“All our times have come. Here, but now they’re gone. Seasons don’t fear the reaper. The wind, the sun, or the rain.”

-“Don’t Fear the Reaper (Re:Imagined)” by Denmark+Winter

~LOKI’S CHAMBERS IN THE SOUTH WING, THE ROYAL CORRIDOR OF THE PALACE~

Daylight streamed into Loki’s usually dark chambers the next morning.  He’d been too distracted the night before to draw the dark drapes across the wide expanse of exposed balcony, so now his eyes were being assaulted by awful colors as garish as the bifrost at a sinfully early hour.  Alright, it wasn’t that early, but it had been a very late night.

Groaning, Loki rubbed his eyes and rolled to his side to face Sigyn who still slept peacefully (lucky girl) with Two’s arm draped across her hip and twitching at Loki’s shifting.  Sitting up, Loki winced at the pain that was still evident in his ribs, the bones still healing from his crash through the ice.  Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he pulled his under shorts on before pushing to his feet.  He strolled into the washroom and splashed cold water on his face and hair to tame his bedhead.  As he was drying his face, someone knocked on the outer chamber doors. 

Scowling, he tossed the towel on the bar and rushed to the doors hoping the noise hadn’t awakened Sigyn.  Flicking his wrist, Two concealed himself under the covers.  Loki opened the door and frowned at the guard standing at attention.  Glaring, he ran a hand through his still wet hair and tilted his head.

“What is of such great importance that the king of Asgard should be roused at this hour?  Not even the servants have arrived,” he whispered harshly.

Clearly nervous, the guard bowed his head, reverent as a priest might have been in his house of worship.  Appreciating the sentiment, Loki softened his expression.  Slightly.

“My king, the warriors three and Lady Sif are requesting audience with you in the throne room.  They claim that is of utmost importance.  They are adamant that it cannot wait.”  

Loki sighed and closed his eyes.  They just wouldn’t give up, would they?  Did they think he had nothing better to do than listen to their pleading for Thor’s return?  Did they not realize that he had an entire realm to run?  Fine.  He would see them one last time.

“Very well.  You may inform them that I will be there once I am properly dressed,” he said, gesturing to his lack of clothing.  The guard implored as to whether or not he wished to have a servant arrive early to aid him, and Loki shook his head and closed the door quietly.

“Dammit, Sif.”

He had things to do.  He’d meant to visit Laufey after first meal, and this was throwing a serious kink in his plans.  He flicked his wrist once more, and Two pushed the covers off his head and pulled Sigyn into him.  Loki stared at the pair tangled together in his sheets, momentarily wishing to trade places with him.  Fastening his armor across his torso, he scowled and shook off the thought.  He had far too much to do today to spend it in bed with Sig, no matter how much he wanted to.  That, and he could vaguely feel her in Two’s arms, so it was kind of like staying there anyway, right?  No, not really.  Feeling what Two felt required more of Loki’s focus than he could give today.

Moving to stand before his full length mirror, he wondered how Sif would attempt to sway him this time as he checked that the straps of his cape were properly hidden.  Gods, what the Hel did she expect from him?  What if Odin awoke and Thor, mortal as he was and without the hammer, showed up at his bedside?  No doubt, the Allfather would take it out on Loki.  Of course, none of that was as paramount as seeing Laufey before the day’s end.  That mattered more than anything.  He crossed the room, and peering down at Sigyn, he ran his fingers across her cheek.  Looking at her sleeping peacefully, he knew he would never love another.  Sighing heavily, he leaned down and brushed his lips across her forehead, grabbed Gungnir, and left for the throne room.

---

~THE THRONE ROOM~

Sif and the warriors dropped to their knees as Loki appeared around the side of the dais.  Tired as he was, he simply walked to them rather than ascending the steps to the throne and gestured for them to rise.

“I am none too thrilled to be speaking with the four of you again.  I’ve told you once already that I cannot allow Thor to return whilst my father sleeps.  It is his command to undo, not mine.” Gungnir at his side, Loki paced in front of them.  Patience had never been one of his stronger virtues, not that he had many virtues, but what little of it he had was wearing dangerously thin.

Sif blinked at the stinging tears that were forming in her eyes. “My king, please.  We have nothing more to say that would convince you.  We only ask that you reconsider your decision.  Please?”

