Hi Guys!

So it's that time again and here I am with Chapter three. Hope you're all enjoying it so far and that it's not being too slow paced for you. I understand if everyone wants me to get to when the Avengers are sure to appear, but we have to have some build up first. That will make it more worth your while. ;)

Anyway thanks as always to everyone who followed, faved and left reviews. Please continue to do all three, but especially review, I love hearing from you all and don't be afraid to ask questions are leave suggested, I will respond if I can either by PM or in the intro of the next chapter if its not spoliery.

Well that's enough here, lets get to the good stuff!

Cheers!

D.S x

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

3

The silence that followed Heimdall's announcement was heavy. The Council stood stunned, along with the Royal family. Loki felt his heart constrict and his breath came out painfully, as he gaped at Heimdall.

"What do you mean Heimdall?" Thor asked, being the first to recover from the shock. "Amora cannot possibly be Seen. She fell."

"Aye, that she did, Prince Thor," Heimdall said, not raising his head from his knelt position. "But that does not change the fact that I saw her."

Loki swallowed; it was not within the Gatekeeper's nature to lie. Heimdall was the one to sound the alarm should danger come to Asgard, a duty that he took very

"This is preposterous," one of the Councillor's called, as the tight knit group started to wither like a hornet's nest. "The Lady Amora fell her to death from the Bridge, along with the traitor Erling and Alviss."

Loki winced at the mention of the old Steward, a flash of his face entered his mind, smiling just before he fell with Amora's knife sticking out of his back.

"Be that as it may Councillor," Heimdall spoke softly. "I do not lie when I say that I have Seen her."

The Council looked ready to burst into hisses, but Odin beat them to the punch.

"Where did you see her?" the King of Asgard asked. Heimdall, lifted his head, fixing his King with his piercing golden gaze.

"Midgard, my King."

It was Thor's turn to choke in his shock. Loki however frowned in puzzlement, why would Amora go there of all places?

"Midgard?" it was Vidar who had spoken this time. "What would the witch want with that primitive Realm?"

"And how do we even know if she is truly there?" another added. "It is not the first time the Gatekeeper has been fooled."

Loki swore he saw a twitch in Heimdall's cheek, but otherwise he did not move. Odin however was frowning. The hand that had been on Loki's shoulder was removed, leaving the Young Prince to stand beside Hlidskjalf as Odin stepped towards the edge of the dais that would lead him down to the floor of the Throne Room.

"Heimdall, do you have proof of these claims?"

The obsidian Asgardian did not speak, instead he stood, tall and proud. Cupping his hands, he brought them before his face, covering his eyes, mouth and nose. Loki watched, fascinated, when after a moments pause, he felt a rush of Seidr. It happened at the same time as Heimdall breathed into his palms, catching his own breath in his hands. Sealing them closed, Heimdall waited, lips swiftly speaking words Loki could not make out. Then all of a sudden, he tossed his hands high into the air, releasing a shower of gold from his palms. It twisted and turned, colour sparking to form a picture that hovered in the air above the Royal family, the Council of Nine and Nobles.

The scene that appeared before them was completely unfamiliar. The walls were whitewashed, stark and clinical looking, there were no windows, and one door. But Loki found that the whole room was packed with strange looking machines. Wires were attached to most of them, all which led to something that was just beyond their sight. Various Midgardians were running around, all wearing similar garb, white coats which trailed along behind them as they rushed to their numerous jobs.

Suddenly, the only door hissed open, revealing a man dressed in black. Loki had to hold in a gasp when he took in the sight of the Midgardian. His skin was similar to that of Heimdall's, with short hair that was cut close to his head. The long coat that adorned his shoulders fanned out behind him as he stalked across the distance, his boots echoing against the floor as he made his purposeful way across the room. But it wasn't that which had Loki staring opened mouthed at the Midgardian. It was the black eye patch which covered his right eye. It was such a familiar look, one that Loki only associated with his Father, that it was almost ridiculous to see it on a Midgardian.

"Talk to me Doctor."

The scene before them suddenly shifted, pushing backwards so they could see more of the room, revealing a large metal pedestal, that had serval wires stretched across the ceiling to the machines that were set up throughout the room.

"By the Norns," one of the Councillor's muttered, which was quickly added to by the others. Loki saw the All-Father rear back, his one remaining eye widening as he looked at the glowing object that sat upon the pedestal.

