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Chapter 66

The new year set in with a fresh snowstorm, covering the shiny citadel of Asgard is a puffy layer of white snow. Inside the palace things went as normal. Every morning Loki would attend a meeting. Only a few days had passed when Odin suddenly spoke directly him, taking Loki by surprise. It wasn't much, just a few words of agreement on a couple of decisions, but at least now Loki felt he wasn't spending his mornings so uselessly. However, while Odin gradually seemed to accept Loki's voice in certain matters, Loki also felt the old boredom return. His thoughts trotted off to Arya, the town, the bakery, the gardens, … Oh how he missed his freedom to stand wherever he wanted, pull jokes and investigate the city of Asgard and the wilderness around it.

One morning, the impossible happened. Loki had already taken his regular spot next to the throne and impatiently waited for Odin to start the meeting. His thoughts lingered off in an attempt to figure out a way to go on a date with Arya, but perhaps somewhere else than the library, the gardens or the stables this time.

"Good morning everyone!" Odin started. "My Lord Atlas, please take us through the daily matters!"

Loki didn't really pay attention while the Lord went down the list, but his attention was brutally snatched back to the meeting when Odin addressed the next matter.

"As many of you know, we are in need of a new Captain," he started. "After his misstep, I took the title from my son, prince Thor and handed it to my trusted friend and advisor, Lord Steldor. However, a Lord should not have to deal with a Captain's duties, since the Captain is the voice of the people and the Lord is to be a negotiator. Therefor I have decided to appoint a new Captain."

Loki and Thor shared a look of pure terror. Their first guess was that Odin would put Dale back on his old spot. The ex-Captain was present as well and seemed to think the same thing. His dark eyes found Loki. He smiled shortly.

But Odin continued. "Dale Gotarson will remain under our agreement until I say otherwise. I have decided to grant the honour of Captain of the guard to our ex-Captain, Arya, daughter of Dale."

Loki and Thor didn't know what emotion to show. First of all they wanted to burst into laughter at the sight of the stunned Dale who hadn't seen this coming. His eyes turned dark and his face melted into an angry scowl. Secondly, both Thor and Loki had to double check whether Odin had really just said what they'd heard. Arya would be Captain again! Loki couldn't help but smile. He'd never felt more proud!

"Is there anyone who disagrees on this matter?"

Loki let his eyes rest on Dale, almost wishing that that untrusty bastard would raise his hand, but the ex-Captain remained silent. Odin turned to the Lords, who one by one gave their official permission. Odin nodded.

"Then let her come to the throne room immediately!" Odin said. A few minutes later, a nervous looking Arya stepped inside, but after an encouraging smile from Loki, she relaxed.

"Loki? What do you think? Is she the right pick?" Odin suddenly asked. Loki jerked his head back to the Allfather. He normally had no say in matters like these, at least not a decisive vote.

Thor playfully raised his eyebrows to his brother. Arya frowned and looked from one brother to the other, not understanding what this was about.

"Errr… I think Arya would be the perfect choice…," he stammered.

"I understand that you put her in charge before," Odin continued in a serious tone. "What made you chose her?"

Loki felt his mouth run dry. Why? Why did Odin ask him this? He didn't know why he choose Arya!

"Why put a inexperienced woman in charge of the most important job of Asgard?"

All eyes turned to Loki now. Thor cast a meaningful look on his brother. This was a test, but Loki knew that.

He had to choose his words carefully. "I choose Arya, not because she had been put in charge by her father, but because she immediately showed me the most important strength a good Captain should offer. A Captain is the voice of the people and is therefore the personification of the citizens of Asgard. A Captain must show kindness as well as strong leadership, courage as well as compassion for every soul, no matter their status. When I arrived back on Asgard, the city was in chaos. Arya stood up, not only against a tyrant, but also against her father. She did not do this out of selfish needs, greed nor fear, but in the name of the oppressed people and the safety of the realm. In doing this, she risked her own life. For these reasons I believed, and I still belief this today, she was the perfect fit for the job, obviously with the needed guidance which Thor gave her until she was ready to take on the title of Captain herself."