Loki wasn’t sure what made her request seem different from the last time they’d spoken.  Perhaps it was the pain he saw in her eyes.  Perhaps it was the desperation in her voice.  Perhaps it was the sight of her hands shaking.  More likely, he was simply too exhausted to give a damn anymore.  He rolled his eyes—Excellent resolve, Loki.  Hanging his head, annoyed that the war goddess was breaking him so easily, he tapped his boot on the gleaming freshly waxed floor tiles, and with a shrug of his shoulders he met her pleading eyes.

“Sif, I tire of your incessant begging.  Bring him home if you wish, but know this.  He will remain mortal, and Mjölnir is lost to him.  As such, he will not take my place as king of this realm.  Are we quite clear?”

Her jaw dropped.  She couldn’t believe it.  Loki had said yes!  She was free to bring Thor back!  Despite having the urge to do so, Sif stopped herself from hugging him.  She didn’t want to lose her head, and she wasn’t sure he wouldn’t call for a guard to do just that if she touched him.  She simply bowed instead, her sad tears becoming joyful.

“Thank you, Loki,” she said, smiling broadly.

Loki raised an eyebrow, his jaw clenching. “What was that?” he warned, staring daggers.

Realizing her mistake, blinking rapidly, she scrambled for words. “Forgive me.  Thank you, my king,” she corrected herself.

Loki hated her in that moment.  Her scorn for him had never been more apparent.  It would be so easy to slice off that little head of hers.  Clearing his mind of the gruesome visuals (he was no murderer, not really), Loki rolled his eyes and waved them away.   

“Off you go.”

Shit—if Odin woke now, it would be Loki’s head served at the next harvest festival.

---

~THE KING’S OFFICIAL BUSINESS QUARTERS~

He needed to get to Jotunheim as quickly as possible, but Loki had to see Theoric first.  The captain’s sudden change in behavior unsettled him.  It was as though the Hawk had decided to show Loki due deference, which had been absent prior to Sig’s fall in Vanaheim.  Befuddled, his brow furrowed.  

She’d been unthreatened and kind to the captain in the stables the day before.  If the hawk truly was leaving her alone as she’d said he was, if he was forfeiting his desperate pursuit of her, then Loki’s plans for him needed to change.  Sigyn would never forgive Loki, or at least, it would be a century before she would, if he had Laufey kill Theoric as he’d originally intended.  Strolling into what was now Loki’s royal business quarters, he walked past the captain who stood from his chair when entered.  Theoric bowed low, and took his seat at Loki’s gesture to do so.  If he were to give a name to the expression clouding the hawk’s features, it would be absolute terror.

“You summoned me, my king?”

Loki placed Gungnir gingerly on his desk before unfastening his cape.  Running a hand through his hair, he sat in the lavish burgundy and gold chair behind the sprawling desk, one eyebrow raised, lips pursed.  

“I did indeed,” he said, emerald eyes narrowing slightly.  He waited long enough to make Theoric shift uncomfortably in his seat, and the hawk gulped audibly, no doubt fearing the worst.  Loki propped his elbow on the arm of his chair, and leaning back, he raised his chin before continuing.

“You and I have a-” he paused to search for the right word “-complicated history.”  

Staring at Theoric, his confusion grew.  The captain only nodded and sat up straighter.  Loki’s piercing gaze intensified, and he shook his head.  

“I do not understand what has changed, Captain, and I do not relish being left in the dark.  I have enough darkness in my life as it is.”

Theoric feared his voice would crack.  He hadn’t yet voiced the truth of his heartbreak to anyone, and here he was, about to spill his soul to the man who was responsible for his unhappiness.  Well, if he were to be honest, it wasn’t Loki who had made him unhappy.  Theoric had done this to himself.

“Your Lady Sigyn,” he said, swallowing nervously, “I now understand that she is indeed yours, made herself quite clear on multiple occasions, and I was a fool, Your Majesty.  I should have heeded her words from the start.  Please forgive me.  She will have only you, my king, and no other.  Truly, she claimed repeatedly that she would follow you into Hel.  If I may be so bold, your majesty, I wish to have a wife and children for I have no family to speak of.  No parents, no grandparents, no siblings, no one, and I allowed myself, foolishly, to fall in love with her in hopes that she would give me that family that I so desire.  I have finally accepted that she will not.  Never has a woman refused me so adamantly.  I have no future with her.  I don’t even have a past with her.  I know not what came over me.”  

