#sygin

The preparations for the wedding was getting started and today was the first meeting with the royal wedding planner. You sat on a sofa in the queen's salon with Frigga and Loki on your sides and forced yourself to seem not as bored as you were actually. There were sample of different types of decorations and each had various color schemes from lighter to darker shades. You saw how Frigga's eyes shined up at the light golden and cream decorations with bright red and white roses. You liked something little more pastel like light pink or green with light gold or silver. Loki didn't care he just wanted to get over this meeting to go and finish the paperwork Odin left for him to do. The king liked to give him the paperwork of the monetary affairs. Which Loki hated to do even if he was excellent in it and pointed out every missing penny. Last month he was able to detect a peculator in the court and Odin sent the man to prison immediately.

"We first need to choose the decoration type and its color scheme. You can change the flowers if you want I prepared a list of which flower matches the same decoration. The most popular nowadays is this one, called Perfect Day. I think that would not be the best choice, the royal family needs to be unique and a leader at everything. Every couple would want a wedding like yours after." the old lady smiled in front of you like this was the biggest choice in politics or strategy. You turned to Frigga.

"I trust your judgement, my queen." you said. "I saw you liked the one with light gold and cream. Do you think that would fit us?"

"It is your wedding, dear, you should be the one to choose." Frigga shook her head with a smile.

"I saw something right there!" you quickly started turning the large pages of the large album searching for the one you liked. It was a light apple green, almost white with light, platinum gold accents. The tablecloth was the light green while across the table was laid a long stripe of white cloth with shining platinum golden flowers and vines decorating the fabric. White fluffy snowball flowers in white porcelain vases and light green organza stripes hanging around the room at the large windows. You pointed at it smiling hoping, the meeting would end soon.

"Excellent choice, my princess! That one is quite exquisite and even if it's quite simple that is what gives it's luxuriousness!" clapped her hands happily the old lady. "Now as for the flowers..."

You wanted to groan but you kept smiling while she went through the decorations outside the throne room, the gardens and the dining hall. She asked you to choose the flowers for the ladies and the dress-code. When you saw how irritated Loki was you quickly saved both him and the old lady by saying that he had more important things to do, you can choose on your own. Loki nodded gratefully to you before leaving you three in silence.

When it was finally over you sighed tiredly and exhausted walking down the corridor towards the bedchambers' section. You spotted a small balcony and decided to step out onto it to cool your heated skin down a bit. The cold wind of the night – because it was already night time when you finally left the salon – tickled your skin through your hair and your lips pulled into a smile. You couldn't get enough of this scenery of the night city below the castle. Suddenly you heard the tapping of horse hooves on ground from the gardens and spotted Loki's retreating form in the night his long green cape waving in the wind like the ocean.

"Are you curious, my princess?" asked suddenly someone from the neighboring balcony making you jump in your surprise. You snapped your head to the woman standing there to see Lady Lynn smiling back at you with an evil satisfied smile on her lips. She was beautiful out matching every noble lady around her but she was like a snake and acted like it.

"Should I be concerned?" you sighed rolling your eyes not really wanting to hear her false words.

"The prince is visiting a lady whenever he can sneak out of the palace." she continued ignoring your reaction. You knew she expected you to get angry or jealous but you had no feelings for him and if he wished to see another you will let him. "I have heard that she is a beauty that has no match which must be ridiculous. Have you seen me?" she scoffed. "Anyway, they met here on a ball when they were younger. Everyone says they fell head over heels for each other..."

"And why would I care about it?" you asked coldly. "I am the one engaged with him. I am the one who stays in the palace. You should know as a noble that marriage for people like us never was about love. It is cold out here, you should go inside and leave me be if you wish not to catch a cold."

You lifted your hand and blew cold icy wind into her face. It wasn't magic, no. Ädranä's royal family were the ancestors of the ancient dragons who created their land. You couldn't change into a dragon of course but because you were their ancestor you had a little power over one of the elements and that was the air. Your brother was the river and your father was the earth. Your mother had no power like that because she was from a simple noble family.

Lady Lynn gasped and quickly went back inside in case you would decide to knock her off balance and over the railing of the balcony she was standing on. You sighed and returned to your chambers not long after. A lover. So that is why he left at night so often. You were surprised to feel disappointed. Why had you had feelings like that? He was nothing to you and will never mean anything even if you will be married to him. The fact that he could act civil with you didn't mean he could grow to love you. You admitted after thinking for a long time wide awake in your bed that maybe you were too careless and let yourself start to like him.

Time skip~

Your days were dutiful but you could still find a small free time to sit down and read. Queen Frigga decided to join you with some tea as company in the library. Your mind was racing with the questions you wanted to ask her but you wanted to stay silent for now. You were curious as to who this secret lady was. You cursed yourself for being so nosy but it was bothering you since you spoke with Lady Lynn and that was a few days ago.

"Something is bothering you, my child." spoke up Queen Frigga in the silence you two were sitting in since she arrived. Your cheek grew hot and you averted your gaze to the carpeted floor.

"There is something I wanted to ask you... since a few days." you sighed after a long silence. You slowly looked up to look at her beautiful face anxiety filling you. "Why is Loki leaving the palace at night?"

