A strange energy seemed to fill the streets and people of Asgard with the rising of the sun. The privileged few of the court had done everything within their power to keep the scheduled window for Thor's return quiet, but the mouths of their people were busy, and his pending appearance at some point that day was somehow common knowledge. It was also widely known that he would possibly return with a mortal visitor - a sort of guest Asgard had not welcomed in the lifespans of most of its citizens.
At the moment it touched the ears of the people, this news had begun to stir controversy. Much of the realm was starkly divided regarding whether or not this should have been allowed. Those who seemed to believe marriage was imminent were among the loudest protestors to Jane's visit. Their understanding wasn't completely unfounded, however. No matter how Thor had represented the motion to Jane, her appearance there had profound meaning for his possible future and Asgard's, even if she were to decline his offer of betrothal.
Sif knew she would be sincerely happy for Thor if Jane appeared with him, but happier still, if she did not; she had spent much of her time internally debating and fighting herself over whether or not she should be present in the palace for his return. She wasn't certain she wanted to be there, but she feared her absence would be noticed and interpreted wrongly. She had worked beyond her feelings for him since they had parted, but his determination towards this new woman in his life and reopened old wounds - and Loki's latest scheme, though seemingly unrelated, acted as salt up those raw injuries for reasons she didn't understand.
Fandral and Volstagg were among the crowd that had gathered in the great hall from which Thor had originally departed and was thought to be the point of his return. Hogan couldn't care less about the curiosities surrounding mortals or the private life of his prince, but the latter cause had driven Fandral's decision, and Volstagg had followed for his own amusement. Sif approached to wait with them, putting on her stoic mask and proud demeanor.
"What is your wager, Lady Sif?" Volstagg asked. "Do you believe she will appear with him?"
Fandral furrowed his brow at his colleague's words and examined Sif's face for change. "I'm not certain," she answered, "but I suppose if she does not come, it'll be the end of this question and the issue can be put to rest."
"True," Volstagg said, "but if she accompanies him, I expect the division of our people to worsen. I hope the mortal is strong enough to face some adversity in this matter."
He looked at Sif, expecting her to argue or agree, but she did neither. Instead, her lips remained firmly sealed and the look of her features conveyed her displeasure with the idea of elaborating on this issue. Volstagg didn't push her further and Fandral remained quiet.
Time drifted by and still, the prince did not return. The shadows grew long on the palace floor; some casual observers lost their patience and left. Just as the light began to fade into the golden horizon, Odin stood from his throne, narrowing his eye as he stared towards the center of the room. A pocket of mist appeared from nothing, and shortly after, blue light emanated from the middle of the strange cloud. The energy gathered in a small, condensed ball and abruptly exploded. In a flash, the hunched over form of Thor appeared kneeling on the stone floor. As he stood, it quickly became apparent that there was another with him, smaller and wrapped in his protective arms.
Whispers and murmurs echoed loudly around the great hall as many who were present examined the first mortal to step foot within their realm in a golden age. Jane reciprocated their bewilderment, red rushing to her cheeks as she looked uneasily back at Thor. He smiled proudly at her and she relaxed slightly, happy to have landed in one piece despite the quick, though turbulent journey that she could only describe as being vacuumed through the light-years of space.
Sif watched from her distance as he walked with Jane to the steps of the Allfather's throne. The strangely-dressed Midgardian bowed deeply and courteously, in Asgard's tradition. It was apparent he had introduced her to some of their customs before their arrival. The king nodded slightly in acknowledgment of her thoughtful greeting. Frigga smiled warmly, and when Jane's head turned for a moment, she winked at Thor - a very subtle sign of motherly approval for Jane's beauty and manners.
Thor spoke during their introductions, granting her some context and knowledge about the position and history of Odin's throne, but Jane remained quiet. Her silence was also a sign of respect, as the Allfather had not addressed her and she was a guest in his palace. Whether she had done so purposefully at the advice of Thor or because of instinct, it was a wise decision; she had already begun to show some merit by contradicting many of the presuppositions still commonly held regarding humanity.
After the king and queen's mild reaction, many of the uninvited observers left. Some stragglers, however, continued to stare at her from a distance, pointing and whispering about the strangeness of her garb. This caused her to feel self-conscious in her jeans, t-shirt, and hoodie, but she hid it well beneath a healthy blush and friendly smile.
Volstagg and Fandral ceased their private conversation and Sif straightened her posture when Thor pulled Jane over to meet with them. "You remember Lady Sif, Volstagg, and Fandral," Thor spoke.
She nodded and appeared much more comfortable in the presence of familiar faces and those she knew to be his closest friends. "Hi," she said with cheer.
Fandral bowed deeply. "It's good to meet you in circumstances much more favorable than those of our initial introduction. How do you fare after your journey?"
She smiled. "It was - intense, but I'm fine. I mean, I just travelled through something the community of my peers think is still a theory," she said with a chuckle. "I think it was worth the trip."
"The Rainbow Bridge may have treated you better than the Tesseract's power, but we are glad you've arrived safely, Jane Foster," Sif said sincerely.
Jane smiled. "Thanks," she answered simply.
"Sif, would you show Jane to the northeastern guest quarters? I must speak with my father before the hour grows late."
The request caught Sif by surprise, as she was not a palace servant, but she agreed without complaint.
"You will join us for dinner later?" he asked of Jane.
"Sure," she said, looking down at her clothes and the one, small bag she'd brought, "but I…"
"I've procured what you need. Sif will help you with the details." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I will see you tonight. Sif, please be sure my closest friends are invited as well."
She nodded, and despite her distaste for her task, did what he had asked. Jane followed her silently, as any near-stranger would, down the corridors of the palace. With wide eyes, she studied the giant pillars that had been carved into the forms of great warriors; marveled at the intricate stonework on the floor; and could not keep her eyes from the glimmering gold and silver that lined the sconces, art, and statues along the hallway. The sight of elegantly-dressed nobles and court citizens who looked upon her in wonder caused a blush to rise to her cheeks. The experience was surreal and humbling; instead of staring back at them, she uncharacteristically fixed her eyes on the ground until they reached her temporary apartment.
Sif opened the door and allowed her to pass through first, grabbing a torch from the wall outside to illuminate the dark room. She lit two torches on the front wall near the door, but despite the additional light, Jane had barely moved into the room and looked back at her uncertainly.
"Would you like to start a fire?" Sif asked, nodding towards the large pit and hood in the middle of the room.
"Uh, how do I…" she started, examining the pit as though she expected to find a switch or flint stone.
