Chapter 1
Thor was hopeful this time. Not boisterous like last time when his first coronation had failed and resulted in disaster. He was too eager to be king that time,not this time. Not when Loki was in cell, wasting away.Not when his mother was not there to gaze upon him with proud eyes. But he was hopeful ,because he had a half formed plan to free Loki,To bring his brother back to his side.
Thor has grown up. He isnot arrogant to think that Suddenly he has become worthy,he has lost too much for that. After the battle with Malekith,after nearly losing Loki to death(again) he has realised that he needs Loki, like air he breaths! Without him Thor just goes on doing things,but he will not call it living.not like he want to live. And Loki, Loki has changed after he was thrown back into cell again.,Even after everything he did during battle,Odin was not ready to pardon his crimes. “I cannot be seen being lenient,with my son” he had said. So after some healing to his wounds Loki was sent back to the windowless cell.Since then Loki had refused to speak to Thor.No raged ranting , no throwing clever insults not even snarky remarks, nor snapping anger, nothing ! He just ignored Thor, if Thor became too noisy, he would turn his back to him and wait until Thor tired himself and went away.One day in his frustration Thor had asked, no screamed,...
“I know what you did and I appreciate your sacrifice but I had never promised you freedom Loki.then why are you punishing me ,What is this ,Loki"
“It’s called acceptance Thor.I am accepting my fate.You always demanded me to know my place, this is the place your father has given me. I am accepting it,but I cannot do that if you are constantly coming here,showing off all the things you have and I could never have! I would appreciate if you leave me alone to my fate,your majesty!”
Those words cut deep,Thor could not think an acceptable answer to that till date. Words were never his forte, he was man of action. He kept visiting Loki,but the younger man never spoke to him again. So Thor started to search for something, to use in his favour.Something to turn this hopeless situation into something good. He started paying attention to treaties and negotiations. He started taking tuition in law,albeit very discreetly.Only his friends and some loyal servants knew.Loki would have laughed in his face, “ Taking tuitions again,centuries after schooling! I used to tell you to pay attention to tutors,brother!” , he would have said.
This was another problem.His mind would keep thinking what Loki would have said? what he would have done? In every situation.It was difficult.He had never thought how dearly he missed his brother.Though his visits to dungeons got fewer his thoughts often would go to his lost brother.That became the cause for rift between him and lady Jane.She had first realised that he had been searching someone else in her.He was an oblivious fool until he called out for Loki while being in throws of passion. That was it. She said, ” You are not for my world Thor, it would be better if you go for original instead of mortal copy “ He stared dumbstruck until understood only after she closed the doors in his face. “How foolish,You oaf!” He heard his brothers voice.He did not try to enter back or call for Jane. He left her.Only if he had realised this when he had the chance. Chance! That was why he felt hopeful now, While getting ready for his coronation.
He arrived on time, no younger brother to cheer him up today. He made his arrival in confident and dutifully firm pace.No trace of arrogance and foolishly boisterous entry this time. He looked at his friends on both sides.Queen’s place was left respectfully vacant. But Loki was given no such honour.Sif had climbed up into his place, Hogan had come from other side to her place. Anger clawed in his stomach, but he doused it. Soon! He thought.
He looked upon Allfather ‘s indifferent face and bowed.Odin started his speech “Thor Odinson, my firstborn.You have come along way ,you have learned...” Thor stopped listening his fathers words as anxiety started budding in his chest. He rehearsed his words as he had done thousands times before.
He said ‘ I swear’ when required and took his oaths. Finally he was crowned king of Asgard and nine realms. He accepted the cheers of the crowd as they hailed their new king.
