Loki: The Prince of Asgard

CH4: When I'm King

Loki's POV:

History.

Our history.

All these stories about our ancestors and our father, waging wars to maintain peace across the nine realms fascinate me, but to hear of the blood shed and the innumerable lives lost, I find it hard to fathom. If I were to be honest, wars scare me. I don't ever wish to become a part of such cruelty and destruction. Not like one of those monsters mother describes in her stories.

"Well then why were you looking for your book?", I ask.

"I remember reading these stories in one of mother's books. It was about Jotunheim. I don't recall much, but I had drawn pictures and written significant details from memory. I intend to read it, and then impress father with my knowledge about the Jotun. He should know, the future king of Asgard is not ignorant of his people's history.", he explains.

I never quite understood Thor. Why he tries so hard to impress father, when father clearly loves him so. He doesn't have to try so hard to please him, I believe father already sees him as the King of Asgard.

As for I, I don't wish to be king. To be honest, I'm not sure what I want. I do whatever it is that Thor seems to do. But it wouldn't be too smart to follow him blindly, considering he also wanted to be a Valkyrie at one point in time.

Thor and Loki hurry through the hallways to meet their father. Odin stood outside one of the rooms in the central part of the Palace, Odin's vault, which most people were forbidden from entering; protected by enormous doors and soldiers that stood guard, always.

"My sons. I've been long awaiting the day I would be able, to share with you accounts from the many battles we have fought and the many wars we waged, for it should be a reminder, that such destruction, such cruelty, should never be replicated as long as we live.", says Odin.

Odin's POV:

"...From the realm of cold and darkness, came the Frost Giants"

I watch my sons as I narrate to them events that took place centuries ago, having not forgotten even a moment from the gruesome battle. I explain to them the battle, in the simplest way you can to a child, but their faces show an interest, which daunts me. It fascinates them. I wish to raise warriors that do not fear battle, but as kings, they should fear its consequences.

"...In the end, their King fell. The source of their power was taken from them."

And my son. Loki. I found him then. Abandoned, alone, waiting for someone to hold his hand. I recall the day I brought him to Asgard. How Frigga cried at the poor boy's fate. How we fought to keep him alive. If he were to find out who he truly is, would he wish to go back to his people?  Certainly not. Not the people who left him to die. He is MY son. Mine and Frigga's. 

"Do the mortals know how we saved them, father?", asks Thor.

"Not quite. We've fallen into man's myths and legends. But the truth remains that it was Asgard and its warriors, that brought peace to the Universe."

I take their hands and show to them the Casket of the Ancient Winters. They freeze upon seeing the weapon. I explain to them why it had to be taken away, and why is it for the best that it remains here.

"But the day will come, when one of you, will have to defend the peace Asgard so bravely fought for." Only one of them can be King.

Loki's POV:

War.

Mindless war.

Countless deaths and pain and suffering. Why would anyone wish to wage wars, or inflict pain on others? The frost giants killed those mortals for what? Those who kill the weak must be cowards themselves. 

"When I'M king, I'll hunt the monsters down and slay them all!", exclaims Thor.

He wishes to be king? Did he not hear a word father said? Why would he want to be king when all they do is kill the innocent and take lives. 

I look at father. He doesn't counter that. Perhaps he does want a King like that.

"...just as you did father.", says Thor.

I see. He wants to please father. 

"A wise king, never seeks out war...But", says Father.

He looks at me, and then Thor. 

He continues, "...he must always be ready for it."

He begins to walk away from the casket and leaves.

Thor looks at me and smiles. I know that look. He's found his new purpose. He wants to be the King of Asgard. But Thor never left me out of his dreams. Whatever he wished for himself, became my purpose as well. I smile back and we both run towards father. We hold each of his hands.

"I'm going to be King, father.", says Thor.

"So am I!", I protest.

"Only one of you can ascend to the throne, but both of you, were born to be kings.", explains father.

I look up at him. I hope he doesn't leave me out. I never had a problem with him favoring Thor as the future King of Asgard until now. But the way I see it, our purpose in life is to be a King of Asgard. If I'm not king, I won't be seen. I have to be king. I don't wish to be forgotten.