Thor had to admit he'd missed it. The awesome excitement of adventure and plunging into the unknown took a firmer hold of him with each passing day. Though he yet remained cautiously wary, he couldn't deny relishing in this mighty quest. His resolve had grown stronger, too. This was, after all, what Princes did; going on seemingly impossible ventures and return to their people victorious.
Yet the one failure from his youth still cast a shadow over Thor. He hadn't forgotten the dreadful repercussions from when he and Loki, only just grown into manhood, had gone looking for Surtur's Sword. A war with Jotünheim had nearly broken out because of their actions. And Loki had... lost his way. The fragile state he'd been in the weeks that followed the events had left him vulnerable. So much so he'd succumbed to...
No. Thor would not allow himself to think of her. She'd betrayed both him and his brother. She'd betrayed Asgard. And she was gone now. Dead, most likely. But, with those past events in the back of his mind, it was of the utmost importance all went as smoothly as possible this time around. If only Baldur weren't so impatient.

"Why do you insist on wasting our time when we could already be on our way to retrieve the Sword?"

Thor's jaw clenched when his little brother raised his voice to him for the fourth time that day. Who would have ever guessed he would actually come to think of Loki as the better brother?

"You know why," said Thor, raising his eyes only briefly before returning to the page he was reading. "We must be well prepared for this voyage."

"We prepare by honing our skills in combat outside on the training grounds! Yet, you have us inside, stuck in this damn library!"

Thor slammed his hand on the table and jumped up from his seat. He had quite enough of this. Baldur recoiled at his brother's sudden outburst but never lost the defiance in his eyes.

"I have us here," hissed Thor, "because I do not want to repeat the mistakes I made before. People died when we last went after the Twilight Sword, Baldur. This isn't like any other adventure I've told you about. We must be careful. If not for our own lives, then for the sake of Asgard."

"You've not told me a single thing about what happened in the past," complained Baldur. "If you would just —"

"No."

"But, I could —"

"Baldur, enough!"

Thor hated yelling at the princeling, yet in this moment, his strong and roaring voice was the only thing that would let Baldur know this wasn't up for discussion. The shame of those days still anguished Thor deeply. He wouldn't have his little brother look upon him with the same pity all the others had. Nor would he allow Baldur anything he could use against Loki. 
To say the two siblings were clashing was putting it mildly. Baldur was determined to prove he was the better magician in the family — apart from Frigga, of course — and challenged Loki at every turn, even in public. Because of the promise he'd made Sigyn, Loki tried to turn every challenge into a lesson. Still, he couldn't help but demonstrate his superiority, which irritated Baldur even further. If he ever discovered what Loki did all those years ago, Thor was certain Baldur would use that knowledge without care or a moment's thought. He couldn't allow that.

"I know you are excited to go on this quest, brother," said Thor, his voice gentler. "But you must believe me when I say we are not ready. Only fools rush in. And we were fools in our youth. Not anymore. So we will learn all we can about the Sword, train hard, and only when I deem us ready shall we depart. Please, Baldur. Try to understand I am trying to protect us all as best I can so history doesn't repeat itself. "

Baldur sighed. "I do, Thor. I simply don't understand why you shut me out. You say we must prepare because something bad happened, and I believe and trust you know best. But how can I make sure history doesn't repeat itself if I don't even know that history to begin with? I may yet be a child, but I assure you, I am a lot stronger than I look. I can take it."

Thor met his brother's gaze. He was still so unspoiled by hardship...

"You asked me to have faith in you," tried Baldur again. "I merely ask the same."

Well, he definitely has the same way with words as our mother does, thought Thor. Perhaps he should know... to an extent.

"All right," he finally said.

"What?"

"I said all right. I will tell you. Sit down."

Baldur eagerly drew back a chair to sit at the table and gazed up at Thor with big eyes, ready to listen. He chuckled at the sight. How often had this boy looked at him with those same eyes, begging for Thor to tell him a story before bed? It was hard to say no.

"First," said Thor, "swear you will not repeat what I am about to tell you to anyone. The people only know what we gave out in the official proclamation, and we must keep it that way."

"Yes, of course."

