Thor stands on the dais as the Jotunn procession makes its way to the throne. Today the realms of Asgard and Jotunnheim will begin their unification with the betrothal of two princes. Concern creases the corners of Thor's eyes as the Jotunns get closer. They are so large, and though the prince of Jotunnheim is supposedly a runt, figuring out what the Jotunn people consider to be 'small' has been difficult. They are a beefy people. It is one thing to have that trait as a husband and future king, but as the future queen….well that title may not sit well. Though they are of the single gender, possessing both sets of genitalia, they are all referred to as he due to their masculine appearance. The Prince of Jotunnheim is also rumored to be fair of face. Looking at the boulder like formations that make up the typical Jotunn face, Thor realizes beauty is also subjective. He crosses his fingers and says a silent prayer. 'Oh Norns please! Let Balder's future husband be attractive.'

Thor loves his brother Balder. Where Thor is loud and boisterous, Balder is quiet and contemplative. Balder loves music and keeps a clean shaven face though that is not the style of most of the warriors in Asgard. His friends make fun of his smooth baby face, but it is all in sweet spirits. Thor is the one that likes to roll in the mud and fight in the rain. Balder the Bright, who hates the night, and frolics in the sun. Thor the Thunderer brings the storm and darkness in the day. They look so alike, almost twins though Thor is slightly taller and bulkier, but just. Balder has light brown hair while Thor is full blonde. It is their personalities that really set them apart, and their taste in women.

The procession finally reaches them and King Laufey stands before Asgard's royal family to present the treasure of Jotunnheim, the little gem. Flanked on either side by Jotunn royal guards, Loki is completely enclosed by his own people and cannot see his future fiancé through his father's massive frame, nor can the people of Asgard see him. Odin addresses them.

"Welcome, King Laufey of Jotunnheim, to Asgard. On this day the formal courtship of our children will commence. Let love spring from their hearts so that our realms may join in matrimony and peace." Odin says. Loki grits his teeth. This 'courtship' is just a formality. Lasting a duration of six months before the wedding takes place, short of either Loki or Balder trying to assassinate one another this marriage is happening. As thrilling as that prospect is to Loki, to defy his father's wishes, he knows his people would suffer the ultimate price from war. No, today is not about mischief and tricks. Today is about duty. Everyday hereafter will be about duty. His carefree days are over.

"May I present Prince Loki of Jotunnheim, our most prized possession." King Laufey says. He steps to the side and Thor's jaw drops. Loki appears to be his height, maybe even slightly shorter than he, level with Balder. His long raven silky hair reaches his waist and his black horns twist back in the most beautiful arc. Though he is masculine he is lithe and lean. His muscles are small but well defined. Everything about him is graceful and sleek. Thor's mouth waters and his cock hardens, and then he remembers. This is his brother's fiancé.

Balder looks upon his future husband. Loki is a beautiful man, he must admit. But Loki does not possess the ample breasts or large hips that he loves. As the first born son and heir to the throne it is his duty to make this marriage a success. War will result if this courtship fails. Balder steps forward and takes Loki's hand. Loki looks at the man he will marry for the first time. He is beautiful to behold. Loki smiles genuinely at his fiancé. His duty to the crown may not be so unbearable.

More official words are said and the ceremony is ended. Everyone is ushered into the feasting hall for the reception and Loki is seated between Balder and Thor at the high table. Loki looks at the brothers and marvels at how alike they are. Loki loves that Balder does not have facial hair. He doesn't like facial hair.

"Tell me my prince of your favorite hobbies and pastimes." Balder asks Loki.

"I love to read and practice my magic. I am a great wielder of seidr. I understand your mother is gifted?" Loki asks.

"Yes, Queen Frigga is very powerful and skilled. I think the two of you would have much in common." Balder says. "What books have you read lately?"

"Mostly spell books, though my favorite book is a children's storybook I've had since I was small…er. Call me sentimental but the story of the brave knight rescuing the damsel from the tower has always appealed to me." Loki says. "And you?"

"Battle tactics and strategies, but I like to read gardening books also." Balder says.

"Gardening is not a hobby we can pursue on my world, perhaps you will enlighten me some time?" Loki asks with a smile as he gently places his hand on top of Balder's. Their conversation is going well and they both appear to enjoy reading. Balder smiles warmly at Loki. Loki is so alluring. He is not Balder's usual sexual taste but he cannot deny the raw attractiveness of Loki's demeanor. Everything Loki does is like a dance. When he eats the fork flits gracefully up to his delicate mouth. His fingertips touch like butterfly wings everything which they contact. Watching him lift his goblet to drink is like watching ballet.

Thor makes a couple of attempts at polite conversation with Loki. Loki engages Thor about the weather and Thor's skill with controlling the rain and summoning the thunder. It is all very dignified polite appropriate subject matter. But as the evening wears on Thor finds it increasingly difficult to maintain his smile. Little by little a feeling inside him grows like sulfuric acid eating away at his joyful core. Finally Thor can take no more and he excuses himself for the evening. He congratulates his brother and soon to be brother-in-law and retires for the evening. As soon as he is out of the feasting hall his expression turns to stone.

He walks the long hall all the way back to his chambers and closes the heavy doors behind him. Thor sinks to the floor as despair overwhelms him. Thor loves his brother Balder with all his heart and though they are competitive Thor has never felt truly jealous of Balder before, not even as the heir to the throne. He feels jealousy now, and it is powerful. He bursts into tears as he tries to regain control of his emotions and his heart. He is smitten with the one person he cannot have.

Loki watches as Thor leaves the feasting hall and feels a pang of something he knows he shouldn't. He felt Thor's eyes on him, raking over his body in a way that Balder's does not. The brothers are so similar and yet it is the small differences that matter so very much. The electricity Loki feels when Thor looks at him is palpable. Later, when Loki is alone in his bedroom he mutters to himself…

"How terribly inconvenient."