There was no possible way… that Thor would be able to do this.
Whatever this was… Thor didn't even know. Was he really in the past? Or was he caught in an illusion, a blissful illusion meant to trap him in his own mind.
Had none of it been real? Had he just woken from a horrible dream? There were too many questions.
Thor didn't even need to raise his head to know that Loki was looming in the corner, not surprising really, Loki had had his eyes on him all day.
Thor had noticed him, using the appearance of a snake laying in the grass, and a crow sitting on the branches. Thor knew it was Loki, he had learned how to recognize his magical signature… a skill he had only learned after Loki's attack on New York…
For most of the day Thor had avoided human contact, and mostly managed to stay calm, to keep a lid on it.
It became difficult again though, as he and Loki were in the throne hall, kneeling for their father.
Odin… so many pictures flashed through Thor's minds. The dark elves, Odin's grief that lead to outright insanity, even saying his own son should be executed.
Hela… How grateful Odin had looked when he seemed to know it was all finally over for him… When death was only such a short moment away, that was the most content Thor had ever seen Odin, as if the old king had just been longing for it, for the peace it could bring him… Only to leave Thor and Loki with the mess.
"Rise, my sons," Odin spoke in a calm voice and both princes rose. "Tomorrow is a big day, it marks the beginning of a new era."
Thor looked down, he felt his cheeks flashing red, then he glanced at Loki who was scowling, his eyes looked bitter, but he wasn't saying anything.
"I trust you will both do me proud," Odin informed.
"Father," Loki then spoke. "If I may..."
Thor gasped, he knew this, he remembered it! What Loki had said, and this wasn't the first time. Loki had made it no secret that he didn't think Thor was ready for the throne.
"Yes my son, if you wish to speak, now is the time." Odin nodded.
Loki frowned, he didn't look happy, like he was already expecting to be outright dismissed.
"Erhm, Loki," Thor hesitated and Loki turned to him. "Please forgive me, before you speak… There is something I would like to say first," he stated.
Loki scowled, but turned around as he crossed his arms. "Very well," he drawled. "Let the future king have the first word as is his right."
Thor's cheeks burned, he then turned to Odin.
"Go on my son," Odin prompted.
"Well, about that entire becoming king thing..." Thor hesitated. "I can't."
There was silence, Loki turned to Thor his green eyes narrowed, Odin looked stern as Thor looked up.
"What do you mean by those words?" Odin asked.
"I… I can't be king," Thor swallowed. "I'm not worthy."
Again there was silence, Thor could feel Loki's eyes on his face but kept looking at Odin who looked stern.
"Are you saying..." Odin breathed. "I chose wrong?"
Thor took in a deep breath, he felt Loki's burning eyes on him, seemingly burning into his soul… The throne had not suited Loki well. Filled with pride and arrogance Loki had turned to pure self indulgence while being on the throne, on the other hand though... Under Loki's rule no one had died, there had been peace and prosperity.
Under Thor's rule though… He closed his eyes, then he looked up.
"Loki would be a better choice than I," he finally spoke.
There was silence, stunned silence, finally Thor turned his head and met Loki's eyes.
Now though, Loki's eyes were wide and shocked beyond belief.
"And what are your thoughts on this, Loki?" Odin's voice asked.
"What?" Loki asked, turning to Odin. "I mean… I'm sorry," he blinked, then he coughed into his hand. "I believe I made my thoughts on the matter clear when you first named Thor your successor, he is not ready."
"And you believe you are ready, Loki?" Odin asked.
"Well… I..." Loki for once in his life seemed absolutely lost for words. "In such a situation I would do my best to make you proud."
"Do you think you are ready, Loki?" Odin now asked in a more stern voice, cutting to the chase.
Loki's mouth opened slightly, then it closed and he stepped backwards, shaking his head, his eyes festooned on the ground.
Odin sighed. "My sons, I don't think you understand. Asgard needs a king, I am old. I won't be able to.." he halted. "You must step up," he stated.
"Must we?" Thor asked. "Does it have to be one of us just because we were born your sons?" he shortly glanced at Loki but tore his eyes away. "Birth proves nothing of our worth, wisdom nor abilities, does it?" he asked.
"You've been raised for this task," Odin informed, sounding very tired.
"I'm sorry Father, forgive me," Thor bowed for Odin. "I cannot do it, I cannot be king," he informed then stood up, turned around and walked towards the door.
"Thor!" Odin's voice demanded.
Thor, though, ignored it as he opened the door, and then walked out leaving a rather stunned Odin and Loki behind.
