The Embassy
Thor tried to stifle a yawn. For the umpteenth time.
It was getting harder and harder to do so without his mother, All-Mother Queen Frigga, noticing it. He was up for a good verbal hiding once this boring reception of legacies is over. He couldn't help it if it was so tedious and pointless.
Being the Crown Prince was a thrill. Everyone did everything you wanted of them. You were top of the top, the best, the elite. Everyone adored you and wanted to please you...
He was the Mighty Thor, bearer of the hammer Mjölnir, heir to the Asgardian throne, soon-to-be All-father. What more could he wish for ?
One last thing actually. For all of it not to come with such a heavy price...
Responsibilities, duties, attending to meetings, ceremonies and such... Fastidious, tiresome chores he didn't know if he was really useful at, that prevented him from roaming around with his childhood friends, the Warriors Three and the Lady Sif. Unfortunately, it couldn't be avoided and Thor was on a tight rope right now.
He had been told by Odin Borson All-Father that he was not yet ready to take his place, that he had to grow up and act more like a man and a future king if that was what he really wanted. Part of Thor was vexed for he felt he was treated like a child. Another deep, secret part was relieved.
He was having too much fun. He couldn't bear the idea of limiting himself on his duties alone. He was being loved and loved the whole world. Moreover, he knew that becoming All-Father would also entail to find a suitable consort, to be the faithful husband and to breed a little bunch of princes and princesses to ensure the royal lineage.
Boring, boring, boring.
He liked kids but they were noisy. He liked women but he wasn't sure he would be satisfied with only one for the rest of his life. No one needed to know that he actually liked being with a man from time to time... This could still cause a little scandal in Asgard, despite the tolerant policy.
Of course, being married would put a stop to this whole sexual freedom. Something that he was not ready to give up.
Of course, he had been witness to his parents' great love story. The union of Queen Frigga and King Odin was legendary. But there was only one Queen Frigga and Thor needed someone at least similar to her to make him change his way of life...
And such a woman to appear was near to impossible...
After the envoys from Vanaheim, Queen Frigga's homeland, an expected (but unwanted) group of other ambassadors was about to be introduced by the herald. Thor could feel the tension in the whole crowd and his father straightening his back to make himself younger, stronger, taller...
Or to brace himself against bad memories. Who knew about what was going on in the All-father's head right before the Frost Giants arrived, and, for the first time in Asgard, supposedly in peace ?
For this was the most important legacy of all, the Jotünn envoys. After centuries of bloody war, a hope for an honorable treaty and a definite closure on a burning hatred on both sides. Needless to say, it was going to be a highly perilous exercise with an imprecise result. Both countries could explode again at the slight show of the least appearance of disrespect...
Even Thor, in his carelessness, knew perfectly well what was at stake. He dreamed of war exploits. He dreamed of seeing his Mjölnir once again dripping blue frost giant blood.
But it could not be. He was not that blind to the greater good. The Asgardian were tired of paying the blood price. King Odin was too old for such hassle. As much as Thor could understand the first matter, and even the second, it wasn't enough to satisfy his thirst...
His thirst for glory, for victory, for revenge...
He wouldn't do anything to ruin this audience but, as he caressed the handle of his hammer, at the slightest mistake those brutes would make...
Well, Norns help them but nothing would protect them from the Thunderer.
Thor hoped their entrance wouldn't be too much of a hassle. King Farbauti's three sons were to be the main ambassadors. It was a proof of goodwill, sending all his heirs at once. A challenge but King Farbauti and his consort Laufey were known as risk takers.
Thor already knew, confronted (and defeated) the eldest. Helblindi. Tall, scary, covered in scars that weren't from religious rituals and a breath that literally froze everything around. In battle, Thor used to taunt him about his "bad breath." He hated that brute even if he had some respect for the warrior he was in action.
Býleistr, the second one, smaller but wirier with blood-red eyes that pierced you to the core, had a reputation for being sharper than his elder brother and an accomplished tactician. He was supposed to do all the speech during the diplomatic exchanges as Helblindi was not known for being subtle. Thor never actually met him on the battleground for he was the one behind all the military moves which made him more dangerous. Helblindi was the muscle, Býleistr, the brain. They were not to be underestimated because they made quite an unpredictable pair.
