A/N  I know there's supposed to be a time difference between Earth and Asgard, but I suck at math and have tried several calculations, only to end up with a migraine. So, we're synching it up for the sake of the story and your dear author's sanity.

Asgard - 30 years later, Midgard year 1910

"Are they here yet? Have they arrived?"

"No, not yet."

"Ow, how much longer?"

"Baldur, please calm down. You will meet your brother and sister soon."

Thor grinned when Frigga shook her head at his little brother's exasperated sigh. Already such a handful, even more than Loki was at that same age. He still found it wondrous his parents had welcomed yet another member to their family.
Thor hoped with all his heart that Sigyn by now also had a son or daughter, or both, but she'd mentioned nothing in her letters. She probably wouldn't want to share such news in a simple letter. So, perhaps, this was the very reason for their return.
It'd been thirty years ago to the day Loki and Sigyn had left Asgard. It shouldn't have taken this long. The plan had been for them to leave for a few months, a year or two at the most. Thor often wondered if something had occurred, but as far as Heimdall and Frigga could tell, Sigyn and Loki were happy. He had to believe it had truly been their own decision to stay away from their home. If only to keep up appearances. 

With every year the royal pair stayed gone, the rumours and whispers among the Asgardians grew. More and more people doubted it had truly been Sigyn's decision to wed the Trickster. Even worse, they doubted there was any genuine love in the marriage.
They said Loki had enchanted Sigyn because he hadn't wanted Thor to have her as his Queen. That he'd used his tricks and illusions to steal her from his own brother and that he yet used them to ensure his hold on her.
It was a small miracle none had dared to utter the suspicion Loki had done it all to gain control over Sigyn's magic out loud. If they had, the gossip would have been entirely different. Though, it was bad enough as it was.

Those who had known Astrid questioned her sudden departure, believing the Trickster had hurt or even killed her because she stood in his way. Fandrall, the only one besides the Queen and Allfather who knew more of what had truly occurred, aided Thor to keep the rumours to a minimum.
They came up with the story that Astrid had requested to be sent home, where she was now in charge of Lord Völundr's household, to care for her ailing mother. A falsified letter here and there kept the ruse going. But they couldn't stop the people from murmuring in the dark amongst themselves. Hopefully, Sigyn and Loki's return would silence them once and for all.

"I see them!" Baldur suddenly exclaimed.

Thor followed his gaze. Two riders were approaching the palace over the Bifrost at a fast pace. When he saw Sigyn's red hair, Thor's heart almost leapt out of his chest. Even after all these years, he still held much affection for the woman who'd once been his betrothed. He caught himself seeking the qualities that Sigyn possessed in every woman he encountered, but so far, not a single one could compare. He was convinced none ever would.
Baldur jumped off the steps to meet the riders as they galloped into the courtyard. Thor and Frigga came to stand behind Baldur, who stood frozen in awe.

"She's beautiful," he uttered softly as Sigyn dismounted.

"Aye." Thor put a hand on his little brother's shoulder. "Don't tell her that, though. Sigyn hates when people only see her beauty."

"Wha—how can one not see it?" Baldur blurted out.

"Ssh, here she comes."

Frigga welcomed her son and daughter first, befitting her status as Queen of Asgard and as the family's matriarch. When Sigyn turned to Thor, he drew in his breath. Though she was still as stunning as the day he last saw her, there was something about her that alarmed him. A deep melancholy lurked behind her smile. It was well hidden, but Thor still perceived it.
Sigyn stepped into his open arms. Thor frowned a little as he held her close. She was thinner, too. And... no child.

"Oh, Thor," she greeted, "it's been far too long. Forgive me for breaking my promise to you."

"Already forgiven." He kissed her cheek lovingly.

Sigyn stepped back, allowing Loki and Thor to embrace each other as well.

"Welcome back, brother," said Thor. "We've missed you."

"Have you now?" questioned Loki.

"Well, it has been unusually quiet these past years. Too quiet to my liking, even."

"Careful, Thor. I might start thinking you want me to cause mischief."

Thor chuckled, glad to see that Loki hadn't changed much. But he, too, held the same dolefulness in his eyes Sigyn had.

