Loyalty and Mischief (WIP)

Chapter 15 - My life has begun because you're the one holding me

The hall went into a frenzy. Voices drowned each other out, wildly speculating at what had occurred, and most importantly, what had happened to the Crown Prince of Asgard. This was, of course, something Odin wanted to know as well. He told Frigga to remain in the hall with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three to settle the restless crowd whilst he 'investigated the matter further.'
Accompanied by some guards, Odin led the Sigyn and Loki away. Astrid meant to follow, but Sigyn held her off with a gesture of her hand. The Allfather kept a kingly restraint, but one look at his thunderous expression said enough; he was absolutely livid. She feared the worst would happen. What had possessed Loki to do this? And what had happened to Thor?

"Loki, what have you done?" asked Sigyn anxiously, her voice barely audible.

"What I had to," whispered Loki in response, his fingers brushing against Sigyn's hand. "Don't worry. All will be well."

When they finally arrived at Loki's chamber, Odin threw open the door. The guards inside jumped at the sudden intrusion. They looked quite baffled when the Allfather entered, with Sigyn and Loki in tow. In a single glance, Sigyn understood why. Another Loki sat up against the headboard of the bed, not at all perturbed by his visitors.

"Did it work?" he asked.

"Oh yes," said the Loki at Sigyn's side. "It worked."

He gave a little wave with his hand, and the other version of himself transformed back into the man he really was. Back into Thor. Everyone's eyes flashed from one prince to the other, except Odin's. The King of Asgard kept his head down. His knuckles were white as he gripped his spear, Gungnir, tightly.

"I need a moment with my sons and Lady Sigyn."

The guards hurried out at the sound of his bloodcurdling voice, shutting the door behind them. Their footsteps receded, going further and further from the chamber. They didn't want to be anywhere near the room when Odin was likely to tear it apart.
Thor leisurely swung his legs off Loki's bed and came to stand beside his brother. At their shared grin, Sigyn realised Thor had clearly involved in the scheme, and willingly, it seemed.

"I understand your anger, Father," said the Crown Prince calmly, "and I take responsibility, as I am the one who set Loki free and came up with this ruse. But know I would not have done this if I did not believe it necessary."

"Necessary? NECESSARY? You have defied me! You have made a travesty of us all and mocked not only the people of Asgard, but your family as well! What could possibly justify your actions?"

"Love."

This took the Allfather aback. He stared at his son as if he had gone mad. Thor seized the opportunity to continue now that his father had fallen silent. "I did not say I would be Sigyn's husband when I proposed the wedding be brought forward. It was my first intention, I'll admit. But only if Loki could not convince me he loved Sigyn. When I brought her to see him yesterday, I did not see the reaction of a Trickster, who lost a coveted prize. I saw a man enraged after being told the woman he loves was to marry another, to save both herself and him. I saw the same broken heart in Loki as I saw in Sigyn. So yes, I freed him. I took his place, and he mine. If you want somebody to take the blame for this, if you want somebody to explain it to our people, I will gladly do it. But I will not stand in the way of their love, nor should you or anyone else. This was the only correct course of action, Father."

Sigyn gaped at Thor. She couldn't believe that he was the one who had orchestrated it all. Loki, certainly, but Thor? He truly never ceased to amaze her.

"Did you believe it to be that easy?" demanded Odin then, having regained his composure. "That a simple illusion would be your answer? It may have been Loki who stood there, but the ceremony was for you, Thor. The vow Frigga drew up was yours, the sword exchanged was..."