"Queen Aelsa, forgive the intrusion. Prince Loki of Asgard requests an audience."

The silver-haired Elf Queen of Alfheim, high and mighty on her throne and surrounded by dozens of subjects, looked up in Loki's direction as he was presented to the court. Many followed her gaze, brows arched or furrowed at his sudden appearance.

"Does he now?" She scowled. "A visit from the Trickster rarely bodes well. However, I am curious why he is here. Bring him before me."

Loki's footsteps were accompanied by whispers left and right. They ceased as he halted at the throne and knelt. "Your Majesty, I must apologise for coming here unannounced. Yet considering past events and to keep the peace between our realms, I felt it my obligation. I regret to inform you it is not Queen Frigga who will attend the Feast of Ljosalfheim, but the Crown Prince, Thor Odinson."

The murmurs of the court resumed, louder this time. The corner of the Elf Queen's mouth twitched at the mention of Thor's name. She rose from her throne with a certain predatorial air about her and waved her hand at a servant. The man hastened away. Her subjects parted ways as she descended to where Loki still knelt.

"Follow me," she spoke, her voice icy but stately.

The Prince of Asgard did as he was told, following Aelsa towards what he assumed was a private audience room, away from the court's prying eyes. Her sheer red dress flowed about her like rose petals dancing in the wind as they fell. Despite being royalty, the Queen wore no jewels. There was no crown atop her head, and no necklace, bracelets, or rings adorned her body. She needed no such trifles; she was already the most radiant gem in her realm.
Loki left the door open at her behest and waited for her to address him again, hands behind his back. But Aelsa just stood hunched over the table in the centre of the room. Her nails scratched into the wood. Even from a distance, Loki perceived she was absolutely livid.

"My Queen," the servant appeared on the threshold, seemingly scared to enter, "we have word from the Gatekeeper. Thor Odinson shall indeed arrive in three days' time."

In a fit of fury, Queen Aelsa swept everything off the table. The servant yelped and ran, leaving Loki alone with the raging silver-haired Elf Queen.

"HOW DARE HE! Am I to be shamed once more by this pup in my own realm? Has the Allfather lost all sense to send HIM back here? And you!" She rounded on Loki. "Do not think I forgot your role in what that idiot did to me, Trickster! You disguised yourself as his comrade and put the challenge to him! I should have your head for your part in it!"

Aelsa closed the distance between them in a few strides. Her hand reached for Loki's throat but went right through him, grasping nothing but air. She fell back with a stunned expression, to which Loki grinned. "You did not think I would actually come here, did you?"

Her consternation lasted only a moment. As quickly as the raging fury had appeared, the stately Queen once again stood before Loki. The ever-changing temperament of the Light Elves never ceased to amaze him. But then again, it was exactly the reason he conjured his illusion into Alfheim while his actual body was at the Urdarbrunn. The magic there would give him the strength to keep the illusion about long enough. And this way, he was certain to survive Aelsa's ire.

"Frigga has taught you well," she spoke approvingly. "I expected nothing else from you, Loki Odinson."

He nodded, understanding he'd passed her test. "You knew."

"I know all within my realm," replied the Queen with pride. "I sensed your magic the moment you appeared here and applaud you for your audacity. Yet despite my appreciation of your prowess, it does not excuse what has happened in the past, nor does it excuse the insult Odin gives me. Does the Allfather honestly believe I will allow it? What does he hope to accomplish by sending his golden son to me?"

Loki sighed and grimaced. "My brother tends to act rashly, listening to ill advice and jeers from other warriors. Even the Asgardian women know how to get what they want out of him with little trouble. I hate to admit it, but Thor is not as... well, let's just say, he's not me. I suppose the Allfather expects this visit to bring him more wisdom and humility."

"And what is it you hope to gain in warning me?"

"Merely that you would be so kind as to offer Thor a chance to make amends. His betrothed, Lady Sigyn, will join him here. Suffice to say, Odin is not the only one Thor needs to impress."

Aelsa's eyes glistened at the mention of Sigyn's name. "Ah yes, I heard of her from my ambassador in Asgard. He tells me she is a great beauty who is not afraid to speak her mind. I look forward to our meeting."

I'm sure you are, thought Loki.

