I am so very very sorry for the wait! Please forgive me. I thank all who is still reading! Really, thank you! Sorry again.
The next chapter! Again – it's really important for me what you think. Enjoy!
~o~0~o~
Sif stepped furiously ahead to their pretty large group; Warriors Three followed two steps behind. Tony thought that he'd never seen such angry woman in his life. Not even Pepper in her worst looked like she was prepared to rip someone's head from their shoulders. That Sif was filled with hate, rage and disgust when she neared Thor, glaring at Loki and his men.
"Thor! You brought these savages to the palace! And this… " , Sif dismissed Loki literally as the annoying insect at her feet. She was looking now only at Thor. "You should get rid of him immediately!"
Well, very funny. Avengers shared a look. Some chick commands Thor (her king, not some buddy) to get rid of someone they so hard were trying to get. Really, woman.
"Lady Sif. I would suggest you to know your place", was Loki's calm reply. As if he read their minds.
"I am not taking orders from hideous-"
But now Thor finally took the case in his hands. He didn't want another disaster - their number was already enough for one day. It was time to stop this madness. Turning to his old friend Thor soothingly said, for he knew this maiden's temper and how quick it was to snap.
"Sif, I understand that you cannot accept my decision to ask Loki for help, but at least respect the law and the rules of etiquette in Asgard - he's still my brother and a member of the royal family. And-"
"A family member?" Now she looked incredulous and frustrated. "He's not your brother! And not even our species! We have always felt that poison, and now it is clear why! He betrayed our people and all the good that your family did while trying to eradicate its essence!"
Turning sharply to glare at Loki's form she cried across whole room, clearly enjoying stunned stares:
"Monster! Beast! Fiend!" – Disappointed though that it caused Loki to not even flinch she proceeded further, again addressing Thor. "And after all this, you choose it instead of us? He is using you again! Does not anyone but me does not see it?"
Waiting for approval Sif looked around. Anger filled her insides when she received zero reaction. Even from damned Loki! He and his monsters stood there in perfect position, pinning her down by their superior look. Her! A fearless warrior of Asgard! Some Jotuns scum would look down at her? Never! But even with all her anger and repulsion Sif felt horrifyingly awkward. It was a scary thought. Now she stood alone against Loki – back then anyone would support her in her rightful revenge. Anyone! Now all she was receiving was sullen look from Thor (Unbelievable! Thor chooses him instead of her?), the waiting for what will happen next from the Warriors Three (Why have they not attacked Jotuns yet?) and almost mocking stares from the Avengers. Like she cared that they needed Laufeyson help! What she said was truth!
Does not anyone will do something? Because if not, then she herself will handle this!
While Avengers quietly observed from the sideways the drama, every one of them got the alarmed feeling that something will happen soon. By the look at that Sif's face it was clear as day that she came to some drastic decision. But gosh - who does she think she is? Natasha and Clint shared a knowing look. Action time.
And they were right.
Quickly as lightening in trained by thousands of year's motion Sif got her sword and pushed forward, aiming to Loki's exposed throat. Loki held himself absolutely still, not reacting. But not because he was scared or shocked or panicked or something. On the contrary – almost in the bored way. His eyes lit amusedly and with curiosity. Who will get me first?
Royal guards rushed forward, Avengers reached for their weapon, Jotuns put steady hands on their swords. And in the end – here's the winner!
Thor grabbed her hand hard. Sif shocked looked at her friend. His grip was strong and very painful. Even for her.
"What are you doing, Thor?!"
Thor steady and determinedly took away her sword. Sif could just stare how her weapon was taken from her. By her king. But not by a friend.
"I'm sorry you feel that way. But you need to calm down." Warriors Three stepped forward to take her away, when velvet voice stopped them in their moves.
"You wanted to be a good king, Thor. So act like one."
Thor resigned closed his eyes. Little guilty he addressed guards:
"Take her away to the dungeons and keep her there until I said otherwise."
No one ever saw shield maiden Sif so shocked. Her wide eyes held such betrayal, her open mouth couldn't form any word at all. She just continued to stare at Thor as if for the first time and didn't even react when guards took her and led her away. Only when they were near exit did she try to break away. But against five armed men she was outnumbered.
