Chapter 8
The day came when Thor was going to speak to the people of Asgard.
Loki was feeling sick and nervous. Would there ever be a day when he was feeling normal.
Thor had gone to speak with his father. Loki was dressed and ready, sitting in Thor's chair, nervously fiddling with his jacket button.
Thor had come back to get Loki and he wanted to speak to him before he spoke to Asgard.
"Before we go I want to ask you something important."
Thor looked nervous. He paused and started pacing. Then apparently remembering he was going to ask Loki something, he stopped and looked at him. Loki stared back.
Thor thought to himself, Norns, you're the Prince of Asgard, why can't you ask a simple question.
"Loki" he started and looked at Loki who was waiting for Thor to speak. He then took a breath and just came out with it.
"How would you feel if I was your brother?"
Loki was dumbfounded. He dropped his eyes to the floor. He sat and thought about it for a while. He looked up at Thor. Thor then realised he was looming over Loki and kneels down in front of him. Loki continues to stare at him.
Then the questions came.
"Why?"
"What does your father say?"
"But I'm a Jotun?"
"I thought I was supposed to be a slave?"
"How would it work?"
Thor was getting a headache.
"Loki" he said "why don't you let me worry about all that. I've already decided that you are not a slave, but you are a member of my family. And my father gave you to me so it is my decision what I do with you, so let's just take it one step further and you be my brother, then I can protect you better."
Loki looked at the floor and thought about it again for a while.
He looked at Thor and quietly said "Yes, I would like it very much.
Thor was just thrilled and hugged Loki to the point he lifted him off the chair. "Excellent!" he exclaimed!
He put him back down on his feet and helped him straighten his clothes. "Now come on." he said "All of Asgard is waiting for us."
They both left Thor's chambers and walked through the corridors of the palace to the public gallery.
Loki's legs started to shake and he felt sick. The noise of the crowd got louder the nearer they got. They entered the gallery from the back, so that they were behind the throne. Loki stayed behind Thor. Thor walked out to within the sight of Odin.
When Odin saw Thor he stood up. The crowd hushed.
Odin struck the ground with his staff, Gungnir.
The deafening sound rang through the room for a moment before the old king spoke up.
"My son wishes to address Asgard" his voice echoed through the silent room.
Thor looked round for Loki who was standing behind him. He gestures for him to come forward. Loki steps in front of Thor. The crowd are silent waiting for Thor to speak.
The last time Loki was in this room he was in chains and terrified. Today, he's not in chains but he's still terrified.
He takes a quick look around. It's all gold and black and carvings everywhere and marble and paintings and statues everywhere. Then there's the throne which is huge.
Thor puts his hand on Loki's shoulder and he starts to speak.
"This is Loki, Prince of Johtuheim.
He is a member of my family.
He is now my brother, which also makes him Prince Loki of Asgard."
You will give him the respect befitting a member of the Royal family and you will address him accordingly.
The crowd gasp!
"Anyone who lays a hand on him in any way that will cause him harm will be publicly flogged!"
"I, Prince Thor of Asgard have spoken!"
Loki braved to look at the crowd. He could see some sneering at him. He saw Asta near the front. She gave him a smile. He stared at her, but was too scared to smile.
Thor then directed Loki down the steps and into the crowd who were standing on each side of them.
Every patron of Asgard saw Loki and they all now know who he is.
They walked out of the public gallery and into the public square where more people were standing staring at him.
Thor then guided him back round and into the palace and through the corridors to Thor's chambers.
Once inside the doors Loki collapsed on the bed mentally exhausted and Thor sat on his chair, sighed and leaned back and shut his eyes.