WARNING! PLEASE HAVE READ LOKI, THE CHILD PRINCE OF ASGARD BEFORE THIS AS CERTAIN PLOT POINTS ARE CONTINUED FROM THAT STORY! IF YOU CONTINUE WITH OUT YOU DO AT YOUR OWN PUZZLEMENT

Now that's out of the way.

Hello and welcome everyone to the sequel to my story Loki, the Child Prince of Asgard. I know I have put this in the Avengers archive instead of Thor, but it is an Avengers story so I feel here is where it belongs. It's took me a little longer than I thought to get this thing to a place in which I was happy to start posting. What with Endgame coming out and seeing how marvel wrapped everything up (what did you think of it by the way, I have to say I liked how everything concluded, but I was most happy to see some version of Loki will be alive and kicking), though I should say that film will not have any impact on this story, at least not a lot. But enough about that, you're here for the story and I hope you are ready.

For a brief overview of where we are timeline ways, this is set during the first Avengers film and will be following those events. So, this takes place one Midgardian year after the events of Loki, the Child Prince of Asgard.

Cheers!

D.S x

Disclaimer: I do not own Thor or the Avengers or any other of the many Marvel properties

1

The Void was beneath him. He could feel the weight on his legs, dragging him down, not letting go.

"We'll die together!" a shriek echoed, and Loki felt what held him fast yank, determined to fulfil the promise.

"Loki!" He looked up into the face of Thor, hanging onto the broken bridge with one hand while the other clutched Loki's.

"T…Thor! Thor help me!" the sob was heart wrenching and Loki felt the tears run down his cheeks, hot and wet.

"Loki," Thor muttered, face devoid of its usual warmth. "You have to die. No Frost Giant can be in the Golden Realm of Asgard."

"Wh …! No! Thor!" but it was to late. Loki's hand was released, and he fell. The weight on his legs making him go faster and faster, so soon Thor's face was nothing but a smudge in the distance as he was swallowed up by the Void.

"NO!"

"It'll be ok, Young Prince."

Loki shot bolt upright in bed, sweat dripping down his temples, soaking his hair. He snapped his head around the dark room, eyeing the desk, chair and other odds and ends that made up his chambers.

Taking a deep shuddering breath, Loki tried to calm his racing heart.

"Just another nightmare," he mumbled, rubbing a hand over his face. "It was just a nightmare."

Loki had been plagued by them ever since the incident on the Rainbow Bridge one Midgardian year ago. At first, he thought they would fade, or at least that was what his Mother and Eir had assured him. But he still had one at least every few days. As time had worn on, Loki had simply resigned himself to them, not wanting to worry his Mother more than she was.

Sighing, Loki extracted himself from the covers, scrambling out of bed to cross to the curtains that covered his large window. Pulling them open, Loki was grateful for the sun that stung his eyes, lighting up the dark space and washing away the last of the nightmare with it.

It was early morning, much to soon for someone like Loki to be up, but as always after a nightmare, Loki would be unable to fall asleep. Grunting, the Young Prince waved a hand, summoning his robe. Slipping it on he moved to his desk, he still had some work from his tutors to finish, then his own projects. The complex equations that made up his theories were scrawled across numerous papers, all with one goal in mind.

Loki wanted to Skywalk again, but his efforts had proved fruitless. No matter how much he cast, or what spells he used, he could not recreate what had happened. Frustrated, Loki had moved onto the next best thing, trying to theorize how he had done it. Seidr could be broken down into formulas, much like a Math or chemistry equation, Seidr was after all a force that effected the world around it. But so far, Loki had created more questions than answers. It was distracting though.

Taking out the chair, Loki swept his hair back and set his mind onto the few things that could calm his thoughts. Taking a quill and dipping it in the ink, he started to write.

The knock that came on his chamber door some time later forcefully pulled Loki from the frustrating equation that was probably another dead end.

"Come!" he called, not bothering to look over his shoulder. He heard the lock click and the squeak of the hinges.

"Oh, my Prince! I…I di…id not kn…know you were a…a…awake."

