A/N: Well, well, well... Look at what we have here. The sequel has arrived! I hope y'all enjoy the first instalment and feel free to leave a comment and say howdy. Or even drop over to my Tumblr (unofferable-fic) and say hey! Happy reading :D
CHAPTER 1: PARTNERS IN CRIME
Playlist: "Clean Up Woman" — Betty Wright, "Direction" — Mark Kerekes, "Yes!" — Dario Marianelli
For Ellie, life had settled into a delightfully relaxed routine in the last few years. Now at the age of twenty four, she had been Loki's lover for five secretive but rewarding years. Frigga had withheld their secret and only ever spoke of it to either of them in private, so as far as Asgard was concerned, Ellie and her employer were nothing more than friends. This lifted a heavy weight off both her shoulders and their relationship, and her life on Asgard settled into the happiness she had been waiting for.
Waking up at dawn as per usual, she stretched and forced herself to her feet. She opened up her chamber curtains and gazed through the small window at the gardens below, people beginning to come to life as they got to their duties. With a smile, she got to work. Washing and dressing quickly in her usual working attire, she had a small breakfast consisting of a scone and a piece of fruit. Right on time, she left her chambers and walked to Loki's door nearby. The Einherjar nodded to her as she knocked on its hard surface.
"Come in," came Loki's voice from within, and the sound of his early-morning grogginess had her smirking.
The sight of him sprawled out on his stomach in bed made her laugh. "Good mornin', Prince Loki."
"Is it really?" he grumbled, voice muffled in his pillows.
"What's the matter?" she asked as she pulled open his curtains. "Is it about the meetin' with your father?" Loki made a sort of grunting noise resembling a 'yes' and she went on. "Do you want me to run you a bath?"
Another positive grunt.
As Ellie disappeared into the bathroom, she heard him finally pull himself out of bed. As she was filling the bath with hot water, he appeared in the doorway stark naked and anxiously picking at the palm of his hand. She knew this side of Loki all too well. It only really seemed to appear when he was under Odin's scrutiny. His mood swings were nothing new to her — they happened on occasion whenever he was blatantly overlooked or not acknowledged by the one whose affection he so desperately wanted. She couldn't blame him for feeling that way even though he usually hid it quite well. Only she and Frigga ever saw him at his worst, but Ellie did what she could to cheer him up and insist that he was one in a million. It wasn't entirely surprising that the God of Mischief was more anxious than usual with the announcement of Odin's next in line so imminent.
"Hey," she called softly as she got to her feet and approached him. "You okay?"
He shrugged. "I am not exactly looking forward to this gathering."
"It'll be okay, I promise. Odin would be mad to overlook you."
"It is not as though he has been doing that for centuries," he said bitterly. "It would seem that I can do nothing right, even when Thor is the one who blunders around insisting that the only way to solve his problems is to smash them with his damn hammer."
While she knew Loki's bitterness came from intense feelings of envy that had been harboured for most of his life, Ellie couldn't exactly blame him for it. Living in an elder sibling's shadow no matter what you tried to do to escape from it seemed difficult, and she could see the toll it took on him firsthand. There were many a night when he would come barrelling into her chambers demanding that she clean his own room, only to pull her into a tight embrace when the door shut behind them and prying eyes where blinded. She was there with whatever he needed. Some nights, he sat in silence and held her close until he fell asleep. Others, he vented to her for hours on end until he tired himself out and she offered whatever advice she had. Sometimes, he simply pulled her to any nearby surface and ravished her until her neck bore marks from his teeth and his back was imprinted with red half-moons from her nails.
She saw what these meetings and the impending announcement was doing to him and she genuinely feared how he would react if he was simply tossed to the side by his father yet again. Frigga was, as always, a blessing for keeping her son from feeling well and truly ignored. No matter how many times Odin disregarded what Loki had to offer, his mother saw it and embraced it. She offered him council when the Allfather denied it, she made sure to acknowledge her sons with equal praise, and she, like Ellie, reassured the youngest Odinson that he was just as worthy of a throne.
"I'm sure even Odin knows that bein' quick to anger is not what makes a king," she said, with confidence. "Much like what he told you as a child."
Loki simply shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "And yet Thor is still favoured above me. I am convinced I must have done some horrible thing to my father in a past life; I cannot think of any reason why I have earned such displeasure from him. I am a Trickster of course, but that hardly makes me worse than Thor…"
"My love," she murmured, reaching up to gently cup his face in one hand and stilling his anxious fidgeting with the other. "If the Allfather can't see all that you have to offer, then I fear he may have lost the sight in his one good eye. If there's one thing that I promise you, it's that I refuse to let you question your self-worth for more than a moment. I simply won't allow it."