Although she smiled in a friendly fashion, Sif's impatience increased. She hadn't planned on spending her day giving a stranger an orientation to even the most basic Asgardian practices, or playing the part of her handmaid, but for Thor's sake, she refrained from expressing this. She grabbed a large stick from a vase full of them on a nearby table and struck it against the stone side of the pit. Like a match, the tip lit up in flame. She touched the flame to the center of the pit's opening, and the fuel ignited quickly, illuminating the large room and all of its amenities. A floor covered in fine stone and animal skins, golden accents, and large curtains of silky material cast over the largest bed Jane had ever seen greeted her in the light. She should have been impressed, but instead, her face fell slightly, a change Sif did not miss.
"This is insufficient for you?"
Jane chuckled wryly, but Sif didn't see the humor of it. Her brow furrowed in confusion. "It's not what I expected," Jane said.
Sif sighed quietly and held her tongue from what she truly desired to say. However, she was unable to disguise the slight patronizing tone that slipped from her throat. "We could find you something bigger, if you wish."
Jane looked down in discomfort, hearing the underlying irritation in the other woman's voice. "No, this is - overwhelming," she said. "I-I'm sorry, I'm just a little lost in all of this."
Sif crossed her arms in front of her defensively, but the way Jane nervously bit her lip as she stared back at the flames was evidence of her sincerity. "I suppose I would be even more 'lost' if I were in your position on Midgard. Your technology, vulgar manner and regard for one another, and your open lands would take some adjustment."
"'Adjustment?' This is still a weird dream. It doesn't even feel real to me yet."
"Perhaps acceptance will come with time," she said. She tapped her fingers on her arms. Part of her felt obligated to ease this woman's discomfort. She knew Thor would be pleased if they were to be friends, and it wouldn't hurt her station to gain her favor, should a marriage occur in the future. "What is it you think of our fair realm thus far?"
Jane smiled. "It's beautiful," she said adamantly, and Sif had no doubt of the truth in her description. "I've been here for less than an hour, but what I've seen is epic, romantic, and every bit as over-the-top as Thor is. It shouldn't surprise me; it fits him."
Sif had difficulty understanding her idioms, but she was able to infer their meaning for the most part. "As your stay continues, you will find this to be even more accurate. There are many more ways in which both Thor and Asgard will exceed your expectations."
"I think so too," she responded. "I already feel like I know him better just by being here."
Jane's warm words had caused a knot of anxiety to form within Sif's stomach. Her eyes dropped and she cleared her throat, willing away some of the shadows of unkind thoughts that had begun to take root in her own mind about Jane's regard of Thor. "Your wardrobe has been filled with appropriate clothing. If I understood the arrangements correctly, a tailor will be here soon to improve their fit," she said, changing the subject in an effort to excuse herself. "I'll take my leave and prepare for tonight." Jane had no chance to thank her before she left quickly.
Several visitors appeared at her door that afternoon, all wishing to ensure she had everything she needed, and all of the comforts a woman and honored guest should have. Her quarters were now filled with flowers, baskets of sweet breads and fruits, and oils and perfumes for her skin; in the buzz of their delivery, the evening had come quickly. The tailor arrived late, but he promised her he worked efficiently. Most of the clothes in her closet seemed to be relatively casual fair in neutral tones with the exception of one deep blue item that had been set apart from the others.
The tailor had been the one to tell her she should dress formally for dinner, but when she donned her chosen garment, he looked strangely on it, though he made no verbal objection. She could find nothing wrong with it, and because of his silence, she held to her decision. Her earlier discussion with Sif had increased her level of comfort with Asgard, but the tailor's quiet judgment was detrimental to this. Still, she assumed it wouldn't hurt to dress as nicely as was possible, especially considering the condition of her clothes when she'd arrived.
She readied herself while he finished his alterations, combing her hair and putting it up so that it rested softly on her shoulder. She wondered how she would compare with the women of this place, but those thoughts did not linger long in her mind. If Thor could gain interest in her while she wore an old t-shirt and tattered jeans, he would certainly be impressed with her in the elegant clothes of his own people.
A knock at the door resounded through her chambers. Thor had arrived promptly to escort her to dinner. She was relieved and found her nerves calmed at the idea of walking into dinner with him as opposed to arriving alone. As they approached the dinner table, her breath caught in her throat and her confidence ebbed, but Thor's arm held her securely. It was strange that on Earth she may have chided herself for such overdependence on a man, or anyone else, for that matter. In this foreign realm, Thor's strength and presence was something for which she was suddenly very grateful.
The dining hall itself was very large, and so it was a while after they entered before anyone noticed them. Firelight cast a warm glow on the impressive array of food along the long table. It would be enough to feed a human army for weeks; the sheer abundance and wealth this displayed was more than what Jane could have imagined.
The gowns of the women were draped elegantly behind them, as were the cloaks of the men, their material pooling on the floor like spilled gold. There were many more guests than what she had expected, and every one of them was dressed in perfection without a hair out of place, merrily carrying on their independent conversations as they awaited the arrival of Thor and his guest. Jane looked on in wonder, feeling as though she'd stumbled into the meeting of the gods on Mt. Olympus. Mythology had become fact in less than a day.
"Welcome, Son," greeted Frigga. She rose from her seat and walked over to them. At her signal, all those at the table also rose. Thor bowed in return and motioned for them to sit and continue with their discussions.
"Thank you, Mother." He kissed her on her cheek.
"Your Highness," Jane said, bowing slightly.
Frigga smiled warmly, sympathetic to how uncomfortable she must feel. "I'm looking forward to knowing you better," she said to Jane, taking her hands. "Please be not offended by Odin's absence tonight. He's been very busy lately, and rarely attends these sort of things."
"Of course," she replied with a smile.
In absence of Odin, Thor's seat was at the head of the table, Jane was to his right and his mother at his left, Sif was next to the guest's seat, and the Three were in subsequent seats on either side. Guests whom Jane didn't know filled the rest of the table and guessing by their distance, they were not as close to him as the friends she had already met. Oddly, there was an empty chair next to Frigga, but before the seat Fandral occupied. Jane opened her mouth to ask who would be joining them, since the empty chair was so close to the head of the table, but before she could speak, Thor stood and the conversations around the table stopped.
"Friends, thank you for joining me to welcome our new guest. I'll not delay your merriment, or deny Volstagg's appetite for long," he paused for a few chuckles from the table and a feigned gasp of protest from his hearty peer, "but I will ask you to raise a glass to welcome Jane Foster to our realm. May this be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with our new friend, and with our allies on Earth."
