Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Huginn89: So glad you like this. I hope the trick was good enough. I was trying to tie in the fact that in the Comic-verse, Loki and Sigyn were actually shackled together with a length of chain by Odin, but that was going to be impossible to write and at that point Loki had no motivation to not just kill her.

XXRoweenaJAugustineXx: Glad you found your way here. Thanks, I try to keep things simple in terms of story telling otherwise it gets too tedious to write and I have to keep tons of notes about how things link together. Hopefully then next bit doesn't get too confusing. It has to be a little bit right now in order to get to the next step, but then things should get simple again. Well... As simple as things can get with Loki. :)

############The weak can never forgive. That is an attribute of the strong###################

Ten months... Sigyn spent almost a year in the cell below ground while Loki searched for someone who could remove the hard bangle that made him feel her pain and sorrows. In that time Sif, the warriors three, and several others staged a few rebellions. But Loki was smart and sly, he had enough of the court on his side that the upheaval never lasted long. By keeping the upper class happy, while the lower class lifestyle remained the same, there were few willing to upset the status quo for an uncertain future.

Eventually even those warriors were forced to a grumbling acceptance of Loki, the improvements he had made and his actions as king earning a modicum of esteem. Though not many were aware exactly how he came to power, those that were still viewed him with disdain.

Nearly all cast disapproving glances at him for what he had done to Sigyn, though no one ever said anything openly... Except Sif. Sif had spread word that she had never been accomplice to his actions and even Loki was shocked at how quickly public opinion had turned in Sigyn's favor. She had become something of a martyr in the eyes of Asgardians, sacrificing herself to save them from whatever threat he presented. Nearly all of his good work was attributed to her influence on him. He sensed that Sif would stab him given half a chance, just on principle.

There was a powerful link between Loki and Sigyn through their bracelets, that was only intensified by the connection they had already. When she refused food over some policy or decree, he lost weight. When he tried to have her sent away from the capitol city, he felt like his body was being split in half, hardly able to stand until she was brought back. He tried to cut off her source of information, and found himself deaf thanks to her fury, and also found that there were many loyal to him. He was incapable of having anything done to her, other than being locked below. Several sorcerers came to the castle and none were able to remove the bangle. Most were afraid to try.

Loki eventually settled into a rhythm. Sometimes he hated Sigyn, sometimes he wanted her dead, but most of the time he just wanted her near. He had a long time to think, and he knew that she had once brought him peace. A peace he couldn't find no matter how he tried. When he had things sent to her, messages from others or books to pass the time, he could feel a sliver of the calm energy flow through him, but nothing was a balm to his inner turmoil like her presence had been. But he never sent her anything from him. It was always under the guise of another.

He felt her growing depression, knew of her activities via weekly reports(edited by her supporters and supplemented by his) from the prison, and on the rare occasion that he was injured by either accident or assassination attempt, he knew healers had to visit her cell. Things were... settled. Neither happy nor peaceful, but lacking chaos.

Until a small book found it's way to his desk. Supposedly sent to him from one of the libraries where he had dispatched scouts, looking for a solution to the bond, the book was mostly incomprehensible. Irrelevant to his needs. With the exception of one page. The scout had marked it and tucked a Monk's translation in on another piece of paper.

Loki was surprised and had actually let the book sit unopened for several days. He had stopped actively searching for a solution and now one dropped into his lap? It was suspicious.

It spoke of a spell to bind two people. Forged in the fires of fear for one and the ashes of love, the bangles were made of a broken heart. And 'could only be removed by the one who placed it, and only when the broken heart was sealed.' There was also a phrase about a 'most valued' gift that had to be given.

Slamming the book shut, Loki roughly tugged at his hair. "What does that mean?" The empty room echoed his words back to him and he unconsciously reached for the bond. He had learned how to do that only a short while ago, to find temporary solace in knowing that she was as bound to him as he was to her. He could tug on the fragile connection and feel something tug back. It gave him momentary comfort when he was troubled, but nothing that lasted more than a few minutes. And it wasn't peace.

He had kept his dark promise to never visit her, but his violent anger had abated. Loki would never say he approved of her actions but after long conferences with Volsp, he could understand why she had done it. Why she thought it was her only option. Though he disagreed, it had been a good plan.

