Asgard — approx. 150 years ago, Midgard year 1880

The day had finally arrived. That brainless oaf would meet his bride today. All of Asgard was abuzz with rumours of her beauty. If one was to believe them, she was a lady worthy of the Crown Prince and firstborn son of Odin. Everyone had been preparing for this day for weeks, ever since Frigga had met the girl who would become the second lady of the realm. Though Loki had to admit, his mother's blessing had come suspiciously swiftly.
Others had sought this match for their daughters, and Frigga usually took months until she made her decision, which was why her accord after only one meeting was a surprise to all. Even more so when she requested for the lady to be brought to Asgard. Not at the wedding, as was tradition, but a year before so the couple could 'fall in love and learn from each other'.

Loki was in his brother's private rooms, lying on the bed with his hands supporting his head, not paying any attention to Thor as he tried to find an appropriate outfit to meet his betrothed. He simply stared at the canopy over the bed, contemplating what to do next. If he should do anything at all, even.
A beautiful wife at his side might just be what Thor needed to make him less... Thor. The blond brute was always fighting and gallivanting around, so Loki was curious to let matters run their course and see who would truly wield the sword and shield in that relationship. On the other hand... if he allowed the happy couple to be just that — happy — well, then he wouldn't be the God of Mischief now, would he?

"What of my armour? With my helmet and Mjölnir?" asked Thor, already pulling out his signature red cape.

"How about nothing?" quipped Loki.

"Stop your jests, Loki, and help me find something to wear!"

"You have enough to wear." Loki lazily leaned on his elbows, not hiding the obvious boredom in his voice. "In fact, your entire wardrobe could probably dress the whole of the Nine Realms. You're the firstborn golden son of Asgard; your hair alone makes you look good in anything. So just pick something and get it over with."

"You're no help at all!"

"Oh, for mercy's sake."

Loki swung his legs off the bed and pushed himself up. He strode to his brother's side, took one look in the wardrobe, and then grabbed the dark blue ceremonial tunic with rubies Thor had made especially for their parents' last anniversary.

"Wear this." Loki threw the garment over his brother's head. "Mother loved it on you, as did every other woman at court. If this doesn't impress your wife-to-be, nothing will. Can I please go now?"

"Yes, yes, change too, of course," said Thor, distracted as he looked the outfit over and nodded approvingly.

"I did."

"Really?" Thor glanced at Loki. "Looks the same as you always wear."

"Well, I'm not the one who has to make an impression now, am I? Now hurry. Father will have your head if you're not there on time to meet the wench."

"Take care of how you speak of your future Queen!"

Loki rolled his eyes and left his brother to his growing anxiety. He did care for Thor in his own way, but he enjoyed playing tricks on his sibling far more than he enjoyed helping him pick out his clothes. Speaking of which, he still had to come up with something new to prank Thor with. It has been some time, and the Crown Prince was getting too comfortable to Loki's liking. Far better to have Thor on edge. Perhaps this famed beauty he was to wed would provide an opportunity.
But Loki had to tread carefully. If Odin noticed his scheming, the Allfather would immediately put a stop to it. Frigga, though, might allow him a bit of fun if it wasn't too harmful to others. His mother was, after all, the one who taught him how to wield magic, whereas Thor never bothered to learn — the discussion on whether this was because of lack of interest or lack of intellect was still ongoing — and preferred to stomp, kick, punch, and strike at his enemies and furniture with his hammer.

Loki took the long way round to the throne room. No one would notice him arriving late. He wasn't the centre of attention today. He wasn't the centre of attention any day. His crone of a nurse had insisted this lack of attention was why he acted out with his schemes and tricks. But Loki didn't care. He preferred to be left alone with his studies, magic, and mischief, anyway.
So what if he wasn't a warrior prince like Thor? Or a bombastic brute like Volstagg? Or a walking flirt like Fandrall? Or a brooding type like Hogun? He didn't want to be like Thor or the Warriors Three. If there was anyone he would want to emulate, it was the only woman who had worked her way up the ranks and was deemed worthy of being part of Thor's inner circle.
Lady Sif was a black-haired beauty, but deadly and just as fierce as any man in the Asgardian army of the Einherjar, if not more. Loki would never admit it aloud to anyone, but he admired Sif for all she'd accomplished. He might admire her more if she weren't so smitten with Thor, like every other woman in Asgard.