Loki breathed out while his eyes searched for a sign of acceptance in Odin's cold features, but the Allfather was trained to keep up his poker face at all times. However, fact remained he also didn't cast Loki one of those sneaky murder glares. In fact, Loki realised, Odin seemed more and more like his old self, the strong leader Loki had once called his father.

The Allfather nodded shortly and turned back to Arya. He rose from his throne and looked over the room for a few quiet seconds.

"Arya, daughter if Dale, the court and I have decided to rehabilitate you and put you back in charge of the Captain's duties. Do you have any difficulties with this decision?"

Arya had tried very hard not to stare back at the Allfather in utter surprise. Her eyes rested on Loki for a second, but his soft light grey gaze and cheeky smile said quite enough. Her eyes sprung towards the quiet form of her father, standing a bit to her right, at the bottom of the stairs. Dale stared at her, emotionless while a short fake smile crossed his lips. Her father's behaviour gave her the creeps!

"I'm honoured, my king!" she finally answered. "I would certainly like to take up the Captain's duties once more and I assure you I will not disappoint you, my lord."

Arya licked her lips, not able to hide the nerves in her voice when she continued. "However, If I recall correctly, my father, Dale Gotarson, was to regain his title as Captain once your agreement ended."

Odin allowed Arya's words to fade through the room. His eyes focused on the frozen and tense form of Dale. "As long as our agreement lasts, Dale, son of Gotar, cannot regain his title. Even if he proves to be trustworthy as I recall him, that does not mean he will once more become the Captain. For this he will need the vote of the Lords. Due to his recent history, The Lords do not think it wise to offer him the job of Captain just yet. It all depends on the trust the people are prepared to show. The citizens of Asgard trust in you, Arya."

Arya felt her blood raise to her cheeks. Her mouth felt dry and her heart was beating out of her chest. Odin turned to Dale. "I am certain you agree on these terms as it is the law, my dear friend?" he asked. Dale slowly turned. Loki could clearly see how the ex-Captain had to try very hard to force a smile on his face.

"Of course, my king!" he said loud and clear. Dale raised his hand and gestured to his daughter. "Arya is indeed a good pic for the job of Captain. I'm sure she will honour the memory of what I once was to you, my lord. She will be a good ally in the search for peace and greatness of the Asgardian realm and the other realms alike."

Loki and Arya shared a look of absolute disgust, but skilfully managed to hide it for everyone else.

"That is decided then!" Odin proclaimed. "Unless you, Arya, daughter of Dale, think it wrong, I shall proclaim you Captain of the guard."

Arya put her arm over her chest, with a fist touching her heart, while bowing her head. "There would not be a greater honour, my king!" she said, trying very hard to keep a straight face. She felt like screaming, crying and laughing at the same time. Besides that, she knew looking up would mean she'd be face to face with a very proud and excited boyfriend.

Odin continued the short ceremony in which he let Arya swear her loyalty once more. Everyone applauded and then, just like that the meeting was over. Odin sank back into his throne and watched the people leaving, going back to their everyday chores. When they passed Arya they nodded, bowed shortly or shook her hand while congratulating her. The black warrior smiled and nodded, but her attention was locked on the raven haired prince who still hadn't left his spot next to the throne. Odin cast a careful glare on his stepson. Loki's light grey eyes twinkled excitedly while a proud smile played on is lips. The Allfather turned to Thor, only to find the blond prince smile towards his brother. Odin raised his eyebrows and smiled shortly. Finally Thor and Loki left their spots next to him and went down the stairs. Thor was first. He walked over to Arya and hugged his friend. Loki just smiled, not leaving his spot a few steps behind his brother, but his hands, which were folded on his lower back, nervously played with the fabric of his shirt. Odin wasn't sure, but did he just catch a very familiar look in Arya's eyes when her stare crossed Loki's?

Only when everyone had left and Odin had the room for himself, the old king allowed a single tear to run down his cheek. Things had changed indeed, yet some things never did.

"What would you have done, my love, my queen?" Odin whispered to himself. What would Frigga tell him? What would she think? And what would she have seen in those secret glares Loki and Arya had been sending each other?

Was he turning soft? Was he acting to rash? Odin didn't know. All he knew was that he'd missed out on things… Things that had changed… The Allfather tightened his grip on his sceptre and slowly made his way down the stairs as well. A new day was upon him, a new day that could change everything!

