It had only been a week since Astrid and Loki returned from their business in Vanaheim when they were summoned by Odin. They along with Thor, Egil, and Tove were needed in his throne room as he reached a decision not just for them, but for all of Asgard. Frigga was at his side and she hoped that Odin would just declare an heir and not abide by the agreement made all those years ago. She knew Astrid loved Loki and to force a union between her and Thor wouldn't be for the best. The brothers stood side by side why Astrid stood behind them. Odin was neutral in his expression since this had been the moment his sons were waiting for since they were young boys.

"Now my dear boys...it's nearly time for me to step down as king. As I've expressed to you both many times, only one of you could rule but both of you are worthy to be king. Know that whoever I speak as my heir, I won't love either of you any more or less. This wasn't easy as you both are worthy but alas I have made my choice." Odin spoke firmly yet with warmth.

Astrid and Loki were both nervous for this news since whatever the outcome they both made plans in secret to fit either of the circumstances.

"What have you decided, father?" Loki asked, slightly nervous.

At this point he just wanted this all to be over with. He did not care for being a king too much and just wanted to move on in his life with Astrid. She wasn't going to hide their romance any longer no matter what the decision was and he was looking forward to ending the deception and having Asgard acknowledge they were together proudly.

Odin looked to both his sons carefully, thinking about their lives and how simple the choice really was to himself. Deep down he made this decision long before this and it was just his time to step down.

"I declare that Thor will be my heir and he will ascend to the throne within two weeks. Well done my son." Odin decided.

Thor couldn't contain himself and yet out an excited shout. He regained his composure and raised a hand to his brother. He couldn't wait to be king and to have his brother and Astrid at his side to help in his rule. Egil grinned as Odin had made a splendid decision, one he will benefit heavily from. Thor noticed a sort of mixed expression from Loki and he couldn't help but feel sad in some ways.

"You are happy for me….aren't you brother?" Thor asked, his hand still raised for him to shake it. Loki was brought back by Thor's voice and offered a smile.

" Of course Thor, I am sure you will do well as our king. I'm happy father chose you." Loki said.

He was happy but also a bit disappointed with how right he was. Despite father claiming they both would make great kings, he chose Thor, his first born; once again being passed up and unworthy. However he was thankful a choice was made and that now he and Astrid could move on without the added stress of a kingdom to worry about.

Thor looked at Astrid and she looked to be smiling, but he could tell by Astrid's eyes something was wrong. He thought Astrid being one of his closest friends would be joyful at the news and embracing him, but she was alas distant and clung on to Loki. Thor couldn't understand Astrid's demeanor at all.

"Astrid...don't tell me you're disappointed by my father's decision...are you?" Thor questioned.

Astrid sighed since she should have guessed Odin would pick Thor, a warrior and his first born. No matter what Odin claimed, it was clear that he had his mind set. Though somewhat relieved she would not be queen by marriage if Loki were to be crowned king, she still hoped Loki would be seen in the way she did by his own people and father. Alas, nothing had changed in all this time.

" No Thor, I am not disappointed that you're king. I guess I'm disappointed in fact that your father was not really going to put Loki in in the first place." Astrid expressed with somewhat cold tone

Odin raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by Astrid's comment. He could sense a bit of the same cloudiness all the way back from when she was an infant.

"What do you mean by your words Lady Astrid?! Are you to say I've made a horrible decision?" Odin questioned.

Egil glared at Astrid since she was being very rude to the All-Father's decision and not being wise with her words. This was good for her and she would know if she kept her words to herself but didn't. Loki grabbed Astrid's wrist tenderly since he was concerned she would talk out of line in front of his father, the All-Father. Not wise but Loki knew it was because of her love for him.

" Do you want my honest opinion, your majesty? You wont like it and I wish not to ruin Thor's moment. I care for both of your sons so I would rather leave it at that and leave the words empty for now." Astrid stated meeting, Odin's eye,

Egil growled very angrily and shook his head.

"Never mind her Odin! Now you brought us here because of your other announcement...What Thor being king would mean for Astrid like we spoke about?!" Egil expressed.

Frigga looked to Egil in a rather distasteful way before turning to her husband. As the goddess of marriage, it was distressing that Odin would even consider honoring the agreement. She'd seen the three of them grow up and it was clear to her which union would be a happy marriage and which would be bitter and heart breaking.

" Odin, I know you value your friendship, but must you do this arrangement. You both decided this before the children were even old enough to talk, let alone consent. Do you truly think it is wise to carry through with this just for the sake of friendship." Frigga asked in a whisper.

Odin sighed and looked at his wife.

"My dear Frigga there's nothing more to discuss. Loki has a maiden and I want a future wife of Thor to truly be something Asgard can be proud of….Astrid is that despite her...interesting way of seeing things." Odin whispered.

Thor looked at Loki in a rather puzzled way.

