Could I ever be more than just a stolen relic after all?

The thought flitted through Loki's mind as he stared at the still form before him. The golden orb glowed with life, telling him and Frigga that the All-Father's energy had not diminished. Loki knew he could reach forward and touch the man whom he had considered his father his entire life, but he could not bring himself to do it.

The tendrils of betrayal still stung his very core and despite the soothing words of Frigga, he found it difficult to believe that they had considered him anything less than a monster.

They told me that the Frost Giants were a race to be hated, to be destroyed. And yet they withheld the truth from me…that I am one of the hated creatures. That I'm a monster.

"You are our son, Loki, and we your family," Frigga whispered, her blue eyes fixed on his face. "You must know that."

Loki didn't reply; instead, he sat up straight and lowered his eyes to the form of the man who had taken him from the icy wasteland. Frigga studied him for a while before turning back to her husband.

All I wanted was for you to show me the same love and affection you gave to Thor, Loki thought as he stood. His eyes briefly met Frigga's and he nodded his head in deference, turning away from the two people who he had thought were his parents.

As Loki made his way out, the two huge doors to the All-Father's chamber swung open, revealing a line of guards who, upon seeing him, slammed their fists against their breastplates and dropped to their knees. Loki stared, a crease slowly forming on his forehead, as one of Odin's ministers walked in, holding the All-Father's staff.

The God of Mischief felt his heart beat faster as the blood roared in his ears.

The minister knelt before Loki and extended the staff towards him, expecting the young prince to take it. Loki's frown deepened and he turned towards Frigga, a silent question in his gaze.

"Thor is banished. The line of succession falls to you," Frigga proclaimed. "Until Odin awakens, Asgard...is yours."

Realization dawned on Loki's face.

The throne was his. Asgard was under his command. But did he truly want it?

Loki turned back towards the minister, who raised the staff a second time. Slowly, Loki extended his arms until his fingers slipped around the staff. For a moment, he felt a surge of power, as if the very essence of the All-Father flowed through it.

I never wanted the throne, Loki thought. All I ever wanted, you denied me. All I ever wanted, you gave to him.

"Make your father proud," Frigga whispered, some form of fierce pride in her voice. "My king."

Loki's eyes flicked up to meet hers.

Yes. I'll make him proud. Prouder than the son he banished to Midgard.