If there was one thing he could always depend on, it was the vanity of the Fae. Each of Queen Aelsa's people had a certain unique trait, either physically or in skill. They adored beauty, but grew insanely jealous if anything or anyone surpassed their own. Loki was certain the Queen would find ample cause to become jealous of Sigyn. And not just for her beauty.

"It is a shame you won't be attending," spoke the Queen, her tone suddenly sweet and flirtatious.

"I am only the second son." Loki eyed her carefully. "I have more liberties from court life than my brother does. State visits do not fall to me."

A beguiling smile appeared in the corner of Aelsa's mouth as she stepped closer to Loki. She halted before him and lowered her eyes like a shy maiden. A lock of wavy hair fell forward.

"Then perhaps you would prefer to visit me privately instead?"

Loki's breath caught as she slipped her red dress off her shoulders, lowering the garment to just under her voluptuous bosom. Her delicate skin was almost as white as snow, her nipples rosy and plump. Aelsa's hooded eyes rested upon him, waiting for Loki to say yes. And why shouldn't he say yes? There was nothing she could hold against him if they slept together. Anyone would happily and readily take the Elf Queen to their bed.
Still... Loki averted.

"You refuse me?" Aelsa chuckled in amused astonishment. "How curious... Well then, considering you go to such lengths you even... decline to share my bed, just to advocate for your brother, I shall ensure this visit goes well for the Crown Prince. And his betrothed."

Loki's doppelgänger bowed and vanished, not bothering to pretend anymore. The real Loki lay in the grass of the little field in the Urdarbrunn, haunted by the image of Aelsa offering herself to him. Perhaps he'd been wrong to rebuff her advances. He couldn't afford to offer insult, and travelling in person to Alfheim to bed the Queen was a certain way of ensuring she did as he wanted. But sharing an hour or two of undoubtedly fiery passion with Aelsa meant nothing to him. Not when there was another he desired more.

***

Sigyn nervously awaited Thor's return from Nidavellir, so they could travel to Alfheim together. She would've gone with him, had Thor not warned her of the Dwarves' notorious appreciation of women (no matter their race). He'd jokingly continued they all suspected Fandrall to have been raised by Dwarves, to which Astrid had responded she would rather be with a Dwarf than with the youngest member of the Warriors Three, to the great amusement of all who heard.
Though he was no doubt the greatest womaniser of all the Nine Realms, Sigyn found Fandrall to be gentle as well. He was probably her favourite of Thor's companions. If only Astrid would see that, too. The sometimes questionable choices she made irked Sigyn. Speaking of which...
Her eyes wandered to the flowers by her bed. How could a man who was so detestable and mischievous be so considerate and caring at the same time? Despite what her mind tried to convince her of, her heart told her to believe in Loki. He had, after all, nursed her all those months ago. And he genuinely tried to help her with her magic. And... he...

No, don't think about that again, Sigyn scolded herself, for the tenth time that day. It was a mistake, never to be repeated. You are going away with Thor, and you'll be with him, and Loki can just... he can... Oh, for goodness' sake!

Sigyn caught herself touching Loki's pendant again and gave an exasperated grunt, dropping the jewel back against her bosom. She hated everything about the damn thing. She hated the way it felt, the light weight of it inexplicably unbearable, how the serpent's ice-cold scales left an imprint on her skin, and how its magic rooted itself into her own. And she absolutely hated the person who created it!
The tricks, the illusions in her mind, the way Loki manipulated people, and the way he got away with it because Sigyn couldn't do a damn thing about it... But the thing she hated him for most of all was for giving her that infernal book!

Sigyn hadn't deemed it wise to keep it in her room, where Astrid or another servant could find it, so she hid it in the one place that was only hers. If she thought about all the times her mirror world had offered her a way out...
At night, Sigyn sat in the silence of that world, reading Bor Burson's tome. With every page she turned, her anxiety grew. These fire mages... They weren't just sorcerers; they were monsters. Every one of them. Even those who had started with the best intentions, using their abilities to aid the people in their realm. It always ended in loss, chaos, suffering... and death. If this was the future Sigyn faced, she hoped Loki would at least be honourable enough to keep his promise and kill her before she became a monster as well.

'I'll do it... For you.'

