“The fir-tree that stands in the grove fades;
its bark and needles give no shelter:
so it is for a man whom nobody loves,
how shall he live for long?”
—Hávamál 50
The sunrise was still below the branches of Yggdrasil when Loki and I approached Asgard the next morning by horseback. The light danced and glinted on the metal and gold that covered the city. Odin’s halls shone from the centre of everything, only challenged in height by Yggdrasil herself. It was built to look extravagant, desirable. To anyone unfamiliar, the city would seem a paradise.
“They know we’re coming.” It was the first thing Loki had said since we left the woods. He was doing his best to be polite and leave room between us, but that was difficult with two bodies on one horse. Why would he have a horse, he’d said, when he could fly.
I followed his finger skyward. Two ravens circled above, keeping pace with us. Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s nosey pets. “Of course they do. Odin wouldn’t be Odin if he wasn’t two steps ahead of everyone.”
“I’m surprised you got as far as you did last night.”
I chuckled. “I haven’t been worth keeping an eye on for a very long time.”
One of the ravens screeched and dove down to land on the shoulder of a rider in the distance. There were five; four dressed in the red and gold of Freya’s militia, and in the middle was Freya herself, dressed head to toe in leather and steel armour, her auburn hair tied back in a severe set of twists and braids.
I cursed under my breath. Of all the people Odin might have sent.
We approached cautiously, but none of them moved. Freya looked ready for blood, her lips curled back in a snarl. “I should kill you where you sit,” she spat as soon as we were in earshot.
Loki leaned over to give a dramatic wave of his hand. “Freya, it’s been too long. You can’t imagine how good it is to see you!”
“Shut your mouth, snake.” Her head turned to me. “And you. I knew you were desperate, but if I’d had any idea how much… This isn’t the way to your title. You brought him here without a thought for anyone but yourself.”
I took a deep breath. “I don’t expect you to understand. How am I supposed to explain this to you? You’ve always had everything you’ve ever wanted.”
She threw her hand up in exclamation. “I came to Asgard as a hostage—”
“And yet you hold two titles, a stretch of land of your own, half the dead souls of Midgard, and you train Asgard’s völur. They call you the most beautiful woman across every realm, and the people of Midgard worship the ground you walk on.” I put my fingers on my chest. “I’ve carved out what little reputation I have line by line, one favour, one conversation, one lesson at a time. I have bled dedication. And it still isn’t enough for him.”
The raven on Freya’s shoulder squawked, and she looked up at it, a heavy line set across her lips. He’d hear everything I said, but I didn’t care anymore.
She shook her head. “This isn’t going to change anything. Odin will have him thrown back into the woods, or worse, if we’re lucky. And you’ll be fortunate not to spend the rest of your days sweeping pork rinds with the kitchen staff.”
Loki snickered, and all eyes turned to him. “If you think Odin is foolish enough to send his daughter to work as a maid, then you’re an imbecile. He couldn’t have the leaders of the realms thinking he’s lost control of something, now could he?”
He wasn’t wrong.
Freya stared him down as if she hoped he’d spontaneously catch fire.
She waved her hand, and her tiny militia moved forward, two swinging their horses around to our flanks, trapping us between them. “Let’s get this over with,” she snapped, then turned toward the city. Not having much choice, we followed behind.
Loki leaned in over my shoulder, his voice low. “Are you having regrets yet, goddess?”
“Not one.” I tried to keep the tremble from my voice. I wanted to believe my father would see reason, would see how fucking desperate I was, and that he’d let it go. This had to work somehow. I couldn’t see any other path forward.
After we passed the farms on the outskirts of the city and the houses became dense, pressing against each other in rows, the people took notice. Asgard was full of gawkers. They whispered and stared openly, but not at me. All eyes were on Loki. Some of their faces changed from confusion to shock as others whispered in their ears, surely revealing the name of this newcomer to those who hadn’t been in Asgard long enough to know his face. The tension was closing around us like a fist, but no one dared move against Freya and her militia.
When we arrived, we were forced down from the horse and escorted through the main entrance of Valaskjálf, down its rich corridors like a pair of common criminals. I knew where she was taking us. Father had a flair for the dramatic and nothing was more dramatic than Gladsheim.
