Chapter 28: Take Me to the King
Disclaimer: read prologue
Kelsey was looking for the throne room; there were no guards or maids to guide her, so she's on her own. It's been a week or two, but Kelsey still had trouble with directions. Her mind wasn't confused as her first day here in Asgard, but she's still troubled from the memory of that night.
Kelsey wanted to put the pieces of that blurry night together herself, but it's proven difficult. She had uncovered some fragments of what happened to her, but there's still more to the story.
She shook her head, realizing that she's still thinking the stupid stuff. What happened to her was all in the past. She's alive and well, and she eased Jane's stress. Everything will be fine - just like Jane said on the phone.
"It doesn't matter," she whispered. "Just let it go. I'm okay, that's all that matters."
She came across the door to find two, large, golden doors before her. No guards were standing in her way this time. She's positive that this must be the throne room. Using most of her strength, she pushed one door open. The door was massive; it was like driving a truck out of a ditch.
"Damn! I wish the guards were here!"
Luckily, she managed to crack it open enough for her to fit through. She quickly went inside before the door smashed her body.
Four torches lit the room enough to see that this wasn't the throne room. Instead, it was the king's chambers. How did she know that? It's because there's a golden bed with Odin sleeping peacefully in the center.
She turned around to pull the door open, but the door wouldn't budge for Kelsey was too weak. She was trapped in this room alone with the king.
"Shit," Kelsey cursed herself. "Shit. Shit. Shit." She leaned against the door, rubbing her temples, closing her eyes, hoping that she could teleport herself in the throne room. She opened her eyes with a groan, knowing that teleporting herself wouldn't be possible. She had no choice but to stick around with the snooty, older man until somebody decided to come here.
Kelsey stared at the king with curiosity. She always thought Odin as a cruel man who didn't give a damn about feelings. Looking at him, he was vulnerable. It was weird seeing him like this. It proved that he had a little soul, after all. She pitied him for about two seconds. After all, she didn't forget the comments he made at the dinner table. A part of her was glad that he's in bed. It's wicked of her to think that, but it's the truth. She's free to roam the halls without worrying about running into him. She could eat in peace without listening to his offensive comments about her planet. Sure, Earth wasn't perfect, but it's still her world.
She slowly approached the king to get a closer look, keeping her hands to herself. She feared that if she touched him, he'll wake up and grasp her wrist like the Grim Reaper.
Loki said that Odin was basically in a coma, recharging himself. He mentioned that the king's sleep might take weeks or months for him to wake. She wondered though if he can hear her, right now. She doubted. If he did, she'll be long gone before he could open his eyes.
"Hey, Odin. Your Highness," Kelsey began softly. "So... uh... I know, right about now, you will be demanding an explanation as to why I'm here, and you probably want me to leave. But I don't have the strength to open the door, so you're stuck with me until someone shows up. Lucky us..." Kelsey let out a laugh.
"Look, I know things were kinda awkward between us, but I wanted to say... I'm sorry about what happened to you..."
'Not really,' Kelsey thought truthfully.
"It's not fun being in bed all day, doing nothing, just sleeping..." A thought came to her as she slowly sat down next to him. "You know..." she began, staring at the king, but picturing a different person in his place, someone she loved very much.
"This scene is a deja vu moment to me... I remember watching someone I love in a coma state, like you, but she wasn't immortal. She was a..." Kelsey blinked her eyes, feeling her eyes water a bit, but held the tears in. She refused to cry, especially in front of the king.
"She was my grandma - Alberta Roberts. She was kind, honest, and a little controlling (but the reason she is that way is that she wants me and family to have a great life) like you are with your sons... She's also a good storyteller. She tells my dad a whole bunch of stories when he was a kid. When he grew up, he told me stories as well, especially my favorite story, Peter Pan... I was an imaginative girl then. I used to believe that everything has a happy ending..." She scoffed, "How wrong I was."
"I used to be happy, but then a storm cloud came and took everything from me, and I'm not talking about the Bifrost that brought me here..."
Kelsey's eyes watered, thinking about the people that left her and went to heaven. She sniffled her nose and wiped her eyes. She was lucky that she wasn't wearing makeup. Otherwise, mascara would be running down her cheek.
"I don't want to tell you my whole life story, but I can tell you that my grandmother was in the same state as you were, but she had tubes in her system, but that wasn't enough. Not enough to make her get back on her feet again. Be glad that you're immortal, Odin. Humans aren't that lucky. Your sons need a father, and your wife needs a husband."