It had been nearly six months since the last rebellion, and Loki had changed. Even Sif, Heimdall, and the others had only one constant complaint. Sigyn's release. It was a harping point that they brought to him at least once a month and he always refused. Perhaps the next time they came it would be time to grant the request.

He wanted the bangle removed, and since she was the one who placed it, he knew that she would have to be the one who removed it. Probably willingly. And he doubted she would be willing to acquiesce to any of his requests unless he made nice.

He sent for Volsp. Perhaps the seer could decode more of the spell.

#############################################

Volsp sat at Loki's table waiting for the king to ask him the question that had brought the seer here. He had been respectful but silent, not wanting to influence the man towards his destiny or away from it. His job today was not to guide, but to make the choices clear.

Loki had grown in many ways. Not nearly as bitter as he had been, he was making decisions for the right reasons rather than spite. He held power around him like a cloak rather than an armor, and wielded it less like a sword and more like a staff. Less aggressive and defensive.

Volsp and Sigyn had discussed when the right time to give Loki clues would be, and he felt that the time was rapidly approaching. Now to get Sigyn out of the dungeon and back into Loki's sights.

Finally Loki spoke. "I found this." He showed Volsp the book, sliding it and the translation across the smooth surface of the table. "Will this break the bond that Sigyn created?"

Volsp was silent as he looked over the page. "The bond cannot be broken. It can be removed, but not broken."

Loki sighed. "Will this remove it, then?"

Volsp smirked, a boldness only capable because Loki needed him. "This paper can do nothing. Only your actions, how you interpret the words, will accomplish anything."

Green eyes pinned the older man in a hard but tolerant stare. "You know more than you are telling me."

Volsp nodded. "If I were to tell you everything I know, we would not leave this room for many years."

Loki sighed, and sat back with his hand to his chin. His thoughtfulness proved how he had changed, and his words held wisdom when he spoke again. "Very well, then tell me something that I do not know, but should."

Volsp nodded. "Very good, My Lord." He thought for a moment, closing the book and sliding it across the table. " But first I would remind you to think of the prophecy I gave you, and that this has not been your only help." This was the book he tapped with a long finger.

When Loki nodded, Volsp continued. "To be deeply loved gives you strength and to love deeply gives you courage. You must find what you lack, strength or courage."

Volsp stood and bowed slightly, and after a moment Loki dismissed him with a hand movement. He had much to think about and much to do. Standing he quickly ordered the queen's chambers cleaned and readied. Girding himself for what he expected to be a furious wife, he strode out of his chambers with a grimace locked on his face.

#####################################################

Sigyn sat unknowingly in much the same position the Loki had during his occupation of the same cell. Her back to the wall, bottom on the floor, book in hand. It was forgotten though, as Sif and Fandral sat outside her cell.

"How are you, My Lady?" Fandral's voice was concerned. It always was and Sigyn had to smile.

"I am fine, Fandral. I believe I may finally catch up on my reading." She chuckled lightly. "My cage is quite gilded at the moment." It was true. When she had first arrived the cell had been mostly bare.

Now, a stack of books, a tumbling mountain of pages, sat unsteadily in a corner. Soft satin and fur pillows and blankets were strewn about, and she had been brought much of her closet, allowing her to dress herself in more comfortable clothing. Even her bed had been replaced with a dark wood sleigh bed and was well adorned.

Sif and Fandral traded repressed glances. Sigyn was always cheerful when they visited, but it didn't take a genius to see that her eyes had been steadily loosing their spark. Her silver gaze had turned the color of gray ash, darker, muted, and without the shine of her personality. "We will request your release again this week..." Sif tried to sound positive, but even the woman in prison could tell there wasn't much hope.

Brushing invisible lint off her dove grey skirts, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear then marked her place with a scrap of paper, setting the book aside. "It is alright Sif. Can we talk of something other than a freedom that is unlikely to come?"

A warm voice echoed down the hall. "It might be coming sooner than you think, My Queen." Volsp walked slowly from the entrance, waiting to say more until he stood next to a sitting Sif. "I have just come from an audience with your husband. I expect that the next time Sif petitions for your freedom, it will be granted."

Sif stood with a broad smile. "Then I will request it immediately!"

Sigyn shook her head. "No Sif. He needs to admit it to himself. There will be no more petitions for freedom."

Sif's shoulders drooped slightly in confused defeat. "But, my Lady, please..."

