A GODS WEAKNESS [l.laufeyson]

NINETEEN

It had been a two weeks now since Svartalfheim and since Astrid used her powers for the first time. Loki had helped her train hard to get her powers under control and she was getting the gist of it. Considering how long her powers have been building up for, she was doing well to control them. But when I said they trained hard, I meant they didn't get a break. Loki always knew when Astrid was tired but whenever he suggested her having a rest, she refused. She felt she could've prevented the death of Frigga, if only she controlled her powers enough not to use up all of her energy that time she stopped her father. She might have gotten to Frigga in time and could've saved her. Maybe...

The past two weeks didn't just consist of training. Loki and Astrid couldn't keep their hands off each other. Besides they had 2 years to make up for. They both lay in bed, the sheets covered their naked bodies. Loki's arm around Astrid, drawing circles on her shoulder as she cuddles into his chest.

"Don't you think your people are missing Odin?" She giggled. Loki had been so 'busy' with Astrid, he hadn't really shown Odins face in a while. Loki had told her where he had taken Odin and his plans to rule. She was sure it was going to get complicated but at least she was reunited with Loki again. She loved Odin like a father but he had taken Loki away from her too many times. In a way she was glad Loki had sent him away and wiped his memories.

"I'm sure my people wouldn't mind Odin having a few sick days." Loki chuckled at his reply while he buried his face in her neck tickling her. He then went silent. Something had been bothering him for a little while, Astrid could see it. She pushing his face out of her neck and turns and leans on him resting her hands and head on his chest and stares into his eyes.

"What's the matter?" She asked him and he wasn't surprised. She could always see right through him. The truth was Inez had been bothering him, even with Frey dead the deal still stands. She should've been sent off to him a week ago, and even though Loki had kept her safe for this long, he's sure Inez will come for her soon.

"Inez..." he whispered. Technically he shouldn't know about him. Astrid still heard him loud and clear, she was shocked and she sat up pulling the covers over her chest.

"How do you know about that?" She couldn't recall telling him or anyone for that matter.

"Your father. He mentioned his name." Astrid had to think for a while. When would her father mention Inez? It then clicked.

"You were in there? You were the guard?" He slowly nodded at her admitting it.

"He died not long after I left his room... he was absolutely fine..." she stood up from the bed pacing as she tied her nightgown round her. Loki did the same. "They said it was from complications but... you killed him..."

"Astrid, please-" before he could finish explaining her next gesture shocked him. She ran up to him hugging him.

"Thank you." She whispered into his chest. If he hadn't done that who knows where she'd be now. He put his arms around her still taken back by her gesture.

~

It was late and most people had gone for the night, only a few guards remain keeping an eye out for any danger. Loki left the chambers as Odin and when it was safe he returned to himself to walk with Astrid in the garden. They had been thinking of a plan to get Inez once and for all.

"So you will go ahead with the plan this time tomorrow?"

"Yes, you will lead us to him and from there I will take care of it. Skurge will accompany us there to keep you safe."

"Skurge?" She hadn't heard of him before.

"Ah, yes. A former guard of Asgard. The only one I can... let's say, cope with. He knows that I am Odin, and he has sworn to keep it a secret, he will also be taking Heimdalls place at the Bifrost." Loki had banished Heimdall to ensure word of Loki as King didn't get out. Skurge was also to make sure Thor wouldn't return.

Astrid grabbed Loki's arm to stop him and turned to him.

"I want to go with you." She was ready. She wanted to test her powers for real, and she wanted to fight beside Loki.

"No, I'm not risking it."

"Loki, please... besides you'll be there with me." She was right he would be there. Loki was torn. He really didn't want her to go, but at he same time he knew she was more than capable to take care of herself.

"Okay fine. But. If anything goes wrong you promise me that you will return to the palace immediately." He had never sounded so serious to her before.

"I promise."

~

A day had gone by and they switched up the plan. Astrid had told Loki there was a door only Inez and his men could open. Loki was sure there was a witch of some sort working for Inez. It would explain why Heimdall couldn't sense them.

Loki had disguised himself as a guard of Vanaheim with Skurge waiting outside with the horses. They were approaching the door and they could see a hooded man waiting outside.

"You're late..." a week late to be precise.

"After the battle my father and I returned home. He sends his apologies." The man looked Loki up and down before writing runes on the door allowing them entry. Astrid walks in first and as Loki goes to walk in but the man puts his hand on Loki stopping him.

"He is to come with me. My father wants him to relay a message to Inez." The hooded man is unsure about Loki but allows him in anyway. They reach Inez and both kneel before him. Loki is hating every second of it, the idea on kneeling before someone else.

"My father sends his apologies-"

"Silence!" A few weeks ago, Astrid would've broken down at his yelling. But now she felt so confident, and to be next to Loki, she felt unstoppable.

"You are a week late to be delivered. Which means I need something else in return." Astrid can see Inez staring at Loki.

"And what is that may I ask?" Loki speaks up.

"A life..." One of Inez's henchmen go to stab Loki from behind. But Astrid simply brings her glowing hand up stopping the dagger and the man. The man who isn't able to move looks at Astrid noticing her glowing eyes. Not moving her hand, Loki and her now look at each other before turning their head towards Inez who was speechless. Loki wiggles his fingers revealing his true form, smirking at Inez.

"The only life that will be taken today is yours..." Loki looked around the room. Pointing at all the henchmen. "And yours and yours and yours and yours..." he turns to the man behind him still holding his dagger at him not being able to move. "Oh and especially yours." Loki laughed before stabbing him with his dagger. All hell broke loose and the two fought beside each other taking every single one out. Inez being the last one standing.

"Please don't kill me." Inez pleaded at the two. Loki had blood splattered on his face and Astrid had a bit of blood on the front on her dress, her eyes were still glowing. She had never kept her powers up for this long and she still felt strong.

"Doesn't this remind you of something?" Loki kept back allowing Astrid to do the honours. "Oh yes, although the last time I was here it was me in your position. The only difference is... I didn't deserve it." With a slash of her daggers she sliced his throat open. He was holding his throat crawling towards her as he grabbed the bottom of her dress in desperation. She kicked him away and walked off with Loki following her to return home.

"I'm finally free."