Many "here, heres" could be heard around the table, along with the clinking of their glasses and goblets. Jane smiled subtly at Thor, understanding the meaning of his words. As she turned to Sif to offer her cup, she noticed the other woman's stare was fixed on the empty seat in front of her, a troubled look in her eyes.
"Are we waiting for someone else?" Jane asked curiously. The party in Thor's immediate vicinity grew silent, and they all looked at Thor to respond.
He cleared his throat and put down the piece bread into which he'd just bitten. "That is where my brother would normally sit," he answered, looking around at his four friends. "Anyone was welcome to take that chair in his absence."
"Your brother?" Jane asked, though she knew to whom he most likely referred.
"Asgard's Betrayer and the Enemy of Earth, Loki," Fandral nearly spat. "Normally, seats are left vacant to mourn the dead. My apologies, My Queen, but I wouldn't sit there because I believe it to be spoiled or cursed, as is anything he has touched in our kingdom."
His last words burned in Sif's ears and she looked up at him sharply, though she said nothing.
Frigga waved off his apology casually, but her downturned face implied it had affected her more than she let on.
"I agree," Hogan spoke in a rare word, "and I doubt you will find any of us willing to fill his chair at any soon point."
Thor frowned. He happened to glance toward Sif, who remained very quiet. He sighed and brushed his hair back with his hand. "Sif, I am sorry. If you wish to move, I understand."
Sif looked up at the concerned faces of her friends. Red appeared on her cheeks in both embarrassment and anger at their pity. She shook her head. "This chair is just fine."
Jane looked in confusion between Sif and Thor. Although she didn't ask, he offered her an answer. "Sif was recently attacked by Loki."
"In the vial, contemptible manner of a coward," Fandral added. "I wish next time that he attack you in person, so you might slay him outright. My apologies, My Queen."
Frigga sighed heavily, and fought against her urge to defend her son.
"May I request a change of subject?" Sif asked. "This is hardly the venue..."
"Agreed," Frigga spoke in relief, "and there are surely more pleasant things to discuss, presently."
Thor nodded, but silence stretched wide as no one volunteered a new topic. Sif's anger still burned, as did Fandral's bitterness and Frigga's sadness. Jane became distinctly aware that her visit may not have coincided well with various happenings, but the others were reticent to share anything further, and she didn't feel comfortable asking.
"So," Volstaff started, "what exactly do you do on Earth? I have heard warriors are scarce there. How is it you fill your time?"
Relief washed over Jane and the rest of the party and Thor gave his friend a silent nod of gratitude. "I'm an astrophysicist." The entire party looked questioningly at her with the exception of Sif, so Jane explained. "I study the stars, space, and their scientific rules."
"You study the stars - like a fortune teller?" Volstagg asked.
"Well, no," she answered with a laugh. "I look at how space works and why it behaves the way it does."
"Jane proved the existence of the Rainbow Bridge before she ever knew it existed," Thor said.
"Not exactly," she said. "Einstein-Rosen bridges have been thought to exist for a while. I was just gathering evidence to support my own theories regarding their nature and temper. Thor was the one who really opened my theory to my peers. It's the first time a wormhole theory had been proven so concretely - and the proof literally fell from the sky into my lap."
"…and then you hit it with your car," Thor added.
Jane laughed delightfully; though the others didn't entirely understand the context, they knew just enough about what had happened to find its humor and chuckled politely as well.
As the night progressed, the Asgardians were introduced to many more of Earth's nuances, including the many different sciences, cultures, and languages held within her world. Jane also took some time to explain exactly how much of a stir Thor's appearance and the display of his power had caused. He fell upon false humility, but the others knew him well enough to know he was pleased that he had garnered the adoration of so many, even if it meant he attracted skepticism and distrust from others.
Though Jane spent much of the night talking, her ears were also graced by the stories of Asgard and the Asgardians' manner of speech. Thor didn't seem to mind his friends' focus on their past, as he hoped Jane would be impressed by such tales. She was, though not completely in the way he had intended. Their recounts of monsters and battles made her feel even more a part of a fairytale, and increased the surreal sense of this new environment.
Sif listened intermittently. Though she always enjoyed the retelling of these stories, despite knowing them well, her thoughts had been pulled in several directions and she was thoroughly distracted. Still, she had done her best to wear a pleasant façade. She laughed at the appropriate times and made eye contact with their guest, asking her occasional questions to prove she was listening. It wasn't until the beginning of a particularly familiar story that her name was mentioned and she became intently focused on what was being said.
"…the time Sif picked a fight with a perfectly innocent lake serpent. The poor creature had been nesting nearby, not bothering a single person, when Sif decided she must defeat it," Thor spoke with an overdramatic weight on the appropriate words. "Still a hotheaded youth, she was in far more trouble than she realized. Luckily, Loki and I were training nearby. Just as the serpent had her in its grips, Loki froze the lake solid, trapping it in ice so I could dispatch it."
"We were all a bit foolish back then - merely teenagers in your terms," Fandral interjected.
"Yes, but I'm still completely baffled to this day as to why you attacked such a peaceful monster," Thor said, looking towards Sif with a mirthful smile on his face. "What were you trying to accomplish in such a valiant, but foolish attempt?"
Sif mustered a smile despite the embarrassment of the story. She had just returned from the forced excursion her parents had sent her on in the attempt to rid her of her vanity and hone her skills and focus as a warrior. After years away from home, she had returned to find her feelings for him were just as strong as they had been when she left. She had succeeded in gaining entrance into the academy, but she still felt the need to prove herself worthy to both Thor and Odin, to catch their eye as a potential wife for the prince, so that she would be one step ahead of a challenger, should one appear. Her intention was to earn his attention and respect, something that winning the head of a lake serpent would certainly accomplish. It was one of many attempts, some more successful than others, but the fact that he had to come to her rescue when she failed was particularly damaging to her pride.
"I guess I was bored," she joked casually. The others chuckled; she had pulled off the illusion well. In normal circumstances, the retelling of this tale did not bother her, as she had been brash, stupid, and careless at the time, and their group of friends often mocked each other's battlefield mistakes. These were not normal circumstances, however, and the friendly barb stung too much.
Thor was a little drunk at this point, and had been furiously trying to impress and entertain his visitor, so Sif tried hard not to hold his poor choice of words against him. However, even as the group changed topics, a knot reappeared in her stomach that would not disappear. She suddenly excused herself, giving some poorly-constructed explanation that the room had grown too hot for her.