Thor feared none of them. All in all, Jötunns were the same. Ugly, stupid animals that didn't deserve even to exist. If it was up to him he would burn them all, destroy their cold and sinister city and salt the frozen ground afterward. No mercy, no trace of this despicable race left...
Thor realized his fists were clenched so tight he had scratched himself. He had to calm down or there will be huge troubles.
There was nothing to be nervous about. Really. He was at home, in charge. THEY were the ones to put themselves at risk in a foreign, hostile land. They didn't seem so all and mighty now that they were not in their beloved icy moors, with theirs norns-be-damned ice hounds to chase innocent Asgardian civilians with...
There was still an unknown factor in all of this. And Thor had a huge dislike of unknown factors.
It was well known that Laufey gave Farbauti three sons. Yet, only two were widely infamous in the Nine Realms. When speaking of the Jötunn princes, one always had Býleistr and Heblindi in mind. They were more than enough, surely.
Thor never minded the third one until now, assuming it was only a child, not yet ready to follow his brothers in war. It was said that Laufey and Farbauti's third was a late-in-life, unplanned baby. And that baby was to make its first public appearance next to his brothers.
It might be a good thing. Or not. It might something totally unexpected. Something the Frost Giant King had kept under his sleeve to provoke chaos.
Unknown was bad. Partial data was not to be taken lightly... And Thor had been aware of it since the moment he realized no one even knew the third prince's name.
Keeping all of this in mind, Thor guessed this was going to be complicated. Indeed, he intended to remain in control and astute. To be careful but also to be ready. Just in case.
Mjölnir was waiting…
Stumping feet were heard in the great hall. A heavy and stressful rhythm. The whole assembly was holding back their breath. The silence, only interrupted by the regular beating of the floor was totally unnatural and creepy. When the herald announced the guests, many jumped as if a bomb had been dropped in the middle of the hall. Even Thor felt the hair on his arm stand.
"Their Royal Highness, Prince Helblindi, Prince Býleistr and Prince Loki Farbautison of Jötunnheim !"
As the eldest and crown heir, Helblindi came first. It was a change to see him in regular, ceremonial clothes on him and not bloody pieces of bashed armor. Yet, he had an unpleasant angry face that was barely under control. Thor knew he had quite a temper. This was going to be a rocky interview...
Býleistr came second and was obviously keeping a close eye on his difficult eldest, following his steps, maintaining him under control. Thor wouldn't want to be in his shoes. He was stuck in-between, being the one in charge in the shadow of the one meant to be the real power. He looked confident but on his guards. Thor guessed he really wanted this treaty settled down and smoothly done...
They went their way up the hall, all regalia and dignity. It was almost hard to believe that Thor had a clear memory of Helblindi, yelling in rage and battle lust, surrounded by Einherjar corpses and covered in blood...
Not a good memory. Not at all.
As Thor wondered if he really had to cross eyes with the one whose skull he had almost broken with his hammer once, he perceived a tiny figure amongst the dreadful giants.
At first, he thought it was a child, then a woman but it had larger shoulders. Then he noticed the figure had blue skin like a Frost Giant but dark, shiny hair like a normal Asgardian (although Asgardian were mostly blond or ginger…).
That was a male Frost... Giant ? Except that he was Aesir-sized and almost as tall as Thor. Did Jötunn males mate with normal women ? Gross... The very idea made Thor want to vomit.
Yet the creature was exquisite. The most beautiful Thor had ever seen...
Muscled but lithe, graceful with a jumpy walk, eyes cast down, curiously. So Thor couldn't see if they were red or anything. The rest of the face, however, was extraordinary. Instead of a bark-like skin, full of scratches and crevices, it was a perfectly smooth complexion with refined features, a perfect nose and a mouth as thin as a wound with discreet round lips.
As Thor surprised himself wondering how those lips would taste, he noticed the creature wore the same furs and the same red cape and jewels as the two gigantic princes.
