Eight days later.
"Watch and learn, my dear." Frigga squared her shoulders with a knowing smirk pulling at the corners of her mouth. Her turquoise dress flourished with each stride; her golden breastplate challenged the palace's shine. She was on a mission, and none would stand in her way.
Aura giggled as she followed the queen's steps out onto a grand balcony. Stopping in the entryway so she wouldn't seem intrusive. She loved watching Queen Frigga "work." One day, she hoped she could wield the same kind of confidence. Even if those chances were very slim.
Odin's good eye looked over his shoulder. He released the raven he petted and turned around. "Ah, Frigga, you're exactly who I wanted to see."
The queen inclined her head, joining him at the railing. "Here I am."
Aura watched Huginn and Muninn lingering by Asgard's king. They liked her when she was Aura. Loki warned they were only interested in her because of Odin, warned the ravens were his spies. But she didn't think so. They genuinely enjoyed her affection. Especially the sweet grapes she fed them. They didn't care for her as Sigyn, though. It somewhat saddened her. However, she was also grateful. Just in case the ravens were spies.
The Allfather gazed upon his Realm. Found his wife once more. "Heimdall has informed me that the slave girl no longer dwells on Midgard. She disappeared the same day Loki tried taking my life."
The handmaiden's heart skipped a beat. She swallowed. Fear crawling up her spine. Did Odin know about her disguise?
Frigga betrayed no emotion. "Perhaps Loki found her, and in his fit of feeling betrayed all those years ago, he lashed out at you."
"I asked him if he found her, and he said no."
"Well. Loki isn't known for always divulging the truth."
"No, I suppose not. And I wonder who he gets it from?"
Her lips formed a thin line. "Did you want me only so you could berate me?"
Odin placed both hands on the railing. "I must know where she is. You've harbored her before. It stands to reason you may have her hidden now."
"Why do you fret this much over a young maiden? She's not a threat to you."
"Ah, but she is, isn't she? You and I know very well who her mother is. The last thing I need is Sinmara crashing into our Realm. Or telling Surtur we stole her child. That demoness is known for spinning tales wilder than Loki. She could very well bring Ragnarok upon us."
Aura blinked. They knew her mother? Her knees weakened, and it required everything in her power to stay standing. Sinmara...that was the name of her mother? She'd never heard it before. But a demoness? She knew her mother would have been the fire demon because she knew her father was the light elf. Yet, hearing it aloud...she was a demoness?
Frigga sucked in her cheeks, stealing a glance at the handmaiden. "Sinmara gave Aura up when she was only a few days old. I highly doubt she would suddenly take an interest in her now. I wouldn't stress about it, my love. Besides, it's easier tracking Sinmara's movements. She makes a scene wherever she goes."
Odin inhaled a deep breath. "Yes. Yes, you're right."
She rose her brows. "You know, we wouldn't have this problem if you let me kill her when I found her in our bed."
"Our relationship with Surtur is fickle, at best. Politics demanded I let her live." He hesitated. "In my defense, she looked exactly like you. I genuinely thought it was you."
"You have no defense. You're greatly skilled in the arcane arts, and you know very well my seidr cannot be replicated. You knew it was an imposter, and you didn't care. The only thing I haven't figured out is how long you were having an affair with her."
His head turned away, and his body followed. He reached a finger for one of his ravens. Remained silent.
"Since the day of our marriage, I have been nothing but loyal to you. No matter what horrible atrocities you've done unto our children, I stood by you. I've never once brought up leaving you, and I should be the one endangering your life. Even after discovering your infidelity, I am still here. As your loving wife."
"I-I know." Facing her once more, he wrapped his hands around her waist. "I know, Frigga. And I have done absolutely nothing to deserve your devotion. You're a light I can never hope to reach." He smiled. "You know you're still as beautiful as the first time I laid eyes upon you?"
She smirked. "You did have both eyes then."
The Allfather chuckled. Caressed her cheek. "You're my eternal flower."
"I know. While we're feeling sentimental, we can discuss what I want."
"Anything." He trailed kisses along her neck.
Frigga rose a brow at his affection but didn't give into it. "I want the stitches removed from my son's mouth."
Odin paused. Straightened. The joy left his expression. "No. He's not your son."
"Yes, he is. I don't care who his real parents are, I'm the one who raised him. I'm the one who's loved him. But I'm not suggesting this for me, I'm suggesting it for you."
