Gasoline

Birthright

I woke up to a light tap on my door and the sound of something being slid across the floor. changing quickly,I knew I had been summoned to the throne. I didn't bother to read the note as I scurried down the hall to the throne room. I could hear people speaking quietly. 

"Do you not truly feel the gravity of your crimes? Wherever you go there is war, ruin, and death." Odin said as I walked into the rather large room. The last word hung in the air for a  He was addressing Loki who stood before him. Guards were all around. 

"I went down to midgard to rule the people of earth as a benevolent god. Just like you," Loki said. I knew how much he looked up to Odin even if he didn't want to admit it. 

"We are not gods. We are born, we live, we die. Just as humans do," Odin replied again talking down to his adopted son. Hearing Odin talk to Loki like this reminded me of when my dad would say he was not mad, just disappointed. 

"Give or take 5,000 years," Loki snapped back calmly. I could tell Odin was getting under his skin. I moved closer to the throne so that I was in his view. I gave him a questioning glance which was returned with a small smile. 

"All this because Loki desires a throne." Odin stated with a smug smile. 

"It is my birthright," Loki said becoming angry now. His blue eyes held desire in them. 

"YOUR BIRTHRIGHT, WAS TO DIE! As a child, cast out onto a frozen rock," Odin said with anger tainting his voice. Hearing him say such a thing made my blood freeze. I looked up at him with disgust on my face. How dare he say something to that caliber.  I could feel, rather than see, the shift in my skin tone. "If I had not taken you in, you would not be here now to hate me," Odin said the same revolting smugness in his voice returning. 

"If I am for the axe, then for mercy's sake, just swing it. It's not that I don't love our little talks it's just, I don't love them." Loki said growing tired of Odin's games. 

"Frigga is the only reason you are still alive, and you will never see her again," Odin stated. I watched Loki's face as his heart broke into a million pieces all over again. I knew what Odin was doing, and I damn sure didn't agree with his tactics. 

"And what of Thor? You'll make that witless oaf king while I rot in chains?" Loki asked still trying to mask his sadness. I just wanted to shield him from this senseless attack. Although is words about Thor bothered me. 

"Thor must strive to undo the damage you have done. He will bring order to the nine realms and then, yes... He will be king," Odin said. The guards moved closer to Loki almost as if they were closing in. 

"Hold on just a damn minute," I said speaking up. Everyone's heads turned to me. 

"You will not-" Odin started but I threw my hand in a  vertical motion cutting him off. 

"No. You will not. You will not talk to Loki in this manner. As my charge I will make sure he stays out of trouble but I will NOT tolerate this kind of behavior from a king. Do not forget that I too am from Jotunheim and you will not insult my bloodline that way. Loki is to come with me, by decree of Thor," I said and began to push guards away from him. His eyes remained cold. I knew I would regret this probably in many different ways but for now, none of that mattered. 

"Child you do not know who you are dealing with," Odin said sounding mad. 

"What is the matter your highness? Are you not used to someone disagreeing with you. Do not act too rashly. Thor would be very upset if he knew you treated me poorly. After all, I am going to fulfill a great prophecy. I trust we will see you for supper," I said turning and walking side by side with Loki out of the throne room.