-xxx-

But just when Loki thought things couldn't get any better, everything turned around. Because of his own… stupid… fault…

At the end of the day, Loki had decided Arya deserved something special after reclaimed her title once more. So when night fell he made his way onto his balcony, over the roof, to the back of the palace. Arya had left a bit earlier to go get some of her stuff back from the bakery and move to the palace once again. What better way to surprise her than to show up at the bakery!

The first part of his journey went without trouble. Since he didn't have to sneak into the hospital wing to get a disguise, Loki could easily slip from the stables towards the small road connecting the palace with the upper ring of the city. But when he'd left the upper city behind him and the soft yellow light of the middle city streets shone down on him, things didn't go as planned. The few shadows ahead first didn't seem as much of a threat, so Loki just kept walking, trusting his stolen disguise would help him blend in, until one of them suddenly cried out in a way to familiar voice.

"Let go!" Arya's voice echoed through the street. Loki frowned and walked a bit faster. Three dark figures grabbed onto the young warrior and dragged her into the darkness of an alley in between two houses. Loki started running. He didn't know why Arya wasn't at home yet, he'd given her more than enough time, but that didn't matter now. Loki ducked into the alleyway.

"Hey!" he roared to his girlfriend's assailants, but before he could do anything else three shadows ran passed him, back onto the street and disappeared into the night. Loki blinked confusedly and allowed his eyes to settle in the darkness. Arya came walking towards him. She brushed off her sleeves and frowned.

"Loki?" he asked. A slight spark of terror coloured her words. "What are you doing here!"

Loki swallowed. Why did he even think Arya would have needed his help. Those little thieves had merely taken her by surprise. They were no match for her!

Loki wanted to answer, but he was rudely interrupted by the sound of marching footsteps. A few seconds later a patrol of three guards appeared at the entrance of the alley.

"Are you alright, mam?" they asked, until they recognised their new Captain. "My lady!" the leader of the patrol exclaimed. Automatically his two companions took hold of Loki, mistaking him for Arya's attacker. Before the young Captain could say a word, the guards pulled off Loki's protective hood to reveal his identity.

A short silence fell and Loki could feel his hope sink into the ground. Now he was doomed…

"Loki!" the leader shouted while raising his sword. One of the two guards who had grabbed Loki's shoulder, took a step back. He obviously wasn't one of Loki's fans. The other one remained silent. And the leader seemed to hesitate.

"No!" Arya shouted. "This is not what it looks like!" Loki sighed and lowered his eyes to the ground.

"He… Loki… Loki did not attack me!" Arya continued, slightly panicking. "In fact," she quickly added. "He's the one who saved me!"

The guards didn't seem to buy it and Arya as well realised it was rather hard to belief a mortal would win from three Asgardians, thieves or not.

"I'm sorry, my lady," the leader said with a sad frown on his forehead. "But according to the agreement with the king, Loki is not allowed to be outside the palace by himself."

Arya felt her mouth run dry. She wanted to say something like "but he was with me!", but she knew it was to late. So she couldn't do anything but to watch the three guards guide Loki back to the palace. Since night had fallen, Loki was brought to his old prison cell, in between the bandits. All the time, Loki didn't say a word. He knew he'd ruined everything! According to his agreement, Odin was allowed to swing the axe right know. He basically had signed his death certificate… How could he have been so careless…

Loki silently sank down against the wall. Even the sneers and shouts from the bandits around him, couldn't get to him. All he could think of was Arya's disappointed and scared expression. Somewhere, Loki wanted to cry. Death was closing in on him after all. But he didn't let a single tear go. This was his own doing! He would face the consequences with his head held high!

With those thoughts still lingering in his mind, Loki slowly sank into an uneasy sleep, terrified of what the morning would bring.

-xxx-

The walk towards the throne room went by in a haze. He was tired... So tired... The sound of the chains around his writs couldn't drag Loki from the sleepy state his mind and body was in. It seemed almost ironic. At least now he was sleepy enough to slip into oblivion. Whatever trust he'd managed to build up with Odin would not save him today. Only when they finally reached the throne room and Loki was dragged to the stairs, he realised just how much worse things would be. There she was... In her perfect, graceful, dark beauty... The young Captain stood at the stairs, frozen, nervously fidgeting with her hands behind her back. Her eyes, which refused to lock on the prisoner in front of her, were red and swollen, complete with a set of dark circles.