"The Tesseract?" he whispered. Thor glanced at his Father; blue eyes full of horrified shock but wisely did not question the man yet. Loki had to bite down on his tongue to stop himself from uttering a word. Instead he fixed his eyes on the glowing blue cube that the Midgardian was staring at. He had heard of the Tesseract. Of course, he had, it was an object of great power, one that was sort after by many a would be conquer, willing to use its power to whatever ends they desired. From what Loki could remember from his many lessons, the Tesseract was one of the so-called Infinity Stones. Objects that when brought together, had the power to reshape the Universe. Loki remembered the face of his tutor when she had told him of them, filled with wonder, awe and spine-chilling fear.

Luckily, before anyone else could speak the scene before them was moving on. Movement came from behind the Tesseract and suddenly a familiar face emerged.

"Selvig?" Thor gasped, as he narrowed his eyes at one of the Midgardians that had helped him when he was banished. Loki, glanced at his elder Brother, noticing the pinched worry that had taken over his features. The expression surprised him, had his Brother truly grown so close to those Midgardians? He was barely with them a few days. Then again, the way his Brother spoke of the Lady Jane, Loki would think he had spent a lifetime with her.

"Director," Selvig said, approaching the man, who tensed when the Tesseract suddenly flared, causing the machines to beep loudly. "The Tesseract is misbehaving."

"Is that supposed to be funny," the man, the Director scowled, but Selvig merely shrugged his shoulders.

"No, it's not funny at all. The Tesseract is not only active, she's … misbehaving."

The Director peered at the Tesseract, which was dormant, but Loki could tell that some form of energy had to be coming from the object. The tense actions of the Midgardian's in the room, the way they eyed it as though it was set to explode any moment. They knew they were playing with fire. "How soon until you pull the plug?"

"She's an energy source," Selvig explained, which earned a few surprised mutters from the gathered Council and Nobles. Most likely shocked that a Midgardian could understand even a fraction of what the Tesseract could do. "If we turn off the power, she turns it back on. If she reaches peak level …" he trails off not needing to tell the Director what was blatantly obvious.

"We've prepared for this, Doctor," the Director said, face a grim mask of determination. "Harnessing energy from space."

"We don't have the harness," Selvig argued. "Our calculations are far from complete. Now she's throwing off interference, radiation. Nothing harmful," he quickly added when the Director's eyes narrowed. "Low levels of gamma radiation."

"That can be harmful," the Director glanced around, looking up towards the ceiling for some reason. "Where's Barton?"

Loki twitched at the name, mind sparking in recognition.

"The Hawk?" Selvig frowned. "Up in his nest, as usual."

The Director turned from the Doctor, tapping something at his ear, muttering quietly. Loki couldn't stop his own eyes from roving the room now, searching for the familiar sight of the Midgardian who had saved his life in the desert. Unfortunately, he could see nothing, and his attention was drawn back to the main purpose of the scene when a voice called.

"Doctor, it's spiking again!"

Selvig spun, dashing back over to the Tesseract, which had started to pulse with energy. He fiddled with some of the wires, before abandoning them with a curse. He moved to the side, heading to one of the machines, tapping away at something and leaning in close to a screen.

Suddenly a great blast of energy erupted from the Tesseract. Loki saw the blue sparks which flew from it, probably one of the few who could. Most Asgardians and certainly Midgardians would not have the skill to see the Seidr leaking from the Tesseract, twisting and colliding, slamming into the walls of the concrete structure of the building housing it, making it shake. The Midgardians shrieked, some running to dive for cover, fear etched onto their faces. Surprisingly, Selvig and the Director stayed in place, the man in black watching the Tesseract with an assessing eye, while Selvig worked furiously to try and stem the power of the Infinity Stone. Another figure dropped down from the ceiling to stand beside the Director. Loki didn't have time to appreciate that it was Barton, his bow held in his hand, an arrow already in place.

The Tesseract rumbled again, spouting blue rings that flared out around it. It built until the colour turned into a familiar blinding white.

"A Bifrost," Odin whispered, whether in fear or awe, Loki didn't know, but he could sense unease coming from the King of Asgard.

The light brightened, encompassing the blue of the Tesseract energy. It consolidated into a point, until suddenly, with another blast of energy a vortex appeared, spitting out a figure, who landed on the ground, one knee bent and breathing heavily.

Loki could only gape wide eyed as the Bifrost like vortex that the Tesseract had conjured disappeared just as quickly as it had come, though that didn't stop the Tesseract. It pulsed once more, releasing a cloud of smoke which buzzed with energy. It rose up towards the ceiling, where it was trapped, swirling like an angry storm, but Loki could feel the energy within it start to build. Some of the machines that monitored the Tesseract sparked and smoked as they over loaded, adding to the impending destruction of the room. However, all of that was insignificant compared to who had appeared within it.

