oOo

Chapter 3 – Acceptable Risk

Loki looked back and forth between his Father and his Brother. The two were constantly tearing at each others throats, making Loki feel terrible. In his opinion, both of their words were true and justified. The only thing that separated them was the different perspectives and the way their egos clashed. However, despite both of them looking like the wiser man, Loki sided with Odin.

Thor's judgments were clouded by pride and vanity and the need to prove he was worthy.

Loki just found it utterly stupid.

"Father, you must understand that it was a wise decision." Thor fought. "I did it to prevent further—"

Bloodshed?

"Wise it may have been." Odin interrupted and narrowed his eye. "But you have endangered your friends and more importantly Loki."

Loki felt a dagger hit his heart when he heard the All-Father's concern for him. It never lasted though. Odin's anger surfaced more than his concern. Loki merely stood there feeling left out of the conversation. He waited until it was his turn to speak. He already had a well thought out excuse in his head that will probably help them both get out of trouble.

He just needed to wait for his turn.

Loki just wished that he would be given a chance to prove himself. He was never fond of personal conversations. He always found it better when it was about someone or something else, but when it came to someone that involved family.

Loki could get a bit defensive as well.

"We got out safely!"

Thor continued to argue with Odin, making Loki feel completely out of place. He feared that Thor would never be at his side anymore.

Thor was his ticket to attention.

Whenever Thor was around, people would start to notice him. He loved Thor. He had been honest with him before the ceremony, hoping that Thor would realize what he had planned and put a stop to it.

Loki did it for love.

For the first in a long time, Loki felt anguish and guilt top his emotions. Thor was being punished for his misdeed and if he hadn't allowed the Frost Giants entrance, Thor would not be here right now to be scolded. It was Loki's fault and his brother was taking the fall.

"Enough!" Odin shouted.

Loki flinched when his Father raised his voice, and of course, Thor followed after. Loki fiddled with his sleeves. His hand shook as he tried to keep himself occupied.

It wasn't working.

"Brother, please." Loki thought. "Do not make a fool of yourself in front of Father. It does you no favor arguing with him. It is useless."

"You're just a boy, Thor."

"I knew what I was doing." Thor remarked. "Loki convinced me to leave it be. I did so with my own volition. Laufey insulted your name, Father. I was only trying to get back at him. Isn't that how a King should act, to defend our rights as a realm?"

"You think that is the only reason?" Odin laughed. "Is that why you are keen to threaten our safety? Because you were not able to get what you think you deserved; the throne?"

"No!"

"Didn't I teach you more than barbaric battles made out of spite?"

"The Frost Giants need to know their place!" He shouted back. "I am doing this for all of us and you know this! Centuries of truce would be for nothing if we do not act upon ensuring them each time. This act of them getting into the vault had allowed hope to rekindle in old dying flames within them."

"And you want to prevent that?"

"Is that not what we are supposed to do?"

"You've forgotten everything I taught you." Odin said sadly. "You will be the death of me and this kingdom."

"I meant well, Father." Thor lowered his voice. "I swear I meant well."

"You would have broken something long kept."

Thor knew what Odin was talking about.

He was very well aware that Loki was still in the room, quietly observing the situation. So this is what Odin was doing. He was teaching Thor a lesson, and he had used Loki for it. Odin had always been like that. His family could very well be a pawn to a game of chess. It had always been that easy for Odin to use his people to teach other people.

There was no harm done, but it always felt unnecessary.

Loki had heard it, but couldn't bring himself to understand what they were talking about. He believed it was the long kept truce of Jotunheim and Asgard, but of course he was wrong.

"I was careful." Thor said.

"You and I know well enough not to speak of it." Odin shook his head. "We do not want bonds to break. You are lucky that today is not that day, Thor."

"I am sorry."

"You regret, yet you still disobeyed me." He pointed out. "This is the last time you will make a mistake like this. You treat everything as an act of war. We Kings do not instigate them, nor do we seek thrill for it."

"That was not my intention."

"But nonetheless, it was a reckless act."

"Father—"

"You are relieved of your duty as the next King of Asgard until I say otherwise. For now, I want you to head to your quarters. I will decide a befitting punishment for you and we will speak of it later. I will take Mjolnir off your hands until you've given enough time to think of the dangers you've put everyone through."

