The next day, everyone (even Fredrik) slept in. After a leisurely breakfast, Asta took the baby back into his nursery for a nap.
While she was gone, there was a knock at the door. Loki opened it and was shocked to find Odin standing there.
"Loki," he said, flatly.
"Father," Loki replied in the same tone.
"May I come in? There is a matter I wish to discuss with you."
Loki paused. There was nothing he wanted to do less at that moment, but he gestured for Odin to enter anyway. He led the former king to the sitting area and pointed to the couch, while he sat in the large armchair, knowing full well it resembled a throne.
Odin sat and there was a great deal of uncomfortable silence before he finally spoke.
"I've come here to discuss a matter that has weighed on me for quite some time."
"Yes, well, I do hope it won't take long, Asta has just put Fredrik down for a nap and we plan on resting as well."
"I understand. This could involve her as well."
Loki instantly stiffened at that.
Odin shook his head. "No, it's nothing like you're probably thinking."
"You couldn't possibly know what I'm thinking," Loki said with malice.
Just then, Asta returned. "Oh, Odin. I didn't know you were here."
"Yes, my visit will be brief, I promise."
She walked over and sat on the arm of Loki's chair, hoping to make it a sign of solidarity.
Odin cleared his throat. "Well, to begin, I need to express my regret with you, Loki."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I see now how wrong my actions were. I recognize the hardships I created when I brought you here. And I… I also see that I treated you poorly. I regret that my ego got in the way of having a better relationship with you. And that all these problems began when I changed the direction of your life."
Loki was silent as he looked to the floor and Asta began to worry what he would say.
Finally, he spoke. "There was a time in my life where I thought you would never tell me you were sorry, about anything. And if you did, I certainly wouldn't accept it." He looked up at Asta. "But I've come to see things differently lately." He looked back to Odin. "Yes, my life was infinitely changed that day. But if I hadn't been brought to Asgard, I likely never would have met Asta. And I cannot fathom my life without her."
Loki took a deep breath, and Asta's worry continued.
"And, as much as I loathe to admit it, you were right in sending her away. I was not worthy of her then." He turned his eyes to her. "And my queen deserves the best, especially from me. And while I'm not sure I'll ever be completely worthy of her, our separation helped me become a better man for her."
"Well, that is most—" Odin began.
Loki's glance snapped to Odin. "Do not misunderstand me. I'm not condoning your… acquisition of me in any way, shape, or form. I am only saying that I appreciate that your mistake led to this."
"I recognize that, Loki. And I know that there is nothing I can do to ask for your forgiveness. All I wish to do is to be given the chance to do things differently with Fredrik. I wish to be a grandfather in the way that I was never a father. I would love to have a relationship with him. To watch him grow."
Asta couldn't believe her ears. She wished she could read Loki's thoughts at that moment, but she doubted even he knew what to think.
Finally, the new king cleared his throat. "Very well. We shall see if this arrangement works. I will only do what is best for my son and if it begins to appear that you are detrimental to that, then the arrangement will be over. Is that crystal clear?"
It was obvious that Odin was not used to being addressed in such a manner. But he had no choice but to allow it and follow the rules.
"Yes, perfectly clear. And I appreciate the opportunity. And now I shall let you get back to your rest." Odin stood and walked to the door. Before leaving, he turned to the couple. "I do truly mean what I said. I am sorry for our past." And with that, he left.
Loki let out a deep breath. "Well, that was certainly something."
"Are you alright?" Asta asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I will be. For now, I'm just in shock. I don't believe I've ever heard Odin apologize for anything, ever. Even to Mother."
"I suppose there is a first time for everything. Though, this undoubtedly is a first I never expected to see."
"Indeed, my love. Indeed." He stood and led her to stand as well. "For now, though, let's take that nap. Odin wasted enough of our quiet time and I'll not have a minute more squandered."
"I am in full agreement, my king," she replied as she tugged him to the bed and they snuggled together.
"Ooh, I do love when you call me that. If only I wasn't so tired right now."
Asta rolled her eyes as she placed her head on his shoulder and a hand over his heart. "We're going to discuss this further later today, right?"
"I presume you won't be giving me a choice," he answered with a smile.
"You presume correctly."
"Yes. I will need to talk about it. But for now, this nap in your embrace can only do me a world of good." He kissed the top of her head. "Sleep well, my darling. I love you."
"And I love you, mischief."