"What other news could there be Loki?" he asked.

Loki sighed and clenched his teeth. He knew or rather suspected what the news may be. He wasn't blind and knew Egil hated Astrid for being Frode's child. The only reason he'd kept her alive and raised her to an extent was for this moment. If he was right in his judgement, Loki wasn't going to let Astrid go without a fight or at least an argument.

" It has to do with you and Astrid, if what past centuries told me anything it has to do with that." Loki expressed softly

Odin sighed and he looked to Astrid with the calmest of expressions.

"It was decided with your birth Lady Astrid that you were to wed who I decided will be my heir. Seeing how I married Frigga and she's a woman of immense magic, you'll be the same for Thor as his wife."

Astrid could feel her rage building and felt her magic coursing around her wrists. That's why Egil had been so forward and persistent in wanting them together. They had made this arrangement all this time and she wasn't okay with it. She wasn't okay with her love being decided and more so since she's already chosen for herself who was worthy of her romantic love.

" I'm sorry but that isn't going to happen. I am not agreeing to a marriage against my will and desires. This arrangement was made before I was old enough to talk, let alone old enough consent to this. I respect you, but I will not be going through with this." Astrid voice loud enough so everyone especially Egil and Loki and Thor could hear

Odin was rather curious at her defiance and couldn't understand as he looked to Egil in puzzlement.

"You've been informing me that Astrid would love this union Egil. They have been good friends and yet the Astrid I see seems to loathe the very idea of this union. Are you sure Astrid isn't just jesting or being dramatic?"

Egil forced and chuckled and shook his head. He'd spent all these years, centuries, raising her and looking after her when Frode couldn't do so himself. He could have even killed her due to being a product of his wife's betrayal, but he wasn't that heartless to kill a little baby girl. He wanted her happy and being Queen would make her fulfilled as she wanted and what he wanted. He thought being queen was what Astrid would want and it would grant her the opportunity to foster her magic in Asgard. He couldn't understand why Astrid was refusing this honor.

"Ah must be her time, blood and irritability...She's actually just shocked it's all All-Father. She's excited by the news, go on Astrid tell the All-Father." Egil expressed, glaring at Astrid.

" Bullshit, you want to live in your fantasy land, that's really your choice, but stop involving me in your greedy little plans. I am sorry to inform you of this All-Father, but my father has been feeding you this lie all the time. I do love Thor but only as a friend, comrade, and brother. We never have and never will be anything more, no matter what my father chooses to say." Astrid said cold glare at Egil

Odin decided to ignore Astrid and looked to Thor. His word mattered more to him as his son. Thor seemed shocked at the news since he never thought being betrothed would be a part of his accent to be king. Astrid was a fine maiden and a powerful ally. Though he wanted her in their early adult years...he knew better. They grew closer as people could be without romance and he knew Astrid's wishes. He can see that Astrid didn't want them to be married and he was going to respect her wish.

"What is your view on this Thor? Would you take Astrid as your wife, do you want her?"

Thor looked at Astrid and smiled tenderly but shook his head. He nearly lost Astrid several times over their lives, both in combat and his foolish attempts at romantic advancement. Astrid was special and Thor didn't want to lose that, which meant ironically not marrying her.

"While I do love Astrid, father….I respect her too much to make her unhappy with me. She's one of my closest friends, dearest allies, and a powerful sorceress I can depend on. I was a foolish boy thinking I wanted more out of Lady Astrid...but I enjoy what we have. She's a maiden I want in my life….but not as my wife."

Astrid looked at Thor with a soft gaze. She was grateful he chose to honor and respect her even though it meant defying his father. She gave Thor a tight hug and whispered,

"Thank you so much Thor, you have no idea how happy this makes me."

Thor chuckled and answered,

"There are plenty of maidens for me; while none of them are you, I do love what we have. I just hope you find someone that will make you happy romantically."

Astrid smiled but it was a weak one. She knew that coming out that Loki was her lover would crush Thor; more so since she and Loki had a long courtship. Hiemdall knew, Frigga and her mother knew, some people did know but Loki paid them off; Sif might have suspicions but they were only that, and of course her Aunt Thyra and most of Vanaheim knew of their relationship. It wouldn't be easy but the news needed to be out there before more pushes of marriage between her and Thor happened.

Thor looked to his father and professed,

"If I am to take a queen, I'm sorry father but it will not be Astrid."

Loki smiled warmly since Thor was putting Astrid first...he just hoped he wouldn't be so hurt by their news. Loki and Astrid looked at Egil and his face was beet red. He got out his battle axe and clenched it tightly, glaring at Astrid and Loki. He got in front of Astrid in case Egil attempted to slash her in a fit of rage.

"Alright...which one of you bewitched Thor to tell those lies! I know what he likes and Astrid is the maiden promised to him!"

