took a hearty swallow and glared again. "And of the soldiers she is working with—who knows what they may be ill with that might harm the child?"

Frigga looked abashed. "I had not thought of that... We were so relieved to have found such a need that she could fulfill." She looked sorrowfully at Loki. "We will find ways that she can stay here and still do what she loves." She poked at the eggs on her platter with her fork. "It would be better if she could sew or paint or read or something..."

Loki nodded. "It was my wedding gift to her. I gave her an enchanted rock that would allow her to read pages in a book. I left her books and sent a servant with a breakfast tray so that she could rest this morn." He swallowed another gulp of wine. "Yet now I worry that her temper will flare-"

"Your books," Frigga nodded.

Odin smiled. "The answer is simple, though." All eyes turned towards him. "As a princess, she would be expected to attend the concerns of the people of Asgard. In...other circumstances, I would expect each of your wives to take a turn listening to the concerns of the realms. Why not have her sit with you as you do your turn today? It will ease your mind that she is within your reach as well as allowing her something to do with her mind."

Loki smiled as he considered it. There would be the undeniable relief that he would have her in his sights all the while and he would be sure of her activities. She would be sitting and listening, rather than hieing off with Frigga. Or worse yet, Sif—who might yet relish having Sigyn cornered while he was occupied. He turned the situation around in his mind. "She is not familiar with statecraft," he noted absently.

"She could learn," Frigga said in the same absent tone.

Odin nodded. "It will do the people good as well to see her. I'm sure she is still radiant in her motherhood." He took a hearty swill of wine. "And it will give the people time to know her before she is confined for the delivery."

"We should announce that quickly," Frigga nodded. "It should not seem as though we were ashamed."

"I will trust you to take that in hand," Odin replied to her, then he addressed the table at large. "However, there is one more thing that I would speak to all of you about."

All eyes again turned towards the Allfather. For a moment, his massive shoulders were bowed as though he bore the entire nine realms on them. Then he straightened and said softly. "The Odinsleep is coming soon. I would have my subjects know that their safety is assured." He looked sorrowfully at them. "Would that I could have two thrones that both of you could have one. However, I have the one throne and that is a heavier burden than either of you truly know.

"Both of you have made me proud. Thor—you have been glorious on the field of battle. Loki—you are an indispensable tactician and your ways of negotiating what is best for Asgard are second to none. It has been a most...perplexing and delightful problem to decide between you two who will succeed me."

Odin's eye gazed with fondness at Thor. "In light of the Frost Giants and the recent attacks, I must choose you, Thor."

Thor swallowed heavily and nodded solemnly.

"When will the glorious day take place?" Loki asked insolently.

"I have decided that it will take place on the first of Heyannir—the time when we harvest what we have sown. And I would hazard that I have sown well to have such fine sons."

"That is when Sigyn's child will be close at hand," Thor noted. "Is it...perhaps an unfortunate time?"

Odin looked at Thor. "I would rather have it sooner than later. The Odinsleep I have cheated to witness the last years with you is hunting me now, but I do not regret it. I have been amazed at your skill, your cunning and your bravery. It has been a honor to have had such a valiant defender as my son. However, Loki and Sigyn came first—even before you were crowned." At last he looked at Loki. "It is to your benefit that your guarantor gains the crown."

"Perhaps," Loki gritted out. "But forgive me if, as I don't intend to go off to fight in battles and leave Sigyn behind in the first place, it doesn't necessarily feel like it." He dropped his goblet with a clank. "I must leave to fetch Sigyn if she is to sit with me."

Sigyn was smirking at the book that Loki had left on the table. Several of the volumes were of magic—strange words and incantations that left her head aching. This one was new—only three days in Loki's hands—and what an eye-opening book it was. Even without the lurid and graphic illustrations, the words alone and what they suggested were...wickedly arousing. Undoubtedly this was the book she was meant to be reading in his absence.

The door crashed open and she heard the sharp rap of boots on the floor. She turned a little towards the door. "Loki? Is that you?"

Loki growled at her. For a moment his eyes turned red as he considered her calmly sitting on the bed wearing naught but a thin sheet and reading. With a cruel swipe, he brushed the book out of her hands and it landed with a thud against the wall. Tearing at the sheet, he dragged the sheet away and drug her legs around him. He hissed at her hands as they came up to touch him and with a nod made his clothing vanish. Mounting her, he heard her moan and paid attention to little else but the burning in his veins. His release came almost without sweetness and brought no peace to his mind.

The little catch in Sigyn's panting breaths gave him pause as he released her and went to clean himself. "My...my love? What has happened?"

He did not turn towards her at all. He almost said Thor was chosen as king and I hate it. I hate that I have never been enough in Odin's eyes. I hate that the only reason that he has even noticed me is because of you and if I were still alone I would have had to hear about Thor's coronation that much sooner. Instead, he growled something unintelligible.

Sigyn bit back her tears. Her ankles and thighs ached and she was hurting inside. He had never been so rough with her. His hands had been so cold that it had hurt to have him hold her and so tight that she though that she was going to scream. What on Asgard had happened to the mischievous lover from just hours ago? Gingerly she curled up again on the bed, freezing in the chilly air and fumbled for her blanket.