"Second, and perhaps most importantly, do not let Loki know you know."

Baldur frowned at him. "Why not?"

"It is not something he wishes to be reminded of."

"Fine."

"Baldur, I mean it. Do not antagonise Loki with this. Use it against him, and you will regret it. Deeply."

His little brother thankfully grasped the severity of his words and nodded in silent agreement. Thor took a deep breath. "Very well then. I suppose I should start with —"

But before Thor could actually begin his tale, they were interrupted by the sound of fast-approaching footsteps. The pair turned their heads and saw Loki coming their way. Thor was immediately overcome by a quaint anxiousness when he noticed the raven-haired Prince's expression; he was absolutely livid.

"What, in Odin's name, do you think you're doing?" yelled Loki.

"We were just —" 

"You be silent, child!" Loki bit back at Baldur. "This is between the adults! Take yourself for a walk! Now!"

Rarely did the now middle child of Frigga and Odin lose his temper in such a manner. In fact, apart from anything being the matter with Sigyn, there would only be very few reasons for Loki to be this upset. One, in particular, was the very thing Thor and Baldur had been about to discuss. The sheer rage resonating in Loki's voice and icy eyes made Baldur cower. He glanced over to Thor, who nodded. It was best if Baldur was as far away from Loki's ire as possible.

"Go to the training grounds," he said. "I'll meet you there as soon as I can."

The youngest Odinson slowly rose from his seat, eyes darting frantically between his brothers. He lingered, unsure if he should leave Thor alone with Loki. But when the latter threw him an impatient scowl, the princeling hastened away. 
Alone with the brother he had always known and adored — and, admittedly, sometimes hated — Thor prepared himself for what was to come. As always, Loki did not disappoint.

"Have you completely taken leave of all your senses? Are you honestly this much of a buffoon you would even consider going after the Twilight Sword again?"

Thor groaned inaudibly. He had expected it, of course, yet a tiny part of him had hoped Loki was here about something else.

"What makes you think I —?"

"Do not even try to deny, Thor! You lack the skill to be even half the Trickster I am! And one of your dear friends already confessed it all to me! I never thought I would be grateful to Fandrall for anything, but at least he used his head, which is more than I can say for the rest of you!"

Fandrall... Thor knew his comrade-in-arms was opposed to the idea of going after the Sword, but he'd never imagined his friend going to Loki, of all people, to sell them out. He was irked he'd done this, yet couldn't blame him for it. Not when his motives were obvious.
The blonde warrior was bound to his vow to Sigyn. If there was even the slightest chance of her being in danger, he would take action. And in Sigyn's current condition, that meant ensuring she remained unperturbed and talking to her husband about a threat, despite the fact they didn't usually see eye to eye.

"Brother, hear me, please." Thor dared to draw closer to his brother, but immediately stepped back when Loki lashed out again.

"HEAR YOU? YOU ASSUME TO JUSTIFY THIS FOLLY?"

"Loki, calm yourself, I beg of you!"

"You're just the same, Thor! Rushing in like the damn fool you were when we were young!" Loki raged on. "Never mind causing another war with Jotünheim, no! You would just endanger everyone we know and care about! And for what?! Indulging that pathetic child? Your own glory? Have you honestly forgotten what happened when you held that Sword? What happened when I held it?"

"I haven't," replied Thor silently, hanging his head in shame.

Loki came up to Thor. The icy breath tingling his skin chilled the Crown Prince to the bone. 

"Imagine what will happen if my wife held it. My wife, Thor, who carries my child. I know Sigyn still means something to you, even after all these years. So if you won't stop this lunacy for common sanity, do it for her."

Thor raised his eyes to his brother. Amidst the anger in Loki's expression was an urgency born of love. As much as his own pride wanted to seize the chance to redeem himself from a past mistake, Thor knew Loki was in the right. Bringing Surtur's Sword to Asgard was too great a risk.

"If we find the Sword, we will not touch it," said Thor. "It will remain where it is. You have my word."

Loki's eyes widened, and he slowly drew back, head shaking in disbelief. "You... You're still going? Thor, why do you insist on continuing this madness?"

