Hi Guys!

Welcome to chapter two of this story, hope you are all enjoying it so far and are wiling to try and little more. Just to say I thought I was being all clever and sneaky at the end of the last chapter with my mystery girl, but that shows what I know as you all rumbled me with her identity. So well done if you left a comment and got it right!

WARNING! PLEASE READ THIS! just to let you all know there is some violence in here towards a child. I wouldn't normally put a warning in for something like that, I write action and adventure stories so violence is a thing I do. But this is in the context of a parent hitting a child. I won't say more but if that bothers you please skip it. It comes up towards the end in Odin's Throne Room, you'll figure out the rest. There will be an explanation of my reasoning at the end of the chapter.

As well to let you know I will be updating this story every two weeks, that's if life doesn't get in the way. I'm hoping to keep them regular for you guys so there is not a long wait between chapters.

Thank you as always for the likes, favs and reviews! Please review I love hearing from you all and your thoughts and opinions on the story. If you have any question please feel free to ask me and any constructive criticism would be great.

Now lets get on with this. On to the chapter!

Cheers!

D.S x

Disclaimer: I do not own Thor or the Avengers or any other of the many Marvel properties

2

Loki was seeing stars. They winked and twinkled as his vision went from blurred to black. His head throbbed, sending shooting pain through his temple when he tried to lift it. The muted sound of voices was over his head, he blinked again, one hand coming up to touch his head. What had happened?

"Prince Loki!" Leif's shout had Loki wincing. He hissed, which turned into a growl when a hand touched his head.

"Oh, be quiet, it's not that bad."

"You h…hit him with a ch…chamber pot!"

"That's what you get for just waltzing in here! How was I supposed to know you weren't a threat?!"

"J…just do something f…for him."

"Wha -?" Loki's voice was slurred, he still couldn't focus too well. Suddenly a wash of warmth went over his body, starting from his head and trickling down to his toes. It was a familiar sensation; one Loki had experienced many times before from Eir when she had used her healing Seidr. The throbbing in his head dulled, ebbing until it had gone. His vision cleared, bringing the ceiling of the Healing Hall into focus. He groaned, shaking his head. At that the warmth of the Seidr disappeared and he heard the rustle of robes.

"There, that should do it."

Loki rubbed his head, slowly sitting up as he tried to re-orientate himself. "My P…Prince?" He turned to see Leif, peering at him with concern, even with his eye blackening and his lip still sluggishly bleeding. "Are y…you al…alright?"

"You're really asking me that?" Loki asked, but quickly nodded his head when Leif looked as though he was about to start another rambling apology. "I'm fine Leif, it just took me by surprise." Taking his gaze from his Valet he searched the room until his eyes landed on the blonde-haired beauty that had taken him down. "Just wasn't expecting to have to avoid flying chamber pots. Does Eir know of your bedside manner?"

The girl bristled, tilting her chin as she glared down at Loki. "I didn't know who you were," she said with a prideful air. "You could have been ruffians."

"Oh, ruffians who can just walk around the Royal Palace of Asgard as they please?" Loki sneered as he pushed himself shakily to his feet. "This isn't the Commoners Halls."

The girl shifted, everting her eyes a little, but she didn't apologise. Loki didn't know whether to be delighted by that or infuriated. "Who are you anyway?" he asked, now no longer distracted by her beauty, his green eyes took her in again. "Does Eir know she's got a maniac in her Healing Hall?"

She huffed, throwing back her shoulders to look down her nose at the Prince, "I think I should be the one asking that question. Who are you to just walk into the Healing Hall, without announcing yourself?"

Loki was about to launch into another argument with her, saying that he had announced himself, he'd called for Eir after all, but Leif beat him to it.

"M…mind who you a…are speaking t…to," he scolded, coming to stand at Loki's right, just a little in front of him. Loki watched him from the corner of his eye. He was still slightly hunched over, and he really needed to be looked at soon, Loki wondered how he was even still standing after the beating he received. "This is L…Loki O…Odinson Prince of A…Asgard."