Sigyn waved a hand, getting to her feet stiffly. "No. No one will request my freedom. Spread the word."

Fandral blinked at her, more accepting of her order but still confused. "Won't you tell us why?" Sif would never rest otherwise and would pace for weeks, driving the rest of them mad with her ranting.

Sigyn set her book on a small table, and with a flick of her fingers, a cup of tea appeared in her hands. "Loki has not done anything for me of his own desire. He needs to make the decision. Not acquiesce to demands of others." Her eyes met Volsp's and a silent communication passed, a nearly imperceptible nod.

The plan would only work if Loki could somehow, even unconsciously, admit that his own actions were wrong and that he could forgive her. She needed that crack in him, or she would never reach the old Loki.

She sipped the tea and met Sif's eyes. "He has to do it on his own."

Sif glared at her, her nose flaring and eyes narrowed, but eventually nodded. "Alright. I will say nothing."

####################################################

But she would glower hard enough to set Loki's hair on fire. If she could. Sif glared at Loki at public events, dinners, audiences, and in passing. And it was getting to him. He would meet her gaze and his face would darken. When he couldn't see her, he would look around, feeling her eyes on him.

Now she stood in the large chamber, her friends at her back while Loki questioned her.

"... forged something of a truce. I would be very upset to find that you are planning to kill me Sif. Tell me that is not the case?" Loki sat, dressed for the role, legs splayed on his golden throne.

"I am not." Sif's teeth grit tightly, but she didn't even try to smile.

"Why have you been..." He waved his hand slightly, in a very small motion. "Acting suspiciously?"

Sif was silent and felt Fandral turn slightly behind her, delivering a discreet but hard elbow to his lower back. She grimaced and forced herself to soften her tone when she spoke. "I have been to see Sigyn, is all my lord. I am sure you are aware of my feelings on the subject."

Fandral immediately gripped one of her shoulders, his hand hard as he took a step forward. She was toeing the line of what their queen had commanded. "She only means that... well..."

Hogun grumbled at Fandral's sudden lack of ability with words. "Sif is angry over the lack of game found on our hunts recently, Your Majesty, that is all."

Loki's bright eyes narrowed. They were all behaving oddly, even Volstagg, who was ducking his head and casually inspecting the toe of his boots. Fandral's lack of skill in a usually talkative mouth. Hogun speaking without obvious reason. Sif holding her tongue on the topic of Sigyn...

He settled his back against the chair more firmly, confident he was close to the problem. Now he would be able to see Sigyn. "Would you like to request that I release my queen?" He smirked. "I would be happy to..."

"No." Sif interrupted him, making Loki's eyes widen in shock, at both her refusal and her breach of protocol. She continued in a firm voice through tightly clenched teeth. "No, my lord. I do not request Lady's Sigyn's release." She was so stiff Loki was certain a soft breeze would have cracked her spine.

Suddenly confused, he stared at her hard, standing. "You do not want me to grant Sigyn's freedom?"

Sif seemed to change colors as different expressions flashed over he face. She would not have done well as queen if Thor had taken her to wife. She had no ability to hide her thoughts, something essential if she was to command the court. Finally, Fandral was the one to speak. "We do not..." He gripped Sif's wrist tightly when she inhaled as if to speak, and it somehow stopped her. "We do not request the queen's freedom today, King Loki."

Loki watched them carefully. Their requests were practically routine, and yet for some reason were unwilling to ask today. Even with him hinting very strongly that he would finally grant the request. Why?

"Why?" Loki carefully walked down the tall stairs, stopping a few feet in front of them.

They glanced amongst themselves, confirming his suspicions that something was going on, something that was preventing them from asking for her freedom. "Is there a threat against Sigyn? Is that why you will not ask for her freedom, when you all want her released?"

"No, my lord." Sif could barely speak though thin lips. "There is no threat against the queen. We do not ask you to release Lady Sigyn."

Loki's own lips thinned. There was definitely something going on.

#############################################################

No one would ask for Sigyn's freedom. Loki paced the living space of his quarters, boot heels thudding heavily against the stone floors. Not one single person would ask him to free the queen. He growled. The only way to be released from the bond was to get her out of the dungeon.

Slamming a hand down on the table, he slouched into the chair, his posture defeated. Taking a deep breath, hating what he was about to do, he pulled himself together. If no one would ask, he would have to do it himself.