A/N: So, apparently several readers really wanted to see a certain someone get slapped by another certain someone. I think you all know who I'm talking about, and I am more than willing to oblige. I hope it lives up to what you expected!
Let me again remind you that this is in no way connected to my other Loki series of stories. So, without further ado...
Odin stared at his wife. She wanted an explanation? Fine, she would get one.
"I did it to protect us. To protect Asgard. The Norns told me…" He drew in a deep breath. "The Serpent would kill Thor, and the Wolf would kill me. Hela and her denizens would attack our realm with fire and plague, and our people would be scattered…I couldn't allow that. I did what I had to. Beloved, you must understand…" Frigga shook her head, and rushed forward.
She slapped him. Hard.
Odin stumbled back, gingerly touching the red mark on his cheek.
"Do you realize what you've done? What you've started?" she fumed. "Your actions have brought about that which you were trying to prevent!"
"How was I supposed to know?"
"You know very well that the Norns are always vague in their wording, and in the tales they tell. I would know! What you've done is unforgiveable, Odin. It's no wonder Loki turned against us, especially with a father like you."
"Silence, woman!" he barked. Frigga's eyes flashed dangerously.
"No. I will not keep silent. You are destroying your own house, and through your arrogance, you've set in motion destruction you couldn't possibly imagine. You took Loki's children from him, and now your own son is in danger." She stepped back, still unable to speak. "I hope you're willing to deal with the consequences of what you've started." She turned heel, and walked from the room, her footfalls barely audible. Odin stood, watching her leave. His cheek still on fire from her blow, he turned slowly and sat down on his throne.
Loki awoke to see Frigga watching him. Her eyes were sad.
"You know now, don't you?" Frigga nodded. Loki took a deep breath, closing his eyes.
"Loki, I'm sorry." Loki laughed.
"What have you to apologize for? You didn't murder my wife because of some prophecy. Though with your foresight, I do wonder what you made of the news, and whether or not you could've seen it coming." Frigga shook her head.
"The Norns may give me the gift of foresight, but I'm not permitted to share that which I've seen. It is my curse."
"Curses, blessings…what's the difference? No matter what, I'm always going to be the one who has no chance at happiness." He muttered bitterly. Frigga didn't have any response to that. Loki stared up at the ceiling, trying to calm his emotions. He had kept everything bottled up so long that he didn't even know where to begin. "I was never meant to be happy, I don't think." Frigga's heart broke as the words fell on her ears.
"It may seem dark now, but joy may yet be around the corner for you, my son. Believe me." Loki raised an eyebrow. Perhaps Frigga was seeing his future, and was trying to tell him, but couldn't come right out and say it.
"Maybe. But I don't see it. Don't give me false hope." A knock sounded at the door. Frigga opened it a crack to see Odin standing in the hall.
"I need to speak with Loki." He said flatly. Frigga narrowed her eyes, but let him in anyway.
"What could you possibly want now, All-father?" Loki sneered from the bed, careful not to disturb Thor, who was still dozing contentedly beside him.
"I come to make a deal." Loki closed his eyes.
"Too many more deals, All-father, and you'll bargain your kingdom away until you've got nothing left."
"I require your services, Trickster."
"My aid comes at a steep price now, Odin. I will no longer blindly serve you as I once did."
"I am willing to pay whatever you demand." Loki opened his eyes again, glaring at the king.
"I don't ask for gold, or empty titles, nor anything the House of Odin has to offer." He sat up, cocking his head to one side, popping a vertebra back into place. Odin curled his lip in disgust. Loki smirked. Frigga watched the exchange impassively. Right now, she only cared about what happened to her sons. Odin could go to Helheim, for all she cared.
"What do you demand?" he asked quietly.
"For you to suffer as I have. But, we all know you'll find some way to get what you want from me without upholding your end of the bargain."
"You will keep Hela from taking Thor. Until he is himself again, you shall be his caretaker." Loki glanced down at the sleeping child on the bed.
"It could be a long while." Odin stared at him evenly.
"Indeed it could. But do this, and I will grant you your freedom." Loki raised an eyebrow.
"I will be free whether you permit it or not. That holds no reward for me." He grinned. "But I will watch over him. Out of the goodness of my heart." Noting Odin's confused look. "Oh, you didn't think I had a heart, did you?" The king looked uncomfortable.
"I didn't say that." he defended. Loki chuckled.
"Oh, but you were thinking it. Don't lie to the Liesmith, Odin. I will care for him, and he shall be returned to you unharmed."
"Thank you for taking on this task for me." Loki glared at Odin.
"I'm not doing it for you. It's for him. He played no part in Angrboda's death, he doesn't deserve Hela's wrath." Loki paused. "He may be an idiot sometimes, but he is my brother." Frigga felt a strange sense of relief. Loki was duplicitous, yes, but at his last sentence, she trusted him more than she had ever trusted anyone before. There just might be some hope for him yet...