Loki's Redemption

Chapter 40

Loki has spent most of the day in near silence.  Despite his lack of words, he has been in near constant contact with her.  A hand touching, a foot casually against hers, anything to keep a sense of physical closeness.  Knowing that he is grieving she is willing to do whatever he needs of her.  All too soon it is time to attend the remembrance feast which will mark the end of the official mourning period.

The feast is to take place in the throne room where the leaders of each realm can have an audience with the new King. This is the time to reinforce alliances and forge new ones.

Loki scans the room taking note of the various groups of people, observing who amongst them is huddle together and who stands alone, who has surrounded themselves with petty dignitaries so as to appear important.  As expected the dark elves are not represented among the realms present, but he is alarmed when he  spots a contingent of 3 frost giants as they enter the room. All eyes turn to the blue skinned giants as they boldly stride up to Thor where he is quietly speaking with a representative from Vanaheim. “Excuse me,” Thor says as he turns to acknowledge the new comers.  Asgard and the frost giants have long been enemies and knowing that their queen was responsible for Frigga’s death makes it hard for Thor to hide his  wariness, but since hearing that there is a contingent that wants Loki as their King, the elder brother has been thinking of ways to solidify relations between the 2 realms.  Thor has no wish to exploit his brother, but he would be a fool to not at least explore the possibilities before him.

Loki quickly makes his way to Thor’s side, “why are you here?” He snarls as he recognizes the frost giant that approached just after Frigga’s death.

“Sire, it is time for you to retake your place within the Jotunheim,” he tells Loki.  Thor looks to his brother, eyes widening slightly and Loki can all but see the wheels turning within the blonde gods head.

“I am not your King.  Go back to where you came from before you are forcibly sent back. I will hear no more of this,” Loki hisses as he turns and walks away.  He strides out of the throne room and into an antechamber where he sits with his head in his hands trying to calm himself.

Thor watches his brother walk away and then turns to the frost giant.  “What of Farbaute? She has committed an act of war against Asgard and in fact against all the realms. This transgression will not go unanswered.”

“Our wish is to treat with Asgard, to bring peace between our realms and return the Jotunheim to prosperity,” the taller man explains. “Towards this end we are prepared to provide you with the location of the traitor Farbaute and her conspirator Malekith. We wish that the rightful King take his place on the throne.”

“And if Loki has no interest in taking the Throne?”

“Laufey’s son will be King.”  With this the frost giant sketches a small bow as a sign of respect to the newly crowned King of Asgard and he, along with his 2 companions take their leave.

It is two days later when Loki is called to meet Thor in his chambers. He raps briskly on the door and waits.  Thor pulls open the door and shifts to allow Loki to enter without a word. The dark haired god moves to sit in one of the chairs by the enormous stone fireplace.  Thor takes his seat and looks over his brother trying to gauge his mood.  He shifts uncomfortably knowing  Loki is going to be angry no matter his current mood. “Brother, I wish to discuss the Jotunhiem.”

“No. Just no Thor.”

Thor raises his hand to silence Loki, “Hear me out. We can end this feud between our realms. The Jotun need a strong King.  You can lead them Loki. United, we can forge an alliance that will lead to prosperity and stability for all.”

“You ask too much. I have no desire to be their King,” Loki hisses.

“You are their King Loki. The rightful heir to the throne of Laufey. This is not a choice for you anymore than it was for me.  You were born for this and were raised as a prince and future King.”

Loki glares at Thor and stands, heading to the door. The rage he feels evident on his face.

“Loki, do you not think Frigga and Odin knew of this eventuality? That they did not plan for this?”

Loki pauses with his hand on the door handle. “You expect me to embrace this monstrous thing inside of me.”

“Think on it Loki, please. I fear that without leadership Farbaute will return to the Jotunheim.”

“Let her! Then I know where I can find her to end her wretched life!”

Thor places a hand on his brothers arm that is immediately shaken off.  “If vengeance is what you seek I can give that to you now instead of later brother.  I only ask that you think on this.”