Flawed Design

                His room was not green and black like so much of his clothing; it was silver and gold with windows that were always open.  Sigyn believed that this revealed something about Loki’s tendency to hide from the world, and she reveled in knowing that she was one of few people close enough to Loki to be allowed in. 

                Presently, Loki paced near his windows that looked out over Asgard.  His hands were clasped behind his back and his clothing was casual compared to his usual style, though he looked no less regal for it.  While he had requested her presence, he had not acknowledged her when she entered, and he did not acknowledge her now as she walked up to him. 

                “Loki.” Sigyn placed one hand on his shoulder and brushed his hair out of his face with the other.  Before she could blink, a dagger was placed at her throat.  Unmoving, she studied the younger prince’s face.  He was on edge, but that much was obvious considering the blade kissing her neck.  His eyes shined with fear but held a darker undertone, something threatening that stilled Sigyn’s breath.  He pulled away as he recognized the woman in front of him, and relief filled his eyes, replacing the darkness. 

                “Sigyn,” Loki greeted as he sheathed his dagger.  “You came.” He wrapped his arms around her.  Loki was rarely affectionate to anyone, so Sigyn bit back her worry for the man who had almost killed her two seconds earlier and enjoyed the hug. 

                “Of course I came.  I received an order from his Royal Highness Loki Odinson, Prince of Asgard. How could I refuse?” Sigyn joked, snuggling into her friend and savoring the contact. 

                Loki didn’t return her smile as he unhooked his arms from around her, letting his fingertips rest on her waist.  It was these barely-touches—the ones that make her heart go wild—that Sigyn was accustomed to receiving from Loki.  Sometimes she was sure that Loki knew the mess he made of her when they were together, but nothing ever came of it except the occasional sly glance he shot at her when she blushed too obviously.  

                “Sigyn, there is something I need to tell you.” Loki removed his fingers from her waist and clasped his hands behind his back again.  “I have done something….” He let the thought trail away as he studied the ground.  “Do you trust me?”

                “Always.” The answer was automatic, stemming from the blind faith she’d always had in him when they were children.   

                Loki let out a sharp laugh.  “You should not.  And after tonight, you will not.” 

                “Oh, I doubt that.” Sigyn scuffed her slipper on the stone floor of Loki’s chambers.  “What could you possibly say that would cause me to lose trust in you?”

                “What could I say?  Sigyn, perhaps you should examine what I have already said.  I am the god of lies, and I have lied to you many, many times.” Loki looked earnestly into Sigyn’s eyes.  “How could you possibly trust me knowing that?”

                “I remember a time before you were called Silvertongue, Loki.”

                “I was a child.” Loki let his hands fall to his sides and Sigyn took the opportunity to grab hold of them. 

                “You were honest.  And even though I know you’re not honest now and probably never will be again, I know you are capable of being honest.  And I know you would never harm me.  That’s why I trust you.”