His words echoed through her. The tip of her fingers caressed the jewel again. She exhaled. Who was she trying to fool? She liked the way it felt against her and how the chill within cooled her down. She drew comfort from its magic every waking hour. And... it was his. How could she possibly hate anything Loki gave her? How could she hate him when her entire being ached for his embrace? His kiss... His touch... His...

"Sigyn, the Gatekeeper—oh, are you all right?"

"Yes, nothing to worry about." Sigyn averted to prevent Astrid from seeing her flushed cheeks. "Just nervous to go, I suppose. You were saying?"

"Heimdall sent word; Thor has nearly finished his business in Nidavellir. We best be going."

Sigyn nodded and went to gather her travel cloak from the bed. She gazed upon Loki's roses one more time. She didn't know why, but something urged her to take one, and she hid the bloom in her cloak's pocket before hurrying after Astrid.
With each step, Sigyn willed herself to stop thinking about Loki and focus on the visit to Alfheim. So much depended on this, and she couldn't afford any missteps. When she noticed Frigga waiting at the Bifrost road with Fandrall, Hogun, and Sif, Sigyn sighed in relief. She often wondered if the look Frigga had given her the previous week had been her imagination, and her presence now seemed to affirm that notion.

"My dear," Frigga spoke warmly, "I wish you all the best on your journey."

Sigyn curtsied. "Thank you, my Queen. I will not let you down."

"It's not you I worry about."

"Thor knows how important this is. I will help him in whatever way I can."

"I'm certain you shall."

Frigga took Sigyn in a motherly embrace. She gasped inaudibly. How many times had she wished for her own mother to display such affection? Or to speak to her with even the smallest hint of fondness? But not even her departure for Asgard had moved Lady Sunna to do so.
With a last word of farewell, Frigga let go of Sigyn. Fandrall helped her mount her sandy-coloured palfrey and then turned to Astrid. At Sigyn's insisting gaze, Astrid rolled her eyes and allowed a broad-grinning Fandrall to help her as well. It was a shame he wasn't the one joining their party for Alfheim.
Sigyn eyed Sif as the proud shield-maiden mounted her own black steed. It was abundantly clear she was jealous of Sigyn through no fault of her own. She'd attempted to befriend Sif, yet it was a wasted effort. Sif was determined to hate Sigyn simply for being betrothed to Thor. And he was either ignorant of his friend's true affections for him or he simply ignored them, precisely for friendship's sake.

When all were atop their mounts, the five riders galloped over the Bifrost to Himinbjörg, where the Gatekeeper guarded the portal to the Rainbow Bridge. Heimdall stood waiting for the party to arrive, his sword solemn in his hands.
Sigyn eyed him curiously as she dismounted. Apart from a brief first encounter upon her arrival, she knew very little of the man. He was tall, perhaps as tall as Thor and Volstagg, dark of skin, and clad in golden armour and a horned helmet. As she approached, Sigyn noticed his intense golden eyes as his all-seeing gaze settled upon her. A sudden feeling of unease crept inside her.

"Lady Sigyn, welcome," greeted Heimdall. "Thor stands ready to return. I will send you and your companions to Alfheim at your command. Your possessions have already been sent ahead."

"Thank you," Sigyn spoke softly, hoping no one would hear the slight panic in her voice.

Heimdall inclined his head and turned away as Thor's voice suddenly boomed through the space. The lights in Himinbjörg flashed as the Gatekeeper opened the Bifrost. The colours on the bridge burned vividly, like a thousand stars meeting the brightest sunrise. A bright flash forced Sigyn to shield her eyes, only looking back up when hearing Thor and Volstagg's laughter.

"Sigyn!"

Her betrothed rushed toward her and picked her up with one arm around her waist, drawing a surprised cry from Sigyn. His lips pressed firmly against her, and her cheeks heated. She nearly drowned in his ardour, sensing the waves of his joy crashing against her.

"I take it all went well?" she asked as he set her to her feet, flushed from the power behind Thor's kiss.

"More than well." Thor showed her the hammer shining in his hand. "Mjölnir is restored to me, and better than it ever was. Eitri reforged it with his own two hands. If we did not have business in Alfheim, I would call revels to celebrate this joyous occasion!"