A dress came and smacked her side. "Get dressed," Loki ordered. "It is meet that you will attend the audiences with me today."

"As you wish," Sigyn whispered softly. Loki rang a bell somehow—perhaps a pull or rope that she had passed by—and Memnet came bustling in. In no time, she was dressed, her hair brushed and she was ready to be at Loki's side.

Loki led a much subdued Sigyn through the palace, whispering to her. "You will not be required to render either judgment or verdict. You will sit and smile and listen attentively to each petition. I and I alone will render the verdict. If you need to leave briefly, you may, but then you will return until the shift is done." Sigyn only nodded in response.

Thor met them in the hallway. "My brother, I would speak with you."

Sigyn shuddered and a brief aura of static shock bolted out of her hands and towards Thor. Thor braced for the impact but it was more flash than sizzle and felt as though he had run through deep carpets to have static coursing though him. She turned pale and backed away, to be stopped by Loki's hand gripping her elbow.

Thor grimaced. His brother's face was a tight mask that almost hid his fury. Sigyn's solemn features gave only the slightest hint of her confusion and whatever else she was feeling. Not for the first time, he cursed the scars formed a bland and emotionless mask. "Brother—Loki...," He gestured down the hallway and spoke softly. "Allow Sigyn to return to your rooms and, if you must, vent your anger on me."

Loki felt the growl low in his throat. "Is that an order, Sire?"

"Hardly," Thor said gently. "There is no reason for you to be angry. You and your family will always be in my care—none of you will want." He sighed and tried again to placate Loki. "Let Sigyn go and take me to task. It is unworthy of you to-"

"To what?!"

"To take your temper to one who has no idea of why you are angry," Thor said even more softly.

Loki finally looked at Sigyn. While she did not pull away from his grasp, she was as far as his hand would allow. There was a scrape on one cheek and her wrists were showing signs of struggle. She worried her lip with her teeth and seemed ever so slightly to crouch to protect her stomach. He released her and she almost fell. With an angry sigh, he said, "Go back—I will deal with this." He flicked his wrist angrily and a servant appeared. "Take the princess back to my room. Find Memnet and allow her to bathe and rest."

It was no small annoyance that the servant took one look at him and hurriedly pulled Sigyn away from him as though he was a monster. Sigyn turned towards him slightly—had she eyes, she would have been looking over her shoulder at him but whether those eyes would be full of love or pity or terror he could not say. She allowed the servant to lead her hastily away, though.

Thor stood silently, watching as well. He had known that Loki would take it badly. Of course, he had known for so long that he was the choice of Odin. Odin had always believed warriors did not hide behind falsehoods and illusions—but had seemed to soften as Sigyn and her child came into their lives. At last he said, "Loki—I am sorry-"

"Sorry for what?" Loki sneered, glaring at Thor. "Sorry for being the favored child? Sorry for depriving me of any of the glory? Truly it escapes me what you could be sorry for!"

"There is but one throne," Thor protested. "And Odin is old and set in his ways. He believes still that a king must be strong and...well..." He shrugged. "It is as his father and his father's father would have done it."

"It must be so nice to always be the biggest and to always get what you want," Loki sneered. "So pleasant to get with one nod of your head what it takes others lifetimes of achievement to only fall short of."

"But we can change this," Thor insisted. "Allow Father to have his way in this—to make his time before the Odinsleep peaceful." He looked at Loki's murderous gaze. "At the coronation, I will name Sigyn's child my heir and you as my regent as I swore to you. We will still split the audiences of the day as we do now..."

Loki glared at him. "Do not tease me in this matter, Thor."

"I promise you. I swear that this is what shall be. Let us be brothers and not tear Asgard or ourselves to bits in this matter."

"Father will banish you for such...blasphemy," Loki said with a gleam in his eye.

Thor looked at the floor for a moment. Perhaps Loki's humor had returned with such an acidic comment. Then he looked at his brother again. "For all of our sakes, let us do as Father wills and then, when I am king—we can find a better way..."

Loki only nodded thoughtfully. Then he looked down the hallway again. "I shall be late for my audiences if I tarry further."

Thor nodded. Please, consider my words, my brother, he silently begged. "I will not keep you then. At noontime, I will exchange places."

"At noontime." Loki walked stiffly to the audience chamber.

Loki moped through the audiences. There was no other word for it. Part of him railed against the Norn, against the dark and malicious fate he was born to. Part of him whimpered to go back to Sigyn and see to her—to soothe her with charming words and little gifts. And somehow, somewhere, there was a part of him that simply wanted to hide—craven and cowardly and simple as that was. So, he attended to his people with half an ear and his attention wandering elsewhere in the palace like a lost child.

And the docket was in no way interesting—three small crimes, a contract negotiation, greetings of an ambassador who was due to leave in two days for Alfheim, a few other squabbles, a messenger or two, and a handful of the obligatory greetings of groups of people... Nothing really struck his fancy or interest, allowing that wayward attention to wander further.

