Authors note chapter 4 enjoy

Odin watched as his sons played with their friends, the group was currently involved in some sort of game of tag combined with hide and seek as far as he could discern. One of the group's numbers would run around the wide-open courtyard and once they found another of their numbers that child would race off to find someone else.

He smiled glad this his children were engaging more with people their own age, despite his mother's statement at the last Yule celebration Thor had been allowed to invite the girls he had met. Only after much begging and then only under the prevision that they were joined by other boys, and all were under the close watch of an adult.

The group currently consisted of mostly noble children, namely that of the Ladies, Sif, Amora and Lorelai, along with the noble's sons Volstagg, and Haldor as well as an interesting invitation of a commoner boy named Fandral, and a Vanir named Hogun.

Fandral, and Volstagg as well as all the young ladies were invitations of his eldest Thor who was fast becoming the leader of the group. The only other invitation by his other sons was given by Kal who had invited Haldor, a boy that he had met at the Yule celebration and the two were fast becoming inseparable.

Whilst Hogun had been an invitation of Frigga's design, Hogun was the son of an old Vanir friend of hers who had asked Frigga for her aid as her son was becoming melancholic and needed friends. Odin could see why Hogun was a dour and grim-faced boy, but he seemed to be joining in the game well enough.

Whilst Loki had invited no one, a fact that had not gone unnoticed by his parents. Loki was quickly becoming a recluse of their children and Frigga more often found him practising magic or in the library than with his brothers.

A large part in allowing the children to come to the palace was an effort to get Loki to interact more with others and correct some of the more troubling behaviour that was beginning to appear.

Loki's pranks were getting more brazen, he talked less to his brothers, often eat his meals alone and was starting to talk down to the servants in a manner Odin did not like.

Normally, the duty of watching the children fell to Frigga or a more reluctant Mímir when she was too busy, but today Odin was watching them as he had lessons prepared for their youngest.

Loki was casting illusions of himself across the courtyard much to the annoyance of most of the other children who lacked the ability to discern which one was real. The sole exceptions however were Amora who's magical abilities impressed even Odin and Kal who's gifts were allowing him to find his brother was ease.

Kal was rushing around the courtyard never tiring, for an hour he kept this up this surprised even Odin who suspected this was some of his unique developments showing themselves

Kal, come here please. Odin gestured to his youngest son to come over.

Yes, father? Kal asked clearly believing he was in trouble.

No worries my boy you are not in trouble. You and I are going to spend the rest of the day together."Odin offered Kal a warm smile.

Really? Kal asked in excitement a wide grin on his face.

It was rare that his father could spend a whole day with just one of his sons, usually, it was a group activity, like them going all on a trip together or going to the theatre to watch a play from the royal box. However, even then those tended to be only for a few hours and then Odin was back to work.

Now Kal thought about it, both Thor and Loki had separately spent a full day and a half with their father in the past month. Kal remembered as it was unusual and neither Thor nor Loki would tell him what it was about.

Yes, it's time I showed you what it means to rule Asgard, Odin spoke in the solemn voice he always had when talking about important matters.

Rule Asgard? Kal asked with wide eyes.

Odin nodded Yes, I did this both with Thor and Loki, just as my father once did it with me when I was little.

So, what are we going to be doing? Kal asked his head racing with ideas.

Although you are still very young and have two older brothers, it's still very important you learn about the role and duties of a King. As you may one day sit upon the Throne, my boy. As such you'll be helping me rule for the rest of the day and tomorrow. Odin explained placing a comforting hand on Kal's shoulders.

Kal's mind went blank as a single thought took over 'I'm going to help run Asgard!'

His mind was a mixture of panic, excitement, and consideration. He was only 7 and had rarely actually thought about his position as a Prince, in truth he didn't do much and largely spent his time studying or playing. He had never once considered that he might end up as King one day.

When Kal thought about it, the whole concept seemed bizarre, he tried to picture himself as King and couldn't really do it. Now Thor or Loki, Kal could imagine, his brothers in his mind seemed to be each one half of their father.

Kal's head quickly conjured the image of Thor as King. His brother was now taller, shinning golden locks flowing freely, whilst in splendid armour as he powered through the ranks of Asgard enemies. He was the warrior, decisive and charismatic leader Asgard needed, the people cheered him and loved him whilst he in return basked in their admiration.