"I don't follow."
She sighed. "Of course not." Her hand motioned toward those living outside the palace. "Your people don't know Loki is actually Laufey's son. They still see him as yours. And right now, they're seeing one of your sons locked away in prison with a punishment used for traitors and spies."
"I think it's fitting. Is he not both?"
"Odin, my love," she placed a hand on his chest, "think about the people for a minute. Think about their perspective. Obviously, they know nothing of what's actually going on. But what they see is a prince, who they thought was dead, return and be punished for no reason. They'll start questioning decisions, start questioning you."
The Allfather looked upon the city once more. "It is true; I hadn't considered their view on the situation."
"The last thing you need is an uprising. I'm not saying you have to release Loki, but at least let someone remove the stitches. If anyone asks about it later, you can say he conjured an illusion for gaining sympathy."
He grinned, kissing her forehead. "Most know of his destruction on Midgard, and I'll reaffirm he's serving time for his transgressions. A lesson on how we keep peace among the Realms. They don't need to know that my perceived sons tried assassinating me. We'll let that fact slide from public knowledge so they don't see me as vulnerable. This way, the people will continue regarding me as a wise and capable ruler. Frigga, you are truly a wonderful wife."
Both of her eyebrows lifted. "I am much more than wonderful."
"I'll grant your request. Go, free his mouth. It's not as if I fear his words."
Frigga's head titled. "Actually, I was thinking of someone else. Send my handmaiden in my place. As a show of good faith toward your acceptance of my wants. Sigyn possesses no magic. She's an excellent girl."
Odin looked behind him. "Slave. Come here."
Aura startled from her thoughts. Inclined her head and approached. "Yes, your majesty?"
He circled around her a few times. "You are telling the truth, Frigga. I see no magic within her. She poses no threat. Send her if you wish."
Frigga's eyes sparkled with the success of her scheme. "Thank you, my love. Come, Sigyn." Pivoting, she headed inside.
"Wait," Odin called.
She paused. "Yes?"
"Have you been in contact with Thor? I haven't spoken with him since he helped stop Loki from terminating me. I desire commending him, but I haven't seen him around the palace."
Frigga allowed a moment so she could gather her thoughts. "I haven't seen him much, either. He was always close with Loki and still sees him as his brother. I honestly believe you may have traumatized him."
He searched the ground. "If he comes to you, will you speak with him on my behalf? He should know how much I value him, how much I love him."
"I will do what I can. Thor can be thick minded. And we know who he inherited that trait from." Before her husband could respond, she left him on the balcony, her handmaiden in tow. "And that's how you deal with men like Odin, my dear. It's patronizing servicing their egos, but, if you play your words correctly, you can get what you want out of them rather easily. It's the only reason I continue communicating with him."
Aura didn't respond as they traversed the vast corridors of the palace.
The queen's lips thinned once more. "I'll admit, you shouldn't have found out about your mother that way."
Her eyes brimmed with tears. "Why wouldn't you tell me if you knew?"
Frigga ushered her into a vacant side hall, throwing up a magical barrier so no one could hear their conversation. "There are many reasons why I didn't tell you, but they all boil down to Sinmara being a dangerous creature."
"Who is she? Why is she so dangerous? Is it because she's a fire demon? That means I'm dangerous. I—"
"Please calm yourself. You are not dangerous because of the goodness in your heart. Your birth mother, well, she's Surtur's wife. She's the queen of the fire giants."
Aura's eyes widened, and she staggered back against a wall. She shook her head. The realization settling in. "Am I…am I a princess?"
Frigga chuckled a bit. "Technically, yes. Officially, no, because you don't exist in their world. Sinmara brought you here when you but a few days old. She left a note, claiming you were Odin's child, and you should be his responsibility. I was the one who raised you, obviously. Along with my most trusted handmaidens."
Her head fell into her hands. "Why?" Her shoulders shuddered with her cries, and she hugged herself. "Why wouldn't my own mother want me?"
"Oh, my dear, there's no reason to be upset over her." The queen gathered her into her arms. "Sinmara is an incredibly selfish being who only thinks of her own desires. She doesn't stay in Muspelheim very often. Doesn't spend much time with Surtur. The only person she's loyal to is herself. I'm just thankful she brought you here instead of killing you."
She stiffened. "Would she really have killed me?"