"-and we would gift these flowers to the Princess Sigyn," said the ambassador from Alfheim. She smiled and one of her entourage brought forward an immense bouquet of lilies. "We will be, of course, forwarding contracts so that we can work together on healers and sanctuaries for our wounded warriors."

Loki started slightly, caught again paying only half attention. He came forward to receive the gift. "I will send for her at once," he said apologetically and with a wave of his hand. In a credible time, she appeared again with a polite smile and clothed in a dress with long sleeves that hid her fading bruises. A jauntily placed hat with a short lacy veil hid her face. "My love, the ambassador from Alfheim..."

"Your Highness," the ambassador greeted warmly. "If you do not recognize my voice, we met at your wedding. We spoke briefly about setting up healing sanctuaries-"

"For the soldiers," she nodded. "Of course I remember." She flushed becomingly and modestly. "We meant to offer places for apprentice healers here so that they could learn about how we ran the shelters."

"We prefer the term 'Sanctuaries'," the ambassador said fluidly. She stepped forward. "Regrettably, I must hasten home as my daughter-by-marriage is expecting her first. I will send messengers to complete our plans and next spring we will begin." She curtseyed and offered the bouquet. "I would like to extend our congratulations again and to offer you these flowers as a token of our friendship."

Sigyn took them and murmured her thanks as Loki took her elbow. She buried her face in the blooms so that no one could see the slight tug at her mouth—the grimace of pain that she couldn't suppress. Thankfully, the ambassador was ready to leave and said her good-byes.

Loki waved for a servant to take the flowers and another to bring a chair and cushion. As soon as the two servant women saw Sigyn, the frowns on their faces cleared and they smiled and hastened to make her comfortable. He frowned as one of the Star Guard unbent so far as to offer her his hand for her to step up to her chair.

Sigyn bent to Loki and whispered. "Is it always like this? You'd think that I was the first to bear a babe, there are so many offering their aid."

Loki chuckled darkly. "Ahh—that is the sweetness. Now comes the drudgery of listening to the complaints."

Sigyn sat to his right and unexpectedly, his attention was soothed and he was able again to focus fully. The contract—one that supplied the warriors of Asgard with wool for cloaks—was luckily fully negotiated and took little more than his witness. A messenger brought word from the northern borders that no activity had been noted. Loki's lips twitched as he noted how she fought to keep from yawning or fidgeting.

"Your Highness," said the clerk. He coughed and corrected himself, "Oh! Ah...Highnesses. There are several who would like to meet and offer their congratulations today. Shall I work them into the schedule or invite them back another time?"

"Word travels fast," Loki observed wryly. "What do you think?"

Sigyn thought for a moment. "Do not allow any who are expecting to be met at a given time to be delayed, but well-wishers can be worked in I should think."

"As you say," Loki said with a wave.

At first, it was one or two people who offered congratulations and well-wishes—the two maids that Sigyn had met her first day at the palace who came to apologize for their rudeness, a guard who guided her to her rooms one day who had a blind son. Word seemed to filter through and then three cooks offered her a snack of cakes and drink with their compliments. The dressmaker came forward to thank her for her patronage—and to offer her services should the princess require more garments in the way of taste and fashion. At last even Cora came forward to send the regards of all those at the shelter, along with another bouquet of wildflowers. And all who came forward offered thanks and good wishes to him as well.

Sigyn smiled at the bouquet, asking hurried questions of Cora—had the cellar work begun, was the well working as planned, how was Jonathan's arm. The healer's assistant beamed at her, glad to see her friend. Even the clerk who was undoubtedly coming to announce the next party paused to see Sigyn thanking Cora for her troubles and smiled his approval.

Loki sat back, lazily watching as she spoke softly with Cora. It was in his head to clear his throat or make some interruption so that they could hasten through the duties of the day, but Sigyn seemed replete and content to speak with everyone. Truthfully, as Loki's eye wandered outdoors he saw that it was nearly time for Thor to take over. The hours had flown past with Sigyn at his side. That he had been blessed and congratulated and so on for these hours had soothed some sting in his ego as well.

"Loki," Sigyn began. "Would you excuse me for only a moment?" She flushed and gestured towards the door.

"Of course, my dear," he purred. "Do you wish to return here or go rest in our rooms?"

"I will only be a moment and return," she grinned back at him.

Loki waved for a servant to lead her away. A gentlemanly older fellow came forward and offered his elbow. Sigyn spoke softly to him—some compliment or other—and he smiled and flushed a little in pleasure. Loki frowned, not liking the bite of jealousy—but then felt himself ashamed as Sigyn turned towards him and blew him a kiss.

Loki brooded, waiting for her to return. These wild swings of jealousy were not new to him—indeed, he had felt them his whole life for none other than his brother. But the fact that he would swing so hard one way and then another was unsettling. And, it made him vulnerable—too vulnerable.

Hard on that thought came the thought of Frost Giants. His father had told him so many frightening stories that he had at one point had almost constant nightmares of them wiping out his entire family. Were they even now plotting some invasion? Would they harm Sigyn or would it be some worse torment?

Thor stood in the doorway, watching Loki stare at nothing and wait for Sigyn. "Brother," he greeted. "How goes it?"