You watched her eyes widen and her lips form a surprised 'o' before her expression grew sad and apologetic. She slowly put her book down, placed her cup back down to the small plate on the silver tray and leaned back in her chair putting her hands in her lap and staring straight forward. Your brow furrowed and tried to hide your worry.

"I should have informed you some time ago about it but... I could not do that to you." she sighed. "A long time ago, when my son was in his adolescent years, he met a girl around his age on a ball which we organized for the commoner. It was a great celebration for the victory of my husband over Vanaheim. Loki met this girl who was no one of importance and fell in love with her beauty and kind-heartedness. She had platinum blonde hair and beautiful cerulean blue eyes with plump pink lips and fair white skin. She was like a porcelain doll. But she was sickly that time already. Their relationship grew as their love. My husband never approved of it and even if I do not mind I never encouraged it supporting my husband. Many years passed and the girl grew more and more ill till she could not leave her room and now... she cannot leave her bed even. The best healers of the realm I have sent to her have said that she has a few months amongst the living yet."

"Oh..." you mumbled shocked and sad. A true fairy-tail without a happy ending. "How is Loki?"

"I believe that... he stays alone in his chambers just to avoid someone noticing his sadness. He believes it to be weakness to feel... to be sensitive about losing someone you hold close to your heart." Frigga smiled sadly at you.

"Can I meet her?" you asked without thinking. Your curiosity was stronger than you but you were eager to meet her. She sounded like a good person and if she could bring happiness into your soon to be husband's life than you will be happy for them and will thank her. That was the only thing you could do.

"Of course, my child." nodded the queen with a confused glint in her eyes.

"Will you lead me to her, my queen?" you stood up with a happy smile on your lips. Frigga stood up from her seat hesitantly and the two of you went down to the carriages to go out to the capital. Since the day you arrived you haven't spent a day down there and you were eager to see the commoner hurry on the streets, living their busy lives. How simple their lives must be. No scheming, no evil plans, no bad intentions, no corruption or deceit. No one to stab them in the back from their own family.

You stared out the window watching some commoner stop and stare in wonder at the royal carriage zip past them. Your mouth watered at the sight of cakes and biscuits and fruits near the market and your eyes shined up at the sight of a shop selling notebooks and pens. Frigga chuckled at your wonder but stayed silent till you arrived. She waited for you to leave the carriage in front of a small house. It was built from stone and its was not bigger than a cottage. You saw crackling fire through the single window at the front while Frigga knocked on the door waiting patiently for someone to open it. An old lady came out opening the door just a crack. Frigga smiled down to the old lady and asked for entrance. You stepped up to the queen to greet the old lady but earned a nasty glare from the elderly.

"Why are you here?!" she asked unfriendly as she looked you up and down.

"I just wished to meet the one who holds Loki's heart." you smiled kindly down at her with no malice. "Please, let us in... I wish to thank her for making him happy."

"I will stay in the room as the queen too. If you try anything..." she threatened as she opened the door to let you two in. You bowed to the old lady as you were taught back in your home giving your respect to elderly. Her eyes only narrowed at your behavior and you knew that you probably couldn't do anything to make her see that you came in peace. She led Frigga and you up on the stairs to a small room. You heard soft coughing coming from the room and when you stepped inside you spotted a delicate young woman around your age draw something curled up on the window seat in a white night gown. Her platinum blonde hair was messy and dry, her body thin and weak. When she looked at the visitors her eyes widened and she quickly got to her feet bowing to Frigga and you. Her balance was however not as good and easily fell on her side from the sudden movement.

You jumped into action without caring what the old lady thought or how she would yell at you. You rushed to her side and helped her up and back into a sitting position on the window seat. She looked up at you in surprise and with a grateful smile on her lips. She was beautiful. Even if she was bedridden. You felt a pang of jealous at how you were pampered by maids for two hours each morning but here she was so beautiful even when she had dark circles under her eyes and sickly pale skin. You smiled back kindly and stepped back from her.

"Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" you asked gently.

"N-no... thank you." she replied coughing a little. You didn't wait for permission and pulled out the chair from the desk in the corner offering it to Frigga. She thanked you and sat down before you pulled out another chair from the bedside. "M-my queen... did something happen to Loki? Is he alright?"

"Yes, my child, he is quite well." chuckled the blonde woman as she patted the other's knee. "I came to visit you with Princess (Name). When she learnt about you she wanted to see you."

You saw the white haired young woman's beautiful face fall as she glanced at you in panic. Your eyebrows curled in sadness that another person was thinking of you like a threat.

"Please, do not fret. I only wanted to say... thanks for caring about him." you said quietly surprising her quite some. "At first Loki and I... did not get along that well... but eventually I could make him see that this marriage which was forced on him was forced on me just as well. I am glad I can call him a friend nowadays and I am happy that he has someone who loves him dearly. Thank you for it."

"Wha-" she opened her mouth but couldn't find any words.

"I am sorry I startled you. Please, forgive me." you bowed your head a little as you sat on the chair your hands in your lap.

"You are really... that kind?" the girl breathed in disbelief.

"Um... I cannot tell you that I am kind to all... but I can see difference between friend and foe. I hope I can call you the former in the future." you smiled warmly back at her.

"You have to forgive me for doubting your kindness but this is so sudden..." she placed a hand in front of her mouth as she stared forward.