The girl's eyes widened ever so slightly; Loki had to hide his own smirk as realisation rolled over her face. Though to his surprise she didn't lower her eyes or bow, instead she seemed to gather herself, tilting her chin defiantly. "Oh, I thought you would be taller."

Leif gaped, jaw going slack as he stared at the girl. Loki was also taken aback by the response, that wasn't want she was supposed to do.

"Is t…that all you can s…say?" Leif gasped, and the girl shrugged.

"Was I supposed to bow or something."

Leif looked ready to defend his honour, so Loki took the opportunity to redirect the situation to the first purpose for them being here.

"Your lack of respect or not," he said. "We have a patient here that needs healing." With a light push, Loki moved Leif before the girl, where he quickly tried to back track.

"My Prince, I…I told y…you I'm fine."

"Well that's a lie," the girl grunted, stalking to the Valet to take him in with a critical eye. "Bruises, scrapes, possibly a broken rib," she muttered, then snaked her hand out and gripped Leif by the wrist, yanking him behind her before dumping him onto a bed. "What in the Norn's happened to you?"

Loki, who had been following the two, opened his mouth to answer, but Leif swiftly interjected before he could. "F…fell down the P…Palace s…steps." The girl, who had been working on getting Leif's jacket off, paused and gave him a searching look. "I…I'm rather c…clumsy." She raised an eyebrow, obviously disbelieving of Leif's story. Loki didn't pretend to understand why his Valet would lie about what happened but reasoned that possibly it was because he didn't want to look pathetic in front of a pretty girl. So, as was only right as another young man, he backed him up.

"It's true," he said, shrugging when the girl scowled at him. "Trips over his own feet more times than I care to count." The girl's bright blue eyes switched between the two of them, but with neither backing down she turned back to Leif. Finally, she freed him from his jacket and with a precise hand movement, cut the tunic that covered his frame with a quick slash of Seidr.

"Hey!" Leif protested, but the girl batted away his hands that tried to grip the cloth.

"It needs to come off," was all she said, pulling the now destroyed tunic away.

"B…but that was m…my only o…one," Leif mumbled.

"Don't worry about it," Loki said as Leif turned to look at him. "I'll replace it."

"My P…Prince, you shouldn't h…have to -"

"I won't have my Valet looking as though he belongs mucking out the stables," Loki intoned. "You'll be dressed as befits your station as my servant, understood?"

Loki hoped that he hadn't come across to harsh. He'd found that if he wanted to do something for Leif, he had to make it an order, overwise the boy would argue and protest that Loki didn't need to waste his time on seeing to his needs. Leif was staring at him in awe, but he nodded his head when Loki continued to wait for an answer.

"Are you done making yourself look good?" Loki turned his attention back to the girl, who had moved behind Leif, hands pressed into his back and the familiar feel of healing Seidr emitting from her palms.

Ignoring her barbed question, Loki said, "you never did tell us who you are." The girl sighed, not even looking up from her work.

"Sigyn, Healers Apprentice."

Loki frowned, he had never heard of this Sigyn and he was pretty sure he was familiar with all the Healers that worked under Eir.

"Eir's your Master?"

"Of course."

"Y…you must be p…pretty good," Leif mumbled and for the first time since meeting her Sigyn smiled. Loki couldn't help but be shocked that one simple lip movement could change a whole face. Before her beauty was cold, distant, but when she smiled, it was like the sun had risen on a cold morning, chasing away the frost and warming you from your toes to your fingertips.

"Thank you," she said. Loki shook himself from his daze, not willing to allow himself to be distracted by this dangerous girl.

"What kind of Healers Apprentice throws chamber pots at people," he grouched.

"You have been treated by Eir, haven't you?" Loki glanced at Sigyn, who was smirking at him. He shivered as numerous occasions came to mind, Eir chasing him with a broom, threatening to break his legs so he would stay in bed. To another of her using rope to tie him in place while she did her work.

"Actually, you're probably a lethal combination."

