The Queen had been inexplicably absent that week. She did not leave her private rooms for mealtimes, nor did she sit with Odin during audiences or walk in her garden. Neither the Allfather and Thor seemed concerned by Frigga's absence, despite commenting on it once or twice, but Loki did not share their sentiment. 
The Prince found his mother's behaviour odd and worried for her. He tried several times to see her, but Frigga sealed her doors well, and eventually, he asked for Sigyn's help. When Loki stepped out of the mirror, he found his mother seated at her writing table. The desk lay covered with books, scrolls and documents, much like his own sometimes was (most of the time, really). Was it some new magic she was attempting? A spell she was creating? What could it possibly be that she had to shut herself away from her family? From him?

"Hello, Loki." Frigga greeted him without looking up from her work.

"Mother," Loki approached cautiously, "are you well? We have not seen you all week. What are you doing?"

"Oh, this and that." She glanced up through her lashes. "You aren't an illusion, so I'm assuming Sigyn helped you in my chamber?"

Loki stiffened, but gradually relaxed when he recalled the Queen already knew about Sigyn's mirror-scaping. He exhaled, hoping his mother hadn't caught his brief anxiety, and said, "We're concerned for you."

Frigga finally looked up from her work with a smile. "You needn't worry. But you have my thanks. I appreciate you and Sigyn... came together for my sake."

Something about the way she said that made Loki's heart stop. He tried to come up with something to say, but nothing decent came out. Frigga sat back in her seat, beckoning for Loki to sit in the chair opposite her, and asked, "How is she?"

His mother was the only one Loki ever confided in, but not even she knew all his secrets. Not because he feared her reaction was she to learn of his inclinations or of some things he'd done to gain Odin's favour, but because he simply didn't trust her. She was, after all, the one who taught him everything he knew about magic, illusions, deception, and mischief. Her evasiveness about her absence and that subtle hint about him and Sigyn made Loki believe Frigga had a more prominent hand in the game they were apparently playing. Perhaps best to start with a secret they both shared already and go on from there.

"Her magic has improved considerably," he said, registering his mother's reactions. "Conjuring proved no difficulty. She can maintain a concrete illusion for almost two hours, after which they become intangible."

"And what of her natural abilities? Has she learned control over those yet?"

"She has an anchor to help her focus, and there have been no outbursts since..."

Frigga raised her brow at his hesitance. "Since?"

"Since last time," finished Loki diplomatically.

The Queen tilted her head slightly, eyes never leaving Loki's face. The longer her gaze lingered, the more his unease grew. Then a smirk appeared on Frigga's lips.

"You know, I never believed Sigyn was taken to Svartalfheim by Dark Elves," she said. "The only thing I couldn't quite figure out back then was where she would run. From what I observed when I first met with them, her family seemed out of the question, and the mirror-world gives Sigyn access to all Nine Realms. She could have gone anywhere. Yet she preferred to go somewhere she knew. Perhaps to someone she knew?"

Loki swallowed at the suggestion. He dug his nails into his knee, and sweaty palms pushing against his pants. But the insistence in his mother's gaze — even more potent than back when she'd forced him to confess he turned Thor into a frog — dragged the words from his mouth. 

"I thought it was a dream. It wasn't until I awoke in the morning and found a piece of her dress and a red hair in my room that I realised it wasn't. By the time I found her, Sigyn had already succumbed to her powers."

"So you took her to the Dark World and came up with your 'logic reasoning' to ensure none learned she was within our borders and has magic." Frigga nodded in understanding. "You did the right thing, Loki. It was too soon for the truth to be revealed. Fortunately, Sigyn now has a teacher who will always remain at her side."

For the second time in just a few minutes, Loki's heart stopped. Frigga's words always held more meaning than she let on, and he was certain now was no exception. He watched the Queen rise from her seat to walk round to him. Loki took her hand, letting her guide him to the door. She lifted her spells and opened her arms to him. He stepped into her embrace. The whispered words in his ear made him utter a silent gasp. Slowly, Loki drew back to meet his mother's mischievous grin. The same grin he often wore when he found his plan was coming together.