Scribbling a note beside his latest failure, Loki set down his quill and turned in his chair. "It's fine Leif," he tried to send a reassuring smile to the young Asgardian boy. He was dressed in neat black trousers, with leather boots, a tunic which appeared a little too big, but could still see the silver stitching that made up two snakes twisting around each other, so much so that they were swallowing each others tails, forming the shape of a S. Loki couldn't help a smug smile from twitching his lips. His House symbol had turned out better than he had expected, certainly better than Thor's, which was basically an upside-down hammer. The boy shuffled, uncomfortable under the scrutiny of his Prince, Loki took pity on him. "I woke up early is all."

"B…But…I am the o...one that's supposed to r...rouse you," the words were blurted out and as soon as spoken Leif blushed and started to stammer an apology. Loki shook his head, not even bothering to try and stop the boy, it would be a useless endeavour. Leif had become Loki's Valet two moons ago, the son of the Head of the kitchen staff. Surprisingly he had not been recommended by her. And after he had been hired Loki had begun to understand why. To be honest Leif had been the best of a bad bunch, most of the other candidates being much older than Loki, and the Prince did not want someone with such years so close to him.

"Valet's become companions," Loki hid the wince that wanted to follow as he remembered Alviss's words. Thinking about the Old Steward of the House of Odin was always difficult, and not just for Loki.

"P…Prince Loki? Are you w…well? Do you need anyth…thing?" the hesitant question pulled the Prince from his thoughts. He sent a strained smile at Leif, who continued to blink at him.

"I'm fine," he said, standing from his chair and stretching his back to ease the ache that had developed there. "What's on the agender for the day then?" he asked, walking to the door that would lead to the bathing chamber.

"Oh, o...of course, the a…agender," Leif scrambled after him, pulling free a creased parchment from his trouser pocket. Loki didn't wait, opening the door and stepping into the steam filled room. The maids had already prepared the bath, the water beckoned invitingly.

"Y…you are to have b…breakfast with the Q…Queen."

"Not the King or Crown Prince?" Loki questioned, stripping off his sleep wear and under clothes, before climbing into the tub. The water was delicious, not to warm and not to cold, Loki allowed himself to relax, easing back so that his entire body was covered.

"I…I'm not sure, my P...Prince," Leif started twisting the parchment, almost ripping it. Loki quickly waved him on, not wanting to have to comfort him if he did indeed destroy the document.

"Yo…your lessons will t…take up most of the mor…morning, though you h…have an ap…appointment with H…Healer Eir." Leif rushed on in obvious relief, though Loki groaned at the mention of the Healer. "Then it is the af…afternoon with the C…C…Cohort."

Sighing Loki nodded, "very good," Leif beamed, and Loki had to hold in a laugh. "Go and prepare my clothes for the day."

"Of course, m…my Prince!" Leif bowed lowly, then ran from the chamber. Loki watched him go, it was strange having someone so close in age to himself around. He had always been surrounded by adults, he was used to and comfortable with that. But now faced with someone, while being a lower caste to himself, though still a peer, was daunting in a way Loki did not expect.

Taking a deep breath, Loki pushed the thoughts to another corner of his mind. Swiftly he slid down so that he could duck his head under the water. He had best be getting to washing, or his Mother would be sending the guards to find out why he was so late.

Finishing his oblations, he crawled reluctantly from the water, skipping across the cold tiles to grab one of the towels to dry himself. Once satisfied he returned to his chamber, passing through the other door which led to where he could be dressed. There was no maid, her having been dismissed now Loki had a Valet. Leif waited, nervous as ever by the podium, a dressing manikin beside him with the clothes he had chosen.

The Young Prince inclined his head before stepping forward to inspect the garments. It was a simple outfit, loose trousers and a tunic with his Father's symbol on the breast, next to his own, all in the colours of black, green and silver.

"It's a little basic," he said, to which Leif gasped.

"My Prince, I…I'm sorry! I'll -"

"It's fine," he cut the Valet off, not wanting to have to listen to the plethora of apologies. "It will do for my lessons," he glanced down and frowned. "No boots?"

"I…I thought may…maybe it would be b…best to forgo boots un…until it is time for the C…Cohort, my Prince," Leif stammered, wringing his hands as Loki inspected the soft shoes that while still made of leather, were much less sturdy than the boots most Asgardian's wore on a daily basis.