"Sygin, I can reassure you that there is no malice in her actions. (Name) was only curious to know you. You should see how all those children love her at the palace. She is doing an excellent job with teaching." smiled the queen at Sygin trying to end her doubts.

"I... I do not know what to say." sighed the white haired woman.

"Only that you will try to get to know me before judging." you stood up from your seat. "My queen, I believe it is time we leave Lady Sygin to rest. I wish not to disturb."

"Alright." smiled Frigga at Sygin as she stood up as well and left the room with you. You tried to not take it to heart that she couldn't trust you. You were however determined to get to know her and show her that you were only grateful for her to take care of Loki. You knew you would never get the chance to do that.

The ride back to the palace was quicker than the way out. You exchanged no words with the queen as you thought of how could you change Sygin's mind about you. You expected her to tell Loki about you and when that would happen, you had to be prepared for whatever words he would throw at your head.

Time skip~

Weeks went fast and each time you saw Loki leave the palace at night you wished to not receive his rage the next day. You decided to give Sygin some time to think before you would visit again. You went down to the kitchen to see the chef. Of course all of the cooks and chefs were afraid of what you would want when you showed up at the door of the kitchen. You laughed at how their hands stopped and eyes widened at your sight at the door.

It took them some time to see that you were not going to yell at them. When you asked one of the chefs to teach you how to make muffins he paled. You had to reassure him that Odin would not punish him for anything.

"No, no, no, no, no! I am not here to test you or anything of the sort!" you lifted your hands and walked up to the man who grasped at his chest. "I have friend who I promised muffins by my own hands and I wish to learn how to bake them. Could you teach me?"

"B-b-b-b-ut, your highness, there is no need for you to bake them yourself! We can do it for you, you just need to ask." he protested. You huffed a little annoyed.

"I am not my fiancé, alright?!" you narrowed your eyes. "I will never send anyone to jail for something that is not their fault or a fault at all. I am only asking you to help me out. I promised my friend that I can learn something which I have never done. I wish to fulfill my promise."

Norrec as he was called sighed defeated but somewhat relieved and agreed to it. You smiled brightly at him and followed him further into the kitchen following his every order. Someone strew some flour on your dress and immediately everyone paled. You looked up and started laughing.

"Oh, look at your faces! Ahahahaha!" you laughed. "I am sorry! I just- ahahahaha! Please, do not-, you do not need to apologize. It can be washed out. It is just flour."

"Are you really not mad at... me?" asked the cook who strew the flour on you surprised and more like out of shock.

"No, no. Everything is alright." you patted his shoulder with a kind smile. Your face fell a little as an idea popped into your mind. "Um... I have to ask. Are there rumors about me? Or is it about that every royal member treats you unkindly?"

"Well, Princess... yes. You are of royal blood. Usually people from your level only polite with each other. Queen Frigga of course is different but... she is still of royal." spoke up Norrec. "Your actions are not... usual."

"That is sad... I was taught to appreciate my people. That I should be thankful for all of you and be kind to you. No harm was done by a little flour falling on my skirt. And please, do not fear to approach me with anything." you smiled warmly at them. You noticed how their behavior changed quickly. They turned friendly from distant and you felt happy. When the muffins were finished you clasped your hands happily and gave a kiss to Norrec on his cheek making him blush.

You quickly changed out of your dress into a clean one picked up the small basket filled with the muffins from the kitchen and left the palace. You only asked for a horse and quickly fled the scene. You never had official riding lessons however you pleaded with your father's best swordsman until he sighed an agreed and taught you. As you rode you tried to turn the right corners and when you felt lost you jumped off the horse and asked a woman of where you could find Sygin's house. She was frightened that you were so straight forward but couldn't help but smile back when you said your goodbyes and wished her a good day. You quickly found the house and your heart pumped loudly in your chest as you approached the door. You knocked on the wooden surface and waited until the old lady opened the it.

"What do you want?!" she asked rudely.

"I thought I could show you that I came in peace? I brought muffins!" you beamed down at her but she slammed the door in your face. You sighed defeated. You turned back to your horse and petted her smiling sadly. You jumped back on her and went back to the palace. You gave the muffins to your maids.

Every second day you made muffins down in the kitchen every time brought to Sygin and was rejected. You were a little disappointed but decided to not give up. You will try until they would hear you out.

Sygin's PoV.

She came back. Everyday she came back with a basket in her hand. Sygin didn't know what to think of the princess but her determination impressed her. The young woman couldn't decide what the princess possible could want from her. Why would she want to know her? She was in the way of her marriage. She was in the way of her happiness. To grab the power or whatever noble people fought for.

As days passed and Sygin watch the princess get rejected by Holena again she noticed something glistening (Name)'s eyes. She sighed, pinched the bridge of her nose, took a deep breath. She was standing there for a long time, Sygin thought she wouldn't leave and would bang on the door forcing her way inside when the princess was approached by children. The children tugged at her beautiful dress and it seemed like they tried to comfort their princess. The white haired girl had to hear what they were talking about and opened the window looking out to the street below.

"Please do not cry, your highness!" tried to hug a little girl (Name) around her large skirt at her legs. It made (Name) giggle and crouch down to the children's level. She patted her blonde hair and hugged her to her chest. The other children hugged the princess too.

