Asgard

Thor's Coronation Day

Loki stood before the mirror in his room, combing back his hair so it laid flat against his head. Took a deep breath. His beloved had preferred his hair differently. She liked it free flowing because it would get its "cute waves," as she called them before. However, the slicked back style was what pleased Odin. He had hoped if he did everything in his power to regain the approval of the Allfather, she would be brought back from exile.

His all must not have been enough. Thor had been chosen to be the next in line, not him. But he couldn't hold too much resentment toward his brother. The blonde buffoon knew nothing of politics, only battle. He was sure Thor was exhilarated at the honor, but it wasn't the thunder god who made the final decision regarding his crowning.

It was Odin. Odin was the only one around here to make any kind of decision.

He stared at himself in the mirror, sadness swirling within his emerald eyes. What had he done that wasn't enough? He studied every scroll, book, and piece of text he could get his hands on. Learned all that he could concerning his magic. He could even fight just as well as Thor. Granted, he used different tactics, but their skill levels were the same. The only thing Thor was good at was destroying things with his hammer and being obnoxious.

Did his father really resent him so? Had it been such a crime to fall in love with a mere servant girl? He had found no law regarding such matters, but Odin had quickly made one thereafter. Why did conflicting social statuses make such a significance?

Love was love, regardless of designated classes.

Sighing, he picked up his gold helmet and stared at it. What else could he have done? What else should he have done? He didn't know where Odin sent her, and every time he asked Heimdall, he received the same, "I cannot tell you," answer. It drove him mad. Of course the Gatekeeper of Asgard would give him the perfect soldier response.

The more he looked at his helmet, the more it only looked back at him with its usual emptiness.

She never got to see him in all his regalia before. He had been excited for a royal event where he could walk out in full ceremonial dress and watch her giggle at him from where the servants stood. He loved making her giggle, whether she did it from amusement or embarrassment.

Her laughter echoed in his mind. He thought about her every day. Thought of the day she was so cruelly ripped from him every night before he slept. No amount of pleading, explanation, or protest would change the Allfather's mind. Not even his magic could save her. It was one of the reasons why he took such pride in advancing his powers so much.

It had crossed his thoughts before he might find her dead whenever he could find her. But it was something he had always quickly pushed out of his mind. Even though she had been raised in the serving class, she would be more than capable to take care of herself. He needed to believe she was still alive, waiting for him to find her. He needed to find her.

The only unfortunate thing was he hardly had the chance to leave Asgard without raising suspicion. He left with Thor and the Warrior's Three, of course, but even still, it was difficult for him to step aside from the group without Sif noticing. There was a part of him that despised that woman. The Bifrost wasn't an option; Heimdall saw to that. And while he had found secret passages leading to other Realms, it was hard to be gone for long without having some sense of direction.

Because then Odin noticed. Over the years, he found it was far more beneficial to please his father rather than disobey him. However, he was starting to become desperate, and he was willing to do anything to get his beloved back. Death was even option at this point. Whether it be to him or to somebody else.

A light knock rapped on of the gilded doors to his room.

He glanced over his shoulder, awakened from his contemplations. "Who dares to disturb me?"

"Your mother dares to disturb you." Frigga opened the door and stepped in. Her beautiful yellow gown accenting her blue eyes. Her celebratory and even snarky manner soon diminished, however. A frown forming. "What bothers you, my son?"

Loki's jaw set as he looked back at the horned helmet in his hands.

The Queen approached. "Are you upset Thor was chosen instead of you?"

"In a way. You and I both know he isn't ready to be king."

"Your father thinks he's ready. And we know he's typically right in his judgements."

His voice sliced the still air. "Is he?"

Frigga straightened, her gaze hardening. "We also both know Thor is the first born. Technically, the crown falls to him, regardless of how ready he may or may not be."

He glanced up at her reflection in the mirror. "But we both know I'm much more qualified than he is."

She studied him in the mirror. Her azure eyes searching him deeply. "What is this really about? You know you can't hide your true feelings from me. Not with my lineage."

His nostrils flared with a deep breath, and he remained quiet. Thumb rubbing the designs etched on the side of his helmet.

Frigga went to his bed. Lifted the emerald cape off it and returned to her youngest son. Secured the ends of the cape underneath his golden armor, watching his expression in the mirror. "Is the reason for your distress little Aura, not the coronation?"

"Yes." Loki closed his eyes. "I thought…I thought if I could prove myself, perhaps she would be forgiven and allowed to return. Or maybe I could be the next in line, so I could order her return."

Her brows knitted as she smoothed the fabric of his green mantle. "There's a still a chance your father will change his mind. Or maybe Thor can undo her banishment once he's crowned?"

"Why couldn't you have done anything about her exile when it was happening? She was technically listed under the care of your handmaidens. You could've stopped it. Why didn't you?"

"You know why."

He turned around to face her. "But it wasn't a law then. There was absolutely no law stating that a member of the royal family couldn't fall in love with a servant. You know this."

She sighed. "I do. But you also know I tried reasoning with him. Tried convincing him she was but an innocent child, and there was nothing wrong with the affections shared between the both of you. Once Odin's mind is made up, no one can change it. Not even me, I'm afraid."

Loki nodded. His ebony brows furrowed, and he dropped his gaze.