Loki felt his stomach twirl in a knot. A death sentence was only final when the Captain agreed. Especially when the accused was a civilian. Since Loki's rights to the throne had vanished with his title, he was nothing more. He wasn't quite sure his deal with Odin made any difference... Loki felt his insides freeze. He throat felt dry and his heart was beating at a hundred miles an hour. Slowly he focused his gaze on the throne above him while the rest of the room slowly went quiet. Thor was present as well. The blond prince didn't fully grasp the situation yet. Why on earth had Loki been so stupid! He wanted to be angry, sad even, but he knew Loki only wanted to see Arya. Still, these kind of actions would suit him rather than his ever so sneaky and careful brother.

Odin just sat in his throne, his emotionless gaze fixed on the chained man in front of him. When the news had reached him this morning, Odin had been overrun by emotions and thoughts. Somewhere, his paranoid hatred surfaced, pointing out that he'd known this would happen form the start. Loki simply was not to be trusted! But his mind and heart said there was more to this. There had to be! So the Allfather carefully scanned his stepson. Loki seemed tired, lost perhaps, but not in the slightest amounts did he show any kind of that smug grin he preserved only for his stepfather.

The room finally went quiet and Loki could sense that most people present were just as uncomfortable as he felt. Odin waited a few more seconds.

"Loki, son of Laufey," he started. "You are here today due to you actions against the agreement you and the court of Asgard have sealed. According to this agreement, you should face the axe immediately."

Loki swallowed and bit his tongue. He somewhat wanted to nod. As if to show that he too wasn't very comfortable with that idea.

"However, it seems to me these happenings need to be evaluated."

Loki frowned. Odin had no reason whatsoever to give him another chance. Why was he doing this?

"According to the guards who turned you in you were spotted in the middle city, alongside the main road somewhere around eleven o'clock in the evening. Around this time Lady Arya was attacked by a group of bandits. You were arrested on the scene."

Loki softly nodded, but Odin continued. "However, Lady Arya has not raised any charges against you."

Odin let his eyes wonder from the quiet form of Loki to his Captain. "Lady Arya," he said, "can you describe the happenings of last night?"

Loki carefully cast a glare in the woman he loved. Arya's fidgeting hands, resting against her lower back were forced to relax. Loki could almost feel the young warrior tense when Odin spoke directly to her.

"I was going home to the bakery of my grandparents to collect my belongings, my king," she started. "When I entered the middle city I noticed I was being followed by three young men. I did not see their faces. At first I did not think they meant any harm, until they attacked me and dragged me into an alleyway. I was taken by surprise and called for help. A few second later Loki appeared on the scene. I assure you, my lord, that he didn't not mean any harm, on the contrary, I believe he was only there to help me."

Odin nodded and slowly focused back on Loki. "Is there truth is these words, Loki?" he asked.

Loki looked up and nodded. "I was on the main road and saw these three men lady Arya described, drag her off the road. I immediately ran to her aid, but by the time I got there, lady Arya had already taken care of the situation herself. In all honesty, there wasn't much left to do for me. These bandits simply chose the wrong woman to attack."

Odin couldn't help it, the corners of his lips softly twitched upwards in an amused smile, but only a trained eye would spot the minor change of emotion on the Allfather's face.

"The guards arrived moments later, my lord," Arya continued. Loki could hear the soft touch of delight in her voice. "They only drew the most logical conclusion that Loki had been the one to attack me, but I assure you this wasn't the case."

Odin nodded. "That may be," he said in a low voice, making both Loki and Arya loose the tiny bit of hope they'd managed to gather during the last minutes. "Fact remains that Loki was not allowed outside the palace, let alone to wonder around the city."

Loki swallowed and tried his very best not to show the fear that was building up in his stomach.

"Loki," Odin continued. "Why did you ignore our agreement? Why were you in the middle city last night?"

