Eight o clock found one very confused and sore Loki, sitting in his bed with a bemused expression on his face.

"What on earth?" He murmured. The look of confusion was replaced with one much darker as the events of the day rushed back. "I suppose that explains the soreness." He looked to his left to see a tray of food sitting on the bedside table. His cheeks flushed as he remembered the other half of his afternoon. He wrinkled his face in self-disgust. How could he have allowed himself to show such emotion? Emotions were a luxury, one he did not have. If anyone found out… he would be a laughingstock. Even more than he was now. Loki, the man who cried because of a little pain. Who had to fight back tears at the mention of his father's actions towards him. His stomach broke the stream of his inner monologue with a loud and angry growl. Reaching over to the tray, Loki hungrily consumed everything that had been set out for him.

"How are you feeling, my son?" Odin's voice startled Loki, making him jump. The pain in his shoulder increased tenfold, but he clamped it down and kept his expression neutral.

"Sore." He answered stiffly. Odin noticed the tension.

"Is something wrong?"

"Just out of curiosity, were those guards you sent to 'assist me' supposed to be my punishment for losing the match?"

Odin raised an eyebrow. "I must confess, Lady Sidhe spoke that you suffered some 'abuse' at the hands of the guards, but was most… reluctant to speak of it. She informed me it would be better coming from you." Icily Loki told Odin all that had happened to him at the hands of those sent to assist him. Odin's expression grew darker and darker with each word. "Rest assured they shall be imprisoned at once," Odin informed him. "No one is allowed to treat you that way."

"No one but Thor." Loki replied irritably. Odin frowned.

"Care to explain?"

Loki glared at him. "Just stop it. You believe that perfect son Thor was justified in doing what he did, do you not?" Odin looked away. "Do you deny this?"

Odin's jaw clenched. "He was required to fight, same as you."

"Can it really be considered a fight when the opponent literally cannot defend themselves?"

"If you had trained harder I'm sure-"

"You're sure what? That I might have had even the smallest glimmer of a chance? I know you made sure the fight was physical. Golden boy had to win. He is the favorite, after all."

"How dare you accuse me-" Odin began, but Loki cut him off.

"Just stop. We both know you favor Thor, let us not pretend any differently. There is no one here for you to lie to." Loki hissed. Odin glared at him.

"On what grounds do you dare found this accusation?"

"Oh let's see. If anyone had done to Thor what Thor did to me this afternoon you would have had them flogged and thrown in prison to be tortured, if you did not have them executed on the spot. Not good enough evidence for you? What about the time when we were eight? Thor had a terrible nightmare, so you stayed by his bedside all night long to make sure he was ok. When I confessed my fear of thunderstorms you told me to not be such a weakling." Odin opened his mouth to protest. "Don't. We were ten. You asked Thor if he wanted to try wine. When he liked it, you gave him a small glass of his own. I was not even allowed to taste some. Wine was for adults and those privileged." Loki sneered. "It is funny how all those inconsequential little slights stack up, is it not?" Loki looked away. "I would prefer you to leave." Jaw tight, Odin got up stiffly and left the room.

Loki massaged his aching forehead. He needed a stiff drink. Or a distraction. With a sigh, he climbed out of his bed. He would go wander the halls. There was usually something amusing to be found there. If he was lucky, Sif would be out and about. Irritating her was easy and great fun. Looking down, Loki noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt. The next week would be interesting. His magic would accelerate the healing process; most of the small injuries were already gone. The broken arm would take at least a week. The gash on his back would take a week or more, it was quite deep. Normal functions would be awkward and difficult. He would need help with the simplest of things.

"Excuse me, sir. Lord Odin commanded me to service you. If there is anything you need, please ring this bell." A small woman, meek and timid, tiptoed into the room, placing a bell on his bedside table. She looked at the floor. "Is there anything you require, milord?"

Loki closed his eyes. There was one thing, against his will, that he wanted very desperately. But first… "Is my father requiring you to tell him everything I ask for?" Loki drawled.

"No sir."

"Then I expect you will honor my command when I tell you that anything and everything I ask for is a secret."

"Yes sir."

"If anyone hears of anything I ask for, I can guarantee you will be seeing your worst fears wherever you go for a month or more, depending on how generous I may or may not be feeling. Do you understand?" She gulped but nodded. He sauntered forwards, noticing and grinning at the flinch. Her weakness and fear entertained him greatly. It was good to feel in control again, after what had happened this afternoon. Power. It was a wonderful thing. He placed his fingers underneath her chin and tipped her face up towards his. She began trembling. Loki leaned down, his lips inches from hers. "Would you like to know what I want?"

"That is my job, sir," She whispered.

"I want you to leave." He flung her away with his good arm, grinning. No, there really was nothing like power. He quietly laughed as she fled the room.

Why is Loki being such a jerk? What is it he wants so desperately? Review, I'd love to hear your guesses :)