"Loki, Sigyn," Frigga nudged Baldur forward, "come and meet your brother."

The princeling stood awkwardly at their mother's side. Loki cocked his head to size him up. "Hm, another sorcerer in the family. How left out you must feel, Thor."

"Loki, don't be mean," reprimanded Sigyn.

She threw Thor an apologetic glance, but he shrugged Loki's comment off with a smile. He was used to far worse. The Crown Prince did not need magic to prove himself worthy of the throne of Asgard. The fact he wielded Mjölnir and held the love of the people was proof enough.

"Mother said you are a great sorcerer and illusionist," said Baldur. "I am too. I will soon match your skills, big brother." 

Loki's blue gaze narrowed. He scoffed. "No, you will not."

"Excuse me?" Baldur raised a brow, his stance instantly defensive. "What is that supposed to mean?" 

"Exactly what I said. I would've thought that was obvious."

"I may still be learning, but I can be just as good as you! Better even!"

"Boys, enough." Frigga stepped between them. "Loki, I am sure you and Sigyn would like to unpack and settle in. Come to my chambers when you have a moment later. I would like to ask your opinion on a spell I've been working on."

Thor sighed in relief at his mother's quick action. He would have hated for this reunion to escalate into a fight less than five minutes after his brother's arrival. By the looks of Sigyn's face, she, too, was glad of Frigga's response to her sons' bickering. She hooked her arm with Loki's and pinched his hand. With a last glare at Baldur, Loki turned away from his younger brother and escorted Sigyn inside.

"Pfft, I'm beginning to understand why the people are against him." Baldur crossed his arms over his chest and stared after Loki. "He does not deserve your praise, Thor."

"Do not pass your judgment yet, Baldur," reacted Frigga before Thor could. "Get to know your brother and sister first. They have already been through much heartache, so they may have learned to shield their emotions. Give them time to adjust back to their life here and then seek them out again. Loki will come around when he learns what you can do; you'll see."

"And when he does, will he offer advice, or will he use his tricks to ensure I do not surpass him?"

"You mustn't say such things."

"Oh, do not pretend like you have not heard what they whisper in the streets, Mother; we all know you have your spies. And besides, Loki's reputation precedes him. Using his mischief and trickery... How can you still trust Sigyn's actions and words are truly her own and not his?"

"Baldur!"

"I merely say what everyone is thinking!"

"Well, do not say it again! Ever."

Thor shot his little brother a cautioning glance. It was unwise to speak of any of Frigga's children in the way Baldur had dared to do, and in her presence at that, but to speak ill of Loki was one sure way to invoke her wrath. Despite her fervent denial, Thor knew his Trickster-brother was her favourite, because he was most like her. To speak against Loki was to speak against her.
Baldur continued to huff and mutter under his breath as he stalked away, leaving Frigga and Thor alone. The Queen turned to her eldest son and said, "I will speak to Loki. Can I entrust you to speak with Sigyn?"

"Of course."

"Go about it as we discussed, but do not force the idea onto her. She has spent decades without a servant, so she may not want a new one."

"If she remembers the girl, Sigyn will agree," said Thor confidently.

"I hope so." Frigga sighed. "I hate to admit it, but Baldur was right about what the people say and think. Having someone near Loki and Sigyn might put everyone more at ease. Especially your father."

"Surely not him as well?"

But his mother's silence only confirmed that, even after thirty years, the Allfather was still apprehensive of this marriage. To Odin, the question wasn't if Sigyn became a threat to the people, but when. 

***

Loki eyed Sigyn with concern as she stepped into the bath. The enclosure was steaming up from the scalding water, which only grew warmer from her body temperature. Her travel clothes lay scattered over the floor, just thrown about carelessly. The smile she'd worn for appearance's sake had disappeared the moment they'd set foot in their chambers.
This couldn't go on. Loki couldn't bear to see Sigyn like this any longer. The months of saying it was yet too soon to have a child and that one would be born eventually had turned into years of tears shed in despair and sorrow. He'd tried to convince Sigyn it didn't matter to him if it would only be the two of them for the rest of their lives. There were days when she shared this sentiment and faced their future brightly. But on days like today, when it was evident she had once again not conceived, she was lost to the shadows of the past that still loomed over her life. It had to end.