Loki started and sat straighter, looking at his elder brother. "It goes well."

"You seemed lost in thought," Thor observed. His blue eyes twinkled as he smiled. "Mooning over your love already? She has only been gone a few moments."

"Hardly," Loki snorted defensively, which only caused Thor to smile harder. "Although I think that having Sigyn sit with me might have been a mistake."

"Oh?" Thor teased again. "I would think her company would make the time fly by more quickly."

"She is a balm to these hours," Loki agreed. "Truthfully, the time has never flown so quickly."

"I saw that you had many who wished to speak with you," Thor said. "Is there any ill news?"

"Well-wishes and congratulations, but no ill news." Loki fought against his childhood habit to bite at his nails as he thought. "I do not like that we have heard nothing of the Frost Giants. To have had so many incursions and then to have suddenly stopped—it seems too easy."

Thor frowned and nodded. "Almost as if they had found what they sought."

"But nothing goes missing," Loki insisted. "We have had no complaints of thefts, the weapons vault has been unmolested, the wizards guild reported no complaints..." He frowned at nothing. "If they have found something, they have not moved it. Nor has there been another attempt on Sigyn."

Thor swallowed heavily. "Loki—I love both you and Sigyn. Is there any small chance that she is...well, beholden to them? Some spell that will compel her to do Asgard ill?"

Loki's emerald eyes went wide for a moment before snapping green fire. "I think not!" he growled. "I myself have checked her every evening for injury or spell-hurt and the only thing that I have found is her penchant for fireworks." Thor looked confused and Loki sighed, "Sometimes her sparks cause her to have some slight burn on her fingertips."

"I thought as much," Thor agreed heartily. "Sigyn is too good in her heart to wish us ill. I had been worried, but I am relieved."

Loki growled again and nodded. "I think we will not find what we seek here on Asgard. I think we should go and see what Jotunheim is about."

"Loki," Thor warned. "That is far too dangerous. Father would never allow it."

"If we forestall an invasion, then he will thank us," Loki replied.

"True—but he will still punish us."

Loki only nodded, again plotting and knotting his thoughts. Sigyn reappeared, looking somewhat refreshed and more comfortable. If she was startled at Thor's appearance in her absence, she gave no sign as her hand was set in Loki's elbow. There was a brief moment as they went over the host of activities today and then they left.

"My love," Loki said as they walked down the hallway. "I...I am sorry for treating you so ill this morning."

Sigyn stumbled a little over nothing. "I... Wh-what happened?"

"I lost my temper," he grimaced. "Thor is the chosen one to become king." He looked at her. She did not seem relieved or happy or any of the normal reactions that he had come to expect when people heard news about Thor. Usually the maids cheered and bounced up and down in their happiness. Instead, this little one brushed closer and only nodded a little. "I was...overwrought," he added lamely.

She only nodded again. After another turn down another hallway, she said. "I should like to rest. The morning was exciting for me and I wish to think about what you have said."

Loki felt his mouth go dry. Dammit. Instead of cursing, he only said, "Allow me to take you to the bedroom, then." A plan crystallized in his head and almost without thinking, he lied, "I cannot rest. There are some few things that I must go do." Sigyn accepted his words without question and he winced at the lie. "I will wake you when I return and apologize properly."

The spell components were easily gathered from his study and he was easily concealed. A lifetime of ducking into shadows and around corners played well into his intentions. Quite quickly, he found himself on a frozen plateau of Jotenheim.

He sucked in a deep breath. The others complained often that the first breath of the air here seared the lungs with cold, but he had never found it so. Great icebergs slowly turned overhead, occasionally plowing together into sharp shards of ice. It seemed dark but whether that was only because Asgard was so blindingly bright was a matter for debate. The frost made lacy patterns here and there—like frozen flowers. This place even had a strange sort of charm—the sort of dark, solitary charm that drives men into desserts and up mountains to allow their minds to expand and to simply think.

He reached to pull his hood up over his ears when a Jotun approached him. "Halt in the name of Laughey!" he barked with glee.

"I had no intention of going anywhere but to Laughey," Loki snorted, but let his hands fall. "So if you would be a good...fellow and lead me, I would be obliged."

The Jotun frowned a little with a slightly perplexed moue on his lips. Then with a grunt, he poked his club into Loki and they walked to Laughey's throne.

Loki sauntered with nonchalant grace, but was continually aware of the curious eyes that followed him. It seemed that he could not pass an icy crag without some portion of it moving and walking along for a while. The impulsive plan seemed...somewhat ill-advised now.

A great blue bulk with gleaming ruby eyes lounged on an immense icy throne, watching him with interest. "What business do you have here, Odin's son?" a female voice laughed.

"I'll discuss this with Laughey," Loki replied.

The female rose to her full, towering height and then she...shifted. There was no other word for it—all of her feminine curves became masculine planes. Another Frost Giant joined, but then did the reverse—the masculine muscles becoming softer and more curved and finally feminine. Or at least as feminine as several tons of ice elemental could become anyway. She stood to one side of the throne, looking on silently.