Golden blonde hair fell down over her face, though Loki swore he could see a smile stretching her lips. The leathers she wore though not of Asgardian make, were that style. A mixture of black trousers with green boots and a long tunic which was cut low to reveal a chest most men would find hard to resist. Delicate fingers were curled around a short staff, with two blades, one short and one long, curling around a glowing blue stone set at the end. Loki didn't know why, but he recoiled as he saw it. A shiver went down his spine and he drew his Seidr up around himself like a shield. The intruder shifted, before pushing themselves up to stand before the Midgardian's, staff held firmly at her side, face revealed for all to see.

"By the Norns," Thor gasped, which was joined by various others. Odin stiffened, but it was Loki that felt as though he was drowning. That face, he would never be able to forget that face, it haunted his nightmares often enough, taking away one of the few people that had meant something to him. Overwhelming rage welled up in his chest. It had laid dormant for so long, squashed down with the knowledge that the one it wanted to make suffer was dead, but now that was not so true.

"Ma'am," the Director boldly stepped forward, no fear showing on his face. "Please put down the spear!"

The Lady Amora, co-conspirator of the traitor Erling looked at the Midgardians, tilting her head to the side in a thoughtful gesture. She then glanced at the spear in her hand, as though seeing it for the first time by the widening of her eyes. But it swiftly vanished as hungry glee took over. In a well-practised move, she twisted so that the spear was pointed at the Director and Barton, sending off a blast of blue Seidr at the pair.

Loki flinched, but he needn't have worried as Barton reacted instantly. He threw himself at the Director, tackling him out of the way of the blast, which connected with the wall behind them, shattering it. After that all hell broke loose. More black coated Midgardians appeared from the shadows, aiming small black devices at Amora, which they were swift to use. Loki watched in fascination as metal projectiles spat from the devices at a speed Loki never thought Midgardians would be able to accomplish. They aimed the barrage at Amora, who looked more annoyed than anything else. She jumped into the air, the fire of the weapons following her, though in the blink of an eye she vanished. The Midgardians confusion lasted for a second before a sharp cry came from one of them. All the watching Asgardian's could do was stare as Amora gutted one of the Midgardians with ease, then blasted at the others, sending them flying like trash into walls, broken and dead.

It was as the chaos died down that Loki noticed that Barton had been caught in one of the blasts. The Director who he had initially protected had disappeared, leaving him alone. He reached for his weapon, but by the time he had it raised and ready, Amora was already before him, a searching expression on her face.

"You have heart," she said, smiling beautifully at Barton, who had no time to react as she placed the tip of her spear at the centre of his chest. Loki felt the Seidr before it became visible. It rushed from the Spear and into Barton with ease, the Midgardian having no defence against such an attack. The trapped Midgardians eyes glowed a bright blue, before the tension in the mortal slipped away and he stood submissively before Amora.

The Seidr user smirked, directing her attention to a few of the other Midgardians who lay defeated at her feet. Loki wondered just what she was doing, he had never seen Seidr such as that.

It was as she was finishing up with another Midgardian that the Witch spoke again. "Please don't. I still need that."

Heimdall's projection zoomed out, showing that the Director had made his way over to the Tesseract, taking it off its stand and placing it within a case. The Midgardian stiffened, but he didn't relinquish his hold on the case, turning to face Amora.

"This doesn't have to get any messier," he said which only made Amora giggle.

"Of course, it does," she tittered, tossing her golden hair over her shoulder. "I've come to far for anything else." She pulled herself to her full height, looking down her nose at the Midgardian that dared to stand before her. "I am Amora of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose."

That had a few of the Council whispering, debating on her words and arguing about how dare the Witch proclaim she was of their Realm. Loki though was transfixed, not able to take his eyes away from the scene.

"Asgard?" it was Selvig who spoke, coming out from behind one of the machines. "Asgard as in the home of Thor?"

That gained Amora's attention, her bright blue eyes riveted on Selvig, who swallowed under her hard stare.

"We have no quarrel with your people," the Director tried to interject diplomatically, but Amora shook her head.

"An ant has no quarrel with a boot."

"You planning on stepping on us?"

Amora smiled, it was still beautiful, but Loki could see the insanity that hid behind it. "I come with glad tidings, of a world made free."

"Free from what?"

"Freedom," Amora answered simply, looking at the Director as though he had all the intelligence of a rock. "Freedom is life's great lie. Once you accept that, in your heart," she suddenly turned back to Selvig who had been edging around behind her. She placed the spear right on his heart, pumping Seidr into the Midgardian so that his eyes turned the same colour as Barton's.