Thor dropped Mjolnir on the ground and walked away stubbornly.

Loki had no idea what to do.

"Loki," Odin called.

"Yes, Father?" Loki turned to him.

Odin eyed him, he was so fragile. He didn't wish for Loki to find out his heritage. Looking into those soft green eyes, it was clear that Loki hadn't found out yet.

Thank the Norns.

"Do not go into Thor's chambers, Loki." He ordered. "I only ask you heed my words."

"Does Thor not need the company?" Loki mumbled. "He is rather upset."

Odin wanted to tell Loki who he truly was, but those innocent looking green eyes prevent him from doing so. Loki also wanted to tell Odin the truth of what he had done, but he knew Odin would be angry.

Loki had never seen Thor look so depressed.

"Stay with Thor's friends until I sort out this madness." Odin breathed. "I am still trying to find ways of how the Frost Giants entered without alerting Heimdall. So either stay in your room, or go with your friends. I do not want to hear any complaining."

"Father—?"

"I will only say it once."

Loki nodded as he walked away from the bridge slowly. He glanced back at his Father, who merely stood there by Heimdall's side to see him off. Staying in his room wasn't an option. He needed to know what the others were thinking. For now, he would allow Heimdall to see him. Not for long though. He would have to wait until Heimdall and Odin's suspicions would fade away.

He doubted it would ever go away.

"My King?" Heimdall said. "What troubles you?"

"My sons do." He wearily said.

"Your second son is good at hiding that which he does not wish for me to see. He had disappeared numerous times in the months before the coronation. I fear he is lost."

"He has found ways to block your gaze."

"I see him only when he wishes me to. I fear he plots something and I worry for the safety of our people. In my gaze, I see him lost in thought and emotionally scarred. Whether the reasons are because of past battles, or his punishments, I know not. What I do know, is that his heart could be in shambles."

"Nobody is exempted from such punishments." He sighed. "Not even my sons."

"That is well understood, My King."

"Tell me. Were Thor's words true in his visit to Jotunheim?"

"Aye."

"Keep me alerted of my sons, Heimdall. Alert me if you see it fit."

"Rest well, All-Father. The Odin-sleep is not far away."

"That is what I fear."

Odin walked away to speak to his wife, Frigga.

For now, he needed her counsel.


oOo

Loki stared blankly at the city of Asgard. Behind him were the Warriors four, lounging around the room and complaining about everything. Loki was listening to them carefully, fiddling with the hems of his sleeve. He was worried about Thor, but he was forbidden to visit him. He turned to the rest of Thor's friends, who ignored his existence.

He had been standing there for hours now, but they hadn't noticed him at all. They knew he was there, but they couldn't bring themselves to care. It wasn't as if Loki minded that, he was used to being ignored. He just found it utterly disrespectful, but when hasn't he?

"We should not have listened to him," Volstagg mumbled. "We should've known better."

"At least he only had a scolding." Fandral sighed. "I question how the All-Father found out. Do you think Heimdall sold us out to him?"

"You do know he can hear you?" Sif narrowed her eyes.

"Does it even matter, Lady Sif?"

"It matters if we get dragged down from your insensitive talking."

"Cruel."

"Who could've done it then?" Volstagg wondered.

"I did." Loki blurted out.

They all turned to him in shock.

"What—why?" Fandral wondered.

"I asked one of the guards to go to Odin to stop us." He answered. "I didn't want to continue on our journey—"

"Thor asked you to go." Sif said. "You said you'd love to."

"I wanted to make sure Thor won't hurt himself."

"Nothing even happened!" Volstagg piped.

"We couldn't have known that." Loki frowned. "How were we supposed to know that?"

"Do you not trust Thor?" Hogun grimaced.

"I do."

"Then why?" Fandral couldn't understand. "We're friends, Loki. I thought you would at least trust us to protect you and Thor if any danger comes at us. We've done so before in so many battles that we faced. Even saved you when you were kidnapped by a greedy elf, or that time you fell off the cliff trying to help one of us."

"I had to make sure."

"That what?" Sif said. "That we betrayed the All-Father for Thor's sake?"