She thought back at the last moment she saw Odin on his feet. It was when she had overheard his conversation with his second son. She couldn't get Loki's yelling out of her head.
'Tell me!... You know it all makes sense now! Why you favor Thor all these years! No matter how much you claim to love me...'
The rest of his words were muffles. Kelsey knew that Odin said something to Loki that hurt him emotionally. She hated seeing her best friend upset... at least she hoped she and Loki were still friends. He gave her a phone as an apology present, that meant they're okay now. Right?
"Look, Odin... I know it's not my business, and I know I'm not a parent, but I'm a child. If my parents said something to me that was devastating and life-changing, I would be hurt, and if they banished me to another world, I would've felt betrayed. Kids want their parents' approval. Loki wants the crown, and I'm sure he'll do whatever it takes to please you. He's not the kind of man to let you down. Sure, Thor is older, and that rule applies to the line of the throne, but Loki deserves it! I know he deserves it." She furrowed her brows at Odin in question, "Do you know what kind of guy he is?"
Kelsey realized that was a stupid question. Even if it wasn't, Odin couldn't reply, because he's sleeping. He probably won't hear or remember her talk.
"He's smart and fun, and kind. He's a great man, and you hurt him," her voice started to rise in anger. "I don't know what you said to him, but I know this... You're a jackass! A big, fucking, snooty jackass! I hate you! And I hate the way you talked about me, my parents, and my world! Don't judge us when you don't have a fucking first clue about it! And another thing-"
"Kelsey?"
Kelsey whirled around to see the queen coming out from another room, what looked like the washroom.
Kelsey's cheeks flushed red and immediately bowed her head to the queen, "Your majesty! I-I-I-"
"What are you doing in here?" Frigga asked curiously. "Are you here to find Loki?"
"Uh..." Kelsey turned to face the sleeping king, she cursed at, before meeting the queen, "Yes, ma'am. I got lost."
"There wasn't a guard around to help you?"
"No, ma'am."
"Oh..." Frigga glared at the door, assuming that the guards were outside. If Kelsey couldn't find any, then they mustn't be standing out there.
"I see," Frigga looked back at Kelsey curiously, "Were you talking to my husband, Kelsey?"
"Uh... Yes, ma'am. I-I wanted to express m-my condolences, hoping that he makes a speedy recovery."
Frigga's face changed into a smug one as if she knew something Kelsey didn't, "Loki told you that the All-Father could hear and see in his sleep, right?"
Kelsey widened her eyes in disbelief, nearly choked on her spit, "W-What?"
Frigga nodded, approaching her husband, caressing his wrinkly hand, "He can see and hear us, even now."
'Oh shit!' Kelsey cursed in her mind. He heard everything she had said. She expressed emotion in front of him and said a few words she can't take back. She was screwed. She was going to jail.
"So you heard what I said to him?" she asked curiously.
"A proper lady shouldn't eavesdrop. I do know, however, is that the Allfather is listening to you, right now."
"But you knew I was here," Kelsey declared it as a statement than a question.
Frigga smiled, "Yes... If I were you, Kelsey, I would apologize to Odin right now. For I am sure, it is one step closer to a lesser punishment."
Kelsey nodded, "Yes, ma'am." She kneeled in front of the king and begun her apology in haste, "I am very, very sorry for what I said. Forget what I told you; throw it out the window. I didn't mean it!"
"Kelsey," Frigga called for her attention.
Kelsey faced Frigga with watery eyes, "I'm sorry! Really, really sorry!"
"You are lucky that you have expressed your temper in understanding circumstances." Frigga lifted her finger, pointing straight at Kelsey's face as if she was scolding a child, "Be warn that you shall not do so in front of me again. Understand?"
Kelsey nodded frantically, "Y-Yes, ma'am. I-I understand - n-never again! I am so sorry."
"Good," Frigga lowered her hand, smiling in satisfaction. She turned back around to face her sleeping husband, "If you're looking for Loki, he should be either in the throne room or the library. If I were you, I would ask a guard or your friends for directions."
"Yes, ma'am. I am really sorry," Kelsey apologized again.
Frigga sighed, "So am I... I am sorry that I didn't try hard enough to convince the All-father to be honest from the beginning."
Kelsey furrowed her brows in confusion, "Excuse me, your majesty, but... be honest about what?"
"Loki."
Kelsey perked up, intrigued by the subject, "What about him?"