His green eyes softened at her words and, with tender care that was usually reserved for her eyes only, he pressed a kiss into the palm of her hand. "You speak of my worth and yet all I realise as you stand before me is how truly lucky I am to have you in my life."
"And I you. I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Even if Father chooses him?" His voice was hesitant and his eyes were shy, almost nervous about her answer. "Even if I am forever sidelined behind Thor?"
"The Allfather himself could forbid me to be near you and I'd sooner tell him to shove his throne up his arse than be parted from you."
A chuckled escaped him before he spoke. "My, my. What a colourful image, darling."
"I mean it," she insisted and placed on hand over his heart. "It doesn't matter what he says, or what he does, or which son he chooses; you and I will never be torn apart. How could we do that when a part of us lives within the other? Even if he picks Thor, you'll always be my Loki."
His own hand covered hers and held it there, the beating of his strong heart thumping through his chest. "How is it that you always know how to calm me?"
"'Cause I love you and it's part of the job description." Without any hesitation, she pulled him into a tight hug and relished the feeling of his arms winding around her waist.
"I love you too."
His scent enveloped her and put her at ease. She could feel the anxiety slowly seep from his body and disappear. Now perhaps he would feel better seeing his father. She could consider her day a success if she helped him, even if it was just a little bit.
"Would you like me to wash you?" she asked as she went back to the bath and turned off the tap.
"You do not have to do that," he said with a small frown, watching her like a hawk.
"I'm aware, but I'd like to if you want me to."
Without another word, he smiled and lowered himself into the warm water — he had never been one for a steaming-hot bath. Cleaning Loki never felt like a chore to her. In fact, she took great pleasure in it. It was something he was hesitant to do at first, but once she explained that she wished to return the gesture when he so gently took care of her after the events on Alfheim, he couldn't really say no. Now, it was something he loved doing. Anything that reduced his stress-levels was important. He lay in content silence in the water as she cleaned his body and hair with the utmost care.
It was as he stood from the bath when he spoke again. "I will be requesting your presence for the duration of the day."
"You want me t'shadow you for the day?" she asked as she handed him his towel.
"Yes, whatever other tasks I had for you can wait until tomorrow. I wish to have you by my side throughout the day in case my father decides to announce his decision."
"Of course," she agreed as he patted himself down. "If you need me by your side then that's where I'll stay. I'll go get your clothes ready."
As she was walking out the door, Loki gently reached out to grab her hand before she could cross the threshold to his bedroom. Turning to look at him in surprise, she wasn't expecting him to kiss her.
"Thank you," he said as their lips parted, briefly nuzzling his nose against hers.
"There's nothin' to thank me for, Loki."
With a smile he released her wrist and Ellie got back to helping him ready himself for the day ahead.
Odin didn't exactly seem to eager about Loki having Ellie present for their meeting. Not that she particularly cared one way or the other. She had never been Odin's biggest fan, and he was never hers, so there was an unspoken mutual distrust between them. She wouldn't go as far to say that they hated each other, but they certainly didn't like each other. She was quite biased — she couldn't help but show her favouritism towards Loki when she cared for him so deeply, and she despised seeing Odin disregarded him from time to time. Despite the fact he seemed mildly vexed by her presence, he couldn't dismiss her because he had to no genuine reason to do so. Loki was perfectly within his right to have her present for it, so he would do as he pleased.
Loki had her stand nearby with a jug of water and some cakes resting on a table top beside her and called upon her to fill his goblet whenever he felt like it. She knew it was mostly just to give him some emotional support — the soul bond meant their connection was stronger when they were nearby, and thus allowed them to help calm each other. So she had no issue with staying close to bring him some ease. As she stated previously, it was part of her job description. As Odin spoke, she could feel the anxiety seeping from her lover, who sat and listened to every word with rapt attention. Thor also gave his father his full attention, knowing that this conversation was a serious one. Both brothers were just as eager to be king, but for different reasons. Neither of them were perfect candidates either, with each having their own flaws and imperfections. Ellie was foolishly hoping that Frigga would perhaps give away some trace as to who was chosen as Odin's heir, but the Allmother remained completely passive even as she spoke. She couldn't fault her for that — Frigga had always been a wonderful mother and treated her sons equally, as a good parent should. And, bless her, she had not told anyone of Ellie and Loki's relationship despite its impracticality and controversy. All she wanted was for them to be happy, so obviously there was no chance she would give any impression as to who Odin had chosen — that is, if he had already. A small anxious part of her really wished he had yet to make a decision, only because she feared what it would do to Loki if he was, once again, overlooked. She would certainly bare witness to his genuine reaction behind closed doors.
Lost in her thoughts, her attention was once again brought back on Odin as his words and tone shifted. "… but this is not the reason I have asked to speak with you today, my sons."
