There's a God Under My Bed

“This is going to be great!”

“Yes, but—“

“I’m going to change out of this armor and then we’re going to go to the library! And then we can go to the council meeting and then back to the library and--!”

“Darcy, please,” Loki urged as they walked through the lengthy glimmering corridors of the palace closely trailed by Thor and his friends. “We must be cautious. Keep in mind, whilst in the meeting you will not be able to speak unless called as a witness first.”

Darcy’s pout could not be held longer than a few seconds due to the sheer excitement radiating off her person. “Man, today has been so productive! And it isn’t even lunchtime yet!”

“Indeed,” Loki sighed, unable to hold back a small smile. He deeply wished he shared Darcy’s enthusiasm for the upcoming meeting. But it was like being excited about a beating from Mjolnir. “Darcy?”

“Yeah?” she asked, spinning around in circles to take in the sculpted high ceilings and intricate metal workings on the supporting columns.

“I must go and meet with my mother for a few moments and report the happenings on Nornheim. Would you like to come with me? You mentioned your desires to be rid of your armor for now,” he inquired, stroking Jörmungandr’s back as he pulled himself over the young prince’s shoulders.

Darcy considered this for a moment. “Well, I think that you being all royalty and everything means I would probably get kicked out of the meeting with your mom…” she hesitated. “If I go to get changed, will you promise to find me right after you finish?”

He quirked a grin. “Of course.”

“You didn’t promise.” She smirked, stopping to stare up at him. Both her and Fenrir’s blue eyes pierced him.

He offered her his extended pinky and she took it. “I, Loki Odinson, promise Darcy that I will return to her directly after the meeting with Queen Frigga.” He swore with every manner of princely authority in his body.

Darcy nodded in approval, wide blue eyes staring up at him with open sincerity. “Good. Because last night I missed you.”

Loki felt his heart soften a bit and he gave her the slightest of bows. “You have my word, Darcy.”

Just as he had said this, the rest of their group approached , Sif in the lead. The warrior smiled at Darcy and even gave Loki an only slightly cooler look before petting Fenrir on the head. “If I’ve heard correctly, Darcy, you wish to adorn lighter clothing?”

He let Jörmungandr off his shoulders to slither after Fenrir. He made the educated choice not to worry about what they would get up to in the palace. Loki decided it was time to take his leave, walking away at an even pace to allow Thor time to catch up with him. Sure enough, his brother was by his side in mere seconds and together they strode in morbid silence towards their Mother’s chambers where the verdict of their punishment would be declared.

Thor cleared his throat after a few minutes, “Loki, may I be quite…honest…with you?”

“Of course,” Loki said, voice even. His tone came across just as a prince’s should.

“Well,” Thor cleared his throat again and Loki noticed it was a newer one of his brother’s nervous ticks. Or perhaps Thor had never had reason to be nervous until recently. “What do you think my penalty will be for my deeds on Nornheim?”

Loki was not the least bit surprised at this question and he came back with an easy answer. “Whatever penalty Mother deems sufficient.”

“Loki, that was the least insightful answer you could have given me.” Thor almost whined and Loki’s lips came up in a tiny smile.

“That answer is the most insight anyone will ever get into what Mother thinks,” Loki reminded him grimly. “Besides, my punishment will be much worse.”

Thor turned to his brother confused. “Why would you be punished?”

Loki cast him a half-hearted sideways glance. “Thor, I broke every law in Nornheim regarding the use of magical practices during a wartime state and then proposed adding more people to the council all without the Allfather’s consent.”

The blonde prince simply blinked in amazement. “But they did not arrest you.”

“No,” Loki agreed, “they did not. But they also did not know that it was I who cast the spell until halfway through our discussion. It allowed me to build up a small defense for both of our misbehaviors.”

Thor sighed heavily, clapping his brother on the shoulder. “Do not worry, Loki. Mother will not punish you.”

“No,” Loki agreed again, “I suppose she will leave it to Father.”

They shared a solemn nod before approaching the door to their Mother’s Ladies’ chambers. Loki had once asked her why, when the Allfather was in the Odinsleep, she didn’t sit on the throne.

Frigga had told him that she didn’t need a chair to assert her authority.

Truer words may have never been spoken.

The guards on duty bowed, opening the doors and announced them. “Princes Thor and Loki.”

Cautiously, the two boys entered the room, shoulders back and chins high, prepared to accept their retribution. The Queen of Asgard was seated in a high backed chair, angled so it faced the window. She stood, her golden skirts flowing around her ankles and Loki thought he heard Thor whimper a small cry of fear.

Loki could not blame him.

Frigga turned to them slowly; her features focused in the most terrifying look a mother could give: disapproval.

“Thor—“ she began strictly, only to be cut off by a near trembling Thor.

“Mother, I am sorry!” he interrupted, rushing forwards, his eyes wide and pleading. “It was wrong of me, I know this now. My actions do not reflect my status and I apologize for my wrongdoings.”

Loki resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Here was his brother, the Mighty Thor, Prince of Thunder, reduced to a scared mess at the barest notion of his mother’s scolding. Frigga folded her hands in front of her, looking down at her eldest son with a veil of disappointment that just shadowed her amusement. “I see. And you are apologizing to me and not those families in Nornheim whom you have broken.”

The blonde prince paled. “I...I will do so.”

“Indeed you will,” she said sternly, raising her brows in an expression that radiated motherly disapproval. It sent chills through the room so strong, even the guards at the entrance shifted with unease. “You will take tonight to rest and recuperate. In the morning, you will board a longship back to Nornheim where you will offer your condolences through speech at their funerals.”

Thor looked like this was the last thing he wanted to do. But Frigga’s scrutinizing glare kept his tongue in place. “Yes Mother.”

“Good. Now come here. I’m glad to see that you are unharmed.” She smiled, opening her arms to embrace him. Thor returned her affection, his head on her shoulder. After a moment, Frigga pulled away and stroked the side of his face. “Now, go freshen up. Your father will not awaken from the Odinsleep for at least another day.”

Thor nodded, giving her a quick bow before exiting the room. On his way out he stopped to put a hand on Loki’s shoulder. “Tell no one of this.”

Loki smirked, raising a singular brow at his brother. “Very well.”

Thor’s cheeks were slightly pink when he finally left, leaving Loki to the fate of his mother’s words.

“Loki,” she greeted with a warm smile.

“Mother.” He returned her welcome, though the warmth did not reach his eyes.

She held out her hand for him to take and Loki accepted it with ease as they strode to look out the open window together. “You have confused the Norns, Darling.”

He folded his hands behind his back. “I understand. I have done many things without confirming my actions with Allfather beforehand and I am willing to accept any punishment given to me.”

Frigga sighed, a sad smile on her face as she cupped his cheek, running her thumb over his cheek. “You have grown, Loki. It is strange for a mother, who firstly remembers her sons as children, to see them become little men.”

Touching the hand that held his face, Loki met his mother’s eyes. “Are you not angry, Mother? Surely I have caused  trouble for the capital.”

She shook her head, bringing him into a tight hug. “No. I am not angry. Let your Father give you your sentence.” Her chin settled atop his head. “Just promise me you will be careful, yes?”

“I swear it,” Loki said, pulling away to see into his mother’s deep blue eyes.

She laughed and Loki saw thousands of years of secrets in the corner of her mouth. “I am sure you will try your best.”

She released him, settling back down into her chair. “Now, you have some friends to go see, do you not?”

“I do,” he agreed, heading for the door. “Farewell, Mother.”

He had almost left when she called after him. “Oh, and Loki?”

“Yes?”

“Tell Lady Darcy that I must play her in Hnefatafl sometime. Lord Bjarte seems to think she is remarkable at it,” the Allmother said, turning in her chair to give him a sly grin.

Loki could not hide the knowing amusement that bubbled in his chest as a secret acknowledgement passed through them. “I will be sure to tell her.”

                                                                                                                                                                    ***

Darcy smiled at herself in the mirror, pleased with the outfit the ladies had given her.

Unlike her previous dresses, this one was not completely majestic or bejeweled. The skirts were freer and her arms were bare with the exception of silver bracers that went up to her elbows. One of her shoulders was armored by a decorative shoulder plate that strapped to a matching silver breastplate that made up the bodice of her dress. The free material of her skirt was silky and moved when she did.

Needless to say, she could totally feel air on her butt.

She turned to Sif, satisfied that the ladies let her keep her swords. It was a lot easier to make them listen to her when the female warrior was around. She happened to notice that they sent Sif a lot of rude looks and a group of pretty women with haughty jaws snickered in a corner.

“What do you think?” she asked proudly, drawing her right sword and posing dramatically.

Sif chuckled a bit, standing up from her stiff position in her chair. “Very few ladies dress like that. Some who train with daggers do. And Queen Frigga, of course.”