As a Prince of Asgard, Loki had his pick of any woman he wanted, of course. But those few he'd allowed near — woman and men, which he kept hidden from his family — were only ever good enough for a night or two at the most. They believed the dark second son of Odin with the mischievous smile was a challenge to overcome, yet none were even remotely capable of handling him.
Now that Thor's bride had been picked, the search for his own bride would undoubtedly soon follow. Loki dreaded that more than anything. He did not think he could have what all those happy couples around him had — love. It was not to be for those of royal blood, for their marriages were arranged to form alliances. Odin and Frigga were the exceptions, though. They were fortunate in their match, since they had been friends since childhood. But Loki had no such friend anymore, nor did he believe he would ever have one again. So he had already decided for himself — no marriage. Not even if Odin threatened to cast him off the Bifrost.

The Prince walked by the Queen's garden in the far west of the palace, where she kept all her magical herbs and blooms. He was about to enter the passage leading to the courtyard when he stopped dead in his tracks. There, in the middle of Frigga's quiet oasis, was a young woman he'd never seen before.
Loki hurriedly hid behind a column and watched as she sat near the fountain underneath the branches of the golden Yggdrasil, the Life Tree. A dark travelling cloak covered her dress. She leaned in to touch the cool water with the tip of her fingers. Strands of blood-red hair peeked out from beneath her hood. Curiosity dared Loki to draw closer. She didn't seem to mean any harm, but looks could deceive — the God of Mischief was a master in deception, after all.
Silently, Loki made his way over to the maiden. It wasn't until he was but a few feet away that she looked up. She rose and recoiled, standing sideways and drawing her hood further over her head to hide her face.

"Forgive me." Loki halted at a distance. "I did not mean to startle you. I merely wanted to see if you were all right. You seemed... sad."

It wasn't a lie, per se. The young woman had looked sad. It just wasn't the reason he had approached her.

"I'm well enough," she replied.

"You don't look well to me. But perhaps I am mistaken. If there truly is nothing amiss, I shall leave you to the comfort of my mother's garden. She does know you're here, right?"

The young woman turned to him. "Your mother's garden? Then... you're one of the Odinsons?"

"I am."

The hood fell back and revealed her face. Loki froze as two emerald eyes gazed up at him. Her delicate features, rose lips and white skin reminded Loki of the tales about the Hamingja, the guardian angels who decided a person's luck in this life. When the maiden blinked and put a lock of red hair behind her ear, he quickly regained himself, cleared his throat, and asked, "Am I to guess your name, or will you tell me?"

She scoffed. "Are all princes so crude?"

"I am actually the nicer one," replied Loki with a grin. "My older brother, Thor, is the real brute of our family."

Her expression darkened. She averted herself.

"I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything else," she said in a spiteful tone. "Of course my family would hand me over to such a man."

Loki suddenly realised who stood before him. "You're... Thor's betrothed. Forgive me, I shouldn't have said that. In his defence, he's not all that bad... once you get to know him."

"You are his brother. You're supposed to sing his praises."

"Oh, believe me, Thor does not need me for that. I take it you didn't agree to the match yourself?"

"No, I did not."

Interesting.

"If it makes you feel any better," said Loki next, "he is looking forward to meeting you. And I can see why. We heard rumours of your beauty, but they don't do you justice."

Much to Loki's surprise, she scowled. "Is this why I was chosen out of no doubt a thousand other maidens who would gladly throw themselves at the Crown Prince's feet? Is beauty all that matters here in Asgard?"