"You know that's not what I think." Loki argued. "I had to make sure we were all well. I was worried about our safety. We don't know what Jotunheim was like. Father never allowed us entrance to that realm. It would have been suicide."

"You think us that weak?"

"I was worried for our safety!"

"But you endangered our safety at the hands of the All-Father." Sif walked forward. "Because of you, Thor had been locked away in his chambers, waiting for his punishment. Had you not done that, we could have gotten in and out of Jotunheim without trouble. We would all be laughing at it by now."

"I was only thinking steps ahead of us." Loki gritted his teeth. "I care for Thor more than I care for any of you in this room! We couldn't have known what Thor was capable of had I not interfered."

"So you think yourself a hero now?" Sif growled.

"Sif, I don't think—"

"Stay out of this, Fandral. You and I both know we agree on this. Perhaps this is Loki's way to achieve favor for a measly good deed."

"The thought hadn't risen until you spoke of it." Loki mumbled.

"Arguing won't solve anything." Volstagg sighed.

"What does Hogun think?" Sif turned to him.

Hogun crossed his arms. "For now, I would leave it be."

"Ungrateful group of idiots," Loki cursed.

He had enough.

He quickly exited the room to seek Thor's company whether the All-Father had forbidden it or not. But the moment he had left, he heard the Warriors resume their conversation. Curiosity got the better of Loki but he deemed against it.

He needed to seek Thor immediately.


oOo

Sif rolled her eyes when Loki had left.

That was not what the Aesir warriors' way of confronting an insult. They wouldn't cower and leave. They would fight each other brutally and win.

Loki was too different.

Too thin and weak, and a person who loved doing maidens work.

Seidr.

He had always been an outcast. They cared less for him and more for Thor. Thor was warm, enthusiastic and loving, the complete opposite of Loki, who was cold, secluded, distant and almost uncaring. It was a fact that they don't know Loki well enough as they do with Thor.

They never really gave him a chance to prove himself, and they may never will.

"Laufey said there were traitors in Asgard." Hogun whispered.

"What is your point?" Fandral asked.

"Loki is mischievous. He knows Seidr and is a master at it. He could very well conceal Frost Giants and lead them into the weapons vault without anyone seeing them. Do you not think that is the answer all along?"

"But that is absurd!"

Fandral was the only person who had a bit of sense to care for Loki. He had no qualms with the boy. He even found Loki somewhat attractive had it not been for the fact that he was male. Not that it bothered Fandral of course, he just feared Thor.

"Loki is a jealous child." Sif huffed. "He was always left out."

"Seidr," Volstagg hummed. "We had always teased him about this. Are you all sure this is what we are thinking of? This is Thor's little brother. If we are found out blaming the Prince, it would be Hel."

"We have little evidence." Hogun voiced.

"The evidence came from Laufey himself." Sif said. "Do you think he lied? For what reason? To rile us up and get us to accuse our people?"

"Perhaps."

"Loki is a good liar." Fandral paced. "But he admitted the guard was for Thor's safety. Why would he ruin Thor's coronation and endanger all of Asgard if that were the case? It would be completely illogical!"

"Loki isn't called silver-tongue or liesmith for nothing." Volstagg answered.

"In due time, friends." Sif looked out the balcony. "Let us calm ourselves and leave this matter alone for today."

"Let us make sure we do." Fandral laughed. "I am starting to worry and all Volstagg does is stuff himself with sustenance."

"It is nutritious!"

"Be safe, Thor." Sif thought. "This game is not over."


oOo

Thor lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. It had been hours since they had gone from Jotunheim and he still hasn't heard any news from anyone. He was worried about Loki, more than he was worried about the stupid hammer. He wondered when Loki would turn up in his room and start scolding him.

But it never came.

He had waited until he was about to fall asleep, having nothing to do easily bore him. Usually, Loki would be there at his side to solve his problems. It was his childhood. Their childhood! He could even recall memories when Loki had nightmares and would often sneak under the bed covers and he would comfort him as the older brother he was.

He enjoyed these moments, because they were true.

The only problem was Loki being a Jotun.

Would Thor be frightened if Loki had suddenly turned blue?

No.

He probably wouldn't.

