The effects of Loki's trickery struck Sigyn hard. Everywhere she went, she believed she saw him. Hidden in her room, sitting at the Yggdrasil fountain in the garden, coming around the corner from the hall, standing on the other side of the market... It was infuriating how a mere illusion of him gripped her so. Especially when the real Loki never came near. Yet Sigyn felt his eyes on her, watching her from the shadows. She tried to ignore him and stayed away from the Prince as much as possible. When she was awake, at least.
In her dreams, Sigyn met Loki in faraway places hidden from everyone where only the two of them existed. They were together like she wanted them to be. Like she ached for them to be. Whenever Sigyn then eyed Loki the following day from across the table at breakfast, she wondered if he had dreamt the same dream, and if it was all truly a trick, or if it may be something else. Something deeper.

Her preferred Midgardian story of Tristan and Ysolde often came to mind, and she couldn't help but think she was like the maiden in that tale. Promised to a soon-to-be King but pulled towards another. Was the serpent pendant similar to how the ill-fated couple was bewitched? How could she possibly know that what she felt for Loki came from her own heart and not from his trickery?
Sigyn had considered leaving the necklace off for some time to see if the effects would linger in its absence, but Thor was certain to ask questions then. She could probably tell him she found it too precious to wear constantly, but no doubt the Crown Prince would take some offence if she did this soon after what had happened a week ago.

A blush always crept up Sigyn's cheeks when she recalled Thor had stayed with her until the middle of the night. They hadn't gone so far that she would consider them to be lovers now, but it had definitely gone far enough. Thor had removed his shirt and stripped Sigyn of her dress, leaving her only in her shift. With only that thin fabric between them, it had been hard for both of them not to give in to yearning.
When Sigyn closed her eyes, she felt Thor's touch again. His lips kissing her lips, throat, and bosom, his hands trailing her body, his hot breath on her skin, only adding to the heat she had felt surging within her. But Sigyn never imagined her betrothed in that recollection. Instead, she envisioned his brother. Loki's lips, Loki's hands, Loki's body...

Oh, in Odin's name, stop! You cannot be thinking of him. You are Thor's betrothed. Not Loki's, but... Thor's. Loki...

"There you are."

Sigyn jumped at a male voice behind her. She turned to find an agitated Loki walking briskly towards her.

"I must speak with you," he said, "right now. Privately."

"What do you—Loki, let go of my wrist!"

"Ssh!" Loki whirled around and slapped his hand across Sigyn's mouth to silence her. "I've discovered something. About your magic."

Sigyn's eyes widened, and she nodded, allowing Loki to lead her from Frigga's garden. He took her to a linen room in a nearby corridor and closed the door after making sure no one saw them go in.

"Forgive me for this," he said, "but I did not believe you would want to discuss this out in the open."

"Just tell me what you've learned," she replied impatiently.

"Sigyn, I have searched every record, every book I could find on the magic that is known to us, from all the Nine Realms. I had hoped to discover something else, but... there's only one type of magic wielder that holds a power such as yours."

Loki exhaled and then looked right into Sigyn's eyes. All of a sudden, she felt that whatever the Prince was about to say couldn't possibly be good news. She read his angst over his face. Even if Loki was the Trickster, he couldn't possibly fake fear like that.

"Have you ever heard of a fire mage?" At the slow shake of her head, he continued, "No, I did not believe you would have. They were a very rare and perilous race of sorcerers. With their powers, they could do amazing things but also destroy everything around them. A fire mage's powers are born out of desire. A desire to help, to defend, hurt, and even kill. But the raw energy within them, a fire that burned brighter than a dragon's flame, was their most formidable weapon. Able to lay cities like Asgard to waste in mere seconds, fire mages were often hired by warring realms. Yet these sorcerers could not be controlled, and they held allegiance to no one. They —"

"You said were," murmured Sigyn then.

"I—what?" Loki furrowed his brow at her interruption.

"You... You speak of these fire mages in a past tense. Are there... Do they still exist?"