Darcy shrugged, sheathing her weapons, walking with Sif through the endless chambers of fluttering skirts and gossiping women. The place had a cozy sort of appeal. But she couldn’t imagine spending the day there. It seemed terribly boring, not to mention all of the ladies kept whispering to each other as they passed. She couldn’t catch any of what they were saying, but she guessed it wasn’t nice.

They were halfway through the chambers when someone cleared their throat.

Darcy turned and Sif froze in her tracks. Behind them was a medium height girl, not looking that much older than Sif, with dirty blonde hair and pink cheeks. “These rooms are for the Ladies only.”

Sif kept walking, clearly ignoring the girl who was speaking. But Darcy turned to face her, acknowledging the lady stood at least a head taller than herself. “Who are you talking to?”

There were a few chiming laughs that Darcy was beginning to detest. “Well, obviously the only two here who aren’t ladies,” she said with an overly sweet smile. “Not the smartest little thing, are you?”

Darcy crossed her arms, raising her chin. “I’m not a thing. I’m a person. I am Lady Darcy, and Sif can be here if she wants to be.”

“Darcy…” Sif muttered, reaching behind her to touch the fierce little girl’s arm. “Let us go.”

Darcy ignored her as the lady with dirty blonde hair sneered. “Running away to go play with knives, Sif? You know, the black hair suits you. It took away the last thing any man could ever really want in you—“

“Hey!” Darcy interrupted angrily. “That was a horrible thing to say!”

“Was it?” the girl challenged, tilting her chin higher. “Allow me to introduce myself Lady Dancy—“

“—Darcy—“

“I am Gera Dregadottir.” She said this and the room hushed, like this was the most important title anyone could have. Darcy recognized the name. She was the daughter of one of the richer nobles in the capital. Lady Drega was husband to Lord Odmir and they enjoyed flaunting their titles.

Darcy smirked, hands on her hips. “Oh yeah? Well, do you know who I am?”

“Daughter of a cow?” Gera asked, voice sickly polite.

“A girl with two swords,” Darcy said with definiteness, placing her hands on the pommels of her blades.

“Was that a threat?” the blonde sneered, arms crossed and leaning down to tower over the shorter girl.

“No,” Darcy said indignantly. “It’s a reminder that you’re being mean to the two people who just got back from a war to protect you and your sewing stuff.”

Gera’s jaw clenched and she took a step back. “You are threatening me! You little wench!” she reached around her grappling at a plate of cheese for a short serrated knife.

Darcy, ever more infuriated, took a step forwards, but this time, a small quiet voice echoed through the room. “Lady Darcy, Lady Sif, you have returned safely.”

Everyone in the room hushed, including Gera, each of them pretending to return to what they were doing as the owner of the silken voice strode towards them. Darcy whipped around to see an almost white haired girl with sparkling blue eyes.

“Sigyn!” she called, running towards the girl and capturing her in a tight embrace. “I missed you! I feel like I haven’t see you in forever! Well, we only met that once but you’re a great friend! And I can’t believe that you and Loki—“

“Darcy!” Sigyn gasped, her voice alight with a combination of surprise, amusement, and horror. “Let us have our reunion elsewhere, yes?”

She nodded enthusiastically, moving to follow Sigyn out when she noticed Sif was already walking towards the alternate exit. “Sif, come on, we’re going this way.”

The dark haired girl turned around, her cheeks red and her actions hesitant. “Darcy, I am not sure if—“

“Sif, you promised you would sit next to me at dinner. And we were going to go spar later,” Darcy reminded insistently, taking note of the tentative glance between the two girls.

Sigyn stepped forwards and Darcy was forced to accept that everyone on Asgard was officially taller than her. “I would be honored if you would join us, Lady Sif.”

Sif, not wanting to be impolite, nodded once and the three of them left the ladies chambers, an eruption of simpering whispers in their wake.

Immediately, Darcy began talking again. “Sigyn! I can’t believe you and Loki are going to be together! This is fabulous! I mean, sure I knew he like-liked you and everything, but then you kissed--!”

“Darcy!” Sigyn said, fear stricken. “You cannot just say that!”

Sif was taken back. “Sigyn? You have kissed Prince Loki?”

Sigyn’s face turned pink , and she quickly looked away. “Honestly, Darcy, I see you now after a year and the first thing you do is bring up that which no one knows about.”

Darcy grinned. “Aw, come on. You didn’t tell anyone?”

“Of course not,” she said, leading them down a slightly narrower hall.

“I bet you did!” Darcy taunted.

“It would be most improper, Darcy.”

Sif seemed to be stifling laughter and Sigyn glanced at her incredulously, as she had never seen the warrior laugh in her presence. “What is it?”

They all stopped and the air was thick with tension as Sif managed a few short words. “You kissed Loki.”

The three girls stood and looked to one another.

A seconds passed.

Then another.

And suddenly they burst into hysterias. Darcy was bent over, clutching her gut while Sif’s head was thrown back, sending loud peals down the hall. Even Sigyn could not contain herself and her usually soft voice was cackling in lovely mirth at their ridiculous humor.

And thus, a powerful friendship was borne.

Just as they started to calm down and Darcy was wiping tears from her eyes, a certain dark haired prince approached them through the entry from whence they came. He gave them a confused look before they broke down into fits of insane glee once more.

Finally, Sigyn managed to compose herself, face red from her hairline to the neck of her silver and gold dress. “Prince Loki…my apologies…”

Darcy sniffed, pushing hair out of her face. “Loki…you kis—!”

Her mouth was quickly covered by a barely calm Sif. “Do not say it again or he will have us sent off to the healers.”

Darcy ripped off Sif’s hand and grinned widely at her prince friend. “Oops, sorry,” she said, not sounding the least bit apologetic as she looked between him and Sigyn. “Come on, Sif. Let’s go eat stuff, they can catch up later.”

The girls linked arms and both Loki and Sigyn sent their friend betrayed looks.

                                                                                                                                                                    ***

Loki was humored if not slightly exasperated.

Darcy tells him to come and find her afterwards, and then immediately after he tracks her down, she leaves him with a red faced Sigyn.

Loki did not think he had ever seen her express such emotion before in anyone’s presence. Then again, Darcy’s enthusiasm was near contagious. She was simply charismatic. In every sense of the word.

“Prince Loki,” Sigyn said, bowing her head, a golden circlet on her hair. “I am glad you have returned safely.”

He gave her a small smile. “Well, almost,” he joked, surprisingly pleased to see her again. It was odd how Sigyn had gone, in his mind, from some untouchable aura to a person he could call friend.

She looked concerned for a moment before she detected his jest. “Nonsense. You are whole, I take it?”

“Indeed,” he said, looking down at her shyly. “And so is this.” Loki reached around his neck and removed her key.

She tentatively reached out to take it, grasping the chain between her delicate fingers. “Thank you, Prince Loki.”

“Sigyn?”

“Yes.”

“If it is your wish…you may call me Loki. But only if you like, of course.” He told her, curious as to if the familiarity of not using titles to refer to one another was too intimate. Perhaps it would not be, considering their…relationship.

A light blush remained on her cheeks from earlier and in their close proximity, Loki was reminded of their kiss. He secretly wondered if he had been as terrible a kisser as Idiot Boy.

“I think I would very much like that, Loki,” she said, folding her hands in front of her.

“That is pleasing to hear, Sigyn,” he said, insides thudding with delight and he offered her his arm. “Would you also like accompaniment to the midday meal?”

She took his arm in response and together they made their way to the dining hall. All the while, Loki asked her questions as to what she had been up to since he had been gone and he reveled in how her perfectly structured character would slip away while she talked and, for a moment, he was able to see who she really was.

It made him smile.

“Loki?” she asked as they neared their destination.

“Sigyn?”

She tittered just a little. “Your friend, Lady Darcy, is she always so…?”

“Excited?”

“Free.” Sigyn finished her grip on his arm just the right pressure. “I have never seen anyone who speaks their mind so openly. I…” she trailed off like she had gotten carried away with her words.

Loki waited for her to continue.

“…I fear she may get herself into trouble,” she confessed quietly. “I will not admit to have known her for long, but she is most delightful company in the time I have. And just recently, well, I cannot ever remember laughing so hard…But, do you understand what I mean when I say that she is perhaps, too brave?”

Loki sighed, grimacing. “Sigyn, I know exactly what you mean.” He turned his gaze to her and smiled tiredly. “Come, let us dine. I am curious as to how your magic lessons are going.”

They met with Darcy and Sif again who were sitting side by side, talking, eating and laughing as Sif recalled a story that had ended in Fandral’s failure at courting women.

