Chapter 12
"Have any of you found out anything useful?" Sif paced their balcony, "I agreed to not barge in on the condition that you lot would do some serious spying, and you've found out absolutely nothing so far."
"On the contrary! We've discovered that he sleeps a lot." Fandral retorted, "Which certainly supports the claim that he's still unwell. So whether or not it's true, he has yet to slip up."
"Thor was upset when he left Loki's room a couple of nights ago, and Odin himself made a very long visit that night." Hogun pointed out, stopping Sif in her tracks. "Something of interest happened. If we ply him with enough ale we may be able to persuade Thor to talk about what's weighing so heavy on him."
"That's a capital idea." Volstagg jumped up. "I will personally fetch a cask of his favorite ale and question the kitchen staff while I'm at it."
"Or swipe pastries." Sif muttered after his retreating back.
But the door hadn't quite closed behind him before they heard his voice boom "Good afternoon, your majesty!"
The others traded a look. "So how is that new armor working for you?"
"Oh just splendid. The fastenings are a little stiff though."
"Are they really? Well I suppose that's to be expected with new equipment, but perhaps you should see what the weaponsmith can do about it."
"Have you tried fish oil on them? The groom used it to clean my saddle by mistake the other week, and I've never felt it so soft."
"Oh, good afternoon your majesty!"
"Good afternoon Sir Fandral, Sir Hogun, Lady Sif. How fare you?" The queen certainly looked more relaxed than she had been lately, whatever that meant.
"Quite well your majesty."
"Rather well, thank you."
"Just splendid, and you? You look radiant as always."
"You are a charmer as always. I am well."
"If you don't mind my asking, your majesty, how is Loki doing? Thor told us he was ill."
To their relief, she seemed to welcome the question. "He is improving. As a matter of fact, you will see for yourself in a few minutes. I thought him in need of some fresh air and a change of scene, so he and Thor will be coming to join you for the afternoon. I have just come to judge for myself whether I should send for more pillows to be brought out here."