Astrid glared since she was tired of hearing his rants about her 'true love' for Thor.

" Oh for Norns sake, get over it you old fool. Thor stopped listening to your lies which is why I actually respect him and can still call him my friend. You almost ruined that with your delusions. You don't give a shit about anyone but yourself!" Astrid exclaimed.

"He does care, care about Asgard's future and that includes marrying my son and the future king! Now I'm sorry if you think you don't love Thor that way, but in time perhaps you will! Maybe the bonds of marriage will instill those feelings in you and you will be happier for it!" Odin professed.

" I am sorry but I object and refuse. I will never love Thor more than a friend and brother of sorts." Astrid professed.

"Yes father, I have to agree. While I do love Astrid, it's not in the way of romance. Whoever Astrid may love, she should be allowed to love freely."

Astrid's heart broke slightly and felt Loki's gaze on her. She needed to reveal their romance now and not have it be hidden. It was a moment she knew had to come, but it still unerved of.

"It's quite nice you mention that Thor since I actually have a suitor for my hand, one I hope you'll accept. I just hope you won't be angry and understand why I didn't tell you until now." Astrid expressed.

Everyone but Frigga and Loki looked confused. This was the first anyone was hearing of Astrid having a romantic suitor.

"Oh and who is the mysterious suitor that you're turning down an engagement to our future king?" Odin questioned.

Astrid, despite her previous objections to the All-Father, still felt a sense of nerves welling up. Loki took her arm and stroked it gently, causing Odin to be concerned. Thor looked to his brother's soft, almost romantic gesture and he couldn't help but question,

"Loki...don't tell me..."

Astrid nodded and took a deep breath, or rather a sigh since she was going to unleash chaos with her admission and proclamation.

"I'm in love with Loki. I have for centuries now, a millennia and a half actually. That's why All-Father I can't marry Thor...I'm in love with your other son. You'll still have me at your service and have me in your family...just with a marriage to Loki." Astrid stated, taking Loki's hand entwining their fingers.

Thor looked rather confused as he looked at his brother with anger in his eyes. He thought Loki had honor but he in fact had been dating two women or at least he was dating Sigyn and leading Astrid on all these years was horrible. He clenched his fist and looked at Loki. He promised her marriage yet he was committed to Sigyn, had he no honor.

"Explain this to me brother. Didn't you recently tell me that you wanted to take Lady Sigyn's hand and yet Astrid is under the impression you're in love with her, enough to be engaged with her?" Thor asked.

Loki sighed and looked at Thor with a solemn look.

" She is not lying Thor. Astrid and I have been seeing each other for a really long time...I only love her and she loves me. We needed to hide our romance from you so you wouldn't rush to Egil about it and for our fathers to keep us apart." Loki told him.

Thor looked to his brother and he was stunned to see he was speaking the truth. He looked to Astrid and then back to Loki, a fury still lingered in his eyes.

"What of Lady Sigyn!?" Thor yelled.

Loki sighed since Thor wasn't making the connection.

"Astrid was Lady Sigyn; she shape shifted into her so we can go out on dates publicly in Asgard. All my affections and romance for Sigyn were really for Astrid." Loki expressed taking Astrid's other hand softly.

Thor looked at Astrid, equal parts confused, angry and hurt.

"I don't understand...you mean to tell me that Sigyn never existed, at least not an actual person?" Thor asked.

Astrid shook her head.

"No Thor she wasn't. She was me...you were so obsessed with me and wanted me as a lover that I knew if Loki and I told you, you might have gone to Egil or Odin to break us up. You wanted me but I didn't know how to tell you that I loved Loki...so I just hid it and I really shouldn't have. It hurt both of you and I felt bad keeping this from you."

Thor chuckled bitterly.

"You thought that lowly of me that I wouldn't be happy for my best friend and brother being together. You thought me to be that petty and vengeful?"

"Thor we were all young and I honestly thought that was the best idea for Loki and I to have our relationship. It was my own idea to deceive you and to lie, not his." Astrid admitted to everyone in the throne room.

Odin was very bothered and he looked to Astrid. A woman between both his sons and in some ways was playing them both. He wanted his sons happy but this complicated matters as he wanted Thor with her yet it was clear she loved Loki and he loved her. He was deeply disturbed with just how Astrid handled her relationships with his sons and cared little for Thor's feelings and well being.

"Astrid Egildotter….have you been deceiving us all these years? We believed Sigyn would be the person Loki would marry and I had given her my blessing. You mean to tell me you and her are one in the same and you used magic to achieve these means to deceive us? Do you have any idea of the trouble you caused and the pain you've inflicted to Thor? Do you have even the faintest ideas of the plans you've ruined and the discourse you brought to us all?"

Astrid nodded but also sighed.

