The Winter's Sun (Bucky Soulmate Fanfiction)

Chapter 15: Worlds Away

Elysia had made it back to the throne room just in time to see the Warriors Three approaching the throne her brother sat upon with Sif by his side as the two conversed. She was still holding a grudge against Hogun for his misplaced accusations against Loki. However after what had just happened in the forest, Elysia refused to let herself become angered. Never again did she want to lose control the way she had; she was ashamed that she had allowed her emotions to get the best of her like that.

She watched on as the young men kept their heads down as they addressed who they thought was Odin, "Allfather, we must speak with you urgently." Part of her found humor in the situation, the fact that they were about to receive the shock of their lives, and the other part had an inkling as to what they were hoping to speak to her father about.

She'd already made her warning clear about what would happen if their thoughts about Loki were to continue, and if the words made their way out into the open she really would cut Hogun's tongue out. Her brother need not know about their baseless accusations; it would only cause him further hurt.

Loki and Sif both glanced up upon their entrance, taking note of Elysia hanging back in the shadows, and watched as three pairs of hands slowly dropped in utter confusion. And although he wanted to inquire why his sister was holding herself back, Loki also knew Elysia wasn't one to do things for no reason. If she wanted them to know of her presence she would have spoken by now.

With a perfectly open disposition Loki addressed his brother's group of friends, "My friends..." It was the only greeting he could think of that wouldn't publicly snub them. However before he could continue and ask what they needed his father for, Fandral decided it took too much effort to contain his questioning.

"Where's Odin?"

There was a way to phrase certain questions, especially ones of a sensitive nature, and this was not one of them. His tone was certainly not one others would have taken when speaking to their Prince.

And although Loki could have bristled at the impudence; something that was never shown to his brother, he pushed away the frustration. "Father has fallen into the Odinsleep," Loki locked eyes with them to show he wasn't amused by their brashness, "mother fears he may never awaken again."

And although very few realized it, such a fate would have been a blessing upon Asgard.

But instead of finding understanding in his words, the three men exchanged pensive looks before Hogun once again opened his mouth and let stupidity run its course, "We would speak with her."

The demanding nature of his question had Elysia's brows furrowing. Did he not understand what it meant for Loki to be sitting upon the throne at the moment? These boys had no right to command anything of Loki, not even when he had been just a Prince. But now Frigga herself had handed her son the throne, had given him her approval on a silver platter.

Whatever concerns the three of them had would be easily dismissed by Frigga.

"She has decided not to leave my father's bedside."

In all honesty Elysia was surprised Loki had given them an explanation at all, especially when he was under no such obligation. It was a kindness on his part that the three warriors didn't seem to comprehend.

Loki on the other hand had come to expect this reaction. Thor's friends had never taken him or Elysia seriously before, believing their stance with Thor elevated them beyond a station of respect. They took certain liberties, subtle ones that Thor should have corrected in their youth, but thought nothing of. The result stood in front of him now; a sense of misplaced entitlement.

However, Loki knew it wasn't entirely their fault. This had been an abrupt change for everyone, so surely he could overlook their behavior on this occasion. "You can bring your urgent matter to me," Loki did his best to appear open, genuinely wanting to know what they needed.