"How sweet this is of you all!" smiled brightly at them (Name). "I am afraid that I will never get to know the one who I thought could be my ally. She seems so kind, so good-hearted. And she is so beautiful... I am so jealous of her beauty sometimes. But she makes my friend so happy. I feel the need to show my gratitude to her."

"But Loki is your fiancé... not your friend... you will marry him!" furrowed her eyebrows confused another little girl with brown hair and green eyes.

"None of us was in love with the other when we were engaged. I tried to run away, to hide in the tiniest place to never be found again. We do not love each other and even if I would love Prince Loki... I know he would never love me back. He already loves someone who makes him happy. And I cannot wish anything more for myself than to see him happy even if it is with another."

Sygin wanted to think that it was all an act, that the princess paid for the children to gather around her and make an act but she couldn't. She saw the tears that left the princess' eyes, running down her cheeks. Sygin couldn't agree with the princess however. She wasn't as beautiful as (Name) said she was. She was jealous of the princess of how close she could be all day to Loki and how she didn't need to stay in bed all day.

"You trust her." spoke up suddenly Holena behind her but she didn't flinch.

"You still think she has malevolent intentions?" Sygin asked back still looking down at the princess talking to the children smiling at them brightly and hugging them before standing up and making her way to her horse her basket now empty. Sygin knew she had to act. "Hey, princess (Name)! Maybe we should talk!"

Her voice was weak and she cursed that she erupted in a coughing fit. Holena helped her back to her bed and went to open the door. When the old lady came back (Name) following her Sygin nodded as a greeting to the princess. (Name) erupted in a bright smile and lifted her basket.

"I made all of them for you but... there is just one left. I hope you accept it even if it is not much." she smiled apologetically at Sygin. The white haired young woman couldn't understand this princess. Why was she so kind? So straight forward? So approachable?

"You made them?" Sygin asked in disbelief.

"I... uh... yes..." she lowered her head. "Maybe they do not taste as good as the royal chef's but I followed his instructions. Maybe I was bothering him by following him around until he let me do it but... I hope they taste alright..."

"Do not just stand in the door, girly." spoke up Holena surprising both of them. "What? Now that you are inside you should stay a little. Sit where you can."

The old lady left the two of them along in a nervous silence. Sygin closed her eyes before she reached for the muffin in the basket. She carefully pealed the paper off and took a small piece off of it with her fingers. She put it in her mouth carefully and chewed slowly. It tasted so good she almost couldn't suppress a moan.

"So? Is it okay?" asked eagerly (Name) her eyes sparkling excitedly.

"Y-yeah..." furrowed her eyebrows Sygin. "What do you really want with this?"

"I just... I just would like to get to know you a little better... and show you that I do not want to cause you harm or would not hurt you with my words." (Name) answered sadness showing on her beautiful face.

"You are a princess. People like you always has something behind their words and actions. A purpose, a reason, a goal to achieve." rolled her eyes Sygin. She watched the princess' features' turn hard and disappointed.

"I came from a different culture than you, my lady... You all speak like you know that there is something behind my kindness. What if I am just kind? What if I have no purpose? No goal? I have met those kind of princesses you are used to and I have to agree you are right to not trust them. But would any of them try so desperately to know you? They would call you a commoner... and even if you are, that does not mean I can look down on you just because I have royal blood in my veins." (Name) replied.

"But even if that is true... why would you want to become my friend? You must have your friends." asked further Sygin.

"It is not I who need friends." (Name) shook her head. "I have friends who I hold dearly to my heart. Do you have friends who visit you from time to time other than Loki? Did the ones you had stay on your side when they learnt that you were sick?"

"Then go back to them." hissed Sygin at (Name). A long silence took place between them but none of them moved. The princess stood up and went to the window closing it before picking up the drawings from the window seat.

"You are alike, you know?" asked (Name) with a smirk on her lips. Sygin looked at her confused as the princess looked back up at her. 'With Loki. He doubted my intentions when I arrived... he was rude and ignored me if we were in the same room. I wanted to change that but not for him to grow to love me. Oh, no. I know I am not like someone he would ever love after meeting you... but now that we will be forced to live our lives bonded together like that... I wish to not bicker around with him all the time."

"You will still live your life with him... which I can never do." tears gathered in Sygin's eyes as she looked down at her lap knowing... feeling the end coming to her. Each night she went to sleep with the thought of never getting up again. Death still frightened her and her heart was aching for Loki. She didn't want him to feel sad, to feel the pain of losing her. Yet she was so selfish to wish he would visit her again to talk all night long, to kiss his lips, to hold him tight. Gentle arms snaked around her and pulled her tight into a warm embrace. Soft (h/c) hair brushed against her cheek as she was hugged by Princess (Name).

"I am so sorry..." whispered the princess rubbing her back soothingly. Sygin's eyes widened as she felt something familiar coming from (Name). Something like her mother would've been who died when she was young. Sygin held tightly to (Name) as she cried sobbing and shaking violently. They sat there for a long time until she calmed down into a sleep.

To be continued...

"My prince." You greeted, keeping your head bowed. He nodded to you as a greeting. You looked up, seeing his face. Since you were no a maid, you were able to see his face.