Sigyn laughed and even Leif chuckled, Loki found that he enjoyed the moment. From what he could gather from her appearance, Sigyn was of a similar age to himself and Leif. It was rare for him to be in the company of his peers, well peers that weren't nobles at any rate. Most of the children he had the displeasure to spend time with were too busy trying to get into his good graces, or if they were Sven, knock him clean onto his rear. But this almost light atmosphere, he had to wonder if this was what Thor had with the Warrior's Three.

"There, all done," Sigyn proclaimed, stepping back from Leif, brushing her bangs off her forehead where sweat had begun to gather. "You should have some soreness, but the rib that was broken healed cleanly. I'd try not to push yourself to much though, it could undo all of my hard work."

Loki ignored the pointed look that she sent his way, instead coming around the other side of the bed to inspect the work. Leif glanced at him, but didn't move from his position, letting his Prince do what he wanted. Loki sent him what he hoped was a reassuring smile, it wasn't that he didn't think Leif was healed, he had eyes, but he just wanted to be sure. Placing his own hand on the Valet's back he reached out with his own Seidr, immediately he was engulfed with the energy that made up Leif. It was calmer and less chaotic than his own, nor could he sense any Seidr. But what did surprise him was the strength that was hidden below the surface. Concentrating, Loki checked for wounds. Sigyn had been right, a rib had been broken, but the Seidr had healed it well, there would be no lasting damage. The stomach had also taken a beating, swelling and bruising had been soothed and while soreness would be present for a few days, there would be no other side effects.

Satisfied, he stepped back and nodded to Leif, who had been watching nervously.

"T…thank you," he said to Sigyn, who was scowling at Loki, no doubt knowing that he had just checked over her work.

"It's no problem," she waved a hand and the blood that had dried on Leif's face vanished, then she turned and stared at him directly in the eye. "Just make sure he lets you take a break from your duties," she jerked a thumb at Loki, who gaped.

"I wouldn't ever -"

"My Prince w…wouldn't -"

"Fine, fine," Sigyn turned away, bustling over to where a basin sat on a table, no doubt to wash her hands. Loki watched her a moment longer, before turning his attention back to Leif. The Valet was rolling his shoulders, testing the range of movement he had now that he'd been healed. It was better than it had been, but Loki had to agree with Sigyn, he would have to be careful with some of Leif's tasks for the next couple of days.

"Better?" he asked, startling the other boy out of his inspection.

"Y…yes, Prince Loki," he snapped to attention, even attempting to stand, but his legs weren't up to that just yet, and Loki had to quickly grip his elbow to keep him steady.

"Careful," Loki tried to reassure him, "don't -"

"I…I'm so s…sorry, my Prince," Leif cried, almost jumping away from Loki, to lean against the bed. The Prince stared at his Valet, unsure as to whether to push with trying to help him. But with the way Leif looked as though he had been stabbed, Loki thought it best to drop the whole matter. Throwing his shoulders back he placed his best Princeling expression onto his face.

"Go and clean up," he nodded towards the back of the Healing Hall, where he knew hot water was stored for that very purpose. "I don't want you looking a mess when we return to the Palace proper."

"O…of c…course, Prince Loki," Leif bowed, but the wince that accompanied it informed Loki of how much pain Leif was still in. He critically watched him walk out, wondering how long he would be able to keep his Valet from the more physically demanding tasks. The boy would probably burst into tears by the morning if Loki denied him.

"You'll be sure to see he doesn't push himself," Loki turned to Sigyn, who was watching him from the other side of the room. "I don't want him back here because you needed your underwear washed."

Loki sneered, "the last time I looked, this was still Eir's infirmary." Sigyn blushed and Loki took that as a small victory.

"That doesn't change what I said."

"I know not to let him strain himself," Loki agreed, lifting an eyebrow to look condescendingly at the girl. "I'm not that heartless."

"Most nobles think the same," Sigyn shot back and Loki finally lost his temper with her. His Seidr flared with his indignation, he was barely fast enough to stop it from lashing out, but he had no doubt that Sigyn, a Seidr user herself saw it, especially with the way she gasped and took a step back as he approached her.