Frigga placed both of her hands on either side of his face and gently lifted his head. "We will find a way, I promise you. Somehow, we'll bring her back. But for now, we need to go attend the ceremony. We'll be in worse trouble if we don't, and I know you know this, as well."

He gave another nod. Although, he refused to look happy about the situation.

Taking the helmet from him, she smiled and placed it on his head. "You are so handsome." She caressed the side of his face in typical motherly fashion. "No matter what happens, you are still a prince. You are still royalty. But most importantly, you will forever be my son, yes?"

His cheekbones became more predominate when a grin crept across his features. "Yes. I will always be your son."

One of her golden brows rose, and she slightly pursed her lips. "Good. Because I think you would kill me if you decided you weren't. Now, let's go to the coronation hall before anyone gets suspicious, and we have to come up with a scheme to direct their attention elsewhere."

He followed her through the halls of the grand palace in silence. Oh, he had a scheme, alright. If it went according to plan, it would steal the attention of everyone attending the coronation, especially his father's. Thor wasn't ready to be king, and he would prove to the whole of Asgard why.

"Loki," a familiar voice called.

His eyes rolled as his mother smiled at him and left him to deal with his older brother alone. However, he turned around with a pleasant expression. "Thor."

The thunder god grinned. "I wished to speak with you before the ceremony. Would you care to indulge me?"

Loki rose a brow. There was something about Thor's demeanor that was…off. He didn't seem quite as confident as he normally portrayed himself. Perhaps his brother was having doubts about becoming Asgard's ruler? He could only hope. "Of course."

Thor inclined his head and led his sibling to a wing off to the side of the coronation hall. Downing a goblet of wine, smashing it on the floor. "Another!" Then he took Loki to the other side of a fire raging in a pit in the middle of the room, so they could look out across Asgard. Sighed.

The god of mischief stopped next to his brother and clasped his hands in front of him. Glanced at the blonde. "Are you nervous?"

"Me? Nervous? I would think not. When have I ever been nervous?"

"Well—"

"I do not think you need to answer that question."

Loki smirked. "There was that time on Vanaheim. Shall I elaborate further?"

Thor puffed out his chest. "That was not nervousness. It was simply the heat of battle, emotions of battle. Nothing else."

"Oh, I'm sure." He studied his brother from corners of his eyes. Despite the confidence his brother now displayed, he still seemed tense. He wasn't sure if that was good or bad. His sibling had the tendency to act as a cornered beast when his felt anxious.

"Brother," Thor's tone softened, "do you think I'm ready?"

Loki immediately wanted to rattle off a sarcastic quip, but there was something about Thor's sudden sincerity that made him pause. His brother was seeking his true opinions, his advice. This calling off to the side made sense now. His brother sought comfort. But he sneered, regardless. He couldn't let him down. "You know I will always say no."

Thor turned to him and smiled. "That I do know."

"But do not mistake my enviousness for hatred. I will always love you, and you will always have my support." He would still enact his plan, but it was for Thor's benefit. The big lug didn't know what it would take to be king, and he would be severely overwhelmed. He was ultimately still looking out for his brother's best interests.

He considered his younger brother's words. "Despite your tricks, you have never led me astray. Ah," he regarded a servant bringing in a tray with a fresh goblet.

Loki grinned to himself and discreetly waved a hand.

Three green and black snakes hissed, emerging from the cup.

Gasping, the servant dropped the tray and scurried backwards.

Thor laughed heartily before giving Loki a disapproving look. "That was such a waste of fine wine."

The mischief maker gave his signature grin. "Oh, come now, brother. You love my tricks." With the flick of his wrist, he made the snakes turn back into the spilled wine on the floor.

He shook his head. "You did always know how to amuse me. But seriously, how do I look?"

Loki paused. Thor truly desired his encouragement before he paraded himself in front of Asgard. He set aside his pride and tendency for cynicism. Allowed a genuine smile. "Like a king."

Thor brightened and smiled in turn. "Thank you, brother. You go on ahead."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I-I need a few more moments to collect my thoughts."

He knew his sibling actually needed a few more moments to recollect his self-assurance. So he inclined his head. Watched Thor put on his new helmet. "I see you've gone for the shiny look. Nice feathers."

Thor playfully shoved him forward. "You are the one who looks like a goat. Get out before I have to escort you with my hammer."

Loki smirked again and ascended the stairs into the coronation hall. Amused by those who donned their best attire for this event. He made his way through the gathered to take his place on the right side of Odin, between his mother and the Lady Sif. Avoided looking at the back where the servants were allowed to stand.

Frigga smiled at her youngest. "I assume you had a good chat with Thor by the reassumed mischievousness in your eyes."

"I made fun of him, yes."

Her eyes twinkled, as well, and she returned to her queenly state.

Sif glared at the raven-haired prince. "As long as you have nothing up your sleeves this time."

Loki gave her a side-long glance, but he didn't give her the satisfaction of a response. Just as she had never been fond of him, he had never been fond of her. Especially since he first realized her crush on his brother. She may be good on the battlefield, but he found her demeanor lacking when it came to care for Thor.

But he ignored the warrior woman for the time being and turned his attention to the rest of hall taking their places and the soldiers forming the line down which Thor would travel. He never once acknowledged his father. He wouldn't give Odin that satisfaction, either.