The Unthinkable Offering (A Loki FanFic)

The Wedding

Odin had sent for Loki after lunch, and he was escorted to him by two Einherjar that were standing guard flanking his front doors in the hallway.

He paused just outside the King's door, unsure of how their conversation would go. Loki had worked through most of his resentment issues with his mind healer. He had done the hard work while he was confined to his small cell, journaling daily and being honest during his appointments with his healer. The man had told him not to expect an apology from the King, even though he was owed one. Reiterating that Loki has no control over how others perceive his trauma. Expecting Odin to act differently would only set him up for disappointment.

Loki had wished he had been notified before being suddenly sprung from prison. He felt like he could use the advice of his therapist before being brought up to live under the same roof as the man he once called Father.

He took a few deep breaths before knocking softly on the door. He told himself whatever the next few minutes entailed, he could only control his own thoughts and actions and reminded himself to keep his expectations low.

"Your Majesty," Loki said tentatively as he quickly bowed when he came to stand in front of Odin's desk.

Odin looked up at him for a moment, taking in the sight of him, trying to recall the last time he saw him not in chains or imprisoned.

'I could have done it, Father! I could have done it! For you! For all of us!'

Pain stabbed his chest, and he took a moment to look down and arrange papers on his desk before he motioned for Loki to sit.

"I trust you slept well?" He cleared his throat to fight the lump that had formed there.

"Very well, thank you."

"And you find your accommodations suitable?"

Loki fought to suppress a laugh as he nodded, "Suitable? Yes. The upgrades are exceptional."

"Very good." Odin pulled a thick report to the center of his desk, "I was just going over the results of your physical. I am happy to report you are in very good health."

"Good health for an Asgardian? Or..." Loki raised his eyebrows to him.

Odin took a deep breath, not wanting to get baited into a fight, "Good health period. While you are in this form you are, for all intents and purposes, Asgardian. With only a few minor differences."

"Such as?"

"You are already aware that you have a lower-than-average body temperature."

"Yes." Loki waited for him to continue.

Odin hesitated a moment but eventually went on with the findings, "You have a better sense of smell, sharper vision, and better hearing than the average Asgardian. You are stronger without needing to add mass. There are a few minor hormonal differences as well." He stopped himself from continuing, not wanting to reveal anymore.

Loki nodded and studied his hands in his lap, "I am no more than an animal disguised as a man."

Odin scoffed, "You are a highly intelligent and educated man."

"A well-trained dog."

"It took very powerful seiðr, but as far as anyone is concerned, you are as Asgardian as anyone else in this realm."

"Apart from the senses and strength needed to stalk, hunt, and capture prey. Like an animal." He looked up at Odin with a hurt expression on his face.

Odin had no response. What argument could he make to counter? The beings on Jotenheim did use their abilities to find food and mates, but they were also a somewhat civilized society. They had questionable practices, but they also had infrastructure and a government. They were intelligent beings capable of horrendous acts while also having a community and families.