Loki did his best to treat Thor and Sigyn simultaneously, but he could not manage on his own for much longer. His brother's wounds were concerning, but not as much as the residual aura of magic lingering. Suppressing it required utmost focus, which he currently didn't have, thanks to Thor, the oaf. Relief washed over Loki when Frigga finally appeared beside him.

"See to Thor," he told her. "He's badly burned."

"And Sigyn?" asked Frigga, looking down at the unconscious young woman.

"No physical wounds apart from a few cuts and scrapes. I'll deal with Sigyn, Mother. See to my brother, please."

The Queen left her youngest son under the watchful eye of Hogun, but Loki ignored him. Now that he no longer had to worry about his brother, he could give Sigyn his full attention. As he carefully reined in what remained of her magic, he took a moment to wrap his head around what he had witnessed. Only two people had power over Mjölnir; the Allfather and Thor. None other could wield the hammer, let alone stop it mid-attack. But Sigyn had. It was simply astonishing.
When the healers arrived, the Warriors Three helped to place Thor and Sigyn on gurneys so they could be taken to the palace for further treatment. Frigga joined them, but when Loki meant to do the same, his father called him back.

"Loki, stay! I would have words with you. And you as well, Astrid."

Loki was tempted to ignore his father's order, but he knew better than that. There could only be two reasons he was asked to stay. Either Odin suspected he had something to do with what happened — which surprisingly enough wasn't the case for once — or he would be asked for advice, seeing how he was the most powerful magic wielder in Asgard, apart from Frigga. He reluctantly stepped back to join his father, one last look on Sigyn's ashen face.
Odin waited until Loki stood beside Sigyn's companion and only friend. Astrid was trying to keep a brave face, but Loki could tell by her constant fidgeting and swaying she was worried sick about Sigyn and would much rather tend to her.

"Now," began Odin, "I have heard from Sif and Fandrall that Sigyn was with you, Loki, before the incident."

"Yes, Father. We were practising our archery whilst the others watched Sif and Astrid's sparring match."

"And what exactly instigated the fight between Thor and Sigyn?"

Loki contemplated lying, but Odin would find out eventually from either Thor or Sigyn. No point denying what really happened.

"A remark Thor made," he admitted.

"Ah, I see... A similar incident as when they first met. I believed they had moved past that?"

"They did. This was... personal. Thor believed Sigyn was but a beginner when I already saw her as more advanced than any archer I've ever met and spoke out of turn. She took offence and proved to us all she was no beginner, splitting every arrow we'd already shot. But then she shot one at Thor, nicking his cheek, and —"

"And your brother also took offence," concluded Odin with a nod. "And this?"

The Allfather lifted Mjölnir, and Loki gasped at the sight of it. The hammer didn't even look like a hammer anymore. If Thor ever hoped to use it again, it would have to be re-forged. How was he supposed to explain this without revealing Sigyn's magic?

"Allfather, if I may?" Astrid, who had kept quiet this entire time, suddenly stepped forward. "Lady Sigyn has a talisman protecting her from harm. A small hand mirror gifted to her by her grandmother before her passing to Valhalla, which she always keeps on her person. She was a skilled sorceress and put an enchantment on the mirror to protect her only granddaughter."

Loki had no doubt there was some truth in the story, but he didn't believe for one second that what he saw and felt came from something as simple as a hand mirror. Astrid's earnest expression of this unmistakably well-rehearsed story helped sell it, though.

"A potent talisman then," said Odin. "I will ask Frigga to look at it later. Thank you, Astrid. Loki, I would prefer if your mother took Thor's healing upon herself. May I ask you to watch over Sigyn?"

"Me?" Loki was surprised at this request.

"She is your sister, Loki. Or she will be, at least. And I have noticed you seek her company sometimes, so I must assume you have become friends. You care for Sigyn whilst Frigga heals Thor."

The last thing Loki wanted to do was play nurse. However, this could provide him with the perfect chance to find out more about Sigyn's powers. And if he could get her to trust him, then today wouldn't be a complete disaster. The closer Sigyn got to him, the further she got from Thor. It may all just work out in his favour.

