Disclaimer: I own nothing

And I have been slacking. Sorry for the wait!

So, does Ilsa know the truth about Loki? Or is she as clueless as he assumes?

Time to find out!

Sit back and enjoy!

Love always,

Avoline

Loki watched as Ilsa helped Miekall gather his things. It was his first day of learning magic, and though Loki would have liked to teach the boy himself, a tutor had been found. Asgard was on the brink of war with an enemy from another realm, and it only added to the King's burden.

"Remember, Miekall, behave and do as your mentor says," Ilsa instructed. "She will teach you everything your father knows. Don't act out, and focus."

"Yes, Ilsa," the eight-year-old replied before running out the door. Loki smiled at the servant woman before reaching for her hand. "You do know who his mentor is, do you not?" He shook his head. "Your cousin. Queen Frigga's niece."

"So why have I not met her," he inquired as they stepped into the grand hallway.

"She lived among the people of Asgard," Ilsa answered. "She had to hide her magic, for fear of what they would do to her. Your mother simply helped her to contain it." Loki nodded.

"It is sad that those who are gifted have to hide it," he mused.

"It is sad that you feel the need to lie to yourself," she eyes met hers. "My King, I am not blind. I can tell that you still mourn for your queen. I would not force you to forget her, or try to make you love another. All I ask is that you stop lying to yourself." He stopped walking, his eyes averted to the floor.

She knew. She had always known. For eight years she had known, and yet she was kind enough to not say anything until now. She did not ask that he love her, or that he at least allow himself to love again. All she wanted was for him to admit the truth.

"Ilsa, I am truly sorry," he murmured, nearly weeping as she slid her hand into his. "I thought that maybe my father had been right, but I cannot love another without feeling like I am betraying my queen."

"Then do not," she soothed. "It is not a crime to forever love one who is lost. One day, the young prince will know the truth. But not now. He is still too young, my King." Her slender fingers caressed his face, and he closed his eyes, a tear sliding down his face. "Do not cry, Loki. She is always beside you, just like your mother is always beside your father. You are not facing such grief alone." He pressed his cheek into her palm.

She was right.

"Brother!"

Loki turned away from the warriors, his eyes landing on the blond prince. He had sent Hogun to tell Thor that he was needed in Asgard, and to assure the older man that Jane and Hailynn would be safe.

Hailyn was born a few months after Miekall's fourth birthday. She was healthy, and of average size, and Jane, though very weak after giving birth, pulled through with ease. Hailyn was now four years old, and had her father's golden hair.

Loki only wished that Meeka had been as strong as Jane.

"What enemy are we facing," Thor's voice thundered as he neared. Loki turned back to the "hologram," as Jane had called it, as his brother stood by his side.

"We are not sure, Thor," Fandral began, staring at the image of the large, horned creature. "They are nothing we have ever faced. They call themselves the Gardonians, and their strength is only matched by their determination to be victorious."

"Their hide broke my axe," Volstragg pouted. Loki bit his tongue to hold back a smile. "And no blade can penetrate their armor."

"As far as how to defeat them, we have no indication," Hogun added. Thor nodded.

"So we are facing something we do not know how to kill," he summarized. They all nodded. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Loki thought his brother was still arrogant as ever.