Loki's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. He straightened himself, never taking his eyes off of her, and said, "No. My grandfather, King Bor, saw the danger they posed and declared the fire mages enemies of the Nine Realms. Odin recorded their history in Bor's tome to warn the next generations should they ever return. Following his father's orders, the mages were hunted down and wiped out of existence, except for one, whose blood is too diluted by Elven heritage to be considered a threat."

Sigyn's mind and body went numb. She grew faint. Loki caught her in his arms when her knees buckled and held her up. Her fingers grasped at his clothes, holding on to him as if her life depended on him. It dawned on her then it actually did.

"I-I can't stay," she stammered. "I... I must leave and... hide somewhere, and —"

"There is nowhere you can go, Sigyn," insisted Loki. "Heimdall sees everything, and any decent bounty hunter can track you down at the slightest surge of your power. You may outrun them with your mirror-scaping power, but not for long. Even in a world without magic, like Midgard, they will —"

"Odin will kill me!"

"He cannot harm you if he doesn't know what you are. But to keep your abilities hidden, you have to learn control, Sigyn."

"I can't!"

"Yes, you can! I will help you."

Loki took Sigyn into an embrace, pressing her head against his shoulder. He stroked her blood-red hair comfortingly. The rhythmic pulse of his heart resonated through to her body, and her own frantic heartbeat somehow steadied to match his.

"Nobody will harm you," Loki whispered. "They will need to go through me if they want to get to you. I will protect you. You have my word."

A kiss on the top of her head sealed Loki's promise. Sigyn looked up, gazing into Loki's ice-blue eyes, surrendering to their pull, and then... their lips met. Both seemed to realise what was happening, and parted, but barely. The kiss lingered on Sigyn's lips, saying only one thing. Again.
There was no hesitation. No restraint. Sigyn brought Loki's body closer to her, tugging at his black and green tunic, and allowed him to fully press his mouth onto hers. His lips parted, his tongue tracing her. She mimicked his action and the tip of her own tongue briefly touched Loki's. Boldened by her response, he dared to deepen their kiss. His hands trailed down her body, gently but firmly, making Sigyn shudder.
The Prince's fingers slowly picked up her scarlet skirts, halting just above her knee. Sigyn gasped at his somewhat icy touch against her burning skin. Loki caressed her thigh, slowly travelling up to... The maiden pushed herself away, staggering back to create distance between them. She turned away, her hand clasped over her mouth.

What am I doing? I cannot do this with him!

"Sigyn," Loki slipped his arms around her to whisper in her ear, "don't turn away from me."

Sigyn whirled around and pushed past Loki to get away. Her hand was on the handle when he suddenly grabbed hold of her shoulder. He spun her back and shoved Sigyn roughly against the door, pinning her hands above her head with one hand to her wrists as the other held her in place by the hip. His body caged her, his eyes betraying his ravenous hunger for her. The cry surging from her throat was smothered when his mouth crashed against hers.
Sigyn wanted to fight him, to make him stop, to make him let go. But the urgency and passion in Loki's kiss made her do the exact opposite. As his tongue prodded at her lips again, Sigyn parted them, allowing Loki to slip between them. They greedily met each other, and Sigyn finally embraced the aching desire she had felt for him these past weeks.

Loki released her hands. She lowered them around his neck, entangling her fingers in his soft raven hair. He gathered up her skirts again, and this time, Sigyn didn't stop him. With two firm hands, Loki lifted her by her thighs, and Sigyn wrapped her legs around his waist, pressing their bodies even closer together. She moaned in their kiss as Loki moved his hips in a grinding motion to hers, the bulge in his pants striking at her core.
Their mouths parted when the need for air became too much, and Sigyn and Loki leaned their foreheads against each other, both panting heavily. Their eyes spoke as their mouths failed to utter the words aloud. Sigyn's desire grew as she became more aware of his. She was about to kiss him again when the sudden sound of voices outside the linen room halted her.

"Are you certain this is where you saw her last, Astrid?"