Loki smirked, but said nothing.

"So what business does Odin's son have with Jotenheim?" Laughey growled. In the masculine form, the scars on his face were more visible and striking than when they were hidden in a wealth of long silvered hair that vanished with the feminine curves.

For a moment, Loki couldn't help but stare in wonder. He had assumed the ability to shift gender had been an art he alone had mastered. Now it seemed to be a shared trait here. Something—some small thought—tugged at his mind, but he ignored it as he tried to think of what to say next. He sketched a bow. "I have only to ask a few questions and I will be on my way."

The immense female made some slight sound and Laughey waved at her in what seemed to be a negative answer. "So you would break the treaty between Asgard and Jotenheim to get these answers? They must be weighty questions indeed," Laughey laughed. Around him, other giants laughed, their breath coming out in great puffs.

"I could always bring Thor," Loki sniffed.

Laughey only laughed harder and soon most of the other giants were at least chuckling. "And do you think that would make a difference?"

Loki shrugged. "Perhaps. But it would be a shame to see so much of your...city ruined in the process when all I ask are a few answers and then I will be on my way." He made a slight tsk. "And I believe that we can all agree that Thor would ruin the city."

The laughter faded into grunts and grumbles. Laughey was still smirking. "A point for you." He shrugged and glanced at the female. "I will grant you three questions that I will answer in exchange for a boon."

"What kind of boon?" Loki asked before he could think.

Laughey laughed again. "Very well—an interesting first question." Then his scarred face hardened. "I want the Cask of Eternal Winter restored to us."

"Impossible," Loki snorted. "I could not stir it and it is guarded night and day."

"Not impossible for you," the female giant said with a lilt in her voice.

Loki smirked at her in what he hoped was a winning smile. Laughey only grinned at her and said, "Faubrati...enough."

She bowed and sat back down in the shadows to watch.

"Next question," Laughey said, propping his less injured cheek on his hand and waving Loki on.

"Why do you seek Sigyn?" he blurted.

"The Asgardian female?" Laughey's eyes glittered. "She has something I want." He waved his hand carelessly again. "But I will let her keep it for a while longer."

Loki's eyes narrowed slightly and he considered his last question. It bothered him that he truly knew little more than he had when he began. What on Asgard did Sigyn have that interested Laughey so much he was willing to be so open about it? Sigyn had little but a few dresses and some animals—surely not more than that. Her powers? What use would such random spellcraft be? Would she die if they were taken from her?

Would he live if she died?

This was getting him nowhere quickly. He had breezed through two of his three questions and was no closer to the information he sought than before he had come. And no one knew of his little side-trip—so no one would miss him until likely after dinner. If then.

He gritted his teeth, willing himself to remain calm and collected. He had one more question to go. So should he ask right out what it was that sparked the attacks? A thousand not-helpful potential answers crowded his mind, and he discarded the question. Should he ask what would stop the attacks? Again, a thousand little answers crept around him as he considered potential answers.

"Who else would know of what you seek?" he asked finally.

Laughey grinned a bone-chilling smile and his fanged teeth shown white in the dark shadows. "Odin," he said at last. At Loki's dumbfounded expression, he only smiled wider. "Odin Borson would know what I seek—and why."

Loki frowned at that. What did that mean? Changing tactics, he asked, "You realize that I cannot simply go and hand you the Casket?"

Laughey smiled serenely at him. "That's four questions, Odin's son, but I am generous and will answer anyway." His teeth gleamed in the shady darkness. "I know that if you do—an army will rise to your command. And that's what you really want, isn't it? To be on the throne of Asgard?" Laughey shrugged. "You do not have to believe me. You can say that it is all lies. But why would I lie? The truth is so much more...entertaining." Laughey gestured again. "And you can keep the Asgardian female—Sigyn—if you like. She and her pitiful powers are of no importance."

Loki snorted. "I see."

Faubrati shifted—a great mountain of shadow—and stared at Loki in a hungry way that made his skin crawl. She seemed about to say something—something hovered on her lips—but then thought the better of it. Laughey only grinned at her.

Loki sketched another shallow bow. "I see that word of your generosity has failed to reach my ears," he said with only a trace of sarcasm.

Faubrati smiled at him. Somehow it was warm—different than the hungry smile she had shown before. "I think that you could do anything if you truly wished it," she said. "Even open the Casket." She shrugged. "If you wanted it badly enough." Her voice dipped into an almost seductive croon. "If you wanted...the throne badly enough."

Laughey nodded with his immense cat-like smile, which only fueled Loki's suspicions and curiosity. When the king waved him away, he smirked and said, "I think you will be waiting still for the Casket at Ragnarok. I cannot bring it to you and you cannot fetch it yourself."

"Little prince," Laughey chuckled. "You already have opened the way for us." He was still smirking when he gestured to the guards who began to poke and force Loki to back down. At last the Asgardian prince produced a whirl of magical fire around himself and vanished.

Faubrati smiled at Laughey. "He suspects, but he does not know," she said. "You can see it in his eyes."

Laughey laughed. "Odin has kept it from him. I swore to Odin that I would repay him in kind for taking our son and I will."