"Selvig!" Thor called from the floor, shattering the spell that had fallen over the watching crowd. Loki grimaced as his Brother clenched his fists, glaring at the projection, unable to do a thing.

"You will know peace," Amora finished, removing the spear, leaving Selvig standing there, staring at her with blank eyes.

"Yeah, you say peace," the Director said, eyeing Amora warily. "I kind of think you mean the other thing."

"Ma'am." Barton's clipped tone came from behind Amora as he walked to stand by her side, bow in hand. "Director Fury is stalling. This place is about to blow," Amora frowned though she didn't seem overly concerned, so Barton continued. "Drop a hundred feet of rock on us. He means to bury us."

"Like the Pharaohs of old," the Director, Fury muttered, though no one was particularly listening.

"He's right," Selvig joined the Witch and archer. "The portal is collapsing in on itself. You've got maybe two minutes before this goes critical."

Amora sighed, then tossed her hair back with a flourish. "Well then …" she started, then glanced to Barton who didn't hesitate. He whipped around his bow, shooting at Fury who fell to the ground having taken the shot to the shoulder. The case he had been holding span out of his grip. Barton grabbed it and left the lab, followed by Amora, Selvig and serval other Midgardians the Witch had placed under her control.

Heimdall's image wavered, then died, leaving nothing behind but silence as the Asgardians processed what they had just seen.

"Did the Midgardians survive?" Thor asked, to which Heimdall answered.

"Their facility was destroyed, which cost a number of lives, along with the ones Amora took. But the Director and members of his inner circle were able to get to safety."

"Where did the Witch go?" a Councillor demanded.

"I saw her, and her compatriots leave the building, but it was soon after that that my sight was blocked. I can no longer see Amora."

That got the Council buzzing.

"You cannot see her?" Vidar asked.

"Aye," Heimdall nodded his head solemnly.

"But that's impossible!"

"Nothing is impossible," Heimdall replied calmly. "It is only improbable, and I have had my sight fooled before."

Loki winced, deliberately not looking at Heimdall. Luckily before more questions could be asked Odin slammed Gungnir to the ground, calling for silence.

"Amora has taken the Tesseract then?" he directed the question to his Gatekeeper who nodded.

"Aye. Though what she plans to do with it, I know not."

"I think that would be obvious," Thor growled. "She plans to destroy Midgard." The Councillors murmured to one another, while Thor pulled himself to his full height, turning to face Odin head on. "We cannot allow that."

The All-Father sighed, shaking his head. "It is not a matter of allowing, Thor," he spoke reasonably. "Or have you forgotten the destruction of the Bifrost?"

Thor's cheeks tinted a little, and even Loki had to shake himself. How could they have forgotten that the Bifrost was still in need of repair? After the incident last year, when Amora had broken the Rainbow Bridge, the Bifrost had practically been nullified. Of course, Odin had drafted in the best Seidr uses in the Nine Realms to begin on fixing the problem. The only issue with that was trying to understand what the problem was. So, Asgard had been cut off from the rest of the Nine since, something which had not sat well with the Nobles.

"Regardless of the Bifrost," Vidar said, sauntering closer to Hlidskjalf. "Why should we involve ourselves with this? Amora is attacking Midgard, should they not have the right to deal with her themselves?"

Loki blinked, surprised at the number of others that were nodding along with Vidar's words. Thor looked ready to beat the Councillor, even Heimdall appeared annoyed, but it was the crash of Gungnir that displayed the ire of the All-Father.

"Midgard will not be abandoned," Odin's voice boomed around the room, making all within it wince. "Beside the matter that I, Odin, King of Asgard and All-Father have sworn to protect the Nine Realms, Amora is an Asgardian, who has committed crimes against her own Realm. She will be brought back to face our justice."

The Young Prince, who was still stood just behind his Father, could not help but admire the man in that moment. The way he commanded the room, took control and the power that flowed from him. It made Loki wonder if he would ever grow to be such when he reached adulthood.

"Of course, my King," one of the Councillor's spoke, bending on their knee, which was swiftly followed by the others, heads bowed. "She will face Asgardian justice, as is our right."

Odin seemed satisfied, but Thor appeared more irritated, fingers twitching towards Mjolnir, but knowing it could do little good.

"It appears now we will have to change our plans," Loki flinched when his Father's remaining eye fell on him, but the expression that followed it was more tired than wrathful. "Loki, return to the Royal quarters, this is not the place for you."