Warriors Three were not so far behind Sif in their feelings. Did Thor just betray their friendship? How could he do this to Sif? Thor silently lifted Sif's sword to them. Fandral was the one who took it. Mustering the courage while holding the weapon of a friend Fandral stiffly said:
"I'm sorry for her behavior, my king. But… nevertheless she is partly right in her assumptions. Why should you call the enemy of Asgard instead of your loyal friends? And prison-"
"In my kingdom everyone must venerate the law and order. Lady Sif just broke the rules and must be punished for her undignified behavior. Such actions jeopardize diplomatic negotiations between two Realms and shame Asgard. I will not have it. And I asked help of Loki because he is my brother – adopted or not – and now I know that he will help-"
"But he is NOT! How can't you see that he'll-"Volstagg tried to reason with Thor but…
"Enough! Or do you wish to spend your time in cells too?"
Warriors Three silently looked at each other, not knowing what to do. They won't go against Thor for he is their king and friend. They will not be traitors. Thor will see for himself what his actions will cause and maybe then he will realize his mistakes. Now three of them sank on their knees and brought a hand to their hearts.
"Pardon me, my liege."
~o~0~o~
By Asgard laws after all Loki was a free man, no one had a right to imprison him ever again without a court. While the table for negotiations was being prepared Steve finally asked Thor about those very Asgard laws. Thor's answer about Loki's treating shocked Avengers. Thor had nothing to say, only reminding his friends that that was decision of his father Odin. While Loki was present to hear the conversation, for once he was mildly surprised when that soldier and green beast became distinctly angry. Others were silent, but… they were not so happy with such information also. Captain America just could not believe that witnessing such injustice Thor just stood and did nothing. That no one stood for Loki. Criminal or not Loki had his rights. But Asgard in general was blind and deaf for laws breaking. Thor condoned every law breaking Odin did. Does it mean that that's how Thor was going to rule? To Steve's question if Thor would become the same ruler as Odin, Thor didn't find what to say. Thunder god has always admired his father. Any move he did Thor thought wise and just. But… as of late… Thor didn't know anymore.
~o~0~o~
Frigga left All father's bedside and came to meet Thor. She was aware that Loki could also possibly be with him and she hoped to spend even a little time with Loki before both her sons will depart. She has missed him so.
Walking to the throne room not for the first time she heard rumors that Jotunheim king was here with delegation. It filled Frigga with dread and fear for that has never happened before in her whole life. And could it have meant that going for Loki displeased Jotuns and they denied to hand their prisoner? Or worse… that they had no one to hand because Loki has died in there? And now was just political investigation of some sort? Frigga hurried her steps.
What a shocking surprise it was to see new king of Jotunheim in Asgard throne room. But even more so when the Queen suddenly and with stab to a heart realized that her Loki was that king. No matter color of his skin or eyes, his royal robes, his scaring escort – it was her Loki. She dreamed to see him as a king. She never believed that it will become true, knowing that Thor was heir and more loved by Aesir… Those grave few days when Loki ruled came in such horrible timing. Loki wasn't able to show his many talents and reveal his great potential worth of a true king. Everything collapsed then. But now she couldn't tear her eyes from his regal imposing form. Strangely he looked more king in foreign realm, than Thor at home.
Thor was losing in front of Loki. She wouldn't dare to say that her son was bad king. Of course not! But he lacked many things. Important things. Things, that made Loki a true ruler among his people. Only looking at Loki's escort made picture clear. Jotuns will do anything for their king. It was absolution. How did Loki manage this? Warriors Three will go for Thor anywhere – it was true. But they considered Thor as their friend, who could be played or teased or even laughed in good way. They didn't see Thor as their king and ruler – respect was not eternal. Just like many others in court remembered Thor as boisterous young man, who drank and sang and made a fool of himself for many a time.
Thinking back to the trial Frigga couldn't help but feel guilty. Even dirty – she condoned injustice done to her son. She was being traitor to the one she claimed to love. In that cursed day that will never erase from her memory the Queen didn't even dare to look her Loki in the eyes (she felt his eyes on her then and it made the situation all the more horrible for her). She stood beside her husband with no emotions on her face, with no intension to stop that madness. She was acting like a Queen. And not like a mother. And it was killing her inside. If she could she would have run and hid in shame and self-hate for what she has done.