Lowering his eyes, Loki frowned.  Sigyn had been right.  The hawk was a good man.  A fool, to be sure, but a good man nonetheless.  Theoric had loved her, and from the looks of it, he still did.  It wasn’t often that Loki felt pity, but looking upon the broken man seated in front of him, it was all he felt.  Not a hint of anger, jealousy, rage, annoyance, or any other number of negative feelings surged within him.  Indeed, this man sitting across from him had given him many a poor night’s sleep, but it had been for naught.  He should have trusted Sig.  He’d been threatened by Theoric without cause.  Loki rubbed a hand down his face.  

He’d been far too possessive.  He’d treated her as though she was a child.  She’d made up her mind long ago.  She’d only ever wanted him, the man with the green eyes that she’d dreamt of in Vanaheim, from the moment she’d seen him in the throne room.  But he’d been insecure, as always.  Loki had thought that Theoric would steal her from him, as though she hadn’t bound herself to Loki.  The Hawk had loved her enough to make her his wife, and what was wrong with that?  Did Loki not want the same thing?

He scoffed at his own thoughts.  He couldn’t believe it.  Not only had he finally admitted to himself and her that he was in love after he’d saved her in Vanaheim, but now he was admitting to himself that he wanted to marry her.  Compassion swelled within his heart at the revelation, and he sighed.  First he’d given in to Sif, now this.  Since when had he grown so soft?

“Sigyn said you were a good man, Theoric,” he said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees. “I didn’t want to believe her.  I hated you for wanting her as I did.” Standing, Loki walked around the desk, and Theoric’s eyes widened when Loki offered him his hand.

“But I do believe her now.  You are loyal to those you love, Captain.  You are loyal to Asgard.  You were loyal to my father.  And it would seem that you are now loyal to me.”

Theoric nodded, and gripping the offered forearm, he stood, not letting loose his hold on Loki.  This was absurd.  He’d been positively terrified of the dark prince (king, he corrected himself) when he’d been called to the royal quarters that morning.  And yet here he was clinging to him like a brother.  Maybe he was just relieved that Loki was allowing him to keep his head.

“Yes, my king,” Theoric whispered, wishing his voice were stronger, and he blinked back tears. “I swore an oath long ago to defend the king of Asgard.  I will never break that oath.”  

He knew it was foolish to trust the god of mischief, but surely there was something within Loki that was worth trusting, worth loving even, if Sigyn was willing to die for him.  It would possibly take a thousand years to discover what that something was, but he hoped he would live to see it.  Theoric wanted to believe in his king.  He’d always wanted to believe in him.  He’d wanted to believe that Loki would love Sigyn as much as he did.  The fact that he was showing compassion gave Theoric hope that he truly did, and that in all likelihood, the man who was sparing his life loved her more than Theoric ever could.  He knew not what bond Loki and Sigyn shared, but whatever it was, it was by far the strongest in the nine.

Loki offered his first genuine smile of the day.  Maybe he was just relieved that the hawk was conceding.  Maybe he was moved by the tears in his eyes.  Honestly though, he truly appreciated Theoric’s willing transparency.  There was no more competition.  There never had been a competition.  Sigyn had chosen Loki from the very beginning.  

“Theoric, for your loyalty and dedication to Asgard, I am promoting you,” Loki said, gripping Theoric’s forearm more tightly. “Lieutenant Gylfi will take your old position.  You will start your new rank tomorrow.  Your duties will be many.  I suggest you get some rest now, while you still can…Commander.”  

Theoric gaped, and Loki reached up with his free hand to grip his shoulder firmly. “Truly, it will be my honor and privilege, your majesty,” Theoric said humbly and bowed, swallowing back a sob of both relief and joy before excusing himself.

Loki returned to his chair and rubbed his hands down his face, jaw clenched, eyes closed in frustration.  He needed a new plan for the Jotuns.  He couldn’t allow Laufey to kill Theoric now.  Sighing, he shook his head.  Now he would have to appear before Laufey as himself (he winced at the thought) rather than the new commander of his Hawks.  He took no delight in putting himself in such vulnerable positions.  Mischief was one thing.  Probable death was another.  Mustering his courage, for he had no other choice, he stood and retrieved his cape and Gungnir and left for the Jotunheim forest portal.