No one thought anything of it, or made any objection, but Frigga didn't miss the look on her face when she left. "I think I could use some air as well," she said, standing up to follow.
She found her on the patio just outside of the dining hall, overlooking the city. Her eyes were fixed on some distant, vague point, her mouth set in a frown.
"For which son shall I apologize first?"
Sif turned toward Frigga at the sound of her voice and bowed slightly. "My Queen," she said in a formal greeting, "I'm not certain what you mean. You owe no apology for the sake of Loki's actions - and Thor has committed no offense against me."
Frigga took her hand and lifted the woman's chin so she could see her face despite the shadows of the dark night. Her eyes were glassy and lacked her normal confidence; her cheeks had a blush of red, betraying her emotions despite her stoic expression. "Lady Sif, I, along with the rest of Asgard, have always admired your strength and fortitude. Every so often, even the strongest of us must show weakness for our own sake; no one would think anything less of you."
Sif nodded, but her expression did not change and Frigga doubted she had really listened to her. "I am truly sorry for what Loki did to you. I have been his advocate since he arrived, for no one else will stand for him, and he will do nothing to help himself. What he has done to you… don't think my motherhood has blinded me from this trespass against you. I will not defend it, and will think twice before trying to protect him from now on."
"Thank you for your consideration," she started, "but I am accustomed to Loki's ways and I will deal with his intrusion in time in my own mind."
"And what of Thor?"
Sif sighed and looked back out at the city below. "I will deal with that in time as well. I would like you to know that your son's happiness means as much to me as mine. Jane Foster is a human worth granting this opportunity to - and I will not interfere with it, wherever it may lead."
Frigga smiled and put her hand on her shoulder. "It warms my heart to know you feel this way, despite the love I know you still feel for him. If this new love should fail, I still hope for reconciliation between you two; if it does not, I hope you'll find the life you deserve. Nevertheless, always remember the favor you've garnered within the house of Odin. If there is something I can grant you to make this time easier, don't hesitate to ask. I know Odin will honor this as well."
Water gathered in her eyes, though it didn't spill over onto her cheeks. "My Gracious Queen, I thank you." She put her arm over her heart and bowed low.
Frigga nodded in return. "Well," she said in a sigh, "I think I shall take my leave of this party. It grows late and I can hardly keep up with you and your peers." Just as she said this, the table inside erupted with laughter. Sif looked back towards the dining hall, but made no move to return to the table. "Shall I tell them you're still catching your breath?" the queen asked. Sif nodded and smiled softly.
Only a few moments passed before the sound in the other room lessened and many of the people who were sitting at the table had gotten up to leave, spurred naturally by the queen's excuse of her own presence. Sif could see the attendants clearing food and dishes from the table from her vantage point, so she went back into the room to collect her cloak, which she had left behind. Thor and Jane were the only ones still sitting. He had a lock of her hair in his fingers, and her eyes were fixed on him, a warm pink glow on her skin, despite the comfortable smile on her lips. Sif watched them for a moment, trying to decide whether she should say goodnight or leave quietly, but they were too consumed with each other to notice her presence. He whispered something in her ear and stood to leave, but Jane remained behind.
Sif grabbed her cloak and turned away, opting to save herself from conversation. Jane smiled at her lazily, the red of her skin betraying her inebriation. Sif sought to leave, but her conscious won over better judgment. "Are you alright?" she asked.
Jane chuckled. "Yeah, I'm fine," she answered with a little too much inflection. "Your wine is - very strong."
"Do you need help finding your room? The palace can be very confusing, even while sober."
Jane shook her head and struggled with her faculties for a moment. "No - thanks," she said. "Thor said he would help me to bed when he gets back."
Sif sighed quietly. "I'm sure he will."
Jane rubbed her temple with her fingers. "I didn't think I had that much to drink - one glass, maybe. It's definitely different than anything we have on Earth," she said. Continuing in a whisper, she added, "that's such a weird thing to say - 'on Earth.'"
"I'm sure you will discover many differences while you're here. I imagine our culture may take some time to get used to."
Jane nodded. "I've been trying to blend in, but - I think I might have done something wrong with my dress. The people at the other end of the table kept talking about it; I could hear them."
Sif pursed her lips, wondering if she should offer her explanation, or let it go and hope she learned from another source. "It wasn't the garment itself, it was the color." Jane looked at her incredulously and Sif's patience began to wane. "That shade of blue, and other colors of such intensity, are usually reserved for those of noble or royal blood, or honored warriors of high office. By wearing it on your first night, you offered quite the statement - and it did notgo ignored."
Jane looked down at the silky material in her lap. Her mind cleared as her sobriety began to return, but her blush lingered. "I - it was hanging in my closet. The tailor said to dress formally and it was the only thing that seemed right. How was I supposed to know?"
Sif closed her eyes and crossed her arms. She smiled wryly, but it was accompanied by an expression of injury Jane didn't miss. "You couldn't have known within any reason for a stranger of Asgard. It appears the statement was entirely Thor's, as he was the one who ordered your closet stocked."
"What statement?"
"The statement that even though you weren't born into a station and you didn't earn it through deeds and bravery, you are in a position above others." She spoke with a harsh tone, and Jane could hear a note of resentment in her voice, even though the other woman guarded her words carefully. "Thor has made it clear to us that you are to be treated as an honored guest. It should not have been a surprise that he would elevate you in such a way."
Jane had been so preoccupied with the happenings of that night and with her efforts to be charismatic and friendly that she had overlooked certain details regarding this warrior and her own appearance. Threads of orange and red were woven throughout her gown, hints of the "intense" colors she had mentioned, which played as evidence to her station. She was one of the few loyal friends who had committed treason in order to rescue Thor from his banishment. There was no doubt in Jane's mind that Sif had worked very hard to earn something she had just inadvertently patronized.
"I'm sorry," she said honestly.
Sif's expression softened as she saw the sincerity in Jane's visage. "Thor has every right and authority to grant such tokens of honor. It isn't my place to question his judgment."
Jane stood from her seat to make room for the attendants clearing the dishes. She played with her fingernails nervously, biting her lip. "I've been here for less than day and I've already screwed up. Is there anything else I should know? Preferably before I accidentally cause a war?"
"There are many things about our realm and culture you will want to learn. It would behoove you to develop one of our favored skills as well, such as weaponry or healing, so that you can contribute to the wellbeing of our people. You will have many years to learn, however - and your strangeness will excuse most misunderstandings for the time being."
"Could I learn any of that in a few weeks?"
"I... a few weeks?" Sif asked in confusion. "What will happen then?"