The image however was soon replaced by Loki, who instead sat regally on the throne, he was commanding, poised, projecting both power and confidence. An army of advisors surrounded him as Loki gave decisive commands to each of them, who then went of to fulfil their master grand vision. Whilst Loki joyfully sat immersed in the admiration of his subjects who were safe and protected under his watch.

Do not be nervous my son. I am here to guide you. Let us begin. Odin offered a reassuring smile and led Kal off towards the Throne room.

Kal had learnt two things about ruling such far. One, it seemed to be a lot of waiting and listening, and two, it was not very engaging.

Kal was seated next to his father on Hlidskjalf, as he was still small enough to be nestled next to their father. He looked up at his father who had a blank expression on his face as he listened to Mímir give a very detailed report on ships to an assembly of nobles that sat below them.

Kal was trying his best to listen but in all was quickly becoming bored, when his father had stated that we going to help rule Asgard he had imagined grand decrees or listening to petitioners. Not sat for hours listening to a bunch of old people talk.

Kal had listened to Mímir many times but had never realised just how boring Mímir was or how monotonous and dull his voice was.

Just thinking about it all made him chuckle a little

Is there anything funny son Odin asked

No father nothing. Kal quickly stated going rigid as every eye of the high council of Asgard descended upon him.

Really, you're not bored. It's not Mímir's dull voice and constant use of the phrase, As you can see? Odin asked in a neutral voice that caught Kal out.

Yes, I MEAN NO Kal quickly spat out trying to make up for his truthful admission.

However, instead of shocking murmurs or disappointed looks, he heard a handful of chuckles and more than a few sincere smiles directed at him.

I honestly thought he wouldn't make it past my report on street repairs, let alone to ships, Mímir stated to another advisor with a grin on his face.

That was about three hours, pay up. General Tyr gestured to Grand Healer Eir who sighed and passed a handful of coins to the general.

Father? Kal looked confused at the interactions now occurring since his admission of boredom.

Odin let out a friendly sigh, My son, it's okay to be bored, we are not expecting a boy of 7 to be enraptured by reports and in fact, I am quite proud that you lasted as long as you did.

So, this was all a test? None of it was real? Kal asked.

Oh no this was all real, the reports, the listening to advisors, everything was real. This was just to show you Odin stated with a kind smile on his face.

Show me? Kal was looking up into his father's eye that held such love and wisdom in that moment.

To show you that ruling is not what Thor or Loki believe it is. Kingship is not rushing into things, going off to battle or scheming your way around problems. It is largely listening, waiting, thinking and only then acting once you have considered all your options. Odin explained.

I think I get it, Kal stated unsure if he was trying to convince himself or Odin.

Don't worry if you do not, it takes time my son. Ruling is a skill that is learnt, now see if you make it through the rest of Mímir's dull reports Odin jested causing a small laugh to rise from the advisors below.

Kal sat straight again and tried his best to listen to Mímir's reports, and despite them still being undeniably dull, he started to pick up on a few things and started well not enjoying the session at least seeing the point of it.

Like, how the details of one report affected another report or several, how the group spoke about old solutions when problems arose or how several ideas were floated and picked apart before any decision was made.

However, what he noticed most of all was that his father listened more than he spoke but when he spoke no one else did and whatever Odin had decided was the final decision.

Kal was intrigued by that most of all when any spoke about his father they all made it seem like Odin just decided everything himself, even his brothers. Thor spoke about father boldly making choices and being swift to action and Loki talked endlessly about father's sharp mind and schemes within schemes.

Yet, what Kal was seeing was not rash action or scheming, just simple listening, thinking and then a final decision, the only bit that daunted him was that the final decision was ultimately in the hands of one man. The King.

That was the word that entered his head King, not father. Kal looking at his father now clearly saw a different man than the one he knew, before he wasn't his father Odin, the kindly man that lifted him upon his shoulders.

No, what was before him was the All-Father of the aesir Gods, King of Asgard and Protector of The Nine Realms, who decided the fates of every person that Kal knew.

Kal sat there for a while as he thought about it all, in truth he believed it was more than his seven-year-old mind was capable of thinking about but yet he did so. And what was sticking in his mind most of all was his brothers.

