Truth Be Told [Loki Laufeyson x OC]

A throne

Astrid was perched on the arm rest of Odin- Loki's throne. They were indulged in a conversation about Loki's helmet, the gold horns something Astrid picked on him about daily.

"My king! We must have a word with you urgently." Sif announced, the Warrior Three following her. "Loki? Astrid?" Astrid stood, her black dress with gold lace on the bodice flowing around her feet, hiding her bare feet decorated with a jewled piece of string. "We must speak with Odin."

"My father," Astrid could hear the sarcasm in his voice but said nothing, her hand rested upon his shoulder. "has fallen into all-sleep. Mother fears he will never awaken. With Thor banished and my mother refusing to leave Odin's bedside, the burden of the throne has fallen to me. So if there are urgent matters to discuss," Loki stood, his arm on Astrid's bare back. "bring them to me or Astrid, your king and queen."

"My king if I may," Astrid cut in. "this is only temporary until your brother is brought home or your father awakens. My fate is etched in stone. I am to marry Thor. It matters not what anyone has to say of it." Astrid's gaze was directed at Frandal, something Loki noticed immediately.

"Of course." Loki looked back down at Thor's friends. "You will all obey me now, yes?"

"Yes my king." Sif agreed, nodding to the Warrior Three before kneeling. They shared a look before following suite. "Loki we beg of you to bring Thor back from his banishment."

"My first act of king cannot be to go against the All-father's doings. I am truly sorry." Astrid looked at Volstaag who had a faraway look in his eyes.

"Volstaag, may I speak with you in the private for a moment?" Astrid spoke up, causing all eyes to be redirected to her.

"Of course my lady." Volstaag bowed before Loki to ask for permission. Astrid walked down the stairs with him hot on her heels towards the courtyard. "Have I wronged you, my lady?" Volstaag questioned politely when Astrid came to a halt next to a fountain.

"You have done nothing of the sort." Astrid assured him, dipping her index finger into the pool of water. A black mist swirled around it, flowing into the crystal clear liquid as the water became black. "I have a proposition for you. Talk to Heimdall for me, I need answers. Tell him that this is an order directly from the current queen of Asgard. He shall open the Bi-Frost to no one. Except the Warrior Three and Lady Sif; no matter what his king may say."

"You're going behind Loki's back, my queen?"

"As much as I care for Loki, he's been.. different ever since Thor's coronation. I will not stand by as he drives my people into the madness that he has in his mind. No matter what I do he keeps his walls up in his mind and it frightens me. I fear there is someone lurking beneath every thought he has, forcing his mind into submission and filling his head with lies. If I am correct, all the nine realms are doomed. Let us hope I am not. Volstaag, I fear for Thor as much as any of you. But Loki and Asgard are my main focus. Thor will survive this, I can feel it. You must keep your faith in him. As I do." Astrid sighed, the water turning back to its clear form once more. "You shall tell no one of our conversation or we will both be accused of treason."

"And what of Loki's magic? He could easily be spying on us." Astrid chuckled before pointing back towards the throne room. Just outiside of it, next to a golden pillar stood replicas of them, engaged in a conversation.

"Loki may be skilled in magic but I am far above him, learning from the goddess herself. He will know nothing of this conversation unless from your lips." Volstaag nodded in aggreement. "Good. You leave for Heimdall as soon as your audience with your king is over." With that Astrid strode away, leaving Volstaag to ponder their conversation. With the flourish of a true queen the magic faded, leaving herself leaning against the pillar, watching the exchange between her king and the others. That felt good to say. Her king.

"The prince has done just as you ordered, my lord."

"And the girl? What if her?"

"Er- well- she's not.... as easily fooled as the others, my lord." The speaker stuttered, shivering when his master let out a low, deep chuckle.

"She will make a fine pawn, I tell you. She will obey me, even if I have to break her."

"My lord, how exactly do you plan to use her, if I may ask."

"Astrid..... I've always adored her. She is strong. Smart. Witty. But deep down, she is broken. She must choose. When the time is right, she will come to us. And when she does, we will have no need the puny god. Trust me. We will prevail."