Loki stood in front of his fireplace, conjuring more wood for the fire. It was just before dawn, and the nearly extinguished flames had left a slight chill in the air. He pulled his robe tighter around his body as he watched the fire grow, illuminating the room in soft light.

His eyes drifted back to his bed, and the woman sleeping there. Sigyn shifted in her sleep, and the furs covering her torso moved, revealing an expanse of bare skin. Even from his position, Loki could make out a few small marks his mouth had left on her at some point during the night, and he felt his body responding to the memories that flooded his mind.

The way the muscles under her skin fluttered when he grazed his teeth across her hip. The way her breath caught in her throat as he slipped his fingers between her thighs. Most especially the way his name sounded on her lips as she cried out in pleasure, her body shuddering beneath him, above him, around him.

He hadn't been sure of what to expect when she answered his request to come to his chambers. It was his sanctuary, where he felt most in control, which was why he had asked her to come there rather than any of their usual meeting spots. He had only wanted to talk, yet from the moment she had stepped through the door, the physical longing for her after two days spent apart had nearly consumed him.

Patiently, he had listened as she had explained her situation, but then…she had confessed her love for him. For his mother to assume as much was one thing, but to hear it from Sigyn herself was another matter entirely. Upon her admission, his own feelings had become terribly clear, and he knew he was lost. His sudden need to show her just how much he loved her had been frightening in its intensity.

He wanted to memorize everything about her. He wanted to suck and lick and nibble every inch of her body, to cover her in marks and leave no doubt to anyone that she belonged only to him - and he had tried his damnedest to do exactly that during the night.

Loki had barely allowed the two of them any rest. Sigyn had drifted off a few times in his arms, but he had been so long without physical intimacy that it didn't take long for his body to demand more. He noted with happiness that - even deprived of sleep - she responded the same each time, open and warm and pliant, welcoming him into her as though they were made to fit one another.

With every release, he found the deepest, most hidden parts of himself shifting into something strange and new. He was shattered and remade, stronger and more resilient than before, down to his very bones. She made him feel invincible.

Satisfied with the fire in the hearth, Loki walked back to the bed, shedding his robe. The air was sharp on his bare skin before he covered himself back up beneath the sheets and furs, turning to watch Sigyn sleep.

Almost all of his previous lovers had been expected to leave the moment the act was complete. Only one or two had ever had the pleasure of servicing him more than once in a night, and even they weren't permitted to stay until morning. To his utter surprise, Loki realized that he would be thrilled if Sigyn never left his bed again.

Sigyn stretched, blinking her eyes open. She was disoriented for a moment, wondering why her room felt so different, and why she was sleeping in the nude, when she realized she wasn't alone. She looked to her side to find Loki there, watching her intently, his eyes wide in the dim light. Suddenly she remembered where she was and everything they had done, and she was torn between wanting to hide beneath the furs in shame and wanting to push him to the bed and have her way with him once more. He spoke before she had a chance to do either.

"How are you feeling?"

"Sore." He knitted his eyebrows together in concern, and she hurried to clarify. "The pleasant kind of sore." She moved her body closer to him, needing the warmth of his skin on hers. "Is it late?"

"It's nearly morning."

Her heart dropped. "Oh! I should go - I need to go home and prepare for my duties." Sigyn began to pull the furs back to get up when Loki stopped her.

"Don't worry about that. I've made your excuses for you."

"What? When?"

He pulled her into his embrace, encouraging her to rest her head on his chest. "I've sent a messenger with a note. My mother won't be expecting you today."

Sigyn's eyes went wide. "What did the note say?"

"Oh, not much. Just 'Mother, please excuse Sigyn from your service today. We will not be leaving my bed for the foreseeable future.' Something like that."

"It did not," she said, gasping in mortification.

She felt the rumble in his chest as he chuckled. "Of course not. I merely told her that you and I still had much to discuss. I cannot help it if she infers anything more than that. Especially since I sent a separate message requesting breakfast be sent to my chambers…enough for two."

Sigyn ran her finger over his collarbone, watching with fascination as a trail of gooseflesh appeared in the wake of her touch. "I guess there will be no hiding this development from the rest of the palace staff now."

"Is that a problem?"

"No, but…" She raised her head from his chest, looking him in the eyes. "Loki, I thought I'd lost you over a simple misunderstanding." She reached up to caress the side of his face, smiling as he leaned into her touch. "If we're going to be together publicly - as lovers and not just friends - our relationship needs to be built on mutual trust. You need to trust that my feelings for you are genuine...and I need to trust that you aren't going to abandon me again."

"I'm not going anywhere, Sigyn," he said, pulling her tighter into his arms. "I meant what I said. I love you, and I don't care if every last soul on Asgard knows."

"Well, the moment my mother finds out, they will."

"Speaking of your mother...I would like to meet her, properly this time. If we sent a message early, do you think she would be ready for a carriage to pick her up this afternoon?"

"This afternoon? So soon?"

