"These creatures, the Chitauri," said Loki, "they are but a small part of a much larger plan…a plan far beyond the scope of what you have seen before ."

Captain Rogers spoke up at this. "You mean to tell me they're working for someone even worse?"

"Much worse."

"And who exactly is this mystery enemy?" asked the woman Sigyn remembered as Natasha. Loki had mentioned once that she had been a formidable opponent in his former plans, and the look she was giving him spoke to the truth of his words.

"I was never told his identity," said Loki. "Only that he doesn't fear death…but rather courts it like a mistress. That's not someone who would give much thought to eradicating your entire realm in pursuit of what he wants."

"And what exactly does he want?" asked Stark.

"He wants the Tesseract."

"The Tesseract? You mean the Tesseract we sent back to Asgard with you and your brother?"

"The very same."

Captain Rogers spoke up once again. "So why are they coming here, if we no longer have what they want?"

"There's no way for them to know it isn't here, Captain," said Loki, his voice laced with sarcasm at the title. "The portal was closed before all the Chitauri forces could come through. As far as they know, the Tesseract is still here on Midgard, just waiting to be retrieved."

"Any chance we could send them a message, telling them otherwise?" asked Natasha.

"You could, but I doubt it would deter them," said Loki. "If they are as close as Dr. Foster insists they are, then they will want to be sure for themselves before taking the bad news back to their master."

From there, the conversation devolved into bickering and cross words and sniping at each other across the table, almost all of it directed at Loki. Sigyn could see his annoyance at the situation held in check just below the surface, the slight clenching of his jaw or wrinkling of his nose when subjected to a particularly vile accusation. She had warned him, however, that he would be sent to share Thor's accommodations if the meeting didn't go well – a threat he seemed to be taking seriously enough to warrant his continued, albeit reluctant, cooperation.

Sigyn chose to observe more than contribute, noting the Midgardians' tendencies to just speak louder and longer when they wanted to be heard, even when what they had to say was inaccurate or repetitive. It was a habit Thor had once shared with them, but to Sigyn's surprise, he was one of the most rational of all the participants. Recent events had taken their toll on the Asgardian crown prince, tempering his once brash behavior into something much more becoming of his birthright.

Sigyn couldn't help but feel that perhaps he had learned a thing or two from her, having spent so much time with her during her pregnancy and diplomacy lessons. At one point, she almost leaned over to compliment him, but thought better of it, wisely considering her husband's temperament. The last thing Loki would want to hear was a kind word for his brother, especially considering the vitriol being thrown his own way.

After hours of frustration, the first thing the entire group agreed upon was breaking for lunch and regrouping after, with Jane Foster leaving to gather more information for their afternoon session.

"Forgive me, Sigyn," said Thor as everyone disbursed. "I need to speak to my brother for a moment." He pulled Loki aside before he could object.

Ambassador Bjornson approached Sigyn the moment she was alone. "Walk with me?"

Sigyn took his outstretched arm with a nod and allowed him to lead her away from the group.

"Radi, I feel like I should apologize. Last night, we…well I wasn't thinking –"

He stopped her with a nervous laugh. "No need to apologize. That isn't what I wanted to discuss."

Sigyn tried not to make her sigh of relief too obvious. Since beginning her tutelage under him, Bjornson had become like a surrogate father to her; the thought of what he had been subjected to hearing the night before made her cringe in mortification.

"As it happens, my…sleeplessness…gave me the opportunity to talk with Thor last night. We agreed that you and I should return to Asgard as soon as possible. I'm certain that's what he's discussing with Loki," he said, nodding to where the two princes of Asgard were caught in a heated discussion, the scowl on Loki's face becoming more pronounced with each passing moment.

Sigyn noted that Loki had placed himself in a position that allowed him to face the rest of the room. Even as he talked to Thor, his gaze would flicker to her constantly, tracking her every move as closely as a hawk; as she and Radi stopped at a table at the back of the room, the elder ambassador took care to keep her in Loki's sights.

"You know, Sigyn, it's quite obvious to me – and likely everyone in this room – that Loki loves you dearly."

"How? He's not exactly one for demonstrative public affection. Not around these Midgardians, anyway."