"Now listen here, Sigyn," Loki snarled, he knew his Mother would be furious that he had dared to speak in such a way to a Lady, but he was just so annoyed with Sigyn's insinuations, plus she had thrown a chamber pot at his head. He couldn't hold it in anymore. "I don't know why you have such a problem with me, because as far as I'm aware we have never met. But I'll have you know that I do not abuse my servants. It is not something that is permitted within the House of Odin and I don't like your accusations to the contrary." He took a deep breath, eyeing the Apprentice, who had not spoke through out his whole verbal barrage. "We respect our servants."

"Respect?" Sigyn finally spoke and Loki was surprised that she wasn't cowed, but then again, the girl seemed to take pleasure in vexing Loki. "Is that why the top candidate to replace Alviss was brushed aside for the political choice of the Nobles?"

Loki blinked, eyes widening as he stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"Don't try and play dumb," Sigyn poked a finger in his chest. "Renee has worked for the Palace and within the House of Odin for more years than you have been alive. She was the next in seniority to Alviss, yet she was passed over by a no name that had some connection to a Noble so that their family could advance their name. How is that respect?"

Sigyn stood there, hands now on her hips as she glared at him, but Loki wasn't paying much attention to the annoying Apprentice. No, instead his head was ringing with the news she had just delivered to him.

Alviss was being replaced. Of course, he knew it would have to happen at some point, there needed to be a Steward of the House of Odin, but the All-Father had been putting it off. The whole family knew why that was. Alviss, all though a servant, was close to Odin. He had served him longer than either Thor or Loki had been living. From what Loki had discovered after his … after his fall, Alviss had been a fierce warrior, that had even been on campaign with Odin's Father Burri as a young man. Loki had found it hard to reconcile that image with the kind elderly Asgardian that he had known, it had just seemed so impossible, contrary to all the stories.

However, Loki had had a vague idea on who would have taken Alviss's place. Sigyn was right, Renee had been the top of the list. As the Housekeeper, she worked closely with Alviss, though her duties were more towards the maids, cooks and cleaners, while Alviss oversaw all the servants and had duties that concerned wages, budgets and the procuring of nesseccary materials for the servants to do their jobs. Renee would have been able to jump into Alviss's role relatively easily, plus it helped that she was well liked by the Palace staff and was a strict believer in discipline. Loki could well remember earning himself a harsh scolding for ruining a guest bedroom with a mild Seidr accident, all while his Mother watched on with amusement.

But now Loki was floored, for one Alviss had been replaced and not by an existing member of their own staff, but a stranger? It felt wrong to the Young Prince.

"Erm…are you -?" before Sigyn could finishing her enquiry a loud booming voice came from the corridor.

"Brother! Brother are you here?!"

"Thor?" Loki finally managed to say something, even if his mind was having trouble keeping up with its own analytical processing. It wasn't long until the familiar figure of Thor appeared in the entry way to the Healing Hall, face twisted into a concerned expression.

"Loki!" Thor called, barrelling over to the smaller Prince to take him by the shoulders. "I heard you had been sent to the Healing Hall, is all well?"

Loki said nothing, just stared up at Thor, mind still working, piecing things together.

"Has Eir seen to you, it was nothing serious?" Thor continued to ask his questions, while Loki kept up his silence. A light clearing of a throat caught Thor's attention.

"Prince Loki was not harmed, Prince Thor," Sigyn bowed her head, making sure not to look Thor in the eye. Loki would have taken offense that she seemed to show more respect to Thor than she did to him, but he had no time to consider it. "It was his Valet, Leif that was injured."

"Leif?" Thor frowned; confusion evident. "Then the Commoners Halls would have -"

"Brother, why didn't you tell me Alviss was being replaced?"

Thor gaped, voice choking up as he stared down at his Little Brother. Loki watched him; green eyes narrowed as Thor took the moment to gather himself.

