2 | 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 ▹ LOKI LAUFEYSON

xi. the resurgence

New chapter in honor of the Infinity War release (and also because this week's publishing is overdue)!!

Also, I have a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT regarding my next work at the end of this chapter, so check it out when you're done!

Enjoy!

L O K I

"Do you like them?"

Loki did not answer Frigga's question, silently regarding the new items in his cell. A small coffee table now sat in front of the sofa, a new stack of books rested on top.

He reached down to pick one up, but the sight of his trembling hand made him draw away, balling his hands into fists to hide their shaking. The echoes of his dreams still haunted him, bringing back memories that he longed to keep buried. The sting of the whip and the echoing laughter made him flinch.

However, what kept returning to his thoughts was the abrupt shift of the dream. It had been of such pain and agony, and then changed to calm and peace.

Was his mind so capricious that it created such a shift? Or did something—or someone—else manipulate it? Either way, the previous night troubled him.

Seeing Frigga move closer to the table, Loki turned his focus back to her as she spoke.

"Amora helped me pick them out for you."

His head shot up at these words, his brow furrowed in a deep frown. "Why would she do that?"

The queen's gaze softened with sympathy. "You expect everyone to hate you," she said simply.

"Amora does hate me," Loki said dryly. The look in her eyes as she said, 'I'm done waiting' swirled in his mind, haunting him.

"Oh, she does no—"

Loki cut her off. "Did you know that she was betrothed?"

At this, the queen faltered. "Yes," she said hesitantly.

"Why did you not tell me?" Loki tried to keep his tone casual, but the bitterness seeped through.

Frigga sighed. "I did not think that it was something you wanted to hear," she said defeatedly.

Loki's already present frustration burned. "Just like my parentage?"

She closed her eyes and sadly shook her head; anything she had to say had already been said countless times so she remained silent. Loki felt a pang in his chest despite this small victory.

He yearned to reach and cry out to his mother, asking her to forgive him, to feel the warmth of her motherly embrace. But she had betrayed him, lied to him. He could not bring himself to rest his head on her chest, knowing that she once held her family's darkest secrets there.

Finally, Frigga lifted her head, but her eyes darted to the hall and widened slightly. She quickly masked her hurt with a smile.

"Hello, Amora."

Loki grimaced at her choked words betraying her unshed tears. He glanced over to see the healer standing outside of the cell.