So, that was why they were hiding him. His own parents. Thor felt a twinge of compassion for this lonely beauty. For though he was as royally dressed as the others, he was clearly staying behind, humbled, and almost ignored by the rest of the retinue. As if he was lesser than the two other monsters, though of the same rank and lineage… Because of his unusual size. And maybe his dark, silky mane... Again, Thor wanted to know if it was as soft as it looked.
A runt prince. Farbauti and Laufey must have been sick with shame seeing the poor tot. They must have tried to keep his existence a secret until it was not longer possible. As they needed to keep up a good image in front of the All-Father, they send all their children in a semblance of unity and good will. What a farce. Their whole attitude told everything.
Or maybe Thor was wrong, maybe they actually tried to protect him until he was grown and able to care for himself... Maybe. Why not ?
Yet, as they stepped forward to pay their respects to Odin All-Father (and wishing they could stab him to death in the same time, Thor was sure of it), the two older brothers clearly acted as if the third was not even there. The boy didn't even try to be bold. He remained eyes down while the respective parties gave the usual greeting speech.
A speech Thor didn't even hear for all he could see and pay attention to was how the blue wonder modestly held his hands, avoiding anyone's gaze.
He must have felt Thor's actually, for he eventually raised his head and met Thor's eyes.
Red, shiny like two bloody suns, of course. Or more like the amazing rubies Odin had taken from the dark elves and offered his wife for their last anniversary.
Except that suns or stones never show any emotion and Thor guessed that those red orbs had multiple contradictory feelings storming a rage inside. Loki held Thor's gaze for a minute and then quickly turned around. His face harbored a deeper shade of blue.
This was going to be delightful. Thor couldn't wait.
During supper, the royal family of Asgard and Jötunheim were to sit at the same table. Thor was more than happy to see that he had been placed at Loki's left. Frigga was seated at his right. Odin came next, at the master seat and then Helblindi and Býleistr. Protocol was respected and everyone was giving his due. Thor had never been happier to be at the end of the table. He could have Loki to himself without being bothered. And his mother would be gracious and polite but wouldn't prevent her son to be the gallant host. Even if he had an hidden agenda, everything to make the Frost Giants feel valued would be handy.
Thor loved the thrill of a good hunt and flirting to him was like chasing the most elusive deer. Love, war, hunt... All the same thing but with different goals and different preys. The more difficult, the best. Contrary to what all would think, Thor didn't like the easy way, things handed on a silver platter for him to plunder. He liked the challenge.
And his current target actually looked like one.
Queen Frigga was trying to make the runt prince comfortable while Odin was chattering with the others. Loki was bowing his head to her and shyly answering her questions. Yes, he found Asgard beautiful. Yes, he missed Jotünheim and his parents a bit but he was still excited to be here. No, it wasn't like he had imagined it...
His voice was soft and low. It gave Thor goosebumps. He couldn't help but imagine lewd things this voice could purr to his ear. There was so many questions he also wanted to ask Loki but there was no time for it right now. He most of all wanted to know if Loki was free or engaged. If someone was waiting for him at home...
But Frigga was monopolizing Loki and the latter seemed relieved for it and turned only his eyes to her. Thor was irritated and jealous and wanted his mother to stop.
But you don't give Frigga All-Mother orders. No, sir. Not if you valued your life.
Thor was determined to make a move. He was not a patient man. That and his overbearing self-confidence were his biggest default.
He discreetly examined Loki. Indeed, at a closer look, he was even more attractive. But he looked tense, his hands clenched into fists that he hid under the table. From the movement of his lips and eyes, Thor could guess he was extremely nervous.
Well, Thor had to admit he had every reason to be. Far away from home, amongst former enemies, seated between a woman Laufey had once threatened to kill and drag her corpse by the hair around the Jotünn capital (for she had destroyed a whole battalion of Jotünn all by herself), and a man that was legendary for having crushed countless of Frost Giants' heads...
Loki handled it rather smoothly, even if he was as tense as the cords on a harp.
Yet, he didn't seem to even acknowledge Thor's presence. It annoyed the Thunderer. He didn't like being ignored by someone he valued.
