Loki arrived at the hospital and was escorted to Grace's room by security, the explanation being that even with the amount of time that had passed since the Stark family had been in the international spotlight, she was still too high profile a patient for any guest, no matter how related, to be permitted to visit without security keeping a close eye on her. He settled in beside her bed and took her hand in his, realising just how small she looked hooked up to the machines and with the casts on her arm and leg, bandages around her head. He waited quietly, not understanding the medical technology around him, but gently whispering encouragement to her, reminding her just how much she was loved, and asking her to please, open her eyes. At one point, a nurse entered the room to record her vital signs and he asked if there was any news as to when she might wake up. The nurse sent in the doctor, who kindly explained that Grace's injuries were not as severe on the outside, but she had sustained some brain injuries that they were closely watching- while the swelling had subsided, she was still not out of danger. After the doctor left, Loki asked the universe, or whatever power might exist in it, to bring her through.

When he was informed that visiting hours were ending, he kissed her forehead and returned to her apartment, sleeping restlessly on the couch. He arrived at the hospital early the next day and sat beside her as long as he was allowed, learning whatever he could from the nurses each time they entered to check on her. By the end of the day, he asked for another update. The doctor said she had made positive progress and it looked good that she would at least recover, even if recovery would take a long time. Loki was relieved. He returned to the Depot and left Grace a short note for when she returned, slipping the wallet back in the drawer and leaving his suitcase tucked in her closet, changing back into the clothes he had arrived in. Thor once again knocked and this time, Loki went with him quietly, hopeful that Heimdall would bring him good news as Grace recovered.

Thor brought him directly before Odin when they returned to Asgard, "Thor, leave us, please." Odin escorted Loki to a bench by the windows, "Sit. We have much to discuss." Loki did as he was asked, his eyes fixed on the floor, "I know you are not happy with me at the moment. I do not expect you to be. I am trying to take a lesson from your mother and respond to you in calm, rather than anger. I am trying to understand why you have done what you have done. I am going to need you to explain a few things to me. Firstly, why did you invade Jotunheim instead of coming to speak to me about Grace's safety? Secondly, why did you flee instead of waiting for Thor to return?" When Loki still refused so speak, Odin sighed, "I am trying to do right by you, my son. Frigga would have asked these things to try to determine your intentions and how best to proceed. My methods have not worked with you. I must try something different and hope you respond differently or else I simply have no other option but to be harsh and leave your fate to the dungeon master."

"I did not come to you because I cannot be seen as weak by the guards. If I am, she is still in danger. You may not see things as they are, but I do, and you cannot be every place at once."

"Understood. But you know as well as I that the sin of inhospitality is still considered quite grave, even as times have changed. Attacking a guest is a punishable offense. Had you come to me, I could have done something about the situation swiftly."

"Did not Thor take care of it?"

"He did what he could, but he also failed to inform me immediately. You both need to remember that you are princes, not kings, and your reach is limited. Mine is not. Now, the second question? Why you fled?"

"The barrier was open, Miss Grace's life possibly very short. I could not risk missing her passage and breaking my promise."

"Your promise?"

"I believe I told you that I promised to hold her hand as she faced death."

"Ah, yes. That promise." Odin rubbed his brow, "You broke one promise to keep another. You gave up travelling off realm for her visits, do you not recall?"

"I do."

"And yet you still did."

"Yes. I am not sorry. Father, I will always find myself back in Asgard, I have no other path in my future. Her life is short and I would rather fulfil my promise to her and beg your mercy after than break her heart in the last few moments of her life to be right with you."

Odin was surprised that there was no bitterness in his youngest son's voice, only a resigned sadness; he placed a hand on Loki's shoulder, speaking softly, "You have no need to beg. Word did not reach other realms that you had escaped- I very intentionally sent Thor and only Thor to seek you out. Your reasons, were noble and for once, your heart was in the right place. I am proud of you for thinking of her needs before your own, but please, the next time you receive such news, wait. Just a few moments. You and Thor will travel together so you might comfort her in her last moments. I am not so blind as you seem to think I am."

"Thank you, Father."

"You will return to your cell for the present. While your escape to Midgard went unnoticed, your assault on Jotunheim did not and I must present to the other realms a harsh and unrelenting king, rather than your father." When they both rose, Loki ready to leave, Odin spoke once more, "I would have given anything to be able to hold your mother's hand as she left this world. I will not deny you this gift. But your visits with Grace will come to an end, at least for a little while. You have been reckless while trying to protect her and you have not carefully thought things through, as once once was your nature."

"May I see her once more? Given the shortness of Midgardian lives, I hope for at least a few hours with her to explain things before I see her on her deathbed."

"I will have Heimdall watch her recovery and when she is well again, I will visit her and ask if she wishes to see you. We will go from there."

Loki could think of no better way to handle the situation, so he nodded and let Odin's guards take him back to his cell. He hoped to escape a beating, but knew when the dungeon master followed the guards in that he would be treated just the same as any other prisoner, possibly worse, for his escape attempt.