"I don't know what you're speaking of Brother." Loki shook his head, Thor was an easy book to read, especially when it came to lying. There was always a slight pause before he spoke, as though he was thinking carefully about what he had to say. But that wasn't the biggest tell. No, it was the way that he would look away from Loki, so he didn't have to say the lie to his face.

"Thor, that's a lie," Loki's voice was quiet, calm, in complete contrast to the angry sting of betrayal that he felt inside.

"Loki, truly I do not know what you -"

"Is that why Mother and Father were late this morning? They were implementing Alviss's replacement? Someone that wasn't even a current member of the Palace staff?"

Thor bit his lip, he glanced at Sigyn who was watching the two Brother's in curiosity. "Leave us," he ordered. Sigyn bristled, but bowed her head, disappearing from the Healing Hall swiftly. Once alone, Thor turned his full attention onto his Brother.

"They didn't want to upset you," he finally admitted with a sigh. Loki scoffed.

"Upset me? Why would it upset me?"

"Well … you and Alviss …"

"What about me and Alviss?"

"Loki, we all know you looked up to him," Thor said, a bit of shame in his voice, as once upon a time that had been his place alone. "He acted as your Valet, was close to you before he … before he passed."

"You mean before he died for me?" Loki shot back, and Thor shook his head, blonde hair wafting in all directions.

"This is why they didn't want to tell you. Mother thought you would overreact."

"Overreact?" Loki hissed, ripping himself from Thor's grip to glare at him. "How is this an overreaction? I'm angry because you all didn't see fit to keep me in the loop, like we promised that we would. What happened to no more secrets?"

Thor winced, but squared his shoulders and met Loki's furious gaze. "We didn't do this to betray you. We were going to discuss it."

"Before or after you brought a stranger into the House of Odin?"

"Scilla has been recommended by various Noble families," Thor said, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. "She has served in the Palace for numerous Mistress's and we've spoken to them all. Father would not just bring anyone into our Household."

"He shouldn't have brought anyone in at all," Loki growled, then he spun on his heel and stalked to the entrance.

"Where are you going?" Thor called after him.

"To speak to Father," Loki called without looking back. He should have expected the heavy hand on his shoulder as Thor pulled him back.

"Loki, you can't, court is in session. Father will have you punished if you intrude." Loki scoffed, but Thor didn't relent. "There is nothing you can do about this anyway, it's done."

"Well it shouldn't have been done," Loki wrenched himself free and he was sure he only managed to escape Thor's clutches because his Brother allowed it. "If Father was going to have anyone take Alviss's place, it should have been Renee."

Thor sighed, running a hand through his hair in agitation. "Loki, I doubt you would have been happy with that either."

"What do you mean?"

"You don't think we haven't noticed?" he asked much to Loki's confusion. "You never speak of Alviss, you don't talk about his death, or even your past memories of him."

"What's your point?"

"Loki, you can't pretend that Alviss isn't dead," Loki recoiled at the blunt accusation. "You refuse to let Alviss's position be filled as it would be a real sign that he's no longer here. That he's gone. But Loki," Thor reached out, but the Young Prince shied away. "You have to let him go."

Loki didn't know what to say, he was struck dumb. For one his Brother was trying to be insightful, it was a change that had come to his Brother in the year since his time on Midgard. Loki wasn't sure if he was fond of it, as it made keeping things from his Brother harder. But this insight, Loki didn't know whether to laugh, or run away. One part of Loki fiercely rejected Thor's words. He had mourned Alviss, just like everyone else. Just because he didn't speak of him overmuch didn't mean that he was clinging to him. No of course not. He just thought that he should have been included with the decision on who should replace Alviss. He would be living with them after all, he needed to know if they were trustworthy. Plus, with the coup of last year, it was understandable that he would be nervous around new people.

But then there was another part of Loki, one that he pushed down and forgot about during the day but came back bold and clear when he closed his eyes and slept. One that haunted him in his dreams and mocked him. It whispered in his ear, telling him his deepest darkest fear. That Alviss was gone because of him, that it was his fault, and everyone knew it. It pointed out the glaring accusing eyes and made his paranoia skyrocket. It was the part of him that didn't want to let go of Alviss but didn't allow him to remember anything but the bone crushing guilt he felt towards his death.

