Cautious steps carried Loki to the gilded door of the room in which they placed his father.
Where they placed Odin.
His eyes momentarily fluttered. Even if the new turn of events made sense, it didn't make it any more bearable. He had understood for many years he was severely different from the rest of the family, but he assumed he was nothing more than the odd one out. The one who preferred magic over strength. Brain over brawn.
Well, he had always wondered where his black hair came from. He assumed it was a strain gene from someone previously in the family. Much as what happens with gingers. But no. It couldn't be that simple, could it?
At least no one in the palace approached him as he carried the royal spear through the halls filled with people. But word spread quickly, especially when it was in regards to the king. They simply dipped their heads in respect when he passed, and they didn't even throw questioning glances at Gungnir. They most likely assumed he had been charged with taking it to his father's chambers.
No. Odin's chambers.
He stopped before the doors with a grimace. Ignoring the soldier on guard. His stomach still churned, leaving an acidic taste in his mouth.
One of Odin's epithets was Allfather. Implying Asgard's king was the father of all. Was that why the old man took him in? To live up to one of his namesakes? To prove to himself he could be what the people called him?
His grip tightened on the spear, and he could feel a surge of power coming from it. Closing his eyes, his nostrils flared with a deep inhale. The power felt incredible—
"Loki."
The mischief god's eyes snapped back open. Startled to see his mother had opened the door and stood in front of him. Or did he refer to her as Frigga now? No…that broke his heart. For now, she would always be his mother.
Frigga stared at the king's chosen weapon, concern swirling within her eyes. Then she found her son's gaze. "I see you've come to return Gungnir."
"Yes." He gave a slight nod. "And to check on him."
Her brows lifted, but the sorrow etched in her face couldn't be masked over. "Come in. There's no need to linger out here like an outsider."
Loki glanced at her as he entered the room. She said that with a purpose. Her words were never wasted. Did she know he knew about his true heritage? Of course she did. She knew everything. That's what made her such a powerful figure.
Asgard's queen quietly made her way to her station at her husband's bedside. Reaching through the healing shield and taking his hand. "Why don't you join me?"
With a glance at the weapon in his hand, he moved without further need for instruction. Placing the spear at the end of the bed, Odin caught his eye.
It was strange to see the long-running ruler of this Realm trapped within the confines of his bed. His father was pale, and his features were lifeless. He looked of death, but the faint movements of his chest confirmed otherwise. Regardless, he was vulnerable at the moment. Strange to only have one guard at the door.
Then again, no one knew the true abilities of the great Frigga. She may have the healing touch of a mother, but what else was hidden behind her smirk? He wasn't even sure if the Allfather knew what she capable of. It was one of the reasons he cringed whenever his father would underestimate her. Or worse. Pushed her buttons.
"He's in Odinsleep," Frigga said with an offered small smile. "That's what I call it, anyway."
Loki blinked, taken from his thoughts. He sat next to her. Maintaining a watchful eye on the king. "What is it, exactly? I feel like I've seen him this way before, but it's almost like a vague memory."
"He likes to keep it that way. Your father is a powerful being who wields a highly magical weapon. You of all people should know how much of a toll it can take on your body and mind. But he never rests, so he ends up in periods like this."
He set his jaw and slightly turned away. "But he's not my father."
She took a deep breath. "I knew this day would come, and I feared on how it would be handled. There were so many times I almost told you myself. I couldn't bear knowing what it would do to you if we let it go unspoken for too long."
"Why didn't you tell me? I would've rather it have been from you."
"I know. But you know how he is. He wanted to be the one to do it. Said it was his responsibility. Yet, he never could bring himself to face you. I begged him to be honest with you since the beginning. There should be no secrets in a family."
"So why did he really lie? I know it wasn't because he couldn't face me. He's faced me on many things."
Frigga looked at him. "I know he can seem cruel, but he kept the truth from you so you would never feel different. You are our son, Loki. We are your family. You must know that."
Shaking his head, he refused to make eye contact with her. Instead, keeping his gaze locked on Odin. Never feel different. How that had backfired. It was Odin who made him feel isolated from the family. It was the Allfather who had left him with a sense of disappointment and anger.
"I know that feeling you're exuding. What's on your mind, my son?"
Loki sighed through his nose. He couldn't be mad at his mother. Never. "I can't help but wonder if I wasn't good enough because I've always been a frost giant."
"Who ever said you weren't good enough?"
"He did. Many times."