" Yes, your majesty Sigyn and I are one and the same. I have been deceiving you and I am sorry, but because of Egil I had to hide that, he is partially to blame. But with the arrangement you made for Thor and I, would you have accepted Loki and I had we been open about it?" Astrid asked

Odin clenched his grip on his staff and looked to Loki with disappointment. He was a smart young man and yet he went after Astrid. Truth be told, Loki should have been smart enough to know why Astrid was brought here as they all got older. Yet despite all his talks of being clever, Odin was stunned he went after Astrid to a point where she was devoted to him and not Thor.

"Loki...my son, why have you gone upon this to cause chaos on Thor's moment?" Odin questioned.

Loki was in disbelief that he was being blamed for this and ruining Thor's moment. Always Thor with him and never about him. He didn't do anything and Astrid loved him, how was that hard to believe or understand!

"You are the one who gambled with your son's life before he could and Astrid aren't chips for you to use in your diplomacy and peacekeeping treaties. I love Astrid. I have loved her all our lives, that love shifted into romantic feelings as we grew up. You know how amazing Astrid is and how smart and skilled she is. Do you honestly believe it's fair to just decide her life like that?" Loki expressed rather adamantly.

Frigga looked at Loki and smiled, before turning to her husband.

" Odin, you had to know this could have happened. You bargained away two innocent children simply for friendship and possible loose peace. I know you want Thor happy so do I, but Astrid's heart belongs to Loki and even Thor does not want to marry her out of respect and fear of losing the friendship they had made all these years. Is your friendship and agreement more important than your own children?" Frigga asked.

Odin sighed and he looked to his sons and Astrid. He knew what he was hearing, but he couldn't get past the signs he had seen all those years ago. It was his firm belief Astrid would bring a new age of peace with Thor at her side and ruin with Loki.

"I'm thinking for the good of all Asgard my love and I'm sorry….but for peace I need Astrid with Thor." Odin expressed firmly.

He grinned and he looked at Astrid.

"You heard the All-Father, and his word is what you go by! For the good of the Nine Realms!"

Thor looked at Loki and Astrid and he didn't know what to think. He wanted proof, proof that Astrid was Lady Sigyn.

"Show me...show me you're not lying Astrid...show me 'Sigyn' so I know your words are to be true." Thor questioned bitterly.

He was used to Loki's tricks and deception, but Astrid to go this far for so long really crushed him. Astrid sighed but nodded and shifted her appearance to Sigyn in front of Thor. It was her; the blonde hair, green eyes, all of it was Sigyn. Astrid indeed was a shapeshifter too and she and Sigyn were one in the same. Thor felt his stomach drop and he looked to Loki. He felt extremely hurt that both she and Loki would go behind his back and never told them they were in love this past millennia and a half. He had thoughts that maybe they could have been in love...but this still hurt him, more so since they kept this from him.

"You know, if you would have just told me Loki, I would have been happy for you. You didn't need to have her do all this just so you can have her all to yourself? I thought we were brothers that played together and fought together. Had you no honor to tell me?" Thor asked.

Loki sighed since he hated doing this to Thor, Astrid did as well.

" I am sorry brother, truly I am. When this started you still were dead set on Astrid marrying you because Egil had been feeding you lies. We were worried that if it got out at the time, we wouldn't be able to see each other again." Loki expressed.

There was other reasons but Thor needed to know the main one at this time as he was hurt by both of them

Thor chuckled bitterly.

"So you snuck around and fed her lies with your tongue? How is what you did different from when I wanted to court her?" Thor questioned them both.

Odin just watched as his two sons were arguing over their dear friend.

" Answer me this brother, had it not been for Egil telling you lies that Astrid was in love with you... Would you have continued to court her despite having all those ladies?" Loki asked a bit bitterly.

Thor glared at Loki.

"I would have stopped Loki or maybe not...I don't know. At the time, I thought Astrid didn't want to be courted by either of us because she valued both of our friendships...yet clearly...you didn't play fair or…"

He glared at Astrid since this was all her idea and plans to hide her romance with his own brother.

"Or Astrid was never going to like anyone unless magic coursed in their veins and could use it. Did you see me as nothing but a warrior incapable of love?" Thor spoke bitterly.

Astrid could tell Thor was speaking from pain but it hurt nonetheless.

" This was not just about magic Thor. We grew up and magic aside, we had different relationships individually, as we grew up that relationship changed while another stayed the same. Magic is not the reason I chose Loki. I mean it's part of it, but Loki and I understand each other, we have similar interests beyond magic. We have a connection that is so special that no one else can have what I have with Loki and sorry...that includes you Thor." Astrid expressed

Thor sighed deeply and felt angry at what he was hearing.

"If Egil didn't do anything and things just happened...would you have fallen in love with me as much as Loki?" Thor questioned.