Odin's voice rang through the throne room. The Allfather locked his gaze back on his stepson. Of course he knew why Loki had been outside. Arya's failing attempt to hide her emotions was living proof. But he realised this question had to be asked. To his right, Thor nervously shifted on his spot. Both father and son knew all too well Loki was not ready to admit his feelings for Arya in front of the Allfather. But then again, his answer would play an important role in the final judgement.

Loki couldn't help to feel a tiny bit angry. Again Odin was playing him. But not in a million years he would give the Allfather the joy of him admitting his foolishness! But he realised that his pride and stubbornness wouldn't save him today. So perhaps it was time for a bit theatrical cunning.

Loki softly sniggered. "With all due respect, my king," he said. "But I belief your answer in right in front of you."

Odin frowned. Yes, the answer was right in his face, but he was quite certain Loki wasn't referring to his obvious romance with the young Captain.

"In the past you often claimed to know me, my lord. If that is true, than I am certain my reasons would not come as much of a surprise. There where Thor got his kicks out of fighting, horseback riding and being undeniably irresponsible, I've always preferred knowledge and alone time. Here I am, mortal, weak, without magic or title. I think we both agree, Odin Allfather, that knowledge cannot be found merely surrounded by four walls. Although I see the gravity of my actions in the light of our agreement, and I understand that these were precautions taken to protect the people of Asgard, I can assure you that I might be more of a danger inside the palace where the library is my only window to the outside world, than in the streets of the great city of Asgard where my mortal body isn't much of a threat, rather a weakness. I'm afraid your answer is simple: I was bored, my king."

Loki smiled softly, but no cocky pride was to be found. He quickly crossed stares with his brother, only to get a set of rolling eyes in return.

Odin smirked almost invisibly while he let Loki's words wash over him. His talent to bend his words to the needs of the listener had always amazed the Allfather. It certainly had saved some necks in the past, especially when Loki had skilfully managed to talk his brother and his friends out of the most impossible situations. It was a skill of a leader. Odin didn't want to admit it, but Loki's words had cut him deep. Perhaps even deeper than his sneaky stepson had intended. Indeed, he'd always known that Loki and Thor were like cat and dog, sun and rain, day and night. Because of that reason he'd believed them to be the perfect team to rule over Asgard. There where Thor lacked wisdom, Loki had brains and there where Loki lacked fighting spirit, Thor had the impulsiveness that was sometimes needed in times of war.

But things had changed and an example had to be made.

"Loki, son of Laufey, you have crossed the boundaries of our agreement, but your actions were just and your words are true. Therefor I am willing to let this matter be a warning. If you take one step over the line once more, there will be no mercy for you. Anyone who would aid you in your crimes, no matter their title or status at this court, will be held equally responsible and will face the consequences!"

Odin let his words fade through the room until an ice-cold silence fell one more. "Is there anyone who objects this decision?" he asked. The Lords shared a short glance before Lord Argus turned to the king. "We agree on this matter, my lord," he said.

Odin nodded. "Then, I Odin Allfather, set you free under the same agreement."

Loki bowed his head and with a lot of effort he managed to say: "Thank you, my lord." Two guards stepped forward and unlocked the chains around his wrists.

"Let this be a warning!" Odin said loud and clear. "This trial has been resolved. We will now continue with the morning meeting. Anyone who has nothing to report is excused. Under a low mumbling people started to leave. Loki remained on his spot until everyone had left the room, before he slowly, but resolutely made his way to his spot next to the throne. Only tne he noticed the silent shadow it the back of the throne room. Dale Gotarson gave him a dark, murderous stare. Clearly the trial hadn't fully been to his liking. But it didn't matter for now. Loki shared a short glance with Thor who nodded, but didn't show to much emotion. When his eyes crossed the dark form of Arya, Loki's heart skipped a beat. Only now he realised how terrified he'd been. Things could have turned out quite drastically today. He wanted to give Arya a comforting smile, almost as if he wanted to apologise for causing her so much distress, but the young warrior had turned her back on him.

We'll talk later… Loki told himself. But deep down he realised that he had a lot to make up for and that scared the living hell out of him.

I know, a lot of politics. But I promise the next chapter will be a bit more action pact ;)

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