Her breath caught, and her heart dropped when she recognised Thor's deep voice.

"Yes, Your Highness," replied the clear voice belonging to her best friend. "She was walking in the Queen's gardens. Has anything happened?"

"No, I just... Never mind. Thank you."

Their footsteps faded, seemingly in opposite directions. Only when all was silent again did Sigyn finally dare to breathe again. She saw Loki draw a deep breath as well and raised a brow when he murmured something inaudible. He seemed to realise then he was still holding on to her and let go, setting Sigyn gently on the floor. He tore himself away from her body, his eyes searching her own. There was so much confusion in them, as if Loki was trying to grasp what had just happened between them. Yet despite his apprehension, he was the first to speak.

"Sigyn, I —"

"Don't," she whispered. "Please don't."

He pressed his lips together and averted. Sigyn noticed the way his fists balled at his side. She'd give anything to know what was going on his mind right now. Was he upset? Hurt? Did he feel as guilty as she did? Norns, what had she been thinking?

"This never happened, Loki. I believe it's best if we for—"

"Do not ask me to forget!"

Sigyn cringed at his sudden outburst, but stood fast in her decision. "We must."

"No." Loki cupped her face. "No, you cannot deny this happened because we both wanted it."

"I don't know what I want," she whispered.

"Yes, you do." He tried to make her look at him, but her fingers closed around his wrists, restricting his movements. "It's out of our hands, Sigyn. We can't stop what we have begun. Don't lie to yourself. Don't lie to me."

Sigyn bit her lip and finally faced Loki's intense gaze. She cursed herself for being so weak and giving in to her yearning. He was right. The undeniable truth stared her in the face as every fibre of her being screamed to let him take her. Her heart begged her to give in to him and say what she dared not say. But the thought of nearly having been discovered by Astrid and Thor made Sigyn more afraid than anything. If anyone learned of what they had done...

"You're right. We mustn't lie to each other. But you must accept my truth; I came to be with Thor. I am his, Loki. And I will not break my promise to him, nor your family, for something that... isn't even real." She sighed and touched the serpent pendant. "You've played your game well, Trickster. But know when to stop. For both our sakes."

"Sigyn, no, I —"

Ignoring his protests, Sigyn opened the door and ran out. She felt Loki's eyes on her still, his touch, his kisses. She raced back to her chamber, where she could lock everything and everyone out. Everyone... except he who sees all.

***

"Heimdall, are you certain of what you saw?"

"It was not my eyes that deceived me, Thor. I lost track of them because something interfered with my sight. Whether it occurred because of Loki's magic, or Sigyn's, or something else, I dare not say. Sigyn was in the garden when Loki approached her and pulled her into that corridor. Everything went dark then, which is why I sent you that message. It took several minutes before I saw them again. First Sigyn, then Loki."

"Have you any hint why my brother would want to speak with Sigyn alone?"

"Loki has been studying rare forms of magic these past days and seemed agitated now, so I suppose he may have discovered or at least suspects what she is."

Thor hung his head. The threat of a new fire mage rising should scare them all, even Loki. But he still felt something else was amiss with Sigyn. Another secret she kept from him besides her magic. Something involving his brother.

"You worry about her."

The Crown Prince met his friend's observant look. He sighed and raked a hand through his hair.

"I do," he admitted. "We have grown closer to each other."

"Do you intend to speak to the Allfather of her magic?" inquired Heimdall.

Thor was hesitant to reply. He ought to inform Odin, but so far, the incident at the training grounds — now nearly three months ago — was an isolated case. He had no further proof Sigyn meant to hurt him or any other. Neither had he seen her use any other form of magic. There had been a couple of times Thor could have sworn she disappeared into thin air, but even if she possessed some form of teleportation, there lay no true harm in that power. How could he put Sigyn's life at risk, knowing Odin would not hesitate to kill her if there was even the slightest chance of her being what they feared most, when there was absolutely nothing that indicated she was anything like the fire mages of the past?