Maybe he would even be fascinated by it.

Who knows?

"For how long must we keep this secret?" Thor draped a hand over his eyes. "I love him, and I do not wish for him to suffer when he finds out. Let it be I who breaks the truth to him. That's all I want."

He heard the door slammed open.

Thor jolted up from bed, his reflexes reaching to Mjolnir, but when he saw an angry Loki and four distressed guards behind him, it all made sense to Thor.

Loki glared at them.

"It is alright," Thor said. "Leave me and my brother alone."

"And what of the All-Father?" The Einherjar argued. "He stated not to let anyone in—"

"Let it be on my head." Thor grimaced.

"I'll only be a while." Loki said.

The guards left and Loki's expression immediately changed. He dropped his anger and his eyes longed for something. Thor saw it and felt his heart swell with worry and joy. Thor couldn't explain it. The need for Loki to be there was already a primary reaction.

"What troubles you, Loki?"

"I need to speak to you." Loki mumbled, walking forward. "It is about your coronation."

"What do you mean?"

No!

Thor fisted the bed sheets and dreaded the worst.

No it couldn't be!

"I'm sorry, brother." Loki trembled. "I'm truly sorry."

Thor stared at Loki with wide eyes, unsure of what to reply. Loki averted his gaze from Thor. Thor observed Loki's trembling form. His hands were shaking and Loki averting his gaze meant he was guilty. Thor had observed these little action long before, and he knew what he was seeing.

Thor stood up and lifted Loki's chin up to face him.

"What are you sorry for?"

"I'm sorry." Loki mumbled. "What more do you wish for me to say?"

"I am asking what you are sorry for, not for you to repeat them." Thor remarked. "You said it was about my coronation."

"The Frost Giants mostly."

"Do you know who did it?"

"I—"

Thor stared at his brother while Loki stood there, eying the floor. Loki's eyes were tearful and his hands shook nervously. Thor couldn't help but feel slight anger and betrayal, but he had to wait for the truth before he could react.

"Loki?"

"I am sorry they ruined your coronation." Loki quickly said. "You would have been King had they not disrupted it."

Loki mentally slapped himself for being such a coward and a fool. He had meant to say the truth, but he just couldn't. He knew that if he did, it would disappoint Thor so much that they won't ever speak to each other again. Loki feared they would drift apart, more than they already did.

Loki pulled away from Thor and embraced himself. He hoped that Thor would just stop staring at him for one moment and say something that will comfort him and ease the tension for a bit.

Thor frowned.

That was a bad sign.

Why wouldn't he just speak truth?

Loki had always used his silver-tongue to get out of corners, but why was it that when Thor had him in a tight spot, his silver-tongue failed him. Loki was never fond of being cornered. Thor remembered a time when Loki had lashed out because of it.

He knew that his brother wouldn't admit fault.

"I understand." Thor said as he sat back down on his bed. "Worry not, Loki. I am well."

"No, you don't." Loki panicked. "You are wasting away in your chambers. I have never seen you this depressed before, Thor. Not in so many years. Those monsters—"

"Don't, Loki."

"I am calling them what they are."

"I deserve this and further punishments I have waiting in line. This is the cause of almost instigating war with Jotuns. I deserve this for my foolishness and—"

"No, you do not." Loki argued. "If they hadn't entered Asgard, you would not be here. I don't understand what—this won't be this way if—"

Loki buried his face in his hands and stood there, at a loss of what to say.

Thor merely watched him.

This wasn't the first time Loki's silver-tongue had failed him. There were numerous occasions where it did. The sole reasons were the purpose of his panic and disruption of thoughts. That was saying something, because Loki does trust Thor with his life. He was only vulnerable when he had to be, either in the presence of Thor or Frigga.

Thor stood back up and pulled Loki's hand down to see those teary green eyes ready to erupt. Thor embraced him and ran a hand down Loki's spine, down to his waist.

Comfort.

It the one thing Thor could give in this situation.

"Leave it be." Thor said.

"How could you casually say that?"

"Clear your thoughts. You are more troubled than you should be. Do not add more to our problems. Just—leave it alone."

Loki didn't struggle.