He realized part of his feelings of betrayal were because he still cared and loved Astrid. Her sneaking around with his brother in a romantic way was hurting him a lot more than he'd like to admit. It wasn't because she picked Loki, but the fact she was dishonest and hid her romance all these years. He worried about Astrid being alone but all the while she had her suitor and wasn't honest with him about her happiness.

" Even before Egil interfered, I knew you and I will only ever be friends, nothing more. I don't love you the way I love Loki… I am sorry Thor.'' Astrid said solemnly.

Thor looked at the two of them and felt disgusted. He thought Astrid was fair, kind, and true but clearly she was capable of tricks and lies like his own brother. Thor lingered and wondered if he truly knew Astrid or had she been lying to him all this time about who she clearly was.

"Maybe you two do deserve each other...a god of mischief and a maiden of deceit...I thought you cared for me Astrid and respected me...but you had to sneak around and deceive everyone for your primal lust...I don't even think I see the girl I grew up with. You're worse than the women I court that people would call whores since at least they have the decency to know what they want and be public about it! But you, oh you hid behind magic to do whatever passions of love and lust with my own brother for over a thousand years! I hate you for what you did Astrid and you broke me more than anyone else has." Thor spoke coldly.

Astrid felt ashamed and was deeply hurt by Thor's words. She never intended to hurt Thor, but Egil had forced her to become a person Thor was bitter with. She cared for Thor, but it was never going to be romantic. Loki sighed and was a bit annoyed as he glared at his brother. Astrid started to cry and Loki embraced her tenderly to comfort her.

" Thor I am sorry but you are dense when it comes to certain things. When Astrid and I began seeing each other slowly, the signs were there. You were there for most of them and just chose to ignore them to preserve an illusion. Things were never going to be the same with the 3 of us when Astrid made her choice… I agree it was.. Bad how we handled it.. But you would have felt betrayed either way. It just hurts a lot now because it went on longer than it should have and we are both sorry." Loki expressed

Thor studied Astrid and her tears were many as they streamed down her face. Did he perhaps break some sort of spell that was on Astrid and he looked to his father.

"Father, I want Astrid looked over. There's no way Astrid, my Astrid...would dare to do this on her own fruition!"

Astrid wiped away her tears and glared at Thor. How dare he think she was enchanted and was he not listening to her declarations of Loki as the truth, but lies caused by magic.

" I'm not enchanted and I love Loki! Sorry if it is not how you wanted your life to be but you will not always get what you want in life. You can have me look over but you will be disappointed just the same since my love for Loki is pure and real and not by his magic." Astrid expressed, now bitter and hurt by Thor.

Odin looked to Egil and then back to Frigga. He was torn and he was lost, confused, what did his sense and feeling when Astrid was young truly meant.

"Frigga...what am I to do? Asgard needs a maiden like Astrid as it's queen and to secure peaceful relations with Vanaheim...Yet I do see it in Loki's eyes...it's the same as I look to you." Odin asked.

" Odin, Astrid is very clear about her desires, and frankly I don't blame her. I don't agree about how she and Loki went about this whole love, but you forced them in a way, you and Egil's arrangement that was unfair to all children. Astrid cannot be Thor's bride, she is not like you and I, and I don't want her to resent our son." Frigga expressed

Odin sighed and looked at Egil. He didn't want to break his word, but Loki was his son and his wife was the goddess of marriage. If she was going to bless Loki and Astrid together...there was little he could do.

"I'm sorry my friend...I wish I could make this easy but I can't. But I did say Sigyn would have made a lovely bride for Loki and since Astrid is Sigyn and Frigga sees the truth in the love...perhaps she can marry Loki. She would be marrying a son of…"

Egil threw down his battle ax on the floor and roared in anger.

"You promise Astrid would be Queen! I did not raise her to be married to the spare, a very convenient spare! You can't back down on your words All-Father and you know it! Who cares if Thor and Astrid don't love each other yet, they will learn to love each other like a husband and wife like most couples here have! I mean it happened with my own wife and it will happen with Astrid! I gave up my whole life for you, repay it!' Egil yelled furiously.

Odin sighed since Egil was a man with many hardships and chips. The war would not have ended in Vanaheim if it weren't for Egil...he spared his life but he owed Egil much more but he couldn't shake the love Astrid has for Loki. Astrid scoffed and looked at Egil with anger and disgust.

" You are acting like a petulant child who did not get his toy… you don't like that things are not going according to your greedy plan so you insult the king and his son mind you." Astrid expressed.

Frigga looked at Egil and was stern in her glance.

" I agree with Astrid on this, just because Odin is reconsidering his choice, does not give you the right to insult one of our children." Frigga expressed

Tove had been observing this and glanced at her daughter. Her eyes seemed very stern at how her daughter was acting. Her insolence could mean her death or banishment if Odin's temper was lost. She clenched onto Egil's arm tenderly and shot a warning glare at Astrid.