"But Father -" Loki started, but stopped when Odin's face hardened. Knowing that this was going to be his one and only reprieve from his mistake earlier, Loki knew he had to take it while he could. "Yes, my King."

Bowing low, Loki backed off the dais which held Hlidskjalf. It was only when he was off the steps that he gave one final bow and turned his back. Thor gave him a shy smile; one he did not return. Even with everything that had happened he still hadn't forgiven his Brother for lying to him. Vidar however seemed murderous. He sneered as the Young Prince walked by, probably annoyed he had not gotten his comeuppance. Loki smirked, making a note to direct some mischief the Councillor's way, before he exited the Throne Room.

It didn't take him long to return to the Royal quarters, the hallways of the Palace were quiet at this time in the late afternoon, most settling down to meals and other various tasks before the evening drew in. Loki thought about going to the dining room, but dismissed it, not wanting to run into his Mother. He instead made his way to his own chambers, hoping maybe the quiet would be able to bring a sense of focus back to himself. His mind was still having trouble processing all that had happened. First with the Cohort, then Sigyn, Alviss's replacement, Odin's wrath, then the revelation that Amora still lived. It was all a little too much for the Young Prince to take in at once.

As he rounded the corner that led to the hallway which house his chambers, Loki heard a sharp intake of breath, followed by a shout.

"Prince Loki!"

"Leif?" Loki asked in surprise. His Valet had been sat beside his chamber doors, knees draw up to his chest, head tucked into them. At the sight of the Young Prince, he had leapt to his feet, dashing across the distance to stand panting before him, face screwed up with worry.

"M…y Prince, are you a…alright? Are y…you well? Prince T…Thor t…told me not to f…follow the tw…two of you, but I was con…concerned, so I came back h…here and you d…didn't come to the chamber, b…but I didn't k…know where you w…were, so I waited but -"

"Leif, calm yourself," Loki held up a hand to stop the boy, who instantly clamped his mouth shut, halting the hurriedly stuttered words.

"I…I'm sorry my P…Prince," Leif bowed his head and Loki let out a sigh.

"It is fine," he said, brushing passed the Valet and to his chamber doors. "I have no need of you now, you may go."

"B…but Prince Loki, w…what about d…dinner?" Leif protested, hovering behind the Royal as he pushed open the door. "The Queen -"

"I am feeling rather ill," Loki cut him off before anymore could be said. "I'm sure the Queen will understand."

"But -"

"I will see you on the morrow, Leif," that was all Loki had to say before he entered his chambers, slamming the door closed.

Once enveloped in the familiar rooms, Loki leaned back against the door, listening intently. He was sure he could hear Leif hovering outside, unsure of what to do. The Prince was thankful that a moment later, the unmistakable sound of footfalls headed away from his door. Closing his eyes, Loki allowed some of the tightly coiled tension that he had been carrying slip free, his shoulders sagged, and his head began to pound. It had been quite a trying day.

Pushing himself from his door, Loki waved a hand, igniting the torches that lined his room with ease, it was as he passed a mirror that he was forced to stop to admire the shining bruise that decorated his cheek.

It was nowhere near the worst injury he had ever received, having been in the Cohort for a while now, his body was littered with various cuts and bruises, plus all his years of running about the Palace. But it was probably the most humiliating. His Father had hit him. Not something he hadn't been subjected to before, Odin was a strict parent, and Loki was aware that being a Prince came with its own set of expectations and rules about behaviour. However, this was one of the only times Odin had ever punished Loki in public. Now the Young Prince was not stupid, he should have kept in mind just what the consequences would be if he spoke out of turn, but he just couldn't help himself. Odin had replaced Alviss.

The thought of Alviss brought what Heimdall had shown them to the forefront of his mind. The image of Amora, alive and seemingly well, smirking at them as she played with the Midgardians. It made something dark and sinister well up in Loki, something which fed his Seidr and made it want to break its bonds and cause chaos. It frightened the Young Prince and he willed it away, but it was difficult. Amora was alive, while Alviss …

Turning from the mirror, Loki threw himself onto his bed fully clothed, uncaring that dirt covered his pristine sheets. He lay like that, willing the angry tears away, even as some fell down his cheeks. It's not fair, Loki thought as he sniffed. It wasn't fair that Amora somehow had lived, while Alviss had to fall. Loki had always been eager to hear the tales his Brother told, all of them ending in some great victory. He had never thought that life would be the opposite.

He didn't know how long he lay there, lost in his thoughts as he was. It was only when a small knock came upon his door that he thought to lift his head, only to see the sky had darkened, making the shadows cast by the torches flicker in the corners of the room.

