A/N: I know, I know! SO sorry about the massive gap between updates! Explanation at the bottom.

Also, since I realized that I hadn't put this on the previous chapters: Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize.

My fingers worried a clump of my gown near my thigh as I stood in front of the full-length mirror in the room. I was in the palace, my brother thinking it easier for me to ready myself there than at our father's house.

I studied myself, taking in how the deep blue silk hugged my figure tastefully, showcasing my lightly tanned skin and blue-gray eyes. The banquet was an annual one, where the upper nobility gathered in an effort to make connections, forging alliances both political and otherwise. My expression turned into a grimace as I imagined the pandering and catering that was about to happen, grateful that I could not be used as a tool like so many others that would be in attendance.

"Excuse me," a voice said from the doorway. "But have you seen my sister? I was under the impression that these were her rooms, not the rooms of some unearthly beauty."

I rolled my eyes, not fighting the smile that spread across my face as I turned to face my companion. "I am not one of your many conquests, Fandral," I teased back, taking in his teasing expression. "Your words will not work on me."

"Does not mean what I say is untrue," he replied, pushing off the wall and stepping towards me. He looked handsome, his green dress outfit resembling his usual armor distinctly. His blonde hair was perfectly groomed, as was his ridiculous looking goatee. A smile graced his face as he stopped in front of me, gripping my arms gently and meeting his blue eyes with mine. "You look lovely, Sigyn."

Heat bloomed in my cheeks and I knew they were red, but I just rolled my eyes. "You have to say that," I countered, lightly smacking his arm. He just grinned and offered me the same arm, which I took, and led me into the hall. "Why do I have to go?"

"Because mother and father are needed elsewhere," Fandral replied. "Besides, you spend far too much time with your nose stuck in books. If you are not careful, you're going to turn into Loki."

I started slightly at the mention of the prince's name, grateful that he did not seem to notice, my brother prattling on as we made our way to the Great Hall. Unbidden, my thoughts tripped back to earlier that day. My free hand slid over the spot Loki's arm had been at my waist while I shuddered, remembering his breath on my neck, his tongue on my ear, and his lips pressing against my jaw. Sliding my eyes closed, I willed away the memory along with the unwanted thoughts of the prince's lips pressed hard against mine.

It wasn't the first time the rebellious image had pushed its way into my thoughts. I admit that Loki was handsome, preferring his dark, refined look to Prince Thor's blonde and muscled features. But he was also the most infuriating creature I had ever met. His arrogance and need for control grated me. And yet . . . I grimaced at the thought, grateful for the distraction of the Great Hall as Fandral ushered me into the massive room

I caught my brother's smirk in the corner of my eye as a small gasp slipped past my lips at the sight of the room. Candelabras lined the perimeter, giving the space an intimate yet spacious feeling. The draping of gold and maroon fabric that covered the walls were testament of the Allfather's colors, leaving no doubt-if there had been any-of whose house in which we stood. "You have seen it before," Fandral murmured, leaning close to my ear as we made our way around the room.

"When I was but a child," I countered, my gaze continuing to devour the space. "But not like this." I gave him a wry look, reluctantly tearing my eyes away from the space. "And I am not the one who sees it every day. Leave me to my wondering, brother."

"For the record, you are still a child," he teased, nudging me with his elbow as we approached the dais at the head of the room. My retort was shoved abruptly back down my throat as we stopped at the foot of the short staircase, looking up at where the Allfather and his queen sat.

"You may approach," Odin said, his voice stern but not unkind. Fandral tugged on my arm, leading me up the stairs till we stood in front of the two royals.

"Allfather," Fandral said, crossing his fist over his chest and kneeling. I suddenly felt exposed and vulnerable. "My queen. May I present my sister, Sigyn Vilidottir?"

I copied my brother's stance, my body moving a bit jerkily as I tried to comprehend the situation I now found myself in. With Fandral being a close friend of Prince Thor and my father a member of the High Council, I had always been conscious of the royal family. But never had I stood in front of the rulers of our people. There had been a limited number of interactions between the God of Thunder, and myself but mostly limited to a patronizing comment about his friend's younger sibling. I distinctly remember fleeing each situation with a deep, frustrated blush covering my cheeks and followed by the sound of laughter. In my opinion, the older prince was headstrong and reckless and I found him a bit foolish. An opinion that differed from much of the populous.