"As you command, Father."

"Very well. You may both leave now."

Astrid dipped in a curtsey before Loki ushered her away. When they were back inside the palace and well outside Odin's hearing, Loki grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a small, empty corridor.

"Loki! What are y—?"

"Unless you want me to tell Odin the truth about how Mjölnir was nearly destroyed, I suggest you shut up and listen to what I have to say."

Astrid's startled expression quickly made way for anger. She pulled free from Loki and crossed her arms across her chest, lips pressed together into a thin line. At her glare, Loki continued, "You and I both know Sigyn has magic. Magic she doesn't control, and she doesn't want anyone else to know about. But if she hopes to survive here, I need to know more. You can start by telling me if she was born with this magic or if it's a curse."

"Why should I tell you anything?! I know you, Loki. Whatever your intentions, they are no good, so forgive me if I rather not tell you anything about Sigyn."

Her reaction made Loki recall the couple of nights they shared a bed. Astrid was certainly one of his more engaging lovers, but not so much that he ever considered taking her as an official mistress or even as his wife. He remembered finding her temperament refreshing, but only for a few hours to deal with boredom. That same temperament better not get in his way now.

"Astrid, I understand you want to protect Sigyn, but this is important. Answer the question."

She tsk-ed and rolled her eyes. "Born with it."

"Yet no one has instructed Sigyn how to control it?" inquired Loki.

"Her family has locked her away her entire life, only letting her out the past few years to meet suitors. Whenever Sigyn accidentally lost control and her magic was revealed, her mother took care of any witnesses. I am the only one Lady Sunna permitted knowing."

"All right, then here's what we'll do. I will instruct the healers to only allow us two and my mother with Sigyn. You will speak with Sif and those other idiots to determine how much they saw of Sigyn's magic. I don't think there's anything to be concerned about, but we should make sure. I can erase their memories if need be."

Astrid stared at him with wary eyes and asked, "Why would you do that? Why would you help her?"

"My reasons are my own. I can just as easily tell Odin you lied, but you have my word I will keep quiet. Now do as you're told and meet me in Sigyn's chamber later."

Loki left before Astrid could protest, not wanting to waste any more time on her. When he arrived at Sigyn's chamber, he dismissed the healers, telling them he was to care for his sister on the express order of the Allfather. He posted guards at the door, ordering them not to let anyone but himself, Astrid, or the Queen through unless he gave the order. Loki then closed the door and found himself alone in Sigyn's chamber, with the maiden still unconscious on her bed.
The healers had stripped her of what remained of her armour, putting her in a simple shift for comfort. He pulled back the covers to examine her body for any physical wound her magic may have caused, but her skin was as smooth as ever. At least, the parts of her body he could see. He played with the idea of undressing her, but quickly discarded that intention. Never mind it not being proper — though he was her healer now and had the right to check for wounds if he believed she had any — Loki did not want to abuse the situation. He had caught himself thinking of her scarcely clad, once or twice, and he wouldn't. But if the opportunity would arise, he preferred Sigyn to be awake and willing.

What am I thinking? He shook his head to dispel the thought again. I don't care about the wench. I only need her to shame Thor, and then she can —

Loki froze when his eye caught the rose on the bedside table. The rose he had given her. It was still in bloom. The blue veins were etched in the snow-white petals, creating a vivid colour play, almost like ice crystals. It was probably the last she saw before going to sleep at night, and the first thing she saw upon waking in the morning.

But why? It's just a flower. No, wait... It's my flower. My gift. I see nothing here that could have come from Thor. Hmm... This could work in my favour.

