Loki's Redemption

Chapter 44 

Loki and Shelia walk into the council room just before the session is about to begin. He is surprised by the large number of people that are crowded within the relatively small space. He and Shelia find a place to stand at the back of the room and he begins to scan the room trying to gage the crowd.

Shelia notices immediately when he stiffens beside her. “What is it?” She asks.

“Thor is here.”

“Is that a problem?”

Loki doesn’t get the chance to respond as the council members take their seats. The elder in the middle addresses the gathered crowd and calls for nominations for succession to the throne. Several people are nominated, distant relatives to Laufey, leaders of different villages, a handful of others. Each name is debated in turn. There is arguing.  Accusations.  Loki can already see that the land will be thrown into chaos again as there is no consensus in regards to any of the possible candidates. He looks to his brother, but Thor keeps his body turned towards the council members.

“I nominate Loki Laufeyson as successor to the throne,” A strong voice calls out over the din of the crowd.  Loki doesn’t need to see Thor’s face. He would recognize his brothers voice anywhere. The reaction from those gathered is immediate and mixed. Shelia grips Loki’s hand tightly and stands firm when he tries to pull away and exit the room. The room is so full he will not be able to try and sneak out without drawing attention to himself and so he decides to wait. 

Jolnir steps forward and addresses the gathering. “Loki Laufeyson is the rightful successor to the throne. He has brought about the jeremiad by his own hand. His right to rule is absolute.”

The crowd immediately quiets as everyone begins looking for Laufey’s son amongst themselves.  “And what if the son of Laufey does not wish to rule?” Loki calls out causing the assemblage to turn as one in his direction.

“It is your duty. Your birthright. Your responsibility to rule your fathers realm. You cannot deny that the need for stability and leadership is great. You have seen first hand the devastation wrought by Farbaute,” Jolnir explains, not only to Loki, but also to the crowd.

Loki tries to push down the flash of anger that threatens to overtake him. “I have no interest in ruling. I came here only to fulfill the requirement of testifying to Farbaute’s death.  I have done that and now I wish to go home.

“Then why stay to watch the successsorship? Why did you not leave once your obligation was done?” Thor questions, voice carrying around the room. “Do you deny that you still linger because you are concerned for the future of this realm?”

“Of course I am concerned. The Jotun have long been Asgards enemies. Another war fought between the two serves no purpose.”

“What better way to ensure the continued peaceful co existence of our realms than to forge an alliance between us.”

“I fear that the breach between Asgard and the Jotunheim is too great to be bridged Thor,” Loki responds, starting to feel boxed in.

“You will be that bridge Loki.”

The dark haired god is growing more and more agitated and Thor can see it clearly on the other man’s face. It is at this moment that the eldest council member speaks. “The rightful successor has been identified. His desire to not take the throne is unusual, but not unprecedented. We will adjourn to review the texts to determine our next course of action. Loki Laufeyson, the council requests that you remain here as our guest until this matter is resolved.”

“Am I to be your prisoner now?” Loki spits out.

“Of course not, you and your consort are free to come and go as you please. We only request that you remain close by while we research and work towards a solution.”

Loki glares at the council members and his brother in turn, then he spins on his heel and exists the room, the crowd clearing before him. Shelia follows close behind.  Just before entering their chamber Loki turns, finger raised, “not a word. I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense. Not from you, not from Thor and not from anyone else.”

She holds back the retort that is on her lips knowing that if Loki didn’t actually care about his people he would have no issue leaving.  The fact that he is so upset and struggling with himself only proves that leaving the Jotun to their own devices is not as easy as he would like to make her believe.