"I'll be going back to Earth. I was lucky enough to find the time I have," Jane answered casually. "Research grants don't exactly provide for many vacations."
Sif stuttered in surprise. "I-I was under the impression your visit would be a long-term stay."
"Thor would like it to be," Jane started, "but I can't just leave everything hanging at home, no matter how much he wants me to be here."
Sif should have been relieved to hear this, but her impatience with this mortal doubled. She had no concept of what an honor she had been granted, or how truly thin the strand was that held the possibility of her relationship with Thor in place. She clenched her fists, but controlled her tone carefully as she spoke, "Do you not know of what Thor had to go through to bring you here?"
Jane paused, "He said it wasn't easy, but..."
"He directly opposed his father and some of his strongest allies in this matter. Asgard has been split in two regarding whether or not you should even be welcomed here. If marriage was ever considered, it could incite the people against Thor," she explained. "He has used his favor with Odin and his people as collateral against the wager that you might choose to stay here and prove yourself worthy of him. No, it wasn't easy."
Jane took an instinctive step back, intimidated suddenly by the warrior that had revealed herself in Sif's eyes. "I'm sorry, but that isn't my fault. We just started seeing each other. I thought this was just supposed to be an introduction - so I could meet everyone. Thor promised he would take me back whenever I wanted and I assumed that meant..."
"You assumed incorrectly and Thor did not share the entirety of the truth," she said firmly. "This is your chance - his only opportunity to show everyone why you should be together and if you're worth the trouble that will ensue from his pursuit of you. If you lose it, you will not earn it back, and Asgard may not let you set foot here again no matter what he wants."
Jane was completely disheartened by Sif's words and it showed in her expression. "That's - a lot of pressure," she said in nearly a whisper. "I'm not sure I can…"
"He may not say it, but if you leave so soon, you will break his heart," she explained. As she spoke, her throat tightened; there was more than impatience and anger behind her tone. Her feelings were interwoven with what may or may not happen between Jane and Thor. A seed was planted in Jane's mind, and she began to see another dimension to Sif's care for Thor. "I cannot stand for one who would so easily abandon him for whatever obligations you may hold to within your own realm. If you are content to leave so soon, then I beg of you, leave now before it gets worse and you cause more harm."
Jane opened her mouth to argue despite the sincerity of Sif's warning, but couldn't find the words; she didn't have to.
"Sif..." he spoke lowly. His voice sounded behind her and she turned immediately to face him. His eyes were narrowed beneath his furrowed brow, his lips laced with an intense frown. "Jane, give us a few moments, please."
She looked uneasily at Sif and then back at Thor. "I think I'll just go back to my room. It's been a long day." He nodded, his expression softening slightly as she walked by and momentarily placed her hand on his arm.
"What are you doing, Sif?" he asked, attempting to stay calm. "Why would you say such things to her, knowing how it would compromise her decision to stay with me?" She granted him no explanation or argument at first. The hurt in his eyes choked the words from her throat. "Are you trying to hurt me on purpose? Have you become jealous or possessive, after all that has happened between us?"
His words stung like thorns in her skin. Disbelief filled her eyes. "We have known each other since the turning of the age - and we have loved each other for longer than she has lived. That you would accuse me of..."
"Then why did you speak to her with such words?! Why did you tell her to leave?!" he asked in a sudden shout, his voice like a roar as it echoed against the walls of the hall. "You've undermined everything I've been trying to accomplish by bringing her here. You cast doubt into her heart and if she returns to Earth tomorrow, it will be entirely your fault." He took a deep breath and thought of his next words. "What you have done is - treacherous."
"Th..." her words died on her tongue as water blurred her vision. She turned her back towards him to preserve her dignity, but her effort most likely betrayed it to his eyes regardless. "You have offered her Asgard and all of the realms beneath it and she won't grant you more than a few days of her time. I've trusted your judgment until this point, but - what is so worthy in her that you've deemed it necessary to place your heart in such a wager that you're sure to lose?"
He sighed and stepped closer to her. She had hoped his anger had diminished, but although his next words were softer, they stung just as badly. "What I do with my heart has been no concern of yours since the day you cancelled our betrothal. If you still love me, you will leave my business to me. I care for your friendship, but I will not have you compromise this. If necessary, I will send you off world for the remainder of her stay."
"What I said was meant for the good of Asgard and its prince," she started in argument. As the words left her mouth, she realized the futility of it. Even if he was sober, her appeal would only fall on ears deafened by new love. She lowered her eyes and set her jaw. "I will do what you wish."
"What I wish is for you to keep distance in this matter," he said sharply, "for regardless of your intentions, your words have injured me and confused her. I have been scarred by false counsel too often recently, Sif. First, my brother and his lies and now your thoughtless advice to her..."
"Do not compare my concern for you with Loki's treachery," she said abruptly, shocked and wounded that he would bring Loki's name into this, considering his recent attack against her.
He sighed. "No, his sins may have done more harm, but your words marked my heart and came from a place I thought to be trustworthy above all others. In these terms, you are no better."
She wiped her face and looked back up at him, her stoicism returned to its full strength. Her features was set as stone, her eyes sharp as blades. He'd seen this expression on her many times when she drew her sword against an enemy, but he had rarely been the target of it himself and it caused a dull ache to form within his gut. "I will follow your will, Thor," she said quietly. He would have preferred to hear some sense of dryness or insult within her tone, but her inflection was steady and her voice was strong. For some reason, this caused him to feel the first semblance of regret for his harshness. "I will distance myself from this matter and will remain silent on the issue."
His eyes fell and the fog of his own inebriation began lifting from his mind, but before he could offer a reply, retort, or apology of any sort, she left the room.
The long hallways of the palace seemed especially barren and cold in the late hour as she walked the great distance from the dining hall to the front gate. The heels of her shoes echoed throughout the empty corridor and provided the only sound in her lonely trek down the levels and halls of the palace. The guards near the door greeted her, but she hid her face behind her loose hair as much as she could and did not reply, hoping they would mistake her pink complexion and red eyes for fatigue or drunkenness. They said nothing further, and seemed not to notice, letting her out the large wooden door without question.
The guards at the stable were surprised that she had come to retrieve her horse at such a dark hour, but offered nothing more than a pleasant greeting. Normally, a late night at the palace would result in her staying in one of the guest apartments. She was welcomed by everyone there, and needed not even to ask for such a resource within the palace walls. Tonight, however, she felt that welcome was not open to her. She mounted her horse, and despite the chill in the air and the dark of midnight, began to walk down the road to her own apartment.
