The Love Of a Trickster

11

(Takes place during the first part of "Thor")

      I stand beside Asena, fully covered in my Valkyrie armor. I hear burst of applause as the large golden doors swing open and Thor marches into the room. As one, we all spread our wings and raise our swords in homage to the crown prince. As Thor walks past us, he glances at me, but just slightly. I can tell he's still thinking about throwing Mjölnir into my guts. He raises his arms and all in all just plays on the adoration of the crowd. Had I been anywhere besides the throne room, I would have rolled my eyes. I glance at Loki and he does exactly that.

Thor kneels before the throne. Odin rises and taps his staff on the floor. The room falls silent as he begins to speak. I don't hear what he is saying. I'm busy examining the rest of the procession. Thor's friends stand on Odin's right side, and Frigga and Loki on his left. I give Loki the once over. He had asked my opinion of what he should wear before we came this morning and I told him to go with the normal. Apparently, he decided to play up the "normal." Loki is wearing his usual green and black leather tunic, however, he has donned gold armor and a long green cape. He is also wearing his gold horned helmet, my personal favorite. Lady Sif stands beside him. She is also rolling her eyes at Thor.

I can see Loki struggling to keep his face expressionless. I can tell something is bothering him, but I don't think it's just the ceremony. Of course, I know he is somewhat jealous of Thor, and I know he would like to be king, but a part of me says there's something more going on. I scan the rest of the throne room, looking for any possible threats. I can't afford to lose focus now, when we're supposed to be on high alert. I hear Odin moving on to Thor's vows, swearing to protect Asgard and the peace. Thor swears to all. As Odin begins to pronounce Thor king, a sudden chill sweeps throughout the room. Odin pauses, his eyes widening, and he looks in the direction of his Vault. We hear a muffled clattering of armor.

"Frost giants," Odin growls.

"What are those?" Asena whispers to me.

"Jotuns. I thought Odin had subdued them. They should be on Jotunheim," I whisper back. Odin taps his staff on the ground again. Now I hear the distinct sound of plasma beams slicing through materials. I don't want to be the one who has to clean up afterward.

"How did they even get here? Surely Heimdall wouldn't open the Bifrost to them?" Asena says, more to herself than to me.

"This ceremony is postponed until further notice. Everyone, exit the castle at once," Odin orders. He turns towards the vault and Thor and Loki follow him.

"Come on," I pull Asena towards the door. "We need to make sure there aren't any stragglers."

Together, we guide the Asgardians out of the palace and back to their homes. I look around, but there is no sign of Loki. When the last person has left, Asena turns to me. "I'm going to help with those returning to Valhalla. Are you staying here?"

I nod. "Yes. I need to know what happened and make sure everyone is ok."

"By everyone, you mean Loki?" I pause, unsure of what to say. I guess that by my expression, Asena gets the answer she wants. "Come on, Feyre. It's not hard to see. Admit it and make life easier for the rest of us." She claps her hand on my shoulder as she passes me by.

I wait until she's left, before heading down to the Vault myself. I quietly skip the steps by, and pause only when I see Frigga standing motionless beside one of the large pillars in the corridor. She sees me as well and waves me over. "Do not let Odin see you," she hisses.

"What's going on?"

"Thor wants to chase down the frost giants and Odin has forbidden him. Loki has not said anything."