Sigyn nodded appreciatively and silently tilted her cup in praise of Sif’s story. Her movements were so subtle that no one would have noticed unless they were specifically looking for them as Loki was.

Their meal was going quite well until Fandral and Darcy began to argue. It started out as simple bickering, but eventually, the occupants of the seats near them began listening in until even Sigyn was engrossed in their dispute.

“...Why don’t you explain why you think that then, Fandral?!”

He held his hands out before him, clearly flustered. “Because….Because.”

“Because why?”

“Because that is just how it is!” he shouted, banging his fist on the table. “Magic is for women!”

Darcy put both her hands on the table, leaning forwards so she was nose to nose with the blonde haired boy. “Then are swords only for men?”

“Yes!” he answered immediately then shot a hesitant glance toward Sif. “I mean, no.” He shook out his blonde hair. “It is no matter! Everyone knows that—!”

“’Magic is for women, blah blah blah,” Darcy mocked. “Well, I’m a girl, and I don’t use magic.”

“Yes, well, you would probably have a greater inclination to it than swordsmanship,” he shot and Darcy crossed her arms.

“Excuse me?”

He sat back in his chair, looking smug. “Oh please, we saw you in Nornheim, Lady Darcy. The wound in your leg was so deep, Loki had to carry you as if you were a mere babe.”

Her cheeks turned pink as she put her hands on her hips. “Even if I suck, I’m still better than you.”

Loki kneaded his temples. Where most people would simply let Fandral rant about the roles different genders played and their crafts, Darcy would have to argue. Wonderful.

He was about to intervene, enter the conversation and then drag Darcy away to the library where Fandral could not spear her through, when two hands stopped him, one on his wrist and the other on his shoulder. Both Sif and Sigyn were giving him warning eyes.

Sif shook her head, “Sit down, Loki.”

“But she—“

Sigyn squeezed his hand, “Sif is right, Loki. They have been quarreling over this matter for nearly an hour. If you take her away now, Fandral will win and she will no doubt be even more angry.”

Loki saw her perspective, but he had already seen Darcy fight too many times in the past two days and he did not wish to see it again. “Sigyn, is this not what you meant by her being too brave?”

She lifted her chin just a bit and a bit of defiance he had never seen before bloomed on her normally cool features. “Perhaps I misspoke. Perhaps she is simply brave enough to compensate for other’s conformity.”

He stared. She had just insulted him. Sigyn, of all people, had just accused him of being compliant. He could not say she was wrong. He had always figured it better that way, to accept what people thought of his use of magic. Or do as Sif has done and ignore anyone who tells him he is wrong for what he does and simply continue with his studies.

But he had never seen it in such a negative way that implies he let people, to use the Midgardian term, ‘walk all over him.’

At her words, he sat down. “I just do not want her to be hurt,” he told them honestly.

Sigyn nodded in understanding, but Sif smirked. “Have some faith in her, Loki. Clearly she is not incapable with a sword.”

Loki considered her words. Darcy had proved herself with a blade, had she not? The only reason she was injured was because a man she thought disarmed had proved to be otherwise. He had underestimated her against Lord Bjarte and now he was making assumptions again.

He tried to imagine the dangers now as Fandral got to his feet and challenged Darcy to a duel. He would not truly hurt her, would he? Of course not, they were in the dining hall. There would be no blood shed—

“Loki?”

“Yes Sigyn?”

“Would you please lessen your hold on my hand?” she asked politely and he thought there was a bit of humor in her words.

Sif gave him an odd look as he quickly released Sigyn’s hand which he had been squeezing tightly. “You are truly worried for her?”

He raised his brows in response, unable to hide his incredulous glare.

She crossed her arms, sitting back in her chair to speak to him around Sigyn. “Fandral will not truly injure her, even if he does manage to land a blow.”

He cast a wary glance to where Darcy and Fandral circled each other in the center of the hall as the dancers moved to make room for them. “I am aware. It does little to lessen my concern.”

Sif quirked a grin. “She cannot keep her mouth shut. She was nearly speared with a cheese knife today in the ladies chambers.”

Sigyn quickly covered her mouth to hide a grin. Sif noticed and cocked her head in question. “Yes?”

The blonde girl was hesitant for a moment. “It would be impolite of me to say. Forgive me, Lady Sif.”

They continued meek conversation while Loki focused his attention on Darcy, biting down his anxiety. This time, Darcy faced the challenge, not of being overpowered, but of being too slow.

Fandral was a swordsman, and as much as it pained Loki to admit, he was a rather good one. He was renowned for his grace and eloquence with a blade. They had sparred before and Loki found it difficult to best him without the use of magic. As Darcy fought Fandral now, her brows knit together, analyzing his movements in search of weakness.

His blade was quick and Darcy’s moves seemed sluggish in comparison. No doubt her muscles would be sore from the day prior as she did not have the stamina that most Asgardians had, and she was not even wearing proper armor. Loki nearly fell from his chair when Fandral’s sword lashed out and hit Darcy’s left wrist causing her to drop one of her swords.

“Are you ready to submit, Lady Darcy?!” he asked, coming at her again and forcing her to fight him off with only her right sword.

“No,” she grunted, neatly parrying one of his attacks.

A fine sheen of sweat formed on her forehead as she calculated Fandral’s movements. Loki gripped the arms of his chair in anticipation, barely restraining his urge to throw himself between them and demand that they cease their brawl. He was a prince. He could do that if he wanted.

The he saw it. Something he recognized as realization flashed in Darcy’s eyes and she smiled like she had come to some great revelation. Dodging Fandral’s latest swipe, she let her sword arm fall as she pointed at something over his shoulder, “Oh look, what’s that!?”

Unthinking, Fandral looked to where she was pointing and Darcy swatted his wrist with her blade, causing him to drop his sword. Darcy swooped down to pick it up before Fandral could even move to rectify his mistake and had both her blades positioned at his neck. “I win.”

Fandral blinked down at her. “That is not fair!”

“Yes it is! I won! You dropped your sword. Now admit I’m right,” she growled lowering the blades. “That was the deal.”

Fandral ripped his sword from her grasp, “I made that agreement in the assumption that you were a fair fighter! Clearly you are not!”

“That was fair! You just looked the other way!”

“You cheated!”

“No!”

“Liar!”

“Loser!”

Loki decided it was now his time to step in as Darcy and Fandral had stowed their swords and they were right in each other’s faces. In hardly anytime at all, Loki and Volstagg were taking their respective friends and prying them away from each other.

Eventually, Loki had pulled Darcy away, and after a few more insults exchanged between her and Fandral, she had calmed down to a pouting state. She sat back in her chair next to Sif and bitterly stabbed at her potatoes, muttering under her breath.

Sif elbowed her, “So, I take it you like Fandral then?”

The following explosion resulted in Sigyn heaving laughs into Loki’s shoulder and Sif getting hit in the breast.

                                                                                                                                                                    ***

After eating, Loki and Darcy insisted that all of them go to the library to do research on a project they were working on. Sigyn, preferring the company of Loki and Darcy, agreed and was surprised to see Sif come with them as well.

When they first arrived in Loki’s corner of the library, he and Darcy had made sure to keep Sif and Sigyn informed on what they were talking about. But, as the day progressed, their language became more confusing and their tones transformed from explicative teacher to overenthusiastic researcher.

Sigyn thought they were quite amusing, especially when Fenrir and Jörmungandr showed up, both covered from head to toe in white soap bubbles. Darcy shook her head at them as Loki cast a spell to rid them of their suds. The animals spent a lot of time hovering over books in fashions reminiscent of their masters. Sigyn could not remember ever feeling so light hearted. Jörmungandr came up to mouth her jaw at one point and even gave Sif a tentative lick on the nose.

She had picked out a book, a fictional story about Galaxy Dragons and an Aesir prince who rode one around Yggdrasil. As much as she enjoyed her time with Loki, often times, Sigyn felt as though she could not keep up with him intellectually. He hardly ever talked about himself, always wishing to know more about what she liked to see and learn. He never had the light in his eyes as he did with Darcy now.

A few months ago, she had admitted her secret passion for fictional stories and Loki had sought out books she might like and would discuss them with her when no one else would. But now, seeing him babble on in languages she could not even comprehend about subjects she had never heard of, it made her happy that he could have a friend like Darcy who shared his interests more closely.

“…no that won’t work!” Darcy said, clearly frustrated as she simultaneously read a book and scrawled notes on a thick piece of parchment. “The surface of Nidavellir is basically a magnetic field! Even if we did use this spell there, it would have so much interference we wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a sorcerer and the tesseract!”

Loki shook his head, “There are no sorcerers on Nidavellir. You know this. However, I see your point. Any kind of energy would make it near impossible. What if we were to counteract that factor with another…?”