The queen regarded him. "What do you mean? He never once told me anything negative about you. Only that he feared your rapidly growing skills with magic. If you have grievances with him, you can speak to him. Even now, he can see and hear us."
His eyes slightly widened. Of course she would wait to tell him this until now. He returned his attention back to Odin. There was nothing he wanted to say to him. Not because he couldn't face his father. Because he would be met with reasoning and defenses from his mother.
He loved his mother dearly, but he would never understand how she could love Odin. Although Asgard's days of peace have been plentiful, he was still a king who sought only the best for his Realm. Even if it meant tearing apart his own family. He knew his mother had her own grievances, but she had always been an expert at hiding them from her two sons.
Loki slightly shook his head. "How long will it last?"
Frigga frowned that he had nothing more to say, but she let it slide. "I honestly don't know. This time is different. We were unprepared."
"I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing him like this. The most powerful being in all the Nine Realms lying helpless in a bed until his body restores itself."
"He's put it off for so long now. I-I fear…"
The god of mischief quickly took her hand, which he was surprised to feel trembling. It was difficult for anything to make his mother anxious. Yet, it was no secret she was truly afraid that her husband might not wake up this time. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm sure he'll be fine."
Frigga wiped away a few rogue tears and put an arm around her youngest. "You have always been a good son, Loki. I dare anyone to tell me otherwise."
He looked up at her, uncertain on how to process that information. However, he found her embrace comforting, and he wasn't keen on breaking the moment.
"We mustn't lose hope your father will return to us. As well as your brother."
His brows furrowed. "What hope is there for Thor? He's no more fit for the throne than a drunken dwarf."
"Everything your father does has a purpose. Even if we don't realize it. Thor may find his way back to us, yet."
Loki closed his eyes. "Just as Aura may find her way back to us?"
She drew in a sharp breath. "Please don't make this harder than it already it."
"Do you know how hard it is for me to wake up every day knowing I can't help her? I've looked for her. All those times Heimdall had reported me missing from his Sight? I've been scouring the Realms for her. I can't find her. My magic is worthless. I am worthless."
"You are not worthless. You will find a path to succeed. You always have. I don't agree with her banishment any more than you do, but I'm sure there was a purpose."
He turned so he could meet her gaze. "Then tell me. Because I most certainly can't think of one other than to punish me. She did nothing wrong."
Sighing, she closed her eye and turned away. "I cannot say for certain."
"That's what I thought." With a set jaw, he rose. Headed for the door. But he paused.
Armored footsteps could be heard on the other side. One of the Einherjar guards entered the room. His face ashen beneath his helmet, armor ancient compared to the regular soldiers. He was one of the elite. A warrior who had fallen in battle, been brought to Valhalla by the Valkyries, and now served as a special forces under the king.
Loki's eyes flickered to his mother. What was one these soldiers doing?
The Einherjar's pale eyes didn't move, but it was clear he spoke to the raven-haired prince. "Lady Sif and the Warrior's Three demand a royal presence."
He rose a brow. Okay. What was he supposed to do about it?
The queen rose and gingerly took Gungnir in her hands. Approached her son. "Thor has been banished. You do realize the line of succession falls to you. Until your father awakens, Asgard is yours."
The ghostly soldier kneeled.
Loki's eyes slightly widened, and he hoped he displayed more shock rather than excitement. Part of him had wondered if he would have to make a ploy against his mother. He guessed not. This was much simpler than he thought. All that needed to happen was royal business to attend to. And here it was.
However, this seemed too easy. "What about you, mother? Are you not the queen?"
"I would rather stay with him. Besides," she pursed her lips in a knowing manner, "this is your chance to prove yourself. Make your father proud. Just remember that even the greatest of Realms can fall with the best intentions."
He hesitated before taking the spear. Energized with the flow of power it gave him. His eyes shimmered with a certain unbridled glee. Silently thanking his mother, he headed for the throne room, the Einherjar in tow.
Although his strides carried him with confidence, his mother's parting sentence made him uneasy. "The greatest of Realms can fall with the best intentions." She knew, then, didn't she? Knew he craved the throne and why. Of course she did. She knew everything.
But he wasn't worried about his intentions. He intended on keeping Asgard peaceful, its people safe, and bringing Aura back home. It was the spear in his hand that worried him. While he had mastered many forms of magic, Gungnir was a completely separate entity. Its magic was raw, radiating. It seeped into him as if he were a sponge.
He feared the effect it would have on his own abilities. The two might not mingle at all.
