when the prince ran away

Chapter 8

The first day of the trials goes quickly after the turbulent events during dinner. Following the meal, the suitors retire to their respective rooms, Sigyn and Volla doing the same. Freya makes a promise to return the next day bright and early to start the next event. That night, Loki does not go to Sigyn's room. He wants to more than anything in the multiverse, but after their angry dalliance in the corridor, he feels it improper and inappropriate to face the queen again. Sigyn finds it difficult to sleep that night with so many thoughts running through her head. Thoughts of Loki and his anger, his insecurities, his jealousy. If he is unable to trust her around one man that she deems a friend, how is he to trust her during these trials? She knows that this event will end with no wedding taking place. How could there be a wedding when the one she holds so dear cannot be her spouse? Eventually, the queen drifts off and finds herself awoken the next morning by Volla. 

"Good morning, Majesty. Did you have a restful night?" Volla asks, laying out Sigyn's dress for the day. The dress is a soft silk chemise that reaches just to her feet. The dark purple color compliments her skin, making her look pale and fair. Her mask is a dark purple, same as the dress, with a cream border. Sigyn sits up in bed, rubbing her eyes. 

"Eventually. And you?" Sigyn stands, walking over to her dress to change. As Volla helps her dress, her lady furrows her brow.

"I could not stop thinking about Lord Iver being one of your suitors. It just stings, I suppose. Knowing that he will never love me." Sigyn turns quickly, her eyes wide. 

"Volla, you know that this is not true. Iver loves you a million times over, I am sure of it. You know this was not of his choosing, don't you? You must know that by now." Sigyn takes Volla's hands and moves her to sit on a chaise by her canopy bed. "That man is as much in love with you now as he was the moment he laid eyes on you. This event will not change that, trust me." 

"I hope you are right." Volla shakes her head, coming out of her head. She smirks, her eyes trying to find Sigyn's. "And you? What of you and Loki?" Sigyn gives a tight smile, then lets it fall. 

"I do not know. We were fine for weeks and then Freya suggests this tournament to find me a suitor, and it is as if the world is ending. He found me in the library with Eluf and became enraged, ranting about how it was our spot and that I should not let Eluf call me by my name rather than my title. We had an argument about it during dinner last night. I'm surprised no one came looking for us." Sigyn stands, running her hands down the front of her dress. Volla rises, following Sigyn to her bedroom door. "No matter. If he is going to be this way, there is nothing I can do but wait for him to calm down. Nothing is going to happen between Eluf and I. He is merely becoming a good friend. I believe I need more of those because, while I love you with all that I am, it is nice to make friends elsewhere." Sigyn turns once more to face Volla. "These trials will end and all will be right again. It is only two more days. I can last two more days." 

-

As everyone sits down for breakfast, Freya looks around the room. Sigyn, Volla, and six of the suitors join her around the table. She surveys the table to notice that Ljúga is missing. She raises one eyebrow, her mouth turning into a small smirk. "Your Majesty, did you happen to notice that someone is missing from your table?" Sigyn looks to Freya, everyone else falling silent. The queen appears tense at first glance, though manages to hide it well if that is the case. 

"It appears Lord Ljúga has slept in. Not to worry, I will have one of my ladies fetch him for breakfast." Sigyn motions to a lady and the young woman rushes out of the room. "Now, back to this lovely meal." As Sigyn brushes off the matter, Freya only smirks and goes back to eating. After some time, the doors to the dining hall open and Loki as Lord Ljúga walks into the room. Everyone save Sigyn greets him as he takes his seat. Loki looks to Sigyn but her eyes do not meet his. He tilts his head, his gaze searing into her, yet the queen maintains her eye contact at her plate of food. Loki shakes his head goes to eat his own food, ignoring Sigyn's behavior. He knows that the day will be a long one if this is how his queen is acting. The trials of the day will be the least of his worries.