"Yes. The sooner the better. If the entire palace staff knows of us, then certainly she should know as well."

"She was very keen on learning more about my suitor. That would likely be all the motivation she would need to get here today." Sigyn worried her bottom lip with her teeth, suddenly anxious.

"You seem hesitant."

Having just lectured him on mutual trust, Sigyn knew better than to lie to him. "I'm just a little nervous that's all. I want her to like you as much as I do."

Before she could take another breath, he flipped her onto her back, pinning her arms above her head and settling his weight between her legs. "What's not to like?" he asked, leaning in for a blistering kiss. Her mind barely had time to process thoughts of his apparently endless stamina when there was a knock on the door.

Reluctantly, he pulled his mouth from hers and began to retreat from the bed with a groan. "That must be breakfast." He smiled down at her as he pulled his robe back on. "As much as I hate the interruption, I have worked up quite an appetite."

After breakfast, Sigyn had written a note to her mother to be delivered as soon as possible that morning. Much to Loki's chagrin, she had insisted on going back to her apartment to freshen up and change clothes. He made her swear that she would return quickly - and that she would come back prepared to spend the night again. She promised she would, but only if he allowed her more sleep than the previous night - she did not want to nod off accidentally during her duties the next day.

She packed a small bag, and made it back to the palace with just enough time to take it to Lokis' chambers - saying a silent prayer of thanks that he was not there to distract her - before going to the courtyard to await her mother's appearance. It wasn't long before the sleek black coach pulled in. She knew her mother would have been quite impressed by the sight of it when it came for her.

She watched as her mother exited the carriage, wearing her nicest dress, just as Sigyn had suggested. Dagmar smiled demurely to the coachman as he helped her down, and once again, Sigyn thought to herself that given the right motivation, her mother would certainly be able to find another husband easily.

"This was quite the surprise," Dagmar said when she caught sight of Sigyn.

"Thank you for coming, Mother," said Sigyn. "I'm sorry for the short notice."

If she was upset, Dagmar had the grace not to show it. "It's alright, darling." She took in Sigyn's appearance. "You're looking much better than when I saw you last."

"Thank you," Sigyn replied, kissing Dagmar on her cheek before leading her into the palace. "Things have certainly improved quite dramatically for me since then."

"I will admit, I am very anxious to meet this mystery suitor of yours," said Dagmar, her face lighting up with expectation.

"And he is anxious to meet you," Sigyn replied, turning a corner to lead her mother down an expansive corridor.

"Darling, I must ask - why here at the palace?" Dagmar asked. "Does he work here with you?"

"In a sense."

"Well, I do hope he comes from a good family."

Dagmar had never really been very far into the palace before, and Sigyn watched with amusement as her mother took in the sights around her, peppering her with questions. Sigyn had to continually remind her that they were expected soon - a grand tour of the palace could come later.

Finally, they came to the room Sigyn was searching for. "Should we be here, dear?" Dagmar looked around worriedly. "This seems like a private area."

"It's alright, Mother," said Sigyn, turning to Dagmar. "I've been asked to bring you here." With that she turned the handle, leading her mother into the room.

It was one of the smaller sitting rooms of the palace, usually used for greeting local dignitaries. Loki was there alone, perched anxiously in a seat near a window. He rose to greet them as they entered, striding towards them with all the confidence and poise becoming of his station. Sigyn's breath momentarily stopped at the sight of him, stunning in his more formal layers of cloth and leather. By the heavens he is beautiful.

Resisting the sudden urge to embrace him, she turned to Dagmar. "Mother, may I introduce His Royal Highness, Prince Loki Odinson." Turning back to Loki, she said, "Your Highness, my mother, Dagmar Sigmundsdottir."

Dagmar took his outstretched hand, bowing in reverence. "Your Highness, forgive us, but I believe we are in the wrong place." She turned back to Sigyn with a scowl. Under her breath, she said "Sigyn, I told you we shouldn't be here. Where is your suitor?"

Sigyn opened her mouth to reply, but Loki spoke before she could. "Lady Sigmundsdottir, I am Sigyn's suitor," he said, his most charming smile on his face. "I am most honored to finally meet you."

For a moment, Dagmar's eyes went so wide Sigyn feared they would fall out of her head. "Your Highness…you are her suitor?" Dagmar turned back to her daughter, and Sigyn knew exactly what she was going to say an instant before she said it. "You told me he was no one important!"

By the Nine…not this again. She managed to hiss out "Mother-" between her teeth before Loki cut her off.

"Did she now? Far be it from me to disagree with you, but surely you must have misheard her."

"Well, Your Highness, certainly my hearing is not what it once was. Perhaps I misunderstood."

Sigyn watched in disbelief as Dagmar melted beneath his gaze, a blush on her cheek. Bemused, Sigyn realized that it had only been a few short moments, and her mother was already enamored with Loki. This is already going better than I feared it would.