…false counsel. She could still hear the words on his sharp tongue, their volume and impact increased by the smothering silence in the air around her.
Thor had compared her efforts to those of Loki's, an insult beyond measure that wounded her far more than he would ever realize. Her intention was not to deceive or manipulate anyone. She'd only impressed upon Jane the importance of her presence, and had nearly begged her to consider staying longer, or revealing her uncertainty sooner in order to avoid hurting the one they both loved. He had overheard the worst part of her confrontation without context, and though she didn't know how long he'd been listening, she was sure he'd missed the comment from Jane that had incited her anger in the first place. He thought Sif a jealous ex-lover who enjoyed interfering in his affairs, but he had forgotten that it was he who had first sought her opinion on a relationship with a mortal, and on Jane herself. What had changed to make her insight suddenly so worthless to him, she wasn't sure, but she had the impression the wine was of little blame.
The horse Sif was riding clopped along on the stony path very leisurely. In the midst of her distraction, she didn't notice her slowing pace. She pulled her dagger from the sheath on her saddle. The mirror-like surface of the well-polished blade and the light of the sky allowed her to see her reflection as she reverted to her childhood vanity. Her face looked fair in the pale light of the stars, but her eyes were still slightly puffy from her hidden tears, which seemed to emphasize the barely-discernible lines around her mouth and on the outside of her eyes. Jane was young, new, and different; Sif had been such a prominent figure in his life for so long, it was no wonder he should push her aside so easily. She put away the mirror in frustration; perhaps she was lying to herself when she denied her jealousy.
Sif was not without reason and in the midst of self-doubt and confusion, she had several sober thoughts. Jane and Thor would face a number of challenges in their relationship that may force the truth regarding Jane's reservations to the surface. Even if Jane was willing to leave her life and pledge herself to Asgard, there were still trials she would have to pass, of which she stood a Frost Giant's chance in Muspelheim in winning. Plus, Sif's friendship with Thor had lasted too long for him to abandon it on such a whim. They had been through tests such as this before and yet remained as closely bonded as any friends. This should be no different, and there would come a time when they would each forgive the words they said to each other.
…false counsel. The words echoed in her mind again, stealing these comforting thoughts from her mind.
Even in the context of love and deep friendship, there were occasionally words exchanged that could be forgiven, but not so easily forgotten. He had implied she had lost his trust, and what other words he had spoken would likely be etched in her memory, to be recalled in quiet moments and dreams when she least suspected it.
Her horse neighed and huffed in complaint and she suddenly remembered where she was, not even outside of the palace grounds yet. She had no appetite to sleep, and wondered if a horseback ride through the hills would burn away some of the unpleasant energy that was causing her heart to pound within her chest. Just as she began to make up her uncertain mind, something caught her peripheral vision. Down the slope of the path, in quite a distance, but still within the palace's land, a light through a window had gone out, as though someone had just extinguished their lamps in this late hour.
"Loki…" she whispered through her teeth. The frustration toward everything that had happened that night suddenly blurred with her anger over what he had done to her, to her friends, and to Thor, the memories of her past intermingling with the pain that she now felt in a nonsensical haze of rage. She tightened her reigns and prodded the horse's rear with her heel, trotting towards his quarters.
As Loki was confined by strong magic, the guards didn't need to watch so carefully as they had while he was in his cell. He was almost completely cut off from his greatest assets, and couldn't so much as touch the outside walls of his apartment without feeling the sting of the barriers they had customized to him and him alone. The guards in front of his chambers were superfluous and seemed to recognize it. They were huddled around their fire and only briefly looked up at the approach of her horse; they didn't seem to notice or care about her abnormal state of dress, or that she entered his chambers.
His quarters were completely darkened, just as they had been the other night when she had visited him. Despite the fact that her eyes were adjusted to the shade of the starry sky, she had trouble seeing her way. She turned left and felt for the table on the side of the living area, moving along the wall as she went towards his bedroom. However, unlike her last visit, he wasn't asleep, or in his bed.
"Have you forgotten how to knock?" he suddenly asked. "Or have I lost those rights as well?"
She was startled and pulled her dagger in reflex, pointing it in his direction. As her eyes adjusted further to the low light, she could see him hanging from a metal bar near his far wall. "What are you..?" she asked in confusion.
He released the bar and fell the short distance to the soft carpet. He straightened his tunic and ran his hand through his hair. "Exercising."
"In the dark?" she asked skeptically.
His eyes narrowed. "It helps me concentrate - and I've come to enjoy the dark after spending so much time in the bowels of Asgard. Any other questions, Sif?" His voice was low and calm, though she could tell he was bothered by her unannounced company.
She kept her eyes on him and sheathed her weapon. "No," she said earnestly. Her will to confront him, to fight, and to place blame had diminished suddenly with his slow approach. "I saw your light go out. Considering the hour, I was making sure all was well."
"Oh, I don't think so," he said with a light chortle, seeing through her poorly-constructed lie.
She glowered at his accusation, even though his suspicions were right. "Go back to your exercises." She turned to exit, but as she reached for the handle to his front door, he closed his distance between them and put his hand up against the jam to keep her from opening it. She struggled against his strength for a moment, but despite the drain he felt on his energy as he touched the door, he leaned against it, holding the advantage of angle.
She gave up and rested her forehead against the wood of the door. He was very close; his breath stirred the hair on her shoulder despite his mask, and she could smell the faint, lingering scent of leather on his skin, even though he wasn't wearing his armor. A memory, dim and faded from time, resurfaced from her dreams - the sensation of his hand travelling around her waist and up her side as his lips explored her neck; the pleasant weight of him pressing against her; and the sound of his shallow, quick breathing in her ear.
Heat rose to her face, mixing with the blush of her anger. This was the man who had inspired such cynicism in Thor that he would assume the worst in her at one moment of question. It was because of Loki's actions that Thor was sent to Earth and met Jane. None of this would have happened if it weren't for his schemes and games; the fault was entirely his. Her anger renewed, she turned to face him.
He was just as close as she had sensed he was, his face mere inches from her own. She backed against the door to buy as much distance as she could, but it did not afford her much. His eyes briefly drifted to her lips, but quickly moved up, fiercely meeting her own stare.
"What is the real reason you're here? Why did you barge in to my home, dressed as though you're fresh from a ball?" As he spoke in his deep, curious voice, his hand went up to the strap of her gown and he ran the silky material through his fingers. Recollection seemed to cause a rude realization in his own mind. He suddenly straightened his posture and backed away, walking back down to the carpeted, central living room.
