Special Agent 2: The Dark Soldier

Chapter 69

Loki, Thor, and Hailstohm landed in the Himinbjorg, flanked by Volstagg, Fandral, Sif, and Hogun. Heimdall nodded at them. "The Allfather is waiting in his throne room."

The Asgardians and the frost giantess strode down the rainbow bridge, heading through the large golden gates into the city. They headed up to the palace, ignoring the people who stopped to watch their procession. Entering, they strode down the corridors to the throne room, where Odin waited with the frost giant ministers.

"Lady Hailstohm of House Rekening," Odin called as Hailstohm, Loki, and Thor came to a stop before the dais. "Let us review the terms of the Asgard-Jotunheim treaty and ensure they are acceptable to both parties. Shall we?"

Hailstohm nodded. "I would be honored, Allfather."

The next several hours were spent in poring over the treaty, Hailstohm agreeing with every point. Her ministers had been appraised well of what she wanted out of this alliance, and she only had minor points to raise with some of the terms. And in the end, Odin had abided by his decision to give the Casket of Ancient Winters back to Jotunheim, as he had promised earlier.

Hailstohm was quiet for a moment after reading that last point. Then she looked up at Odin. "Thank you."

Odin flicked his gaze to Loki. "The last issue becomes the throne, and which House shall continue to reign over Jotunheim as monarch. The House of Farbauti, the last biological link to the throne existing in Prince Loki – or the House of Rekening, through Lady Hailstohm, who assumed power as de facto monarch in the power vacuum that developed following King Laufey's death."

Murder, Loki thought. He should know. He'd killed him. Then he realized everyone was looking at him and it had nothing to do with his involvement in Laufey's death.

"Prince Loki?" Odin prompted, lifting his eyebrow.

"If I have a claim to the throne," Loki said slowly, glancing at Hailstohm. "And my recent exposure to the laws and customs of Jotunheim leads me to believe I don't – then I waive my right to the throne. I do not wish to rule Jotunheim, now or ever. But, with what little influence my perspective has in this matter, I will support Lady Hailstohm in her bid for the throne, as the most worthy member to rule Jotunheim."

"And I second that," Thor said quietly. "Lady Hailstohm of the House of Rekening is the most suitable monarch for her realm, and she has proven that to me over our questing together."

"Then it is settled," Odin said, with a slight sigh. "Lady Hailstohm, you may be queen – and you need not marry Prince Loki to do so."

Good.

"Thank you, Allfather," Hailstohm said, keeping the jubilant grin that wanted to cross her lips contained. Loki could just see it trying to break through, in the way the corners of her mouth turned up, and in the flashing light in her eyes. "This is a fine day for our two realms, and our future as firm allies."

****

Even with the command to marry Hailstohm being lifted, Loki still felt the celebrations muted. It was Frigga's absence, which keened throughout the palace: no Frigga next to Odin, no Frigga to turn a silently cautioning look on the rowdy revelers, no Frigga to give Loki the smile only a mother could give. And he wished she was there, just one last time, so he could embrace her and make everything right before saying goodbye. There were so many things he would have changed, so much pain he wished he could have spared her, so many thing he wished he could take back but couldn't.

But then they ended, Hailstohm promising to host the Asgardians for more feasting on Jotunheim soon, and the frost giant diplomats and their new queen returned to the ice realm with their treasured Casket of Ancient Winters, all ready to revitalize their home. Before going, Hailstohm clasped arms with Loki and Thor in friendly farewell and told them to stay in touch.