Odin appeared behind Thor, having hastily dressed into something decent. Frigga likewise, though her face was washed clean of makeup and her hair was braided up for bed. Loki arrived a moment later dressed in full battle regalia looking as menacing as possible. Thor sensed the presence of people behind him and turned around to look.

"What is your name?" Odin asked.

"I am called Thor, son of Bor, blacksmith to the Village of Elderwood Glen, and armorer of the garrison there." He said.

"You were. You are now Thor Odinson, my heir and future ruler of this realm. Follow me." He said. Thor followed, too overwhelmed to respond or think. His eyes locked with Loki's and they assessed one another as he passed. Loki's expression was blank, and Thor noted the hint of fear and hatred in the eyes. He also saw that Loki was dressed to impress. His parents had not bothered, but Loki looked like he was ready to fight his greatest enemy, and perhaps he was.

They walked through the throne room and beyond until they reached the private area of the palace. They entered Odin's study and the King invited Thor to sit. He felt intimidated, having all three members of the royal family assessing every micrometer of his frame. It took all his resolve not to fidget.

"You may speak. I'm sure you have questions." Odin said.

"My King, surely there is some mistake."

"You hold Mjolnir in your hand. There are few that are worthy of her. She's a very selective lady." Odin said.

"She?"

"You hear her song do you not?"

"Aye." Thor said looking at the hammer again. He smiled at it. He liked that it had a personality. However, he had pressing questions. "My King, as much of an honor as this is I fail to see how my ability to wield Mjolnir makes me fit to rule?"

"Finally! Somebody said it!" Loki said crossing his arms and huffing. "You see father, at least he has the sense to know that he is unfit for the task."

"You are wrong on that Loki. Both of you are. Being King requires more than a strong arm or a fortunate birth. Being King requires wisdom and a certain kind of character that is lacking in most. Mjolnir finds you worthy, not just because you are a strong alpha, but because you would wield her justly and with temperance. I know you must feel overwhelmed by the new destiny that has been thrust upon you. You were not given a choice nor did you consent. However, Asgard needs you, as does this family. I will give you a few days to settle your affairs at home and then you will return. In a fortnight, you and my son will wed." Odin said. Thor and Loki looked at each other again and the uncertainty was shared by them both.

"He's a stranger!" Loki said.

"Tis no different than any other arranged marriage Loki. You will get to know him in time. He has a kind and handsome face." Frigga said.

"I don't want to force him to do anything he doesn't want to do." Thor said.

"And he's considerate. I think you should marry him on the spot." Frigga said.

"Either the two of you will wed or I will banish you both." Odin said. Thor's eyes went wide with fear and Loki became absolutely livid.

"Must you continue to shame me?" Loki was so enraged he was on the verge of crying.

"Shame you? How?"

"I'll be his bitch! And the entire kingdom will know it!" Loki said.

"So? You're an omega. Tis your role in the world." Odin said and Loki's eyes flashed with murder. Frigga quickly intervened.

"What your father meant was that being coupled with an alpha in that manner is perfectly natural. No one will mock you for acting as nature dictates. You needn't be ashamed or embarrassed Loki. Honestly, sweetheart you act as though omegas are lower creatures."

"Aren't they? I'm not deaf to the way the alphas joke about omegas or how they use them for pleasure. He'll not make a joke of me." Loki said.

"My Prince, please know that I do not treat people thusly. I hold you in the highest respect." Thor said trying to assuage the fears of his new future spouse.

"Your father is right. The sooner you accept your place in the world, the happier you will be." Frigga said.

"I've heard enough. I'm going to bed." Loki charged towards the door.

"Loki, I've already taken certain security precautions. Don't do anything stupid. It'll blow up in your face. I've made sure of it." Odin said. Loki huffed and left the room. Odin sighed and rubbed his temples. Frigga rubbed his back to soothe him.

"He hates me." Thor said.

"He doesn't hate you dear. He hates his nature." Frigga said.

"Why? I've never encountered an omega like him before. He acts so intimidating and dominating."

"That's because he is a royal omega surrounded by alphas." Frigga said. "Softness can be perceived as weakness and so he has hardened himself against all things. Especially his heart. Wooing him will not be easy." Frigga said.

"Woo? He looks ready to gut me and he'd smile as he did it." Thor said.

"Being worthy of Mjolnir is the easy part. Being worthy of Loki is another matter entirely." She said.

"It is late. I'll have a servant escort you to a guest room. We'll discuss more details in the morning." Odin said.

"Yes my King."