"He doesn't need to be. It's all in his posture, his body language. I know you're excellent at reading those kinds of signals in other people – it's a skill you learn to hone as an ambassador. But maybe they aren't as obvious when they're directed towards you."

"He's barely acknowledged my presence all morning. What am I missing?"

"Despite what you think, he's more than acknowledged you, my dear girl. The way he looks at you…I've seen that kind of look before. Here on Midgard, as it happens."

"I thought you hadn't been here in centuries."

"And I haven't. It was actually during one of my very first missions as an ambassador. We were sent to help a village in Norway recover after an attack from Jotunheim."

Sigyn knew exactly which attack he was referring to – the attack that cost the Allfather one of his eyes, and eventually gained him an adopted son…the very son at the heart of all her current problems.

"The village had been decimated," continued Bjornson. "The survivors were starving and frail, but resilient. Their leader – a young man chosen from amongst the survivors – never allowed the villagers to get out of hand, keeping them in control while we went about our jobs, squelching any talk or movement toward rebellion with no more than a well-placed word or glare."

"He must have been an excellent leader."

"He was. No one dared go against him. But in our interactions with them as a whole, it was made devastatingly clear – if we, as Asgardian ambassadors, were to try to press our advantage against these weakened people, if we had refused help or tried to keep them from the supplies and food we were providing…it would not have gone well for us, no matter our relationship with their leader. They had a controlled hunger, but a hunger all the same."

"As you are here now to have this conversation with me," said Sigyn, "is it safe to assume then that your dealings were successfully peaceful?"

"Absolutely," said Bjornson. "My point is, the way those Norwegian villagers looked at our supplies, at our food – it's exactly the same way your husband looks at you."

Sigyn laughed. "As though I'm a piece of meat?"

"No, it's more than that. It's as though," he paused, considering his words, "it's as though you are essential for his continued survival – and there isn't a living soul in all the nine realms and beyond that will keep him from you. It's remarkable, really. I've known our princes a very long time, and for most of his life, Loki only ever looked at his brother that way; it's heartening to see him directing his focus to a healthier place."

"It's a lot of pressure, Radi, keeping him on the path to redemption. There are days I don't feel up to the task."

"Well, if anyone is up to the task, it's you. And if I may," he said, leaning in close, "I must admit to a bit of envy. I've only ever been married to my career; watching the two of you makes me miss something I've never even had."

"Perhaps it's not too late for you, Radi. But let us hope that if you are to find love," said Sigyn with a smile, "that it will be kinder to you than it has been to me." She looked up from their conversation to see Loki making his way across the room to her.

"I believe this is my cue to occupy myself elsewhere," said Bjornson. "We can discuss our impending departure later." He walked away, nodding to Loki as they passed one another.

Loki pressed himself as closely to Sigyn as he dared while still maintaining a comfortable public distance, yet he was still near enough that she could smell the soap in his hair, the leather of his clothing, the scent of his skin. Immediately, the familiar ache began to build up inside her, the yearning for his touch that no amount of intimacy could ever fully sate – now tainted with sadness at the prospect of being separated from him once again.

He allowed himself the indulgence of taking her hand in his, absently rubbing his thumb across her wedding ring. "Ambassador Bjornson spoke to you of returning to Asgard, did he not?"

"Yes."

"I don't wish to part with you, Sigyn. I would accompany you, but Thor insists I stay…insists that my presence until the end is the only thing that will keep me from my prison cell upon my return home."

"If that's what needs to be done to ensure that happens, then I am in complete agreement with him."

"As I knew you would be." He sighed, looking around the room and at the Midgardians in scattered clusters, many of them stealing apprehensive glances his way. "I would take you back to our room this instant. Allow these petty fools to come to a solution on their own while we occupy ourselves in a much more enjoyable manner."

"And I would welcome it, if I thought it would be helpful."

"It would be helpful to me. What else matters?"

She tried not to roll her eyes. "Need I remind you that it was that attitude – what's helpful to Loki and Loki alone – that got us here in the first place?"

He looked at her with the smallest of grins but didn't reply, letting the weight of her words hang between them.

Jane Foster returned an hour later than expected, laden with binders and papers and notebooks.

"I think we dealt them a serious blow in their last attack – my information indicates their numbers aren't as great as we saw previously," she said. "But that will make them desperate, and desperation will make them even more dangerous."