"We kept the truth about Loki's heritage from the beginning. Odin figured that Loki would think himself as an equal if he thought he's Asgardian."
Kelsey widened her eyes in shock, "He's not?! Then what is he?"
Frigga turned to Kelsey with a smile, "You should ask him yourself."
Kelsey laughed, knowing fully well that she would say something like that. The girl was at a dead end again...
No...
That's not entirely true.
Kelsey remembered her education about Norse Mythology. She read about Loki's family, wife, and children. She knew his birth parents' names - Laufey and Farbauti, both giants. His father, Farbauti, was a jotun. That's when her mind clicked - finally thinking as it should. She recalled Hogan and Loki explaining two realms to her, during a game of would you rather; but Hogan's explanation stood out more.
"Jotunheim is the land of Frost Giants," Hogun explained.
The final piece of Loki's secret put into place. Loki's a Frost Giant, born in the realm of Jotunheim. Kelsey solved the mystery; all she needed now was confirmation.
"If I asked Loki, he'd probably be mad," Kelsey said.
"Perhaps."
"I really want him to be open and honest with me."
Frigga turned to Kelsey with a sad smile, "You care for my son."
Kelsey nodded, even though Frigga didn't ask the statement as a question, "I do."
She remembered Brianna from New York; Garrett and Darcy in New Mexico. Sure, she had spent time with them in school or home, but she never felt safe to be open with them. Neither of them could understand her. Maybe Loki can know her, but there's probably no chance of finding out if he kept pushing her away.
"Then may I advise you, Kelsey?" Frigga asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
"The only way for a man, to be honest, is for you to be honest with him."
Kelsey widened her eyes. She thought about doing it but fought against it. The girl never really talked to anyone about her issues before. The only time she was willing to speak was when she was alone or to somebody, she thought couldn't listen, like Odin. The old king knew her past with her late grandmother. She felt exposed. She never liked vulnerability. She was a private person and didn't anyone to invade her. The thought of expressing her feelings and her dark history to a man, she had known for a week or two, terrified her.
She shook her head, feeling tears leaking in the corner of her eyes.
"I-I'm not sure if I can do that," Kelsey admitted in a hoarse whisper.
"You know something, Kelsey... Loki doesn't know if he can do the same either."
Kelsey sniffled, lowered her head in shame. Before she could react, Frigga hugged her. Kelsey didn't hesitate to complete the embrace. She cried on the queen's shoulder. She missed this comfort. She missed her family and friends back home. She lost her late parents, her grandparents. She wished for everything to be going her way. She wished.
"It will get better, Kelsey."
"How do you know?"
"I know. Things happen for a reason. You don't know what the reason is, yet, but in time, you'll know."
Kelsey closed her eyes, resting her head on Frigga's shoulders, recalling a verse from Jeremiah 29:11 -
'For I know the plans I have for you (Declares the Lord) plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
~000~000~000~
(Song: Take Me to The King - Tamela Mann)
She made it to the throne, with a guard's guidance, of course. The guard and his friend opened the doors for her and gestured her inside. They warned her that Loki was very busy and didn't take kindly to interruptions. Kelsey knew that he could yell or scream, or even hurt her self esteem, but he'll never intentionally hurt her physically. He was afraid to touch her again.
Her heart was racing, and her stomach was doing flips. She was scared to death. She had almost forgotten why she came to the throne room. When she reached to Loki, she'll probably stutter and say the wrong thing, annoying him even more.
She made a silent prayer to God for courage and hope that she'll say the right things. She wasn't walking down the stairs to the king on her own. God was with her, and he would never leave her side. She forced herself to make her way upstairs, reminding herself of Esther, the Queen of Persia, the heroine who saved the Jews from Haman. Fortunately, no life was at stake in Asgard, only friendship and a man's heart.
Loki was suffering this sudden, life-changing truth. He forced himself to act on this alone. Kelsey feared that if he didn't let anyone in, he'd hurt. That's why it was up to her to help him, be a good friend to him.
'Esther 5:1 - Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.'
Loki was on his throne with the Gungrir clenched in his hand. He was mentally strategizing a plan. A plan to make peace with the Jotuns, undoing the damage Thor had done.
As he was planning, he heard the double doors opened. He had a visitor. Maybe it was Sif trying once more to convince him to bring Thor back home. Perhaps it was a guard bringing him urgent news. Or maybe...
