Loki's Downfall

XV

It's been a year to the day. A whole miserable year since Loki's banishment. I never see Luka anymore, he's too busy. Especially now because he's a new King and he has to visit most of the realms to greet everybody. Months have passed and still he hasn't been able to get situated. He's gone all day every day, sometimes for several days at a time. Before the coronation we got a little time every day to talk, but now he has priorities. I understand, of course...but I just feel so alone.

I've spent all of today by the bifrost, feeding the naive hope that Loki will somehow show up again. No matter how many times I've asked Heimdal about him and received the same answer each day. "I cannot see him."

But unless Heimdal is spoken to, he will not speak. That's another reason I sit here. I can have peace without actually being alone. In the palace there a servants asking me questions. About what I want to eat, dress like, how Luka is doing. Before, they never acknowledged me, so what's really changed to make me worth paying attention to? Maybe it's because I'm the only one in the palace anymore since the King is gone so much.

Speaking a the King being gone...I still have no idea where Odin went. I wonder if since he thrusted the kingdom on Luka so fast that he really was running out of time, and right after the coronation he passed away. But with the hype if a new King, no one important has seemed to notice. Or at least they haven't said anything.

The parties are still going on in the city, and I can't understand how they can all take it. Of course I was happy for Luka all those months ago when he was crowned King, and he deserves to be celebrated, but the enthusiasm of the townspeople dumbfounded me. Is it because I'm still wallowing in self pity and guilt over Loki?

I sighed as all these thoughts ran across my mind, but Heimdal spoke and broke my train of thought. "The King will be on his way, you may want to hide, your highness," he told me. I was grateful for the heads up and I quickly ran to the side of the bifrost (where I assume Thor hid when I brought him here to help me with Loki before his banishment...) as Heimdal allowed the bifrost open. I was careful not to touch it while it ran.

I didn't much want Luka to know I was still in this depression over his father, because I've told him I'm fine. I wouldn't be able to explain my business here if he saw me. Not today.

Pressing my back against the gold edging of the bifrost as it stopped whirling and I saw Luka, I still listened. Because the first thing he said when he and four other guards and warriors walked out of the bifrost light and made what I assumed was eye contact with Heimdal was, "Leave us." The four guards bowed and complied, walking onto the bridge toward the town.

"I have a proposition for you, Heimdal," stated Luka once the guards were out of ear shot. "No," said the guardian instantly. "At least let me say it first," Luka laughed teasingly.

Even the tone in his voice and laugh reminded me of Loki.

"Explain this to me. You were ordered to lie to my mother, to tell her Loki was dead, correct?" Inquired Luka. Heimdal remained expressionless, but answered, "Correct."

What?! Loki's alive?! It took all the restraint I had in me not to jump out from my hiding place. Was this Luka's wish? Why would he do something like that?

"Then here's my proposition...we stop lying," Luka suggested, spreading his arms to emphasize his point. Heimdal took a step down off his platform. "I was ordered by your grandfather to assure everyone Loki was dead, for the good of the eight still aware and safe realms. You shouldn't even know of his survival," Heimdal argued.

"Odin isn't the King anymore, is he? As the rightful King of Agard I am pardoning every crime which my father stood accused, and I order you to bring him back," Luka demanded.