"Loki?" Thor's concerned voice brought the Young Prince from his thoughts. Just in time to avoid Thor's hand that reached out to him again.

"You're talking nonsense Thor," Loki snapped, tilting his chin to hide his fears behind anger. "I'm angry because you all decided to lie to me, again."

"Brother, that's not -"

"I don't care Thor!" Loki yelled, the rage growing as did the guilt. "You should have told me about this. Instead I had to find out from a stranger. Does everyone know but me?" Thor looked away and Loki had all the answers he needed. "That's what I thought." He spun away and back towards the entrance.

"Loki, stop!"

"Prince Loki?"

Ignoring the curious call of his Valet and Thor's yell, Loki easily cast his spell of invisibility on himself, then darted down the corridor and away from the Healing Hall.

He could hear the thundering of Thor behind him, but Loki knew he would be able to reach his destination before him. He had always been a faster runner than his Elder Brother. The mix of emotions that swirled inside of him coursed adrenaline through his system. He was uncaring when he accidently knocked into servants, who frowned at the lack of presence that had almost sent them flying. Loki didn't care however, he needed to speak to his Father, and he needed to do it now.

"Loki!"

Picking up his pace, Loki dashed through the Palace until eventually he reached the familiar doors of the Throne Room. They were shut, with several guards standing outside of them, Loki knew that they would not let him enter. Odin was absolute in his orders that the court must not be disturbed. Loki remembered a time when himself and Thor had burst in accidently when he had been younger. His Father's wrath had been frightening, barely raising his voice but the amount of cool rage was enough to ensure that he impressed upon his sons not to come into meetings they were not invited to. That fear still held in place for Loki to this day, but at that moment it was easy to ignore.

"Loki come back!" the loud shout of Thor was quick to get the guards attention. Loki cursed his Brother, as instantly the guards that had not been caught up with Thor's approach were glancing around, brows furrowed in confusion. Cancelling his invisibility spell, Loki appeared before the guards.

"Move out of the way," Loki commanded, not giving the guards any time to respond before he raised his hand, channelling Seidr into his palm. With a breath out he pushed, sending a sharp wave of Seidr at the door where it screeched on its hinges as it was blown wide open.

"Prince Loki!" one of the uniformed Asgardians cried out in surprise. Loki ignored them, darting forward, but thanks to his delay in opening the doors Thor had had enough time to catch up. A hand clamped down of Loki's shoulder stopping him just as he walked into the Throne Room.

"Brother, this is ridiculous, stop this right now!"

"Get off of me, Thor!" Loki shouted back, turning his rage and hurt onto his Brother.

"No! You're not thinking clearly, Father will -"

"What is going on here?"

Both Princes fell silent at the boldly stated words. Loki turned from his Brother to look up the Throne Room. The Council of Nine and several other Nobles were stood before Hildskjalf, the Golden Throne of Asgard. They gathered at the bottom of the steps that led up to the Throne, a Throne occupied by Odin, All-Father, King of Asgard.

Loki couldn't help but flinch as his Father slammed Gungnir onto the floor, the sound vibrating around the large room, before standing to his feet. The All-Father eyed his two sons with his one remaining eye, an eyebrow twitched upwards as the rest of the Council and Nobles turned to observe them.

"Who dares to disturb this meeting?" One of the Councillors demanded, pushing their way through the crowd to see the source of the noise. Loki didn't recognise the Asgardian, he was old, but not close to the All-Father's age, with salt and pepper hair and a large bushy beard which tickled his chin. His leathers squeaked as he peered at the Princes, disgust clear on his face. "Prince Thor, what is the meaning of this?"

"My apologies, Councillor Vidar," Thor said, inclining his head slightly, though not too much as to be differential, it would not do for the Crown Prince to be cowed by a Councillor. "My Brother and I were -"

"Father, I must speak with you," Loki spoke, ignoring the sharp shake of his arm from Thor. The Councillor, Vidar, turned his searching gaze from Thor to Loki, eyes hard as steel took in the Young Prince a sneer forming on his lips.