"I'm going to see Frigga," said Loki from the open door. "Will you be all right on your own?"

Sigyn merely nodded her head. Loki sighed at her silence and turned to leave. Then he heard his wife's quiet voice calling. "Loki?"

"Yes?" He halted, desperately hoping that she wouldn't say it.

"I'm sorry," whispered Sigyn.

Loki winced silently. Every time again, she said those words. How he hated them. He pressed his lips together and replied with the same answer he'd been giving her for almost twenty-five years now. "Don't be. Not for this. So what if it's just the two of us for a little while longer?"

"But what if it's forever?"

"I don't care. As long as I have you, I have all I could ever want."

"Liar."

"To everyone else, yes. Never to you."

Loki waved his hand, and snow-white waterlilies with a crimson edge and gold-shimmering blue veins appeared on the water's surface. The blooms opened, filling the room with their fragrance. Sigyn carefully touched one with the tip of her fingers and then finally looked up at him.

"You still love me?" she asked in a tiny voice.

"Always. Never doubt that, my heart."

Sigyn smiled weakly at him. Loki smiled back and then left to see his mother. Hopefully, Frigga could offer advice.

***

The Queen of Asgard awaited her son patiently in her chamber. She sat at her desk, letting the quill in her hand move gracefully over the paper. Now that Sigyn had returned, she had to set things in motion for her daughter to take her place among the Council of Queens. Even if Sigyn hadn't married the heir to the throne, she would still follow in Frigga's footsteps, should anything occur — until Thor had a wife of his own, at least. But knowing her oldest son set new standards for the kind of wife he would like to have, that might not be for some time yet.
At the soft knock against the door of her chamber, Frigga put down her quill and waved her hand over the paper to render it invisible. 

"Come in, Loki," she said.

Her son entered and immediately locked the door behind him. Frigga came from behind her desk, her arms open, allowing Loki to step into her embrace.

"My darling boy, I have missed you so," she said, stroking his raven hair.

"And I you," said Loki. "Forgive me for staying away so long, Mother."

"There is no need for any of that, dear. You're here now. Both of you."

Loki drew back from her. "You said you needed my help?"

"In a moment. Sit down with me first." Frigga led Loki to the settee and made him take place beside her. She held his hands in hers. "I sense something is troubling you. Did something happen on Midgard? Something between you and Sigyn?"

He lowered his head. It broke Frigga's heart to see her son so downcast.

"Are you fighting?" tried Frigga.

"No, it's... it's nothing like that."

Frigga pushed a lock of hair away from his face. "Loki, please tell me."

He bit his lip. His icy blue eyes glazed over with tears. 

"You know how... you let yourself think everything will be all right if you can only get to a certain place or do a certain thing?" he spoke, his voice breaking more at every word. "But then... you get there, and you find it's not that simple. And with every day that passes... you lose a bit more of your hopes and dreams."

His hands trembled. With a deep breath to steady himself, Loki continued, "We've been trying to have a child. We knew it would not happen right away. You warned us it could take a while after... but, even after all these years, Sigyn can't... S-She can't seem to..."

"Ssh, it's all right," hushed Frigga comfortingly. "It's all right, my boy."

"I don't care," said Loki. "I swear I don't. I never considered myself worthy enough to be a parent, so I made my peace with it years ago. But Sigyn cannot accept it and is convinced it's on her since... what happened, and... Ingrid. She blames herself for being... broken. She believes she has failed me and shuns me when it is clear she hasn't conceived. I've told her so many times none of this is her fault and that she is the very best of wives. Every morning and every night, I tell her I love her more than anything else in this entire universe, but she doubts my words. I... I don't know what to do anymore."

A single tear fell. Frigga stroked it away with her thumb and then cupped her son's face, making Loki look up. "I may be able to help," she said. "But I need to know a few things first. Personal things. And you must answer me truthfully."

"Yes, anything."

"Then you can help me now with that spell I mentioned. Come." Frigga got up from the settee and went into the adjacent room, where she kept her spells, herbs, and potions. When Loki followed her in, she asked, "When was Sigyn's last course?" 