Loki looked down at Sigyn. She seemed so fragile all of a sudden. A maiden trapped in a curse, who could only be saved by her lover's kiss, just like in the stories the Midgardians liked to tell. They always seemed so insipid to Loki, but now...
He sat down on Sigyn's bed. His blue eyes roamed over her features, and he moved a wayward lock of red hair away from her face. She truly was breathtakingly beautiful. Loki was barely aware that he leaned in, taking hold of Sigyn's hand. She felt so warm to his touch. His lips gently brushed against hers, briefly. Such sweetness...
Suddenly, Sigyn's fingers twitched. She stirred. Loki drew back and held his breath. Sigyn couldn't possibly wake up after he kissed her, could she? He waited, his heart beating loudly in the deafening silence. But Sigyn remained still, lost in her slumber, the fire within her a dormant ember waiting to be set free once more.

***

Frigga and the healers worked tirelessly on Thor's wounds for two days. His skin had suffered the worst of it; his arm and part of his chest and face were nearly blackened. His blood had been boiled, two of his internal organs had exploded whilst the rest had suffered severe trauma from the explosion, and half his ribcage, plus all the bones in his right arm and hand, had been pulverised. Sif had begged the Queen to be allowed to help, and she was instructed to ensure Thor stayed asleep. Had he been awake, the pain of making the bones grow back and healing his organs and skin would've been excruciating.

The whole of Asgard knew of the incident on the training grounds, of course. The Warriors Three (well, not so much Hogun) boasted of how the Crown Prince and his future wife were a perfect match, as they were equal in all, as it seemed. They told a fine tale to any who wanted to hear it, but it was the tale Loki wanted them to tell.
Astrid hadn't been convinced of them not having witnessed what Loki had seen, so he'd preferred to play it safe. Memory spells were not to be trifled with and required extreme focus, but with a mentor like Frigga, Loki was certain there was little harm in changing just a few minor details. He would never dare to do any more, anyway. Not unless he wanted to risk killing them.

The young Prince himself spent all his time at Sigyn's side, with only Astrid as a companion. But the handmaiden only spoke to him when absolutely necessary and otherwise avoided him by keeping herself occupied with a million things. Loki didn't care. He never cared about Astrid and had no desire to rekindle that particular flame. Not when another had spiked his interest.
Sigyn hadn't opened her eyes once since she'd lost consciousness. An occasional stir, which made Loki and Astrid hold their breaths each time it happened, but no more. Loki was getting worried. He'd sent word to his mother, requesting her to come as soon as Thor was stable, but that could still take days. Left with no alternative, he'd briefly allowed the healers access to ask for their opinion, but as she showed no wounds on her body, there wasn't much they could do. Wait until she wakes, they said. Idiots.

On the morning of the third day after the training grounds incident, Loki felt a hand on his shoulder. A soft voice gently roused him.

"Loki? Loki, wake up, dear."

"Huh, who—Mother?"

Frigga's kind, motherly eyes looked down at him. Loki raised his head, realising he'd fallen asleep during his night vigil at Sigyn's bed, with his hand on hers.

"Have you been here this whole time?" asked his mother.

Loki nodded in reply and sat up, his limbs and back straining viciously. "Father asked me to."

"I don't think he meant you couldn't get some rest yourself. And Astrid's here too. She could've stayed with Sigyn a few hours."

"I know. But I didn't dare leave Sigyn alone in case she... in case something happened."

Frigga tilted her head. Her eyes seemed to pierce right through Loki, no doubt trying to find a motive for his sudden caring behaviour. It made him extremely uncomfortable, especially since his hand still rested on Sigyn's. Somehow, he simply couldn't let go.

"How's my brother?" he asked, hoping it would draw Frigga's attention away from him.

"Better," Frigga sighed as she went to sit on the other side of the bed. "Sif is with him now. It's a miracle he survived that blast."

"Not everyone has you for a healer," complimented Loki. "You saved him."

"Which would not have been possible if you had not put that guarding charm on his body," nudged Frigga, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Don't sell yourself short, Loki. I'll make sure both your brother and father know what you did. And do not worry about your brother. Thor will make a full recovery, I'm certain. But he still has a long way to go. No fighting, riding, brawling, or feasting for at least two months."

"Pfft, knowing Thor, he will be at it again in two weeks."