Sif, who had been quiet the entire time, leaned over in her chair to speak to Sigyn. “Do you understand what they are talking about?”

Sigyn gave her a small smile and a shrug. “Not at all.” She gently closed her book, marking the page with a scrap of parchment Loki had balled up earlier.

The black haired girl snorted, not bothering to mask the sound and reached down to affectionately rub Fenrir’s ears.

Sigyn, for the longest time, had not known what to think of Sif. She had always been beautiful, her features far from plain or unattractive. Yet, she had made friends with Thor when she was quite young and dedicated herself to the life of a warrior. Her black hair hung loose around her face making her firm jaw and determined eyes seem softer.

Despite common belief, Sigyn did not believe that black hair made anyone less appealing. In fact, she found it quite beautiful. Often times, when Loki would steal away time to sit with her in the library she would catch herself staring at how, when the sun shined in his hair, it was almost purple.

Sif’s hair was like that now, the sleek strands glimmering in the evening light. It took Sigyn a moment to realize that she had been starring. Quickly, she turned away, afraid she had overstepped.

“What are you reading?” Sif asked curiously, nodding to the book in Sigyn’s lap.

She ran her hands over the cover before setting it beside her. “It is nothing.”

Sif eyed her suspiciously, “No, tell me. I’m interested.”

Her lips twitched as she offered Sif the book. “It’s a story about a young prince who is friends with a Galaxy Dragon and together they go to explore different realms.”

Sif smiled, turning the book over in her hands. “My mother used to read this to me when I was a child…before I came to the capital, that is.”

Sigyn tried to recall what she knew about Sif’s background, but she did not know much other than she had been friends with Thor for nearly two thousand years. “Where are you from in Asgard?”

“Ringsfjord.” Sif answered blandly, pressing her lips together. “I have not been there since I was young.”

“Do you miss it?” Sigyn asked without thinking. She shamed herself for getting caught up in her words. “I apologize. I should not have—“

“Stop that.” Sif commanded bluntly, blue eyes piercing the lady.

“Pardon?” Sigyn asked breathily, terrified that she might have offended her.

Sif rolled her eyes and turned her chair so they faced each other and leaned forwards so their faces were in an even closer proximity. “You go to say something, then stop yourself in the middle of it. Why?”

She folded her hands in her lap , attempting not to give away how frightened she was of Sif’s rage. “It is improper to speak so freely. A lady must put the desires of others before her own.”

Sif’s dark brows came together and she reached to lift Sigyn’s chin. Her fingers were calloused and her hands were strong, yet they showed a certain finesse that she had never noticed in anyone before. She let go once Sigyn was sitting up straight, and their eyes were level. “Do you really think that?”

Her immediate answer would have been yes. But, upon further consideration of Sif’s question, she was not quite so sure.

It was her duty to her family to be a lady. They had offered her at a young age to be one of Queen Frigga’s ladies and the Queen had graciously accepted. There, she was taught and trained to be the kind of lady who was called upon by suitors and gained the attention of High Lords and Princes. And along the way, she had seen the affects of their lifestyle on most of the ladies.

They were the ladies who spent their time  gossiping and flashing their titles. Some were shallow, others were more catty and lashed out at those they considered to be threats. Sigyn did not wish to be rude like them. The idea that she may one day sit for hours on end with nothing but her sewing needle and talk of Lady Lorelei’s bust size to keep her happy was just shy of mortifying.

“No.” she answered, forcing herself to meet Sif’s crystal blue eyes. “I don’t.”

“Why?”

“Most ladies do not follow that belief.” Sigyn said quietly, “They are vain. I try not to be.”

Sif nodded, satisfied with her answer, sitting back in her chair. “You know, there’s a difference between vanity and confidence.”

They stared at each other for a long moment, Sigyn at a loss for words when Sif finally sighed. “I do not miss Ringsfjord, however I do miss my parents. I have not seen them in over eight hundred years.”

Swallowing her uncertainty, Sigyn dared ask another question. “Why?”

Sif smiled, opening the cover of the book. “They have disowned me. By law, I am only a part of the military and have yet to gain the title of warrior. The only reason most consider me as such is because of my friendship with Thor. But one day, I will be a woman warrior and I will defend Asgard and her people.”

Sigyn tentatively reached out to touch the back of Sif’s hand, her heart throbbing in sympathy for the other girl. “Your family has disowned you for wanting to be a warrior?”

She looked down at Sigyn’s hand on hers. “Yes. But they are not my family anymore. I suppose, at the time, I had the potential to marry into great wealth. They did not believe I could do so as a warrior.”

“So when you say that you are not a Lady…?”

Sif laughed lightly and Sigyn found it strangely enchanting. “I suppose it works both ways. By law I am not a lady and nor do I wish to be.”

Sigyn folded her hands in her lap again. “I think, I should like to call you Lady Sif anyhow. Not to be cruel, but because I believe you are the finest Lady Asgard has ever seen. You tolerate so much and are given so little. Your name deserves respect.”

The black haired girl seemed to struggle with words for a moment and her ears felt hot. “Your sentiment honors me Lady Sigyn.”

Sigyn opened her mouth to speak when Loki’s voice suddenly sounded through their corner, distress seeping through his composure.

“I disagree, Darcy! I sincerely doubt that Asgard has had anything to do with the tesseract in the past! I have read everything in this library on the matter and I assure you, no such proof exists.” Loki said, his irritation evident in the hefty slam of a book.

Darcy threw up her arms, almost hitting Jörmungandr in the face. “But it makes sense! You said it yourself, that according to legend, every Infinity Stone was once a part of Yggdrasil before they were scattered across the Nine Realms! If Asgard had anything to do with it, why wouldn’t they put it on Midgard?! A long time ago, primitive people would have worshipped Aesir as gods! Remember the mythology book?”

Loki rubbed a hand over her face, smoothing back his hair. “I have yet to figure out how that book exists. I was not given my title but a year ago and yet it claims I am a god amongst men I could have only met as a babe.”

Darcy brought her hands before her, making rapid gestures. “But don’t you see? Think about it, Lokes. Asgardians could have gone to Earth, then someone already had it figured out what would happen, right? Didn’t you say that some people on Asgard could see the future?”

He scoffed. “Darcy, those are myths. They claim that Jörmungandr, Fenrir and Hel are my children and that I gave birth to a horse. Are you trying to tell me that I have changed my anatomy recently?”

“Loki, you aren’t thinking about it hard enough.” She accused, crossing her arms and running her hands errantly along the spines of a few tomes. “Those are myths and according to ‘Prediction and Misdirection’ by Horft, future telling isn’t always accurate. Plus, humans could have made up some stuff.”

“Darcy,” he tried again. “We are talking about myths. Legends. Things that don’t exist. And contrary to what most may think, I am not a god.”

She took his hands in earnest. “What about Astrid? Huh? She was supposed to be a myth. What about portals between realms or the tesseract or—“

“Darcy—“

“Loki, please.” She encouraged, her pouty lips forming a precious frown.

He sighed, touching her cheek, slowly giving in to her large pleading eyes. “I have told you Darcy, I have read every book in this library concerning Midgard and the tesseract.”

A smile spread across her face, “In this library.”

Sigyn and Sif shared an inquisitive look. “Lady Sigyn?”

“Yes, Lady Sif?”

“Would you care to dine this evening? I heard word from Volstagg there would be fresh fruit from Alfheim to honor a few delegated that have come last night.” Sif asked, promptly standing, a hand on her sword.

Sigyn rose as well, giving Fenrir a quick rub behind his ears. “I would very much like to, Lady Sif.”

At the mention of dinner, Darcy and Loki broke from their bout, and Loki regained his princely persona. He approached Sigyn and took her hand, giving it a kiss. “Would you be offended, Sigyn, if I did not dine with you this evening? I fear I have much work to do before the Allfather awakens and grants me my punishment. And there is a council meeting following the evening meal.”

Sigyn curtsied, “Not at all, Loki. I trust you to be in good hands.” She turned to Darcy, “It has been lovely seeing you as well, Darcy. Shall we meet again in the morn?”

Darcy grinned, shaking her head. “I don’t think so. I’m heading back to Nornheim tonight.”

Loki’s brow crinkled, “Are you?”

She sent him a stern glance. “Yeah. I have things to do. And I have to apologize to Bene—“

“Good night, Sif, Sigyn.” Loki excused them, obviously perturbed by Darcy’s last remark.

The two girls strode away, already deeply engrossed in conversation about fictional story tales and the happenings on Nornheim.

                                                                                                                                                                    ***

Darcy and Loki stared after their two friends. “Do you think they’re gonna tell anyone what we were talking about?”

“No. I do not think they were paying very close attention.” Loki sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Sigyn is good company, however, she does not take great interest in magic or science.”