Prince Loki asked, "What is your name?"

You told him, "I’m Lady Y/N. Daughter of Axel."

The prince tilted his head, "The nobleman?"

You nodded, "Yes, sir." He nodded, looking toward the book you were reading. "What are you reading?"

You looked toward the book that was sitting on the side table and spoke, "The Discovery of Dragons Throughout the Nine Realms by Astrid the Traveler."

Prince Loki nodded, "I'm more of a poetry man, myself."

You chuckled, "I prefer poetry over anything myself, but I'm afraid I've read most of the works in the library. Anything I haven't read has been retrieved by another."

The prince chuckled himself, the sound almost making him swoon, "Yes, I face that same issue, myself."

You both stood there, awkwardly smiling. To break the silence, you spoke up, "My father and I are to go to Midgard for the week actually. I look forward to purchasing some of their works."

Prince Loki scoffed a little, "Midgard. They are all a bunch of mewling quims, if you ask me." You frowned a little, "Well, I've heard some things about them but that title doesn't pop up too often. I hear they do well with literature. I'll bring a few copies back for you and see how you like it."

Prince Loki shrugged, "I don't I will find it intriguing, but by all means."

You chuckled and began to say something when the sound of heavy footsteps came into the library. You looked over to see your father and smiled. "Hello, Father." You greeted him with a hug.

He wrapped an arm around your neck and brought you in, placing a kiss to your forehead. You smiled and placed your hand on his arm.

He saw Prince Loki and bowed his head, "Prince Loki. I trust that you are having a fine day today?"

The prince nodded, "Yes, I am. The same for you, nobleman. You have a lovely daughter." Axel looked down to you and smiled, "Yes, the light of my life, this one."

He then turned to you completely, "You have all of your belongings together for you trip. We leave in a few moments.

"Yes, I do, Father. The question is, do you have your belongings together. You are more forgetful than me." You said, your hands on his shoulders. He let out a laugh, "I have my things together."

You reached in your pocket of your gown and pulled out his glasses, "Then why are these in my pockets?"

He pulled them from your hands, "Ah." Placing them in his bag, he told you, "Because you, my little trickster, took them from my bag."

You laughed and you both began to leave, bidding Prince Loki goodbye. "Save travels to Midgard." He told you. You thanked him and you and your father were off.

~

At the week's end, you and your father returned to Asgard. You held two big boxes, filled to the brim with books that you had purchased while on Midgard. Your father had two guards carry the boxes for you when you arrived on Asgard after you insisted that you could carry it on your own.

"Why don't you get souvenirs when we visit other realms?" Your father questioned.

You laughed, "The books I buy are the souvenirs. And, besides, I try and get something else as well. This time, I got an 'electronic device'. Prince Thor suggested it himself. He said to grab one with lots of...'mobile data'. Whatever that is."

Your father shrugged. He grabbed the phone form your bag and poked the front, "You couldn't have gotten something more...understandable?" You shrugged and continued walking up to the palace.

When you got to your chambers, you placed your belongings on your bed and grabbed the piles of books you'd gotten from the Asgardian library to return them and get started on your Midgardian collection.

As you turned them in, you saw Prince Loki walking into the library, his nose buries in a book. You turned to him and said, "Prince Loki." You curtsied and he chuckled, smiling at you.

He grabbed your hands, kissing one, and saying, "Lady Y/N, welcome back. How were your travels?"

You smiled and tried to hide your blush, "It was fine, fun actually. I have two boxes of books in my chambers from Midgard. I'm turning in the ones I forgot to check back in before I left."

He smiled, "I suppose you want me to come and get a few of the Midgardian books?"

You shrugged, "I would like you to. I've read a couple and, I have to say, Midgardians are certainly talented."

"We shall see." He said. You directed him from the library, taking him to your chambers to give him the selection.

When you arrived, you opened the doors and went straight to one of the boxes.

Prince Loki looked around your room, smiling, "I like your style." You blushed a little and said, "Thank you, my prince."

Your room was a nice mix of pastel (favorite color) and black. You had a few souvenirs from different realms that you had visited, along with a tall bookshelf of the pieces of literature that you had picked up from those same realms.

You dug in your boxes and grabbed five different books for the prince to read. Three of them were written by a Midgardian named William Shakespeare, one from Edgar Allen Poe, and another from Mark Twain.

"Here are some that I thought were really good. Some of the best that I've chosen from." You said, carefully handing over the books. Prince Loki smiled and grabbed the books and looked through the selections.

"I will give them a try, Lady Y/N." He told you. You smiled and nodded, "That's all I ask."

~

It had been two years since you and the prince met and you had become the best of friends. You enjoyed being around Loki, you loved being around him. But you wanted to be more than just his friend.

And being his best friend was worse. You don't get out of the best friend zone.

You and Loki sat in the library, reading books and commenting about what you thought about specific parts. You laid across his lap on your back, him setting his book on your stomach as he read.

As you read your book, Loki looked at you, "Y/N, I have something to tell you."

You looked up at him, raising a brow, "What is it, Loki?"

He took a breath before saying, "I have feelings for someone."

Your heart sank in your chest. He'd said what you had always hoped he wouldn't. You put a smile on your face, not wanting to let him know just how much this hurt you. You would support your best friend, no matter how much it hurt.