Frigga hesitated. "I couldn't say for sure. I don't know if her conquests have created other children or not. Despite being easy to find, she's very secretive."
"I could potentially have brothers and sisters?"
"Potentially. But I highly doubt it. Light elves have a reputation of being…productive, let's say, so I'm not surprised you were conceived."
Aura searched the floor. Comforted by Queen Frigga's embrace. "This still doesn't explain why you wouldn't tell me."
The goddess witch sighed. "I was afraid if you knew about her, she might come for you. Or you might seek her out. It's not that I don't want you to have a relationship with your mother, it's just that she'll only use you so she can her way. She might pretend caring for you, but it would only be for her gain. She wouldn't be anything like me, I'm afraid."
She hugged her tighter. "You're the only mother I need."
"You are absolutely correct, my dear."
"Your majesty!"
Frigga dissipated the invisible shield and pivoted at Fandral's panicked voice. "What is it? Is everything alright?"
The blonde member of the Warriors Three shook his head, breathing heavily. "It's Thor. He's gotten himself drunk again, and it's not even the middle of the day this time. He's been causing quite the raucous. Sif is still at the tavern, smoothing everything over."
Hogun and Valstaag did their best managing a loud thunder god toward the others.
Frigga's eyes fluttered. "Let's take him to my chambers. I'll do what I can for him."
Fandral nodded. "There is one thing that bothers me, your majesty. He keeps claiming Mjolnir doesn't belong to him. That he did something terrible, and the hammer should be stuck in the ground. Did he do something we don't know about?"
"Thor blames himself for Loki falling off the Bifrost. He thinks he could've done more. Saved him from his fate that was Midgard. I'm afraid he can't bear the thought of Loki being in prison because of him."
His expression furrowed. "I don't see how that has anything to do with him. Then again, he isn't always the brightest." With a nod, he helped his comrades steer the inebriated thunder god in the right direction.
Thor wildly brandished Mjolnir. His words slurred. "All hell yer pence! Mae way for yer pence." His bellowing laughter echoed down the corridor.
The queen sighed. Turned toward her handmaiden. "We can discuss your mother later, if you'd like. I'm afraid I must deal with this before he draws more attention to the situation."
Aura had been watching the first-born prince. She blinked when she was spoken to. "O-oh, okay. I'm sorry, I—"
"It's alright, my dear. Please do me a favor?"
"Of course."
Frigga placed a hand on the side of Aura's face. "Please care for Loki for me. I have a feeling Thor will end up taking much of my time. These will help his binds." She materialized a small pair of sharp scissors.
The disguised maiden took them and nodded. Her gaze hardening with determination. "I will help him."
"Thank you, my dear." She trotted after the others. "Volstagg, why do I have a feeling this is your fault?"
The rotund man regarded her with wide eyes. "Why does everyone assume me? What of Hogun?"
Frigga laughed. "Hogun is the best behaved out of all of you."
The Vanir warrior smiled with pride.
Volstagg harrumphed. "More reason you should suspect him."
Fandral laughed. "I quite enjoy I'm the one who egged him on, and no one blames me."
Frigga grabbed his ear. "I blame you now."
Aura shook her head as the group walked away from her. It was good to know the Warrior's Three hadn't changed. She quickly and silently traversed throughout the palace. Gathering various supplies in her basket. Before she was banished, she found that if she moved without sound but with purpose, she was generally left alone. She was glad that tactic still held up.
She approached the prison in record time. Only to be stopped short when the pair of soldiers crossed their spears in front of her. Her eyes slightly widened. "Queen Frigga has sent me to look after the prince."
"You cannot be here unattended."
"Actually, she can be."
Aura became rigid at the man's voice behind her. And she knew who it was without turning around.
The guards straightened. "Yes, your majesty."
The Allfather passed by the handmaiden and descended into the prison.
She swallowed, frozen in place. Would Odin go back on his word? It wasn't like he hadn't done it before. What reason did he have for coming here? Would he make her do something to Loki, too?
He glanced over his shoulder. "Are you coming?"
Her eyes refocused. "Yes, your majesty." She trailed him until he stood in front of Loki's cell with his hands behind his back. Her heart quickened its pace, but she refrained from showing emotion.
"Tell me. What do you see when you look at him?"
She inhaled a deep breath. Loki was curled up in the corner. He hadn't reacted to the pair watching him, but she knew he knew they were there. "He seems lost."