He buried his head on Thor's chest and allowed his hands to stay on Thor's arms which were wrapped above his waist. He found himself fisting Thor's tunic, and expressing his concern with a soft tug of clothing. He allowed the moment to stay like that.

Thor pulled Loki away and stared at him.

Loki began to play with his sleeves again.

"Something else troubles you." Thor stated. "You came not for a mere apology."

"I didn't."

Loki looked so burdened with guilt.

After so many years of watching and observing his little brother, Thor could faintly see what was wrong with him. He could somewhat read his emotions, but could barely grasp it before it fades away as quickly as it appears.

Insecurity was sign of how he messed with his sleeves.

Nervousness was when he averted his gaze.

Amusement was the smirk on his lips.

But when it truly came from the heart, Loki would simply break.

What had changed over the years they grew up together? There was something lingering in Loki's genuine smile and it hurt Thor to see him pretend to be alright. It was nothing more than a mask, waiting to be lifted by someone who understands his pain. It was heart-wrenching.

"What did you come here for?"

"You were never perceptive." Loki mumbled. "Why the sudden change?"

"Perhaps I have always been this way."

"That's impossible."

"Test me not, Loki. I've known things from battle and our childhood. Why brandish strength if it could be used to my advantage? Thor smiled. "You know I love to show off."

"That is true." He nodded.

"What ails your mind, Loki?" He asked. "What did Father tell you when I left to make you look so burdened?"

"Father had forbidden any entrance to your chambers until a befitting punishment is sentenced."

"You know better than to disobey him."

"You disobeyed him first." He pouted. "I merely sought for your company."

"Why would you risk yourself for merely my company? There is something else you hide from me. I can see it, Loki. You hurt and you cannot speak it out. I cannot help you unless I know what it is that bothers you."

"Your friends think I am at fault!" Loki shouted. "They believe that because of my actions to call Father, you happened to be on the receiving end!"

"You called Father?"

"I wanted you to be safe." He looked up at him sadly. "I know it must seem like I am making decisions for you, but that is not the case. I don't see you as someone who is weak. I look up to you, even now I find that hard to say, but I do. The moment you left the Bifrost, Father told me to leave you alone and insist I stay with your friends. If you think you deserve this Thor, you don't."

Thor frowned and lowered his gaze as Loki continued.

"I came here because I had nowhere else to go." Loki's voice quivered. "I am confused and angry. Your friends wouldn't stop degrading me and I cannot take it anymore."

"Who are you angry at?" Thor narrowed his eyes. "Are you angry at my friends, at Father, or are you angry at me?"

Loki's thin frame shook before him.

"I am angry at your friends." He gritted out. "And you! You mostly! I don't know. You're a fool for searching answers in Jotunheim, and a fool for allowing your friends to belittle me all the time. You're supposed to be my brother and I hate you for letting this happen!"

"Then you counter your own words." Thor declared. "I do deserve this."

"No!" Loki palmed his face.

"Talk, Loki."

"You don't deserve this." He said softly. "I hate you, but I just hate myself. I'm angry mostly at myself for allowing these events to happen!"

"That's not your fault." Thor reached for Loki, who backed away from him.

"How would you know?" He spat.

"I don't understand what you wish for me to understand!"

"That is just it! You won't ever understand!"

"What are you trying to tell me?" Thor pressed on, hoping to get answers. "First you seek my company, then my comfort, then you make me believe you wish to confide truth but you only spit out nothing but lies to me! Then you speak of anger at our friends—"

"Your friends," Loki countered.

"—belittling you when they only speak of jests. You see everything for yourself. You only think about yourself, Loki! I do not understand what is going on in your mind! You would not even let me know!"

"I am trying!"

"Then tell me!"

"You're just too stupid and idiotic to get it! Lady Sif and the warriors three had always been your friends. I only stick with them because of you. They don't know me, Thor! And they never will! And those weren't jests. They were jabs to spite me!"

"But I know you!"

Thor grabbed Loki's arm without a second thought and pulled him close. Thor's other hand went to the back of Loki's neck and pulled him into an embrace. Loki slumped forward in defeat, breathing erratically in bottled anger.

"You claim to know me." Loki whispered.

Never show weakness, it was a mantra every Aesir on Asgard ever believed.