Kal again tried to picture them as the Kings of Asgard like he did before, but the imagines refused to from instead all that came to his mind was the throne room, the throne Hlidskjalf and the advisors waiting below.

Despite his attempts, he couldn't imagine Thor or Loki just setting on Hlidskjalf listening to people, weighing options and then making choices.

No Thor in his mind would take the first option presented, without listening to it fully and then rush off to do something fun, namely go fight someone.

Whereas he pictured Loki just dismissing all the advisors, calling them small-minded fools and then enacting some grand complex scheme to solve a very simple issue, like cracked roads.

However, despite not being able to imagine his brothers on the Throne, Kal still couldn't picture himself on it. In his head he would sit there, stroke his chin listen gravely to the problems and advice, them just say 'I have no idea what to do'.

Kal was pulled back to reality by the sound of the clattering of feet as the advisors rose and gave a quick bow before departing the chamber.

We are stopping for the evening meal, Odin said answering Kal's questioning look. Come now, you and I are going to eat together in my study.

Kal took his father's hand as they descended from Hlidskjalf and made their way through the Palace, with guards bowing to them as they went. All the talk of Kingship made him notice it for the first time and he realised that they bowed to him even when his parents were not around.

So how are you finding it, my son Odin asked as he pushed open the door to his study their meal already waiting for them on a table.

It's ….. Interesting. Kal decided to say after settling on the right word.

Well, that is good to hear. Odin was very pleased with hearing that neither Loki's or Thor's response had been as good or genuine.

It's a good thing we are only just helping out, I don't think anyone, but you could be King father. Kal said whilst eating the food before him, grinning at his father.

Whilst Odin appreciated the compliant and his son's faith in him, he nevertheless had to inform his son of the reality of the throne. Releasing a heavy sigh, he spoke to Kal gently.

Kal one day, I will not be here, Odin stated softly.

Oh, are we going on a trip? Kal asked.

No, my son. What I mean is that one day, I won't be here to help and that Thor or possibly Loki maybe even you will be King. Odin stated softly looking to see if his son understood.

But you're the King? And I don't think we can be? Kal was puzzled by his statement.

I am the king, for now, my son, but I will not be forever. It is why I am doing this; you and your brothers are not yet ready it is true but given time and the right lessons you will be. Odin spoke softly and saw that Kal was beginning to understand.

They sat in silence for a while as Odin watched Kal who was clearly trying to process everything that he had just been.

Frigga and he had already taught Kal about the concept of death but watching the boy now it was clear that although Kal understood death he had never actually considered it a factor when it came to his parents.

Father? Kal's voice broke the silence as he glanced up at Odin.

What is it, my boy? Odin moved his plate out of the way and set his cup down to give Kal his undivided attention.

When you're…. gone, Thor's going to become King, right? Kal asked.

Yes, that is the most likely outcome, Odin admitted.

So, what will I do? Kal's face was one of consideration.

You will aid Thor and Loki, the three of you will work together, Odin said a hint of pride entering his voice as he pictured his son's bright future.

Okay, but what will I do? Kal asked not knowing how else to phrase his question.

Odin merely smiled and spoke in his grand voice as he provided his son with a picture of his future. You my son will be the rock on which your brother's reign will be formed. You will be the very strength and certainty that all of Asgard will rely on.

I will? Kal asked with wide eyes.

Yes. Kal you will possess strength and power that I cannot yet imagine, but I knew from the moment I first held you in my arms that you are destined for great things. Odin had moved to kneel next to his son and place a reassuring hand on Kal's shoulder.

Kal broke into a wide smile and leapt into his father giving Odin a tight hug that the Allfather returned with affection, and a proud smile when they broke apart.

Well, that's good. I don' think I want to King anyway. Kal stated with gravity Odin had not heard before.

Really, you don't? Odin asked in surprise both Thor and Loki wanted the throne, they practically begged for it when he spent the day with them.

Yeah, it seems very boring, and the Throne hurts my butt. Kal smiled at his father with a wide grin.

Causing Odin to start chuckling at his son's childish joke, Aye it does, it hurts mine too.

Odin's admission caused Kal to start laughing as the two finished up their evening meal.

Authors note

that is chapter 4 and as always review and give feedback, peace