Illusions | Loki & Jane

35. Frigga

"It's as if they resent being imprisoned," Fandral's voice echoed through the dungeons.

Volstagg chimed in, "There's no pleasing some creatures," prompting Loki to roll his eyes at their misguided attempts at humor.

As chaos erupted around him, he remained seated in his cell, attempting to lose himself in the pages of his book. But, of course, Thor stormed in, instantly seizing the attention of everyone present, as if he were the beacon of hope they all needed.

"Return to your cells, and no further harm will come to you. You have my word," he declared, his voice brimming with that infuriating bravado. It was exhausting to witness his relentless need to play the hero, as if his mere presence could quell the storm of discontent swirling around them.

Then, as if the universe were orchestrating some cruel joke, one of the prisoners had the audacity to punch him squarely in the face. "Very well, you don't have my word," Thor shot back, and in an instant, he was swept into the fray, fists flying as he engaged with the unruly crowd.

A frustrated sigh escaped Loki's lips. Why was Thor even still alive? In truth, he had hoped that he would have met his end by now.

He glanced back at his book, but Loki's annoyance deepened as he watched Thor revel in his role as the unwitting hero once again, a blundering fool masquerading as a savior. Each punch thrown felt like a personal affront, a cruel reminder of how the world celebrated Thor's foolishness while the clever and cunning were locked away.

_______

Odin's voice resonated with authority as he addressed his guards. "Send a squadron to the weapons vault. Defend it at all costs. Seal the dungeon." The urgency in his tone was palpable, and Jane could feel the tension in the air thickening around them.

"Odin," Frigga interjected, her voice a blend of concern and command.

"Frigga," he acknowledged, turning to face her with a determined gaze. "Go!" he commanded the Asgardian guards, his demeanor resolute. Then, casting a momentary glance back at her, he added, "It's a skirmish, nothing to fear."

Yet Frigga's expression spoke volumes of her unease. "You've never been a very good liar," she replied, a hint of worry lacing her words.

The Allfather then focused on Jane. "Take her to Thor's chambers," he instructed, his voice firm and unwavering. "I'll come for you when it's safe."

"Just take care," Frigga implored, her concern for him evident, a testament to their deep bond.

"Despite all I have survived, my queen still worries over me," he replied, a slight smile gracing his lips, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"It's only because I worry over you that you have survived," Frigga countered, her gaze filled with love and concern—a connection that Jane could only dream of.

As Odin departed, Frigga turned her attention to Jane, her expression shifting to one of urgency. "Listen to me now," she said firmly, "I need you to do everything I ask, without question."

"Yes, ma'am," the astrophysicist replied, her heart racing with a blend of fear and determination. She watched intently as Frigga swiftly grasped a sword from one of the guards, her movements confident and decisive.

"You will hide," the queen instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And you will not come out until I say so."

___________

From her hidden vantage point, Jane could overlook Thor's hall, cloaked in shadows where no one could see her. The atmosphere was tense, and her heart raced as she took in the scene unfolding below. Frigga sat at the center of the hall, a picture of grace and strength, poised and ready to confront any threat that dared to enter.