***

Sigyn stared at the letter in her trembling hands. After months of being away, this was the first news she received from home. Well, not news exactly. More what her mother considered advice. And a subtle reminder of what was at stake should she fail.
There was no inquiry about how she fared. No 'I miss you, daughter' or 'I hope we can see each other soon and you can tell me all about your new life.' Instead, Lady Sunna showed herself cold and cruel, her harsh words written in precise handwriting cutting through Sigyn like a sharp blade.

'Daughter,
It is with some concern I hear rumours that you and the Crown Prince are no longer as close to each other. Surely I must not remind you that you cannot hope to win his affection by behaving distant and awkward. 
You have your beauty to your advantage, but now you must beguile him. Seek him out and share his interests. Where he goes, you must go. Do whatever you must, except share your bed with him. You cannot afford any slander against you, nor a child conceived out of wedlock.
I know you believe life can be like one of those silly tales you read, but the simple truth is, it cannot. Especially not for us women. Do your duty. Marry Thor and provide the Nine Realms with an heir. If you have no liking for your husband afterwards, no one will care if you take a lover, for you will have already played your part. After all, he will most certainly take a mistress more than once during your marriage. But until you give him a son, you must be beyond reproach.
Heed my words, daughter. We cannot have you fail in this as well.
Make us proud.'

Sigyn's balled fists clenched together, the letter wrinkling and tearing at her anger. She shut her eyes and bit away her tears, refusing to cry them. It was unbelievable that even this far away, her mother still had such a hold over her. She once again felt like that little girl who was locked away in her room until she was ready to be sold as a wife to the highest bidder.
The cool midday breeze made the leaves of the Yggdrasil tree and the flowers around Sigyn rustle. She'd been enjoying the quiet of the Queen's garden when Astrid came with the letter. Now that quiet was deafening. Sigyn wished her friend hadn't left her alone. She wished someone was near. Anybody...

"Sigyn? Are you all right?"

The sudden male voice startled Sigyn. She turned her head, meeting Thor's blue eyes. Hastily, she wiped away the one tear brimming at her lashes.

"Thor... What are you doing here?"

"Astrid caught me on the way to my rooms. She said you received a letter from home and thought it best if I came."

"You shouldn't have. I'm sorry she bothered you with this." 

"There is no need. I'm glad she told me. May I?"

He reached for the letter, still clutched in Sigyn's hands. She didn't keep it from him and let go, allowing him to take it. Thor smoothed out the paper. His concern changed into silent anger as he read the damn thing. With a grunt, he then crumpled the letter with one hand and threw it on the ground. His big muscular arms came around Sigyn, pulling her close to him.
Standing in Thor's embrace, her head against his broad chest, Sigyn remembered how he had once made her feel. It seemed like such a long time ago now. Thor had been trying so hard to make amends for what had happened in Alfheim, adding to her already conflicted heart, and now... He came to see if she was all right, without a moment's hesitation. There was no denying he cared. So, Sigyn allowed herself to take comfort from him. Just this once.

***

Knowing Sigyn was in Frigga's garden, Loki went straight there to tell her what had happened with his mother. But he did not find her alone. He remained hidden behind one of the corridor's pillars, fists balled and shaking beside his body, at seeing the betrothed pair in an embrace. A gripping sensation inside him reminded Loki of the one feeling he always had around his brother — jealousy.
Thor had everything. All the attention, all the glory and respect. The love of the people, the love of their parents... But he could not have Sigyn's love. She had already given that to Loki, and he refused to allow Thor to take Sigyn away from him. Not after what Frigga told him.
Thor was the first to notice Loki coming towards them with resolute strides. He let go of Sigyn, gently nudging her behind him, and asked, "Brother, is something amiss?" 

The raven-haired Prince halted before him. Loki's jaw clenched when he noticed Sigyn's eyes were red from crying.

"I need to speak with you," he told her. "Privately."

"Surely, whatever you have to say, you can say in my presence?" questioned Thor. "She is my betrothed, so —"

"It does not concern you; it concerns her and her alone!" snapped Loki.

Sigyn's eyes widened in shock. She shook her head and mouthed something, but Loki was too overcome by anger to make out what it was. His rage only grew when Thor glared and pushed Sigyn further back. 

"You overstep, brother. Speak with me present or do not speak at all."

"That threatening attitude may work on others, but it does little to me. So do us all a favour and leave us to our business!"