"To me? No. But ask my brother that same question. I am certain his answer will differ from mine," Loki sniggered, impressed by her boldness. "Honestly, I'm not sure why the Queen chose you. She used to deal with potential brides for several months before reaching a decision. With you, it only took one meeting. All I can say is my mother sees things others cannot. If she chose you, it's because there is something... special about you."

It was a long shot, but it paid off. The young woman bit her lip as he emphasised that word and lowered her eyes again. Loki started to understand Frigga's motives for selecting this particular woman. If she possessed magic, it would appear the Queen found herself a new student. His mother loved a challenge — as did he.

"Give it time." Loki smiled at the young woman. "Perhaps you will come to see the reason for this yourself. And truly, my brother isn't all that bad. Though he is not like me."

"That's a pity."

Loki didn't know if she was merely returning his smile out of courtesy or if she truly meant it. The faint blush upon her cheeks made him guess it was the latter. He couldn't quite put his finger on why the maiden intrigued him so, but she'd definitely caught his attention. And it seemed he had caught hers as well. If he played his moves right, she would be the perfect unwitting accomplice for his next scheme.
Loki opened his mouth, but the sound of the royal trumpets brutally interrupted his question. The blaring noise resonated through the air and shook the young woman up. She pulled her hood back over her head in one swift motion and said, "Please don't tell anyone you saw me here."

"No, wait!"

Loki ran after her. When he followed her through the passage, he suddenly felt the distinct aura of magic near him. He sped up, nearly leaping into the main corridor, and searched for any sign of the maiden. Yet she was nowhere to be found. His lips curled into a mischievous grin.

Oh, this is going to be very interesting.

***

It had been a risk to leave the security of her companion and guards, but one Sigyn had been willing to take. She just had to see the citadel before she officially arrived and became a Princess of Asgard. What she had seen had pleased her. It was nothing like home, which was good. But she really should have been more careful. And she shouldn't have spoken to anyone. Least of all, the other Prince.

"Just in time," said Astrid, as Sigyn reappeared.

"I know, I'm sorry," said the maiden, out of breath from running.

A horse neighed, and Astrid drew back the curtains, revealing the captain of the guards riding next to their carriage. He bowed his head and said, "Nearly there, my Lady. You still have some time if you wish to continue your, um... whatever it is ladies do in front of their mirrors."

Sigyn quizzically tilted her head at the comment, but then noticed he was looking at the little mirror in her hand. She smiled and nodded, signalling Astrid to shut the curtain again. Thank the Norns her only friend and servant had been allowed to join her. Being from Asgard herself, Astrid would help Sigyn find her way around. And she was the one person she wouldn't have to hide the truth from.
Sigyn was born with magic and had been locked away most of her life because of it. Astrid had found out quite by accident a year after entering Sigyn's service, and she'd been sworn to secrecy by the matriarch of the family, Lady Sunna. But not even her mother knew the secret behind the tiny mirror Sigyn carried with her.
Her powers were raw, unbridled, and highly unreliable, but if there was one thing Sigyn had learned to master on her own was mirror-scaping. Using her magic to go through one mirrored surface, no matter how small, and back out through another was Sigyn's only escape from a very lonely life.

The only girl in her family and kept at home at all times, away from sight, as if she were a disgrace. A blemish for not having been born a boy. It wasn't until her parents noticed she grew into a rare beauty that they allowed her out. But only on public occasions, when all the realm was gathered, and they could flaunt her about, hoping to find a good match for her. A highborn lord had always been their aim. Until the day Lady Frigga, the wife of the Allfather and Queen of the Nine Realms, came visiting, and Sigyn was presented to her as a match for the Crown Prince.
Sigyn had believed her parents and brothers had lost their minds when they dressed her up like a doll and put her on display. But against all odds, the Queen looked her way, asking to speak with Sigyn alone, without a chaperone. They had talked for hours on end, and when Frigga allowed her parents to join them, she'd simply stated Sigyn was to come to Asgard as soon as possible and that she and the Prince would wed within the following year. It was the only time her parents looked at her with pride. But they never looked at her with love.

