Under New Management // Thorki

1.

The meeting of Alfarinn was where it all began, where it truly began.

Odin and Frigga had been called away from beloved Asgard for a possible truce with a neighboring realm.

All had expected Thor would take temporary leadership, however, that's not how things played out.

"Thor, Loki." Odin beckoned from his golden throne, Frigga loyally by his side.

"Yes father?" Thor answered, immediately awaiting his next words.

However, Loki remained silent, a cold and unforgiving glare setting in his freezing emerald eyes. Though, this was unnoticed, not simply because it was what was normal, but because what he did never seemed to matter unless it personally effected Odin or his kingdom.

"Your mother and I, as you know, are soon leaving." He stopped himself, seemingly waiting for a reaction from either of his sons.

Of course, Thor's face alit expecting to be crowned, at least for the time being. However, the excitement died from his eyes as Odin spoke his next words.

"However, I find you," he referred to Thor, as usual, "are not at this point ready for such a responsibility. You have proven to be an excellent warrior, but you are no king. Not yet. Some day, but today is not that day."

Thor's face was one of disappointment, his heart seemed to crush at their father's words.

Loki couldn't help but feel bad for his brother, though he couldn't help but feel the annoyance creep up his stomach. His bullheaded brother was upset due to mere rejection of something that was hardly perminant anyways. While on a daily, throughout his entire life, Loki was faced with a constant hate and disapproval of his peers, his family, the people, his father. Everyday since he was very young, he was forced to be strong, forced to be perfect. If he wasn't, he was beat. So he was perfect, but yet, he was never good enough. He would always live in the cold shadow of his older brother.

And that in itself, lead into another pain of his life. He was not, in fact, Loki Odinson, but Loki Laufeyson. He was not only mentally alone, but physically. He had no one. No family. No friends.

The closest thing was Thor, who had no idea of the way Loki felt, or what Loki endored. Well, at least he didn't seem to. Thor was the closest thing to a friend he had. But, it was also Thor who brought Loki great pain. Being cast aside, unloved, and unwanted. Even the object of teasing and torture from him and his friends. It was like utter betrayal.

Loki now, kept the peace, but he kept distance. He knew now not to beg for love, but accept he would get none.

But it was Thor's love Loki craved, lived for. Which was yet another issue, as he did not wish for brotherly love. He wanted Thor to love him as Loki loved Thor. Like his father loves his mother.

But he knew it was wrong, it broke laws, and it was disgusting. Thor was not only his same gender, but his brother, even if not by blood.

Loki was broken of his thoughts when he heard Thor speak once more.

"Father, respectfully, who will rule in your absence?" He asked.

"Ah, that's why I've brought you here. I have an old friend, Alfarinn, he was once an impeccable leader. I trust him with my life and my kingdom. He will rule Asgard in my place until our return." He said simply. "He will be here the day after your mother and I leave."

Thor and Loki both nodded, accepting this answer.

"You boys can go." Frigga dismissed softly, a smile playing at her lips as she watched the sons she loved and cherished.

Bowing their heads they left as told.

As usual. Loki was not seen until forced two days later. He was supposed to meet the new ruler, despite having no interest in doing so.

Thor begged and pleaded, but Loki did not budge for the official meeting. However, he did go to the dinner hours later, as he did not have a choice if he wished to eat.

The raven silently took his place at the table without a second, or first, glance to anyone there.

Many would consider such behavior rude, however, Loki simply couldn't bring himself to care much.

"Brother, I have not seen you in many days. You are well?" Thor asked before engulfing whatever meat was being served.

"Yes, of course. Don't act as though my actions are of some freak event." The raven replied curtly, briefly looking up only to send his brother a chilling glare.

"So you must be Loki then?" A man spoke, his voice smooth, filled with a tone Loki was all too keen on ignoring.

"No, of course not. I am merely a stable boy, tasked to take care of the animals." He replied coolly, his emerald gaze meeting the others silver. Thor, of course, only knew of the sarcasm in his brothers words, not of their interior meaning.

But Alfarinn was quick to pick up on the insult, a smirk playing on his lips.
The man was no more than the physical age of 36, though Loki guessed 34.

"Ah, I have heard much of the silver-tongued God of Mischief, although, the rumors speak not of his beauty." The man, of chosen silver hair, commented.

Loki narrowed his eyebrows to a blood freezing glare, the others words forcing Loki to face the emotion in Alfarinn's eyes.

It was lust.

"I do suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself, as your eyes reveal your intentions." The raven growled, holding his gaze until it was the other who broke it.

"Apologises, your highness." He said, an irritated gleam in his eye which betrayed the fact that he was not used to rejection, let alone to be completely shut down leaving him wordless with no defense.

Loki lived to his reputation no doubt.

On the other side of things, Thor watched the exchange with confusion, hardly understanding the situation laid before him. Then again, maybe he chose not to understand it.

The raven hadn't finished but half of his meal before leaving the dining hall, his desires wishing nothing but to be alone with his books, and away from Alfarinn's foul presence.

Little did Loki know, as time went on, his wishes and desires would die along with every bit of who he was.