Loki meant to shove his older brother aside, but Thor was always ready for a fight. He grabbed Loki's wrist and snapped it like a twig — or so it seemed. What he snapped actually was a twig. With the oaf confused at the illusion, Loki quickly conjured a dagger in his right hand. The blade whooshed through the air and left a nasty gash on Thor's cheek.
Before his brother could retaliate, Loki jumped back and threw the blade, aiming for his target's head. But Thor caught the dagger and threw it right back with surprising agility and speed. The weapon dissolved before it touched Loki. When he then saw Thor's outstretched hand, he quickly summoned another larger dagger, raising it just in time to defend himself. But Thor's overwhelming brute force behind his attack with Mjölnir still pushed Loki down on one knee. He struggled, his blade was already shattering. If he didn't do something soon, he would be crushed by that infernal hammer. 

Suddenly, Loki sensed his pendant surging with magic. The jewel felt warm, and the snakes came alive. Their golden scales slithered over Loki's skin as they practically jumped out from underneath his clothing, making Thor leap back at their unexpected appearance. Full-grown serpents dropped between the brothers, each giving one brother a menacing glare and hiss.
Loki dared to look aside. He drew in his breath when he saw Sigyn's hand wrapped around her own necklace. The initial shock she'd shown when Loki first confronted Thor was gone. Her green eyes shimmered dangerously as she looked at both Asgardian Princes.

"That is enough!" she spoke firmly. "I can decide for myself who can speak to me and who cannot. Right now, I do not want to speak to either of you. In fact, I shall make this very easy."

She walked right over the snakes and left the garden without looking back. Loki made to follow, but Thor raised his weapon again, stopping him in his tracks.

"Let her go, Loki."

Loki sneered back at him. "You may not care about her —"

"Do not dare tell me I do not care about her!" The snakes hissed viciously at Thor's outburst, fangs bared and glistening. He backed away with a scowl. "Withdraw your venom, Loki. I am done fighting you today."

The Crown Prince strode off in the opposite direction, his fingers clenched around Mjölnir's handle. Loki watched him leave, his own anger still boiling inside of him, before returning his attention to the two snakes. They came together and shrank in size, their all-too-real bodies burning until only a golden pendant amongst ashes remained on the ground.
Loki picked it up, still trying to wrap his head around what had happened. What Sigyn did... He had never mentioned this kind of magic to her, and yet, she performed it flawlessly. He was in awe... and extremely worried. Sigyn had used her emotions instantly to her advantage to perform her magic. That was... absolutely terrifying. 

***

As the sun set over Asgard, the lights of the city illuminated the darkening sky, and people gathered to eat and drink. The Queen finally left her seclusion to join her beloved family once more, to the great joy of all present in the dining hall. But now, another was missing.
Loki observed Astrid and Thor whispering at the columns as he entered. When she saw him approaching, the handmaiden bowed her head to Thor and walked off, giving Loki a look of utter disdain as she passed him. He scoffed at her and followed his brother to the dais. 

"Sigyn sends her apologies," he heard Thor say as they took their places at the table. "She is not feeling well."

"Nothing serious, I hope?" inquired Odin.

"She received a letter from her mother. It... rattled her somewhat. She asks to be left in peace tonight and will join us again in the morning."

A letter from home... So that's why Sigyn was so distraught. But why wouldn't she reach out to me?

"Do you know what was in the letter?" asked Loki casually.

Thor immediately narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Why?"

"Well, perhaps we can help her with whatever news she received from home. She is, after all, part of our family now too. I would think you, of all people, would like to help. If you care, like you claim you do."

There was something satisfying about seeing Thor struggle to contain his temper. He averted from Loki, taking a long gulp from his ale, and then said, "Sigyn wishes to be left alone, and I am respecting that wish. And yes, I care for my betrothed. You would do well to remember that."

"Just checking." Loki put his hands up in defence. "You cannot blame me for wanting to be sure. You did, after all, prove otherwise in Alfheim."

Thor's chair fell backwards as he jumped up to his feet. The noise made all gathered in the hall fall silent and stare at the royal table. A seething Thor towered over Loki, who sat unperturbed by his brother's loss of control.

"Enough," spoke Odin strictly. "I will not have discord at my table, nor in my family."