They laughed together. Loki knew very well his mother loved both her children equally, but he liked to think he was her favourite. He was more like Frigga than Thor was, simply because they both had magic. Their bond between mother and son walked hand in hand with that of master and apprentice, despite Odin's prior apprehension about his wife instructing Loki when he first learned of his youngest son's powers. Not that Loki could blame the Allfather for it. His mischief had taken a turn for the worse after a few basic spells, and there was undoubtedly more he could accomplish if he devoted himself further to his studies. Right now, though, he had other priorities.

"Your father mentioned Sigyn has a talisman," Frigga said suddenly. "A mirror? Her grandmother must've been a mighty sorceress if the spells she cast on such a small object are strong enough to make a weapon like Mjölnir melt."

The slight change of tone in her voice warned Loki she didn't believe the story for a second. He kept his gaze on Sigyn's hand in his, hoping his expression wouldn't betray he knew more.

"Curious," continued his mother. "You see, I know for a fact Sigyn uses that mirror to travel between places. So unless she has other powers..."

Loki's discomfort flared up tenfold when he felt her eyes on him. Thor always cracked at the slightest hint of that all-knowing look only a mother could hold, but Loki had learned to keep his true intentions hidden behind a mask of innocence... provided he could prepare for it. Having been caught off guard, Frigga saw right through him. She nodded and asked, "Who else knows?"

"Only Astrid," replied Loki. "I've altered the memories of the Warriors Three and Sif, just in case. A few minor details, like you taught me."

"Very good. Did Astrid tell you more of Sigyn's magic?"

"She said Sigyn was born with her powers and was forced to keep them hidden. Her mother 'took care' of anyone who found out."

Loki hadn't asked Astrid how Sigyn's mother accomplished this, but knowing Thor's betrothed came from a wealthy and respectable family, he could imagine the bribery of money and favours at play. Or perhaps worse.

"Hm, as I suspected," said Frigga. "We cannot let Sigyn continue like this. Does she trust you?"

"Yes." Loki furrowed his brow at the odd question. "I mean, I believe she does."

"Good. She'll be your responsibility then."

Frigga rose to her feet as Loki's jaw dropped. She stalked away like only a Queen could, but the Prince gathered his composure fast and went after her.

"Hang on, you want me to help her?" asked Loki. "Mother, with all due respect, but shouldn't you instruct her? Sigyn's magic is highly unstable, and your skills are far more advanced than mine."

"The fact Sigyn chose not to confide in me means she doesn't trust me enough. It must be you, Loki. Now forgive me, but I must go. Alert me when she wakes up."

And with that, Frigga left Sigyn's chamber, leaving Loki stupefied. He turned to watch the sleeping beauty after the door shut. The corner of his mouth curled up in a grin. All things considered, he couldn't have planned it better himself.

***

Her brothers laughed. They scolded her. Hurt her. Pushed her to the ground. Her mother and father saw but did nothing. Good girls shouldn't fight with boys, they said. No self-respecting lady would attempt to do what she should not. A lady's weapon was her wit, her grace, but foremost, her beauty. She had all of that. But she wanted more.
The laughter grew louder. Her father scoffed. Her mother sneered. She stood alone, drowning in a crowd who would not listen to her screams. But then she felt it — a fire burning within. Burning brighter with every second, with every laugh, every cold remark. It grew and grew until...

Sigyn's eyes shot open, heart racing in her chest. Where was she? This wasn't her little room at home, but some other place. A better place. Had she come here on her own? Yes, she seemed to recall so. She turned her head, feeling the softness and comfort of her pillow, and blinked. The light pouring in from the late morning sun illuminated a white rose with blue veins. It was absolutely... magical. Had she picked it? No, it had been a gift. From...

"You're awake!"

Sigyn raised her head to find a raven-haired man with striking eyes as blue as the heart of a glacier rushing toward her. She knew him, didn't she?

"Don't move just yet." The God spoke kindly as he sat beside her and reached for her hand. "You've been unconscious for five days, so your body will be sore. Astrid will be here soon. She can help you."