"She has them now," he answered.

Not a moment to waste then.

"Is she regular in them?"

"No, sometimes they come only a couple of weeks apart; other times, there are almost two, even three months in between. Every time they stay away, Sigyn believes she might be pregnant, but she never is."

Hm, if what Aelsa told me is true, she could have been. An embryo of only a few weeks old would pass fairly quickly, especially with a fire mage as a mother.

"In these thirty years, she has never conceived?" asked Frigga as she gathered the ingredients for the potion to the table in the middle. "Not once?"

"No, never," answered Loki.

"And you have regular intercourse?" Frigga briefly raised her eyes from her work to catch her son averting with a faint blush on cheeks. "Loki, I need to know." 

He cleared his throat. "Perhaps not as much as we used to, but yes. Our, um... longing for each other hasn't wavered."

"A few times a month?"

"Almost every week, yes. And... sometimes, also, several times in one night or day."

"Good, that's good." Frigga carefully measured and weighed each herb, spice, and oil before adding it to her mixing bowl. She took the pestle to let it all come together and then beckoned her son. "I need you for the next part."

Before he could ask what he was meant to do, Frigga grabbed Loki's hand and slashed his wrist open with her silver athame. He grunted at the sudden sting and frowned indignantly at his mother, but Frigga only had eyes for the blood dripping into the bowl. When she collected enough, she pressed a cloth into Loki's hand.

"What sort of spell is this?" he inquired as he wiped the blood away and healed the cut. "How will my blood help Sigyn?"

"Just trust that it will."

With a last glance at Aelsa's instructions, Frigga cast her magic upon the mixture, finishing the Elfish spell. A bright blue glow illuminated the room for a few seconds. As it cleared, the dark-red mixture turned into a mulberry-coloured powder. Frigga scooped it up in a small vial and handed it to Loki.

"Add the powder to Sigyn's drink," she said. "Wait one week before you next lie with her. It needs some time to take effect. She may feel queasy, but just give her some ginger root tea then."

"And what exactly is 'it'?" Loki took the vial from her and inspected the powder closely.

"Something that will ensure she can carry a child in her womb."

"But —"

"No more questions now, dear. Just take it." But Frigga still noticed his reluctance to blindly put his faith in unknown magic, especially for something as important as this. She smiled reassuringly. "Trust me, Loki. Do as I told you. Be with Sigyn as often as you can, one week from now. Preferably at the Urdarbrunn. The magic there is bound to your love and will aid you as it has before."

Loki licked his lips pensively, but then nodded to her. Pleased that she'd succeeded, the Queen of Asgard ushered her son out of the room. When they got to the door, she took Loki in her arms, the same way she had so often done when he was little, and kissed his cheek.

"All will be well. You'll see."

"Thank you, Mother."

"You're welcome. Oh, and Loki? Please try to be nicer to your little brother. I don't believe I have to remind you what it's like to be the youngest? He's eager to learn from you. Give him a chance."

"I suppose... I shall reach out to him later, I promise. Please excuse me now. I promised Sigyn I wouldn't be gone too long."

"Of course, go."

Frigga lingered at the door, watching her son walk away through the corridor. As soon as he was gone from sight, she returned to her desk and waved her hand to make the message she had been writing visible again. She added a request for the other Queens to meet her at the next equinox. She would know by then if what Aelsa gave her had worked. It had to work.

***

Winter came early, just like it had thirty years ago. Snowflakes whirled down, dancing about in the air. The city, fields, forests and lakes were covered in white frost. Sigyn sighed wistfully at the sight. Even though she only wore a thin robe and her hair was still wet from her bath, the cold didn't bother her. It never had. Not here, nor in the North of Midgard. If it weren't for Loki's touch, sending shivers through her entire body when they lay together, she would probably only ever feel her fire.
Her control over her powers had grown considerably. All thanks to her husband's guidance, of course. She could do so much now; illusions, shape-shifting, concealment, even telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Loki taught her everything he knew, from his own magic to the long-forgotten sorcery of the ancient powers that once ruled the universe with such care and patience. He was everything Sigyn had ever hoped for in a husband.