"No discord, Father." Loki smirked as he turned to the Allfather. "Merely an ascertainment of a fact. One which my brother clearly still hasn't come to terms with. But if it will make you feel better, I will show myself the better man and retire for the night. I have little appetite anyway. Goodnight."

Loki rose and bowed to his parents, ignoring Thor completely. He left the dining hall and murmurs behind him and set out to the Queen's garden. Once there, he searched the area where Sigyn and Thor had been that afternoon, quickly finding what he was looking for. He picked up the scrunched letter and smoothed it out. 

Norns... No wonder Sigyn was upset. And I was too blinded by anger to see it. Damn fool!

Loki destroyed the letter with his magic and went back inside. He stalked the palace's torch-lit corridors on his way to see his lover. When he arrived at Sigyn's chamber, he disguised himself as a guard through a simple illusion and knocked. Astrid opened the door, smiling at his appearance. Oh, if only she knew.

"Pardon the intrusion," said Loki in a voice not his own. "The Queen requests your presence in the hall."

"Mine?" Astrid raised a brow. "What for?"

"I'm simply the messenger, mistress. But best not keep her waiting."

Astrid glanced over her shoulder, seemingly hesitant to go. Was she really going to be difficult about this?

"Yes, all right," she finally said, closing the door behind her as she stepped out. "But do me a favour; wait here until I return. Lady Sigyn is resting, and I don't want anyone disturbing her. Especially not the Trickster."

"Of course, mistress."

As soon as Astrid turned the corner, Loki changed back into himself and rapped on the door again. There came no answer. But Loki was certain Sigyn was inside, as he sensed her presence. He pulled out his pendant from underneath his tunic and focused, sending his thoughts through in the hope Sigyn would know he was there.

"What do you want, Loki?"

Loki hadn't realised he had been holding his breath until he exhaled upon hearing Sigyn's tired voice just on the other side of the door. 

"We don't have much time," he said. "Let me in."

"I meant what I said earlier," replied Sigyn. "I don't want to see anyone."

"No, Sigyn, wait. I read the letter. I should have realised something was wrong when I found you with Thor, but seeing you in his arms... I got jealous. It is no excuse, but it is the truth. Please forgive me."

Silence. Loki sighed. A white rose with blue veins appeared in his hand. He placed it in front of the threshold and meant to leave, but then he heard the creak of the door. With bated breath, he watched Sigyn pick the bloom up. She smelled it and looked up.

"Can we take a walk?" she asked him.

"Yes, of course," said Loki, relieved that she was coming out.

As they walked the corridors together, they took care not to touch and simply converse of this and that with one another. Even something as innocent as Loki offering his arm to her might leave the wrong impression on certain individuals.
Had Sigyn allowed Loki in her chamber so they could go to their secret place at the Urdarbrunn, they would have been able to talk in peace. They would have been able to hold and kiss each other as they both craved. They would have been safe.
Alas... After that night, their fates were sealed.

***

"Are you certain you want to do this, Thor?"

"It ends tonight, Fandrall. Loki's trickery must be stopped. I have already allowed this to go too far."

Thor stood with the youngest of the Warriors Three outside the dining hall. He was anxious and growing ever more impatient. After his altercation with Loki that afternoon, he had not stopped going over what had happened in his mind.
The way Loki had spoken to him... It was like he was eight years old again and he had taken his favourite toy from him. And then those snakes... Loki was fond of using those animals in his magic — another unpleasant memory from when he was eight — but why would he threaten himself? The only person the snakes hadn't bothered had been Sigyn. As if she commanded them. But that would mean her magic was far more advanced than Thor, Astrid, and even Heimdall had expected, which just put her — and all of Asgard, for that matter — in graver danger.

"Astrid!" 

Fandrall ran toward the handmaiden the moment she appeared in the corridor. Thor followed, his heart twisting in his chest in fear of what she had to say. 

"Well?" he asked as soon as Fandrall released her from his embrace. "What happened?"

"He came, just as you predicted," she replied immediately. "Disguised himself as a guard to lure me away by saying the Queen needed me. I went around the corner and saw Sif on the other side. I joined her when Loki wasn't looking. She said she'd followed him to the garden first, where he searched for the letter Sigyn received from her mother. We both saw him take hold of his pendant before Sigyn opened the door to him."