"Not yet," said Thor. "Will you keep watch when I am not with her?"

"If you so wish it." Heimdall inclined his head.

"Thank you, my friend. I must go now. My father requested I meet with him."

***

Loki paced the corridor leading to Sigyn's room. He had taken Bor's tome from the library, replacing it with a book of equal size, weight, and colour, and cast an illusion charm on it to ensure no one would find it missing — not that anyone ever came near the tomes, but better safe than sorry. He wasn't sure showing Sigyn the book was a good idea, but he had to convince her she needed him.

'You cannot deny this happened because we both wanted it.'

Loki shook his head to get his own words out of his mind. What had possessed him to say that? Since when did his brother's wife-to-be affect him so? The plan had been simple — stir feelings within Sigyn to rally her to his side and use her for his game. But it seemed Loki had failed to consider she could also stir feelings within him.
Every time she was near, the young Prince felt something he had never felt before, not even with those he had given everything to. It was so strange, yet Loki was desperate to hold on to it, to her, more and more every day. Instead of seeing Sigyn as a means to an end, the Trickster began to see her as...

Nothing, he insisted to himself. She means nothing to you. Get a hold of yourself, in Odin's name! She is just a woman. I only need her to control her magic, so she survives long enough for me to use her to shame Thor. What do I care if Odin wants to kill her afterwards? It may just be the right thing to do if she truly is a fire mage. Good riddance!

Eager to have this over with, Loki stalked to Sigyn's room. He raised his fist to knock when the door suddenly opened, and he stared right into a pair of vibrant emerald eyes. Sigyn herself stood frozen on the threshold, one hand on the handle.

"Loki? Wh-What are you doing here?"

"I, um... wanted to..." Loki searched for an excuse to justify his presence, having completely forgotten about Bor's tome.

"Sigyn? Is something the matter?" Astrid appeared behind Sigyn. The servant's expression darkened when her eyes fell on Loki, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "What do you want?"

The way she addressed him, glaring at him with a foul look as if he were something stuck to her shoe, reminded Loki of how much he detested this woman. Ever since Sigyn lost control of her magic, Astrid had become more protective of her. That would be all right, were it not that she tried everything within her power to keep Sigyn away from him, and vice versa. How had he ever considered Astrid to be worth his time, going as far as to lie with her?

"I don't have to explain myself to you, Astrid." Loki scowled back at her. "And I'm still 'Your Highness' to you. Or have you foresworn propriety as well as your taste in men? You must truly be desperate if you allow the likes of Fandrall to court you."

"Not as desperate as I was with you."

"All right, that's enough." Sigyn raised her hand to keep the pair from jumping at each other's throats. "Astrid, Loki is right; you should address him properly. But your reaction, Loki, was uncalled for and frankly just petty for a Prince of Asgard. So you'll both apologise right now."

Loki scoffed, but Sigyn's intense glare eventually made him give in. He rolled his eyes and muttered an apology at the same moment Astrid did. It was a small personal victory he at least kept himself straight and dared to look at both women while Astrid hung her head in shame. She scuffled back at Sigyn's behest, but made sure not to go too far.

"Loki, I thought I made myself clear," Sigyn spoke in a hushed tone, directing her attention back to him.

"I just came to give you this," said Loki hastily. "It's that book we talked about earlier. This morning, remember?"

Sigyn's cheeks flushed scarlet. Of course she remembered. If he still recalled every single touch and kiss, it seemed impossible to think she didn't. Loki felt his yearning for her rise again and quickly pushed Bor's tome into Sigyn's hands. He had to get away.
Leaving the maiden stunned at her door, Loki hurried through the corridors to his rooms. The Warriors Three called out as he passed them on their way to the training grounds, but Loki ignored them. He didn't want to be around them, or anyone else, for that matter. He needed to be alone.

***

Sigyn waited patiently outside Odin's throne room for Thor to come out, after inquiring with the guards where she could find her betrothed. Her mind wandered to what had happened that morning, making her feel like she had already betrayed Thor, even though there was really no cause for it. She was not yet bound to him, and the marriage arrangement could yet be broken for many reasons. There was no need to feel guilty over her heart's desire.