Sigyn knew what love was, of course. She knew from the stories she read and the couples she saw out her window, but she had never experienced it. She doubted her own parents knew the meaning of the word. They certainly liked each other, but to say love had blossomed in their arranged marriage?
And now, they had arranged for Sigyn to undergo a similar fate. Perhaps because of Frigga's insistence that Sigyn be brought a year before her wedding, love might still happen. But after her conversation with her soon-to-be brother-in-law, she didn't dare hope for it.

"Ready?" Astrid gave her an encouraging smile as the carriage halted.

"No." Sigyn sighed. "But we've come this far. Too late to go back."

She shrugged her travelling cape off her slender shoulders, revealing a light blue gown. A silver necklace with a single tear-shaped pearl hung just above her bosom, perfectly matching the silver earrings she wore. Her hair was up in an intricate braid, and several tiny, precious jewels stuck as ornaments on some strand. A few locks of hair had come loose, framing her face, giving her a more delicate appearance.
Her friend was dressed in a bright yellow frock with a laced bodice, wearing only her late father's medallion around her neck. Her curly hazel hair was pushed back by a headband that matched the colour of her dress. She appeared a blooming sunflower, compared to Sigyn's divine appearance.

Astrid drew back the carriage's curtains and opened the door. The captain of the guard helped her out first and then extended his hand to Sigyn. She was immediately greeted by thunderous applause. Flower petals fell at her feet, and white doves were released. Sigyn did her best to smile, but really, she thought it was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever witnessed. If they already greeted her with such pomp now, she wondered what they'd do when she actually became part of the royal family.
Queen Frigga was the first to greet her. She took Sigyn by her arm and escorted her to the throne room where Odin sat, waiting amidst all those of import. He rose as they drew near, and all fell silent so they could hear what he had to say. Sigyn thought Frigga would join her husband, but the Queen stayed beside her. It was as if she knew Sigyn would likely faint if she didn't have the support.

"Lady Sigyn, I bid you welcome to Asgard and your new home," said Odin in a clear and stately voice. "I trust your journey here was pleasant?"

"It was, Allfather." Sigyn dipped into a low curtsey. "I thank you for your most generous welcome and invitation to your fair home."

A golden-haired man standing behind Odin stepped forward as the King of Asgard beckoned. He was tall, muscular build and quite handsome. His dark blue tunic matched perfectly with his eyes.

"The Crown Prince," introduced Odin. "My son, Thor."

Thor took Sigyn's hand and planted a kiss on the back.

"Lady Sigyn, it is my honour and a privilege to meet you finally," he hailed her in a deep voice and with a little smile.

"The honour is mine, my Prince." Sigyn bowed her head.

"Please, there is no need for such formality. I am to be your husband, so we should call each other by our names, not our titles. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Agreed... Thor."

The people of Asgard cheered for their Prince and their soon-to-be Princess, the merriment waving from the front to the far back as those closes to them witness Sigyn return Thor's smile. Odin proclaimed all were welcome to celebrate in the palace for three days and three nights, which accounted for even more applause. He took his wife's hand to lead the way whilst Thor offered his arm to Sigyn. The maiden glanced over her shoulder. Astrid's encouraging nod lifted some of her anxiety, and Sigyn graciously accepted Thor's arm. As they entered the hall and stood beside Odin and Frigga to welcome the guests, Sigyn saw him — the clean-shaven, raven-haired man from the garden dressed in black, green, and gold.

"Loki!" Thor called. "Brother, there you are!"

"And where were you, if I may ask?" inquired Frigga of her youngest son as he kissed her cheek.

"Forgive me, but I had a matter to attend to," said Loki. "There was a report of a hooded stranger in your garden, Mother. I set out to investigate to ensure they were no foe to Asgard."

"And what did you find?" asked Odin.

"I perceived someone from a distance, but when I neared the Fountain of Yggdrasil, they'd vanished. Like magic, really."