She nodded, her eyes frosting over with what might have been tears. "We lost so many years. So much time that he should have been here and made ready to march against Asgard." She stared down at her hands. "I have been watching him from a distance—magically—waiting to see when he would finally be my son again."

Laughey frowned sympathetically. "I had thought that Odin meant to sacrifice him to some heathen ancestor. I had not thought that he meant to raise him as his own."

"My son...my Abornar," Faubrati said softly.

"He is no longer Abornar," Laughey said shortly. "He is Loki. A prince of Asgard—and a snake in the breast of Odin."

Faubrati nodded sadly. It still haunted her. Her small Abornar had been presented at the temple. He had been small—stunted because of the privations of war with Asgard. Twelve of Laughey's elite guards had been present at the temple—ready and willing to be cut open in ritual so that Abornar would gain their collected strength and be able to lead them all against hated Asgard.

First, Laughey had cut into the throat of the first guard. The blood filled the chiseled circle in the ground to sanctify it and cleanse the area for spellwork. The second guard's blood had been used to draw the runes—on the Casket, on the floor, and on the altar. The third guard had lost his eyes which were ground to grant Abornar knowledge of the third Eye—knowledge of sorcery and his blood poured under Abornar to grant him extra strength against cold and against heat—but the sixth and seventh were the ones that would give him the power to use that knowledge. Laughey had brushed the baby in careful strokes with his knife, the scars would remain to this day when he assumed his true form. The fourth had stepped forward—to grant the first portion of height and strength—and Laughey had raised his knife to strike in the heart.

Then Odin had broken into the temple. Gungir shot out white hot heat, dazzling and terrifying as two of the elite guards seemed to melt away in front of it. The rest had tried to counter attack while Faubrati slid out the back passage and gathered others to repel the invaders. When she returned, Odin and his hated portal were already open and he was leaving with the Casket and her little Abornar. Laughey was on the ground, his mouth bloody and the burnt stripes carving his face forever and he had cursed Odin and all his kin and promised to repay this crime in kind.

As she had nursed Laughey back to health, holding him close when he shook and burying him in snow when his breath thawed, he had told her over and over again that they would make Odin pay for his crime. In that heated passion, they had plotted to take the son of Thor—the precious, golden grandchild of Odin. As Thor had grown and lacked the ambition or the need to attach to a female, that hope had dimmed. They had almost given up hope of their revenge.

For years now she had waited. At first, she was terrified he would be sacrificed or eaten or something else so terrible her mother's heart could not fathom it. Then words of "Loki" and the "Sorcerer Prince of Asgard" had begun to filter gently across the realms. With her own blood, she had enchanted a slab of clear ice to watch as he grew—for he was her son and her blood was running through those dear veins. A few times they had tried to use his hidden birthright—the Jotun blood still in his heart—to gain entry into Asgard, but Odin's wicked sorcery had been too thick and the portals became death traps rather than safe passage.

And now the little son of lost Abornar would open the way. Even if the child's blood was not Jotun enough to allow full sorcery to attach to it, it was enough to open a portal wherever the child was. There would be no place for the female to hide to stop them from taking the child. Her arms would be filled with her grandchild—and her vengeance.

Loki returned to the palace, unsettled and filled with regret for the whole adventure. He had no more answers now than when he had begun—only the certainty that Sigyn was at the heart of the unrest in the Frost Giants. And the business about asking Odin? He would be consigning himself to death to admit that he had gone without Odin's blessing, let alone to bring back whatever mix of lies and truth they had spouted.

He materialized in the room he shared with Sigyn, watching as she napped on the bed. Restlessly, she flung an arm out to his side—searching for his warmth and pulling back when she did not find him. Her belly seemed to poke out a bit more than this morn as his son grew within.

It was an oddly settling thought—that his son grew safely in her belly and she thrived in the palace. He felt a sense of pride—that he had successfully transplanted her into the hothouse of the palace rather than allowing her to grow in the rocky garden where she had been. He still needed to keep an eye on her—to prevent her from growing overtired as she worked, to see that she ate well and heartily at least as often as he did, and to see that she had friendly hands nearby to aid her—but it was more the gentle maintenance of a well-rooted plant than the constant fiddling of a thin and weak seedling.

Of course, unlike the gentle seedling—his rose had the problem of the peasantry. While he had become more popular since her arrival, it did not escape his eyes or ears that there were still pockets of ill-contents and rabble who would not be content until he was driven from them. While he did not fear some forward attack—his rose had thorns enough—it was the distant attack she would not see coming. He would have to ensure that guards carefully watched her.

Restlessly, she turned again on the bed calling for "Locca" as she did at times. He smiled and moved to lounge on the bed beside her. He let his hand drift gently over her brow, brushing back the strands of hair from her face. He could see it, here and there, that her curves were more generous. His hand trailed down her arm and, almost without thought, his hand settled on her belly.

She was definitely showing and it would quickly come the day when even the loose and high-waisted styles would not hide the fact. His hand only rested there and a small feeling of contentment grew in his belly as he thought of the small child that rested there. The little one depended on his mother for warmth and succor and nourishment without ever having seen her smile, heard her voice or felt her touch. It was a deep, unspoken bond of trust that she would do naught to risk him.