Loki offered his arm to Dagmar, who took it happily, allowing him to lead her in a turn about the room. He was patient and attentive to her, despite the endless queries Dagmar was throwing at him about his family, life at the palace, and even the decor of the room.

Sigyn stayed back, not wanting to interrupt and break the spell Loki was weaving over her mother. She heard the door open behind her, and turned to see some of the kitchen staff bringing in food. She thought to herself that Loki must have arranged for a meal, and was once again astounded by his attention to detail. He clearly wanted to make a good impression.

"Sigyn? Is that you?"

At the sound of her name, Sigyn turned to find Ingrid, the kitchen maid Edmund had been seeing. She approached Sigyn quickly, her face a mask of shock.

"Oh my heavens, there was talk in the kitchens about Prince Loki having overnight company in his chambers last night. I would never have guessed it was you!"

Sigyn just smiled at her, unsure of what to say. She knew that the topic would have been discussed amongst the staff, but she was still surprised at how fast the news had travelled.

"Does Edmund know of your relationship? He never mentioned anything about it to me."

"Yes, but he was sworn to secrecy. I'm sure that's why he never said anything."

"Is that your mother?" asked Ingrid, indicating Dagmar. "He must be rather serious about you."

"It certainly feels that way," said Sigyn. "He asked to meet her."

"Edmund has never introduced me to her," said Ingrid, and Sigyn thought she saw a look of annoyance momentarily pass over her face. "I don't suppose you..."

"Oh, Ingrid - I would love to introduce you, but don't you think that's Edmund's responsibility? I would hate to overstep my bounds."

"You're probably right," said Ingrid, lowering her head. "Besides, I don't think I would be nearly as impressive right now as a prince of the realm."

"Oh, I didn't mean to imply-"

"No, it's fine! I completely understand," said Ingrid, brushing her off. "I'll just have to wait patiently for Edmund to decide what to do." She took a deep breath, collecting herself. "I should probably get back to my duties."

Suddenly, Ingrid stunned Sigyn with a quick hug. "Congratulations." She dashed off before Sigyn could reply.

Sigyn heard Loki's voice behind her, and she turned to see him directing her mother to the table. "It looks like our meal is here. I hope you don't mind that I've taken the liberty of arranging for our dinner."

"Oh, not at all, Your Highness. I'm finding your company quite delightful."

Ever the gentleman, Loki pulled Dagmar's chair out for her, helping her sit before doing the same for Sigyn. He settled himself in right next to her, sitting across from her mother so they could continue their conversation. Occasionally, Sigyn would feel his fingers brush against her, trailing up her leg or squeezing her thigh - though his eyes never left her mother. Sigyn could feel her pulse racing at his touch, and she struggled to keep her face as impassive as his, trying not to have Dagmar suspect anything was amiss below the table.

While they ate, Loki filled in any moments of silence by asking Dagmar about herself, her marriage and her husband, but most especially about Sigyn as a child. To Sigyn's great embarrassment, Dagmar was all too eager to regale him with tales of her daughter's childhood antics.

She told Loki about the time that Sigyn had found an injured snake outside their house, and how she had cajoled her father into letting her keep it and nurse it back to health. "Ari hated telling her no," laughed Dagmar. "He would have given her the world if it had been in his power to do so."

"He must have been an extraordinary man."

"Oh, yes, he was," said Dagmar, her eyes wistful. "He was very protective of Sigyn...but I think he would have liked you very much."

"I am truly sorry that I never had the chance to meet him."

Soon the meal was finished, and Loki rose from his seat. "As much as I would love to continue talking with you Lady Sigmundsdottir, it appears that it is getting late. I don't want you travelling home in the dark. Perhaps Sigyn can accompany you back to the courtyard; the palace can be rather intimidating a place to wander alone."

They said their goodbyes, and Sigyn walked her back to the waiting coach.

"Sigyn," said Dagmar, the moment they were out of earshot of Loki, "I cannot find the words to express my excitement for you. My daughter with a prince! Darling, he is delightful."

"I'm so happy you approve, Mother. He means so much to me."

"The way he looked at you, Sigyn - I daresay you mean quite a bit to him as well."

She hugged her mother tightly before helping her back into the carriage, promising she would see her soon, before she went back inside. Loki was waiting for her in the corridor.

"I think that went rather well."

"Loki, I've never seen my mother so charmed. I'm afraid she may try to take you for herself."

"That's a shame," he replied, a small frown on his face. "She will be devastated to know my heart is already spoken for."

"Perhaps it's for the best," said Sigyn, moving in to place her arms around his waist. "I'm not sure I'd want to compete against her for your affections. What my mother wants, my mother gets."

"And what about you?" he asked, kissing her forehead. "What do you want?"

"There's only one thing I wish to do right now," she said, kissing Loki's jaw and working her way around to his ear. In the most seductive voice she could muster, she whispered, "Sleep."

He laughed. "I recall being interrupted this morning," he said, cupping her head in his hands. "First we need to finish what we started. Then we can both sleep."