A.N.: I just wanted to take a moment to say that every time one of you tells me this fic has been a bit of light or distraction from stress or overwhelm, that it really means a LOT to me. It really does. I certainly know how it feels to need a good distraction to get through a day or week or even a month, and to know that I've been able to provide that for someone is not something I take lightly.

This chapter is very short, so enjoy a double update!

He was seething.

He sat on the edge of their bed staring straight ahead, anger, jealousy, resentment and hurt wrapping around him so tight they would have choked him bad they been physical things.

Kagome sat gingerly next to him, gently rubbing circles into his back, hoping to soothe some of the tension, some of the ache. He didn't respond, he simply breathed in and out in a measured tempo, still as stone despite the storm raging through his soul.

"Loki? Are you... are you going to be alright?"

Almost faster than she could see he snatched her around the waist and pulled her into his lap, burying his face in her shoulder, nuzzling her soft skin, breathing in the sweet smell of her hair. Her honest gentleness consumed him and he felt some of his angst begin to break away.

With a shuddering sigh and tightened his hold on her and she wiggled ever closer, running her fingers through his hair and shushing him softly, like a child coming out of a nightmare.

An apt description of how he felt despite his years.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't let my temper-"

"No Loki, it's alright. It's alright to feel hurt. They left you behind again. That hurts."

They had left him behind again. Another diplomatic visit somewhere, it didn't matter where. But another official royal thing that he'd been deemed unworthy for, left behind while his mother ruled and his father and brother represented Asgard. Balls and parties and dances were all fine and dandy, and when some bit of trickery needed finessed he was all well and good, but when actual business needed tending, apparently he fell short.

His father said it was because they needed another person to watch the throne but he wasn't stupid. That wasn't why. There was something else, he could tell there was something else.

He just didn't know what.

"I just don't know what he's after. If its diplomacy he wants, he won't get it from Thor. You know it, I know it. I love my brother, but he is... he's quick tempered and prone to swinging first and never asking questions. Why is he continually pushed forward?"

This was not the first time they'd been here, and Kagome's heart ached. Odin favored Thor for one reason or another, and he didn't do a very good job hiding it. It was obvious Frigga tried her hardest to pick up the slack but she didn't favor Loki either. She didn't favor either of her sons, as it should be.

Still, when things are so unbalanced for so long, balanced love from one parent isn't often enough to overshadow the hurt caused by favoritism from another.

"Perhaps he just wants to train Thor in some of the places he's lacking so he'll be ready to take over one day."

"But I'm ready to take over now. I am not as physically strong as Thor, no one is, and he possesses a natural prowess for battle that not many can match, least of all me. But I am a proficient warrior, and I'm already skilled in diplomacy and protocol and every other thing about ruling that Thor finds a waste of time."

Kagome let him vent his frustrations, seeing his criticism of his brother for what it was, hurt feelings of betrayal. His father made him feel inferior, so he had to voice his superiority.

In truth, Thor and Loki thought the world of each other. They bickered and fought like any true siblings but they're love for each other was deep and unbreakable.

"Thor doesn't understand. He truly believes father is doing it all for everyone's best interest, that father finds me too smart, too useful. He forgets I can sense the falsehood in father's explanations. They are subtle, but they are there. There's something else, something he won't say, something he barely even feels but it's there. Surely you feel it?"

She cast her mind back, tried to remember all the instances she'd been present when Odin had looked more favorably on one brother over the other.

"I can't say with any certainty. As long as I've been here, I'm still not familiar enough with him. But I trust your senses."

He sat up a little straighter and tucked her under his chin. She melted against him and her utter trust and belief in him felt cool and sweet.

"Thank you."

"You're right that Thor isn't quite as ready as you to rule any nations, and I'm sorry your father overlooks you so often. You may not be future king of Asgard, but you're already king of my heart."

He snorted and barked out a surprised laugh.

"Is that so?"

She peeked up at him and he smiled at the mischief dancing in her eyes. It stoked the natural embers of mischief that always smoldered in his own soul.

"Well then, are you prepared to show me your devotion little queen, or will I be forced to conquer you?"

He scooped her up from his lap and tossed her up higher on the bed, and she shrieked as he tickled her sides, her heart growing lighter as his did.