Or they might merge too well.
His "control" was always on that fine line. There was no way to control chaos. It was why it was called chaos. And when chaos met unrestrained power…well, he hoped it wouldn't come to that.
If anything could explain the deeds his father had done, it had to be spending too much time with the spear. No wonder he needed Odinsleep.
Loki carefully took each step up on the golden dias until he stared down the throne face to face. He inhaled a deep breath, the crackling of the fires at the base of the steps a comfort to him. If anything would remind him of his intentions, it would be those flames.
Using his magic, he adorned his head with his helmet and his back with his cape. It would only seem fitting that a new king be presented in full regalia. He pivoted and slowly sat in the carved ruling seat. Sprawled out his legs.
The leather was getting tight, and he needed to breathe. Plus, it showed an open position, right? It would make people feel more comfortable with speaking to him, yes? Or was it too dominating of a position? That would turn people away from him, especially since he was dressed in armor. Was the helmet too much?
He fidgeted. Why was he so nervous? He shouldn't be nervous; he had thought about this moment all his life. Prepared for it. Then why was he questioning every action he made? Why was he confusing his decisions? He knew what he needed to do. All he had to do was, well, do it.
Before he could contemplate anything else, the Einherjar entered with those who wished to see a member of royalty.
Sif and the Warriors Three entered with heads bowed. Of course, Sif led the group and spoke for them. "Allfather, we must speak with you."
They lifted their heads. Shock transpiring on all their faces.
"What is this?" Volstagg asked.
Loki tried his best to sound calm and regal. "My…friends. Have you not heard? I am now the ruler of Asgard."
Fandral seemed impressed, but it didn't stop him from asking the obvious. "Where's Odin?"
"My father has fallen ill with the Odinsleep. My mother fears he may never wake up again."
Sif's expression betrayed her uncertainty. "We would speak with her."
Loki couldn't help his brows rising. He knew she thought he lied to them, but what reason would he have to lie? His mother had rightfully passed on the throne to him. There was nothing against the laws about this. "She refuses to leave his side. You can bring any urgent matters to me. Your king."
The Lady blinked. "Alright. We ask, then, for you to end Thor's banishment."
"My first command cannot be to undo my father's last. We are on the brink of war with Jotunheim due to Thor's actions. Our people must have a sense of continuity to feel safe in these difficult times."
The four in front of him exchanged glances.
Although he inwardly sighed, Loki continued as pleasantly as he could muster. They truly didn't understand the ways of politics. "We must all stand together. For the good of Asgard."
Fandral gave a definite nod. "Of course."
The others continued sharing dubious looks.
The temporary king watched all their subtleties with rapt attention. If anyone proved to be a challenge for them, it would be this bunch right here. Possibly with the exception of Fandral, but he would still go along with the others for the sake of reducing conflict. Same with Volstagg. While Hogun preferred not to speak, he was a keen observer, and everyone knew to take what he said seriously. He could be a problem. But the main issue would be Sif.
He honestly didn't know why. Yes, he had some mischievous fun with her when they were young. Her hair did use to be golden like Thor's. But was her grudge seriously from that, though? He had the magic to restore her hair, but at this point, he had no desire to. He wondered if she was jealous he had more of Thor's attention than her.
Whatever the case, she hated him with an unexplained passion. And she used any excuse to make him appear like the villain. She would most likely spread rumors he took the throne by force. Any of which, his mother could easily expel. No one could make Frigga do anything she didn't want to do.
Loki noted they still stood in place. "Is there anything else I can help you with? You know you can bring your needs to me."
Lady Sif searched him. "No. No, that was all."
The four of them bowed their heads and turned to walk out.
However, Fandral snuck him a thumbs up and a smile to the inherited king.
Loki smirked back. He didn't know what he had done to earn Fandral's admiration, but the Warrior had always been nice to him. Supportive of him, even. Fandral had joined him on many of his impish escapades. Perhaps that was why he liked him. Not that he minded having a friend other than his brother.
He settled further into the throne, staring at the double doors. He could return Thor. Not that he would before he returned Aura, but he did have the power to bring back his brother. But it broke every basic code of politics. The Realm needed a sense of order. Especially if his reign was temporary, he couldn't blatantly negate all of his father's rulings.
His fingers wrapped tighter around the spear. He rather enjoyed sitting here and taking in his newfound position. It was peaceful. Quiet, save for the soothing fires. His brain could clearly think.
And hear the whispers that had already begun in the back of his mind.