"Hm, I will have some extra guards patrolling the grounds. Thank you, Loki."

"Enough of such serious business!" boomed Thor. "Loki, meet Lady Sigyn."

Sigyn had been holding her breath during the entire conversation Loki had with Odin, fearful he might say he saw her, thus revealing her secret. But when he met Sigyn's gaze, she felt her heart skip a beat. His eyes were even bluer than Thor's, like the deep colour of a glacier. He wasn't as muscular or tall, but if Sigyn had to decide which of the two brothers was the most handsome, the youngest won the prize. She found his darkness... intriguing. Beguiling, even. Strangely enough, Loki didn't resemble either of his parents or Thor. Perhaps he had inherited his looks from one of his grandparents.

"Lady Sigyn, I fear I must offer my condolences." Loki took her hand in his. "To have to marry my brother..."

"Don't listen to him," Thor hurriedly interjected. "He's a Trickster above all else."

Loki chuckled and then brought her hand to his lips. Soft lips. Softer than Thor's. Sigyn's heart lurched in her chest. She tried to steady her breathing. What was happening?

"All jokes aside, I congratulate you, brother," said Loki to Thor. "Perhaps with such a fair maiden by your side, you will finally learn some manners."

"I have better manners than you, mischief-maker," boasted the latter loudly. "But a beautiful young woman such as Sigyn by my side would indeed only bring out the best in me."

Sigyn pinched her lips at the remark. "Bring out the best in you? Does a Crown Prince need a woman such as myself by his side to accomplish such a feat? If so, I fear you still have a long way to go."

Some of the conversation around them fell silent. Odin pretended not to have heard and engaged the ambassadors of this and that realm again, while Frigga moved closer to Sigyn and Thor. Loki, on the other hand, stepped away, as if he wanted an even better view of the spectacle unravelling before his eyes. The only one who seemed oblivious as to what had occurred was Thor.

"I meant no disrespect, Sigyn," he said, confused. "I merely wished to compliment your beauty."

"No, you wished to compliment yourself by adding my beauty to you," rebuffed Sigyn harshly. "Tell me, if another less beautiful than I stood beside you now, would you still have made that same 'compliment'?"

"I-I... I don't, um..."

"You don't what? Am I to assume beauty is all that matters to you?"

Thor looked at his brother and mother for help, but they remained silent. He answered in an unsure and stammering voice, "Wha-what else is there?"

The men around them immediately groaned at Thor's mistake, while some ladies scoffed. Sigyn shot him a disdainful look and turned to Frigga and Odin. "Allfather, my Queen, please forgive me, but I feel weary from the journey here. If I may be excused? I will join the celebrations later when I am rested."

"Of course, dear," Frigga answered before Odin could. "Take all the time you require. Loki, why don't you escort your sister to her chamber? Thor will attend to the guests on his own for now."

Loki bowed his head to his mother and offered his arm to Sigyn. She reluctantly took it and let him lead her away, adamantly refusing to look back at Thor or even say goodbye to him. It wasn't until they were alone in the corridor that Loki's perfectly kept expression fell away.

"That was brilliant!" he laughed heartily at his brother's expense. "I don't think I have ever seen Thor that dumbstruck in my entire life!"

"Well, I'm glad you see the fun in this," chided Sigyn.

"Forgive me, but I warned you his answer would differ from mine."

That did it. Sigyn stopped and her pulled her arm away. Just as Loki turned to face her, her hand smacked his cheek hard. He stumbled, wide-eyed, the tip of his fingers touching where she'd struck him.

"You set us up!" yelled Sigyn. "You knew Thor would say something like that after you made that 'fair maiden' remark, and you wanted to see what I would do, didn't you?"

"Well, yes, obviously. "

His blunt but honest answer amazed Sigyn. She scoffed and turned away, arms crossed over her chest. But when she sensed Loki's eyes on her, she rounded on him.

"What?" she demanded.

"Nothing. Just... you aren't like any of the other women here." A smirk appeared on Loki's lips. "I like it."