"We must assure ourselves it is still in the Jotüns' keep. And I promised Baldur we would go. You mustn't worry; I will make clear we cannot bring the Sword back with us. But he needs this journey, Loki. Every young Asgardian does. I shall personally see to it nothing happens. And the Warriors Three shall accompany us as well. You have nothing to fear."

Loki scoffed and turned away from Thor, his hands on his hips. Seeing no other way, Thor resorted to his last play. "I shall ask Father for advice before we depart. If he disagrees with anything I lay before him, we will not go. It is the Allfather's blessing or nothing."

Loki gave him a sideways glance. Thor waited with bated breath, and then...

"Odin's blessing," insisted Loki. "Frigga's blessing. And your promise that nobody will touch the Sword."

Success! Thor beamed at Loki and clapped his hands together in excitement, but quickly regained his composure at his brother's hard scowl. He raised his left hand and placed his right over his heart as he said, "I swear it."

Loki rolled his eyes at Thor with a disapproving tsk. He dragged his hand over his face and groaned silently. "Ugh, why do we have to be related?"

"Oh, come now, Loki." Thor chuckled. "You know you love me deep down."

"I do not."

"Yes, you do. It's buried beneath that icy demeanour of yours."

"Don't know what you're talking about." The sons of Odin looked at each other, and a little smile crept up the corner of Loki's mouth. He sighed. "I still wish you wouldn't do this, brother."

"The past will remain in the past. I won't let anything happen to... our people."

Loki shook his head again and made clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "Trusting a random stranger in the woods... Honestly, Thor, have I taught you nothing?"

***

The sun had already passed its highest point when Loki returned to the library for his lesson with Rúna, his mind still on his conversation with Thor. Though he had his brother's promise he wouldn't do anything dangerous or foolish — a promise which Thor was guaranteed to break since, well, it was Thor — Loki couldn't shake the gnawing feeling he should've done more to stop his brothers from going on this ridiculous quest. He was certain Odin would never give his blessing, nor would Frigga. But it was still a risk. His parents had always given Thor everything, and from the look of things, it was even worse with Baldur. If those two convinced the King and Queen to let them go...

Thor should know better than this. We were around Baldur's age when we went looking for that damn Sword ourselves, and it nearly cost us everything we held dear. Asgard was almost plunged into another war with the Frost Giants because of us, and we... we both...  

Loki forced himself not to think about that awful day. It had changed everything for him. If he and Thor hadn't gone searching for the Sword, he wouldn't have... She wouldn't have...

No, do not think about her. She is gone for good. Besides, I have —

Loki froze. Sigyn... If she ever discovered the truth about the Twilight Sword and the terrible aftermath it had ensued, she would never look at him the same way again. She would hate him. She would leave him. And their child would...

In Odin's name, stop! Sigyn won't leave for something that happened in the past. She could have turned me away years ago when I confessed my plans to use her. She didn't leave then, and she won't leave now! She knows I love her, and she loves me! This is real! This isn't like... with... 

Determined not to let himself get overruled by fear and past ghosts, Loki hastened into the library. He needed something to get his mind off of things. Rúna's lesson was better than nothing at this point.
Sigyn's handmaiden was already sitting at their usual table in the middle of the hall. Most people were still out enjoying their (second) meal, or they had returned to their duties, so the library was yet quiet. Loki had preferred for their classes to take place in the privacy of their apartments, but Sigyn insisted they do it in a public place. The more people were aware of the lessons taking place, the better. 

He stayed back a moment between two aisles to watch the girl and realised how young she actually was, close to Baldur's age, thus still a child. But even children could play a role when instructed properly. The real question was, whose instructions was this child following — theirs or another's?
Rúna hadn't noticed Loki yet. She was completely focused on the book before her, copying words and phrases with a shaky hand, and the tip of her tongue pushed out between her lips. Her fingers and strands of her hair were stained with ink. Oh, this girl was a disaster sometimes.

"What are you doing?"

Loki's sudden question made the handmaiden squeal and jump out of her seat. "My Lord! I-I was just... I, um..."