We turned the last corner and were met with Gladsheim’s doors, so large and intricately inlaid with gold carvings that it had taken a team of dwarves two straight weeks to complete. Through the doors was the great hall itself. If ever something was built to intimidate, it was that room. It was cavernous in depth and height, empty but for the row of golden seats that sat high on a dais overlooking the hall. At the centre was a throne, and on it was Odin himself.
He was leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, staring us down with his one good eye. The raven perched on Freya’s shoulder leapt off, flying across the room and landing on Odin’s arm. It turned upward, whispering in his ear. Odin nodded, and the bird found a new perch on the back of the throne, right next to its brother.
Every excuse, every wish, every possibility ran through my mind as we approached. The things I could say or do to convince Odin to give me this chance. Because there had to be a way.
“Grimnir. It has been an age, hasn’t it?”
I looked up, torn from my inner turmoil. No one had called Odin that in a very long time.
Before anyone could stop him, Loki had sprinted towards the stairs, heading straight for Odin.
“You know, I would’ve stopped by, but there was this small problem with my being exiled.” He stopped at the foot of the stairs, the soldiers clambering after him. “I do wish you’d written. I was beside myself, thinking about how you’d survive without me doing all your dirty little deeds for you.”
It was all I could do to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. No one spoke to Odin that way and lived to tell the tale.
But to my surprise, a small smile cracked on the corners of the Allfather’s lips. “You’ve never been anything but trouble, Loki Laufeyjarson. What makes today any different?”
“Nothing and everything.” Loki took one step up the stairs and then another. Every muscle in my body tensed; my breath caught in my throat. Then he sat down in the chair beside Odin as if it was his gods given right to be there.
Leaning back, Loki draped his legs over the arm of the chair, looking every bit as comfortable and casual as a cat. “I’m sure you already know why I’m back.”
Odin sighed, sitting up and turning toward him. “My impatient daughter thinks you’ll be the key to her title. She may have brought you here, but you came willingly, so who do you think bears the most blame?”
Loki arched an eyebrow. “Did you really think this little arrangement would last forever, Hangi? I’ve played nice, but you know it hasn’t stopped me, don’t you? Exile is just a word, after all.”
Odin huffed, wagging his finger at him. “Don’t think I haven’t seen you stumbling your way around the nine. I knew every time you came into Asgard in disguise and every time you made trouble somewhere else. Word always gets back to me, in the end.”
Loki leaned his elbow on the arm of his chair, his chin resting in his hand. “As if you’ve spent the last century being innocent. I bet you’re still up to the same old things.” He turned to stare down at Freya. “Like that time you had me sneak into Freya’s chamber and steal that pretty little necklace from around her neck.”
Freya’s leather-gloved hand went straight for the dripping chains of gold and amber around her neck, but the scowl was pure fury. “You’re a liar. This had nothing to do with Odin.”
Loki laughed. “Oh, darling. You had your reasons, didn’t you, Odin?” Loki turned back to him, waiting for an answer.
Odin neither confirmed nor denied, and the scorn on Freya’s face shrivelled into doubt.
Loki swung himself out of his seat. “Now, if we’re done getting reacquainted, shall we get to the matter at hand?” He held out a hand in my direction, the movement full of flourish. “Would the lady care to speak for herself?”
The lady would. I cleared my throat and stepped forward. “You’ve been underestimating what I’m capable of, and I’ll claim my title by whatever means necessary. I sought out Loki because by all accounts he is more skilled in seidr than many of the masters I’ve studied under. He’s a wasted resource out in those woods while I’m stuck here begging for opportunities.” The words felt bold on my tongue. It felt like someone braver than I was, and I couldn’t bear to push them back down. “I want him reinstated in Asgard with rooms in Valaskjálf and access to whatever he needs, and in return, he will provide me with lessons that may finally convince you that I’ve earned my seat up there.” I gestured toward the empty chairs. “I understand he’s caused issues in the past, but I guarantee that I can keep him under control—”
Odin burst into laughter. After a moment, he took a deep breath. “You think you can keep him under control? Then you truly have no idea who he is.” Odin stood, his posture growing stiff as the laughter faded. He turned to Loki. “This has gone on long enough. You’re here next to me like you still belong here. You don’t.” Loki didn’t wither under Odin’s gaze like I would have, but I could feel the chill of his words from where I stood. “I should have you killed. And you…” He turned back to me. “I should disown you for going behind my back. He was exiled to protect the realms, and that includes you.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I don’t need your protection, and I don’t care about your permission. You think I’m incapable of keeping him under control because you don’t know anything about me. He’ll be my responsibility, and you will pry this opportunity from my cold, dead fingers.” Though I was staring Odin in the eye, I could still see the intrigued smirk on Loki’s face.
