Loki sat with Frigga by Odin's bedside, the chamber darkened by the closed in walls that blocked the pale and lifeless form of the Allfather from the sunlight. It was like he was locked in a crypt, the space around them warped.
Frigga held her husband's hand as she spoke with Loki. "I asked him to be honest with you from the beginning," she said softly. "There should be no secrets between family."
"So why did he lie?" Loki asked quietly.
"He kept the truth from you for the same reason that Adelaide's family never told her she was not of Asgard," Frigga said, her tone still gentle. "So you would never feel different. You are in every way our son, Loki, and we are your family. You must know that."
Loki didn't say anything for a long moment. He turned to look back at his adoptive father, his green eyes giving a glimpse at his inner confliction.
"You can speak to him," Frigga informed. "He can see and hear us, even now."
"How long will it last?" Loki asked, never raising his voice.
"I don't know," Frigga almost whispered. "This time was different. We were unprepared."
Loki looked down again, sighing softly. "I never get used to seeing him like this. The most powerful being in the Nine Realms lying helpless until his body is restored."
"But he's put it off for so long now, I fear…" Frigga's voice trailed off, and her adopted son took her hand gently.
"You're a good son," she told him tenderly.
Loki didn't reply, unsure how to react.
The All-Mother took a breath. "We mustn't lose hope that your father will return to us. And your brother."
The God of Mischief looked at her with concern. "How much hope is there for Thor?"
"There's always a purpose for everything your father does," Frigga assured. "Thor may yet find his way home."
Loki tried to hide the troubled expression on his face. He stood, striding toward the exit with the regal, long steps of a prince, but paused and froze at the sight of the entering einherjar guards. He prepared for the worst, but the guards only stood there.
Frigga spoke again. "Thor is banished. The line of succession falls to you. Until he awakens, Asgard is yours."
The guards knelt before Loki, and another entered, holding the spear of the All-Father, Gungnir, and he offered it to the God of Mischief.
Loki was too startled for a moment to move.
"Make your father proud," Frigga said softly.
Loki hesitantly reached for the spear. He almost smiled. Gungnir felt good in his hands.
Before he exited after the guards parted and left, Frigga called his name one more time.
Loki turned, still holding the spear in slight shock.
"My son, as king, you may now choose any maiden as your queen," Frigga told him softly. "Though I think I know who it will be, and her answer, I wouldn't wait too long on asking. You might get cold feet."
Loki swallowed nervously before he turned, rushing down the hall, still clutching the spear as he searched every corridor and room he could find for Adelaide. He wanted no other woman, and found none as worthy to be the queen at his side. If she refused him, Asgard's new king would never have a queen.