"Correction. He has lost. He has lost many times and finally faces his defeat. I honestly find this display rather pathetic. Wouldn't you agree?"
"I'm not sure how I should answer, your majesty."
He gestured toward the trickster. "When I look at him, I see a miserable life form who should be put out of his despondency. What do you see?"
She blinked. Didn't she already answer this question? Why was he probing her? "Someone who has lost?"
"Ah, you're understanding. Do you feel sympathy for him?"
Aura managed keeping her face blank. She understood why Odin came with her. He either wanted to see if she'd side with Loki. Or, he thought she might be Aura. She'd have to be careful with her words. "I would say it depends on what he's done. Why is he here?"
Odin watched her from the corner of his eye. "He launched an invasion on Midgard. Ruthlessly slaughtered hundreds of thousands of innocent lives. Simply because he could."
That wasn't what happened. Her chest hurt with what she planned on saying. She didn't mean it, but what had she just learned from Queen Frigga? Even it's demeaning, one must play toward the ego. "Then you're merciful in letting him live, your majesty."
He remained silent for a few moments. "You're Asgardian, yes?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"What do you know of Loki?"
She assumed he could hear her beating heart from where he stood. She felt as if it would pound straight out of her chest. "Not much, I'm afraid. My parents don't stay in one place for long. I went with them when I was little. I know he's your youngest son and the brother of Thor. Everything else is rumors, I'm afraid."
"Oh? What kind of rumors?"
How did Queen Frigga make this seem so easy? She hated playing this game. It left a bad taste in her mouth. "People mostly debated about his powers. How much magic he has, what element he favors, things of that nature. Many people feared him because they couldn't understand him. There were rumors he would one day become evil. I suppose those words came true."
The Allfather's relentless gaze never left the handmaiden. "Do you fear him?"
"I never gave him much thought to be afraid. Nor did I consider Thor. I had no reason concerning myself with the royal family when I had my own to help care for."
"And yet, here you are."
She smiled. "The Realms have a sense of humor, don't they? My childhood friend, who is obsessed with your oldest son, was incredibly angry when she found out I would be serving at the palace under Queen Frigga. She sends me letters, and I still don't hear the end of it."
"How well do you know Frigga's other slaves?"
"As well as one can while staying busy with the palace, your majesty."
"Do you know of a slave named Aura?"
Her face scrunched with thought, but she tried not being too obvious about it. "I feel as if the name sounds familiar. However, I am relatively new. Is she a recent addition? Or an older handmaiden?"
The king crossed his arms. "Both. She committed a crime against Asgard and was exiled many years ago. I'm afraid she may have returned. She's a danger to our society. If you come across her, you must bring her before me, at once."
She bowed. "I will, your majesty." Her stomach churned. Odin considered her a danger? Was it really because of her mother? Or was it because she loved Loki?
Odin waved open an entrance into the cell. "I will leave you, so you can perform your unsightly task. When you're with him, do not trust him. You are right. I'm more than merciful in letting him keep his life. I should've killed him some time ago. Do not trust his words. Manipulation is his favorite tactic. He will say anything to get what he wants."
Aura dipped her head. "Thank you for the warning, your majesty."
He eyed Loki before walking away.
She stepped into the cell. The door sealing behind her. Back facing where Odin once stood, she scowled. Then glanced over her shoulder. Wondering if he could make himself invisible and be observing her.
That was not a stressful notion worth entertaining. Besides, she was here for someone else. She smiled at Loki and sat on the floor in front of him. "I'm here to remove the stitches, your highness."
The mischief god glared over his arms he had wrapped around his legs.
Her smile faded, and she checked outside the cell once more. Kept her voice low, just in case. "I honestly didn't know he planned on escorting me down here. But I suppose you don't believe me."
He made no movements.
"You wouldn't believe me because you have no reason to trust me." She played with her hair. "I really am here to remove your stitches. Odin himself authorized it. So, there's no fear of suffering that torture again."
Still no motion.
"The things I said to Odin, they were nothing more than a formality. Both Queen Frigga and Aura have explained what actually happened. I don't blame you for what you did; I blame him. Please, let me help you."
No response.
A sigh escaped her, and she dug the scissors out of her basket. Slid them at his feet. "I'm not here to hurt you. You can free yourself, if you'd like."