I don't deserve him. Why does he stay with me? I can't even bear his child. How can he possibly still love me when I cannot give him an heir? I've failed him. I... I've failed us.

She wrapped her arms about her as she walked back into her bedroom, weeping silently. She let her eyes wander through the room. It had been thirty years, and the roses still blossomed as if they had only been conjured yesterday.
Sigyn wiped her tears away and smiled. Those blooms had always been a symbol of their love, along with the serpent pendants around their necks. Real, tangible proof that Loki truly did still love her. As long as they didn't change, she could be certain she was in his heart. Even if she couldn't —

"Sigyn? Are you here?"

Sigyn jumped at hearing Thor's voice. What was he doing here? Not caring that she was only in a robe and barefoot, she opened the door of the bedchamber to find her brother at the threshold of the private study.

"Sigyn!" Thor exclaimed, startled at her underdressed appearance. "You're... You're busy. I shall return later."

"There's no need. Please, stay."

Thor lingered, hesitant to enter. Sigyn beckoned him, and he eventually came to sit with her on the ottoman.

"Where's Loki?" he asked, eyes roving the room in search of his brother.

"With Frigga," answered Sigyn. "He'll be back soon. You are more than welcome to wait for him here."

"I thank you, but I did not come here for Loki. It's you I wished to speak."

"Me? What for?" Thor finally faced Sigyn, his gaze meeting hers. She waited for him to continue, but he just stared at her. "Thor? Are you all right?"

"Forgive me. It's just... I still cannot quite fathom you have finally come back to m—us. We missed you."

"I missed you all, too."

Thor smiled, then averted again. Sigyn wondered at his sudden modesty. He had never been like that.

"What did you wish to discuss?" she inquired.

"Hm? Oh, I wanted to see how you were. If you required anything."

Sigyn frowned at him. "I don't believe I do, no."

"And you are... well?" Thor gestured his hand casually.

"Yes, of course. Thor, why are you asking me all this? You're acting very strange."

The Crown Prince bit his lip and then took a deep breath. "Before, I noticed you seemed... sad. And you look thinner, too. I was worried something was amiss."

"There's nothing," Sigyn answered dismissively. 

Thor gave her a penetrating look. Then he took one of her hands and rubbed the back with his thumb. "Sigyn, you do not have to pretend with me. Just because I'm not your husband does not mean you cannot speak to me if you are troubled. We are family. You can always come to me if needed."

Sigyn's lip quivered. Could she confide in him? Could she speak to Thor about something that was only supposed to be of her and Loki?

"There is nothing," she then said, trying to sound strong. "I appreciate your concern, but I am well. So is Loki. We returned because we grew bored with Midgard and longed to be home again. That's all."

He didn't believe her. Sigyn could tell from his skeptical expression. But Thor said nothing else of it. He simply nodded and squeezed Sigyn's hand. He let go when the sudden sound of a door closing disturbed the silence. Footsteps drew near, and Loki appeared in the study. He halted upon seeing his wife and brother seated together. 

"Thor? What are you doing here?"

"I came to discuss something with Sigyn."

Loki met Sigyn's eyes. She instantly heard his voice in her head. "Sigyn, why is he here?" 

"He just wanted to see if we'd settled in all right."

"You did not think to put on some clothes before allowing him in?"

Sigyn rolled her eyes at Loki as he approached. He made a point of kissing her long on her lips before sitting beside her. His arm went around her waist, and he pulled her close to him. Such affections usually made Sigyn feel like she was the most precious person in the universe to him. Now, she just got the impression he was claiming her. Showing Thor she was his, and his alone. It aggravated her.

"Thank you for keeping my wife company, brother," said Loki. "You can go now."

Sigyn elbowed Loki's side inconspicuously. Would it really hurt him to be just a little nicer?

"I actually have one more thing to discuss." Thor cleared his throat and directed his attention to Sigyn again. "Just know that this is merely an offer; if you do not wish it considering what happened in the past, we shall, of course, respect this."

"What is it?" she asked.

"The Queen and I have found a young girl to be your handmaiden. She stands ready to —"

"Sigyn does not need a handmaiden." interrupted Loki abruptly.