Ellie's gaze flitted to the family as they sat at the table. Thor and Loki visibly shifted in their seats. The Allfather and Allmother remained impassive.
Here we go…
"I have come to a decision as to which of you will become king," Odin began slowly. "And now that I know, I do not see the need to keep either of you in suspense any longer." He paused and looked between them. "But, before I share my choice with you, I want you to know that I love you both, and that my decision has been made taking into consideration as to which of you would be best suited in the role. It is for the good of the Nine Realms, but not just Asgard. You would both make excellent kings, but I can only choose one of you."
Ellie held her breath from her spot and waited.
"It is after much deliberation, that I have chosen Thor to be king."
Her mouth went dry almost instantly. It took every ounce of strength in her to not hang her head in disappointment. Loki didn't react — he simply stared between his mother and father as Thor grinned in surprised delight next to him. When Loki turned and smiled at his sibling, Ellie frowned in confusion.
"Congratulations, brother," the Trickster said, placing his hand on Thor's shoulder. "You will make a great king."
"Thank you, Loki," Thor replied, his voice expressing his delight at hearing the news. "With you at my side, none will dare to test the strength of Asgard!"
The lies slid off Loki's tongue with ease, as was his way. He had the room fooled, but not Ellie, not with their connection being far greater than anyone realised. She sensed his distress — she could feel its severity with him being so close by. While he sat passive in his seat with his thin lips pulled into a soft smile, she felt his loss and rejection as though it was her own. She desperately wanted to comfort him, to hold him, to tell him that he was loved despite not being chosen.
"Thor," Odin began, grabbing their attention once more. "You shall be crowned king in the coming weeks before the people of Asgard. To prepare for your new role, you will attend councils with myself, your mother, and my closest administrators."
"We are both very proud of you," Frigga added with a smile. "Of both of you."
While Ellie knew her words to be true, she noticed that her smile did not reach her eyes. Somehow, this did nothing to put her at ease. Then it hit her; there was more to this encounter. Something else was amiss…
Odin spoke up again, turning his attention to his youngest child. "And as Thor takes on new responsibilities, you will do the same, Loki."
The latter's smile faltered slightly at this. "Father?"
"While you may become part of your new king's council, you must also embrace the path I have chosen for you too. As a prince of Asgard, you will help to repair the still somewhat broken relationship this realm shares with Vanaheim."
"And how would you have me achieve such a thing?"
"Through marriage."
The atmosphere in the room instantly changed.
In shock, Ellie foolishly looked at Frigga, but the Allmother only met her gaze for a brief moment.
Loki sat in dismay, looking between his parents. "M-marriage?"
"Yes, to Lady Sigyn. She has resided in Vanaheim for many years now and has been granted dual citizenship and council with the Vanir for her service. A marriage between you two would help to bring our two realms—"
Ellie couldn't listen to it; she could not and would not. She didn't care about Asgard's relationship with Vanaheim, she didn't care who this Sigyn was, she didn't fucking care that Odin was probably well within his right to order this of his son for the good of the realms.
She did not care.
Loki was…everything to her. He was not Odin's to give away.
She was struggling to not react as the Allfather's voice and Loki's protests faded away. Despite trying to keep her composure, he hands shook by her sides, not that it really mattered — none of them took any notice of her as she waged her own war internally. If he was to be wed, what would become of her? What would become of their relationship? The numerous thoughts swimming around her head were making her stomach ache and her legs weak.
"But, Father, with all due respect, I do not wish to wed this woman," Loki explained, trying to keep his voice level. "I do not even know her."
"She is a fine goddess," Odin replied in some poor attempt at reassurance. "Thor is to take on the mantle of king and you must also do your part. After Thor is crowned, she will be brought to Asgard, and after a few weeks you will be wed. Loki, we both know that sometimes we must do things we are not necessarily overly fond of, but this is bigger than you or I. It is to be done for political reasons, but I'm sure you will come to care for Lady Sigyn in time."
By Odin's side, Frigga looked displeased with a tightlipped frown on her face. She focused her attention on her youngest son, who was clearly struggling with this new information.
"Why must I marry?" he demanded, losing some of his composure. "What of Thor? He is the one who will need a queen!"
"Leave me out of this," Thor mumbled, grimacing at the very idea of marriage.
"Thor's time will come, but he needs to prove himself as king before he is allowed to have a queen."
"Well I will not marry this woman," the Trickster spat, shaking his head. "You cannot make me do this. Mother, I—"
"It has already been arranged, so you do not have a choice."
"Odin," Frigga cut in gently, trying to ease the growing tension in the room. "If he is particularly abhorred to the idea, then why not reconsider?"