Astrid... Yes, she knew Astrid. The Asgardian companion her mother had chosen for her. Wait... Asgard! That's it, that's where she was! She came to Asgard to marry the Crown Prince, Thor. Golden-haired, muscular, and handsome. Big, brutish, arrogant, and simple were the words Sigyn would rather describe him with.
And this man was the young Prince, Loki. But if she was Thor's betrothed, why was Loki in her room? Or was she in his? Either way, why was he the one who cared for her? And why did her heart skip a beat when she met those enchanting eyes?

"Wh-What happened?" asked Sigyn, her throat raspy and dry.

Loki helped her sit up and put the cup from the bedside table to her lips so she could drink. The cool water soothed the maiden instantly.

"What's the last thing you remember?" he asked.

"I'm not sure. I remember you and Astrid. And Thor? He... did something, I think."

"You recall being at the training grounds?"

"No, I... Loki, why are you here? What happened?"

Sigyn noticed his hesitation as his lips parted a moment and then pressed together. She pushed herself up. Loki put his hand on her shoulder to keep her down, but she slapped it away.

"Tell me," she insisted.

"Thor offended you again," said Loki, "and you got angry and shot an arrow at him."

"I what?"

"Then my brother got angry as well, of course. You fought each other, and then... you lost control of your magic. Thor attacked you with his hammer, and the combination of your fire and Thor's lightning created an explosion."

"No... Where's Thor? Is he...?"

"Last I heard, he was on the mend."

Sigyn gripped her sheets tightly. She lost control and hurt someone. Not just anyone but her betrothed! She would surely be sent away now. But where could she go? Her family would not accept her back. Their shame and pride wouldn't allow it. Sigyn would be cast out forever. Perhaps it would be for the best. If she were alone, she wouldn't hurt anyone.

"No one knows."

Sigyn looked up at Loki's words.

"Your magic," he clarified. "No one knows; I've made sure of it. And Astrid came up with a ruse. She'll tell you the details when she returns, but you mustn't worry. You're safe with us. With me."

His gaze intensified, as if he wanted to convince her with more than just words. It suddenly dawned on Sigyn she was alone in her room with Loki. Completely alone. She became aware she only wore a shift. And even that seemed too much to her. Her hand rested in Loki's. Their eyes met. They moved closer to each other. Sigyn's heart drummed in her chest, and she wondered if Loki's was too as they leaned in to each other. Their lips were mere inches away.
Then, the door opened and Loki pulled back, rising to his feet and letting go of Sigyn's hand. He averted, but not before Sigyn detected the hint of guilt in his eyes. Or was it perhaps disappointment?

"Sigyn? Oh, bless you, you're awake!" Astrid promptly dropped the bundle of linen in her arms and darted toward Sigyn, ignoring Loki completely. "I was so worried about you. I thought —"

"I'm all right," said Sigyn. "Thanks to you. Both of you."

The mention of the other person in the room seemed to alert Astrid, as she next threw Loki a mean scowl over her shoulder and said, "She's awake now. You can leave."

Her snapping tone surprised Sigyn. She had never heard Astrid speak to anyone like that, not even to the beggars on the street back home.

"She should still be watched," said Loki.

"She is watched," rebuffed Astrid, "by me. There's no reason for you to be here."

"Sigyn's magic —"

"Is none of your concern, Trickster!"

"Astrid, that's enough!" reprimanded Sigyn. "Loki is a Prince of Asgard, so please show him the respect he deserves."

Her friend cringed at the commanding tone and bowed her head, but still glared at her former lover from the corner of her eye. Sigyn didn't enjoy raising her voice to Astrid, but neither would she allow her to speak to Loki in such a manner when all he did was offer to help.

"It's alright, Sigyn." Loki forced a smile. "I must inform my mother you are awake anyhow. I will return later, with your permission."

"Please do. And Loki... thank you again."

