𝐋𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐘 ★彡 ˡ.ˡᵃᵘᶠᵉʸˢᵒⁿ

VIII

A COUPLE OF DAYS HAD PASSED SINCE FREYJA HAD BARGED INTO ASTRID'S CHAMBERS. A couple of days since the Allfather had fallen into the Odinsleep. A couple of days since she last spoke to Loki. As Astrid sat on her throne speaking to a few workers about upcoming events, her mind went travelling back to her night with Freyja and what she said.

Before she could think further, the gates of the Bifrost opened up. A person she was not accustomed to arriving through.

"What is your business?" Janus' voice boomed through the room, cutting into the hushed voices of workers.

The intruder gulped. The boy was small and frail. "I come from Asgard. The King requests Your Majesty's presence," the boy spoke, his confidence lowering and lowering. "... if you don't mind."

Jinx and Janus nodded, turning to their ruler who had not heard the request, having been occupied by the event organisers. The workers were arranging her outfit for Freyja's upcoming birthday. And of course, Freyja wanted everyone attending to be above and beyond in appearance. And of course, the ball was in a day's time and Freyja had forgotten to send messengers with invitations. Of course, Astrid was already on top of it, knowing when her friend's birthday is and that she would hold a ball in her honour. "What is it?" Astrid asked as she saw her guards waiting for her to be done.

"Your attendance is requested in Asgard, Your Majesty," Jinx recited the messenger's announcement.

Astrid tensed up, thinking of the worst. She turned to the organisers, telling them that Zithara will sort it out. "You two can stay here," Astrid spoke to the twins. "I'm sure I'll be fine." The twins nodded, believing she would not be in harm's way under Asgardian watch. Astrid stood, grabbing a white cloth from the side of her throne that she had been embroidering. She brushed her skirts down as she approached the young Asgardian boy. "Hello there," she smiled. The boy could not have been older than 10 years old. She extended her hand out to him in concern, confused why Odin would send such a small child to retrieve her. "My name is Astrid, what's yours?"

"I'm Niko, Your Majesty," he spoke, feeling a little more comfortable at Astrid's warm greeting. The Bifrost opened and the two were sucked in, arriving in Asgard's Observatory.

"Hello Heimdall," Astrid smiled to the watchman. The man nodded in return. Niko led the blonde queen towards the palace, making small talk. On the way, they stopped off at a market stall where Astrid purchased a loaf of bread for Niko to eat after hearing his stomach rumbling.

"This is where I leave you, Your Majesty," Niko bowed his head. Astrid copied him, squeezing his hand before letting it go. "Thank you again for the bread."

"No problem, Niko, and please call me Astrid. I hope to see you again," she waved goodbye as he rushed away. The guards by the doors opened them for Astrid to step through. Expecting to see Odin, or even Frigga, on the throne, she was shocked to see Loki sat proudly in his father's seat. His legs were spread, conveying a strong air of confidence. On his head sat a pair of golden curled horns and in his hand laid a tall spectre. Astrid gulped as she scanned his demanding figure, refusing to let her blood rush to her cheeks. "Loki? Where's Odin?"

"He's not here," Loki smiled as he answered.

"But I was requested here by the King?" She spoke, confused.

"You were. By me," Loki continued, his smile growing further. His eyes glanced down her figure, seeing a white cloth weaving between her fingers as she fidgeted. "I requested you here, Astrid."

Astrid's eyes widened as she raised a hand over her mouth. "Is... the Allfather...?" She questioned, unable to bring herself to finish her question.

Loki rolled his eyes. "No, he's still alive just sleeping," he breathed out in annoyance. "For now," he mumbled. "I wanted to let you know that until he rises again, my mother has granted me Asgard and the title of King," he smiled widely. He gestured for her to ascend the stairs.