"You need to choose your words carefully. I will not lose my only daughter just because she can't control her temper. You could be put to death or be banished with your refusal and insolence. Odin is right on one thing; Vanaheim has been losing respect for Asgard and you know this. It will take a powerful maiden of their soil to make any sort of peace again like Odin did with Frigga. I know you love Loki, but you have a duty to both your home realms." Tove spoke calmly.

Astrid looked at her mother shocked. She could tell her mother was going through something, something not normal, and Astrid had a strong feeling Egil was behind this. Her eyes were glossy and distant and she seemed a bit paler too. How could her own mother say this when she was clearly unhappy in her own forced marriage. More so, how could her own mother forget the words she gave Astrid about being true to her love, not settling, and be with the man that will make her happy and not follow her mistakes. Whatever was going on with her mother unsettled Astrid and she needed to express this to her mother.

" Mother I will not marry against my will. I have a temper because this arrangement Egil has was made before I could consent. Besides, I'm following your advice. You told me not to make the same mistake as you had…. That's what I intend to avoid. I will live my life as I chose, not as Egil dictates. I will continue to help Odin with diplomacy between Vanaheim and Asgard but I won't marry against my will mother, that's an awful fate and you know it better than anyone else." Astrid stated, looking directly at Egil when she said that.

Egil wasn't bothered and instead gripped his wife's wrist tightly.

"I'm afraid you will do what she and I want, Astrid. You will marry Thor and as your father, you will honor my wishes."

" NO I will not Egil, you are NOT MY FATHER! Frode Trygveson was my father!"

Everyone was silent but Astrid felt relieved that she's finally said that to Egil...it felt right to finally have that out even though it was in a rage.

"Norns that feels like a relief to say. You are not and never were my father, so don't dictate what I want like you love me. My mom and my aunt told me some of what happened, including your brother Frode and my mother truly loved him and not you. I'm his kin and you always hated that fact when you raised me. I know that had I been born a boy, you would have killed me since I was no use to you and would have been his splitting image.. I don't want anything to do with you. You raising me was a lie… You are a stranger to me and just want me to be Queen to fill your own pockets. I'm not yours to use and I'm ashamed that I ever called you father." Astrid expressed coldly staring at Egil.

Odin slammed his staff down and looked at Astrid very coldly. She had no right to say that to Egil. While all was true and he did learn that Egil wasn't her by his blood, he was still her family and the father figure she had all her life.

"How dare you speak that way about Egil!? While he might not have given you life, he still raised you! Now I can't speak to how affectionate or tenderly he had raised you, but he did nonetheless. Seeing how you went to go so far as wanting to defy him...I wonder if dating Loki wasn't just a game to anger him at this moment."

" No offense but you are blind to your friend. He raised me to be a pawn for his plan, and yes I did defy him on purpose, but one thing I swear with all my heart.. I love Loki and I will lay my life down for him, Thor too if it ever comes to that, but I, not his daughter, I am his pawn. Me dating Loki is reminder of something that really upsets him… and he will never tell you this because he knows what can happen if skeletons in his closets are all revealed" Astrid spoke

Egil spat bitterly, muttering,

"Perhaps she shouldn't have been spared if she's just going to be like him in his elitist magic views."

Loki heard this as he was standing close enough to hear and it made his blood boil. To have it confirmed that Astrid was a mere pawn for his means and her not going along with his plan was showing his true colors... He summoned a dagger and kept it hidden watching Egil. He was not about to let him hurt Astrid, the woman he loves and he lost all what little respect he had left.

Egil locked eyes with Loki, sneering at him with contempt.

"You know...you share a similar air of disdain for me like Frode did. You have his same snake grin...you couldn't have taken another maiden and you had to steal her. I had to work twice as hard for my legacy while Frode just had to swish his wrist and he was worshiped like a god. We were both put in the shadows but you deserve to be there, I don't." Egil sneered.

Thor looked at Loki and was really confused. He had recalled some bits of Astrid's family history and what Egil told him, but he was just hurt and overwhelmed by the discussions and just wanted it to be over. Loki scoffed bitterly.

" Explains why you hate me, your wife didn't love you, but stayed with you out of obligation. She loved your brother since he loved magic and you hated that. Astrid and I are just that salt in wound reminder that you were not good enough, so you forced it and are wanting to force it now. Only problem is Astrid isn't like her mother and is willing to defy you and loves me with all her heart." Loki stated.

Thor sighed and looked at his father. Odin had been pondering and he nodded. He could see Thor did love Astrid, even if it wasn't as much as Loki. He needed to make it fair and he needed to result in Asgardian tradition to settle this.

"I didn't think I had to do this but...you left me with no choice. You two will fight for Astrid's hand. It's the fairest choice I can think of since you both care for her fondly and I will not pick between my sons." Odin stated.

Frigga's face fell since Odin was disregarding her words.