He bowed and left her chamber. As soon as he was gone, Sigyn already longed for his return. Longed for when they could be alone again. Longed for the forbidden kiss on her lips.

***

Loki kept word and returned that afternoon. But he did not come alone. When Odin and Frigga entered her chamber, Sigyn barely kept it together. Panic took over, causing her body to quiver uncontrollably. This was it. They would send her away, or lock her up, or worse!

"How are you feeling, Sigyn?" inquired the Allfather.

The kindness in his voice and his soft expression took her by surprise. She stammered, "I... W-Well enough, I believe."

"I'm glad to hear it. I am sorry I missed the sparring match between you and my son. I understand from the Warriors Three it was a most exciting fight."

"Allfather, I —"

"And Loki tells me you are quite formidable with a bow. I look forward to seeing you wield it someday. It's being mended as we speak."

Sigyn's eyes flashed to Loki, and he winked at her. She relaxed, assured that if she were in trouble, Odin wouldn't be this amicable.

"I thank you for your kindness, Allfather," she said, "but please tell me; how is Thor? Loki said he was gravely injured in the blast."

"He was," answered Frigga in her husband's stead. "But he's awake as well. Still in some discomfort but healing. No permanent damage."

"Which brings me to the matter at hand," said Odin, taking her hand mirror from her dresser. "This is the object?"

"Yes, Father," said Loki.

Odin handed the mirror to Frigga, who put it in her robes, giving Sigyn a wink when her husband wasn't looking. She said nothing, realising the Queen had chosen to play along with Loki and Astrid's ruse. So for their sakes, and her own too, Sigyn had to do the same.

"I understand this is a family heirloom," said Odin, "so it will be returned once we are assured it is safe. And I would speak with you and Thor when Frigga allows it. This incident should not be repeated, Sigyn."

"Yes, Allfather." She inclined her head.

"We will leave you to rest, then. I wish you a speedy recovery. Mealtimes are suddenly quite dull without you there."

"Astrid, join me for a moment," said Frigga as she took her husband's hand. "I must show you which herbs you may use now Sigyn's awake. Loki can keep her company until you return."

Astrid, who had silently been watching the interaction from a corner of the room, didn't seem too keen on letting Loki stay with Sigyn, but she couldn't disobey an order from the Queen. She reluctantly followed the royal pair out. Loki closed the door behind them and then turned to Sigyn with a mischievous grin.

"Alone at last."

Sigyn raised her brow. "Why do I have the feeling this is what you wanted?"

"Because it is. We need to talk, and I don't care for Astrid being here when we do, because she will only speak against you spending time with a scoundrel like me."

"My, my, how intriguing." Sigyn chuckled at his cheekiness. "What do you wish to talk about?"

"I want to teach you how to wield your magic."

Sigyn snorted, assuming Loki was playing a trick on her. But the Prince's expression was deadly serious, causing Sigyn's smile to waver. He continued, "I understand you may be reluctant to learn because you fear it, but —"

"No, Loki," she interrupted crudely. "I appreciate you want to help me, but I am beyond help."

"Only because you believe you are."

Sigyn sighed. "Loki, you don't understand. My powers aren't good. They aren't for playing tricks. I hurt people. You saw what happened to Thor."

"All the more reason you should learn," urged Loki.

Sigyn shook her head at his determination. Yet, come to think about it... No, she couldn't. It was ludicrous to even consider it. Her mother had always urged to hide her magic. 'Be a good girl, Sigyn. Conceal it. Don't let them know.' Her mother's fear had become her own. But her mother wasn't here now. So... what reason did she have to decline Loki's offer?

"Very well," she said. "But I have some conditions."

"Name them," said Loki.

"No one must know what we are doing. Not even your family."

"Agreed."

"We have to do it away from the city, somewhere remote."

"I'll find a place."

"And... try to be nicer to Astrid. I don't know what happened between you in the past, and I don't want to know. But keep in mind we may need her help at some point, and better to have her as a friend than an enemy."

Loki rolled his eyes, but eventually gave a quick nod in consent. "Anything else?"

