As Loki entered his own chambers he glanced around.
He looked at the massive bed, with the soft blankets and pillow in silk. He glanced at the golden bookshelf, filled to the rim with books. Standing neatly in line.
Daggers hanging on the wall for display, the pelt of a bear on the ground in front of a big fireplace. Beautiful elegant chambers.
Loki gently placed Gungnir up against the wall then stepped further inside as he looked around, as if to inspect every corner of the chambers.
At last he ended in front of a full length mirror, showcasing his entire figure. Loki looked at his own reflection. Then straightened out his tunic before he turned his head, holding up a hand to touch his chin. Critically looking at his own face.
"Afraid a bit of blue is showing little one?"
Loki stood still, his eyes on his reflection.
"You know don't you… It will always be there. Hiding right under your skin."
Loki sighed. "It's unsporting to spy on your opponent you know." he stated as he turned around to see a magic window and Laufey himself sitting on his throne.
"Opponent?" Laufey asked.
"Well, we aren't allies." Loki commented.
"Aren't we?" Laufey asked. "I think I have made you a good offer."
Loki lifted an eyebrow. "You've been watching me, you've seen." he stated. "It took me a minute and now I am the king of Asgard. Remind me again, what do I need you for?" he asked. "I am the king of the mightiest race in all the nine realms. You're the king of a big ball of ice. Why should I ever waste another second of my time on you?" he asked.
Laufeys eyes narrowed as he huffed as Loki turned and headed to a table where a pitcher of wine was put out for him and a golden goblet and he poured a glass of wine for himself.
"Your little scheme will only last until your true origin is revealed." Laufey huffed. "You may put on a fake Aisir skin. But under it hides the blue hide of a Jotunn. Behind that nice green of your eyes there is red. And one day, it will show." he stated. "You truly think Asgard will accept a Jotunn as their king?" he asked. "Yes indeed, they threw Thor out with the trash in a matter of minutes. What though, pray tell. Makes you think they wont do the same to you?" he asked.
Loki lifted his goblet to his lip as he took a sip.
"That or Odin awakens. He could waken at any time, isn't that so?" Laufey asked. "If he wakens, your entire scheme will be over. The second his one eye opens, you are done."
Loki turned to look at Laufey again, his green eyes harsh.
"I admit, you are cunning." Laufey commented. "In fact, I am impressed. And I do not impress so easily. But as things are now, you wont be winning." he stated.
"Then what do you suggest?" Loki asked.
Laufey grinned. "Make sure Odin never wakes. Kill him." he suggested.
"And what of Thor?" Loki asked.
"Kill him to." Laufey encouraged. "You'll be the only one left. They'll have to acknowledge you as king."
Loki glanced down in his cup. "Odins brothers are nearly as old as Odin and doesn't want part of the royal house. Neither of them has children… If Asgard refuses to accept me, they will have to look among second and third cousins spread across the realms. There would be utter chaos and people would fight each other for the throne. It would be a blood bath, and a recipe for intrigues. It cannot be afforded. Get rid of Odin and Thor, and I would be the only option left if they wish to avoid that scenario." he looked up.
Laufey was now one big grin. "Glad you can see reason." he stated. "Of course, you shouldn't soil your own hands. That would look quite bad."
"So you're saying I should let you inside and let you do the job for me." Loki commented. "How very generous of you."
"Of course I would expect a few favors in return." Laufey commented. "But think of the possibilities. This could be the start, of something great. We could find true trust in each other. Then maybe one day, you'll be king of Asgard and Jotunnheim. You alone has the power to master the casket of winters. In given time, you could be the most powerful being in all of the nine realms and none would ever dare stand against you. No matter your skin color or origin. You would simply be… To powerful to oppose."
Loki looked down at the goblet in his hand before he looked up at Laufey.
Laufey was grinning, his eyes on Loki.
"You're all the same." Loki commented. "The council, I am a joke to them. Until the second they think they have a need for me. You, happy to let me die… Until the very second you realize you have a need for me. Everyone, you are all the same aren't you? Don't have a care until you realize you could use me."
Laufey smirked. "Welcome to the reality of a royal court."
Loki snorted. "I grew up in a court. The greatest court in all of the nine realms. I know how it works." he stated. "Which is exactly why I am sick of it." he stated as he lifted his goblet and emptied it out, then put it down on the table in a heavy clink. "You want to come to Asgard? Fine." he asked. "But why succumb to the back door?" Loki questioned. "I. King Loki! King of Asgard. Hereby formally invite King Laufey of Jotunnheim to come dine in Asgards halls! He may bring some of his court as well. Our dinner shall symbolize a new age, of peace between Asgard and Jotunnheim!" he stated then silenced. "How-ever… If a few soldiers should slip away and." he shrugged. "Work against King Laufeys orders, they just so happen to have plans of their own King Laufey had nothing to do with. If it all happened while King Laufey was dining at the halls where all the Asgardians can clearly see him. Clearly it wasn't him."
Laufey lifted an eyebrow, then he smirked. Then he laughed. "HAHAHAHAHA!" he howled in laughter. "Oh, my only regret is that I can't drive the knife through his heart myself." he stated.
"Well, maybe I'll let you have Thor." Loki commented. "With him gone, the line of Odin is no more."
"Almost." Laufey sighed and Loki glanced up.
"Almost?" Loki asked.
Laufey smirked. "The Asgardians might have willfully forgotten. But there is another."
Loki sucked in a deep breath.
"I wont forget." Laufey stated. "After all, she killed my father."
Loki stood still, still as a statue as Laufey glanced up. "Oh, you didn't know?" he asked.
Loki glanced at him, then he smiled. "As you said, the Asgardians has willfully forgotten." he stated. "I shall send the official invitation to you through official means. I shall see you soon." he stated in a dismissive tone and then waved his hand closing the window forcefully.
Then Loki stood still, now looking at the empty spot.
And he remembered, that image of a woman… And the name.
Hela Odindottir… Princess of Asgard… Goddess of death.