"We can't let word of this out," said Steve. "It would be mass panic on a global scale, worse than anything the Chitauri could do to us."

"Don't ever let anyone tell you your time spent frozen in a glacier weakened your brain, Cap," said Stark. "S.H.I.E.L.D. has access to several deactivated radar stations in Northern Canada – well, mostly deactivated as far as the public is concerned. We can use one of them to set up our operations – lure the Chitauri to somewhere relatively desolate. That way we can keep the civilian population out of harm's way – and ignorant to what's really going on until it's all over."

"How will we convince them to go there?" asked Bruce.

"I've got some ideas," said Tony. "I need to work out the details, but suffice it to say – I have a feeling it will be something the Chitauri will find impossible to resist."

Bjornson and Sigyn took their leave of the group late in the afternoon, citing the need to prepare for departure the next day. Loki attempted to leave with her, but was stopped by Stark.

"Not so fast, hotshot. She can go, but we still need to discuss a few things with you. Besides, my people haven't had a chance to finish soundproofing your room yet – the rest of your floor's occupants really don't want a repeat of last night."

"If I find someone has been in our room," said Loki, whirling on the smaller man, "then I will personally ensure they suffer for it."

"I was kidding, Captain Killjoke," said Stark. "You really need to lighten up."

Sigyn put her hand in Loki's; he squeezed it a bit too hard, his eyes never leaving Stark's. She had to reach up to turn his head to hers, happy to see some of the stiffness slip out of his posture as he took her in.

"Will you excuse us for just a moment, Mr. Stark?" she said.

"Why? Trying to escape?"

"We'll just step to the end of this hall – you'll be able to keep your eyes on us the entire time."

Stark nodded, and Sigyn pulled Loki just far enough away to where their conversation could stay relatively private.

"I think we're all just a little worried," she said. "No one is trying to upset you, darling. I think they appreciate the help you're willing to provide…but even if they don't, know that I do."

"That's all that matters to me, Sigyn. You're the only reason I'm here. If my information can help, then that's wonderful, but it's still a risk. This taste of freedom I've been given, it isn't enough. I'd really rather not die for these people."

"Then give them what they need to make sure that doesn't happen." She put her arms around his neck, pleased that he returned her embrace even with Stark watching. She leaned in closely to his ear. "Talk to them, but don't linger. I want to spend as much of this night together as possible."

Sigyn was just finishing up the last of her packing when Loki returned to their room, looking resigned but determined.

"How did it go? Was anything decided?"

"We are to leave in the morning for the S.H.I.E.L.D. base. They hope to be able to send the message to the Chitauri from there."

She picked up her bag, moving to put the last of her new clothing into it. "Do you think this plan will work?"

"I honestly don't know – and right now, I don't care." He took the bag from her hand, setting it on the floor. "Packing can wait. I cannot."

He didn't say another word, cradling her head in his hands, his gaze flickering across her features so intensely she had to shut her eyes. She felt a tear slip through her lashes and roll down her cheek, followed immediately by his lips on her skin, kissing it away .

"I love you, Sigyn," he said, his voice no more than a whisper. "Whatever happens, please…never forget that. You are a treasure to me. If we survive this – "

"Don't say that! Please, I've already mourned you once. Don't make me mourn you again."

"I don't plan to."

"Good. I'm more than a little weary of crying over you, you know."

"And what of this?" he asked, gently pulling her shirt open to cover her breast with his hand, squeezing lightly but insistently. "Are you also weary of my affections?"

"Never," she said, leaning forward to kiss him once again before pulling back. "Now, no more talking. Take me to bed and give us both something pleasant to think on in our separation."

In her time on Midgard, Sigyn had met countless dignitaries, learned myriad new facts about the Midgardian realm, and had even been successful in verbally sparring against Tony Stark…but the most difficult thing she had done by far was extricating herself from her husband's embrace and out of bed the next morning.

They readied for the day in near silence, neither of them wanting to accept the truth of their situation until it could no longer be avoided.

They didn't wait for anyone to retrieve them this time, choosing instead to gather their things and go directly to the common area. They found Thor and Bjornson there, ready to depart. Loki approached the older man.

"Ambassador, I never did take the opportunity to thank you for everything you've done for Sigyn. Please, know that I am indebted to you."