"You'll be King soon enough. Start getting used to the idea. One day you'll be sitting where I'm sitting while your children tell you how much they hate you." He said. Thor felt sad for the old man as he watched his loving wife help him up from his seat. They parted ways and a servant guided him through the long great halls of the palace until they reached their destination.

"This cord rings a bell. Pull it and a servant will come."

"Thank you."

"Will there be anything else Highness?" She asked. Thor looked at her with a dumb blank expression as the term washed over him.

"No. Thank you." He said.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight." He was alone. He looked around the spacious opulent space. He thought the Gilded Lily was grand. As he walked deeper into the space he passed a vanity and stopped at his reflection. He didn't recognize himself. Gone were the wrinkles around the eyes from too much sun exposure. Likewise, the scars and callouses on his hands and arms. He looked like the best version of himself. He was dressed in the finest attire he'd ever worn and he wasn't entirely sure how to remove it. He thought of the servant girl and regretted sending her away. He could use an ale now.

XxXxXxXxXx

The morning came all too quickly. It'd taken him an hour to figure out how to get the damn chainmail off. Sleeping in not but his undershorts, Thor awoke when a servant pulled back the drapes to let in the sun. He sat up and the blanket covering his chest pooled down into his lap, exposing his godlike frame. The servant girl blushed when she carried his breakfast tray to him. Thor blushed as well.

"I'm not accustomed to being served breakfast in bed." He said.

"Would you like to dine on the balcony sir?"

"Ah, no. On second thought I'm fine right here."

"After you have dressed, the King has commanded that you come to the throne room for the announcement. He said you are to look your best."

"Of course." He said. He ate quickly, too nervous to appreciate what was easily the finest meal he'd ever had. A man could grow fat living this way. He made a mental note to abstain from any luxury he could. It took him a few minutes to figure out the bathroom, not realizing that different temperatures of water could come out of the tap. His bath had started out rather frigid. For once he gave thought to his appearance and felt insecure as he considered what to do with his hair. He brushed it straight and left it flowing. He had a short beard after not shaving for several days and took care of it, making his face smooth and fresh.

When he opened the door to leave his room an entourage of guards was waiting to escort him to the throne room. He heard the roar of the crowd before he saw it. People were chanting and cheering for their new king, eager to set eyes on the new heir. Thor set his jaw and stiffened his spine. He needed to convey confidence for the people, no matter how terrified he felt inside. They would be looking to him for leadership, guidance, and assurance that he would be the king that they need.

The sound was deafening when he entered the hall. He was taken to the dais to stand beside Odin and Loki. Frigga lurked nearby to watch. Loki had a fake smile plastered on his face that didn't fool anyone. Odin addressed the masses.

"Today, I present to you my heir. And alpha with the character, grace, and wisdom worthy of Mjolnir… and my son. People of Asgard, I present to you your future King and Queen. May the Norns bless them both!" Odin bellowed for the crowd. More cheering erupted.

"In a fortnight Thor Borrson will join my house in holy matrimony and will henceforth be my heir and shall be called Thor Odinson. Long may my children reign in peace, justice, and harmony." He said. It took a long time for the masses to clear out, though many people still lingered. The ones remaining looked higher born and official in some capacity. They were members of the court, Thor realized.

"I have arranged a glider to take you to your village. Some men will go with you to help you collect any belongings you wish to bring with you. How long do you think it will take to settle your affairs?" Odin asked.

"How fast does a glider travel?"

"You'll reach your village in just a couple of hours."

"Then I should return by late this evening. "Thor said. "I don't have much in the way of personal possessions. Mostly I'll need to select my replacement for the village. There is a blacksmith a couple of villages over that has an apprentice about ready to strike out on his own. I'll offer the lad my shop."

"Good. Good. When you return we'll go over your training regimen. Tell me, what experience have you with weapons?"

"A little. The soldiers at the local garrison were courteous enough to show me some basics, since I was the one making their weapons."

"That is good. Mjolnir is not like other weapons. It'll be easier to train you with no experience than train you to change your habits. Are you literate?"

"Yes."

"Good. You have a lifetime of higher education to cram in as well. You'll feel overwhelmed at first. Just remember to take things one step at a time." Odin said.

"What of Loki?"

"What about him?"

"When will I court him?"

"You'll have time for that during the honeymoon month. You'll both be locked into the wedding suite and not let out until you consummate your vows."

"Is that really necessary?"

"Aye. Loki won't let you touch him otherwise." Odin said. Thor frowned. He did not like the idea of Loki being forced into sex.