It was her fault. It was Odin's fault! Everything what Loki has done started with their ultimate betrayal.
"Loki…"
Every one of present people looked how she hesitantly at first but then with more determination approached the group. Avengers saw the Queen of Asgard and Thor's mother for the first time and were surprised by her beauty and milt attitude. Aesir all bowed in deep respect, while Jotuns as before just silently acknowledged her presence. Thor delightfully went to greet his mother – it was rare that she was leaving her husband's bedside during Odin-sleep, but well. The situation was exceptional.
All their looks were on her. But not the one she so helplessly expected the most. Her lost son turned even further away from her.
"Loki, I- … ", catching herself for she was not alone with him and not to embarrass Loki Frigga composed herself and addressed everyone: "My apologies. King Loki of Jotunheim. And guests of Frozen Realm – welcome. And you Avengers – it is nice to meet you all. Thor talks highly of you. I am glad you have finally visited our Realm. "
While others greeted the Queen and Thor even started to tell her something, Frigga didn't hear her older son. Her gaze remained on Loki's stiffed back. She wanted to reach, to comfort like she did so many times in the past – but then her hand froze in midair. Loki took a breath and relaxed his sore muscles. Then he turned around. That trembling light of hope has died when Frigga finally connected her eyes with Loki's. Cold. So very cold. Empty of everything. Merciless. No recognition, no sympathy. Nothing.
And it that same moment Frigga knew that Loki – her once little mischievous dear boy - will never forgive her no matter how much she begged him - if it could have helped she wouldn't hesitate to beg. Never will he look at her with love and adoration, with gratefulness and care like he did as a child. Never will he come to her for silent only she could provide support because life once again was cruel to him. And he had no one but her in his loneliness.
Loki nor want nor need her anymore. He doesn't care for her anymore. Now she was just a lying woman who stood with others and saw him being ruined under the sounds of laugher and mockery. She was nothing.
"Greetings, Queen Frigga of Asgard."
Distant and indifferent. Loki looked sideways like he had neither interest nor desire to talk to the person in front of him, that a few words were enough to dismiss her. Because obviously she didn't matter. Thor clenched his jaw – back on Jotunheim he swore to himself that he would not have Loki to treat their mother like that. Anyone else – but not her. When he stepped forward and already opened his mouth Frigga abruptly turned to him and with a light push to his chest stopped anything he wanted to say. Thor looked questioningly at his mother, but retreated under her pleading gaze.
They both knew how much Frigga wanted to talk to her younger son - just to talk. She had so much to say to Loki. So much she has to beg his forgiveness for. She has wronged him. And nobody even apologized to him. For lies, for betrayal, for leaving him alone in his time of need to deal with that pain, for mistreating, for abandoning, for forgetting, for everything.
But Loki will have none of it. Too little. Too late.
"If my memory does not fail me, milady, it is known in all the Nine Realms how you never leave your husband's side during his… sleep. It is frankly surprising that you break such important custom for the king of your archenemies-"
"Loki, please, just let me-"
"-and I don't think that I wish to take responsibility for that. Gods know my visit has already made an effect on your people. Your husband needs you by his side, Queen Frigga. He will be lost without your fair presence. So to not aggravate a situation you should go back to him. All Father is a more pleasant company than Jotun. And negotiations should start soon. No need to bore you. Your son will take care of Asgard, I am sure. It was… was nice to meet you, Lady Frigga."
With that Loki bowed just a little – not respectfully but not offending either – and stepped away to the circle of his men. Frigga only stood there looking at Loki's back trying to keep her tears. He was right. She had no right to hope. And yes, she left Odin's side because of Loki – because of Loki only…
Not to show how much Loki's words and behavior broke her heart Frigga smiled to Thor, caressing his cheek. Thor looked pained and concerned for his mother, but she just silenced him by her calm smile. Then Frigga said her goodbyes to everyone and left. Odin waited her.
~o~0~o~
A/N: What do you think? About Avengers? Frigga? Loki? It is important for me to know your opinion, as always)))
Next chapter will be the last about Asgard by the way. Finally, right?)))