No, this is not your heart talking, Sigyn scolded herself. It's Loki's tricks and nothing more. You don't want Loki. This is just his spell talking to you. You do not... want... Loki...

Sigyn found herself back in the linen room. Hot kisses on her lips, ice-cold fingers on her burning skin... And the way Loki had betrayed his own desire for her. It had been almost the same as that night with Thor. Only Loki had been more. So much more.

"Sigyn?"

She startled at Thor's voice, so deep in thought she hadn't even heard the door to the throne room open. His warm smile grew as he crossed the distance left between them in a few strides.

"What are you doing here?" he asked. "I did not expect to meet —"

Sigyn cut his words off by wrapping her arms around his neck, bringing him down so she could reach his lips. Thor stood dazed at this sudden display of affection but quickly gathered himself. His muscular arms went around Sigyn's body, and he promptly returned her kiss.
When the couple parted, Sigyn saw the Allfather and Queen looking at them from inside the throne room. Odin appeared quite pleased, but Frigga's sullen expression took Sigyn by surprise. She saw something she had often seen reflected on her parents' faces, especially her father; melancholy. And disappointment.
It was easy for Sigyn to understand why her family felt that way, her being 'born wrong' and all, but why would Frigga look at her in such a manner? Had she done anything to offend the Queen? Or... did she know about...?

"It is good you are here," said Thor, interrupting Sigyn's thoughts again. "I must speak with you."

He hooked her arm to his own. With a last glance at the Queen, Sigyn let Thor lead her away from the throne room and tried desperately to pay attention as he spoke. "I have just been informed Mjölnir has been reforged."

"Thor, that's wonderful." She pinched his biceps.

"Indeed. I will be glad to have it with me again. Mjölnir has since long been a part of me. I felt as if a piece of me has been missing this entire time. Your cuff eased its absence considerably, but still... I will retrieve it in Nidavellir before I go to Alfheim."

"Alfheim? Has something occurred?"

"It's a more diplomatic mission to ensure all is well and the Elves remain loyal to Odin. It will be a dreadfully boring visit, one my mother usually undertakes, but my father has... requested I go instead."

Sigyn liked to think she knew Thor well enough by now that a diplomatic mission was not what he considered a heroic quest. Yet, it was one of the Crown Prince of Asgard's duties to visit the other realms, ensure their loyalty, and dispose of any disturbances that may grow into serious threats. Still, there was something odd about Thor's reluctance to go.

"All right, what did you do?" Sigyn arched her brow as she regarded her betrothed.

"What makes you think I did anything?" replied Thor, evading her question.

"A 'request' from Odin means an order, meaning you have something to answer for."

"I," Thor coughed and cast his eyes down, "may have tried to, um... cut a lock of the Queen's hair from while she slept last time I was there."

"You did what?"

"It was a dare!"

"Unbelievable. I thought Loki was supposed to be the mischievous one, but now I see it clearly runs in the family."

The words were barely spoken when Sigyn saw the raven-haired Prince from the corner of her eye. Her breath caught at the enticing vision.

He's not there. It's all in your mind. He is not there!

"For once, my brother had nothing to do with it," Thor said, unperturbed. "It was Fandrall who offered the dare. Regardless, Odin expects me to go and formally apologise to Queen Aelsa for the grievance, even though I already received punishment for it when she burned my beard off."

Sigyn stopped in her tracks. Thor, feeling her pull at him, halted as well and gave her an inquiring look.

"Perhaps I should go as well," she said.

The Crown Prince tilted his head at this. "You would join me?"

"If only to ensure no one dares you to steal a lock of the Queen's hair again." Sigyn winked at him. "And besides, if I am to be your wife and Queen of Asgard, then I should learn all I can of the other realms through diplomatic visits such as this one. It will be the perfect opportunity to establish a relationship with Queen Aelsa, which can only serve both Alfheim and Asgard in the future."