"I guess you haven't traveled much, Prince Loki ?"
Loki jumped and then composed himself seeing that Thor was talking to him. All white teeth, blue eyes and smiles.
"No... My Lord... I haven't."
There was an hesitation in Loki's voice, as if he didn't know how to address Thor.
Or maybe he was reluctant to talk to the one that destroyed so much of his own country. Thor surprised himself by wishing he wasn't that good on the battleground. It was going to be a hindrance in his relationship with Loki.
"Because..." Thor resumed giving his most dashing smile. "If you had, Prince Loki's beauty and reputation would have reached the gates of Asgard in no time and I would have rushed to Jotünheim just for the honor of seeing you !"
Loki pinched his lips, turned bluer, and looked the other way. Clearly embarrassed.
"Your Highness is very kind..." He mumbled.
So, he was playing the shrinking violet. Fine by Thor.
Or was he ?
The rest of the evening, Thor followed Loki around, monopolizing his attention and doing most of the talking. Queen Frigga did nothing to prevent that, neither did Odin nor the brothers. Actually, Thor being attentive to the youngest prince was a sign of respect to their former foes. It was for the best.
Except that Loki wasn't very cooperative. Answering "Yes, my Lord. No, your Highness..." to Thor's question. Remaining silent when Thor was going into one of his famous soliloquy about Asgard, the life on Asgard, the palace and such trivia.
But he couldn't break the ice between him and Loki. The Jotünn prince seemed locked like Frigga's jewelery box. As discreet and silent as possible. Contrary to his brothers who were in a chatty mood after a cup of wine or two.
Wine, Thor thought. That might loosen things up.
During the evening dance and reception, Thor managed to make Loki sit in another part of the room and asked the servants to fetch in his private collection. Loki sat down and kept fidgeting, casting worried glances towards his brothers were laughing, making a fuss, drinking and totally forgetting about their youngest sibling.
"Here, Prince Loki, do you have such good summer wine in Jotünheim ?"
Loki reluctantly took the golden cup Thor was giving him.
"No... My Lord... But we have what we call the "Ice-wine." It is made of special frozen berries... It is sugary but very strong if you are not careful..."
Wow, the longest phrase the prince had uttered in the whole evening. Better make the most of it.
"Speaking of ice, I noticed you are not affected by our climate like your brothers are. They are all sweaty already and you are still as fresh as a morning flower... and quite as beautiful."
Loki made an embarrassed, tiny chuckle. Thor was handing him a huge perch but he was not taking it.
"I actually am able to control my body temperature, my Lord..."
They were making small talk but nothing concrete. It didn't matter to Thor. He kept refilling Loki's cup and Loki seemed not to mind or not realizing it. He appeared to loosen up a little bit with each cup. Thor wasn't proud of such a low technique but Loki was by far the most difficult conquest he had to make... Which was not really surprising, considering, but still a little weird...
"How so ?" Thor laughed while slowly getting closer on the couch.
"I have... a secret, your Highness." Loki chuckled again, a little louder.
"Tell me..." Thor smiled.
Then Loki seemed to wake up and remember who he was talking to.
"I... I can't..." He uttered, looking a little scared.
"Come on !" Thor encouraged the runt prince, now his leg almost touching his thigh. "Let me tell you a very embarrassing secret and you'll tell me yours !"
"All right..." Loki murmured with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"The day of my first public appearance, when I was very young..." Thor lowered his voice in a conspiratorial manner. "I was so scared I peed in my pants ! No one noticed it, not even my own mother ! I had to walk all day with wet underpants ! My biggest humiliation !"
Loki made a tiny laugh that looked sincere this time.
"And no one know but you, now. So it shows you I completely trust you. Now..." Thor lingered so close he could have touched Loki's face with his nose. "Tell me yours..."
Loki breathed faster. His eyes went to one side to another, as if looking for an exit. It only enticed Thor even more. He never really had to fight for any of his paramours.
Loki must have exhausted all of his ways out for he forcibly sighed and answered.
"I practice magic."