Day by day, hope lost inside of Loki.

Slowly and painfully.

"I will see you when your confinement is finished." Loki pushed him away slowly. "We're done here."

Thor merely stared at him and said nothing. He allowed Loki to walk away. Loki slammed the door open, startling the Einherjar guarding the door. Loki regretted ever deciding to walk into Thor's room to seek solace in his brother's arms.

It was wrong.

Thor stood there, half angry and half pained.

He stared at Loki's retreating figure.

How did it turn out like that so quickly? Had Thor chosen the right words, Loki wouldn't have left so abruptly. They both needed each other's comfort and yet they both shunned the other away. Thor does claim to know Loki, but there were a lot that he still doesn't understand. He was still learning after all. What was he to do now that his brother was angry? He wasn't allowed to leave his room until his Father deems it.

Surely nothing terrible would happen, won't it?

If Thor hadn't endangered them all, none of this would happen.

It was too late for regrets now.

The only question left now was, did Loki do it?

Thor walked over to the door to close it.

"It is never your fault if you had not been part of it." He turned his back and leaned heavily on it. He slumped down to the floor to hug his knees and stared at the floor.


oOo

"The son of Odin is as stubborn as Odin himself." Laufey slumped on his throne. "The nerve for him and his friends to venture into our kingdom to accuse us."

"My King—"

"Silence yourself, Styrmir."

His voice echoed around the icy glaciers as he slammed his hand on his icy throne. It cracked and shattered into pieces. Laufey placed his head on his palms and elbows on his knees. He growled angrily as he leaned forward, eyeing his people.

"King Laufey," Another Jotun voiced. "Why let the Aesir's go?"

"You know this, Valgard." Laufey murmured. "We do not want Odin's wrath upon us. He and his men have ruined this realm and had left it for dead. He has taken from us the source we have to survive. The casket is still inside that vault."

"The peace treaty—"

"Will not stay peaceful."

"King Laufey," Alrik asked. "What of our fallen comrades? We will not let this pass. They died because of the destroyer that guards their vault. Our plan failed us."

"Our fallen warriors volunteered on their own volition." Laufey hissed. "My sons Helblindi and Byleistr made sure they consented fully. We only meant to test the path we were given."

"And a traitor led them to retrieve the Casket." Helblindi voiced. "Why?"

"Perhaps it is a trick." Byleistr growled. "Many of our people have already suffered each year. We are lessening quickly with starvation and illness, without the casket—"

"We will be extinct." Laufey growled and jumped down his throne. "We cannot even feed our young and populate in hopes to save our dying race. Populating would only bring us to further weaken."

Most of the Jotnar flinched at this action.

"War almost resurfaced," He grinned menacingly. "Alrik, Valgard, Styrmir, prepare many of our warriors who are not tending to their young or family. We shall wait for this traitor who basks in glory. He will be our key into taking over Asgard and gaining back the casket. No longer will we stay in ruins making peace treaties and following those damn Aesir's demands!"

Helblindi smirked. "What will we do?"

"We fight, we bleed, we sacrifice but we conquer. We take and will retrieve what is ours."

The Giants cheered!

"Pain will be written on your face once Asgard falls." Laufey laughed. "Asgard would be no more than a pile of dirt under my feet."


oOo

"Arrogant! Reckless and stupid!" Loki thought as tears threatened to fall. "Stupid idiotic Oaf of a brother!" He rubbed his eyes violently. "He ceased to believe me and called me a liar! To think I only spread lieshow cruel could he be?"

Loki lay sprawled on the bed wearing only his dark green tunic and black pants. He stared at the ceiling, waiting and thinking. He didn't think that Thor would side with anyone else other than him. Apparently he was wrong. Loki turned to clutch his pillow and closed his eyes.

Now that he had pushed Thor away, who was he to tell now?

Certainly not his Mother.

He loved her but she would eventually tell Odin about it. So she was out of the question. He had no other friends that he could claim his own, so the only thing he could do was to keep it himself.

"Father will forgive Thor." Loki sighed. "He always forgave him."

Nobody knew what Asgard was doing to Loki.

Nobody knew how shunned he felt.

Nobody knew how painful it was.