You told him, "That's great! Who's the lucky guy?"

He gave you a look and you laughed it off, using the joke to distract him from what your moment of hesitation might have meat. He shook his head and said, "Her name Sigyn."

You furrowed your brow, moving from his lap and in the spot next to Loki, "The goddess, Sigyn?" He nodded, smiling the adorable smile that made your heart soar.

Well, no wonder he fell for her. She's a goddess. All you were was the daughter of a nobleman.

You smiled and told him, "I'm happy for you. How long have you liked her?"

He shrugged, setting his book to the side, "A few weeks. I'm thinking about asking to take her someplace. What Midgardians call a 'date'."

You forced a smile and said to him, placing a hand on his, "Go for it. She's a lucky girl."

Loki smiled and nodded, he picked up his book and said, "I'm at a really good part. She's about to confess her feelings for him and he doesn't feel the same way."

You looked away from him, staring at your hands as you held your book.

Come on.

~~~

It had been a month or two since Loki told you about Sigyn. He's been telling you of the outings he's been going on with her, the sunsets they had watched, the kisses they'd shared together...

Every word he said about anything he'd done with her made your heart cry out for some sort of relief.

He was truly in love with her and, as his best friend, all you could do was stand there on the side and support him as your heart broke over and over and over again.

You'd always hoped you'd be the one to hold his heart, the one to share his kiss, the one to share his life with.

But instead, he held your heart and didn't even know. He didn't know how hard he'd been squeezing, keeping it in a suffocating grasp where you couldn't breathe.

Being in love wasn't easy, because that one person your life revolved around had the power to hurt you like no other.

The part that hurt worse was that he didn't know he was hurting you. He didn't know you were in such pain. All he knew, was that you were his friend, and that you'd stand beside him, no matter what happened.

You wandered around the palace gardens, finding yourself in a secret part known only to you, Loki, and Queen Frigga. He never even told Sigyn about it, and you were glad because it was the one place that belong to just you and Loki.

And you think he knew that in his heart enough to keep it secret.

As you wandered, you heard small, light footsteps and turned around. When you saw the queen, you curtsied, bowing your head. "My queen." You said politely.

She smiled, giving a little chuckle as she said, "Y/N, you need not address me so formally." You stood and smiled, "I know."

She shook her head with her soft, kind smile, "Walk with me."

You linked your arm around hers, walking together as she spoke, "What troubles you?"

You tilted your head, "What do you mean? Nothing troubles me."

She tilted her head then, looking at you knowingly, "My dear child, you only wander around this part of the garden without Loki when you are troubled. So, tell me, what is the matter?"

You sighed, Frigga definitely knew you. You shrugged, "I'm happy for Loki and Lady Sigyn, I really am, it's just..."

"You're in love with him, as well." She said.

You looked at her with surprise. She chuckled, "I am not blind. Even a blind man could see how much you love my son."

You looked down at your feet, embarrassment on your face, "I'm hopelessly in love with him."

There was silence before you found yourself confessing everything to her.

"But...what am I to do? I'm his friend. She's a goddess, an actual goddess...I am just the daughter of a nobleman."

Frigga stopped, turning to you with her hands gently on your shoulders, "Y/N, my child, listen to me. You are a strong, intelligent, beautiful young woman. My son, as blind as he may be sometimes, knows this. He may be in love with Lady Sigyn, but he loves you, too. You may be his friend, but if he had to choose between you and her, you would come first."

You frowned, "How can you be so sure of that?"

She smiled a soft smile, "Because you, my child, are the only person who saw him for what he truly was as soon as you met him. A good man. Even Lady Sigyn had her doubts. But you did not. You gave him a chance, something he is not offered at first glance. Give it time, dear. He'll come around."

You asked, "Are you sure?"

She nodded, "Positive."

Just then, a voice came from behind you both, "Mother?"

You turned to see Loki, your heart pounding heavily in your chest as you watched him. Frigga smiled, "My son, how are you?"

He smiled, "Quite well. I was actually looking for Y/N. What were you talking about?"

You panicked and looked at Frigga, who gave Loki a calm look and said, "Oh, nothing and everything."

You smiled and she said, "Well, I'll give you two some time alone. Farewell." Frigga left and, as she passed Loki, she gave you a wink.

Loki stood in front of you, holding your hands, and telling you, "I have great news, Y/N."

You forced a smile, "Really? Is Thor taking a trip to another realm for a few weeks or something?"

He rolled his eyes with a chuckle that made you lose your breath. "No, I proposed to Sigyn...and she said yes."

Now, your breath was gone for a different reason. You almost choked then and there, trying to suck in a breath, but no matter how much you got, you still felt like you had been drowning in your pain.

There he was again. Squeezing your heart in his iron grip as his excitement took over him.

As you forced words out of your mouth, you responded then. You expected to your voice to sound like a cry of pain, but it came out like a happy cheer of a child, "Wonderful!"

Loki's smile widened and it was the only thing keeping you from dying on the spot. Loki continued, "And Sigyn wanted to know if you would be her Maid of Honor."

You swore you had died then, your heart being crushed, shattering into a million tiny pieces that could never be reunited.

You forced another smile, a mask for the pain of it all, "Of course! I would love to be! I'd ask for nothing else but to be there for you on your special day!"

He smiled, pulling you in for a happy hug. You took that time to take a breath, it being the only possible thing that could calm you down.

Loki's familiar smell filled your senses and your body relaxed a little. It was as if you could finally breathe, even if it was only for the brief moment. As soon as he pulled away, you were again surrounded by the water that drowned you in your sorrows.

You gave him a reassuring smile that he mirrored. "I must be going, I have preparations to take care of, for the wedding is in a few days."

You nodded, choking out the words, "Great! You attend to your duties, I'll stay here to walk for a little while longer."

He gave you another hug before leaving swiftly, excited to start his new life with Sigyn.

When you knew he was out of the gardens and there was no one else around, you collapsed to the floor.

Tears freely fell from your eyes as you cried, now knowing that you would never hold a place in his heart like before. Sigyn was his Number One and she would always be.

You would be nothing but the friend, the third wheel, the one who wished for way more than she'd ever get.

Sigyn would be the Goddess of Victory, the wife of the God of Mischief, the woman who lived up to her title.

Now, you were nothing more than just Lady Y/N Axeldottir. The daughter of a nobleman and the friend of the God of Mischief.

You were nothing more than just Y/N.

