They did not have to wait long, for a guard emerged moments later with a key. Thor was keeping his father’s council for a time. She would remember to thank him later, for both her life and Loki’s.
Without a word, she watched as the man turned the key, listened to the sharp ‘clang’ the cursed metal made when it fell to the floor. The guard stooped to unchain his ankles. Sif knew not what to make of everything — even by Asgardian standards, it was quite a busy day. And regardless of appearances, she was not completely healthy just yet.
For what felt like an emotionally charged moment, it was over very quickly. Suddenly she found herself alone in the vast corridor with Loki, newly freed. What would he do now? she wondered. Where would he go? How would he lie?
Loki was staring down at his hands, thoughts lost for the moment in the rush of magic that filled him from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet—his own power which had been denied him, and that was so integral a part of his being. It took him a very long moment to recall that he was not alone, and he looked up at Sif with wide eyes.
“…I am free.” he said in a shaken voice. ”I—I cannot bring myself to believe this.”
Sif could only stand in silence and watch, half leaning against the wall. She could hardly believe it herself. Perhaps she should have left him, then. He had need of her no longer.
“Free,” she repeated, and smiled at him, “I am glad.” He had saved her, and now she had had some part in saving him as well. The scales were even once more.
Down the hall, two guards on patrol shuffled past, their armor loud in the emptiness. Sif waited until they had gone before she continued, still conscious of being seen too often in the presence of the second prince. Loki did not need more foul gossip attached to his name. “What will you do?”