Her nervous stammering aggravated Loki's mood. He walked up to the table and looked down at her work. It was an utter mess. And he noticed five mistakes just at first glance. Truly disastrous. Loki snatched the paper up and tore it, making the shredded pieces disappear with his magic.

"Sloppy," he said crudely. "It's not even worth correcting, nor are you anywhere near ready to tackle such an intricate text."

"Forgive me, my Lord." Rúna hung her head, her lip quivering. "You're right; it was terrible. I should've waited for your assignment. I just... I wanted to try it myself for once and... make you and Lady Sigyn proud of me."

Upon seeing Rúna's pitiful expression, Loki sighed, guilt settling on him. Perhaps he was somewhat harsh on her. She was still learning, after all. Students learned from their mistakes. Well, most did, anyway. He certainly had. No reason to believe Rúna could not, either.
Loki flicked his wrist, and a big leather-bound book bounced on top of the table. The sound made the handmaiden jump again, and Loki once more caught himself thinking his suspicion of her being a spy for his father seemed too preposterous for words. If this girl was a spy, he was a Frost Giant. With that even more ridiculous notion in mind, Loki mustered a smile and said, "The works of our ancestors can be hard even for the brightest of our people to study. Learn your writing and reading as we did when we were but children; fairy tales. This book should help you."

Rúna hesitantly neared the table and stretched her neck to peer at the book, her nose slightly scrunched. "S-Stories or... ta... oh, tales... from p-past... times," she read aloud, barely getting it all out.

"It's a translation of the original French, a language they speak on Midgard," explained Loki. "You can ask that version of Sigyn when we work on your Allspeak, but let's focus on this volume for now."

He sat down and pushed back the chair Rúna was sitting on earlier. She slowly sat with him, quiet as he flipped through the book.

"Let's start with something simple. Ah, here." Loki slid it back over to Rúna. "This one is about a girl who wears a red hood and encounters a wolf in the woods on her way to her grandmother. Read it aloud, so I know you've been practising. When you're done, we'll discuss the moral of the story."

I should make Thor read this as well. Though he would probably not even see the analogy.

"Well, go on," he pushed on when Rúna stayed silent. "We don't have all day."

But she held her tongue. Loki tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at Rúna when he noticed her chewing her lower lip. She only did that when she was nervous. He had seen her do it plenty of times in those first days after entering Sigyn's service. She'd been a skittish wreck then. How she'd still performed her duties diligently was beyond him.

"Rúna, what is it?" Loki asked, hoping he wouldn't have to use his magic to learn the answer. 

"May... May I speak plainly, My Lord?" The handmaiden raised her eyes to him, waiting for his consent. "I... I merely wanted to say... thank you." 

That took Loki by surprise. He raised his brow questioningly, prompting Rúna to continue. "For this, I mean. Teaching me how to read and write properly. And also for... letting me in." She took a deep breath and lowered her gaze again. "I know what happened to Lady Sigyn's previous companion. Her Majesty was gracious enough to confide in me when you both returned to Asgard. I realise I will have to earn your trust, but I hope you know I truly mean no harm. You both have done so much for me already, more than anyone ever has, and I... I am eternally grateful."

Loki sat stunned at her words. What was he supposed to do with this? That pouting face, those big eyes, that quivering but seemingly sincere voice... and then that... speech. This is exactly what any half-decent spy would do. He had even done it a few times.
But what if she spoke earnestly? What if Sigyn's plan was working, and Rúna was truly becoming their loyal little pawn? It could serve him well to put this girl in the game.

All right, he thought. I'll bite.

"Think nothing of it," he said. "I found it a shame you weren't as... schooled as others of your age are. And Sigyn asked it of me. I can never say no to her."

"Yes, I've noticed." A blush crept up Rúna's cheeks as Loki gave her a quizzical look. "Oh, no, I-I didn't mean—forgive me! I only meant to say that I see you have her best interest at heart."

"Of course I do," reacted Loki, sharper than intended. "She's my wife."