"She's a Princess of Asgard, Loki," argued Thor.

"She hasn't had a servant in thirty years, and she does not need one now. How can you even suggest this to her after what happened?"

"Loki, please." Sigyn silenced her husband with a hand to his knee. "You know I do not wish to think about that."

"Nor I, which is why this is a bad idea."

She sighed. There was truth in Loki's words. But she understood why Thor, and perhaps others, too, would prefer her having a handmaiden. As he said, she was a Princess. She ought to have someone at her side. Someone not her husband. Still...

"This girl, who is she?" Sigyn inquired.

"Her name is Rúna. We met her when she was a child. That first time I took you to the market?"

"Rúna... Yes, I remember her, I think. She liked my hair. I cut a lock off and gave it to her."

"She yet has it, woven into a headband."

Sigyn smiled at that. Curious how something so silly could hold such meaning to a person.

"Rúna has no family left," continued Thor. "She was orphaned as a babe, and her grandmother died some years ago. When she came to serve in the palace, Frigga noted her headband and realised she would be the best candidate to be your handmaiden. She is loyal to a fault, Sigyn, I assure you."

"Loyal to whom, exactly?" questioned Loki venomously. "Not us, since we haven't met her yet. To you, perhaps? Or Frigga? Tell me, Thor, who is it that wants to spy on us now?"

"Loki, calm down, please!"

Her husband grunted and rose to his feet to pace the room. She felt the serpents' icy scales on her bosom and let some of her warmth flow through the pendant. Loki's tense shoulders seemed to loosen a bit, but he kept his head down and his hands at his hips.

"Loki is right, Thor," she said. "I am sorry, but I cannot take the risk. Not again."

"Will you at least just meet her? If you still feel the same afterwards, we will never speak of it again."

Sigyn hesitated. She turned to Loki, who stood with his back to them now. It was clear he didn't agree with any of this, which was understandable. She did not feel like having an outsider with them, either. But... perhaps they could compromise.

"I will meet with Rúna alone," she spoke. "If she cannot convince me she is loyal to me and me alone, I don't want her near me, and I will not allow any more talk of having a handmaiden. If I see anyone else whilst I speak with her, albeit the tiniest creature, I will leave Asgard immediately, for then I will know I can trust nobody here. That goes for you too, Loki."

He gave an exasperated huff, prompting Sigyn to shoot him a warning through their mind link. "No discussion, Loki Odinson. You have protected me for thirty years, and you continue to do so now, and I love you so very much for it. But you must let me do this on my own. For us. Please?"

Loki finally faced Sigyn again. His jaw stood taut, and his ice-blue eyes held a frosty glare. Sigyn let her fingers brush over her necklace, pushing a tiny spark of her fire through to him. The corner of his mouth twitched.

"I don't want you to be completely alone with this girl," he spoke slowly. "Will you accept a neutral party to be present?"

"I will," she replied. "Fandrall swore his fealty to me. He can be present, but no one else. Are you both in agreement?"

Thor nodded instantly. They both waited for Loki's reply. He slowly grazed his teeth over his lip, again showing his displeasure, but eventually said, "Very well."

"Excellent." Thor smiled broadly and clapped his hands. "I shall arrange it, then. Will you join us for dinner?"

"Only if you leave us," snarled Loki. "Now."

Sigyn walked Thor through the study and presence chamber to the door, bidding him farewell. He kissed her cheek and assured her once again he would take care of everything. Yet, as soon as she closed the door behind him, Sigyn dropped her composure and grace. Something crashed onto the floor in the study. Loki's anger coursed through Sigyn, adding to her own. She pressed her lips together.

We should never have come back here.

***

How dare he? How dare they? Why would they do this to us?

Loki's entire body trembled as he watched the ink from the broken jars spill all over the books and papers he had swept off his writing desk in a fit of rage. He couldn't believe his own brother, the one who'd stood by him at his wedding and in his fight to save Sigyn, would do this to him now. Thor may not have said the words out loud, but his intent had been clear enough.
Loki was certain this was Odin's doing. Of course he would want someone else to watch the all-powerful fire mage. He couldn't possibly put his faith in Loki, no. No, because that would mean trusting the Trickster. And everyone knew the Trickster couldn't be trusted. Not even with his own wife!

