A GODS WEAKNESS [l.laufeyson]

TEN

    
     Back on Asgard, Thor and Odin stand on a balcony overlooking the training yard where the soldiers are practicing with various weapons.

"Is Vanaheim secure?" Odin begins as his Thor approaches his father.

"As are Nornheim and Ria. But our work would have gone more quickly with you at the fore... King Frey sends his thanks." Thor still wasn't happy about what Frey had been planning for Astrid. What he heard on Vanaheim was upsetting.

"Yet something still bothers you my son." Odin could see right through Thor.

"I met with King Frey and Princess Astrid..."

"Ah. How is she coping?" Odin interrupted.

"She is well father. However, Frey wishes to bring her here to find her a husband." Thor looks towards his father stood beside him hoping he would disagree.

"Well, it had to happen at some point."

"What do you mean?"

"Thor, her role as a Princess is to one day marry a Prince, and eventually gift him with a son." Thor looked on towards the training field. He knew his father was right. But there was still a way.

"And what of Loki?" Thor knew it was a long shot but Astrid loved him and after all, he was still Odins son, a Prince. Odin lost his smile at his name.

"Loki is to pay for his crimes by serving eternity in the dungeons-"

"But father, you know better than anyone that the one thing Loki loves more than the throne is the Princess. He would do anything for her! Can you at least give it some thought?"

"Enough!" Thor realises he probably pushed it a little too far. "This conversation is over."

"Forgive me father, I was out of line." They both went quiet before Odin spoke up returning to their previous conversation.

"For the first time since the Bifrost was destroyed, the Nine Realms are at peace. We are well reminded of our strength and you have earned their respect and my gratitude."

"Thank you."

"I'm telling you this not as the Allfather, but as your Father. You are ready. The time has come to take the Throne. Embrace it and celebrate what you have won. Join your warriors, eat and drink. Revel in their celebration. At least pretend to enjoy yourself." Odin could see that Thor had finally matured and understood the nature of being a good king. He knew it was time. 2 years ago, Thor would of continued to argue with his father about the marriage situation. But now he would accept it like a true King should.

~

After speaking with his father. Thor paid a visit to Loki in the dungeon. He had the right to know about Astrid. As Thor walked closer to Loki's cell, he could see Loki had calmed down from his outburst with Odin. Odin had warned Thor of what Loki said about their mother. He noticed Loki was currently sat reading.

"Ah, brother. How nice of you to pay me a visit at this fine hour." Loki glanced up from his book before going back to his reading. "What do you want?"

"I spoke with Astrid only hours ago." This caught Loki's attention, he rested his book in his lap not losing it page as he looked directly to Thor.

"How is she?" Thor started to think maybe this wasn't a good idea. He could see how angry Loki was getting and he hadn't even mentioned the marriage yet.

"She is well, br-"

"Don't lie to me!" Loki raised his voice at Thor before he could finish. He looked into Loki's eyes, he looked scared. Scared for Astrid. Loki put his book down and stood up walking closer towards Thor. "You have no idea what she had been through."

"Loki I do, she told us."

"But had she shown you?!" Thor was silenced again. No, Astrid hadn't shown them the extent of how bad it was.

"She was living in a world of pain, Thor. That man does not deserve to live for what he has done to her. I swear, Astrid and I will be together again. I will get her away from the hellhole, away from that demon." Thor could see how frustrated Loki was and decided not to tell him as it would only anger him more so he started to walk out.

"Why did you really come here, Thor?" Loki knew it wasn't just to check up on him. Thor turned around to him, slight hesitation but he had to tell Loki something so he didn't become more agitated.

"Astrid is to arrive in Asgard for a few days?" Loki hitched his breath. What good was he stuck in his cell while the Princess was visiting.

"When does she arrive?"

"Tomorrow." Thor told Loki. But Loki just felt helpless. He couldn't do anything down here, he wouldn't even be allowed to see her. Outsiders were forbidden to accessing the dungeons.

"Goodnight, brother." Thor turned away to return back to his party.