The next morning, a servant came to me with a request from Loki. He wanted an audience; well, all the more leverage for me. I sent the servant with my own message: that I would see him when next I had a moment to spare. I knew it would drive him mad, the idea that he was not a priority to me. I smiled and headed out into the city for my daily walk. It raised the people's spirits, seeing their ruler walking among them. Occasionally, a small group of children would approach, and ask questions. I would happily kneel with them and answer everyone until they were satisfied. Honestly, I never understood leaders who ruled with fear; one who was loved was less likely to be overthrown in a revolution.
The day passed quickly, and I decided it might be time to grant Loki his audience. Rather than do it in front of the court, as I'm sure he wished, I had the guards bring him to the gardens. It had been hard finding plants that would grow in the harsh climate, but the ones I had found were far ranged and exotic; some had even been brought from planets beyond the Realms. I sat on a bench and waited patiently, smoothing my hands down my skirt. After a few moments, I heard footsteps approaching and looked up in time to see the guard and the Prince turn the corner. I waved the guard away, who bowed and headed back inside.
"Please, Loki, sit." I gestured to the spot on the bench a few inches from me, and he seemed to measure my level of kindness before taking the seat. "I understand you wished to have an audience. Is there something you need?" I gave my best charming smile, and could tell I'd disarmed the Trickster. Good. There was no need for him to think I was in any way predictable.
"Well, my throne would be a nice start." He quipped, crossing his arms across his chest. Defensive. This might be easier than I thought. I chuckled lightly at the request.
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be possible. Even if I wanted to give it up, I'm not sure how loyal the people would be to you." He bristled at that and again I saw the flash of Jotun red in his gaze. "Of course, a good first step to gaining their trust would be to appear as one of them in public. Show your true self." He blinked in surprise, then turned his gaze to a nearby flower to think it over. I could see the moment he found the logic in my statement.
"I've spent my whole life looking as an Asgardian. Would I need to keep up the pretense in private?" I raised a brow at his question.
"You consider your true form a pretense?" He sighed, shaking his head.
"Not in that way. I simply mean that I have spent my entire life in this form, and to change it requires a bit more effort. The original spell was not mine, and so I cannot lift it. Simply counter it." I nodded slowly. It would make sense that one of the Asgardian royals would have placed such a spell. Knowing of the king and queen, I supposed Frigga would be too kind-hearted to make a youngling change. So Odin then.
"I am sorry to hear that. In that case, your private moments can be spent in whichever form you choose. I would well consider looking more as your Jotun self outside the walls, however." He arched a brow, meeting my gaze again. I had to admit, the form his Asgardian parents had chosen for him was well-suited for a prince.
"Outside the walls? You aren't going to keep me here?" He gave me an incredulous look, and I made sure I looked properly scandalized by the notion. He seemed to be believing it all, but it was hard to tell; many said it was foolish to lie to a God of Deceit.
"You are no prisoner here, young prince. In fact, you are a welcome guest in the courts of Jotunheim. You may come and go as you please." He studied me, searching my face for any signs of deception. I kept my gaze to his, willing my eyes to shine with nothing but innocence. I could almost see him thinking up ways he could take the throne.
"Very well. I don't suppose you would object to my asking you to dine with me this evening?" He was beginning to be as charming as any prince should be, and I was wary of it.
"I'm afraid tonight I must dine with my advisors. There are matters they feel need discussion at least once a week." I lied smoothly, giving a small, regretful smile. If he wanted me to play the part of the waif, he was going to get it…for now. "I would be honored to share a meal with you tomorrow, however." I stood in one fluid movement, straightening my skirts a bit. "I thank you for coming to me with your concerns, Prince Loki. I hope you will be so open with me in the future." I turned and headed for the palace, stopped by his touch on my arm. It took everything in my power to keep from turning and striking him there; a Valkyrie is not one to be touched. Instead, I turned with a raised brow.
"Thank you for your hospitality…Your Majesty." He gave a small bow of his head, and I made a mental note of that victory. I wondered how soon it would be that I would see him on his knees before me.
A/N: Please enjoy. And please review! I just need to know if this needs any tweaks or anything!