Know Your Place
“Allfather, we must speak with you, urgently!” rung throughout the Valaskjálf as Lady Sif and The Warriors Three enter, with although their fists on their hearts but highly relaxed and lenient attitude, which leads to a few lifting of eyebrows from the members and guards present. A few members even murmured about the absence of formal greeting, whereas General Tyr winces upon listening his daughter's booming casual voice. Does she not know about King Odin falling in Odinsleep? And to demand a talk with king instead of asking, especially after comitting a treason the very day? Have the Warriors forgotten their place?
Loki, on the other hand, couldn't help but smirk. He isn't going to act nervous or worried for Allfather as he did last time. Infact, just to spite the idiots, he ensures that his eyes are glowing with green seidr.
The looks of determination on the newcomers quickly changed to horror-filled astonishment as they saw who was sitting on the throne and glance around the room to find all the council and court members.
“Where is Allfather?”
Mimirson addresses the question as it does not seem fit for Regent Loki to reply to the warriors who have not yet seeked permission from him.
“King Odin has fallen into the Odinsleep. Prince Loki has ascended the Throne as Regent King. You can bring your ‘urgent’ matter to Regent Loki, your King!” It was a clear hint by Mimirson to the Idiots Four to kneel, bow and seek permission, which although the Warriors Three understood, Lady Sif didn't. It took Fandral to tap her on the arm for her to stop glaring at Loki so openly and kneeling.
As they all finally kneeled and bowed, Sif yet again without seeking permission asked, “My King, we would ask that you end Thor's punishment and give him his duties and title back.”
General Tyr blanched at the nerve of his daughter to command the Regent! The entire room was filled with murmurs and astonished faces at the blatant disrespect shown by some of the finest warriors of Asgard.
“My first command as a Regent cannot be to undo the Allfather's last. We're on the brink of a war with Jotunheim. Our people need a sense of continuity in order to feel safe in these difficult times. All of us must stand together for the good of Asgard. Aye!?” Loki asked the courtiers.
“AYE!” replied the courtiers in unison. They also noted Lady Sif's response of standing and moving towards Loki, only to be thwarted by Fandral before she could create a scene. However, the disrespect and the nerve was noted by all. Everyone had a similar sentiment in mind that, although Loki may not have been the first choice for the throne, he was well versed in ruling and administration. If he would have agreed with the warriors, it would have caused a log of unrest and would have shamed the throne. King Odin is beloved, his rules and orders must not be so suddenly and unreasonably changed!
Fandral quickly glanced around and noted the angered glances of guards towards Sif and quickly put on his charming smile, which would on other days have maidens swooning over him, “Yes, of course my king! Might I add, we're glad of your speedy recovery. It was a nasty wound that looked fatal and had us all worried. At least permit us to inform Prince Thor of your recovery.”
Loki couldn't help but smile, Fandral had always been the smartest of the Idiots Four. Hogun, although smart, was too grim and shrewd to take time to assess and react to the situation in a diplomatic manner.
“I thank you for your concern for my health, Fandral. However, Allfather has restricted anyone from meeting Thor, not even Allmother is permitted. I'll be sending a missive to Thor in some time. Good then you will wait for my word.” Loki tried to dismiss the prevent the warriors from making a fool of themselves, which he knew they still would.
And they did! As all of four of them got up from their kneeling position, Volstagg asked, which sounded very sarcastic, “If I may, I beg the indulgence your majesty to perhaps reconsider-”
“We're done.” Loki cut off Volstagg.
The Warriors Three quickly turned around to leave, again skipping the respectful gesture for leaving, whereas Lady Sif had the nerve to glare at Loki for extra five seconds and did not turn to follow the others until she heard an annoyed grunt from her father.
Mimirson and Tyr shared a look and signalled the King's close guards who quickly sent a gesture towards gate guards to send spies on the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. They were experienced enough to know what could sprout civil war and couldn't afford a coup at this stage.