"Now is not the time to speak to the All-Father, boy," he said. "Can't you see that he is busy with duties of state?" Loki ignored the pointed slight, instead squaring his shoulders and glaring at the Councillor.

"I have no care for the matters of state the Council think are important to the All-Father. As most of the time it appears the Council are of less use than a Courtesan at a tavern." Vidar bristled, so did some of the other Councillors, though Loki could hear a few snickers from the Nobles. "I must speak to the All-Father." Vidar's face had turned a startling shade of red, almost verging on purple as his fury grew. He took a threatening step closer, hand dropping to his side where a sword lay against his hip.

"How dare -!"

"You seem so sure of yourself, my son," the voice of the All-Father cut Vidar's outburst short. Loki looked passed him to see that the All-Father was still stood upon Hildskjalf, though his one eye was fixed on Loki. "Come."

Loki didn't need to think twice about it, though he really should have done. He wrenched himself free from Thor, who could only watch helplessly as the situation began to spiral out of his control. He walked up to the Throne, the Nobles and Councillor's parting before him, as he ascended the stairs to meet his Father. He thought that the air seemed to shift, becoming thick, but he was just to angry, hurt and guilt ridden to notice. He stared unflinchingly up into his Father's face, who stared impassively back. The silence stretched, and Loki began to feel uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, Loki spoke.

"Father, why didn't you -" the sharp slap that came to his cheek was harsh, but it wasn't enough to hurt him. Asgardians were made of stern stuff and the All-Father had not swung hard enough to hurt him, but it did shock him into silence. The hit was open handed, so the sound was loud, echoing around the Throne Room, so all could hear and see what had happened. Loki's head had snapped to one side, the force of the blow making his pale cheek tint pink. He lifted a hand to cradle it, shock and surprise startling him more than pain from the slap itself.

"Loki!" Thor shouted, stepping closer. "Father, why would you -"

"You dare to demand my time and attention," Odin spoke softly, ignoring the call of Thor from the floor. "You think that you can command your King?"

It was with those words that the anger that had been fuelling Loki vanished and with it came cold stark clarity. He had miscalculated, coming into the Throne Room, demanding to speak to the All-Father before the Council, especially in these times of unease. He should have waited, spoken to him within the privacy of the Royal quarters, where he could have approached his Father as just that, his Father. But he had come before his King, and the All-Father had no choice but to put his son back in his place.

Loki lowered his eyes, not able to hold the impassive gaze that bore down on him. "I apologise, my King," Loki said, hoping his tone came across contrite. "I merely wanted -"

"What you want is irrelevant," Odin cut him off, making Loki flinch. "There are more important things that come before your wants and needs, or do you believe that the needs of Asgard are lesser than your own?"

Loki shook his head, "Of course not, All-Father."

"I am having trouble believing this," Loki tensed, waiting for what was to come from his fury driven mistake.

"Father, please forgive him," Loki couldn't help but snap his green gaze up to Thor. The elder Prince had finally managed to come before the Hlidskjalf, prostrating himself on a bended knee before it and the All-Father. "My Brother has had a shock, I delivered news he was not ready to hear."

Odin shot Thor a look, which Thor tried to subtly return. Loki saw the wrinkles around his Father's eyes crease, and he wondered if Thor had been successful with his silent communication.

"What news could distress the Young Prince that he felt the need to barge into a Council meeting?" One of the Councillors asked.

"That's -"

"An excellent question," Vidar spoke before Thor could respond, coming to stand just behind the Prince, sharp eyes staring at the scene with a satisfied smugness. "What did Prince Loki wish to discuss with the All-Father?"

Loki swallowed, unsure whether to speak or not. The twittering that had started among the Councillor's made him even more uneasy.