“I thought she was taking magic lessons?”

He shrugged, “She enjoys reading at night and thought it would be practical to cast a light to read by.”

Darcy nodded in understanding. “That would be pretty handy…”

They were silent for a minute as they watched Jörmungandr and Fenrir play in the floor.

“So, what other library did you have in mind?” Loki asked, sitting back down in his chair. Darcy plopped down across from him.

“Well, didn’t you say there were a lot of books in your dad’s study? Or, I bet your mom--?”

Without warning, Loki dove forwards to clasp a hand over her mouth, though he had put too much effort into it and had effectively tackled her to the ground. He stayed there with their faces in close proximity so she could hear his whispered warning.

“It is a well known fact in Yggdrasil, Darcy, that no one crosses the Allmother.” Loki cautioned her, staring deeply into her shocked blue eyes that were quickly becoming irritated.

Bitterly, she shook her head, freeing her mouth of his hand. “You’re so weird sometimes. I meant we could ask her if she had any books on it. And maybe we could sneak into Odin’s study. I mean, technically, it wouldn’t be trespassing, right?”

Loki shook his head, “Entering to Allfather’s private chambers to pick through his reading materials? Darcy, that may as well be the definition of trespassing.”

“Yeah, but you’re the prince.”

“No,” he corrected, “I am a prince, as in the second of two princes.  As a matter of fact, I am a prince who happens to be in quite a bit of trouble. Getting caught—“

“—if we got caught—“

“—it would put us both in very compromising positions.” He said thoughtfully.

They both sighed and Darcy squirmed a bit, “Hey Lokes?”

“Yes?”

“Can you get off of me? I’m squished.”

Blood rushed to his cheeks and he hastily stood up, offering Darcy his hand. She took it, getting to her feet and brushing out her skirts.

Being around Darcy in Asgard was strange. Most times, when they spent time together in her room, they were always in such close propinquity that he would think absolutely nothing of their social behaviors. On Midgard, those kind of activities were normal, expected even. But acting that way on Asgard seemed wrong.

He was a prince on Asgard and a prince would never do something so uncouth as to tackle a lady.

…Even if that lady did the same thing to him nearly every day.

“My apologies.”

She stuck her tongue out at him before settling down next to Jörmungandr and stroking his scaly back. “So...we’re going to check Odin’s study after the council meeting tonight?”

“Of course.” Loki said promptly, smiling in devious mirth. “Do you remember if I ever finished arranging that spell?”

“The super invisibility one? Blocks everything you do from Heimdall?”

“Yes, that one.”

“Yeah, we got it together, like, a few months ago. But it only lasts about five minutes and uses most of your magic.” Darcy pointed out, pushing a curly lock behind her ear.

Loki cupped his chin, frowning in memory of overworking himself. He had fallen unconscious for nearly an hour. “I remember now.”

Darcy tapped her chin, “I’ve been through it a few times. There’s no real way to simplify it without leaving a gap in the enchantment. It would work great if you were older and you had more magic and stuff.”

He grimaced. This was becoming a problem. As of late, as his knowledge of Yggdrasil and magic progressed, he found it increasingly more difficult to perform the spells he desired. Most magic he used now was based off of spells he invented, or his own theories about manipulating energy. It was not the safest route to go by, considering his methods had not been tested before and involved casting very loose interpretations of spells.

It had come to the point that when he went to perform magic, he need not even cast a full spell. He need only pulse his hand with energy and the desires of his mind would translate the magic required into the preferred spell. It was like reading; he could do it without thinking.

But then, occasionally, he came up with a word he didn’t know…

This had it’s downfall when the spell he wished to cast was too strong and it would weaken him greatly.

“We will go after the meeting. I should be able to go through with the spell, so long as I don’t have to exert much energy afterwards.”

“Okay.” Darcy agreed, stretching her arms and shaking out her feet. “You should eat something first. How long until the council meeting?”

He looked out the window to see the north sun slipping past the horizon. “We should depart soon. It is advised that Thor and I be there beforehand, as we will direct the council in the Allfather’s absence.”

“What about the Allmother?” Darcy inquired, tightening her sword belt. “Won’t she be there?”

Loki began closing the books and magicking them to their proper places. “I do not know. My mother has her own ways to deal with politics.”

Darcy smirked, reaching up to straighten his coat collar. “I think I’ve changed my mind about wanting to be president when I grow up.”

“Have you?” Loki asked surprised, lifting his chin to allow her better access in adjusting his clothing.

“Yup.” She said, popping the ‘p’. “I want to be your mom.”

“You wish to be Queen of Asgard?” he tried to hide his astonishment. He had no doubts that darcy would make a wonderful Queen, but a Midgardian sitting on the throne of Asgard…

Darcy waved him off, kneeling to fix Fenrir’s collar and give Jörmungandr a quick cuddle. “No, I mean, I could, but I want to be Frigga when I get older. She’s amazing.”

He detected her jest and smiled, offering her his arm. “I am not sure even you could do that, Darcy.”

She giggled, accepting his invitation and walking with him out of the library. “I know. I can dream, though.”

Together, they made their way around the palace, Darcy asking him questions about the enormous statues and unique structures they passed. The closer they got to their destination, the slower she walked until they were very nearly creeping through the halls.

Finally, as the entrance to the meeting hall came into view, Darcy stopped completely, her hand tightening on his arm. Loki turned to her, shocked to find slight apprehension in her eyes. “Darcy, what is wrong?”

She pursed her lips, staring straight ahead. “I don’t know…”

He took her hands, “Come now, Darcy. Tell me, what troubles you?”

“it’s just…” she left a short breath gust out from her puffed cheeks. “I’ve never done this before. And everyone in there is a Lord or royalty and they all have lots of experience with this. You’re a prince and  I’m…well…I’m just a Midgardian.”

Loki’s heart throbbed at her insecurity and he could not help but blame himself. Who was it that constantly told her she must be stronger? Who was it that always pushed her to fight diligently because she was to go up against mightier races? He had made her doubt herself.

He shook his head vigorously, running a thumb under her eye where anxious tears were starting to build. “Oh no, Darcy, do not think that. Never think that. You are not, nor have you ever been, ‘just’ anything.”

“But it’s true.” She said, her bottom lip coming out in that pretty pout he knew so well. “I am a mortal.”

“Come with me.” He said, taking her hand and pulling her out of the hall and onto a balcony that overlooked the city. With tender care, he positioned her in front of him by the banister. From their place, a view of starry Yggdrasil could be seen, fluid with far away lights and magical colors that made up the Nine Realms. “What do you see?”

“Blurry colors.” She answered grimly. “I still don’t have my glasses.”

Not to be deterred, Loki smiled. “Yes, but you know what those blurry colors are.”

“Yggdrasil.” She sniffed.

“Yes, but also Asgard, and the bifrost, and the gardens. And you know what?” he questioned, noticing how her hand gripped his tighter.

“What?”

“It would be an entirely different place without you here.” He explained, gently turning her to face him. “Asgardians may be older, but that does not mean they are anymore intelligent. Some Aesir assume they have so long to live that they become lazy and forget to educate themselves. And you, Darcy Lewis,” he lifted her chin so that she stood proudly, “you are a part of Yggdrasil just as they are.”

“But I’m mortal.” She protested.

Loki’s gut clenched at the reminder, “You are. But why should that make any difference? You know how Asgardian politics work, don’t you?”

“Yes…”

“And you have beaten Lord Bjarte at his own game, have you not?”

She smiled at her feet, eyes downcast. “Yeah.”

“Then you have no reason to worry, silly girl.” He said affectionately, dropping her hand. “As far as I’m concerned, you are far cleverer than anyone in that room, with the exception of my mother.”

She looked up at him, humor in her eyes. “What about you?”

He tapped his chin in mock thought. “Hm, well, I suppose I am an exception as well.”

They laughed and when Darcy moved to embrace him, it was only natural that he wrap his arms around her shoulders and rest his cheek against her hair. He swore to himself that he would never again use her mortality as a reason for her limitations. Darcy was far too special, far too brilliant, to think so little of herself. This would never happen again.

He had just noticed that Darcy’s hair smelled different than usual when someone cleared their throat. Hurriedly, he released Darcy and turned to face the one who had interrupted his thoughts. He was pleased to see the cheery bearded face of Lord Freyar.

“Your Majesty, I was hoping to have a word or two before the meeting began. I am sorry to have intruded.” The Lord said, gesturing with an open hand to their gathering.

Loki gave a curt shake of his head. “It is not problem, Lord Freyar. Please.” He motioned for the Lord to come join them on the balcony. He nodded, stepping from the shelter of the palace, nearer to the banister where he and Darcy stood. “Allow me to introduce a good friend of mine, Lady Darcy. Lady Darcy, this is Lord Freyar of Nornheim.”