And now, I spent hours every morning with his younger brother.

"You may rise," the Allfather murmured. We obeyed, gratitude racing through my body as the summons stopped my thoughts from returning to the trickster.

Frigga's dark gray eyes were gentle as she met my gaze, her hand extending towards me. "Come here, child," she prompted. I hesitated but a moment before wrapping my fingers around hers and allowing her to lead me closer. "You have grown into quite the beauty, Sigyn. You remind me of your mother when she was young."

"Thank you, your majesty," I murmured, ducking my head as heat filled my cheeks. "I have been told such before. She sends her regrets that she could not attend tonight. My father as well."

"And they will be missed," the queen replied, a small smile gracing her face. Her other hand covered mine and she gave it a squeeze. "I do hope you enjoy yourself tonight, my dear."

I bowed. "I'm sure I will, my queen," I replied. The regal woman released my hand and nodded, giving me leave to step back to where Fandral waited. Another nod from Odin and my brother was guiding me back down the stairs to the gathered nobles on the main floor. "Remind me," I hissed, leaning into my brother. "Why was that necessary?"

"Because you have been away, formally, from court for too long," Fandral replied, pitching his voice low as well. "And it is procedure." I made a soft growling sound, making him smirk. "But think, the worst is over."

"Fandral!" a booming voice called, the two of us turning to find Thor weaving his way towards us, if you could call it weaving. He wore a massive grin on his face and greeted my brother with an exuberant clap to the back once he reached us, making him stumble slightly with the force of it. "I see you have wasted no time in capturing the attentions of the most beautiful maiden here." He smirked at me, capturing my free hand from where it rested at my side and pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady . . ."

"Thor, you remember my sister, Sigyn?" Fandral intoned, his voice tinged with a measure of annoyance that matched the rush of feeling coursing through me.

The blonde prince blinked, straightening and studying me intently. "Little Sigyn!" he finally exclaimed, the light of recognition brightening his impossibly blue eyes. "You have grown into quite the beauty." I fought the grimace that threatened to twist my features as his gaze roved over my form. "You were only a gangly, clumsy thing when last we met."

A flush graced my cheeks as aggravation washed over me, Thor mistaking my blush for maidenly embarrassment and giving a laugh. "It has been some time, indeed, my prince," I murmured, keeping my emotions in check. Though they differed greatly in looks and temperament, the princes had an uncanny knack of prompting the same reactions from me with alarming ease.

"You are studying magic, are you not?" Thor asked, grinning at the befuddled expression that crossed my features. "Just because I did not recognize you, little one, does not mean I had no knowledge of you. Your brother brags of your talents often, claiming they are as great as Loki's."

His compliment was nearly lost to me as I processed his use of the trickster's pet name for me, recoiling slightly and reclaiming the hand that he had somehow managed to keep hold of the entire conversation. "It is simply familial connection that makes him do so, your highness," I replied demurely. "Master Garen feels I have much to learn before I reach even the lowest level of sorceress."

"Garen?" he repeated, arching an eyebrow. "So you are the reason Loki has been spending so much time with his old teacher, the student he has been helping instruct." A wry, knowing smile tilted his lips. "Believe me, if Loki deems you worthy enough to learn from him, you must harbor talent indeed."

All I could do was stare at him, my mind ringing with a whirlwind of thoughts that countered his accolade. He gave a slight bow of his head before turning to Fandral, the two of them quickly lost in a recounting of some past adventure or the planning of a new one. I was unsure as to which, deep in my thoughts as I was. Garen had often said I was indeed talented, though he was never exactly forthcoming with the acclaim. He usually found more ways to correct my mistakes than to praise my successes. And Loki was worse, his corrections consisting of taunting, dry humor or downright displeasure. Yes, I most decidedly felt honored to be his pupil.

Seeing an open doorway, my mind turned to other thoughts concerning the dark prince, unwanted daydreams making their appearance. Frantically, I fought to push them away but not before the image of Loki's lithe body pressing mine against a dark wall with his lips dominating mine surged to the forefront.