The sudden cold in the air caused by his leaving created great dissonance within her. She was still furious with him, and her anger had only increased that night as his previous actions once again indirectly caused her great hardship. At the same time, there was something in his eyes and his touch that had temporarily dulled her pain, and for just a moment, his attention to her had eclipsed the reason she had come and the words of Thor.
Your greatest desire is to be desired. His earlier words rang through her mind, the truth of it never more obvious to her than it was at that moment. She felt foolish, but the heat that had rushed to her head had not ebbed from her.
"Did you come to confront me again? Is that also why you crept into my private quarters while I slept without permission or announcement a few nights ago?"
"Yes," she answered honestly, slowly following him into the living area and stopping only a few paces from him, "but you have no room to judge me for such an intrusion. I'd hardly call us even."
He chuckled dryly. "Perhaps we should schedule a standing appointment - if you plan on coming by so often."
"Your deeds deserve my suspicion and criticism," she argued. She wished he would returned to his earlier tactics, which had lightened the stone in her stomach for a brief moment. A growing part of her hoped the confidence in the instigation he displayed in her dreams would carry over to real life, though it appeared he was much more assured of himself in an environment he could control, within reach of his magic. "You have given me many reasons for cynicism."
Without a word, he crossed his arms and turned towards her, refusing to enter into another argument that would only reiterate what had already been said. In the darkness, she could see his blue eyes hesitantly and slowly drift down her form. Initially, she fought the temptation to tighten her cloak and hide it from him, but as the heat in her face spread down and around her body, she found herself desiring something quite different and relishing the hunger revealed in his features. Instead of fastening her cloak, she allowed it to slip from her shoulders and threw it carelessly on the couch beside her.
His brow knitted in confusion. "Maybe we should settle our differences like in the old days and have a good spar," he said as he seemed to ignore the motion; she was growing weary of this dance. "Of course, I'd have you take off my mask, so I might have a sporting…"
His words were interrupted as she spun on the ball of her foot and kicked him hard in the back of the knees. He was not prepared for the sudden assault, and fell backwards on the soft rugs as his head slammed back into the floor. "What in the nine…?" he angrily snapped.
She stepped over him, one foot on either side of his waist. His complaints died on his tongue as she pulled her skirt up to her knees, and slowly settled herself onto his lap. An involuntary groan escaped his throat as her hips rested against his, but his faculties slowly returned and he sat up, holding the back of her legs so she would not leave this welcomed position.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice already rough and broken by the blood that had suddenly surged in his veins.
She smiled insecurely and changed her posture. While her weight still rested pleasantly against him, her body grew closer until he could feel the warmth from her form. "Do you still desire me?" she asked quietly, meeting his eyes with an expression he had never seen outside of her dreams.
His eyes traversed her lips and traveled down as his hands slipped beneath the folds of her skirt and up her thighs. His breathing and the beating of his heart accelerated within his chest. If she was hoping to tease him, there was no lie or illusion that could convince her it hadn't really worked at this point. Though his body had eagerly responded to her, he was hesitant to grant her such an answer with his mouth and lose whatever little game she seemed to be playing with him.
"Answer," she demanded.
He sighed in an attempt to calm his blood and met her eyes with his, pausing the slow, cautious exploration of his hands. "Yes," he said, resentful of his own weakness, "but I don't trust you. How do I know you won't claim this was another unprovoked attack?"
She tilted her head and kissed his neck. His breathing became ragged as her teeth grazed the distinctively male prominence on his throat. He could feel her hands pulling at his tunic, un-tucking it from his belt. In one movement, he removed the material himself. "You don't," she said against his skin, running her hand slowly down the center of his chest.
He seemed to fight within himself for a moment, flesh battling reason in a futile struggle, for he knew he would lose either way. "Take off the mask," he ordered. She paused and looked at him skeptically. "I'll only play along if I can taste you."
She hesitated, knowing this wasn't true. His hands had returned to her legs, pushing the material to her waist. He would be a willing participant either way, but considering the extra security on his quarters, and the fact that he was surely captive to this new development for the moment, she saw little harm in it. Slowly, she reached up and released the device that held the mask in place, revealing his pale lips. He moved towards her, but as his mouth nearly reached hers, his lips parted and he stopped. "What exactly are the rules of this game?" he asked.
"We can discuss those later," she said. She moved forward, taking his lips with hers before he could speak again.
Her fingers roughly raked through his black hair as she pulled him closer, scraping his scalp and causing a pleasant chill down his spine. The straps of her dress slipped from her shoulders as he pushed the material down to her waist, nearly ripping the fine garment in the process. A gasp escaped her lips unguarded as he suddenly, almost violently, shifted his weight, rolling them over so that he rested on top of her.
They parted for a moment, just long enough for him to pull the material from her hips and remove it completely. Once again, his eyes met hers briefly and through his knitted brow, she could see within them the many questions that were poised on the edge of his tongue, though he was unwilling to ask them for fear it would suddenly spoil her spontaneity. Her soft curves beckoned him forward, but the taste of wine on her lips, her formal garb, and the red he could barely see in her eyes caused his suspicious nature to hinder his body's pull towards hers. She could sense his insecurity and wrapped her legs around his, bringing him even closer as evidence to her adamancy.
He needed no further argument or permission. As his mouth claimed her throat and began travelling around her neck, she moaned and closed her eyes, turning her head to give him encouragement and a better angle. Her expression held a dream-like sense, as though she allowed her imagination to free herself from him.
"No," he said suddenly, pulling her chin back so that she faced him again. "You're with me." His voice dripped with an almost angry desperation and she understood his meaning. He sighed in frustration as he tried to work up the fortitude to stop should she provide him with an response he didn't want to hear.
"I know," she whispered lowly.
His brow softened and he smiled genuinely. For a moment, she saw a glimpse of the boy she'd known, before the monster took his place. She said nothing to this effect, and as his hands and mouth continued to explore her skin, she set it out of her mind completely, along with thoughts of Thor and the events of that night.
He awoke in his own room and in his own bed, but despite its familiarity, there was something distinctly foreign and new about his surroundings. A source of heat radiated from the body lying next to him, filling his bed with more gentle warmth than he had felt in a very long time. In the fog of his fatigue, he was initially bothered by this strange company; he wasn't used to sharing his space and he valued his time alone. As his mind cleared, he remembered who was next to him, and any desire for solitude disappeared.
He gently turned onto his side so he was facing her, careful not to disturb the mattress with his movements. Her back was to him, the expanse of her pale, white skin visible in the light from his window. Her side rose and fell in even rhythm as she apparently slept and he debated whether he should wake her or allow her to stay as long as her body would allow.