"Oh, surely the Elf Queen can wait?" lamented Volstagg with a pout.

"No, she most certainly cannot," interjected Sigyn. "It does not do to keep a Queen waiting. Especially not this Queen."

Her stern expression prompted Thor to nod his head in agreement, leaving the Warriors Three to chuckle amongst themselves. Both Astrid and Sif just rolled their eyes at the troop and readied themselves to cross to Alfheim. Thor took Sigyn's hand and guided her to the portal's eye. She raised a brow when she noticed he made no intention of leaving his precious hammer behind.

"I know you've only just reunited, but don't you think you should leave Mjölnir here? I just don't want anything to happen to it," she added at his furrowed brow.

"Nothing will," said Thor reassuringly. "Eitri has put extra protection on it of some sort."

"They stand prepared for your arrival," said Heimdall before Sigyn could insist any further. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, we—wait, where is my brother?"

Sigyn wondered the same thing. She had at least expected Loki to say farewell and bid them good luck. But perhaps it was best the Trickster was not around. Who knew what he might say?

"In the palace, with the Queen," replied Heimdall. "They are working on a spell, I believe."

"Hm, best to leave them to it." Thor turned to his friends. "I was going to ask him to keep an eye on the three of you, but I suppose a few days away from me won't do much harm."

"Loki, watch us?" Volstagg burst into laughter. "HA! Now there's a joke!"

"As if we need a nursemaid," snickered Fandrall. "It is a good thing you have the ladies travelling with you, my friend. You might be crazy enough to cut the Elf Queen's hair again."

"I will not fall for one of your dares again, Fandrall," grinned Thor. "You still owe me for getting my beard singed off."

Before they could get lost in any more banter, Heimdall opened the Bifrost. Just as the lights surrounded them, Sigyn perceived Fandrall's confused voice asking, "What is he talking about?"

***

Alfheim had always been one of Thor's favourite realms to travel to. Though not as impressive and grand as Asgard, the Elf world held many wonders, its Queen being one of them. Aelsa had been the ruler of the Light Elves for nearly three millennia now. The people chose her because of her beauty and stately standing amongst them.
But Aelsa did not have it easy. Having been forced to marry the King of the Dark Elves, Malekith, had nearly been enough to snuff out her light. Fortunately, she had been strong enough to fight him when it mattered. Thanks to her, Thor's grandfather Bor won the battle, defeating Malekith and his army from Svartalfheim. Aelsa and Bor struck what would become a long and prosperous treaty for both their realms. The Light Elves were, besides the skilful warriors of Vanaheim, Asgard's most valuable allies. This was why it was so important this visit went well.

Thor acknowledged he made... an error in judgement in accepting Fandrall's challenge ten years ago, and he was nervous about facing Queen Aelsa again after all that time. Elves were proud beings, and their Queen had shown all the Nine Realms what she could do if anyone dared cross her.
He felt better knowing Sigyn would be by his side. The Crown Prince still wondered why his betrothed had offered to come with him. She said it was to learn all she could of Alfheim in preparation for her becoming the Crown Princess and future Queen of Asgard, yet Thor felt like there was something else. He would have to keep an eye on Sigyn, just in case.

At least Loki isn't here. His mischief is the last thing we need now.

"Queen Aelsa, Lady of Alfheim, and Mistress of the Light Elves and Fae, may I present; Thor Odinson, Crown Prince of Asgard, and his betrothed, Lady Sigyn."

The murmurs about him grew as he stepped up to Queen's throne, Sigyn by his side. As he walked, Thor noticed many eyes on his betrothed and groaned under his breath. He forgot about what Sigyn's beauty might inspire in the Fae, and desperately hoped she read enough of Alfheim and its people to know how to respond. Her sharp tongue could prove a problem.

"Thor Odinson," Queen Aelsa addressed him as she rose from her throne. "Welcome to the fairest realm of all. I hope your journey was pleasant?"

Her shimmering silver hair was bound in a long braid draped across her shoulder like a shawl. She wore a crimson and amber tunic above fitted pants of the same colours. Her feet, though bare, were adorned with tiny yellow diamonds forming a leaf pattern. The same jewels graced her neckline, forgoing the need to wear a necklace. Her dark sapphire eyes regarded the Asgardian couple kindly yet calculating. Thor worried about whatever Aelsa had in mind for him. He would need to act quickly if they were to keep the past in the past.