~~~

The wedding had taken place so fast, your head had begun to spin. The whole kingdom came and saw as a god and goddess wed and became one.

You watched, pain tearing at your heart as you sewed it back together, knowing you were doing the right thing.

Sigyn and Loki looked so happy together, and it made you happy to see Loki with such a smile. You just wished you were the reason for it.

The wedding had passed and your time with Loki had shortened. He spent so much more time with Sigyn. When you did get time with him, you both spent it reading together and catching up on what you missed.

As the months progressed, his side of your catch-ups weren't the best things you liked to hear.

"How has it been with you and Sigyn lately?" You asked, hopeful that he had something good to say.

He shook his head a little to show you that things weren't going so well. He rubbed his face with his hand and told you, "I don't know really. She seems a little...distracted. As if I boring her."

You gave him a sad look, focusing on only him.

"After we got married, she began taking a little more control over me. She tells me what to do, what not to do. It's quite annoying to tell the truth."

You placed your hand on his, curling your fingers around it and reassuring him, "I'm sure things will be okay. It will turn out, you'll see. And, if they don't, you know I will always be right by your side to help you."

He looked at you with a soft smile and gave a little chuckle, "I know you will. You always have been."

You smiled and went back to your book. Loki's gaze lingered on you for a moment before doing the same.

~

Time passed and Loki seemed to be at the library a lot more often, in hopes of finding you.

When he hadn't seen you once for a week in a row, he began to worry wondering if you were okay.

When you'd returned, you told him that you had gone with your father to visit Vanaheim to see old friends.

"I had been meaning to tell you before I left, but I was unable to get a hold of you. You were off with Sigyn before I get to you." You explained.

He told you, "I'm sorry. I have been so distant with you lately."

You smiled, placing your hand on his shoulder, "It's okay. Next week, my father and I are to visit another realm. Would you like to come...if Sigyn allows, of course. My father would be thrilled to have you join!"

He smiled, placing his hand on yours and said, "I'd love to. I can't wait." You gave him a warm smile and left, going to catch up with others.

Next week had come, Loki could not.

When you saw him after you returned, he had told you that he and Sigyn had gotten into a fight.

"Oh, no! Are you okay? What happened?" You asked, giving him your full attention.

Loki sat with you and explained the fight. "She said she didn't like how I was trying to spend more time with you than with her." You took in a slow, empty breath, trying to keep your anger at bay as you did not wanting to show how much it pissed you off that Sigyn continued to hurt Loki like this.

You said with a sigh, "I don't want to be the reason your relationship with Sigyn doesn't work. I can step away if you want me to."

You grabbed your hands, pulling you closer, "No!" You froze in your spot, startled by the reaction.

He sighed, "No. I don't need you to step away. I don't want you to step away."

You nodded, placing your hand over his, "Then I won't." You squeezed his hand, looking into his eyes in a silent promise.

The next week marked the one year anniversary of Loki and Sigyn. At their anniversary ball, you barely noticed the two get close to each other. If they had to be, they never touched.

You wanted to see what was going on, but the party ended so late in the night that they retreated back to their chambers before you had a chance to talk with Loki.

You grew more concerned, not knowing why this was happening. You didn't want to see Loki hurt, you'd do anything to make sure he was safe and happy. You'd sacrifice anything you could.

The next morning, you found out why Loki and Sigyn were so distant.

You were in the library, reading another Midgardian book when Loki found you. You smiled as you greeted him, "Hello, Loki. How are you?" You patted the spot next to you for him to sit down.

When he didn't reply, just sitting next to you in silence, you knew something was wrong. "What is the matter?" You asked, your book long past forgotten, and all of your focus shifting toward Loki.

Loki spoke in a plain voice, "Sigyn and I are no longer together."

Your heart stopped.

You didn't want to admit it to yourself, but you felt happy. You felt like a weight had been lifted off your chest.

You felt like Loki loosened his grip.

You frowned and asked, "What? Why?"

He told you, "She claimed that I was distracted. I was spending too much time with you. She said I was too close with you."