His gaze never left her. How foolish was this maiden? In an instant, he snatched the tool, secured her in front of him, and held the point of the scissors against her throat.
Aura didn't flinch. She had a feeling a potential weapon might lure him out from his spot. "You can't use me as a bargaining chip for your escape because no one will think twice about you killing a servant."
Loki's form trembled. He faltered, but he pressed the scissors harder against her.
She softened. "There was one truth. I don't fear you." She met his gaze behind her shoulder. "And I don't think you're interested in hurting me."
Perhaps she wasn't as foolish as he originally thought. Arm dropping, he released her. His sudden movements demanding more air than he could take in at one time.
Her eyes widened at his muffled choking sounds, and she faced him. Reached for the scissors. Frowning when he drew away. "Why won't you let me help you?"
His body convulsed with the coughs he couldn't control. He never asked for her help. He never asked for anyone's help. Did no one consider he might want death?
"What are you so afraid of that you're willingly putting yourself through this?"
He looked up. Lungs burning. His arms threatening giving out under his weight. He hung his head. Refusing to give up the one thing that could help him breathe.
She dared venturing closer to him. "None of this is your fault. Odin is the one who deserves the blame. Odin is the one who deserves this punishment, not you. You're the only one who could give him that punishment. Don't let your failure define you. Think of it as an opportunity for future success. If you let yourself die, you let Odin win. Is that what you want? Because I know Aura doesn't want that. Queen Frigga doesn't want that. I don't want it. Let me help you. I need to help you."
The emerald gaze found her waiting hand. Unfortunately, she made many convincing points.
"Please. I need to save you."
Loki searched her deeply concerned face. His partial gagging expelling more oxygen than what he inhaled. He muscled past the fog of unconsciousness creeping into his mind. It was true Odin was at fault. It was true his death would elevate Odin more. And it was true he was the only one who could put Odin in his place. Why must this maiden speak the thoughts he tried so hard to suppress? It was if she spoke to his very nature. He slapped the scissors in her hand.
"Thank you." She moved beside him. Helped him position so his head faced upwards. "I'm going to go slowly, but you must remain as still as you can. I don't want to hurt you."
His eyes squeezed shut as he tried focusing on remaining motionless. Which was harder than he anticipated.
Aura placed a hand on the side of his face for more stability. Also, because she missed the feeling, and she needed the comfort as much as he did. She inhaled a deep breath. Cut the threads with the tip of the scissors. One at a time, so she wouldn't pull on his already stressed skin.
He jerked with un-subsiding coughing.
She yanked back the tool with an exclamation. Afraid she caused him pain, and that's what caused his movements. She blinked a few times. Calmed her nerves. Speaking to herself just as much as she spoke to him. "Easy, easy. We're almost done." She blew stray strands of rich brown hair out of her face. Snipped the final strands.
Loki gasped for the air he had been denied, desperately pulling the threads out of his lips. He doubled over and dry heaved. Clutching his empty stomach and bracing himself with a clenched first. He vomited up the old blood and saliva stuck in his esophagus. Retched up the sludge blocking his lungs.
Her eyebrows knitted. She reached a hand toward him then drew it back. She was supposed to be Sigyn, not Aura. But how could she not care for him when he continued being in pain? What did she do in this situation? Let him fend for himself? She kept herself busy by digging around in the basket. Poured water from the carrying skin into a bowl.
Groaning, he collapsed onto his side on the floor. Allowed himself a few moments before pushing himself onto his rear. He leaned against the bed's leg since the maiden blocked his corner. His bottom jaw slid open, eyes fluttering. Body shuddering.
She held up a dampened scrap of cloth. "May I, your highness?"
His head fell in her direction. Voice hoarse. "Why," his chest heaved up and down, "are you doing this?"
"Because you mean a lot to people I know and love. And because Queen Frigga has assigned me to care for you in her place. Death is a better option than her disappointment."
He shook his head. Closed his eyes.
"May I, your highness?"
A weak hand rose then fell limp.
She gently cleaned the old and new fluids off his mouth and neck.
"You seem...familiar."
Her eyes lifted. Startled at his intense gaze scrutinizing her. She sat back on her feet. Dipped the rag in the bowl and wrung it. "My parents visited the palace many times. You may be mistaking me for my mother. We look identical."
He struggled for consistent breaths. "No."