Odin proudly clapped on his back and said,”Now,As a king it is tradition to take a wife immediately after coronation. But you may wait for a political marriage later. I had announced your mother queen,the same day I became king. She had caught my eye during Vanir wars.Your grandfather had waited and settled for political marriage with a jotun, Bestla.You can decide whichever you prefer.Do you have someone in mind ?” Thor saw hope in Sif’s eyes.He would have gladly announced her queen first time,but not now. She was too similar to him, he needed opposite,he needed Loki.So he answered,
“ Ah. That. I remember reading that section of law. It said I could choose anyone and my decision will not be opposed.”
“Yes Thor.The law is same for everyone,you can choose anyone!You will have Asgard’s blessings! Is she from other realm? Even if I dislike your choice,I will have to approve.” His father said mildly amused. Maybe he was thinking about Jane.
“Anyone??” He asked
“Yes Thor, the law states the kings first choice would be accepted despite their species,gender or social status. servants or prisoners even are accepted after approval.What is benefit of being king of nine realms if you can’t marry your love.Speak up.”
Thor fidgeted " Its not she.Actually I want to announce my consort today" He could see shock on his friends faces.
Fandral whistled, " Never knew you swing both ways,friend" they all chuckled seeing Thor smile.
“ Thats the reason you are nervous,As long as you marry some lady later and have heirs, You have my blessings" Odin laughed,"Name the person,my son"
" Loki Odinson" Thor announced.
Stunned silence fell over court. understanding dawned on All father's face.
" Thor, he is you brother!",Sif said , her face scandalised.
" Not in blood!" Thor answered.
" He is a frost giant, and even if there are incetives to lay with jotun,We cannot free that traitor" Tyr raged.
"You can't bring that monster to sit with you,Thor. We won't bow to him" Vidar followed. Court was filled with murmurs.
Thor schooled his features in confident mask, and stared at his father.trying to implore him. Odin stared back and after a moment,nodded slightly,accepting that Thor would not budge.
All father thumped gungnir and boomed, " Silence!The law accepts everyone in nine realms as new kings choice." Thor sighed in relief ,"But. Section 13, article 4 of Amendments in criminal procedure and punishments says that No prisoner is allowed to marry untill their punishment is carried out and they are free of charge" he added. Thor had hoped nobody will remember that, but allfather was known for his wisdom.So he had no chance there.
"I know, so I will not be able to marry him.But I wish to take him as concubine.Its allowed."He heard shocked gasps behind him. "I understand that I will Have to take wife in future, and I will be available for political marriage" He tried to placate.
" Very well. We will have to accept that but we cant let the danderous criminal roam free. His magic will be bound and he will have to obey your every command.His transgressions will be your responsibility."
" Father, we can't bound his magic.He will not survive that long without his seidr.You know it”, Thor argued.
"I am not talking about blocking his seidr .He will be bound to you. His seidr will be forced to obey you", Odin said causing Thor to pale.
"Father, if we take this discussion somewhere private..."
" Then you should have discussed this with me earlier.What you have asked has caused distress in our subjects.Its better they know the terms!You will take the responsibility"Odin admonished.
" Yes father.I accept"
" There is no need for marriage ceremony. I will place the geas on him and Tomorrow you will announce him as your concubine .The collar can be commissioned by then .You can choose the design.", Alfather continued holding te attention of all.
" Collar?" Thor was confused. Loki was to be his concubine not his slave.
" I will need some contraption to control his seidr. You will place the enchanted collar on him, as decided." Odin explained.
" May I suggest something less obvious, like a ring or bracelet? I don't like placing collar on him.Something removable, so that he can be his own in our bedchamber.I don't want a mindless body in bed" The words left sour taste in his mouth. But he will not back down now,even if he was cornered. This is what he has chosen for his brother's, Loki's freedom.He will face it.
" A ring then. But he will not be able to remove it himself.It can be removed Only by your hands.I advice to do it only in your bedchamber.”
" Yes father!"
" And as Loki's true parentage is known, we understand that he is able to concieve and carry children.Any child he bears you, will not be considered in line to throne unless otherwise decided by court" Thor didn't object.This battle was far far later to come.He had to think about the one he was facing.
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