“I vouch for him as well.”
I turned to see where the new voice had come from. Idunn strode toward the dais, the white silks of her dress trailing behind her, her bare feet peeking out from beneath it. Even with such a stoic look on her face, Idunn radiated serenity.
She stopped beside me and took my arm in hers. “I’ve had more contact with Loki in the last century than the rest of the realm put together. If anyone has the right to judge his character, it’s me.”
Odin examined her and huffed. “You’re overstepping your role. This doesn’t involve you.”
“I disagree.” She left me to ascend the stairs, stopping in front of Odin. “Even with your ravens and your high seat, you don’t see everything. Loki has more than served his penance for the crimes committed, and your daughter is drowning while you keep her at arms-length.” She took Odin’s hand between hers, clasping it gently. “You are wise, Allfather. Do the right thing.”
He glared at Loki, and Loki winked in response. Then Odin’s gaze landed on me. His lips pursed, the only thing I could read on his face. Finally, he snarled and ripped his hand from Idunn’s. “Fine. You have three weeks. Prove to me that he is capable of returning peacefully and has taught Sigyn something worthy of a title, and you’ll all get your way. If he steps out of line, I’ll make good on my threats. Are we clear?”
Freya stormed forward. “You must be joking. You can’t invite this fox back into our home. He’s going to destroy us from the inside again! I won’t allow it!”
Odin whipped around to face her. “Quiet! Three weeks. There will be no more discussion.” He stomped past all of us, down onto the stone floor of Gladsheim, past Freya’s troops, and straight out the door. Freya was quick to follow, her soldiers right behind her. And then all was silent.
When I turned back to the others, Loki had a bright smile on his face, his arms held wide. Idunn stepped into his embrace, squeezing him tightly.
“Impeccable timing, darling.” Loki straightened one of the lilies braided into Idunn’s hair.
She stepped back, waving a hand. “I knew where Sigyn was heading, and I kept my ears open. Some of the people in the market were talking about the return of the Silvertongue, and I couldn’t stay away.”
I stepped up beside her and put my hand on her shoulder. “Thank you. I hope this won’t get you in too much trouble.”
“I’ll tell you a secret.” Idunn took my arm and led me down the stairs. “When you’re the only one in the nine realms who can pick the apples that keep the gods young, you have a little sway in the house of Odin.”
I laughed, letting some of the tension run off my body. At some moments, I may have even forgotten to breathe.
Loki skipped down the stairs, his presence filling the empty space next to me. Nothing about his demeanour suggested that his life had just been in danger. “Call me impatient, but I’m ready to exploit Odin’s treasury. Anyone care for a trip to the market?”
Idunn shook her head. “Another time. I’ve got to get home to Bragi before he sets off on another of his trips around the realms.” We stopped outside the doors of Valaskjálf, ready to part ways. Idunn planted a kiss on my cheek and gave Loki another hug. “I’ll see you tonight in Valhalla. And Loki, be gentle with her. She doesn’t know you like I do.” She gave him a wink and turned on her heel, gliding off into the corridor.
Loki shrugged casually. “That leaves you, Siggy.”
“Don’t call me ‘Siggy.’ I’m not a pet, and I don’t want to go to the market.”
“What if I promise you’ll learn something?” Loki started walking down the hall backwards, clearly expecting me to follow.
Damn it. Two seconds inside the city lines, and he already knew how to twist my arm.