You tilted your head and listened. He turned to look at you, a sort of glint in his eyes as he said, "I can't help but think she's right."

Your breath stopped in your throat. What?

You felt his grip tighten around your heart, squeezing so hard you assumed he was finally finishing you off after over a year of this pain.

He turned completely toward you and said, "Y/N...I don't know how it took me so long to realize this...but...I love you."

What?

Your breath came back like a fierce wind. You inhaled so deep, you felt like you'd never breathed in your life.

Loki had pletely loosened his grip. Though, it was no longer a grip at all. Instead, he was holding his hands open, giving you space to love him.

A tear slipped from your eye as you pulled him in to a hug you didn't want to let go of. Loki wrapped his arms around you, pulling you impossibly closer to him.

When you finally pulled back, you told him, "I love you, too, Loki."

He smiled, "From the moment, I first saw you, I knew there was something about you that was different. It's a shame it took a failed marriage to see that the person that was right for me had been with me the whole time."

You cried as you told him, "I've loved you for three years. From when I first met you, to now and beyond."

You said, "I stayed in my place when you said you had feelings for Sigyn. I wanted you to be happy, and I didn't want to ruin that happiness by telling you that I loved you, having you hold this guilt for not loving me back.

"When you told me that you were to be married, when you asked me to be Maid of Honor, when you told me of your problems, I supported you because I wanted you to be happy. I didn't want you to hurt, so I kept my feelings a secret and helped you with yours."

Loki gazed into your eyes, those beautiful orbs that held sadness, truth, love, and pain in them. He didn't want you to hurt. Not anymore.

"But...Loki...I can't hold it anymore. I-"

A pair of lips smashed against yours in a kiss you'd been longer for since the day you met Loki. You wrapped your arms around his neck and tilted your head to the side.

You savored every moment of this, scared that it was all a dream. That you'd wake up and no longer be here with Loki in this moment.

But when you both pulled away for air, opening your eyes, when you saw each other staring back, you smiled and held him tighter.

"Y/N, I've known you for three years and you've been by my side for the whole of them. You've shared my happiness, my sorrow, my triumphs. You've supported me every step of the way, no what it costed you. And I love you for all of it and more. So, will you, Y/N Axeldottir, be my bride?" Loki said.

You smiled wide and more tears fell, staining your face, "Yes, Loki! Yes! Of course!"

He smiled and hugged you to him once more. "I love you so much!" You told him.

He confessed, "I love you most."

-

Within a week, you and Loki were married. Your father was so proud and Frigga was so happy for you.

She had told Odin of the story of you and Loki. She told Odin of your story. What he had done about it dumbfounded everyone.

Especially you.

King Odin stood from his throne after the wedding and people turned their attention toward their king, putting a stop to the party to listen.

He announced in his loud, booming voice, "Everyone, thank you for coming...to celebrate the union of my son, Loki, and his new wife, Lady Y/N."

You turned to Loki, wrapping your arm around his and smiling.

Odin continued, "After hearing of the magnificent story of how their love came to be, I am undoubtedly moved by it all."

Odin looked at you, motioning a hand for you to come closer. You let go of Loki hesitantly and walked forward, meeting Odin in front of his throne as he said, "Lady Y/N, you put your love's happiness before yours. You supported him through every he'd been through, the good times...the bad...the joyous...the sorrowful...and any experience he had to bear."

You smiled, remembering all of your good times together.

Odin boomed, "You would endure the worst pain in all the nine realms...if it meant he would be happy. That kind of sacrifice...is one I'd never seen before...in all my centuries of life."

His hand moved to his side, grabbing the hilt of his sword, and pulling it out in front of him.

You looked back at him, curiosity written all over your face. He held the sword out in front of you and said, "Lady Y/N, as the Allfather of this realm, by my royal decree, I now pronounce you...the Goddess of Sacrifice!"

The great crowds of Asgard cheered as Odin tapped both your shoulders lightly with his sword, concealing his words.

You gasped and Odin said, "You may rise." You stood and turned around, facing everyone.

You saw Loki, the looked he gave you was one of happiness. You ran to him as fast as your gown would allow, throwing yourself in his arms.

He spun you around, setting you on your feet and pulling you in for a kiss.

When you pulled away, you cheered, "I'm a goddess!"

Loki smiled lovingly, "Loki, I'm a goddess!"

He told you, "You've always been a goddess to me."

You smiled and pulled him close to you, never wanting to let go.

For the first time in so long, you felt like you could finally breathe.

~

Years passed and you and Loki were happy. You had two little children. A girl and a boy, Nicole and Alistair.

The little ones would run around the gardens, read books, and enjoy their time together.

Axel loved telling them stories of his adventures and visits to other realms. Frigga loved to sing and read to them.

A little but after being given your godly title, you were blessed with immortality, the magic you trained with the make stronger, and your weapon, Herleifr, a bow and quiver.

Though, being with Loki was all you ever wanted. Now that you were finally with him, you didn't care much for the things that came with it.

Like the Allfather said, you would endure the worst pain in all the nine realms if it meant Loki would be happy.

Your family was all you needed and you had it.

You were finally breathing.

Loki’s Subjects taglist: @fadingcoast​ @eloisestarksdottir​ @shining-loki​ @lokistan​ @nekoamamori​