"I knew it." Thor clenched his fist in anger. "Where are they now?"

"Sigyn asked to go on a walk. Sif continues to follow them, but they were definitely headed toward the Queen's garden. Thor, there's something else. Loki conjured a white rose with blue veins, identical to all the flowers Sigyn has. The roses, the lilies, the orchids... They're his."

"What? But Sigyn must have a hundred of those. When did —?"

"Since her first night here. I remember her coming into her chamber with that rose and putting it by her bed. But you were with her that night, so I always assumed you were the one who gave that to her and had the others delivered."

Thor groaned as he recalled that night. "My mother told Loki to escort Sigyn to her chamber then. He must've given it to her when they were alone. I never paid attention to it."

"Then Loki has been scheming this from the very beginning," said Fandrall. "From the moment he saw Sigyn, he planned to take her from you. But how would he have known about her magic?"

"Does it matter?" exclaimed Thor furiously. "Damn him! He will not get away with this!"

As the trio hurried away, the little magpie that overheard their entire conversation from up above sped to its mistress to warn her of the impending fight between her sons. But by the time it reached her, it was already too late.

***

None but the members of the royal family and a few of their personal friends and servants were allowed in the Queen's garden. It often slumbered in utter silence, especially at night. Sigyn dared to draw closer to Loki and brushed her hand against his. Their fingers touched, but no more.

"Why did you not come or reach out to me after receiving that horrid letter?" Loki asked her. "You know I would have been there for you."

Sigyn sighed. "I didn't want to burden you with my troubles. My mother has always had a certain effect on me. It goes deeper than cruelty, really."

"You never burden me. And you cannot think about her words any longer."

"How can I not? No matter what we do, what I do, someone will always get hurt. If we run, they will hunt us down, maybe even kill us. But if we stay... Jealousy will drive you mad, Loki. Just look at what you did this afternoon. I cannot bear the thought of what you might do when —"

"Stop." He kept her from walking further, grabbing her firmly by her shoulders. "Listen to me. You are mine, Sigyn. Mine alone. You gave yourself to me, and I have no intention of giving you up. I will not allow you to marry my brother. If that means I have to face the wrath of both our families, then so be it."

Sigyn stared into his intense gaze. Loki's determination and love made her heart skip a beat. She licked her lips before voicing her thoughts. "Even if the Allfather and the Queen agree to our union, my family never will. They will come for me."

"They will have to go through me first. We are bound, and I will let no one tear us apart."

"You don't know what they are capable of, Loki. My mother, especially."

"Maybe. But neither do they know what I can do. Or you, for that matter." Loki lifted Sigyn's chin with one hand whilst the other slipped into her own, allowing their fingers to interlock. "We will not stand alone in this, my heart. I spoke with my mother, as I promised I would. She said something that confirms what I have suspected for some time now, but I need to be sure. Sigyn, when the arrangement was made for you to come to Asgard, did my mother specifically say this was to marry Thor? Please try to remember. This is very important for us."

"No, she constantly mentioned both of you and then stated I would be the Prince's bride."

"Not Crown Prince? Are you certain?"

"Yes, quite certain." Sigyn raised her brow at him. "Loki, why are you asking me this again?"

He grinned in response. "Because my mother always chooses her words carefully. Especially those with such a great significance."

"I don't understand. What did she say to you this morning?"

"She said; I knew you two would find each other." Loki lovingly cupped her face. "It was always supposed to be us, my heart. You were meant to be mine. And I will forever be yours."

His lips pressed to Sigyn's mouth. It didn't seem to matter anymore that they were out in the open. It didn't seem to matter anymore that anyone could see them. The only thing that mattered was that — for a moment, at least — it seemed they had a chance. A chance for eternity together. There would be no more need to keep their love a secret. They could finally just —

"Sigyn?"

Sigyn and Loki staggered back from each other. The rose, with crimson-edged white petals and gold-sparkling blue veins, dropped to the ground. It crumbled into the ashes of their despair. 
There, just a few feet away from them, stood Astrid, her eyes wide with shock, and her expression horrified. And at her side... Thor Odinson, his hammer Mjölnir clutched in his hand, seething and ready to strike.