Darcy, with not the least bit apprehension in her features, curtsied and Lord Freyar bowed. “Pleased to meet you, Lady Darcy. Prince Loki has told me only the best.”

Loki tried to conceal the heat in his face, but his pale skin hid nothing. “Indeed.”

She grinned in turn, “Well, I am pretty great. I thought that your choice to deny the use of your city’s former resident, Yarse Hjarfadrottir’s open property as a military base in favor of a beautification ground was awesome. Except…you know, dangerous.”

Lord Freyar raised his brows and his gaze shifted briefly to Loki, “You did not jest when you said she was clever, did you?”

“Not at all.” He assured, giving Darcy a smug look.

“Thank you, Lady Darcy. Normally, I would say we need not discuss why it was so dangerous, however, this is the very reason for my intended conversation.”

Loki nodded solemnly, “Speak, if you will.”

Lord Freyar sighed heavily, leaning on the edge of the balcony. “Just after you left, Lord Hakon was found dead on his bathing chambers.”

“What?” Darcy gasped, “But he was High Lord of Demura. That’s, like, the most populated city in Nornheim.”

“Indeed.” Loki muttered, “And he was young. His wife had only borne daughters. According to Nornheim laws they cannot take his place. Which leaves the position of High Lord to—“

“Lord Erlend.” Darcy finished, putting her hands to her hips. “I guess, High Lord Erlend now.”

“Aye.” Lord Freyar agreed gravely. “Prince Loki, you must understand, I would not have been so keen to tell you this if I wasn’t sure you knew what you were doing. But, with the Allfather in the Odinsleep…well, you can see my desperation.”

Darcy rubbed her eyes, “Lord Bjarte has Lord Erlend on leash. He lost a game of Hnefatal. Is he in the capital?”

“Of course.” Loki nearly groaned. “Lord Bjarte had to make sure to send him in.”

Lord Freyar stroked his fluffy beard. “That’s the part that gets me, Lad. Why wouldn’t that Rat Bastard just come himself? Why did he have to send Erlend?”

Loki shook his head, but Darcy grimaced knowingly. “Queen Frigga. He’s terrified of her.”

The lord barked a humorless laugh. “And rightly so. If he brings his tricks…and…”

“…shenanigans.” Darcy offered.

He pointed to her in thanks, “…to the capital, Frigga will have that odd bit of blonde fuzz right off his face.”

Darcy giggled, shooting Loki a sideways glance, “Lord Weird Beard.”

He gave a disapproving shake of his head at both her and Lord Freyar as they chortled over the honesty of her words. “This is quite serious you know.”

The two cleared their throats, adorning more somber expressions. “Right, my apologies, Prince Loki.”

Darcy was still choking back laughter, “Yeah, but what do we do? Lord Erlend will fight for whatever Lord Bjarte wants. Lord Hakon was neutral, Lord Freyar is against the war, and Lord Jarl was for it. The numbers are unbalanced now.”

Loki pressed his fingertips together over his lips. “Yes…yes I know. We will have to proceed as before. I doubt Lord Bjarte will try to engage the capital in battle again, but that will not stop him from attempting to gain use of the bifrost.” He looked towards the doors to the meeting hall and sighed to see many Lords gathering there. “Darcy, any questions you are asked, answer honestly. You may be my friend, but show no bias here. Speak truthfully, speak when asked.”

She leered unhappily, obviously displeased with her lack of say in the conference. “Fine.”

“Lord Freyar, I thank you for your council.” Loki assured, bowing his head.

He inclined his head in return, clapping the young prince on the shoulder. “It is no trouble, Prince Loki. I shall see you later then, yes?”

“I hope so.” Loki said with a small smile.

Lord Freyar turned to Darcy, taking her hand and giving it a scratchy kiss. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Darcy. Keep this one out of trouble, would you?”

She grinned, “I’ll try.”

After he had departed, Loki raised a brow. “Keep me out of trouble?”

“Oh, come on, Mischief, you know it’s true.” She teased, taking his arm.

He led them back into the palace, prepared for the real battle to begin.

                                                                                                                                                                    ***

Darcy was thoroughly, inexplicably irritated.

Everyone at the council meeting was an idiot and had no idea what they were talking about. Even the Lords who were against a war had limited knowledge of what went on in Asgard. And she could see why, half of them didn’t even seem to be paying attention and most looked like they were thinking about taking a nap.

And to think Loki had to go through this every day….

The meeting table was built in a large circle so she could see every lord and noble at the conference. The space above them was dome shaped with intricate engravings on the ceiling; words and symbols depicted battles and stories of gods.

She was introduced at the beginning of the meeting and was asked to state her purpose before sitting back down and abiding by Loki’s request not to say anything unless asked.

Loki…she felt bad for him. Every delegate from Nornheim happened to be arguing, as did those from Asgard, who desired war. Whether their arguments were valid did not seem to matter. The winner of their bouts might have been who could shout their opinion the loudest.

Loki, Prince of Asgard, was the only member of the capital delegates who was still speaking out. Lord Freyar spoke occasionally, but unlike the others, he only made it a point to rebuttal when he knew what he was going to say.

Thor did nothing. He sat there, looking bored, and effectively making Darcy never want to speak with him ever again.

Sometime during the meeting, Fenrir and Frank made their way into the conference room and Frank made it a point to slither through the center to the circle to Loki’s seat, give him a cuddle, and then get comfy lounging across the back of his chair. Fenrir seemed to be on guard, sitting proudly next to Darcy, his back straight and his ears perked.

Finally, after what seemed like a millennium of waiting, some awesome lord five seats down from her suggested they consult witnesses to the battle on what had happened in Nornheim to further determine if it would be wise to make any certain decisions about Vanaheim without the presence of the Allfather.

“Lady Darcy,” propositioned the Lord.

She stood, looking to him expectantly.

“Will you tell us what transpired in Nornheim concerning Princes Loki and Thor?”

She had one hand on her sword and the other was hanging at her side. “Prince Loki left before the battle to go to the river. Before he left, he gave Prince Thor direction to leave battle to seek conference with the Lords of Nornheim. Prince Loki went to the river and cast the fog over Nornheim so that the warriors in the field would not be able to fight.”

“And what of Prince Thor?” Another Lord demanded brutally and Darcy leered.

“I’m getting there, hold your horses.” She crossed her arms sassily. She couldn’t really see Loki because she didn’t have her glasses, but she was pretty sure his eye just twitched. “In the meantime, Prince Thor and his friends went to go talk to the High Lords. But, when they entered the city, they were arrested via Chief Guard. So, they fought the guards. The guards surrendered, but they kept fighting. But eventually they were captured and brought to the High Lords.”

Another noble who had not spoken the entire time cleared his throat. That was something else that made Darcy mad, all of these stupid government officials were men. Where were all the women?

“Excuse me, Lady Darcy, but how many friends accompanied Prince Thor?”

“Four.”

A murmur of astonishment went around the table and Darcy wanted to throttle all of them that this of all things was making them talk.

“You are telling me, Lady Darcy,” he clarified, “that five adolescents managed to make the Nornheim Guard surrender?”

Darcy smirked, “Yes. But they kept fighting after that.”

The murmurs increased and Darcy huffed bitterly. The first lord cleared his throat. “Lady Darcy, please finish your account of what happened.”

She nodded in thanks. “Well, while that was happening, Prince Loki entered from the stable entry on horseback and was cornered by the guard. He demanded to see the High Lords. He fought them off, there was one death. After that, he was taken to speak with Lord Bjarte.”

There was a hum of discussion and Darcy tapped her toe with impatience.

“And how do you know all this, Lady Darcy?” the second Lord asked her moodily.

She lifted her chin a bit, “I was with Prince Loki when all this happened.”

There were a few chuckles and even more rumbles of rousing man-gossip that had Darcy ready to tip the table. “With him? How do you mean?”

“I fought with him. I went with him to the river and then we went back down to the city. I disarmed and injured nine men. But then I got stabbed in the leg by some guy I thought was down.” She told them honestly.

Lord Jarl stood. “I can confirm she was injured. Prince Loki carried her before the Lords and healed her magically after receiving permission for Lord Bjarte.”

There was an affirming mumble from the Lords and Darcy fought the urge to roll her eyes. This was verging on counter-productive.  There was a series of loud ‘tsks’ and everyone turned to Lord Erlend. “Aye, forgive me Lady Darcy, but you have not mentioned the means by which Prince Loki murdered.”

Darcy narrowed her eyes, “Loki killed one man using a Refined-Doppelganger Illusion. He cast twelve corporeal doubles.”