" Odin, Astrid clearly made her choice on whom she loves, don't do this." Frigga expressed.

" I'm not a prize to be won in a fight." Astrid stated very angered

" I agree, this doesn't solve anything, only complicates things. Astrid is not just a maiden, she is intelligent and her skills are valuable. You can't objectify someone who helped you father." Loki stated calmly yet angrily.

Odin looked at Thor and he wasn't objecting. Egil smiled at this since this meant deep down, Thor cared for Astrid and perhaps still loved her. Thor looked at Loki with a solemn expression.

"I'm sorry Loki...this is what has to happen. I can see Thor still likes her."

Thor sighed since he didn't know how he felt aside from being hurt and defeated. He didn't want Astrid to hate him even though he didn't want to look at her right now. She did care for him, but it was never going to be the same...those days were gone and he was foolish to think she liked him and Loki equally.

"I'm done here. We can discuss this matter another time. I just wish to be crowned king and I will worry about my 'bride' later. I'm in no rush to marry and just give me time to think, clear my head maybe. But I am ready to be king." Thor expressed.

Astrid and Loki sighed and fear was creeping in their mind on what Thor could be thinking.

" Time is needed for everyone. But will we have to fight? I don't like objectifying Astrid and despite the fact you are angry with her you don't want to put her through this either… we need to get this over with.. Sooner the better." Loki expressed.

Thor sighed.

"Yes, so you and Astrid can marry behind my back no less." Thor muttered.

Loki sighed.

" Better than her forced to marry you and resent you, thus you lose her anyway " Loki muttered back at him.

Egil shook his head and approached Thor. He patted his shoulder and cracked a light smile.

"Come now, let's train with your trusty hammer. You need to be at your best when you're crowned king after all and take my daughter as your wife. The fight will happen if you want it and I know you will win handily." Egil comforted.

Thor said nothing and just left with Egil, his heart bruised and broken by what had transpired on what should have been his moment. Tove left without a word to her daughter, which concerned Astrid.

Frigga walked Loki and Astrid out of the throne room and couldn't help but be concerned.

"I'm truly sorry. Odin should really have taken my words to heart if he truly knows what I see between you two." Astrid sighed and nodded

" Thank you for your support, I sorry Egil insulted Loki in front of you, I don't think he is a good person let alone a good friend to your husband… I think something is wrong with my mother but I can't tell what.. I think Egil is responsible though… it just a feeling"

Frigga looked at Loki and stroked his cheek gently.

"You have my blessing Loki but knowing Odin and Thor...the fight will happen if not now, someday. You must figure out a way to ensure it will not happen." Frigga told her son.

" Thank you mother, may I ask you something?" Loki asked bit solemn

Frigga nodded.

"What is it you wish to ask?"

" Am I really a bad person for not wanting Thor to get Astrid as his wife? I know he will be king but I love Astrid truly. I didn't want to hurt him, neither did Astrid… at the time we just thought it was the only way."

"I know Loki, I always knew that. Thor was always going to hurt but he would have accepted you two...he still will. This was just a very shocking and depressing thing for him. You're not a bad person for loving Astrid and Astrid isn't horrible or misguided for loving you. It's the world that has trouble seeing things as they should. Know this though Loki...I truly see Astrid's best match...is with you." Frigga comforted him. Loki embraced his mother as she understood him and always supported him. She was the most important person in his life aside from Astrid and Thor.

" Thank you mother, have a restful day if you can."

Frigga left the couple alone and Astrid just stormed off to the library with Loki following behind. She hated Egil more than any person she's met and if Frode were alive, none of this would even be happening. These were the days Astrid longed for her biological father since he wouldn't disrespect her wishes. Loki went to find Astrid because he knew she was upset about this as well, since this was not ideal for her. He found her in the library rummaging through books, trying so hard not to cry at what had transpired.

" Astrid… I am sorry...least people will know we love each other and I am somewhat happy that you professed you love me to my father and Egil." Loki expressed.

Astrid sighed and pulled him into a hug.

"I'm sorry too….sorry that I had to exist for this conflict. Thor hates me, Odin probably thinks I'm an awful woman, and who knows what's wrong with my mother. Don't we deserve our love to just be and not have it undermined or be put against Thor with his anger and pain fueling his actions now?" Astrid murmured.

Loki stroked her back to hopefully calm her so she wouldn't cry. He hoped Thor would come around and refuse the fight if he truly cared for them both as he claimed.

"Maybe Egil should have just…"

Astrid could bear to finish since that meant Loki would have no one and he would be truly alone and not loved by anyone but his brother and mother. Loki pulled Astrid closer to have her press up against him.

" Don't ever say that. Your existence is the best thing in Asgard.. Anywhere really. Egil is an arrogant bastard who has no right to sign away your destiny. He can't accept that our love is real and we truly love each other out of love." Loki expressed softly.