Odin's voice was short, evidently losing what patience he had left. "There is nothing to reconsider. It does not matter if he detests the woman! It is about time you realised that this world does not revolve around you. This is what it means to be a prince; not everything goes your way, and you will have to do things that you do not want to. There will be no more arguments, no more discussions, that is final."
The screech of Loki's chair on the floor as he pushed it back to stand up caused Ellie to wince. Frigga tried to call him back, but he was on his feet and striding out the door in seconds, beckoning Ellie to follow with a snarl. With a swift look at the Queen, Ellie obediently followed her prince out of the room.
She walked with him swiftly as he all but stomped back to his quarters. The silence between them was palpable, but she didn't dare break it until they were hidden from inquisitive eyes. When they reached the safety of his chambers, he aggressively slammed the door shut behind them, locked it with magic, and began relentlessly pacing up and down in front of the fireplace.
Ellie watched him apprehensively, not knowing what she could say to comfort him or herself for that matter.
"First, he has the audacity to put that fucking oaf on the throne," he growled, voice laced in malice. "And then he forces me to wed some bitch for the good of Vanaheim? He is barely fit to be king and I am — once again! — shoved to the side! And now, he wants to take you away from me? I will not allow it! He does not get to control me! If he insists on putting Thor on the throne, then he shan't part us!"
"Loki?" she asked, voice wavering as the hopelessness of the situation finally hit her. All the years they spent together would be cut short… "What'll we do?"
He halted his pacing and turned to face her. His eyes were red, expression both worried and angry. Almost instantly, he strode to her and pulled her into a crushing embrace. Her body shook in his arms and she buried her face in his neck, seeking any comfort he could offer. She would also do her best to comfort him considering she was not the only one affected by this new turn of events. Not only would she lose him, but he would lose her.
"I will not let him take you from me," he insisted, determined despite his shivering form. "Do you hear me? I will not."
She nodded, inhaling his familiar scent before saying. "I know you won't, and I won't be parted from you either, I swear."
"I do not care what he says. I will not stand for this, nor will I let Thor rule Asgard!"
"Is there anythin' we can do?" she asked, leaning back so that she could meet his gaze.
He cupped her face gently in his hands and studied her for a moment, green eyes burning into hers as he contemplated their fate. "I will come up with something to stop it, I promise you. My father's demands mean little to me."
"But this is serious, Loki. Surely we can't go against the Allfather's wishes?" She paused, eyes burning with unshed tears. "Perhaps… Perhaps we could just remain a secret?"
"A secret?" Loki repeated, looking disgusted at the mere thought. "What? And I-I-I marry this wench and sleep with her by my side? And sneak off to meet you in the dead of night, like some common harlot?"
"But it might be our only option—"
"I do not care!" he hissed, tears now freely flowing down his sharp cheeks. "I will not do that to you, I will not wed someone I do not love or want, and I will not brush you off as though you are nothing, Ellie. I will not be brushed off as though I were nothing."
She hung her head, running her hands up and down his arms. "That's not what I meant. You're not nothing."
"I know, I know, love. But all will be well. I am not going to be with someone I do not care about. I would not expect that of you either."
"Alright," she agreed with an uncertain nod. "Then we'll figure this out together?"
"Yes, together. I will do everything in my power to stop it."
"Maybe talkin' to your mother could help? After all, she does approve of our courtship."
"You are right. I will have a word with her soon. In the meantime, I would ask that you spend the night with me."
"You don't need to ask," she chuckled slightly, pulling his hand to her mouth and gently kissing his wrist. "The Allfather himself couldn't pull me from this room. I already told you; we're a team."
"A team," he repeated with a sad smile and let his forehead rest against hers. "That we are."
"What of Thor?" she asked hesitantly. "I know that you're not okay with his decision."
He bit his lip at the thought. "I love my brother, you know I do, but he is not fit to be king. He's reckless and quick to anger. That is not what it means to be a ruler."
Although she hated to admit it, she agreed that Thor wasn't a good choice to be king either. The potential was there, but she was uncertain as to whether he would ever grow out of his childish ways. She could see in his shimmering eyes how much this tore Loki apart. This wouldn't be the end of it. His mood would only get more sour, especially with the added stress of their uncertain future. She genuinely feared what may happen.
"I can't really fault your logic. Hopefully he realises that soon."
"If I know my brother, I do not think he will. Alas, I promise I will do everything in my power to stop this."
"I know you will. All will be well, it has to be."
To reassure her of his promise, Loki leaned in and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. She didn't hesitate to deepen it, sliding her arms around his neck and holding on to him with all the strength she possessed. The taste of salt on her tongue and the intensity of his previous words were all she needed to vanquish her fears and doubts.
The lovers were selfish. The good of the realm did not matter.
All Ellie cared about was the rejected prince that she loved so dearly.