---

~SILVER FOREST, THE JOTUNHEIM PORTAL~

Sinir snorted nervously as Loki yanked on the reins in front of the forest portal.  Hopping off the saddle, Loki led him through the opening.  It wasn’t often that he felt this level of anxiety, but his stomach was flipping miserably at the thought of exposing himself before his real father.  He wondered if Laufey even knew who he was.  Considering the fact that the Jotun king had very nearly killed him during the idiotic battle his brother had started before being exiled to Midgard, Loki guessed that he didn’t.  Then again, Laufey had left him to die as a baby, so it was entirely within the realm of possibility that he couldn’t care less about his runt son. Coming through the other side of the portal, Loki patted Sinir, and whispering for him to stay put, the horse nodded his head and nuzzled his master.

“That’s a good boy.”  

Loki willed his feet to move then, and walking slowly to the Jotun king’s throne, he gripped Gungnir tighter, his knuckles turning white.  Laufey’s red gaze landed on the kingly spear in Loki’s hand, and he leaned forward on his throne.

“So it is true that the second son has ascended to the throne of Asgard.  What happened to that brat brother of yours?  And do tell the state of your father.”  

“My father,” Loki said, clenching his jaw at the word, “banished Thor for starting a war with you.  He fell into the Odinsleep soon after.  I come to you with an offer of peace.  Unlike my idiotic brother, I desire to restore the truce that Odin had with you.” 

“A truce?” Laufey questioned, tilting his head sideways. “Why should I grant you this?”

Loki smiled, all teeth, silver tongue in place. “Because you fear Asgard’s army, and because my brother is no longer a threat to you.  He was stripped of his power and exiled to Midgard of all places.”

Glaring, Laufey stood and descended the steps of his frozen dais. “I do not fear Asgard’s army any more than you fear losing your precious throne, Asgardian,” he snapped. “I will grant a truce with you only if the casket is returned to me.”  

Somewhat vexed at the laughable request, Loki’s eyebrow raised slightly. “You wish me to simply hand over the weapon that could turn Asgard into an icicle?” Loki snorted. “You must think me a fool, Laufey.  Your last attempt to retrieve the casket was gravely unsuccessful.  No, it shall remain in the vault.”  

Laufey jumped to the ground, creating a rumble beneath Loki’s feet. “I was promised by none other than the captain of your Crimson Hawks that it would be ours!” he shouted angrily, fisting his hands at his sides. “Our army is prepared to invade Asgard if for no other reason than to bring his head back!”   

Steadying himself on the quaking ground, Loki raised his head to look at the giant.  How could he possibly be this creature’s son?  He had to crane his neck to meet the giant’s red stare for Hel’s sake.  His mother must have been absurdly small in comparison.

“I am aware of Theoric’s treason, and I have already dealt with him.  He is no longer of your concern.”  Loki winced (discreetly) at the nausea creeping into his stomach.  He couldn’t allow any harm to come to Theoric.  Not now.  Not after his discussion earlier with his new commander.

Laufey snarled, “Dealt with?  Dealt with?  You will not offer me the casket nor the soldier who betrayed me?  What sort of bargain is this?!”  

Jotuns appeared in a wide circle around Loki, and willing himself not to look at them, he kept his eyes forward.  If he showed a hint of cowardice, this conversation would be over, and he would be no more than a pile of bones in the snow.

“There is one threat to you.  An ancient threat.  A sleeping threat, but a lethal threat no less,” Loki said, holding his head high. “And it shall be yours if you will have it in return for peace.”

Gaping, disbelief clouding Laufey’s features, he scoffed. “Odin?  Do you mean to hand over your own father?”  

The Jotuns were slowly moving closer, and Loki’s nerves were threatening to send the few contents of his stomach back up into his throat.

“He grows weak and is no longer fit for the throne,” he said, swallowing nervously, thankful it wasn’t audible. “I am the rightful king and desire to end this war.  It is a necessary sacrifice for the safety of Asgard.”  

Narrowing his eyes, Laufey considered the words of the young king. “How is this to be accomplished?”

Loki exhaled the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.  The giant’s resolve was crumbling.  This just might work.

“Preparations must be made,” Loki answered firmly, his confidence building with each second. “Give me two days, and then I will conceal you and sneak you through the portal, much like that traitor did.  He was not a sorcerer as I am, though.  Rest assured, you will make it to the Allfather’s chambers unseen.  When you have accomplished your task, you shall return to Jotunheim, and the threat of war will be no more.”

Despite the glee building in his chest at the thought of ending Odin, Laufey narrowed his gaze and rose an eyebrow.

“Asgard will want vengeance for the death of their king, will they not?”  