Damn them all!

Loki's magic surged, and every object that stood near him went flying across the room. The chairs turned over, the vases and goblets shattered, and the bookcases shook, making some of the larger volumes fall to the floor. He breathed heavily and then felt a deep warmth rush through him. A pair of hands came up from behind him and closed over his chest.

"Be still, my love." Sigyn pressed herself against his back. "We are alone again. Be still now."

Loki allowed himself to be taken over by her. Usually, she was the one who lost control, though that had improved considerably in these past thirty years. But on the rare occasion that Loki felt like he had fallen into the dark pit of despair, it was only Sigyn's light that could pull him out. Even now, when she herself burned pale, she was still a bright beacon for his heart. What would he ever do without her?

"If you want to run, I will run with you," whispered Sigyn. "Just say the word."

"That might make things worse." Loki put his hands over hers. "I am sorry for bringing you back, my heart. I thought coming home would... To be honest, I don't know what it would do. I just wanted to help you."

"Loki, my home is where you are. Whether that is here, or on Midgard, or in the farthest corner of the universe. Anywhere you go, I will follow, for as long as you will have me."

Sigyn rested her head against his shoulder. Loki glanced sideways at her. He couldn't quite see her face, but he didn't have to. He knew every beautiful feature by heart.

"I suppose you will always have to follow me, then," he said.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Sigyn released her hold on him, allowing Loki to turn in her arms. He cupped her face and dipped down to catch her lips. When they parted, Loki wrapped his arms around Sigyn, and she settled against his chest. His heartbeat slowed as his anger ebbed, which was all thanks to Sigyn. But their current predicament yet loomed over them.

"What will you do about the girl?" asked Loki.

"Exactly as I said." Sigyn met his gaze. "I'll speak with her to put everyone's minds at ease. If I sense she has no ill intent towards us, I'll allow her to be my handmaiden. Tough, a trial year first, perhaps, considering her youth."

"And then?"

"We make sure she is loyal to us. We can have our own little spy then."

Loki chuckled at the thought of beating his family at their own game. And he was impressed that Sigyn thought ahead. He sometimes forgot his wife had learned a thing or two about causing mischief. But then again, since she was married to him, how could she not have?

"I have something for you." He kissed Sigyn's brow before letting go to hand her the vial Frigga gave him.

"What's this?" She turned it between her fingers, frowning at the powder inside.

"I'm not sure, actually," admitted Loki. "But Mother ensured this would help us."

"Help us? You mean... You spoke to her of... of that?"

Loki nodded. "She asked me about it and offered me this for you. Sigyn, I have never lied to you before, and I will not do so now. Nor will I trick you and just slip this into your drink while you aren't looking. If we do this, we do it as we do everything — together."

Sigyn smiled at his words. She flicked her wrist, and a cup of water appeared in her hand. With no hesitation, Sigyn emptied the vial into the clear liquid and stirred it around until the powder dissolved completely. She put the cup to her lips and drank it all at once. She shivered.

"What is it?" Loki gave her a worried look. "Do you feel something?"

"No, it was just very cold. It tasted sweet, like... berries."

Loki sighed in relief. He knew Frigga wouldn't have given him anything that would have harmed Sigyn, but this was still strange magic to him. Sigyn made the cup disappear and gazed back up into Loki's eyes.

"What must I do now?" she asked.

"Nothing. We let it take effect. Frigga warned me you might feel sick in the meantime, but you can drink her ginger root tea if that is the case. I'll have some brought daily to have it at hand should you need it. We do have to wait one week before we lie with each other again."

"We have to wait a few days, anyway. But, Loki, what if... even this doesn't...?"

"It will. Trust me."

He made sure to give Sigyn a confident look as he said those words. But deep in his heart, he feared the same thing she did. If the powder's magic didn't work and Sigyn once again failed to conceive, the hope he had given her would crush her heart and spirit. It would be like those horrid weeks from thirty years ago all over again. Only this time, Loki wasn't certain if he would be able to save her from herself.