The knock came again, and Loki sighed. "Leif, I told you I would see you on the morrow," he called. He was surprised though when the door was pushed open, to reveal the ever-radiant form of his Mother.

"Does that statement also include me?" she asked, smiling at him from the doorway.

Loki stared at her, then huffed, turning back to bury his face in a pillow.

"Oh Loki," he heard his Mother mutter. He didn't move though, hoping that she may possibly just walk away. But Frigga was anything if not persistent. The door was quietly shut, then light footfalls made their way to the bed, where after a brief moment, a weight settled near Loki's head. He shuffled away as fingers touched his locks. "You are angry at me."

It was a statement, and Loki felt slightly pleased that his Mother wasn't feigning ignorance. Frigga sighed, "I know how you must feel." Loki snorted but Frigga was undeterred. "We spoke about keeping secrets, that we would be honest with each other as a family, but my Loki," this time when the fingers touched his hair, Loki didn't pull away. "We only wanted what was best for you."

"Lying isn't what's best for me," Loki mumbled, still not looking at his Mother, even as she petted his hair. "We found that out last time."

"Indeed," Frigga agreed. "But Loki, surly you can see that this is different."

That made the rage in Loki flare, he sat bolt upright, glaring at the serene face of his Mother. "Lying is lying, not matter what the reason. It's all bad."

"Now my son," Frigga spoke gently, not backing down in the face of his anger. "We both know that's not true."

"It -"

"Telling a lie to hurt someone, to deliberately cause them pain, that is wrong, of course it is," Frigga said, making sure to capture Loki's eyes with hers. "Also, keeping something a secret that may be best told is also wrong, though not bad. However, lies that are told to help ease the suffering of another, to keep silent until you believe they are ready to hear it. I do not believe that to be wrong."

Loki opened his mouth, though it was swiftly shut as no words emerged. Frigga eased herself closer, taking one of his hands. "You were going through so much suffering after Alviss's de … fall. You still are." Loki looked away, ashamed, but Frigga merely squeezed his hand in reassurance. "But your Father needed a new Steward, as did the House of Odin, you knew this was coming."

Loki shivered, not able argue with his Mother's words. It was true, he did know it was coming, but it still didn't make it any easier to swallow.

"You didn't have to choose someone from outside the Household."

"Possibly," Frigga inclined her head. "But answer me honestly Loki, would you have been able to accept it, even if we had chosen someone from within the Household?"

The Young Prince bit his lip. He wanted to say yes, of course he would have accepted it, but he knew and so did his Mother, that it was a lie. Frigga didn't need him to admit to it though, only smiled and patted his hand.

"Then maybe, you can understand, why your Father and I wanted to wait until we told you about the change."

"I don't have to like it."

"I'm not asking you to like it son, I'm asking if you understand."

Loki wanted to scowl, to argue, but he knew he couldn't, his logical mind already coming to the conclusion which was obvious. "Yes, but that doesn't mean I'm not angry."

"I understand," Frigga smiled, and Loki had a hard time not reciprocating. "But that is not all I want to speak to you of."

Loki winced, "Father told you."

"Of course he did," Frigga said. "Your Father can keep nothing from me."

Loki did smile at that, and Frigga took the opportunity to come closer, lifting a hand to cup his bruised cheek. "I had some stern words for him when he told me of this."

"I understand why he had to," Loki admitted. "I spoke out against him in front of the Council and Nobles."

"Be that as it may," a familiar wash of Seidr came from his Mother's hand, healing the bruise after a moment. "He could have handled this differently." Loki didn't bother to argue with that, instead taking the opportunity to turn the conversation to different waters.

"You know of it then?" he asked, to which his Mother raised an eyebrow.

"You mean Amora?" Loki nodded. "Your Father and Thor told me of it after they left the Councillors."

"Have they come to an agreement?"

"Now Loki, you know the Council better than that," Frigga smirked, one which Loki copied.

"They spent the whole time arguing, didn't they?"

"Most old men find it hard to agree about anything," Frigga snorted, making Loki giggle. "Your Father had to call order and said he would announce his decision on the morrow."

"So late? But what about Midgard?"

Frigga sent him an amused look, though it was tainted with a little sadness. "Just like your Brother, both of you seem to care for that Realm."

"They don't deserve to be destroyed by Amora."

"I agree, Loki," Frigga squeezed his hand to silence him. "No Realm deserves her wrath, but your Father must be careful on how he responds."

"Why?"

"Midgard is a Realm that has been left alone for a long time. For your Father to decide to interfere, it will mean breaking his own laws."

