TITLE: What I see

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 2

AUTHOR: simplegirl42

A/N: Hope you are all doing well. Here is the second segment to this fic that is still a WIP. Please leave me any comments or ideas that you would like to see. I will only write so much for this fic that I feel inspired to. Thank you all for reading and enjoy chapter 2.

She was among the few that Loki wanted to visit when he had return to Asgard, but she was not the main reason for his return. After escaping from his confinement and helping his brother, Thor, with his Midgardian girlfriend from the Dark Elves, he made his departure.

Sure, his exit was a bit theatrical, but what story isn't without the dramatics? He gave a charming finale. His last act in this world saving his brother from harm and being cradle in his arms as he died. Who wouldn't shed a tear?

Loki smirked wickedly at that. He was confident his brother felt remorse for his loss, which only gave Loki pleasure in the betrayal. Thor was too gullible. Gullible enough to believe that Loki could withstand such damage. The spear wound hurt his body but he was able to regenerate faster than he thought, but why spoil the fun? Loki let the lie soak in and fester.

Now here he was. He was back in Asgard his home. His righteous home.

After all, he had come to deliver the news of his death to his father. Oh how Loki wanted to see that old man wilt in regret and loss. Loki hid his sneer when he had to addressed King Odin. He looked grim as he delivered the bad news.

Odin wasn't at a loss about Loki's passing. He seemed rather accepting of the news which only entice Loki's inner rage. When Odin's back was turned, Loki banished him. He took Odin's crown and Odin's throne. It was his right to rule.

When Thor returned a few hours later to Asgard, Loki ruled over the throne as Odin. Acting in Odin's place, he offered the throne to Thor but little did Thor know, Loki wouldn't have let him take it. He was satisfied with Thor's resolve. That he did not want the throne as he left on a mission to go protect the nine realms.

Loki snickered, feeling triumphant as he sat on the throne. He didn't even mind that he had to pretend to be Odin to do so. He got to rule. He got to be loved.

Which came to his next set of business to attend to as he ordered one of the servants to fetch the handmaiden named Angelica. Loki loathed to see that wretch again. He wanted to see her squirm under his authority for her audacity in thinking she could see through him. He was not some child in need of love. He will make her pay for speaking down to him.

When Angelica strode into the pristine empty hall of the throne room, she held herself upright. Her posture was impeccable for a servant. Her head dipped in servitude as she walked and she bowed shortly before him out of courtesy. Her eyes raised slowly to look upon Odin.

"You've summoned me, sire?" Angelica questioned politely.

She thought it was strange for Odin to seek her presence as she was not known to him. Had she done something wrong? Did someone speak ill of her? She wasn't sure, but she held her paranoid thoughts at bay. She knew she was innocent, but that did not ease the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

The silence of the empty hall made the situation all the more intimidating as Odin looked down on her from his golden throne.

"Is it common for servants to speak without being spoken to?" Loki veered heatedly.

He saw the confusion in her eyes before she bowed once more. She apologized quickly, her eyes stopping at his feet. She waited for him to speak and he smiled inwardly at the small victory.

"You've once served under my son, Loki, is that correct?" Loki addressed, his voice calm under his Odin disguise.

"Yes, he was in the west wing where I serve the palace," Angelica responded with ease.

"What a misfortune to work under a traitor of Asgard," Loki pressed, gauging her reaction.

"I'm sure he felt similarly betrayed," Angelica mentioned vaguely.

Loki raised an eyebrow at her. "You condone him? After his acts against realm. Eighty or more dead as he led an army of Chitauri to conquer Midgard. He instigated an attack between the Frost Giants and our kind. Stole the tesseract. Attempted to annihilate his own brother."

Angelica didn't bat an eye at the news. "I do not offer any opinion on matter. Only perspective."

"Perspective?" Loki scoffed, sounding offended.

"Yes. I perceive Loki's acts as horrendous much like you do my King, but I can also see that he is only acting in the way he has been treated." Angelica spoke softly, her eyes finally meeting the King's as she continued with brevity. "For instance, very few dogs are aggressive by nature. Some can blame the breeding, but it can also stem from nurturing."

Loki's tone got firmer along with his frown. "Tell me then, what do you perceive of me? If you so see my Loki as a mistreated pup, I can only ponder how you see me. Have I not been a just King?"

"You've been a just King to me," Angelica replied smoothly. Her voice was still calm. Not a hint of fear escaped her. It only enthralled Loki more. He wanted her to writhe under his power.

Loki exhaled from his nose. He had to remain clam. He slouched against the back of his throne as he let the silence take over the room. He let his shoulders slump as he was about the drop the devastating news. He had to act as if a father in mourning.

"I can respect your loyalty. You have served the throne well in your servitude and under my son's wrath. May he rest in peace. For there may have been some good in him," Loki spoke solemnly.

Angelica scrunched her brow in confusion. "Pardon?"

"Loki has passed on. He died protecting my son, Thor. His sacrifice will be deeply commemorated," Loki mentioned softly, his hand over his heart in honor. His eyes peered at Angelica as he watched her process the news.

He could see her happiness dissipating in her eyes. Her shoulders fell as her head dipped low.

"I… I didn't know. I'm so sorry for your loss," Angelica stuttered out for the first time. She was no longer poised and she found it difficult to remain stoic.

"I thank you kindly. Which leads me to why I summoned you here," Loki addressed, smiling coyly as her gaze did not reach his features.

"Yes?" She answered obediently yet her tone was dejected.

"I would like to hold a ceremony for Loki's tribute to the throne, so that his sacrifice shall be forever remembered in this land and I want you to be in charge of it," Loki directed.

"What?" Angelica's head shot up in alarm.

"You had served Loki when was among us and now you shall serve to commemorate his image. We will hold the ceremony in the Gala room tomorrow night. I expect it to be pristine and polished for the party. I will have a list crafted for you that I shall send later in the day with all the affects I would like. Is that clear?" Loki informed. He inclined forward in his seat to insert his authority.

Angelica gulped. It was not out of fear, but due to the large responsibility King Odin had dumped on her shoulders.

"Yes…" She mumbled out.

Loki smiled wickedly. "You better get to it then."

Angelica nodded quickly as Loki dismissed her. Her heart was swirling with emotions. She didn't even have time to process them all, knowing that she had to get started on the party's preparations right away. She couldn't believe Loki was gone. Her heart ached and although, all she wanted to do was soak in that fact and break down, she couldn't. A few tears slipped pass her eye lashes as she wiped them away.

This was no time to cry.

She could break down later, after she was done setting up the ceremony to honor the one man that she loved. It was like a cruel punishment to celebrate while she was hurting.