Lord Erlend waved an errant hand and Darcy fought the urge to run at him and poke him with the pointy end of her swords. “Yes yes yes, we know. Prince Loki can use all kinds of fancy little tricks. But, in doing so, he broke many laws on Nornheim. I must ask you, Lords of the council, if it is in your best interest to let princes who break their own laws rule the kingdom? Is it best for boys who play with daggers to decide if Asgard should fight for its glory? Such cowardice should not be tolerated.”

Darcy felt a heavy stone drop in her stomach at the direct offense to her friend. To hell with not speaking. She could break out of prison later. “Loki? A Coward? Wow, just wow. Low blow, Erlend. Low. Blow. That’s slander on His Majesty the Prince of Asgard. Yes, Loki used magic and he fights with daggers. But his intentions in breaking the law on Nornheim were to stop more deaths from happening. And technically, Thor’s crime in not abiding by the surrender of men during a wartime state is a much greater offense than magic.”

The grumbles were reduced to whispers when Erlend retorted, “And who are you to say so, Lady Darcy? Am I to believe that a pretty young thing, such as yourself, would become involved with manly matters such as warring and politics? Forgive me, my lady, but I am not sure you are able enough in your knowledge to completely understand the task at hand. So—“

Darcy’s rage was unprecedented. He had just said she was dumb. He said she didn’t know what she was talking about. Because she was a girl. “Excuse me? I’ll have you know that out of the two of us, which could actually win a simple strategy game?”

Even from a distance she could see Lord Erlend’s face turn red with rage. “And now you bring up irrelevant things, Lady Darcy. I suggest you return to the Ladies Chambers.”

“I will not. Lords of the court, I think it is important to remember what war with Vanaheim will mean for the rest of the Nine Realms. The Allworld is in a very delicate position because of the latest agreement with Alfheim. Their terms are that we do not start war with Vanaheim or they will open attack. Asgard doesn’t have enough overall knowledge of elven magic to win that fight! And Laufey isn’t going to just wait by if there’s war. Asgard is not prepared to fight another war with the Frost Giants.” She said bluntly, her hands on the table and her voice pleading.

The room erupted into bubbling mutters and gruff questions. Darcy could feel Lord Erlend’s stink eye. “Lady Darcy—“

Loki finally spoke from the other side of the table, “Lady Darcy, you speak out of turn. Lord Erlend, I assure you, my actions have not gone unpunished. And neither have Thor’s. That matter was resolved on Nornheim, if you will remember correctly. I will also remind you that I make no official decisions concerning war with other realms. That power resides with the Allfather. Our current goal is to gather our collective thoughts on how this dispute will be settled. And let us not get started on the validity of one’s statements until we know for sure of their sources.”

The room hushed and Darcy decided she liked Loki’s Prince-voice. It was so different to hear his authoritative tone compared to the one he would use when they were together.

Lord Erlend’s charismatic voice carried over the table, light like a butterfly’s, but tainted with the hum of a bee. “Prince Thor, if you don’t mind me asking, what is your take on the war with Vanaheim?”

All heads turned to the blonde haired prince who seemed to be nodding off in his chair. Instantly, he sat up. “Pardon?”

“Your opinion on war with Vanaheim?”

Darcy wanted to bang her head on the table. Multiple times. For an hour. Of course they would have to ask Thor. Why Thor? He wasn’t the brightest crayon in the box and he was kind of mean sometimes. Though, she had to admit, he was a pretty good fighter and he had a nice face. He cleared his throat a few times, pushing back his hair.

“After our skirmish with Nornheim, I have decided to remain neutral until the Allfather wakes from the Odinsleep.”

What? Thor was neutral? That was unexpected. She thanked the potential gods for giving Thor his brain.

“Thank you, brother, for your input.” Loki said competently and Darcy couldn’t detect any sort of relief or gratification. He simply exuded princely professionalism. “Now, onto the pressing matter of Nornheim’s willingness to come to an agreement…. We, in the capital, are aware of your desires for war with Vanaheim. But, I, on behalf of the council, would like to know if there are any alternatives.”

Lord Erlend seemed offended, “You mean to trick me, Prince Loki?”

“No, Lord Erlend. I wish to negotiate. I asked extra delegates from Nornheim to come into the capital in order to discuss Asgard’s next move.” The Prince said and suddenly, an assembly of Lords became a war between a deviously honest silvertongue and a charismatically conniving butterfly.

“Why should Asgard trust the word of a boy with the title of ‘Liar’?”

“And why must this meeting suddenly be about the authenticity of my word?”

“Does Asgard not pride itself on the deeds of its royalty? If so, we have the reputation of breaking laws and wielding magic.”

“Asgard’s reputation long precedes my doings on Nornheim.”

Their argument made Darcy’s head spin and she was biting her tongue so hard it hurt. At last, she decided that she was going to be a part of their political struggle. “Can’t Asgard’s internal affairs wait? Nornheim is asking to go to war and by requesting permission to use the bifrost, is sort of asking to use the capital’s military. We need some kind of middle ground.”

Lord Erlend sighed, “Again the Lady speaks her whimsical mind.”

Lord Freyar finally spoke up. “I thought the point was made by Prince Loki that we would not question the legitimacy of one’s statements.”

“And I thought the capital knew better than to let simple Ladies into political settings!”

“By the gods, Lord Erlend, you haven’t changed in the slightest, have you?” chimed the sweetest voice Darcy had ever heard.

There, in the entryway, was her one true solace and peace of mind. Queen Frigga, in the flesh. She totally wanted to be Frigga when she grew up. She’d figure it out somehow.

Darcy loved how the entire room silenced and Lord Erlend looked like someone had broken his little social antennae in two. Frigga had a  pleasant smile that played on her lips as she walked around the table, never taking a seat, and demanding everyone’s attention.

“I must say, High Lord Erlend, that your beliefs on the political propensities of ladies are quite outdated. They are Lady Darcy’s main focus of study, you see. And I believe your accusations have offended her. I think it would be best if you apologized for your disrespect.”

Everyone’s head turned to Lord Erlend and Darcy tried not to look too smug when he stuttered out his apology. “Lady Darcy…I…apologize…for my impudence. I had no idea of your studies. You had not said…”

“And nor did she need to. I am sure Loki made it quite clear that you should assume everyone in this conference was able minded enough to be a part of it.” She eyed every man in the room and instantly, all of them sat up straighter and looked very attentive. “As for the Princes’ wrong doings, I can honestly say that they have not gone without punishment. Rest that case. Asgard has more pressing issues than the misgivings of two boys lest you wish more lives to be lost.”

She stopped pacing behind Darcy’s chair and the Queen gazed over the room. “Nornheim delegates, you will send your alternative propositions in to me by tomorrow afternoon and after that, we will gather again to discuss what is next for Asgard. By this time tomorrow, the Allfather will have risen. Meeting Adjourned.”

Everyone looked to Queen Frigga, dumbfounded. She eyed them expectantly until they began to disperse. Darcy leapt up, turning to the Allmother in awe. “Your Highness.”

Frigga smiled, rubbing Fenrir’s ears as he relaxed from his defensive pose. “Good evening, Darcy. Are you having a good time?”

Darcy leapt up, unable to form proper words. “I, uh…I….Politics…you…do you have any books on Aesir-Midgardian interactions?”

Worry flashed in her eyes for a moment before Loki approached them. “Mother, Lady Darcy.”

Frigga regained her pretty grin, but it seemed as though a weight had been placed upon her lips, like she had remembered something that made her words almost difficult to say. “I do. I can give them to Loki in the morning for you to look over. Though, I ask you to be careful with that information, Lady Darcy. Not everyone is privy to such knowledge.”

Darcy nodded and Loki looked like he was going to collapse. Frigga brushed a lock of hair behind his ear. “Goodnight, Darling. Get some rest tonight, yes?”

“Yes Mother.”

She inclined her head to them both and Darcy nearly fell when she curtsied. As the Queen walked away, Loki turned to his friend, “Darcy, did you really just ask the Allmother for—?”

“Yes.” Darcy answered, still wide eyed and slack jawed.

Loki sighed,  his brows coming together as the last Lords left the hall. “I am sorry for getting you mixed up in this. I should have just let you go home this morning.”

This slapped Darcy out of her wonder-filled haze. “What are you talking about?”

He paced to the nearest open window followed closely by Frank. “Lord Erlend might be the one in the capital, but he speaks with Lord Bjarte’s words. He indirectly proposed a royal reform and then used you to further his point.”

Darcy joined him by the window, huffing angrily. “Tell me about it! That was the most sexist thing I’ve ever heard! Do most people in Asgard think like that?”

Loki shook his head. “In Nornheim it is a more common conception than in any other province. The Norns have always been a bit rough. But Lord Erlend’s take is a very old belief. Half of Nostrond is governed mostly by ladies.”