"Kelsey," he whispered in a hiss, spotting her on the top step. He knew that she'd be back soon. No doubt wished to finish the unfinished conversation they had yesterday.
He knew what she's going to say. He knew what she wanted him to do. He refused. He didn't want to expose his offensive side to her. It was too painful to bear. He was already reluctant to look at himself in the mirror, this morning, knowing that his current face was only a mask to cover the monstrosity.
Loki watched the mortal slowly go down the steps and the aisle towards the throne, towards the guards in front, towards him. He was ready to react. He was prepared to snap. He was ready to tell her to mind her own business and leave him alone. Life would be much simpler if she did.
Somehow, he couldn't open his mouth to speak. It was as if a spell was cast upon him, keeping him from snapping. He merely sat on his throne and watched Kelsey come closer.
Why couldn't he do it? Why couldn't he tell her off?
Then, he heard wise words from his mother in his mind.
'Think before you speak.'
That utterly annoying quote didn't do wonders for Thor. He'd always reacts but never thinks. Loki was intelligent; he already knew what Kelsey was going to say.
Somehow, Loki started to doubt. Maybe Kelsey wasn't asking about his parentage. Perhaps she wanted to have a simple conversation. Maybe she had a different request in mind.
He could hear the guards' whispers from below the steps.
"That girl is going to suffer!"
"Do you remember what the king had done to Sif when she requested the return of Thor, again?"
"Is this girl going to ask about Thor for Sif? I miss his powerful presence."
Loki planned to deal with the guards later about them mentioning his brother before him. He didn't like it — not one bit.
He finally found the legs to stand from his throne and slowly move down the stairs, approaching the girl in mint. Once he made his way to Kelsey, she was about to get on one knee, bowing before her king.
'2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the top of the scepter.'
Kelsey remembered the first rule, Frigga told her when meeting the king.
'Kneel before the king, unless he says otherwise.'
She lowered herself to do that, but a soft voice stopped her from doing so.
"There's no need for that, Kelsey. You may rise."
Kelsey obeyed and stood up, but didn't dare to make eye contact. She was still praying mentally.
"Look at me," Loki commanded.
She raised her eyes to meet his. Kelsey assumed that his eyes would hold irritation or frustration, but it was showing... gentleness? That was unexpected. Maybe God did something to him, something to keep him back. The King must really be on her side right now.
She offered the Asgard king a sweet smile, "Hi, Loki."
That greeting must've caught him off guard, but he too returned the brief, tight gesture.
"Good day, love," he uttered reluctantly, "Kelsey, you should know that I am a busy god. I have little time for conversation."
"I understand," Kelsey whispered. "I just want to see you."
'3 Then said the king unto her, "What wilt thou, queen Esther? And what is thy request? It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom."'
"What is it that you wish, Kelsey?" Loki asked, silently hoped that she wouldn't ask the question he feared.
Kelsey had a lump caught in her throat, couldn't find the words. Her mind was spinning, and her heart was pounding against her chest.
"Kelsey?" Loki furrowed his brows at her, knowing that something was wrong with her. She looked like she was ready to pass out. If she was going to pass, he had no choice but to catch her, cautiously, without touching her bare skin.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
Kelsey cleared her throat, "I-I'm fine."
"Then, what is your request?" he pressed.
There was a momentary silence. Kelsey can tell that Loki was losing his patience. She needed to say the words she rehearsed earlier. Now that she was here, face-to-face with the new king, her mind had gone blank.
Suddenly, there was a slight breeze in the throne room. Kelsey could feel it against the back of her head. Then, somehow, her nerves vanished, replaced with newfound confidence. The words that didn't belong to her slipped through her tongue.
'4 So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."'
"If it pleases the king," Kelsey began, "let the king accompany me on a picnic outside the kingdom." She closed her jaw tightly, couldn't believe those words escaped from her. Where did that come from? This wasn't how she rehearsed it, but she was glad she said something right.
Loki blinked, he expected a lot of things from Kelsey, but this request was a surprise.
"W-What is it that you wish?" he asked with furrowed brows questionably.
Kelsey took a deep breath before speaking, "I-I said, let's go out on a picnic outside the castle." Loki's face was still the same. She further explained, "Eir said that I wouldn't be leaving for a few days, so I want to spend time with you and the others as much as possible."
"You mean Sif and the Warriors Three are joining us on this picnic as well?" Loki asked curiously.
Kelsey shook her head, "No, I'm going to spend time with them at the courtyard. The picnic is just for us."