At that moment, my rebellious gaze found Loki. He stood across the room, his expression clearly bored with the whole affair. As though he could feel my eyes, he turned slightly and locked his piercing green eyes with mine. A smirk pulled at the corner of his lips before giving a slight nod of his head. I felt the blush twinge my cheeks with pink, my mind once again remembering his unseen actions at Garen's house earlier that day. Aggravation washed over me as Loki grinned, seeming to know exactly what my thoughts were. The gasp I loosed was extremely audible as cool fingers ghosted across my shoulders and then down my back.

"Sigyn?" Fandral asked, his brow knit together in curiosity. Thor watched me with much the same expression. "Is something the matter?"

The dark prince held my gaze, the mischief in them crystal clear as he arched an eyebrow at me. He gestured slightly with a tilt of his head, summoning me. My jaw clenched. "No," I replied, turning and giving them both a soothing smile. "Would you mind getting me something to drink?"

"Of course," he agreed, releasing my hand. "I shall return shortly."

"Fear not, my friend," Thor exclaimed as he moved away. "I shall keep your sister company until you return."

"Sigyn!" a familiar voice called, drawing my attention and garnering my relief as two young women made their way towards me. Never had two faces ever been so gratefully seen.

"My prince, please," I entreated, giving Thor a small smile. "Far be it from me to keep you so occupied. It seemed quite the conversation you and my brother were deep in and I would be loathe to halt it." I gestured towards the women as they neared. "Besides, I will not be alone and I can only imagine how bored you would be listening to us idly gossip. Hardly talk for warriors."

Relief warred with duty across the prince's face as he fought to decide. "If you are sure, little one," he mused hesitantly.

I flinched inwardly at the endearment again, but nodded, my smile still strong. "I am, my prince," I murmured. "And do not worry; I will not allow my brother to chastise you too strongly." Thor grinned and once again brought my fingers to his lips, kissing them in farewell and nodding at the women who now stood beside me before turning to follow Fandral.

A bright laugh sounded from the blonde at my right as I visibly relaxed as Thor disappeared, her hazel eyes dancing at me as I met her gaze. "Perhaps your time spent with Prince Loki has not been all for naught," she teased. "What a way with words you have, Sigyn."

"As much as I value your friendship, Leera," I countered, pursing my lips, "I will not hesitate to end it if you continue the current topic of conversation." My neck tingled and I knew Loki's eyes still watched me, the prince most likely aggravated at my blatant dismissal of him. An extreme feeling of pleasure rushed over me at the thought.

"Oh, please," countered the brunette on my left, her arm looping through mine as she started moving through the crowd. "Where would you vent your frustration about our gracious prince without us?"

I laughed softly at Sinn's sarcastic remark. "To the sky, if need be," I retorted. "But . . . I will allow you to remain my friends for such uses."

"Thank you," Leera intoned, rolling her eyes and taking my other arm. "You are so gracious." We shared a laugh and I noticed, with smug amusement, that they continued to lead me away from where Loki had been lurking. Unable to resist, I glanced over my shoulder and met his smoldering emerald gaze, his brows furrowed in frustration. I smirked, giving him a small nod and returning my attention to my friends.

A/N 2: Again, so sorry! But I did warn that my updates would not be regular . . . although I didn't intend for a month to go by. Also, my beta reader was in the hospital, so that pushed it back. AND. I have grown quite a bit as a writer since having written much of this story and it requires a bit of tweaking. So, bear with me as I attempt to get back into the characters' heads and juggle writing this again along with the other story that I'm currently working on. GAH! So many voices in my head!
Thanks for all the new favorites and follows! It still makes me marvel (and a little bit giddy) every time I get an email telling me the story has a new one! Really, it amazes me!
As always, reviews welcome!

Yasumi: Thank you! I'm so glad! :-) I enjoy their attitudes towards each other as well, which is good, since they live in my head. :-) Just hoping I keep Loki (and others) in character while staying true to my plot. Oh, and things are definitely going to start getting more interesting. After all, Loki enjoys a good game, does he not? ;-) Sorry about the absence and hope you enjoy the update!
Crede Biron: That invisibility scene was one of my favorite to write! I'm pretty sure I was giggling like an idiot as I did, too, watching it play out in my head. And I like Garen, too. Thankfully, with the tweaks I'm making, he will appear more than he does currently. My apologies for the absence and I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
shaded22: Thanks so much! I love writing it! :-) Sorry it took so long to update. Enjoy the newest bit!
Lightning and Ice: Thank you! I'm so glad you think so! I apologize for the absence and I hope you continue to like it!