Aura smiled as she wiped away sweat gathering on his face. "I'm sorry, your high—"
"Don't call me that."
"I," she blinked. "Whatever you'd like."
He continued searching her. "Say my name."
"You really should rest. We can worry about names later."
His hand grasped her wrist as she reached for his face once more. Leaned forward. "Say my name."
Her lips thinned. "Loki?"
The trickster's emerald gaze moved back and forth over her features. "Like you mean it."
She gave a short laugh. It was nervousness, but she tried masking it as amusement. "I don't see how this helps you."
"Indulge..." Grimacing, he grabbed his stomach once more and leaned off to the side. Throwing up nothing once more.
One of her hands found his shoulder. "This is why you need rest. I'll leave so you can sleep."
He wiped his mouth off on a sleeve. Sat back. "Stay."
Aura relaxed. Satisfied she could spend more time with him. "Okay. But only because I don't like dealing with a drunk Thor."
Loki's vision found her once more.
She shook her head. "He hasn't been the same since that day. I know what they want everyone to believe, but like I said, both Queen Frigga and Aura relayed the true events. He won't talk to his father. And he spends most of his time in the taverns. Sif and the Warrior's Three spend most of their time keeping him from destructive rampages. He won't forgive himself. I feel bad for him."
"He could've chosen not to," he audibly inhaled a sharp breath, "do it."
"He doesn't believe he had a choice. Thor genuinely believes Odin would've made him kill you if he hadn't accepted the punishment. And he would rather never speak with you again than taken the life of his brother."
His eyes narrowed somewhat, but his head fell back against the bed. He was too exhausted for arguing over a meat head. Even if the maiden continued speaking logically.
"Don't blame him. He's confused. And vulnerable. More than he'd care admitting."
"How does a servant know so much?"
Her head sunk between her shoulders. "I think it comes with the territory of being one of Queen Frigga's handmaidens. She deals with more in the palace on a daily basis than Odin does." She glanced at the basket. Thinking of something that would redirect his inquiring tendencies. "I brought you something." She revealed a book. "Aura said you enjoyed prose?"
He stared at the volume. Looked at her. Something was amiss here.
She held it out. "Do you want it?"
"My vision's a little hazy at the moment."
"I could read it to you, if you'd like." She caught herself. Cleared her throat. "I'm not entirely keen on being around drunk Thor. This gives me an excuse, in case Queen Frigga asks why I was gone so long."
"Very well."
She internally brightened. Sat beside him without sitting too close. Though, she could tell he was suspicious of her. She opened the thick book and settled in further. Began reading the sagas aloud.
Loki inspected the maiden sitting not too far from him. This experience a familiar one. From his childhood. It warmed him. Whenever he'd find Aura studying after a long day, and didn't have the energy to read on his own, she'd read for him. He usually fell asleep leaning on her shoulder. And as this maiden recited the stories now, he found his mind drifting toward slumber.
Aura read through the first half of the book. Not stopping until she heard soft, rhythmic breathing. Her eyes finally lifted from the pages. Unsure of how much time passed. She giggled at Loki sleeping soundly, his torso slumped on one side. She quietly set the volume down. Glad she could help him rest. Her gaze regarded the bed. Could she lift him on it without waking him?
Biting her bottom lip, she slid her arms under his. Hoisted his top half up the couple of feet. She frowned at his comparative lightness and gaunt features. He had lost too much weight during his time in this cell. She'd have to ensure they fed him with his mouth released.
She hauled his legs onto the bed. Turned to gather her things. Hesitated. How many scars did he have? She pulled back his sleeve just enough so she could see his forearm. Pressed her hands against her chest.
His skin was marked with a variety of small slashes. Ones she'd seen before. On other servants who wounded themselves out of grief and despair. Did he inflict harm upon himself, or were these from outside means?
Her brows knitted. It didn't matter how he acquired them; he had been hurt. And felt too ashamed to tell her. However, she couldn't blame him. How long did it take her to tell him about Galensar? How often did she hide her own pain so he wouldn't worry about her? That was all he did. He didn't want her worrying about him. A concept she completely understood.
Aura covered him with a blanket, continuously surprised by the amount of influence Queen Frigga employed. She spoke softly. "Even if you don't love yourself, know that I have always loved you." She kissed his burned temple. Cleaned up all the messes on the floor and placed the book on the small table. Departed the cell with a final glimpse of him over her shoulder.