"Father will notice that Thor isn't ready to be King. He will notice that what I had done was wise. He would take me with open arms and be proud."

Loki pushed himself up to stand and walked out of his room.

"Perhaps a walk would do me good."

Loki hid in the shadows and avoided the gaze of wandering guards. He was prepared to go back to Thor to apologize from his sudden outburst when he saw Odin pass the hallway. Loki's heart leapt and he quickly hid in the shadows and kept silent. He pressed himself against the pillar and listened in on their conversation.

"—came here, My King."

"That was hours ago?" Odin wondered as the Einherjar nodded. "Where is Loki?"

Loki leaned forward to hear.

"In his chambers, My King." The guard replied. "He was slightly agitated when he left."

"I see." Odin sighed. "Leave us and dine with your friends in the other hall. I wish for peace with my first born. There is no more need to guard him."

"Aye." He bowed and left.

"Typical of Father." Loki lowered his gaze. "Of course he would come to his first son's aid and dismiss his second. That is all he ever does in a situation."

The door creaked open.

"Father, why are you here?"

"My son—"

Loki pushed himself away from the pillar and headed down the hall away from them. He had no need to hear the conversation. Thor would betray him soon enough. No doubt the Warriors three and Lady Sif would follow. Odin would believe them of course.

When has he not?

What does Thor have that Loki doesn't?

What was so different that everyone hates him and not Thor?

Why does everyone push him away?

"All I've ever done is for the good of Asgard and yet none have recognized them." Loki fidgeted. "All I am is a mockery to this family."

Loki's heart wrenched when he realized that Odin cared more deeply for the well-being of Thor than he did for him. He hadn't even thanked Loki for what he did to keep Thor safe. If Loki hadn't said anything to the guard, Odin would be oblivious to the matter.

So why?

"You will see Father. You will all see!"

Loki had to prove to Odin that he was worthy.

With his plan well thought of, Loki ran to the stairs and quickly made his way to the weapons vault. When he reached the deeper halls of the Palace, he concealed himself as an Einherjar and deceived the guards. He dropped his illusion and wandered towards the bridge that led to the vault.

Curiosity sank in his thoughts.

The three Jotuns he allowed entrance, immediately went to take the Casket of Ancient Winters. They could have gotten remotely anything they wanted that was near them, but instead, they took one look at the Casket and on instincts meant to grab it.

It just confused Loki.

"Why would Father keep it for so long and allow the Frost Giants to suffer?" Loki wondered. "Why be a dignified ruler, but be far crueler than those monsters?"

Odin allowed the Casket to be displayed.

He hadn't even used it.

Not even once.

Loki knew how the Casket worked. Of course, Odin never let them touch it, but Loki knew how it worked. He wanted to give it a try and maybe if he used it wisely, Odin would see reason to give him attention. Perhaps he would even allow it as a gift to Loki, much like Mjolnir was to Thor.

No.

He would stick with his plans.

Lost in thought, Loki foolishly forgot to conceal himself from Heimdall's gaze. He hadn't thought it was necessary because he had to play them into thinking it wasn't him. Loki hadn't thought it would get serious any time soon though. After all, his intentions were good.

Loki peeked into the weapons vault.

"They were quick to clean up the mess." Loki observed.

He walked towards the Casket as if it was calling out to him. Faintly, Loki could hear humming, as if it was singing to him. Thoughts rushed into Loki's head as he blinked the tears tempting to fall. He hadn't realized how emotionally scarred he was, nor how sad the song played from the Casket. It was almost overwhelming.

He stood there for what seemed like hours, merely eying the Casket.

He hadn't dared touch it.

At least… not yet.

Loki could hear it call out to him again.

So many thoughts flooded his mind that he couldn't escape. The song was filled with so much sadness, Loki wanted to cry. They sang such a deep melody, putting Loki in a mesmerized state. Loki's fingers twitched, he had to touch it. He had to stop the sadness.

It was the heart of Jotunheim, and it called to him.

The Casket was so blue, with markings so intricate and beautiful, it made Loki crave something. It kept humming that piercing noise in his ear, making Loki feel heavy and burdened. He carefully reached out to grab the Casket when Odin's voice sounded from behind him.

"Stop!"


oOo

TBC…

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