Unbroken (Loki x Reader)

Chapter 49 - Fade Away

"SILENCE!" roars Odin over the crowds, now booing and hissing at the Allfather's condemnation of their Prince.

You look at Frigga, who stands horrified. You look at Thor across the hall, whose stunned expression is tinged with panic. And finally, you look at Loki, who has fallen to his knees in despair, tears falling from his cheeks.

"I SAID SILENCE," booms the Allfather, bringing down his staff in a loud pound that sounds like an explosion.

Silence immediately befalls the room, save for Anthony's cries. You hold him tightly, shushing him as every eye is drawn to you and the tiny baby you hold.

Including Odin's.

His red-hot gaze burns straight through you. But you hold it. You will not back down. The whites of his eyes flash in contempt but he finally breaks his murderous glare to glance around the council room - full of his people. Some hold looks of shock. Others of horror. And a few of staunch disapproval. 

Odin's chest stutters, stopping just short of a full breath as he clearly takes a moment to consider his options. It only takes a brief moment for him to speak once more - this time quietly. An anger simmering beneath each word he aims at you.

"Midgardian, you come bearing news of a child," he says. "One that, until now, was known to none in this realm. These...exigent circumstances have been considered."

"Long live Prince Loki!" an anonymous, young female voice from the back of the room cries out. Although you recognize it, and make a mental note to thank the servant girl for her courage. 

"Hear, hear!" another man's voice echoes. Once again the hall erupts into chaos. Shouting and whispers blend together creating a cacophony of harmonious dissonance between the people of Asgard. 

"IN LIGHT OF THESE FACTS," Odin bellows out, demanding order once more. "I am prepared to revoke Prince Loki's sentence to death. The final judgment of this day is a life of imprisonment in the royal cells. This is final!"

With a bang, Odin crashes his staff to the floor once more. In a flash, you tear down the stairs, the people making way for you, until you reach the bottom row of benches. You reach your hand out desperately over the railing toward Loki. He strains against his chains, making it close enough for your fingers to brush the side of his cheek before the guards give him a violent pull backwards, and he is ripped away.

"NO!" you scream.

But before you have a chance to do anything Thor is at your side, pulling you quickly and aggressively from the council room. He leads you down the hall, keeping a firm grip on your arm until you once more reach your quarters.

Thor pushes you through the door, slamming it behind him. 

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" he roars. 

"I SAVED HIS LIFE!" you shout back. "Something you refused to do!"

"Do you have any idea what you have just done?!" he shouts again, veins bulging in his neck.

You wince, recoiling as Anthony begins crying in your arms. Thor has never raised his voice at you. Not like this. And as your adrenaline races and the fear mounts, tears build in your eyes. Immediately, Thor's look of anger transforms to one of bitter sorrow.

"I...apologize, my lady. I meant not to lose my temper," he says placing his calloused hand on your cheek, using his thumb to brush away a tear that has fallen. "But that was a foolish thing to do, Y/n. My mother should have never suggested it."

Usually you enjoy the rare moments when Thor disperses of his Asgardian formality and addresses you simply by your name. But this time, it makes your heart sink as the sound of your own name is laced with disappointment, and sadness.