Ch. 4 - Odin

Odin almost didn't wake up on the first of April. He had been putting off Odinsleep for too long again and, as retribution, he found he slept longer than usual during the night, waking up nearly at midday instead of dawn. He knew he should just succumb, give in to the weariness that seeped into every muscle of his body, but he resisted. He wanted just a few more days, just a couple more weeks to make sure that the kingdom had settled.

He knew it was a risk, splitting the duties of the kingdom between his two sons, but in all honesty he knew of no other way. Thor had matured more in the past three years than he had in the previous thousand, but there were still areas where he needed to grow. His directness, while reassuring to his subjects, was devastating during any type of negotiations or bargaining. While he was less war-mongering than before, Thor still was too quick to anger, too candid in his opinions.

Despite all of Loki's many faults, he was skilled in manipulating people, getting them to do his bidding. The trick was to have him use his abilities to benefit, rather than harm, Asgard. In the past few months, Loki had been to almost every one of the Nine Realms as well as some of the outer regions and he consistently returned with favorable treaties and trade agreements. He knew how to defuse volatile situations and sway people to his way of thinking.

And Odin had to admit, his Midgardian bride had been an asset, too. She was sharp-witted (as well as sharp-tongued) and was a keen observer. She learned about the interplay of politics on Midgard and had been able to use that knowledge in assisting Loki with his duties. They formed a wonderful team and Odin felt pride in his younger son, even if he didn't show it as often as he should.

Odin's relationship with Loki had been uneasy at best. Frigga had always been closer to the boy, understood him better. Odin loved Loki, but often didn't know how to relate to him. And, with the whole debacle of the last few years, their relationship had been strained past the breaking point. Although the Jotuns had pressured him to execute Loki, Odin couldn't bear to do it, despite the enormity of Loki's heinous crimes. Instead, he sent him to Midgard, banished much like his brother had been, to help rebuild what he had destroyed. And, like Thor, Loki had found redemption in the arms of a Midgardian woman, the fair Darcy.

However, Loki was still Loki. He was still mischievous, often causing more problems than he solved. He was still surly with Odin, resentful of any reminder of his past misdeeds. There was such a prickliness to his demeanor that Odin wondered if it would become a permanent part of his personality. They butted heads so often that Odin sometimes despaired of ever repairing their relationship.

Odin took a deep breath and slowly sat up in bed, feeling the utter exhaustion of every year weigh on his frame. He knew it was late and he had meetings to attend to. Frigga had most likely left hours earlier as she was to attend the opening of a new school in a nearby village today. Odin swung his legs around and slowly stood. He had wisely scheduled his meeting with some visiting dignitaries for later in the day, mindful of his need for sleep. He still had a few hours to bathe and prepare himself for their visit.

Once he'd bathed and dressed, Odin went to the mirror to comb his hair. He abhorred having servants fuss over him, so he usually took care of himself with Frigga occasionally helping with choosing the appropriate garments for more formal occasions. He adjusted the leather breeches and the heavy leather and metal tunic and looked expectantly in the glass to arrange his hair, delighted that everything soon looked in order.

He decided to walk down to the kitchens for a late morning meal. He and Frigga often dined with their sons and their wives, but the morning and midday meals were a bit more haphazard depending on everyone's schedule. Odin often preferred a light meal scavenged from the kitchens rather than a grand formal affair.

As he walked, he noticed the guards that were posted throughout the corridors were staring at him. He was not unused to attention; he was, after all, the former king of the realm, but there was something about their surprised glances that unnerved Odin. He wondered if there was something amiss in his appearance. He stopped for a moment and looked down, making sure that all the leather buckles were fastened appropriately and that all the metal buttons were secured. Having assured himself that nothing was amiss, he shrugged, certain that it was nothing.

Once he reached the kitchens, he opened the doors to the massive room, ready to feast on some type of hearty meal, perhaps some boar or pheasant. He expected the usual chorus of greetings that occurred whenever he visited his favorite cooks. Instead, one by one, the various chefs stared at him with wide-eyed shock.

Their silence unnerved him. "Good day. I'd like some boar with bread and perhaps some stew."

The stunned crowd just stood there, mouths gaping open.

Finally, one of the most senior cooks, gave him a tentative smile. "Yes, your Majesty. But, perhaps, you might find some clothes first?" She gulped as she said it, fear in her eyes.

"Clothes? But, I am wearing clothes."

"No, your Majesty, you are most surely not." A few of the younger maids began to giggle.

Odin looked down at himself and saw his typical outfit. He was most definitely wearing clothes.

But, from the cooks' expressions, they obviously didn't see any.

Odin's mind raced. What kind of sorcery was this? Who would stoop so low as to attack his dignity in such a way?

He began to rub his temples in attempt to stave off the on-coming headache.

Loki.

Of course.

He gave the cooks an apologetic smile. "It seems as though there is an enchantment upon me. Please have a tray made up and sent to my rooms and have a servant seek out my wife and have her return to the palace immediately."

He turned and left, stalking back to his room, finally understanding the furtive glances from the guards.

Loki was going to regret this.

Author's Note- Next up, it's Thor's turn to get pranked!