"But Amora is an Asgardian," Loki argued. "Surely that gives us enough reason."

"The other Realms may not see it that way, there is also how Midgard itself will respond."

"Midgard?"

"It is their Realm she has attacked," Frigga explained. "They may want to deal with her themselves."

"But that's impossible," Loki exclaimed. "Amora is a Seidr user, the Midgardians have no way of combatting her capabilities."

"And that is what I told your Father at dinner, the meal you refused attend." Loki winced as his Mother stared at him. "I don't blame you for wanting to take time away Loki, but you really should not run from your problems."

"Yes, Mother," Loki muttered. Frigga smiled at him, then pulled him towards her, so that she could hug him to her chest.

"Next time you want to argue with your Father about the Household, please either come to me, or wait until dinner. We will be able to bully him into submission without the Council sticking their noses in." Loki laughed at that, succumbing to his Mother's hug, allowing it to ease the anger and rage that had festered in his heart.

Frigga leaned back, pushing Loki away so she could look at him fully. "It's late now, my son, too late for dinner. Though I think you should at least get into your night clothes."

"Yes Mother," Loki said, waiting until Frigga got up before following. He wasn't surprised that his Mother stayed and chatted while he undressed. They talked of nothing of import, but Loki loved it. He'd always enjoyed spending quiet time with his Mother, she always knew just the ways to calm him, to get him back into the right mind set. Which was something Loki had needed since the incident. The rage and guilt, things he had yet to share with his Mother, had been spilling out more and more into his everyday life. Whether it was an effect from his nightmares, he didn't know. But he was sure his Mother was aware that he was still struggling to cope with everything that had changed in his life in the year since the coup.

When Loki was finally undressed and back into bed, Loki was surprised when Frigga went through the old ritual of tucking him in. It was something she had not done for several years and Loki had not realised how much he had missed it. She made sure the covers came up to his chin, tucking them around his body gently, so that he was snug within. Then gently she brushed his hair out of his eyes and placed a kiss to his brow.

"Sweet dreams, my little Loki," she whispered to him.

"Sweet dreams, Mother," Loki mumbled back, sleep starting to creep up. Frigga smiled, starting to stand, but Loki shifted uneasily. "Could you stay, until I fall asleep?" Frigga remained frozen for a moment, making Loki unsure if he should have asked such a thing, but then that smile returned and she sat on the edge of the bed.

"Of course darling," she said, and Loki smiled. Perhaps he would finally have a night away from bad dreams. His Mother was here to protect him.

Loki slept soundly, not waking even when his Mother left the room later in the night. So, it surprised him when the light of dawn woke him as Leif opened the curtains.

"Wha-what?" Loki mumbled, rubbing at his eyes, to try and rid himself of the spots obscuring his vision.

"P…Prince Loki," the Young Prince found Leif, stood awkwardly beside the bed. "Good m…morning."

"It's morning?" Loki asked, to which Leif nodded an affirmative. "I actually slept?" the words were muttered mostly to himself, but Leif still caught them.

"My Prince?"

"It's nothing," Loki waved a hand before pushing the covers away to get out of bed. Leif was quick to respond, grabbing his night gown to slip it over Loki's arms when the Prince held them out.

"The Q…Queen insists that y…you come t…to breakfast this morning," Leif told him as Loki padded across the chamber to the washroom.

"I thought as much."

"You still h…have your l…lessons in the morning, f…followed by the Cohort."

"I'm surprised they weren't cancelled," Loki said, sending a sharp eye at Leif, who quailed under the scrutiny. "Very well. I will dress."

Leif bowed, and Loki headed into the washroom. He took his time with his usual morning routine, Loki knew that it was only delaying the inevitable, but he felt that the added time gave him the opportunity to settle himself. Once done he wrapped the towel around his waist and went to the dressing room. Leif was already there, clothes set out. Loki barely gave them a look over before he stood on the podium, allowing his Valet to dress him. With hair still a little damp, Loki dismissed Leif before heading to the breakfast room. The boy didn't look pleased, but did as his Prince bid, retreating in the opposite direction. Loki watched him a moment, then headed off to breakfast.

It was with slow steps that he made his way through the Royal quarters, several maids were already hard at work, cleaning linens and other rooms that barely got used since the Royal family was only made up of four. Eventually he arrived at the breakfast room. He paused before the entrance, unsure as to what waited for him inside. Maybe he should just avoid the whole thing altogether, it was not as though he was that afraid of what his Mother would do if he disobeyed her.

"Loki?" Loki jumped, spinning to face to his horror, Odin, who had crept up behind him, a frown on his face.