"You're a sorcerer ?" Thor almost shrieked. Sorcerers were not good news. They were tricky, unreliable and whimsical. They never fought directly face-to-face with the enemy but could ruin a good, honorable battle from afar.
"An apprentice, my Lord..." Loki must have noticed Thor's reluctance. "Not yet a sorcerer. But you seemed to dislike us. Yet, even the All-Father uses us as backups and many other things."
And Thor had vowed himself never to use such tricksters again. Even if his life depended on it. Magic was heresy to him. A low and cowardly way to fight and live.
Curiously, knowing this didn't change his views on Loki. On contrary, hearing that, Thor was adamant that the beautiful runt prince will end up in the Thunderer's bed tonight.
For some reason, carnally possessing a future sorcerer gave him a certain thrill...
"No, Little One." Thor's smile was the one of a wolf. "But it makes me wonder what kind of things you could do... What kind of marvels you could create."
Loki looked both pleased and annoyed. Thor realized he was doing all of this by ear, that he was not accustomed to flirting. Thor had a hope. Maybe no one was expecting him back in Jotünheim. Maybe Thor had a chance... He didn't know if he was the recent revelation or the wine but Loki was making him crazy with his dallying and his shyness. He was the least straightforward creature he had met. The most secretive. It had an unknown flavor to the Thunderer...
Completely engrossed with his wooing hunt, Thor had not given any thought about the political significance of a sorcerer in Jotünheim. With all his fighting spirit, he had yet to realize that his country's mortal enemies had magic on their side in the person of his love interest...
The ice had finally broken. They were drinking and chatting. Thor managed to make Loki laugh that discreet, restrained laugh several times. It was as if the Jotünn prince was constantly holding back. He was obviously watching his own moves and words and only the alcohol had managed to lower down his guard. It was an uncommon behavior to Thor, used to easiness and frankness...
But now, Loki seemed at ease. Even if he was still holding back, the light in his eyes displayed that he was enjoying himself, finally.
Thor wanted now to take the next step.
As he was still pouring the wine and still talking joyfully, his arm was now around Loki's shoulder who didn't seem to mind a bit. They were as close as they could get. The party was at its height and they managed to stifle their giggling at the sight of Helblindi trying to dance with the ambassador from Álfheim, Princess Wÿnmo. Quite a sight actually. You would have thought the former enemies were now goofing around as members of the same family.
Thor took advantage of the funny scene to give Loki's nape a light caress. That made Loki stop in his tracks and gave Thor a look he couldn't interpret. Something between surprise, shyness and anger.
"You don't like being touched, Little One ?" Thor murmured.
Loki shrugged. "I don't mind... My Lord..." He lowly said.
Back to square one with the shyness and the meekness. Thor was seriously asking himself if Loki was not playing some sort of game.
"You are not used to touching, aren't you, Little One ?"
"N-no, my Lord."
Thor waved his hand in annoyance.
"Enough with the civilities. You can call me Thor. After all, I told you the most humiliating thing in my whole life."
Loki smiled but it was a contrite smile.
"All right, my... Thor." He blushed, meaning that his skin went in a darker shade of blue. It made him look amazing.
Thor came closer. Loki stiffened but didn't move. Thor noticed that he kept throwing little glances at something on the left side. Thor was irritated to see that Loki was not looking at him in the eyes again. He gently took Loki's chin in his hands and made him raise his eyes. They also turned dark red. Maybe Loki was drunker than it seemed.
"Then, tell me, Little One. A little secret between you and me. Are you untouched ?"
Loki uttered a choked gasp and looked at Thor as if he had turned into a dragon.
"Why is your highness..."
"Thor."
Loki heavily breathed.
"Why are you interested in it, Thor ?"
"Well ? Are you ?" Thor insisted, his hand on Loki's back again.
Loki bit his mouth. Clearly embarrassed. Thor thought that the wine might have gotten too much to his head. In normal time, he wouldn't be this rude. But Loki was playing hard to get and it got on Thor's nerves.
"There is no one in Jotünheim I can mate with..." Loki sadly said.
Thor felt a little shameful. He had noticed that it seemed to affect Loki. It also seemed he wanted to add something but prevented himself from saying it.