Thor stared at her a moment, but then smiled and nodded his consent. Sigyn believed she saw what people would call respect in his expression. Since she had only been scorned and belittled at home, she had no idea if that was really she perceived, but if it was... it felt damn good to have earned it.

***

"Why did you allow it?"

Odin didn't bother to look up from his documents when Loki stormed into his father's study, but merely waved his hand in dismissal of the servants present. They scuttled away, happy to leave before they had to witness a discussion between the Allfather and his youngest son. The arguments were heated and short with Thor, with Odin usually coming out the victor. With Loki, things could get unpredictable.

"Why did you allow Sigyn to join Thor in Alfheim?" The Prince halted at the table his father was seated at. "Have you gone completely mad?"

Odin slowly raised his eyes to him. The strict expression across his father's face made Loki step back, remembering who he was talking to. But even the Allfather's harsh stare couldn't sway him from his task. He had to convince Odin he couldn't let Sigyn leave Asgard. The further she was, the more his hold over her would weaken. But if Loki was going to convince his father not to let Sigyn go, he would have to state his case in some other way.

"I meant no disrespect," he said with a bow of his head. "I merely fear the repercussions that may come out of this visit. Sigyn has spent her entire life locked away by her family, with only Astrid as a companion. She is barely getting accustomed to Asgard. Alfheim can be dangerous for those who know nothing of it."

"Sigyn requested to go herself. She wishes to learn more about the other realms, which I can only applaud her for. Frigga will prepare her, if that is truly your concern. This visit will also provide Sigyn and Thor to grow closer to each other... without interference."

Odin's expression hardened at those last words. Loki narrowed his eyes. His father knew much of what happened within Asgard, thanks to his ravens and one extremely annoying Bifrost Guardian. Yet, Loki had made it his personal mission to find ways to conceal himself from everyone and everything. His illusions had guarded him every time he was alone with Sigyn. All Heimdall or those blasted birds could have reported to Odin was what Loki chose to show. The only thing the Allfather could hold against him was suspicion.

"I wish the same for them," lied Loki. "But they can do so without compromising our treaty with Queen Aelsa. And their own engagement as well, for that matter. Aelsa is still cross with Thor for the offence he gave her. My brother may persuade her to forgive and forget, but... not through diplomacy."

Loki noticed his father's stern expression wavered, giving pause to his son's words. The Trickster pushed on. "Thor has no interest in ruling. Not yet, anyway. He will do what he believes to be right, but that is not always in Asgard's favour. He has proven that before. It is bad enough you wish to send Thor when I know you are fully aware of what may occur, but having Sigyn there, witnessing the intentions either Thor or the Queen may have, could result in another argument or worse. Surely you won't risk Alfheim's loyalty and my brother's marriage?"

The brief hesitation that came across Odin's face told Loki he had successfully planted the seed of doubt.

"You speak wisely," said Odin. "Yet I believe you underestimate your brother."

Loki furrowed his brow. He had not expected this reaction. Odin rose from his seat and walked round the table to place a hand on Loki's shoulder.

"Since Sigyn became a part of his life, your brother has begun to care for more than glorious battles to be fought in his and my honour. He has become interested in our people, seeing what he has never bothered to see before because Sigyn has opened his eyes. Remember, Loki, the strength of a kingdom is not based on the strength of its king, but the strength of its people. Thor must earn their love and loyalty first before calling himself King of Asgard. And Sigyn will help him accomplish this. Their recent actions and candour assure all Asgardians that they will protect everyone, down to the last disabled man and small child. If other realms see this as well, Thor's reign is assured."

There was nothing more to say against it. The Allfather had spoken, and Loki had no choice but to accept his ruling. That is, it had to appear as if he did. On his way back to his chamber, Loki thought about what his father had said. It would be a challenge, but if his plan worked, not only would Odin see Thor as a failure, but Sigyn would, too. She would come to see he was the only Prince for her.

You'll be mine, Sigyn. One way or another, I will have you.