"I know! It's just..." The girl hesitated a moment. "My Lord, I used to fear you. I grew up on stories of the Trickster. Of how you would come into bedrooms of young children at night and steal us away to join into your bacchanal of mischief and then leave us for the devils and monsters that roam the Nine Realms, bringing back changelings to lie in our beds. And in the days before you returned to Asgard, I heard of how you married Lady Sigyn, deceiving everyone, including the Allfather. I heard rumours you only sought to possess Lady Sigyn's powers, and that you placed her under a spell to keep her bound to you. My fear of you was why I almost didn't accept Her Majesty's proposal.
"Yet I had to see for myself if she truly was under your spell. Because I would do anything to save her from such evil, since she was the only one, apart from my grandmother, who ever showed me kindness. But I witness no evil. I see no monster, ogre, or any other nightmarish fiend the people care to make of you. You are no Prince Charming, My Lord, but there is something in you that people simply fail to see. But I see it, and I... I hope to find someone like you one day."

Rúna hung her head again, yet glanced up at her mistress' husband through her eyelashes, waiting for his reaction. But Loki was left utterly speechless. No one had ever spoken to him about the rumours on the street. He knew of them, of course, having even told one or two of those silly fancy tales himself, but to learn the people actually whispered and thought of him as such a horror... And to have this girl tell him her fear had gone simply by observing him and that she wished for someone like him...

"I... Thank you, Rúna." Loki cleared his throat. "I appreciate you telling me this. You must never worry I will do anything to distress Sigyn. I wouldn't have married her and challenged Odin if I did not love her. She means everything to me. If anything were to happen to her... I would die."

He didn't know what possessed him to say this to Rúna. But in the (continuously dwindling) odd chance she was an agent for his father, Loki thought it better that, at least in this, he was completely truthful.

"I promise, My Lord," said Rúna, "I will help you protect Lady Sigyn, in any way I can."

"I will hold you to that." 

Loki felt comfortable enough to smile back at her. The tension between them was gone. Rúna took a deep breath and pulled the storybook closer to her. But Loki stopped her before she could begin, suddenly thinking he could use Rúna for something. "Actually... would you mind if we skipped today's lesson? There's something I've been planning for Sigyn, and I believe you can help me."

Rúna beamed and nodded fervently. She took the book with her as she followed Loki out of the library. Anyone coming upon the Prince and handmaiden together had their own opinion of the pair when they saw them talking excitedly but in hushed voices.
Those who often served the royal couple were content to see Rúna was accepted by Loki and Sigyn. Those who saw them during their lessons before but knew neither of them well enough speculated the girl was Loki's mistress — which would be understandable and accepted by most, considering Sigyn's condition. 
But most had already formed their opinion before even considering anything else. To them, Rúna was the Trickster's next prey. And their greatest concern was whether Lady Sigyn was still a victim herself or if Loki had persuaded her to become his partner in crime.

***

"Loki? Are you here?"

Sigyn entered their bedchamber, finding it empty as well. She huffed and sat on the edge of the bed, wondering where he could be. He left early that morning to meet with Fandrall and only briefly came to see her at midday before leaving for his lesson with Rúna. But the archivist told her they'd left the library over three hours ago, so he couldn't still be with her... could he?

No, don't be silly. Loki would never.

But once the thought crossed Sigyn's mind, it lingered stubbornly. It wasn't uncommon in a royal marriage for there to be a mistress or two, especially not during pregnancy, but... she had never imagined Loki to be the type to do that to her.
But maybe it was just how things were supposed to go? Had Odin done this to Frigga? Sigyn doubted the Allfather would stray from a woman like her, yet he and Loki were men. Men had needs. Needs that at some point, she wouldn't be able to fulfil anymore. 
She didn't think there was any harm in lying with Loki in the following months, but maybe he just wouldn't want to at all. He would probably claim it was for her safety and the baby's, but... what if the real reason was he didn't care for the changes her body would go through?
 
A clicking noise made Sigyn look up. The door of the adjacent room to their bedroom opened. She frowned and got up from the bed. That room was supposed to be locked. Who would —? 
Sigyn froze when her husband and handmaiden walked out together. Loki had his black leather coat draped casually over his arm, and Rúna was... pulling at the hem of her skirts, smoothing it out. Their smiling faces were a dagger to Sigyn's heart. Loki and Rúna halted when they noticed her.

