This time, I will save you

The Builder

Sigyn looked at herself in the mirror next to her bed and smiled. It was nice to get back to an adult body. It was even nicer to be pretty, this time around. She had not been ugly in her first lifetime, but her mother had reproached her so many times her weight she could never look at herself without shame and embarrass. Loki, though, had called her "cute as a button" that one time they had crossed paths before she died in his arms. Now, in this timeline, he found her "pretty". He had actually said she was pretty, and Sigyn's heart had been suddenly filled with love and pride, deciding to always try to look her best so she could hear such wonderful words from his lips.

However, since that lovely day, Loki had said no such things. They were always together, studying, playing, planning some prank on Thor, but her Prince did not seem to see her in any kind of romantic light. They had been children, of course. But now they were grown up, would Loki find her pretty enough to love and desire her? Would he want for as his wife... or would he just regard her as a friend? Sigyn feared the last option would be her fate. Still, wasn't it better than her first life? At least, she was in her prince's life. She held his hand, comforted him whenever he needed it and whenever he smiled, her heart would miss a beat and sing inside her chest.

Yes, it was definitely better than her solitude and the mournful life she had led before. She was with Loki, in whichever part he would pick for her, whether it was as his friend or his lover or his wife. She would accept it and be glad for it, though her capricious heart longed for romance and kisses.

Of course, had she been more to Loki than his friend, she would not have had so much free time – free nights, to be precise. Those allowed her to work for Vanaheim and Nidavellir. Sigyn had not forgotten how her two realms had fallen before, and she would not let them. However, it had to be done out of Odin's eye. She knew the AllFather would not like her meddling and might see her as a threat. What would become of her then? Would he let his son remain friends with a potential foe of Asgard?

Norns. What if she ever had to chose between Loki and Vanaheim and Nidavellir? What then? Would she let them burn in the name of love, or would she leave Loki's side, knowing what tragedies were ahead of him? It was an impossible dilemma. As long as she was discreet, she could do both, she decided. Both were noble causes, both deserved her efforts, both would thrive and be finally victorious. It was now the goal of her life and she would not enjoy a moment's rest before it was done.

She often thought of telling Loki the truth about his origins. It was tricky, though, as she knew how "well" he would take it. She could not just announce to him he had been adopted. She could not either dare him to hold the Casket of Ancient Winters... It would show Loki everything he needed to know, but Odin would have her head, and she could not help her friend if she was dead... Would her death reset the timeline? Would she go back in time once again or would she die for good? It was an interesting question, but one she was not sure she wanted an answer to.

Today had been a rather quiet day, enjoying the flowers in the Queen's garden, while reading a book on Light Elves' culture and traditions. Her Uncle Feyr had still high hopes for her future as a diplomat, and Sigyn wondered if she could combine both his desires and hers: being Loki's wife and a keeper of Yggdrasil's peace. Well, not if her husband turned into a villain and started killing innocent people on a whim. She would keep him from this dark path, she promised herself. Then again, it was not as if Loki had shown her any romantic interest. It was very much likely she would once again die a spinster, instead of Loki's bride.

Suddenly, Sigyn was taken from her thoughts by some loud noises coming from the throne room. Curious, the Vanir Princess made her way through the crowd, and was surprised to see her mother, standing there with her ladies-in-waiting surrounding her. She seemed rather upset, which always led to tantrums and drama. Sigyn made a move to join her, but she was stopped by her sister Idunn.