Chapter 31.
He woke, a pounding at his chamber doors and groaned as he rolled onto his side. Two Councilmen entered suddenly, he sitting up in a panic and looking at both of them. Their faces were drawn, and he looked at them as the realization of what was happening crashed down on him. He closed his eyes, both men bowing and Frigga entered with Thor behind him. She carried Gunginir, and offered it to her son.
He did not want this now, he had to be present to keep Floria safe.
"Your father has fallen into Odinsleep, Asgard is yours until he wakes." She said and Thor crossed his arms and glared at Loki as he stood from the bed and took hold of the staff. He looked around, Floria and her parents entering and Hogun crossed a closed fist over his chest. His wife and daughter curtsying and he wanted to scream for it all to stop, he let out a breath and brought the staff to his side and motioned for the others gathered to leave.
"Hogun and his family, as well as Frigga may stay in my sitting room while I dress." He said and the other three persons backed toward the doors. "Unless, Mother wishes to remain at her husband's side until he wakes. I will understand if she desires that place, I will meet with The Council in the Throne Room later."
Yes My King." The councilmen said and turned to leave. Floria walked with her mother into the sitting room, her eyes on the floor and her hands folded neatly.
"See that Lady Velora is comfortable. Her condition is delicate, and she requires care and calm as her child's time draws near." Loki said and the Councilmen bowed and grinned to one another at his care for a woman. The procession left the room, Thor storming out the doors and walking the halls as he slammed the doors behind him.
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"There is no need to worry, I am sure the Allfather will rise in a few days and that everything will return to how it was." Hogun said, Velora holding her daughter close and stroking her hair. Floria looked up at her father, The four of them turning as Loki emerged from his chambers and presented himself in his formal regalia. They all stood in respect, bowing to him and he saw Floria's hands shake as she lifted her skirts.
"My King, your Mother has gone to her husband's side." Hogun said and Loki nodded. He smiled slightly, holding his hand out to Velora and she took it.
"You need rest in your condition Lady, let me serve your daughter as one who cares for her greatly. Would you mind sitting with my Mother and keeping her company? The hours at his bedside can become lonely for her and good conversation can aid her." He asked and Velora smiled at him.
"I would be very honored My King. You are very good to think about Queen Frigga, and her suffering during this time." Velora replied and she took her leave to go to sit with the Queen. She hugged her daughter, Loki noticing her pained expression and the fear in her eyes.
"Floria, fear not. We will still wed, and you will be the most beautiful bride my Darling. Today, would you mind sitting with me and being my company while I see to matters?" He asked her and she nodded, a soft smile forming on her lips. "I would like to look at something very beautiful as well, for some matters are rather unpleasant and ugly."
"I ask that you do not let those matters upset her." Hogun said and Loki nodded. He looked back at his beloved Floria and took her hand, caressing the back of it with his thumb.
"Never. You have my word my friend, could you gather Thor and the rest of the warriors? I need them close, and I know they will be eager for any updated concerning Odin's condition." He said and Hogun bowed, saluting him with a fist on his chest.
"I shall, and know you will make the Allfather proud as he rests." Hogun said and Loki smiled at the grim warrior. He let the man leave, and saw Floria at his side.
"Shall we go?" He asked her and she moved to bow, he stopping her and letting her stand again. "No. Please don't prostrate yourself before me. You are my equal, and sometimes my better. Tell me honestly what is on your mind, as you always have in the past."
"I am only worried for you, Thor is so angry about all this and he glared at the Queen so harshly when she presented you with the staff." Floria said and he embraced her, his hands on her back and he kissed the part in her hair.
"Worry not, for I will keep Frigga and all my friends safe from harm." He said and she looked up at him, his eyes smiling at her and she kissed his cheek.
"A kiss for your love?" He asked her and she giggled. "I will be happy all this grim day then."
He held her hand in his, walking with her to the Throne Room and being careful to allow her a pace to ensure she did not fall. She watched as people stared at her, and she blushed shily. He lifting her chin and making her giggle, he was glad she was there in a way. Her presence was balm for him as he climbed the steps to the massive gold throne, sitting and she stood at the bottom of the steps and gazed up at him. He smiled, Thor and his friends watching with other Courtiers, and gestured to her to follow him. He helped her sit on the arm of the throne, everyone shocked as he put her feet in the seat next to his thigh and grinned playfully up at her.
"Shall we begin then, and this Lady next to me has earned her perch by being a sweet, modest maiden. If anyone judges her poorly, then speak now. Other wise, I will hear all matters of State and act as my concience dictates until Odin reclaims this seat." Loki said and two of the members of Council smiled at the girl, giving her a polite bow as she folded her hands in her lap.
The Minister of Justice stepped forward, bowing and clearing his throat. He opened a folded page from inside his robes, waving forth a man in chains and he began reading the charges.
"My King, this man stole bread from the Royal Kitchens. His devious act was one against you and we recommend that he receive thirty lashes for this crime." The man said and Loki heard Floria gasp at the punishment. He tilted his head, allowing her to whisper a question to him and he nodded at her, patting her hand.
"Very wise, My Lady." Loki said and motioned the man to stand before him. "Why did you steal the bread?"
"To feed my two children King Loki. We have little, and they are starving, forgive me and do not make them suffer my punishment." The man said and Loki raised an eyebrow at Floria. She whispered to him again, and he pinched her chin gently.
"My Lady and Concience asked me to be merciful to you, suggesting a different punishment. For the theft, I think it is fair that you work the cost of the bread off by cleaning in the kitchens. I also very much like the idea that we should send your Children some food out of charity, for it is a greater crime to let innocent ones starve while we are surrounded by plenty." He said and everyone looked at the girl sitting above Loki, the prisoner dropped to his knees in gratitude.
"Thank you My King! Your Lady and Conscience is so very kind and gracious as well, may she be blessed with a long and happy life." The man said and Loki smiled, he motioned for the man to stand and handed Floria the staff to hold. He rose, stepping down to face the man eye to eye, clapping his shoulder.
"You may remain, working in the kitchens and earning wages to feed and keep you children. Speak to my Minister of my Home, he will negotiate fair wages with you. My Minister of Justice will work out the time for you to come and do your penance." Loki said and dismissed the man. He walked back to the throne, everyone gathered looking at Loki in awe of what he did. Volstagg whispered to Thor that he found the punishment fair, and the blonde Prince nodded. Suprised that he also felt impressed by his Brother's actions, and fair consideration of all the facts. Another man was brought forward, his face bruised and he spat on the floor in defiance. The Minister of Justice sighed, reading his charges and Loki listened.
"My King, this man is accused and was found guilty of murdering his wife by strangling her in a drunken rage..." The man began and Loki stopped him. He took the staff from Floria, helping her off the arm of the Throne and said something softly to the suddenly pale girl. They watched her step down the stairs and Loki sat, she turning to curtsy.
"I will see to the Allfathers condition and report back, My King." She said and hurried along her task. Hogun watched his daughter vanish through a door, nodding to Loki for dismissing her before she was upset by this man and his crime. Loki gestured to the Minister to continue, and the man read the list of crimes against the prisoner.