"It was, most gracious Queen," he said as he bowed. "We thank you for your kind welcome."

"Of course. Your belongings have already been brought to your chambers. You'll no doubt want to freshen up before we begin the festivities. Perhaps a trim of your beard?"

Thor winced at the remark. Aelsa gave him an intense stare, daring him to react in front of the entire court. Both Odin and Frigga had urged Thor to speak calmly and wisely and not be coaxed by her, whereas Loki — who had, surprisingly enough, also offered advice — had come up with something for Thor to say in case the Elf Queen did the very thing he feared.

"A kind offer, Queen Aelsa. But it would be a failed attempt, for all the good intentions and efforts we may have to look our best, we would never compare to the excellence and beauty you yourself, and your people, so magnificently show every day, even when asleep. To obtain just a sliver of your perfection would be a true richness in life, for which any man would brave a thousand fires."

The court awaited their Queen's response with bated breaths. The words complimented her (and them) and offered an apology, albeit indirectly, but Aelsa remained still. Thor grew anxious under her gaze and cursed Loki for putting him up to say those stupid things. He would deal with his brother as soon as he returned to Asgard. If he returned.
All of a sudden, Sigyn stepped forward. She held a single red rose with veins of gold in her hand. They almost looked like embers. The gathered Fae stared at the bloom and the person presenting it to their Queen. Aelsa reached for the rose, eyes wide and curious, and turned the flower round to admire it.

"The insult given to you was unforgivable, Queen Aelsa," said Sigyn. "Had I been in your place, I would have killed the man. The fact you rose above such thoughts shows you are not only a Queen of the ages but also a woman like none other. I have nothing to offer such a gracious Lady than a humble bloom and my own beauty, which I gladly relinquish to you."

Aelsa's eyes flashed from the rose to the maid, and she gasped when a blade cut through a lock of red hair. Sigyn bound it around the stem of the rose, still in the Queen's hand, and stepped down to stand by Thor's side again.
He stood in awe, as did the rest of the court. To have done this when she had nothing to do with what had happened, in front of all of Alfheim... Thor should've felt proud of Sigyn then. He should've been impressed she had solved this grievance with a single rose and a few well-chosen words. Yet all the Crown Prince felt was resentment.

***

"I still can't believe you did that. What in Odin's name possessed you to do that? I mean, it worked brilliantly, but how did you know it would?"

"I didn't really," said Sigyn as she and Astrid walked towards the banquet hall. "I just saw the Queen's expression when she confronted Thor with what he had done, and I acted on instinct, I suppose."

"And where did you get that rose? I've never seen a flower like that before."

"Frigga gave it to me before we left," Sigyn lied quickly, tucking a few strands of loose hair behind her ear. "She suspected it would placate Queen Aelsa in case there was a mention of the incident."

Astrid nodded. Sigyn was glad she convinced her friend when, really, she did not know how the rose turned from white and blue to red and gold. It had been in her cloak the entire time. Did Loki's magic run out as they passed the Bifrost? Was it the magic in Alfheim that transformed the rose? Or... could it be that carrying the rose on her person...?
No, that was impossible. Her magic was destructive. It held no creative properties whatsoever, and it certainly couldn't transform the appearance of objects into something else. There was one whose magic could have done this, but he wasn't even here! Was he?
Sigyn touched the pendant around her neck. Since she had arrived in Alfheim, she hadn't seen Loki once, much to her relief. The few days away from Asgard might weaken the hold he had on her and could help her break free. Though maybe not so much that the illusion on the pendant broke, and Astrid saw what it really was. Or Thor, for that matter.

They finally came upon the banquet hall, an open arena lavishly decorated with bright-coloured banners and hundreds of flowers. The plants closest to the water features attracted thousands of fireflies, making it look like the stars had descended from the Heavens. But the stars were shining right above them, safely guarded by the moon.
The Fae greeted Sigyn kindly as she walked through the room, complimenting her on the gold dress she wore. Some played instruments such as flutes and harps, whilst others played games. The wine flowed bountifully, and the food smelled amazing. There was laughter and merriment all around. Feasts in Alfheim certainly were more distinguished than those held in Asgard. They were loud and always included a brawl or two.
Overwhelmed by the splendour, Sigyn didn't notice Thor and Sif until Astrid nudged her and pointed at their figures near the gardens. Sigyn frowned when she noticed Thor seemed agitated over something. She immediately walked up to the pair.

