The King watched as Heimdall looked out into the realms. His stomach churning with anticipation. A simple question was all he asked but the answer could result in disaster.

Can you see my son?

Thor's whereabouts were important to keep track of, he was still heir to Asgard and of course, a caring father like Odin would want to know how his son was faring on Earth. Sadly, caring too much for Thor was a strain on this king, on Loki.

"I see him your Grace," Heimdall stated. "He sits with his maiden. He is happy." Loki had worked hard on his relieved face and smiled as warmly as he could, conjuring up a tear to his old, milky Odin eyes.

"It pleases me to know his heart is filled with happiness," he recited "I trust there is no danger to be seen?"

"None sir,"

Good, Loki thought as despicable as he is, Thor is more use to me and to Asgard alive. Many Asgardians missed the God of Thunder some a little too much for Loki's liking. As Odin he had had to tell the people of Asgard that Thor had refused the throne and whilst there was a general disappointment the likes of Sif and the Warriors Three were proving to be a nuisance.

"Grant us leave of Asgard Your Majesty," Lady Sif had begged him no more than days after Thor's departure "we will seek him and make him see sense! He is the rightful heir of Asgard!" It had taken all of Loki's willpower not to slay her on the spot, instead he had forbidden anyone from interfering in Thor's business. Part of him wanted to throw her to the dungeons to shut her up but he knew better than that, it was not something his father would have done.

Why must people mourn him so? Loki fumed silently He has never ruled the people of Asgard, I did! Thor is not the one thought dead, I am!

The reaction to his apparent death had angered him. People had celebrated, thrown lavish parties and drank themselves stupid when he announced it. Not one person shed a tear for him, only for the pain Odin must have been suffering. Nobody said a silent prayer for him, it made his blood boil. As Odin he had draped the Great Hall of Asgard in black as a symbol of Loki's death, he had ordered them to mourn, demanded that they show some, any kind of sadness for the fallen King of Asgard.

They'll all be sorry soon. Once enough time has passed, our dear King Odin shall sleep his final slumber and Loki shall return from the dead as the rightful, true King of Asgard. They'd have no precious Thor to defend them once he was King.

"Will that be all, my King?" Heimdall was watching him with those cold eyes of his.

How I wish you'd remained frozen, Loki thought bitterly. He nodded and turned to leave when suddenly a thought crossed his mind. Heimdall was, with his gift, quite possibly the biggest threat to his plan. After all, he could see everything. Could there be a possibility that he was not fooled by Loki's illusion.

"Heimdall," he said, his Odin voice trembling a little "can you cast out your gaze once more for me this evening?"

"It is my duty, my King." Replied the guardian. Loki took a breath, it was a chance he had to take:

"Can you see Loki?"

"My King, Loki is dead," replied Heimdall.

"I know," he replied "but, can you still see him? Please, look for me."

"As you wish my King," Heimdall turned and looked out into the realms. Loki held his breath, his hand poised ready at the helm of his sword should he require it. Heimdall turned slowly, his face expressionless,

"No my King, Loki is gone."