"It has been my absolute pleasure, Your Highness. You should be very proud of her and everything she has accomplished."

"I am," said Loki, turning to Sigyn. "Kiss our son for me. Tell him his papa –"

"Will be home soon. That is what I will tell him. Don't prove me a liar, Loki."

Just then, the elevator door opened and Stark stepped out.

"Our transport leaves in ten minutes," he said. "I trust everyone has said their goodbyes?"

Sigyn stepped past Loki to embrace Thor. "Take care of your little brother for me, won't you?"

"Always."

Sigyn turned to Loki, expecting him to revert to indifference in front of Stark. Instead, he surprised her by pulling her close, one arm around her waist and his hand holding her head as he leaned in for a chaste but lengthy kiss. It was undoubtedly more a reaction to her hugging Thor than anything, but she welcomed it all the same.

"Be careful," she said as he drew away.

He merely nodded before turning to Stark. "Let's go before I change my mind."

He didn't look at her again, marching instead to the elevator and keeping his head down until they doors closed and they were gone.

It was another thirty minutes of waiting before another of Stark's many employees came to collect Sigyn and Bjornson for their own departure. They had just reached the main lobby of the building when two soldiers, dressed head to toe in S.H.I.E.L.D. armor, approached them.

"Lady Aradottir, we need you to accompany us," said one of them. He appeared to be barely out of his adolescence, and Sigyn was once again reminded of how young Midgardians tended to be.

"Why? Has something happened?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am – your husband became uncooperative not long after their party left. He was brought back here, for everyone's safety." A small device in the soldier's hand flickered to life, and Sigyn could see an image of Loki, pacing furiously in what appeared to be a fortified room.

"What? Can I talk to him?"

"That's what we're hoping you can do. He won't talk to anyone else."

"Take us to him," said Bjornson.

"No, Radi, this might take a while," said Sigyn. "You go on, return to Asgard. I'll follow along shortly, I'm sure of it."

"Are you certain?"

"Absolutely. Brief them on the situation. Perhaps you can even convince them to gather forces to help if need be."

"I will do my best." Bjornson pulled her in for a tight hug. "Do take care. I will see you soon."

"Thank you, for everything." She turned back to the waiting soldier. "Let's go."

A few minutes later, Sigyn found herself in an unfamiliar elevator, this one with several buttons that she didn't recall being in the one she had used before. The soldier pressed one labeled "B5", and Sigyn was surprised to feel the elevator begin to descend rather than rise.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked, her heart in her throat. Suddenly, the idea that she had allowed Bjornson to leave without her seemed terribly foolish.

"He's being kept in a basement level, ma'am."

The elevator came to a smooth stop, the doors opening into a stark white hallway. One of the soldiers stepped through, the other staying behind Sigyn to herd her in the direction she needed to go.

They came to the room she had seen on the soldier's device, a large window giving her an unobstructed view of her husband, sitting in a chair near the far wall and looking strangely calm. She didn't even hesitate to go through the door.

"Loki, what's going on?"

He made no move to look at her, or even to rise and greet her – and as she stepped closer, Sigyn realized why. It wasn't Loki at all, but merely a well-executed copy of him, not too different from the illusions he could cast of himself. As she neared it, it shimmered and then disappeared.

She spun on her feet, just in time to see the door to the room slide shut behind her – no no no no! She ran to the window, slamming into the glass as hard as she dared.

"What's the meaning of this? Let me out!"

Directly on the other side of the glass stood a dark-haired woman Sigyn had never seen, flanked by the two soldiers who had accompanied her to the basement.

"Lady Aradottir, my name is Maria Hill –"

"Where is Loki?"

"He isn't here. Sorry for the deception, but we had no other choice."

"No other choice for what?" asked Sigyn, stepping back to scan the room for another exit and coming up woefully short.

"We couldn't let you leave just yet. We think you can be of use to us against the Chitauri."

A/N: So here we are, post-hiatus, with about five more chapters to go before this journey is finished. Many, many thanks to everyone who has favorited/reviewed in my hiatus. I would normally address my guest reviews here, but I wanted to get this posted quickly. Please know - I read every single review, and any and all kind words are treasured and appreciated. Thank you so much!