"Thor, what's wrong?" she asked, concerned. "Has something —?"

"Why did you do that?" Thor spat at her, eyes blazing and every muscle in his body taut. "Must you always have the final word? Must you always shame me?"

"What? What are you talking about?"

"You should not have spoken to Queen Aelsa! I had everything under control!"

Sigyn stared at his angry face, flabbergasted by his words. Was he seriously upset with her for helping him?

Unbelievable... the ego of this man!

"I spoke to aid you," she hissed, in a vain attempt to not draw attention to their argument. "Your words, though well-spoken, would not have persuaded her in —"

"Enough! I will hear no more from you! If you are to be my wife, you must learn to know your place!"

Sigyn clenched her fists as her blood boiled under her skin. She knew she had to calm down, but Thor made it impossible to do so. When the Crown Prince scoffed and stomped away from her, Sigyn let him go, believing distance was the best for both of them at this moment. Astrid hurried to her side, but Sigyn shrugged her comforting arm off. She did not want it after suffering such a public humiliation.
Sigyn made to leave then, but was halted by Sif. As she faced the shield-maiden, she expected to meet a triumphant smirk. For if Thor was unhappy with her, it might mean he would seek comfort with another. Instead, Sif's expression stood solemn and respectful.

"For what it's worth," she spoke, "I thought your actions were those of a true Queen. Pay him no heed. He will come around... my Lady."

But after two hours, Thor still hadn't returned to the feast. He hadn't even retrieved Mjölnir. The hammer was guarded by Sif as she played a game of dice with Astrid and some male Fae. Sigyn asked her about Thor's continued absence, but she shrugged it away, saying it was not the first time he disappeared at a party. She looked up then, realising her implication probably struck the wrong cord, but Sigyn couldn't be bothered with it.
She ventured into the gardens, hoping to find Thor. If she weren't focused on searching for him, she would've stopped to appreciate the beauty surrounding her. But even the mosaic of a Frost Giant in his icy home seemed like a picture out of a fairy tale book. The moonlight lit Sigyn's way as she walked through the maze.

The surrounding silence was deafening. The music died off the further Sigyn walked. She was beginning to think coming here alone might not have been the best idea. At least not without a weapon. Suddenly, she heard something — splashing. It seemed to come from the other side of a wall of hanging ivy.
Sigyn pushed her way through and came upon a clearing. There was a small swimming pond and fountain with clothes scattered all around its edge. Sigyn recognised Thor's tunic. And those other clothes... female... crimson and amber coloured... The water rippled as something disturbed it. Soft moans reached her. Sigyn narrowed her eyes. On the far side of the pond, hidden by the darkness... Thor... with Queen Aelsa.

***

Her feet carried Sigyn back to her chamber. It was near dawn, but the feast still continued. Astrid had not yet returned, which Sigyn didn't mind. She wanted to be alone. The sight she beheld in the gardens had left her shaken.
Did Thor truly hate her so much that he would do this? And with Aelsa no less! The woman had been ready to tear his throat out upon their arrival, and now... If Sigyn wasn't certain Loki was nowhere near, she would've believed it to be one of his illusions. But he was back in Asgard, and his influence on her did not hold in Alfheim.

Loki...

Sigyn pressed her lips together as she sat at the marble dresser. What she had nearly done with him... Who was she to hold anything against Thor if she wanted to do the same thing with his brother?

The only difference is I stopped it, she thought bitterly.

Her chamber door opened with a creak, and Sigyn raised her head. Her breath caught as she saw Queen Aelsa's reflection in the mirror.

"What do you want?" Sigyn gritted her teeth, abandoning all propriety.

"Merely to let you know I sensed your presence in the garden," said Queen Aelsa casually, "and that I do not mean what I did as an insult to you. In fact, I nearly abandoned my plan to seduce Thor Odinson after your actions in the throne room, but then I witnessed your argument. It was an opportunity I could not let pass."