A tiny flutter—scarcely more than the feel of vibration of a drum skin—rippled against his hand. Loki frowned in confusion—was Sigyn ill again? Perhaps something she had eaten? It came again, scarcely more insistent, and Sigyn sighed in her sleep. Loki whispered and flicked his wrist and a small, green stone appeared in his palm. He gently set it against her and watched in silent amazement as it began to pulse in a dual rhythm—one in time to Sigyn's heartbeat and one in a quick tempo of the child's. The little vibration was there again and the stone stirred with a strange blink.

A kick.

Loki's eyes widened as he simply sat in amazement. His hand could not move—almost frozen to the spot.

A kick—it was his child kicking.

It was so soft that had he not been sitting right here with his hand resting on her, he never would have felt it. He would have scarcely noticed it—never seen it. Had it not been for the life-stone he had conjured and it's mysterious signals and flashes, he might have dismissed it as a rumble of her stomach. He paled for a moment, considering the little one. It was so small—so tiny to fit inside her. What would he do? It was all well and good for Thor to spout on about making this child his heir, but really—what assurance was there of that? This little one would have Sigyn, true—but she was barely able to make a living for herself on the island, how would she provide for their child if something were to happen to him?

The stone flashed again—a purple-red flash. It was a rare signal for the life-stone. Loki swallowed deeply as his eyes teared up—it was a flash of a magical life-force. The child would have deep magical skills.

Like his father...

Loki felt a tear sweep down his cheek. This child would be like...him. He wondered for a moment if he would be slightly built or short or slender. Perhaps he would take after Sigyn's father and be more muscular. What a feat that would be—a strong man with command of the magical arts who could become a warmage!

Then all of the wonder and amazement fell away and his mind was suddenly, absolutely and positively clear. All the whirling questions he had asked and all the terrible risks he had taken—it all fell into place.

Laughey wanted his child.

Loki choked on his tears. It all made a terrible sort of sense—Laughey finding her so interesting, the attacks that suddenly stopped, why Laughey had said he would let her keep the thing for a little while longer. What was a few months to a Frost Giant?

"But why?!" his mind screamed for answers.

His logical side answered. "To spite Odin. Did it matter if there was any other reason?"

"No."

"Why not simply kill him or his brother?"

"They were too well guarded—too able to defend themselves."

He stumbled back and away, suddenly ashamed and feeling contaminated. Sigyn started and reached out blindly and without a second thought he bespelled her to sleep again. Coldly and clinically, he drifted out of the room and softly closed the door behind himself.

"Rest...let her rest." It was his only thought. "Can't let her know—she would go mad knowing." For a moment, he could not breathe. "She will not know—cannot know—how my own hand had consigned her to death."

He made himself as invisible as he could and simply vanished to go sit in Sigyn's private garden. The goats and chickens ignored him and he had no desire for company.

"The Frost Giants must die." He felt his heart beat in his ears as his mind echoed terribly. "There is no other choice if Sigyn and his child are to live."

"But how?" reasonably asked his other self.

"Thor. Thor hates them. Odin will not move on them—he is content in the truce. The warriors would follow Odin over Thor, though. Thor is just a prince and Odin is king.

"Kings can do anything they want—even ignore a threat on their doorstep."

Loki's thoughts grew dark and dreary. "What if there was no choice? What if we attacked during the Odinsleep? Father would not be able to gainsay the attack and Mother would be beside him—she would be safe. Would they follow then? But they would need convincing. Even Thor would need to know that there was an immediate threat."

But that would be setting a giant loose in a china shop. Once Thor got started in a direction—it was impossible to steer him away. And Laughey would tell of his visit and ridiculous bargain without a second thought. Thor would not stop Odin from punishing him then.

His more cunning side spoke up. "So can it be set up so that none are the wiser? Perhaps set it up so that it appears that Laughey would be lying to save his own skin?"

Some two days later, Loki again stood before Laughey. The other guards were waved casually away and they melted into the uniformly blue-gray landscape. Laughey grinned lazily at him. They had made the official greetings, but not a word more.

Laughey spoke first. "We have a deal already, Asgardian." His fang-like teeth glowed in the uncertain light. "Or do you mean to wager more?"

Loki smirked despite the patronizing tone. "Not at all—it would be a waste of my breath and time." He shrugged. "Thor becomes king in Heyannir. The entirety of Asgard will be at the palace to celebrate." He raised an eyebrow confidently. "And once he is king—once Odin is relieved of rank and duty—what do you think will happen?"

Laughey grinned. "I have no idea."

Loki almost snarled. "He will be the most ruthless king Asgard has ever known and will exterminate your kind."

"Really?" Laughey laughed. "I am...trembling."

"We are quits, Giant," Loki said.

"Oh? And the Casket?"

"I leave that for you to figure out." Loki tossed his head dramatically. "You have asked for that which is not mine to give. You obviously already have the means to get into Asgard—so do it yourself."

"You have not delivered it into my hand. I would hardly call us quits."