Taken aback by his comment, Sigyn stared at Loki, mouth slightly agape and at a loss for words. His smirk turned into a smile, as did his blue eyes. They truly were enchanting. It was odd, but Sigyn felt like she couldn't stay mad. Not at him.

"I will forgive you just this once," she said, "but I must have your word that you will not do this again."

"I swear it." Loki solemnly raised his right hand. "And to prove I mean it, allow me to offer this as a token of friendship."

A single white rose with blue veins appeared between them at the flick of his wrist. Sigyn gasped at the bloom and whispered, "You have magic?"

"As do you, if I'm not mistaken," said Lok with a mischievous wink. "Either that or you are a swift and stealthy runner to get from the garden to your carriage undetected."

"Don't tell anyone," begged Sigyn, fingers gripping his black tunic at the chest. "Please, no one else must know."

Loki frowned at her sudden panic. "There are more magic wielders in Asgard, Sigyn. You have nothing to fear."

"Yes, I do! Please, Loki, if you truly wish to be my friend, you mustn't tell anyone! Not Thor or your mother or the Allfather. I... It's too dangerous to..." Sigyn's voice quivered. The second son of Asgard held her very life in his hands with the knowledge he now possessed. If he told anyone about her magic, she was doomed. "Loki, please, do not speak a word of this."

His expression, curious about her sudden fear, changed as he offered a reassuring smile and said, "Our secret."

Sigyn sighed in relief and gratitude. Loki plucked the white rose from the air and offered it to her. Their hands brushed ever so slightly against each other as she took the flower from him. Time seemed to stand still at that moment. Their eyes locked, and Sigyn's breath caught.

What is happening? Wh-Why do I feel so...? I shouldn't be standing so close to him. He is to be my brother. Then again, perhaps I can? And he is only offering a gift. It is only courteous to accept. But... he is really close to me...

If it wasn't for the sudden sound of footsteps echoing through the corridor, Sigyn would've remained lost in a trance. But fortunately, she and Loki did hear, and they hurriedly stepped away from each other. Sigyn lowered her hand holding the rose and looked up to see Thor approaching.

"There you are. Can we talk?"

It was the last thing Sigyn wanted, as she was still somewhat angry at the golden-haired Crown Prince for what he had said earlier, but she didn't have a choice. It was, after all, Loki's fault. And if they started in quarrel, what would their marriage be like? Best to make amends now if that was what he wanted. She nodded, showing she was listening.

"I should not have said what I said before," began Thor. "I was... overcome. Not only by your beauty, but by your boldness as well. No woman has ever spoken to me like that. Well, maybe Sif, but she's different. Anyway, what I mean to say is... I apologise if I offended you."

Sigyn noticed Loki observing her, waiting for her reply. She tried to ignore his penetrating gaze. No doubt he was expecting her to put Thor in his place again. Well, not this time.

"I thank you, Thor, and accept your apology," she said. "Not all men will admit their mistake. I'm delighted to see you are above that. As far as I am concerned, it is behind us."

She went to stand beside her betrothed and took his arm in the crook of her own before addressing the youngest Odinson. "Thank you for escorting me this far, Loki. I believe Thor can take me further from here."

"Of course." Loki bowed his head. "I look forward to spending more time together. Welcome to our family... sister."

He took his leave. Sigyn watched him until he went around the corner, clutching the rose in her hand. She didn't know what to make of Loki, other than he was not to be underestimated. Hopefully, he would keep her secret as promised.
Thor nudged her, and they continued to Sigyn's chamber, talking and laughing together. When they arrived at her chamber, he invited her for breakfast in Frigga's garden and kissed her farewell on the cheek. His beard scratched her a little, but it didn't bother Sigyn.

I was mistaken in him, she thought as she bade him goodnight. He is not so bad. Perhaps there is a chance for us to have love in due time.

If only it could have been so. But the amicable courting between Sigyn and Thor would end a week later. And once again, Loki made sure he was there to enjoy the bittersweet chaos.