Another two years pass. For his 17th birthday, Thor goes on his first real hunting trip with his father. It lasts over a week and Loki feels lost without his presence.

Loki practices his invisibility spell silently, alone in his room. Magic had been his making in the world but it had also gotten him into trouble. Loki had a new habit of casting spells at people he didn't like or casting spells to trick people into his favor. He gained a new title "The god of mischief". His mother disapproved but Loki no longer cared or clung to her as much as he did when he was a child. She still was his main teacher of magic but Loki could figure out most spells on his own.

Loki sighed and sat up from his bed. He headed for the kitchen, ready to try out his new spell. As he neared, he crouched slightly to soften his footsteps. Before he learned a sound masking spell, he relied on this to sneak around the palace and now he simply did it out of habit. He cast his invisibility spell right as he turned the corner into the kitchen. Several workers were already preparing the palaces evening meal. His eyes spotted fresh pastries cooling on the side of the room. He licked his lips hungrily and stepped toward them. Sale, the main palace cook and the one that usually caught him looked up. Loki cursed in his head. Sale was looking right at him. Loki made an apologetic gesture but Sale turned his attention back to what he was working on. Loki turned around to see a palace guard patrolling past him. Loki cast a wicked grin and headed for the pastries.

Frigga eyed Loki as he played with his food.

"Sale says that several of his pastries went missing today. You wouldn't happen to know where they have disappeared to would you?"

Loki shrugs his shoulders his face full of innocence.

"Perhaps one of the workers was hungry and ate them while he wasn't looking."

Frigga frowns.

"You have hardly touched your food Loki. Is there something wrong with it?"

Loki doesn't look up.

"No mother," he says picking up a roll. "I just haven't been feeling well since Thor left."

It wasn't exactly a lie but it wasn't the truth either.

Frigga smiles.

"Tell me again, which spell have you been working on recently?"

Loki chokes on his sweet roll.

Thor rode by Odins side. A pile of furs covered the backs of their horses, showing the success of their hunt. Odin had complimented him several times on this trip and it meant the world to receive his fathers praise.

"Thor, Odin says, "You have grown into a fine young man."

"Thank you father." Thor says. His cheeks flushing slightly from his praise.

"Tell me. Are your classes going well?"

"Yes father."

"Good."

The two ride on quietly and no one adds anything more to their conversation.

Thor breaks the silence.

"Father..." Thor pauses considering his words carefully. Odin may be his father but he is also his king.

"What do you do when you like a certain someone?"

Odin turned to face Thor on his horse. A grin covered his face.

"Do you have a special someone on your mind lately?"

"I- yes but I don't know if they like me back."

"Do they like to be around you?" Odin asks.

"Yes," Thor replies.

"Then I would say yes, they like you."

Thor looks forward. A smile was spreading on his face.

Odin can't help himself.

"I'm sure Sif would love to be your bride."

Thor opens his mouth in horror and his cheeks burn red.

"But- I- how did you-"

Odin's laughter echoes through the forest as they head for the palace.

Loki looked up from his plate when he heard a horn call telling them of an arrival. Loki looked at Frigga, his eyes were burning with excitement.

"May I be excused?"

Frigga sighed.

Loki got up before she even answered.

"Yes, but no more stealing from the kitchens, ok?

Loki simply grins and kisses her on the cheek.

"Deal."

Then he sprints to the palaces entrance to welcome his brother home.

"Like I haven't heard that before," Frigga mutters and continues eating her meal.