"Does it make you sad ? Bitter ?" Thor gently asked, a bit ashamed at his intrusiveness.
"No... It's just... I don't know." Loki shrugged, clearly at a loss for words.
Thor decided that now was the time for his move. He gently caressed Loki's face.
"We could fix that... Together."
Thor felt Loki's skin tremble under his fingers.
"W-what do you mean ?"
Thor smiled, a soft, seductive smile.
"Be my lover tonight."
Loki was mute, his skin now turned a light gray-blue. The Jotünn way of getting pale, probably.
"My Lord ! How..." He stopped. Loki was not a great talker but Thor was really a pushover. A dangerous combination.
"Be my lover, Little One..." Thor used the velvet in his voice. Some of his former paramours had told him it was like he wrapped them in silk with it... "Join me tonight in my chambers. I'll wait the whole night if necessary. The choice is up to you."
He kissed Loki's hand, without waiting for his answer. He hoped he had made enough effect on the Jotünn to show him he was serious.
Loki might not come to his room right away, maybe not even tonight. But the embassy was meant to go on for several months. So, Thor had time on his side.
He left Loki's side, satisfied with the way he had directed everything. Going to the exit, getting ready for this night, just in case, he saw his mother Frigga, tired and out of breath from dancing.
"You look flushed, mother." Thor smiled.
"Can you believe I could dance all night with your father or anyone, without getting any sweating when I was your age ?" She laughed. "I saw you were with Prince Loki. It was a good thing, my son, to attend all of Laufey's children."
Coming from Frigga it could be either a compliment about Thor's new-found diplomatic skills or a reprimand for he hadn't talked that much to the two other princes. Though, Thor had found it clever to remain distant but respectful to the other two. He still had a huge history with them... And a fatal mistake could easily be made...
"Why, mother. I am simply taking care of our guests."
In more ways than one, he thought deep inside.
Thor was laying on his bed. He forbid himself from paying attention to his beating heart. He was counting the minutes, a thing that he never cared at all before. Even when in love and waiting for his then-lover. Time was not a thing you paid much mind to when being the crown prince of Asgard.
Curiously, while waiting for the third Jotünn prince, it was.
Thor couldn't help but be excited, wondering if Loki would dare... He had seemed a bit scared, unsure of himself. Deep inside, Thor felt as if the prince had not appreciated any of Thor's attentions, as if he was forcing himself a bit to please the heir of Asgard. But Thor discarded the troublesome thought.
Everyone loved the Mighty Thor, the Thunderer... Who wouldn't be honored to share his bed ? To experience his lovemaking ? Had not each and every one of his former partners acknowledged that he was an excellent lover ? That they were all madly in love with him ?
So, why was he feeling like he was missing something concerning the runt prince ?
Thor jumped out of bed the minute he heard the knocking.
He told himself not to get his hopes too high. But the one who had knocked was indeed Loki. In a night gown and trousers, without any jewel or velvet and his skin turning almost light gray, Loki looked almost childish, much younger than his real age. Frail, trembling, but utterly desirable.
Without a word, Thor grabbed him and closed the door. He endeavored to kiss hard and strong, getting a little huff of surprise from his willing prey.
"You are here, Little One." Thor said, breaking the kiss. He couldn't quite believe it.
Loki simply nodded. Thor noticed that he was really stiff.
"Calm down, my darling. You are safe with me." Thor murmured against Loki's neck. He perceived a strong shiver that set Thor on edge. He couldn't help grabbing and groping the firm, soft flesh.
It was like a weird dance. Thor caressing and Loki half encouraging, half pushing away... He was squirming like a little fish, both trying to touch Thor and trying to escape. Loki had not uttered a word yet. That was odd.
Thor got tired with the dallying and grabbed Loki by the waist. Loki seemed to consent and cling to his shoulders.
Thor turned to the bed and they were about to topple on it when Loki transformed himself from a wooden doll to a raging panther, biting, scratching, fighting against a startled Thor and screaming in utter desperation.
"NO ! No ! No ! No ! PLEASE ! Please, don't ! I DON'T WANT TO !"