A Fallen God and An Angel

03. Prince of Lies

Summary:

Prince Loki's plan is an utter success.

Prince Loki and I met soon after the banquet. As agreed, I had spoken to my brother, King Forsung, and he agreed to see us. The prince had been unusually happy throughout the event. Even now, he's still grinning as I guided him toward the royal throne hall. We halted at the huge double door where we were greeted by a kneeling guard in silver armour.

"Announce our presence to the king." I said simply. The guard excused himself, disappearing behind the doors as ordered. I glanced to my left at the god, still sporting his wide smile as he winked at me, his excitement almost contagious.

The doors opened again, continuing until both touched the walls. I smiled towards my brother, who was perched gracefully upon his throne, and he nodded in courtesy, allowing us in. Forsung never wore his royal armour outside of battle, instead, he chose the most traditional of Vanir clothing: a long tunic and sleek pants all made of the purest Vanir silk, decorated with a royal overcoat sparkling with golden weaving.

My brother's throne hall was nearly fully drenched in a light shimmering golden hue. One would easily compare his throne to the sun itself. Everything in the room was painted the same champagne colour that he loved so much. The walls were draped in curtains of the deepest shades of purple.

The Asgardian Prince extended his hand towards me, and I took it. He led me towards the throne, only stopping when we were at the bottom of the platinum staircase leading up to it. He immediately dropped to his knee, keeping his head bowed as I boarded the first few steps and curtsied once before speaking.

"Your majesty, wise King of Vanaheim, I, nought thy devout advisor, but thy beloved sister, appeal to thy grace." I bowed my head politely. "I adjure you to hear our guest who has been once mistaken and schooled by your beloved sister." I gestured towards the prince, before looking up to meet Forsung's soft blue eyes. He leaned forward slightly, looking down at the God of Mischief's kneeling figure before looking back at me.

"Beloved sister, I shall not refuse your appeal." He announced, his hand brushing against his rich brown beard, "If you shall attest to the Prince of Asgard's change of heart. He may speak." He gestured for me to join him at the throne before waving the god to a standing position.

I obeyed Forsung's gesture and immediately climbed the remaining steps, taking my place in the smaller, less grand partition next to his throne. I placed my hand in his and looked down upon our guest. I nodded to him slowly, urging him to speak. He straightened his posture, his smile now much tamer than before and his features much softer.

"King Forsung Freyrson, mightiest king in all eight realms," Prince Loki began modestly, and I watched my brother's expressions keenly. "...I beg of your merciful self to accept my sincerest remorse and regrets. It seems I have fallen victim to a cruel scheme aimed to implant distrust between the Vanir and Aesir."

I couldn't help but find his act quite amusing. Especially so, since my brother nodded in agreement. Even he valued the long-standing peace between the Gods of the realms. You can trust Asgard's Silvertongue to know exactly how to charm a king. I pressed my palms to the side of the throne's armrest as I watched his well-thought theatrics.

"Forgive my inanity, gracious king, for I had been but a tool in such a lowly plot. I fear I may have inadvertently committed an act of treason if it weren't for Vanaheim's wise princess." He paused, briefly gesturing towards me with a polite smile before bowing dramatically.

I bit the skin on my lower lip to keep myself from laughing. The God of Mischief at work was truly a sight to behold. A few seconds of silence passed before he looked up again with a flick of his dark hair.