Loki still couldn't believe that she was asking this. His mind couldn't process it.
"So your request is for me to accompany you on a picnic, outside of the castle? Just us, and us alone?"
Kelsey nodded in confirmation with a pressed smile, "Yes."
Loki was still suspicious. This may seem innocent, but something wasn't right about this picture. However, maybe it was just paranoia talking, and this girl really wanted to enjoy his company. He couldn't be sure what to believe. Either way, he decided to play along with her game.
"Very well," he replied.
Kelsey blinked in shock, "What?"
Loki smiled at her facial expression with amusement, "I shall fulfill your request."
Kelsey didn't think he would accept her offer, but she's thankful that he did. Now her plan was set in motion.
"Under one condition," Loki continued in a firm tone.
"Sure."
"This picnic will be set on the time and place I desire. Tell no one of this for I don't want interruptions, and hopefully, neither do you."
Kelsey nodded with agreement, "Absolutely."
"Good. Meet me at the docks at sunset. You may bring a basket of food. I'll have a cook prepare for our meal."
Kelsey could see that Loki was a little bossy, not to mention having trust issues. She felt like she's negotiating with a demanding terrorist.
"Okay," she agreed.
"Then, I shall see you tonight."
"Great!" Kelsey grinned. "It's a date!" She quickly frowned and covered her mouth in shock, her face flushed pink. Looking at Loki, his eyebrows knitted together, confused by her words.
"I-I mean no, it's not - I mean if you want to call it a date, I don't mind!" Kelsey stammered, "I don't care! Ugh! I mean I-I do care a bit - I-I mean sure you're an attractive guy. Who wouldn't want to date you?!"
Loki blinked, surprised by Kelsey's words again.
Kelsey facepalmed, "Damn it! What the hell did I just say! I-I mean you are good looking, but-"
"Kelsey," Loki cut her off.
"Yes?" she asked nervously, still covering her face in shame.
Loki smirked with amusement, "I shall see you tonight at the docks, the start of sunset." That being said, he went up to the stairs back to his chair.
Kelsey grinned awkwardly with a nod, "Right! I-I'll see ya." She backed away from Loki, almost tripped on the steps, earning chuckles from the guards. How nice. She scampered out of the throne room, down the hall, and into her chambers where she felt safe and alone to express herself.
"Ugh! What's wrong with me?!" Kelsey jumped and landed on the bed face-down, crying and cursing herself, pounding on the mattress.
"What the hell is wrong with me?! Where the fuck did that come from?! It's a date?! Are you kidding?!"
Why did she let it slip? Why did she say it's a date? It wasn't a date... was it?
Looking back, it sounded like she did ask him out. She never was good with boys. She was comfortable with talking to Loki as a friend, but now she was thinking of him as those cute boys she couldn't speak to. This picnic was going to be a disaster. Her plan was going to blow upon her face if she couldn't get her act together.
~000~000~000~
Loki couldn't believe the conversation he had with Kelsey. He expected her to ask him about his heritage, but she didn't. Instead, she asked him on a date. What was a date? He heard of courting but never dating. Maybe dating was part of Midguard culture; he couldn't understand yet.
'She called you attractive,' Loki thought.
He knew he was attractive, but he wouldn't think that Kelsey would admit it out loud. No woman ever achieved, saying it to him. The girls looked at him with lust, but only giggled and carried on a conversation with their girlfriends - one reason why Kelsey was different. She could speak her mind if she chose to.
A part of him was glad that he didn't date much. Thor had plenty of girls in his lifetime, but they usually ended badly. Sometimes it was filled with drama. He hoped that his relationship with Kelsey wouldn't be like that, but a part of him felt it's already happening.
With Kelsey in mind, what does he want with her? A part of him wanted her to stay away so that he won't hurt her again. Another part wanted her to be his sincere friend. Another piece... he wasn't sure what else he wanted. The word - date - was getting to him. He had no idea what it meant. He planned on asking his mother or looking it up later.
He was also suspicious about her real intentions on this picnic. Was there a real reason behind it, other than spending time together? He cannot be sure. There was the only way to find out. Meet her at the docks at sunset.
'5 "Bring Haman at once," the king said, "so that we may do what Esther asks."'
...
A/N: Finally, Kelsey got the courage to ask him on a date... Is it a date? She's not sure. Loki's not sure. I am not even sure. I estimated that there are only ten chapters left until the end of part 1. During college, I will focus on this story until the end.
