He'd never felt this excited in his life.
He, Loki Odinson, the younger brother of Thor Odinson, was being called by the All-Father in the throne room. Now normally Loki wouldn't have anticipated a meeting with his father alone, considering such meetings meant that Loki had crossed the line with his many acts of mischief.
But this meeting was certain to change his life forever.
Everyone knew that the All-Father was getting too old to rule over Asgard, and since he had two sons (one of whom could inherit the throne eventually), the people were expecting an announcement any day.
As far as Loki knew, Odin hadn't decided to speak to either of his sons – until now.
Loki had grown up knowing that his older brother was the natural and logic choice as to who would inherit the throne, but there were times when Odin had implied that Loki had an equal chance of becoming king of Asgard.
"Only one of you will ascend to the throne," Odin once said. "But the two of you were born to be kings."
Over the years, Loki thought about what the All-Father meant by those words. While Thor felt safe in the knowledge that as Odin's first born son, he had a higher chance of becoming king, Loki fretted over the fact that he had a slimmer chance of becoming king.
Loki had seen many of Thor's reckless acts over the years; acts that he did not consider kingly enough. He had hoped that the All-Father knew of Thor's actions, so that he could consider Loki as a more suitable heir.
Loki knew he could usher in a golden age in Asgard; one where the people would sing him praises and would thank him for maintaining the peace within the realm.
As he neared the throne room, the excitement within him reached a boiling point. Loki felt that he was about to explode with anxiety and eagerness.
How long had he dreamed of being called to Odin's presence on the eve of the coronation? How long had he rehearsed what he would say and do when the All-Father announced that Loki, not Thor, was to be the next king?
The guards standing just outside the massive throne room snapped to attention and saluted. They'd hardly done that to him before; usually it was Thor who commanded such an action from all the warriors in the palace.
Barely concealing his grin, he stepped through the large golden doors.
Odin was seated on his throne (and soon to be my throne, Loki thought), holding his staff.
"Loki," Odin called. Loki could not walk fast enough; he was so close to his dreams, he was sure of it.
"All-Father," Loki said, kneeling as he reached the bottom of the steps that led to the throne. He then raised his head to look at the All-Father. "You asked to see me?"
"Yes, my son. I have news for you," Odin slowly stood, his eye never leaving Loki's green ones.
Loki's heart skipped a beat. "About what, Father?"
"About who will rule Asgard in my stead. I'm sure you have an idea who it will be."
Loki remained silent, waiting. Odin gestured for Loki to rise, which the young prince did. Anticipation gnawed at his insides, and he wished for the All-Father to say that it was he, Loki, who deserved to be king.
"I assure you, All-Father, that whatever you ask of me, I shall follow it to the letter," Loki said after a time, hoping that Odin was not having second doubts.
"I know, my son. And I know as well that you will be pleased to know whom I've chosen to be king."
Loki nodded, excitement mounting.
"Your brother, Thor."