The contours of her form and the curves of her hips and legs beckoned the caress of his fingers. He resisted this urge out of uncertainty, for he didn't know if his touch would be welcomed after her blood had cooled.
While he kept his hands to himself, he allowed his eyes to study her carefully - the way her shiny hair cascaded across his pillow, the tone and shape of her back, and the imperfections of her skin. He examined all of the scars he could see, digging through his memory as he looked, in order to see if he'd known or caused any of them himself during the few short years when they'd trained together.
He inched closer to her, allowing himself to indulge in her scent and the warmth from her body. The softness of her ebony hair tempted him, and he ran his fingers down its length to the tips. Though this light touch would've been imperceptible, she suddenly sighed and turned on her back.
"It's freezing in here," she said, staring up at the ceiling as she pulled his single sheet over her chest.
"Well, I don't often have visitors - and I'm comfortable." He moved closer again, and hesitantly placed his hand on her stomach, grazing her shoulder with his lips.
She turned her head, searching his eyes with a furrowed brow as though she were trying to process who it was lying next to her. His stare met hers, and in defiance of her obvious uncertainty, he moved his attentions to her collar bone as his hand reached towards her chest to remove the sheet. She pulled his hand away, and with a groan of discomfort, sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed.
"I should leave."
He also sat up and pressed himself against her back, kissing her neck and running his hands up her arms and shoulders. She didn't dismiss him or pull away. His skin, so much warmer than it had been in her dreams, felt pleasant against her back; his ministrations temporarily treated the holes that had been ripped in her ego earlier that night.
"What is your cause for such hurry?" he asked, his low voice vibrating in her ear. "The morning sun will bring with it sober thoughts; you will have plenty of time for regret. For now, we should share this illusion for a little longer, so we can lick each other's wounds."
"Who said I'm wounded?" she asked defiantly.
He sighed impatiently. "There are not many forces in Yggdrasil that could have driven you here. Whatever idiotic thing Thor said or did to inspire your anger to such a degree that you would seek solace with me - it must have been quite serious - and I don't lie by admitting I hope he does it again."
He moved his arm around her waist and she didn't try to remove it, but placed her hand on top of his in encouragement as he traversed her abdomen. She appeared to consider his words and so he smiled and returned his lips to her shoulder. She sighed pleasantly, her breath increasing in volume and rate as she leaned back into his embrace.
"But my thoughts are sober, even now; this was a grave mistake," she said, her voice cracking as she pulled his arm away. "It isn't too soon for regret, for I have betrayed my family, Asgard, - and Thor."
He backed away from her abruptly, his distance creating a vacuum and a rush of cold air around her. "Thor?" he spat maliciously. "The man who would take the next opportunity to pollute his blood with a Midgardian? What loyalty do you owe him that would be so betrayed by sharing my bed for one night? You are not wed to him."
"It isn't like that," she argued. "You are his enemy, and his brother - and you have scarred him more deeply than any weapon wielded against him ever has or could. If you were any other man perhaps this wouldn't be an issue worth…"
He chuckled wryly, interrupting her words. "If I were any other man, you would not have had me; you would still be content in your silent pursuit - loving him unconditionally like a dumb animal. It is only because I am who I am and have done what I've done against him that you've sought these comforts and arms of mine instead of patiently and fruitlessly awaiting an invitation back to his."
"You misunderstand my love for him; you think only in context of my role as his subject. My love is not unconditional for him as a man. This love can falter as it is stretched and tested," her voice grew quiet and her head dropped, "as it was tonight."
He paused for a moment, her admission catching him by surprise. "So then I am correct? You stayed with me in order to hurt him."
She looked behind her shoulder. "I stayed to forget him, even if only for a short time…" Her brown eyes met his stony blue ones, and a small grin graced his thin lips. "… but I suppose you may be partially right," she said, "though I have no desire to tell him and therefore, it seems to have served no cure or benefit."
"It didn't?" he asked. A note of humor laced his tone; she understood his meaning and heat rose to her face and neck.
"None of any permanent advantage," she answered.
"At least we're being honest," he said snidely.
She stood and tore the sheet from under the mattress, wrapping it around herself for her walk out to his living area to retrieve her clothes. Her attempt at modesty at this point confused him, and he made no move to cover himself.
"Despite the release it granted us and any good it caused, it was still a mistake to come here. I lost control of my own faculties tonight over a cause that makes me so ashamed, I cannot speak of it. Do not expect me to be so weak again."
She left his bedside and walked into the living area. He followed, stopping to lean against the door frame and crossing his arms in front of him as he watched her search for her discarded garment on the floor. She found it, but grew annoyed when he wouldn't leave and his eyes remained fixed on her as she dressed. Privacy was a ridiculous expectation in these circumstances, but even in the low light of the room, she could see his searching stare and the length of his own nude form, and it suddenly made her feel very exposed.
"Heimdall and Odin - could they have…" she started, her blood running cold with the sudden thought that her indiscretion would be discovered before she could seek to hide it.
"It is doubtful," he answered, predicting the rest of her question. "Heimdall's focus is drawn outward, searching for my allies; the magical seals around my house block the Allfather's sight, I believe. After all, if he could see past them so easily, why would Thor have assigned my guard to your fellow warriors?"
She sighed in relief. "You're probably right."
"I'm sorry my company has caused you such embarrassment," he said with undisguised irritation. She had been the instigator in this strange, lovely endeavor, but now her absurdly exaggerated sense of duty and undying loyalty for her undeserving prince had returned, cooling her flesh and encouraging her to take distance from him again.
She pulled her straps back up over her shoulders, and threw the sheet over to him. His words may have made her feel guilty over the carelessness of what she'd said, but his sarcastic smile served to rid her of any regret. "Some might view this as treason on my part."
"Loyal Sif? Commit treason against her king? Never," he dryly said.
She caught his meaning and rolled her eyes as she slipped her shoes back on her feet. She walked to the door, but as her hand touched the metal handle, she paused and turned back to say one more thing. "I realize I may be asking a lot from you, but would you refrain from telling anyone about this?"
He laughed lightly. "Would any in Asgard believe me? Your honor is well-preserved." She nodded and left without another word.
The guards in front of his door seemed not to notice or care that she'd left several hours after first arriving. She was relieved of this, though she could have thought of a reasonable enough excuse for her long stay. Her white horse neighed and huffed as she approached. She jumped on its back and rode swiftly to her apartment, content, at last, to sleep through the night.