"Sigyn, I thought you were..." Loki fell silent upon seeing her tears. "What is it?"

Sigyn looked from Loki to Rúna and back to him. This couldn't be. They couldn't have... But why would they be in a room that had been closed for thirty years, if not for the sake of privacy? A room right next to their own, at that! How? How could they have done this? 

"Tell me you didn't," she whispered. "Please tell me it's not true."

"What's not?" Loki asked, unsure, looking back at an equally confused Rúna. "Sigyn, what happened? Why are you crying?"

But Sigyn didn't hear him. She only heard the shattered pieces of her heart echoing with agonising betrayal. "Loki... how could you? HOW COULD YOU? AND WITH HER?"

Rúna recoiled instantly upon seeing Sigyn's fury. Loki quickly stepped in front of her, raising his hands defensively. Seeing her husband leaping to protect the girl, Sigyn felt like bursting out into flames. But instead of hot, all she felt was cold — icy, even. Her entire being froze from the inside. Her hands trembled, and the tip of her fingertips stung as if she put them in the arctic waters of Jotünheim. Something pulled at her belly, and Sigyn fell back on the bed. She quickly grabbed hold of her necklace, but all she felt was ice and frost. There was no warmth. No fire. Nothing.

"What are you doing? Loki, what are you doing to me?"

It had to be him. It could only be him! This was his magic taking over! But Loki looked as shocked as she felt, his eyes frenzied and horrified. 

"Find the Queen," he ordered Rúna. "Hurry!"

The girl ran out of the bedchamber as Loki rushed to Sigyn's side. She shrank away, struggling against his embrace. "No, no, let me go! Let me go!"

"Sigyn, please calm down!" Loki held her, firmly but gently, and looked down her body for any signs of bleeding. "It's all right, calm yourself. Ssh, I'm here. Ssh."

But Sigyn did not hear Loki's soothing voice or feel his comforting touch as he stroked her hair. She stopped fighting and turned her head away from him to shed her tears silently. Her heart, once burning with passion for and because of him, was now slowly turning as cold as the bitterest winter. Only by one sudden and inexplicably overpowering thought did she keep herself from giving in to her sorrow — if Loki truly didn't want to be with her anymore... he would be with no one else ever again.

***

Frigga finally left their chamber. Her explanation of why Sigyn collapsed and felt like an icicle wasn't at all satisfying, but Loki didn't want to argue now. He wanted to be left alone with his wife so he could care for her himself and get her to talk to him.
He told Rúna to leave them and make sure they weren't disturbed. The handmaiden lingered a moment, worried for her mistress, and then left as well. Loki shut the door behind her and used his magic to seal it. He then turned to his wife. Sigyn sat up on the edge of the bed, her back to him. Loki wished he knew what ailed her. He'd prodded her mind a few times during Frigga's examination, but Sigyn resolutely blocked him off each time. Even now, it was like she put up a shield to prevent him from reaching out to her. But Loki wouldn't let this discourage him. 

"Sigyn, speak to me."

Silence.

"Sigyn, please." Loki came to sit down at the other side of the bed. "My heart, I beg you; tell me what I've done to grieve you so." 

"You dare to even ask me that?" Sigyn hissed in reply.

Loki stared at her. He didn't understand what had brought on this hostile behaviour all of a sudden. "Sigyn, whatever it is, I —"

"Whatever it is? Whatever it is?" Sigyn jumped up and rounded on him, her cheeks flushed scarlet in her otherwise pale complexion. "Do not play the fool with me, Loki! I saw you with her!"

"With her? Who are you — Wait..." Loki rose to his feet, finally grasping what his wife believed he'd done. "You don't honestly think I would... with Rúna?"

"Wouldn't you?"

"No! Of course not!"

Loki stepped around the bed and reached for Sigyn, but she slapped his hand away with a growl. "Don't touch me!"

But Loki wouldn't let himself be deterred like this. He conjured a double of himself behind Sigyn, who grabbed hold of her arms and pulled them behind her back. Her fury radiated from her as she shouted, "DAMN YOU, LOKI! LET GO OF ME!"