"Yes." Sigyn took a deep breath. "If I lose control... if I can't be saved... promise me you will kill me."

"What?" exclaimed Loki, eyes wide in shock. "Sigyn, you cannot ask this of me."

"I am to be Asgard's Queen one day. That means I must protect the people here from everything that might harm them, but I cannot protect them from myself. Astrid would rather die herself than harm me, so that leaves you."

Loki turned away from Sigyn. She cursed silently, knowing she should never have asked him for such a thing. But she needed to be sure he would do what was necessary if she lost control again. He was her only hope. So, Sigyn carefully stepped out of bed and made her way over to Loki. She touched his shoulder and said, "I realise it is unfair to ask this of you, Loki, but... you are the only one I can trust. I need your word that you will not hesitate. If not for me, then for Asgard. Please."

Loki glanced at her. She waited with bated breath.

"I'll do it," he finally whispered. "For you."

Sigyn smiled and stretched herself to reach his cheek. But just then, Loki turned back to face her and instead, Sigyn kissed his lips. She recoiled, but before she could step away, Loki's arms snaked around her waist. His ice-blue eyes locked with hers, placing her under a spell. Sigyn stood paralysed in his embrace. He leaned in, and she allowed those soft lips to brush against hers. A warm feeling coursed through her. Not like her fire magic. This was different... but oh, so wonderful.

***

"Are you certain you are feeling well, Sigyn?"

Astrid's concerned voice startled Sigyn. She'd been so lost in thought, she hadn't even realised she was nearly at Thor's doorstep.

"Perhaps we should go back to your chamber," offered Astrid. "You should still be resting."

"I've been asleep for days, Astrid," said Sigyn. "I've rested enough. And I need to see him."

Especially now, after what I did with his brother. I'm such a fool. What was I thinking, kissing Loki like that?

The lingering taste of his lips on hers felt oddly familiar, too. As if they had kissed before. But they hadn't, of course. Unless... No, Loki wouldn't have. But... she hadn't imagined he would return her kiss either.
The guards at Thor's chambers admitted her and Astrid, upon which they were greeted by Lady Sif. She embraced Astrid as a sister-in-arms, but did not grant the same courtesy to Sigyn. The proud warrior kept her feelings for Thor well hidden, but her jealousy against the woman he was bound to marry was not so easily tucked away.

"How is he?" asked Sigyn, mustering a friendly tone.

"Well enough," answered Sif curtly. "Still healing."

"Could you tell him I am here?"

"He's resting. I believe it's best if you go."

Sigyn narrowed her eyes at Sif's reply and approached. "Thor can decide for himself if he is strong enough to see me or not. And if he is, I will only stay for a few minutes, no more. So, I ask again, Lady Sif, could you tell my betrothed I am here to wish him well?"

"There is no need."

The three women turned to see Thor standing further in the room, leaning on a cane. Sigyn gasped at the sight of him. The skin right of his face and most of his arm was horribly mangled. No longer blackened like Astrid told her, but still bad enough. His torso was firmly bound to allow his ribs to regrow properly, limiting his movements somewhat.

In Odin's name, what have I done to him? Loki may not have a choice. I'd rather die than hurt anyone else like that.

Then another feeling of guilt flooded over Sigyn. Loki... The kiss...

"I thank you for coming to see me," said Thor in a bitter voice. "And for your well-wishes. My father will want to discuss the incident, of course, but I see no reason for us to do so. For the time being, I believe it best if we gave each other some time and space to recuperate."

He waited for Sigyn's reply, but she stood perplexed. What could she possibly say? What could she possibly do that would take it all back? Except...

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I-I never meant —"

"Good day, my Lady. I wish you a good recovery as well."

Thor bowed awkwardly and turned away. Sif threw Sigyn a pitiful look before following Thor back into his private chamber. Silent tears rolled down the maiden's cheeks as Astrid guided her back to her own. She wasn't sad she lost Thor's affection — she was sad she hurt him. And that a certain God of Mischief wasn't near to comfort her.