Gritting his teeth, Loki shook his head, irritated.  He was king now.

“The Allfather was their king.  Not anymore.  I am their king now.  And did you not hear me?  I am a sorcerer.  It is quite simple to make it look as though he simply died in his sleep.  Do you accept these terms or not?”

After what felt like a small eternity, Laufey finally nodded. “I will look for you in two days time then.  Once Odin is dead, you have my word that peace will exist between our realms.  I suggest that you not allow any arrogant princes invade my realm again, though.”

Loki hid the smile that threatened to spread across his face.  It had worked.  He would return to Asgard with all his parts, he would kill Laufey when he came to Odin’s chambers, he would be a hero to his people, close the forest portal, and marry Sigyn.  

“Very well then,” Loki agreed with false stoic resolve and bowed his head. “Two days.”  

Watching the young king disappear through the portal, Laufey smirked. “In two days, King Loki, we will have retrieved our casket and your treacherous captain shall be dead,” he said under his breath.  He then turned to his fellow Jotuns.  

“We will all go through that portal tomorrow.  There will be no sneaking.  Kill as many Asgardians as possible and get that casket.  Leave the Allfather and that Hawk to me.  Once we have our power back, Asgard will freeze over when we march on it.”

---

Relieved as he was that he’d managed to lure Laufey into his plan and not get himself killed in the process, Loki had to stop himself from skipping to his chambers.  It would be all too simple to kill the Jotun king before he could make good on his promise to kill Odin.  Honestly, Loki had been shocked that the Jotun had believed him with so little effort.  It was clear that Laufey was desperate to restore some semblance of worth to his people, and sadness crept in at the memory of hearing that desperation in his voice.  Laufey was, after all, his biological father, and Jotunheim’s history was rather tragic.  Loki shook off the unpleasant emotion, reminding himself that he’d been left for dead as an innocent baby.  

Walking through the doors of his chambers, he removed his armor quietly and started at the shifting on his bed.  Still wrapped in the arms of Two, where he’d left her that morning, Sigyn slept.  Looking upon the perfect likeness of himself lying with her, Loki felt an unjustified but enormous amount of jealousy rise in his chest.  He twisted his wrist quickly, and Two dissipated instantly.  Sigyn shivered violently awake at the loss of body heat.  She sat up, clutching the sheets to her chest and cried out at the sight of Loki, bare chested and dressed once again in his long black sleeping pants, leaning against his desk with his arms crossed.

She huffed and pulled her tunic over her head. “Wipe that adorable little smirk off your face,” she said, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed and stretching.  

Grinning crookedly, Loki crossed the small distance between them. “Have you slept all day, Sig?” he asked, pulling her to her feet.

“If you will kindly recall, I died two days ago,” she said stifling a yawn and reached around his waist. “I think sleeping all day is probably in my best interest.” 

He chuckled into her hair before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You seemed alive enough last night.  Did you enjoy the extra set of lips and tongue and-” he paused and dragged his teeth over his bottom lip “-cock?”  

Sigyn blushed horribly, hiding her face against his chest.  She’d already been somewhat embarrassed by her over enthusiasm the night before.  Yes, she had enjoyed it.  To say the least.  His smugness annoyed the Hel out of her though, and squaring her shoulders, she lifted her head and opened her mouth to respond hotly.  However, Loki clamped a hand over her gaping mouth, cutting her off.  He winked, and she scolded herself for being so easily aroused by it.

“Nevermind that now.  I know you did.  As did we.  Come with me,” he said winking again.  

That godsdamn wink was going to be the death of her.  He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the balcony, sweeping his arms out across the view of the dusky realm.

“Asgard is mine to command.”

She walked to the edge and grasped the railing.  It truly was a magnificent sight.  The city gleamed gold, even snow covered as it was.  Chuckling softly, she raised an eyebrow at him, unsure of where he was going with this.

“Should I offer my congratulations?  I think I knew that already, love.”  

Loki shook his head, and coming up behind her, he snaked his arms around her waist. “A king needs his queen, Sig.  I cannot rule without you by my side,” he whispered into her hair.

It felt as though her heart had grown five times too big within her chest.  He was proposing?  How many times could she shout yes before her voice gave out?  She could care less about being a queen.  All she cared was that she would spend eternity with him.  Smiling hugely, she turned in his arms and kissed that gorgeous grin of his.  

“Consider it done.  If a queen you want, then a queen you shall have.”