"Sigyn, listen to me, listen!" The real Loki forced her to look at him by shaking her by her shoulders. "I was not with Rúna in that way. Not with her or any other woman or man. How could you possibly think such a shameful thing about me?"

"Don't act as if Princes don't take mistresses and lovers!" spat Sigyn, struggling against the powerful grip of the other Loki behind her.

"Not this Prince! My brother might have done so had he been your husband, but not me." Loki cupped Sigyn's face, urging her emerald eyes to meet his. "You are the only one I want in my bed. Yours is the only body I wish to hold. Yours is the only warmth I long to feel. Now, if you need me to say it, I will. I have not lain with Rúna. I will never lie with her or any other. You have my word."

"The word of a Trickster." Sigyn shook her head, making the tear roll down her cheek.

"The word of your husband who loves you with all his heart."

Loki leaned in to kiss Sigyn's brow. Her skin was freezing. He felt a small surge in their pendants. There was only the faintest trace of a flame. Not even that, but a mere flicker of a sparked ember. What Loki felt the most was cold. No doubt about it — something had changed Sigyn's fire.
But he would have to worry about that later. Right now, he had to convince Sigyn of his truth. Fortunately, thanks to Rúna's help, the room that had been shut for thirty years was finally ready. Loki made the illusion of himself disappear and took Sigyn by her hands. "I have something for you."

"Fancy words and presents won't make this better, Loki," she sobbed softly, refusing to look at him.

"Sigyn, please. You have always trusted me. Trust me now." His wife pressed her lips together and sighed. Loki brought his hands to his lips and kissed her fingers. "First, you have to close your eyes."

Apprehension flared in Sigyn's expression as she scowled.

"It's a surprise," he added quickly.

She huffed in annoyance and rolled her eyes before closing them. Loki carefully led Sigyn to the middle of the other room, where he let go of her hands.

"Can I open them?" asked Sigyn.

"No, no. Not yet," answered Loki. "Wait here."

He hurried to draw open the curtains, letting in the early evening sun.

"Now can I open them?"

"All right... now."

Sigyn opened her eyes, and Loki smiled at her stupefied reaction as she looked around. The walls were crawling with the same roses that took over their bedchamber. A single window gave out on the most exquisite view of the mountains and forest. The closet held fresh linen, and there were fairy tale books on the table. In the corner stood a finely carved wooden rocking chair, and near it, adorned with a hundred posies of baby's-breath, a crib. 

"I ordered the crib the day after our wedding," said Loki as Sigyn walked toward it. "The rocking chair as well. They were both ready by the time we left for Midgard, so I asked if they could remain with the woodworker until... I had them brought to the palace the day after we learned you were with child, but I couldn't bring them in here until now. Rúna helped me move some stuff around to see where it would fit best. Her skirts got in the way, so she tucked up a side. I suppose that is why you thought we..."

The sentence lingered unfinished. Sigyn briefly turned her gaze to him before touching the wooden frame with trembling fingers, careful not to disturb the flowers. Loki came up behind her. "Rúna suggested the flowers, but I can remove them if they aren't to your liking. I gave her a list of some other things I wanted in here, so if there is something you want as well, just let her know."

He looked down at Sigyn, curious about her response. But apart from the tears that already brimmed in her eyes, there was nothing.

"Sigyn? What do you —?"

His words were cut short when Sigyn suddenly whirled and wrapped her arms around his neck to push her mouth against his. Loki blinked at the unexpected embrace but recovered fast from the initial surprise and kissed her back. Her lips tasted salty from her tears, but he didn't care. His hands found the small of her back, and he pressed her body against his, being as tender as possible to mind the baby she carried.

"I'm sorry," said Sigyn when their lips finally parted. "Loki, please forgive me."

"It's all right." Loki smiled and brushed his lips against hers. "It's all right, my heart. There is nothing to forgive. Just promise me you will never have such thoughts again."

"Yes, of course, I promise. I... I can't believe you did all of this."

Loki stepped back and placed his hand on Sigyn's belly. "She deserves the best."

"She has you as a father. And you are the very best, Loki. I love you."

"And I you. Now..."

"And far longer than forever."