A GODS WEAKNESS [l.laufeyson]

TWO

"As king of Asgard, I would-"

"You are not King! Not yet." Odin glared at his first born as Thor sees in his fathers face that he's pushed this as far as he can. Meanwhile, Loki stands by watching the argument unravel between his brother and father. He starts thinking of a plan. Something that could save Astrid after all.

After returning from the vault, Thor stands in the empty hall bearing the signs of the festivities cancelled due to the events of the day. With the anger and frustration rising within him, Thor upends one of the massive tables. From behind a podium Loki emerges.

"It's unwise to be in my company right now brother." Thor feels his brothers presence as Loki takes a seat next to him.

"Who said I was wise?"

"This was to be the day of my triumph."

"It will come. In time." Loki went silent for a bit before speaking up again. "If it's any consolation, I think you're right. About the Frost Giants, about Laufey, everything. If a few of them could penetrate the defences of Asgard once, who's to say they won't try again. Next time with an army."

"Yes, exactly!" Thor realises what Loki is saying is true.

"But there's nothing we can do without defying father." Thor considers this and looks at his hammer, a gleam in his eye.

"No... Stop there! I know that look!"

"It's the only way to ensure the safety of our borders." Thor exclaims while jumping up from the steps.

"It's madness!"

"Madness? What sort of madness?" Volstagg interjects.

"Nothing, Thor was making a jest." Loki replies.

"The safety of our realm is no jest. We're going to Jotunheim." Thor raises his hammer standing tall and proud.

"Thor, of all the laws of Asgard, this is one you must not break." Sif raises her voice slightly while Loki stands to the side intrigued by the proceedings.

Loki starts thinking how this could be his opportunity to show his father how unreliable Thor could be, he thinks how this could be his chance to have a life with Astrid and get her out and away from her father. This was all too perfect.

~

There was a knock at the door for the scared Princess. Her father had gone to discuss matters about the frost giants attack with Odin and she was a little jumpy from not knowing what was going on. The door opened to reveal Loki.

"Oh my goodness, Loki!" She runs up to him holding him in her arms relieved that he was okay. She hadn't known anything of what happened after she was taken to her chambers.

"Hush my Princess, I haven't got long so I need you to listen to me." He stoked her hair calming her down.

"W-what do you mean you haven't got long? Where are you going?" She pulled away to face him not understanding what he was implying.

"Thor and I are heading to Jotunheim." She pulled away from his arms unsure why he would be so stupid to do something like that.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" Astrid raises her voice a little more hearing this shocking news.

"Shhh!" Loki covers his hand over Astrid's mouth and places a finger on his hoping the guards didn't hear.

"Listen to me Astrid." He takes his hand off her mouth sliding it down to her hand intertwining his fingers with hers. "Thor and I will be heading there with the warriors three and Sif, I understand that this is a dangerous task and there is nothing that will change my brothers mind, which is why I need you to do me a favour..." Astrid stared into Loki's eyes, listening as he comforted her. She didn't know what it was he wanted but she would do anything if it meant keeping her loved one safe.

"I will do anything for you. What is it you ask of me?"