"You told me nothing either. We are even."

Laughey laughed genuinely. His heart was cooled at the thought of his own flesh and blood trying to best him. Indeed, his blood was frozen at the thought of Odin's surprise when Loki became the Prince of Jotenheim. "You are clever, little prince." He nodded. "If I put two warriors at your command, will they be able to fetch my prize here?"

Loki thought deeply—or at least appeared to. "I would have to plan this carefully and it would not be easily done. They could die and bring back nothing."

"You could die now," Laughey offered pleasantly. "It might even win me favor in the eyes of Asgard that I did it and spared the Allfather the trouble later."

"You lie," Loki accused. "But it does not matter."

Laughey only laughed as Loki vanished.

The next days passed swiftly for Sigyn. It was not a secret she was with child and when she began to truly show, then her days were filled with joyful tidings and well wishes. Cora and Menda took time away from the sanctuaries and shelters to visit her, along with Memnet's midwife cousin. Frigga seemed be always at hand with some small task—planting flowers, arranging the nursery, sewing or some such.

Loki was as regular as a clock—coming to her at mealtimes, tea times, and for nap times. He brought her books—generally story books or books of baby things—and occasionally took her out for a ride on the water in the harbor or by leading an ancient mare he deemed well-tempered enough for her to handle. Once he brought her a puppy that bounced and yipped around, but in the end he took it back when it grabbed a book Sigyn had left on a table and began destroying it. As necessary, he brought her out to the court for a feast, but his mood was often sour and they often made excuses to leave early.

Yet when he was called to hear the complaints and petitions, he gladly brought her to his side. Together they would listen and make the judgments and address the concerns put before them. It was ironic that the time spent in audience felt like some of their closest times. Even when they disagreed, it was softly and lovingly done.

The week before Thor was to be crowned, Sigyn and Loki sat on a balcony, sipping a dark tea and eating small fruits and tidbits. Sigyn giggled as the cup in her hand almost balanced on the round of her stomach. "My darling—see? I have grown to the size of ...a horse!"

Loki shook his head. "Hardly. Horses are much bigger." He shrugged and set his cup down. "But on the plus side, your labor will soon be done and our son will soon be here. If you were a horse, you would be carrying him at least another month longer."

Sigyn huffed, feeling a kick rattle the cup in the saucer. "He will undoubtedly be the first child to split his mother open if he keeps this up."

Loki smiled sadly at that. "I had thought that the walking and such would help. If it doesn't, then we will stop."

"Nonsense," Sigyn sniffed. "I enjoy spending the time with you." She smiled sadly. "But Mother says that I will not see you scarcely at all before..."

"I will be attending meetings with the Allfather," Loki explained. "As Thor's brother and the next in line, it is expected that I should know how to handle the realms should anything happen. Not to mention that it is supposed to give us time to figure out what my role will be while Thor is here." He laughed bitterly. "Father has taken great pains to force Thor to carve out a niche for me."

Sigyn frowned. "Shouldn't that be to the good, though?"

Loki only shrugged. "I suppose. It is better than being cast out." He waved his hand and the dishes vanished. "But, I have only tonight to be with you before I am closeted with my brother for a week..."

Sigyn giggled and took his hand so that she could stand. The child was enormous inside her. Everyone who spoke with her said that he would be as big as Thor. Her back ached enormously as well, but she smiled for Loki's sake. It was a pity that fate had not reversed them and let Loki be the elder. He seemed level-headed and fair—although he brooked no disobedience and not the slightest rebellion. Thor still seemed brash and brazen and rather like a child given too large and fancy a toy. But, for all of his bluster, Thor was a likeable enough sort of fellow. He never failed to be generously polite and deferred to her in most everything. He would always carefully ask before he even came near to touching her hand—and would always make sure that there were witnesses whenever he stood near her. Time had eased her pain as little else could and they could even spend time without major mishaps or spell damage.

Loki was still speaking. "...And you will need to hold the audiences, my dear," he concluded.

"What?" Sigyn gaped and then flushed.

"We are occupied with this...ceremony. You are the one who is left to carry on," he explained. When he saw her uncertain frown, he smirked. She would undoubtedly carry on just fine, but her emotional dependence on him was soothing to his wounded ego and pride. Here, despite everything, was someone who really needed him.

He waved his hand. "Don't worry—you can always conclude early or send for Mother if you need to. If it is truly an emergency, then you may send for me."

"Will anyone else be there?" she whimpered.

"The Warriors Three are busy with preparations, but perhaps another of the ladies of the court could attend you?"

"Would Sif be willing?"

Loki frowned. Sif had become a silent bystander. Although she had spent more time in Sigyn's company since the princess had begun tending the soldiers, she still did not seem to overly like either of them. Still, she was loyal to Thor and, at least for the moment, had become polite and gracious. "I will see if Thor can spare her, but I would not press her if she cannot be there." He smiled. "But I have only hours before I must part—and I cannot fathom why we are not in our chambers..."

Thor was delighted to honor his sister-by-marriage and have Sif sit with her during the audiences. Sif was not particularly overjoyed, but where Thor led she followed and she consented.