Astrid sighed and kissed his cheek.

"If Thor is allowed Mjollnir and he wants to go through the fight this will end in tragedy. You never bested him with his hammer and if that's the case...Egil will have his end anyway.."

" If Thor is allowed his hammer I should be allowed to use my magic, I'm not giving you up to be a pawn in Egil's greed." Loki stated.

Loki's fight for her made Astrid smile slightly but she sighed angrily.

"I don't want to give this up either. Thor is my friend but people should not just assume he gets everything. Why couldn't Sif be his bride, they are much more suitable aren't they? I'll fight Thor or Egil myself if I have to since I am not going to make my mother's mistake. Yes we hid our romance but no longer."

Loki took Astrid's hand in his own, stroking them with his thumb.

"Thor doesn't see Sif as anyone but his comrade or another conquest. I saw how he looks at you. It seems he does care about you, however with Egil training and Thor's hammer it won't be a fair fight if it comes to pass. Perhaps we should run away to Vanaheim and start our lives together...perhaps have the family you wanted with however many children you'd like." Loki mused attempting to cheer up Astrid.

That managed to make Astrid smile.

"Us finally getting married, you as my husband...me bearing your children while I make magical history and advancements in peace and magic...a dream that will become my reality."

Loki smiled since that did seem wonderful.

" You have a purpose aside from being a wife and mother, a glorious purpose that will make you happy and fulfilled." Loki smiled

Astrid nodded but she sighed.

" Even if we want to start our lives now, we can't. We would only prove Egil's warped view that you bewitched me and we can't have that. We did not go public just to people to undermine us and think our love was false." Astrid stated.

Loki sighed since despite all that occured, people would think of him as a mischief maker and that he used his magic to win Astrid.

" There must be something we can do. I can't lose you Astrid!" Loki exclaimed, frustrated at the situation.

Astrid thought for a moment and she looked at her hands. Her eyes widened slightly and she remembered something her aunt mentioned all those years ago.

"The blood ritual." she whispered.

Loki's eyes widened as well since he too remembered it and it intrigued him.

" What blood…. The one your Aunt Thyra suggested centuries ago?" Loki asked

Astrid nodded and thought for a moment. It would be a ritual spell performed willingly by the two of them with her aunt as the third party to guide and enact it. It wouldn't be an enchantment and thus the healers won't pick it up if Egil or Odin thought one occured. It might even strengthen Loki if a fight did happen and it would connect them both.

"It might give us an edge. We were only just dating back then when my aunt suggested it, but we're probably the closest a man and woman could ever be now. If our blood is intermixed...we can truly be bonded by our magic." Astrid pondered.

"Wouldn't Odin consider this as a form of enchantment, since he will have healers look over you." Loki questioned.

Astrid shook her head.

"No it wouldn't. It would be performed by our wills and thus will not be considered an enchantment or manipulation. You know manipulation very well to know the difference."

Loki chuckled and shook his head.

" Are you sure about this Astrid?"

"You really want Thor to kick your ass and lose me if Thor changes his mind and thus wants to fight for my hand in marriage?" Astrid questioned.

"Of course not. But this is technically going behind his back in some way again. I know Thor is your friend so we shouldn't go behind his back again." Loki stated.

"Our first kiss in the library, the admission of love at the pond, first time we made love...shall I go over more things we did behind Thor's muscled back? After all, we already went behind his back many times over and we can't hurt him more than we already did. He's already mad and if he's going to be like this, what more is this. If I lose him, it might be something I need to consider since you matter so much and I would be lost and devastated without you." Astrid sighed.

They were far from innocent and Astrid knew Loki would want more than anything for them to be together. He had plans and he knew he wanted power and advantage. Loki smirked and chuckled.

" I truly was an influence on you…. If not for Egil we would not have to sneak around so long." Loki expressed.

"I know but I rather have had our love all that time in secret than not to have had it at all...just how we are going to get to my aunt in Vanaheim is the snag since Heimdall is not going to let us pass." Astrid mused.

Loki thought for a moment and smiled.

" There is a way, but we will have to sneak out at night. I know a way to get there without Bifrost and without Heimdall knowing." Loki said with a smirk

Astrid nodded and kissed his soft lips.

"You always have a plan don't you." she mused, trailing her finger across his chest.

Loki kissed Astrid, wrapping his arms around her waist. Thor would be king, but that was the least of their concerns. They were still happy for him but they caused chaos just as coming out publicly as a couple would be. Odin was pushing the brothers to fight and they hoped Thor would be mature enough, not spiteful, or hold his grudge against them to go through with it. Loki cared for his brother but he was going to do whatever it took to keep Astrid and Astrid wanted nothing more but to be with Loki. She loved him and not even the All-Father could tell her who she should love. No one saw Loki the way she did and she was going to ensure that Loki would always be a part of her and her to be a part of him.