The Limits of Mischief

Chapter 8

The next week passed as slowly as it possibly could've as Loki did the bare minimum of what was expected of him. He knew he could do more, but the idea held no appeal. Even surrounded by his 'people,' talking constantly with Valkyrie about the kingdom, Loki felt oddly... empty. Like he was just going through the motions of each day with no real meaning. His thoughts were constantly dwelling on those who weren't here with him... Thor... Frigga... Odin... even the Warriors Three... Valkyrie was good support but she was no friend and Sif hadn't spoken to him since he arrived. All Loki really had was Tony. He was the only one who's company didn't make him feel that strange emptiness. Probably because Tony was the only one who wanted to see 'Loki' and not 'the king.'

"Loki," a voice called. Loki glanced at Valkyrie, who marched toward him with a sword in hand. "There are some humans on our land, demanding that we 'illegal aliens' need to leave."

"Probably American tourists," Loki muttered, rolling his eyes. "Tell them that we have the right to be here and that they should back off," he ordered. "If they don't, then make them."

"Your majesty, if we retaliate using violence won't we just be the bad guys?" Valkyrie asked.

"I'm not saying you should use violence," Loki replied. "Not unless they do as well but they are way out of line telling us to leave our own home. Just... do what you think will work." Valkyrie nodded, before taking off. Loki glanced at the sun, which was almost set, before returning to his 'house.' Tony and Pepper were in the front room feeding Morgan. Loki walked right past them. Sitting at his desk, Loki summoned some paper and a quill.

"Lokes?" a voice called. Loki looked up from his paper, nearly dropping his quill.

"Hey Tony," Loki murmured.

"Writing another 'royal decree?'" Loki nodded. His gaze shifted back to the paper. It wasn't true, but he thought it would make him leave him alone.

"What do you want?" Loki asked.

"I'm just letting you know that I'm leaving tomorrow." Loki dropped his quill.

"What?!"

"The plane leaves at ten in the morning," Tony informed.

"A-are you sure you can't stay for another few days?" Loki asked, his eyes huge.

"You've already talked us into staying for a week," Tony replied. "Pepper and I really have to go home." Loki's head fell onto the desk, his face burying itself in his hair and arms. "Loki?"

"I can't do this," Loki muttered, pushing the paper away.

"Do what?" Tony asked.

"Any of this." Loki gestured to the window. "I should've known I didn't want this. Why did I even try to lie to myself?"

"What are you talking about?" Loki stood up, brushing his hair behind his ears as he approached.

"I don't want to be king..." Loki admitted. "I never did..."

"What?"

"My friend." Loki rested his hands on Tony's shoulders. "If you'll allow me, I want to go back with you." Tony simply stared back at Loki, unable to comprehend what he was being told let alone reply. "Tony?"

"Why?"

"What?"

"Wasn't being king all you ever wanted?"

"It wasn't."

"Then why?" Tony growled, pushing Loki's hands away. "Why did you take over Asgard twice if you never wanted to be king?"