Loyalty and Mischief (WIP)

Chapter 23 - How can the light that burned so brightly suddenly burn so pale?

A/N  I know there's supposed to be a time difference between Earth and Asgard, but I suck at math and have tried several calculations, only to end up with a migraine. So, we're synching it up for the sake of the story and your dear author's sanity.

Asgard - 30 years later, Midgard year 1910

"Are they here yet? Have they arrived?"

"No, not yet."

"Ow, how much longer?"

"Baldur, please calm down. You will meet your brother and sister soon."

Thor grinned when Frigga shook her head at his little brother's exasperated sigh. Already such a handful, even more than Loki was at that same age. He still found it wondrous his parents had welcomed yet another member to their family.
Thor hoped with all his heart that Sigyn by now also had a son or daughter, or both, but she'd mentioned nothing in her letters. She probably wouldn't want to share such news in a simple letter. So, perhaps, this was the very reason for their return.
It'd been thirty years ago to the day Loki and Sigyn had left Asgard. It shouldn't have taken this long. The plan had been for them to leave for a few months, a year or two at the most. Thor often wondered if something had occurred, but as far as Heimdall and Frigga could tell, Sigyn and Loki were happy. He had to believe it had truly been their own decision to stay away from their home. If only to keep up appearances. 

With every year the royal pair stayed gone, the rumours and whispers among the Asgardians grew. More and more people doubted it had truly been Sigyn's decision to wed the Trickster. Even worse, they doubted there was any genuine love in the marriage.
They said Loki had enchanted Sigyn because he hadn't wanted Thor to have her as his Queen. That he'd used his tricks and illusions to steal her from his own brother and that he yet used them to ensure his hold on her.
It was a small miracle none had dared to utter the suspicion Loki had done it all to gain control over Sigyn's magic out loud. If they had, the gossip would have been entirely different. Though, it was bad enough as it was.

Those who had known Astrid questioned her sudden departure, believing the Trickster had hurt or even killed her because she stood in his way. Fandrall, the only one besides the Queen and Allfather who knew more of what had truly occurred, aided Thor to keep the rumours to a minimum.
They came up with the story that Astrid had requested to be sent home, where she was now in charge of Lord Völundr's household, to care for her ailing mother. A falsified letter here and there kept the ruse going. But they couldn't stop the people from murmuring in the dark amongst themselves. Hopefully, Sigyn and Loki's return would silence them once and for all.

"I see them!" Baldur suddenly exclaimed.

Thor followed his gaze. Two riders were approaching the palace over the Bifrost at a fast pace. When he saw Sigyn's red hair, Thor's heart almost leapt out of his chest. Even after all these years, he still held much affection for the woman who'd once been his betrothed. He caught himself seeking the qualities that Sigyn possessed in every woman he encountered, but so far, not a single one could compare. He was convinced none ever would.
Baldur jumped off the steps to meet the riders as they galloped into the courtyard. Thor and Frigga came to stand behind Baldur, who stood frozen in awe.

"She's beautiful," he uttered softly as Sigyn dismounted.

"Aye." Thor put a hand on his little brother's shoulder. "Don't tell her that, though. Sigyn hates when people only see her beauty."

"Wha—how can one not see it?" Baldur blurted out.

"Ssh, here she comes."

Frigga welcomed her son and daughter first, befitting her status as Queen of Asgard and as the family's matriarch. When Sigyn turned to Thor, he drew in his breath. Though she was still as stunning as the day he last saw her, there was something about her that alarmed him. A deep melancholy lurked behind her smile. It was well hidden, but Thor still perceived it.
Sigyn stepped into his open arms. Thor frowned a little as he held her close. She was thinner, too. And... no child.