Frigga looked to Odin with evident concern. She wouldn't question him in front of his court, she would never disrespect him in such a way. She knew, however, that her husband would sense her disapproval and it hurt that he went ahead.
Their sons, at last, allowed to attend the feasting. It made her smile to see the excitement and energy they had as they ran throughout the halls of their grand home in the days leading up to the feast. For centuries they had plagued her with every method they knew to be granted an invitation.
"You are much too young my little goats," she had told them whilst hugging them close. She knew the, often lurid, behavior at such events and she had no desire to expose her beloved sons to it at a time when they could still be considered children. She had seen Thor's eager and hungry eyes, determined to show his father how he was a young man now but she had also seen Loki's fear of one more occasion for his father to find some weakness.
Now they stood before her and Odin, dressed in the finest garments the tailors of Asgard could craft. No one could deny their regal bloodline that had carved and crafted their striking features. Thor's eye's like his father and Loki's as though they shone with stars plucked from the skies. Their cheeks still rounded with youth, Thor beamed whilst Loki gave a demure yet charming smile.
"Father, we thank you for inviting us to your feast this night. It has been most enjoyable to see you entertain the many noble men and women of the court."
Those at the table head closest cooed and clucked at the charm of the young prince but Odin merely chuckled and glanced to Loki. He wondered how often Thor had practiced these words crafted from Loki's silver tongue.
"You are a young man now, my son. You are welcome in all manners of the court, especially in it's joys."
Frigga could see Loki glance up from his shoes, as though waiting on something.
"And Loki," she spoke suddenly and she felt Odin's eye on her. "Not yet as grown as your brother, yet we see the wisdom of a young man in you. You too are welcome."
To see his face light up in that way made her heart ache. Her husband gave a gruff sound of approval.
"Young men indeed. Tonight, I will grant you your first taste of mead," he said jovially. Thor looked ecstatic whilst Loki seemed unimpressed. It only took the allfather to raise his hand and a servant came forward with two ornate and decorative goblets. He bowed his head to the young princes as they each took a cup.
Frigga could hear Loki whisper a thanks to the young man and it made her start a little to see the young man blush. Her eyes met his as he descended the dais and he at least seemed embarrassed if not a little afraid. Odin saw of none of the exchange as he watched Thor drink heavily from the goblet. Loki glanced to his mother and she gave him a nod to follow suit. His eyes widened a moment in surprise when he tasted nothing but water from his goblet and his glance at Frigga showed her that he understood. Swiftly he drank the remaining contents of the goblet and pulled it from his lips to watch Thor finish his a minute later.
"Loki, my boy, I never would have thought you might have a taste for the stuff," he chuckled and Loki smiled. Thor looked petulantly at Loki's cup but shrugged and bid them both goodnight. They watched as Loki followed after him and left the hall.