Fear of Losing Control (Book #1 in the Infinity Chronicles)

Chapter 12 Loki's Guardian

"Sigyn," Odin calls to me from down the hall, "What about Loki?"

I'm on my way back from the meeting, and honestly, I'm not in the mood to discuss Loki right now.

"What about him?" I ask.

"We need someone to watch over him when he goes with you."

"Then find someone," I snap.

Odin looks offended for a moment, and then says, "I already have."

"Great," I say, "Congratulate them."

"Congratulations."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm congratulating you, Lady Sigyn."

"Wait,-"

"You are now Loki's guardian."

"What! No! Haven't I done enough or you guys! I planned your mission, and got Loki on our side-"

"Exactly why you will be his guardian."

"No! Why can't you? He's your son!"

"HE'S NOT MY SON!"

I shut my mouth at this. No wonder Loki was so desperate. Even his own father denies that he is related.

"I can not," Odin says once he regains his calm, "I must stay here and protect our kingdom."

"But," I say, "You've left for a mission before. I know, Thor told me. Why can't Frigga watch over the kingdom?"

"Frigga can not! Not any more."

I see the sadness on his face. She must be dead. I didn't know she passed away.

"I'm sorry," I mumble.

"Thank you," he says, "For watching over Loki."

"But-"

Before I can finish the sentence, he disappears behind the corner of the hallway. Great.

I can't sleep, my mind is to alive. So instead of walking towards my room, I head towards another door.

I open the door to reveal the training arena where Sif and I fought.

I walk over towards the table with swords, and choose the one I think is a form of epae.

The handle of the epae rests between the fat of my palm. I make my stance, the sword held out in front of me, my other in hand in back.

And with one swift motion, I lunge at the sand bag in front of me. Sand starts to pour out and pile around my ankles, but I ignore it.

I practice the moves that my coach had recently taught me, and then do some old ones to review. Parry, repost. Disengage. Advance. Retreat.

I practice until the bag is no more than a piece of ripped up cloth on a pile of sand.

"Sand is no worthy opponent," I hear someone behind me say, causing me to jump.

I turn around to see Loki standing behind me.