"I'm glad you have what you wanted, then. Now if I may ask to leave me in —?"

"Why did you come to Alfheim?"

Sigyn turned in her seat to face the Elf Queen. "What do you care?"

"I care for all within my realm, including those only visiting. Especially when there is so much conflict within them." Aelsa drew closer. "You have magic within you, yet you hide it from those around you. You long to be free, yet you imprison yourself. I suspect you have hurt people in the past and believe it is better to suppress your gifts rather than nurture them. Or is it you have not yet found a teacher who is willing to burn his hand for you, little fire mage?"

Sigyn stiffened. "H-How did you —?"

"Let's not pretend. I know what you are, and you know what I am because we are the same. More or less, anyway. My fire may not nearly be as strong as yours, but it's there. That is what you were hoping for, is it not?"

Sigyn sighed and hung her head in defeat. Now that the real reason for her journey was discovered, there was no point in denying it any further. Though her initial purpose for travelling with Thor was to put distance between her and Loki, she did not find it mere coincidence the Norns and ancestors would grant her the opportunity to meet the sole surviving fire mag after coming upon Aelsa's name in Bor's tome.

"I hoped you would help me," said Sigyn. "There is no one else I can turn to."

"There is not much I can help you with, I fear. I have too much Elf in me to be anything else, and my flame never reached its true potential. My mother was of your kind, though. She did the most wondrous things, helping people wherever she could... Until she met the same fate every other fire mage met. The Asgardians only left me alive because of my diluted blood and standing amongst my people. Were it not for those same Asgardians freeing me from my husband and helping me regain my crown, I would have obliterated them with all the might of Alfheim in my mother's name. Yet here we are, in peace with each other."

The Queen stepped up to Sigyn and lifted her chin. Her dark eyes pierced into Sigyn's, looking into her very soul.

"It has been many years," Aelsa continued, "centuries even since I came across one half as powerful as my mother. When you crossed the border into Alfheim, I knew. I knew what you were capable of. Your strength is unparalleled, even if you do not see it yet. We will sorely need it. For I sense there is something in the wind. A tragedy yet far at hand, but imminent. It blows towards our Nine Realms like a rising storm, and you, Sigyn, stand in the very centre of that tempest. I see you become a Queen, greater than me and Frigga, the most powerful mage of all. But you must be brave enough to embrace what you fear. Only then will you be able to save those you love from the titanic threat which looms over our future."

Sigyn sat in silence, unable to speak, unable to breathe. She wanted to believe she was meant for more than just standing at Thor's side to play the part of the pretty, dutiful wife. But if her own betrothed thought so little of her, how could Sigyn hope to rise as Frigga and Aelsa claimed she would? How was she to be a great mage if death was all she faced when Odin discovered what she was?

"You doubt my words." Aelsa sighed and let go. "Pity. Then again, perhaps I am not the one who needs to convince you of your worth."

Sigyn followed her movements as the Elf Queen glided to the door. She didn't know what to make of Aelsa or her words. She had no one who even knew of her worth. Her family shut her away her entire life. Her best and only friend sometimes acted as if she knew nothing and was overprotective, and her betrothed was a stubborn ass. Perhaps Aelsa referred to Frigga? She was the only one who could —

"You should know that the other one refused me."

Sigyn blinked at the sudden interruption in her thoughts. Aelsa stood at the open door and glanced over her shoulder, her eyes shimmering playfully.

"What other one?" asked Sigyn, confused.

"The one with the raven hair. I offered myself to him, the same as I did to Thor. Only he turned away from me. I'm wondering if his actual reasons for coming here three days ago were more than brotherly love and princely duty. But then again, with the Trickster, you never know."

Sigyn gasped at his newest revelation. She rose to her feet, but Aelsa shut the door before she could ask anything, leaving her alone. Her mind reeled and her heart beat wildly. What had he done? Was this all part of another game? Another trick... to get to her?
Sigyn's emerald eyes wandered to the mirror. Her fist clenched in resolve. She placed her other hand on the smooth surface and allowed the mirror world to swallow her whole, leaving nothing behind but a single red hair. As it whirled down, it was set ablaze, the single flame burning brightly from bottled-up rage... and fierce desire.