“Good.” She sighed, leaning her head against the window frame and letting the wind cool her hot skin. “I thought you usually didn’t talk much during meetings?”

“Typically I do not.” He told her, mindlessly petting Frank’s scales. “However, when Asgard is in need of my voice, I shall use it.” His green eyes looked to her and Darcy’s breath caught for the barest second. Loki looked different. This wasn’t Loki who she had to poke awake in the morning and who combed his hair three times just to make sure it didn’t stick up in any places.

This was Prince Loki of Asgard who rode a half dead horse to battle and went to war in court with only his words as defense.

But his eyes were the same. No matter how much Loki lied, or how much Mischief he caused, his eyes were always wide and honest and all too easy to trust.

Darcy took his hand, “Come on, we can break into Odin’s study some other time. You need to sleep.”

He squeezed her fingertips, “Would you like me to take you home?”

“Yeah.” she yawned, leaning on him a little as they walked. “Eat first, though.”

“Very well.”

They walked in silence for a while, Fenrir trailed closely behind them, Frank coiling around their feet. Darcy was considering whether the deeds of Loki’s great-grandfather, Bor, were grand enough to get him so many big statues. Would Odin get a statue like that? Would Frigga? Frigga deserved, like, fifty statues.

“Darcy?” Loki asked as they approached the dining hall.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She said immediately, then looked to him inquisitively. “Wait, for what?”

He smiled a little, the corners of his lips twitching was they entered the spacious feasting area. Most had stopped eating quite so much, choosing instead to dance and drink. “For not letting Lord Erlend get the best of you. You did not succumb, even throughout all his allegations.”

“Phht, of course not. Don’t thank me for that, Lokes.” Darcy pulled him to the end of the table where she piled him a plate full of meat, vegetables, cheese, and bread. “Eat.”

Loki waited for her to be seated next to him before sitting in his own chair and picking up his flatware. Darcy served herself some of the same stuff, along with a rose pastry. After a few minutes of eating in silence, Loki looked up from his plate. “I am envious of Midgard, Darcy.”

She finished chewing her last bite of bread before responding. “Why?”

“Because they will get to have you on their congress. I wish Asgard had more dedicated people running it.” He thought aloud, taking a sip from his water goblet.

Darcy sighed heavily, clapping him on the shoulder in a very Thor-like fashion. “Well, you know what they say, you can’t always get what you want.”

“That’s not fair.” Loki said in mock offense, a grin stretching across his face, the tired distress in his eyes lessening. “I complimented you, now you have to give one back.”

“Life isn’t fair.” Darcy said through a bite of pastry, a teasing smirk already in place.

They laughed through the rest of their meal, staying until nearly everyone had departed and cracking their ribs over pointless jokes and stories they had both heard a hundred times that still managed to spark humor in their guts.

Finally, when Darcy had yawned one too many times and Loki remembered the long day he had ahead of him tomorrow, he lead them to the stables where he called forth Hel to take Darcy home.

They didn’t talk on the way there, but the air around them hummed in contentment. In spite of the pressuring events of Asgard’s political setting, they still had each other to get through whatever the universe had to throw at them.

           ***

“Who is she?”

“Who?”

“You know very well who.” Odin nearly growled, standing by the window in his nightwear.

Frigga raised her brows at her irritable and early awakened husband. “Loki’s friend? Lady Darcy of Nornheim.”

“I am aware of what she calls herself.” He said, “Though I would like to know who exactly is cavorting around with the Princes of Asgard!”

The Queen pressed her lips together, “Have no worry of Lady Darcy. I am seeing to the matter personally.”

“Frigga....”

She raised her brows at him and he relented, breathing a sigh of reluctance. “Alright, fine. Just promise me the next time Loki decides to take her into a meeting you will tell me first so I can make sure Lord Erlend knows his place regarding who is allowed to be in the council.”

“Very well.” the Allmother promised. “You would not stop Loki from letting her in?”

“Of course not.” Odin said stiffly. “He is a prince. It is his right to allow whoever he likes stand in at council meetings unless I explicitly say otherwise.”

A slight smile formed on her lips as she watched Odin’s face contort through his thinking process.

“What am I going to do with them?” The Allfather questioned himself with a sigh. “One son fights too much, the other too little.  Both break the law and neither simply went on with the battle as it was supposed to be fought.”

Frigga stood, walking to stand beside her husband and grasp his hand. “And who does that remind us of, hm?”

He made a gruff sound of objection as the queen’s chiming laughs filled the room. “Frigga, why could you not have given Loki his punishment as well?”

She sighed, leading him away from the window and onto the chaise. “Because, I could not think of one. Thor’s was easy.”

“Yes, I am aware. Usually you leave me the simple tasks.” Odin grumbled moodily, though his tone was light.

“You need practice. You are getting older, you know.” She teased with a sly grin.

“I? An old man?” he smiled, only to have it falter. “I suppose I shall take away his freedoms for some time. Not his magic…” he added hurriedly, “But he does spend a considerable amount of time out of the palace.”

“If that is what you deem fit.” Frigga said blankly.

Odin shook his head, giving her hand a squeeze and patting it affectionately. “I thought you said, back when Thor was new born, that you were better suited than I to deal out punishments?”

“I am.”

“Then why has the burden been set to me?” he asked incredulously.

“As I said before, you need practice.” she said simply. “Your punishments are awful. They all include taking away things. I fear one day Loki may speak too freely and you will sew his mouth shut to rid him of speech. Or that Thor will one day abuse his position and you will take away his power.”

Odin scoffed. “Having one’s mouth sewn is not quite so terrible and I doubt I would ever take away Thor’s power unless Asgard would truly be better off without him.”

“And so my fears are not without reason.” she muttered tiredly, leaning back against the pillows of the lounge.

They sat in silence for a long moment before Odin cleared his throat. “Frigga?”

“Yes?”

He hesitated, “I know...I understand that…” he made an irritated sound, shifting in his seat. “I do not know how to ask.”

Frigga waited with a humored expression.

Odin released her hands and stood, facing the wall. “How powerful is Loki exactly?”

The Allmother’s eyes narrowed. “Quite.”

“That tells me nothing.”

“What is it that you wish to be told?” She countered.

“Do not turn this on me, I asked but a simple question.” he insisted, turning to her, the golden light of the room shining off the metal of his eye patch.

Frigga’s features tightened, “A question is innocent enough, but the intentions of such a question I would suggest otherwise.”

“As you have said in the past, Frigga, he is my son!” he scorned, bringing back his shoulders.

“But you do not trust him.” She accused knowingly. “Even though he has done you no wrong, you do not trust him.”

They stayed in utter silence, glaring at each other through squinted eyes. “I wish to know how much power the boy possesses. Please.” Odin said slowly, punctuating each syllable.

Frigga pursed her lips. “He is still growing. And with his growth, his magic manifests. As of now, he is possibly one of the strongest, skilled, and able sorcerers in Asgard. Though he does not know this.”

Odin gaped, “How? How did he come by such power?”

“Magic progression is similar to muscle growth.” Frigga explained unenthusiastically. “The more he practices, the stronger he becomes. This development is heightened during his adolescence.” the stony look in her eyes softened, “He is quite special, you know? His use of magic...well...it reminds me of yours.”

Odin sneered defensively, “I do not use magic.”

“Do not tell me lies, Darling.” Frigga chided. “You know very well that occasionally you use power through Gungnir, just as Thor will one day learn to use his through Mjolnir.”

The King cleared his throat, “That is different.”

“Yes, I suppose so.” she agreed rigidly. “Still, they are very much the same. Loki does not cast spells like most sorcerers would. He need not think of a specific spell if he has cast it once already.”

“And am I to believe you had no part in this?” Odin queried, turning away from her again.

“I do not care what you believe.” Frigga said promptly. “I had no more part in Loki’s magical abilities than you had in Thor’s skill in combat. We taught them enough to guide them on their paths of study. You asked to know of his capabilities and I have told you. Would you also like to know what he eats for breakfast?”

“You twist my words.”

“Your words are far too warped to be twisted by the likes of me.” She glared up at him, waiting. “Speak plainly, husband. Delicacy was never your strongest suit.”

Odin sighed, not quite defeated. But his resolve no longer held firm. “You are wrong. I do trust him. I trust Loki.” he moved to the pedestal on which Gungnir was placed before he fell into the Odinsleep and picked up his staff. “But--”

“You do not trust the Frost Giant.” Frigga nearly spat.

“No.” the Allfather said firmly. “I do not.” he turned to the window and glared at the ever present stars of Yggdrasil. “He will not leave the capital for the entire summer. I may change my mind if there is another rebellion. Gods forbid I send Thor alone.”