"F…Father!" Loki squeaked. He hadn't been sure if Odin would be at breakfast, what with everything that had happened the day before. But there he was, looking at Loki with a mixture of confused concern. "I -"

"Are you well, my son," Odin took a step closer, placing a hand on Loki's shoulder. "You seem pale."

"I…I…" Loki didn't know what to say, he felt awkward. He hadn't seen his Father since their confrontation the day before. Was he angry at him? Would he be punished again? He didn't know if he wanted the answer to those questions.

Odin looked into his son's quickly panicking face and sighed. Squeezing his shoulder, he said, "I am not angry with you, Loki."

Loki stiffened, "I didn't -"

"You don't need to say anything, son," Odin cut him off. "Don't forget I raised you, I know the look."

Loki blushed; he didn't know that his Father could read him so well. But he couldn't help but be nervous. Odin had in a way already punished him, the slap before the Council could be considered enough. But Loki couldn't be sure of that. Odin bent a little, so that his face was on the same level as the Young Prince.

"There is no need to worry, it is over now, done with."

"But I interrupted your Council," Loki said, unsure as to why he was pushing the issue. "They won't be happy with just -"

"The Council has no say in how I punish my sons," Odin spoke softly. "And I think I already made my anger clear," he reached out and cupped Loki's cheek. "You Mother healed it well."

Loki nodded, but bit his lip as he glanced at his Father's remaining eye, before lowering his head. "I'm sorry, Father."

Odin chuckled, ruffling the black locks gently. "All was already forgiven my son. Though next time you feel the need to scold me, wait until we are in the privacy of the Royal quarters."

"Aye, Father," Loki swiftly agreed and with a lighter heart, he took his Father's offered hand and walked into the breakfast room

"Ah, two of my boys have decided to join me," the light tone wafted towards Loki and Odin as they stepped inside. Loki was not surprised to see Frigga, already seated at the table, watching the two of them with a sly smile. "Odin, Loki, good morning."

"Morning, Mother," Loki chirped, releasing Odin's hand to skip up to his Mother, planting a kiss on her cheek. Frigga ran a hand through his hair, straightening the locks that Odin had messed up.

"Morning, my little Loki."

"Mother," Loki whined at the nickname, but Frigga only laughed, along with Odin who had already taken his seat at head of the table. Huffing, the Young Prince crossed to his own chair, noticing for the first time that the one beside it was empty. "Where's Thor? Is he coming to breakfast?"

"Your Brother has many things to see to this day," Odin said as he spooned porridge into his mouth.

"Such as what?"

Frigga and Odin shared a look, Frigga's eyes narrowing as Odin shook his head. Sighing under the furious gaze of his wife Odin turned to Loki.

"As you know, Amora has been confirmed as being alive on Midgard."

Loki tensed, but nodded.

"The Council could not come to a decision last evening, but even though they could not agree, I feel we must do something. Asgard is the protector of the Nine Realms and Amora is one of our own. We cannot allow her to threaten innocent Realms."

Odin paused, and Loki watched him. He placed his spoon down, taking his time before he answered.

"I have decided that I will send Thor to Midgard."

Loki blanched, unable to hold it in. "B…but that's not possible, the Bifrost -"

"The Bifrost may be broken, but there are other ways to travel the Realms," Frigga cut in, sending a knowing look Loki's way. The Young Prince winced, knowing that Frigga had no doubt seen his notes on how to Skywalk. It was impossible to keep secrets from his Mother.

"But Thor has no Seidr," Loki argued. "Even to use an object you need to be able to at least have an understanding of how Seidr works. Thor couldn't cast a spell if he had a thousand years to practise. How will he be able to travel?"

Frigga frowned at Loki's description, but didn't argue with him. It was true, Thor had no talent for Seidr, it was well known. So how was he going to travel without a Bifrost?

"Your Brother will not use a Seidr enhanced item," Odin said, lips twitching upwards slightly, holding back a smile. "I will use my own Seidr to gather Dark Energy."

"Dark Energy?" Loki asked curiously, he had never come across the term so far in his Seidr studies. "What's that?"

"Not something you need to know about right now," Frigga snapped, sending a glare Odin's way. The King of Asgard slumped, quickly agreeing with his wife.

"Aye, Loki, all you need to know is that I will use this Dark Energy to blast Thor through the Pathways between Realms. It will only be a one-way trip; he will need the Tesseract to return. But it has been decided."

Odin sat up straighter in his chair, one eye locking with Loki's green orbs. "Thor will be sent to Midgard to stop Amora. It is only with her defeat that he will be able to return home."