"That is business for my Father and Brother to discuss," Thor tried to defuse the situation, but the elder Prince was not a practised hand at it. In truth the actions Loki had took rang truer to Thor's personality than Loki's. For a brief moment Loki found humour in the situation he had gotten himself into. Who would have thought that their usual positions would be reversed?

"If he did not wish for the Council to be privy to his words with the All-Father, he should not have disrupted the meeting," Vidar pointed out, making Thor wilt. Vidar grinned, turning back to Hlidskjalf in triumph. "Prince Loki?"

Loki scowled, but did not open his mouth, though that all changed when Odin placed a hand on shoulder, gaining his attention.

"Loki?"

Swallowing, Loki had no choice but to answer. "I wanted to know why you thought it was right to replace Alviss with an outsider."

Silence followed his admittance, Loki made sure not to look at the Councillor's, instead keeping a steady gaze on the All-Father. He felt the hand on his shoulder flinch and Loki saw a softness come into his Father's eyes, though it was for but a moment as laughter came from the floor of the Throne Room.

"Is this some kind of jest?" Vidar asked, though it sounded more general than a direct question to Loki himself. "The Young Prince came into our meeting, demanded the All-Father's presence for a domestic issue?"

A flush crept up Loki's neck, threatening to spill onto his cheeks. Speaking the words aloud the Young Prince was able to see that he had maybe taken things a little to far.

"Now, now, Vidar, Prince Loki is but a child," another of the Councillor's spoke. "What seems trivial to an adult is of the greatest import to a child."

Loki clenched his teeth, he knew that the Councillor had more than likely meant nothing by the comment, but it didn't make the words sting any less. Loki was not a child, not anymore.

"Of course," Vidar bowed his head in agreement, but Loki could tell that he was finding the whole thing amusing. "Prince Loki is young still, with much to learn. I cannot find fault in him for making a mistake any child would make."

A hiss managed to escape Loki's lips, but with Odin still holding onto his shoulder, he made sure it was not too loud.

"He should be punished," a call came from a Councillor which elicited some to agree.

"Aye!"

"Coming in here and demanding the All-Father's time. It is unseemly."

"The Prince should be taught to respect his elders."

"This cannot be allowed to continue."

"Please, Councillors," Thor tried to intervene, but even Loki knew it was far to late for that. He had allowed his anger and locked feelings of guilt for Alviss's fall to lead him right into this situation. There was no one to blame but himself.

He felt his Father shift in front of him, and he swiftly returned his attention to the King. Odin had not said a word, seeming to digest what Loki had said and taking the time to think before he answered.

Finally, Odin sighed, "Loki, I -" what Odin would have said would forever remain a mystery, as right at that moment, the doors to the Throne Room were once again forced open. The Council turned as one, Odin, Thor and Loki along with them to see the imposing figure stood in the doorway, the guards futilely trying to halt him.

"Heimdall?" Thor asked, shock and surprise colouring his tone.

"What is the meaning of this?" Vidar yelled, face turning a dark purple colour with rage. "Can anyone just interrupt -"

"Heimdall," Odin's calm voice cooled Vidar's rant as all eyes turned to the King of Asgard. "Gatekeeper, what brings you here?"

Heimdall, ignoring the accusing eyes of the Council, stalked across the distance to Hlidskjalf. Once at the steps he bent low on one knee, head bowed as he spoke.

"My King, I bring grave news. I have Seen the Sorceress, the Lady Amora."

Hi again!

So this is just a little explanation for my warning from the top. So the slap Odin gave Loki is not child abuse. I did not write it with the intention of child abuse and I do not want it to come across that way. Instead it was to show more of the society of Asgard and how it differs from our own. In my opinion Asgard is based on the old Norse communities (Vikings) and any disrespect directed at parents, authority figures and especially leaders (aka Kings) would be dealt with harshly. That was what I was trying to get across, the difference in standard and how they deal with things compared to humans.

Plus they're space Vikings! they may look like humans but the are not us! Besides they teach their children to fight at age eleven for them, a little slap isn't going to bother them!

Hope this is helpful, sorry for the little rant.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

D.S