"Hmm," Loki didn't comment, instead moving to the podium and taking his place. "It will do I supposed." Leif took an audible sigh of relief, which confused Loki. What did Leif think Loki would do to him if he didn't like the outfit? Possibly he would prank him, but nothing too serious.

Stepping up on to the podium Loki dropped the towel, spreading his arms and Leif got to work. Picking up the soft underclothes, he draped them over the Prince's form, making sure they fitted correctly before moving on to the over clothes. Loki didn't say a word, letting Leif concentrate, as it appeared, he needed to with the amount of shaking he was doing. Though it did become a problem when it came time to do up Loki's belt.

"Perhaps it would be best if I did it?" Loki cautiously asked as his Valet's shaking hands dropped the belt for the third time. However, the way Leif's eyes widened, and he started to take deeper breathes in his panic made Loki wish he hadn't said anything.

"B…but, my Prince it's my d…duty to -"

"Fine, fine," Loki swiftly cut in before Leif could work himself up into a state. "But maybe try and calm down a little, I do want my belt to hold my trousers up this day."

"Of c…course, my Prince," Leif exclaimed. Loki admired his enthusiasm, but it didn't help as it still took another two attempts for Loki to have his belt firmly attached to his waist.

Once he was finally dressed, Loki nodded to Leif in dismissal, then left his chambers to make his way to breakfast. The halls of the Royal Family's private quarters were as busy as ever, the maids rushed about, the guards changed watch regularly, even the household servants continued with their everyday duties. But Loki knew that something was not the same. It was the way the smiles directed at him were still strained and some even hostile, and an almost sombre attitude came over those going about their tasks. And Loki knew exactly why that was. Alviss's death had hit the Palace staff hard, especially those within the inner workings of the House of Odin.

Loki could understand their sadness, Alviss had been essential to the smooth running of the House of Odin. Seeing to the staffing and making sure everyone had their needs addressed. Odin himself had even been affected, Loki could tell with the way he almost called for the Old Steward and that he had yet too replace him within the Household. Personally, Loki was hoping that day would never come.

As the Young Prince moved through the quarters, gaining a glare from one of the younger servants, he couldn't help but feel even more responsible for the Stewards fate than he already did. He would never forget Alviss's last moments, and what he had done to make sure Loki could be pulled to safety. On some days Loki almost wished he hadn't.

Eventually Loki made it to the breakfast room. Not bothering to announce his presence he walked right in.

"Morning Mo -"

"Ah, Little Brother, good morning to you!" Thor's smile lit up the whole room, almost blinding Loki with its radiance. The Young Prince blinked in obvious confusion at the sight of his Elder Brother.

"Thor?"

"Aye, I thought I would join you for breakfast this morning," the elder Prince exclaimed with his usual boisterous attitude, though it dimmed slightly as he glanced nervously at the younger. "I hope that is alright?"

Loki didn't need to even think about it, he grinned, nodding his head before dashing over to the chair beside his Brother. "Of course!"

Thor beamed, clapping Loki on the back before pulling a large bowl of porridge before him. Loki set to it distractedly, content to soak up Thor's presence like a sun deprived flower. Ever since the revelation of his heritage things have been awkward between himself and Thor.

The Elder had been ashamed and embarrassed by what he had done and said about the Jotuns, especially now his own Little Brother was revealed as one. Even with the threat of war having been averted, Laufey's successor not as willing to tangle with the Asgardian's, Thor felt the responsibility for having almost led his people to war keenly. He wanted to make amends but was having trouble figuring out exactly what he should do. Loki on the other hand didn't want to speak about truly being Jotun. It was something he was still having trouble accepting. Even with his Mother and Father's encouragement he had yet to revert to his born skin. Just the thought of his appearance altering, it sent a wave of revulsion through the Young Prince. It was easier for him to simply ignore it. And right now, Thor was happy to do the same.

Loki was so distracted by the unexpected presence of his Brother and the easy conversation flowing between them that he didn't notice that neither his Mother nor Father were there. It was only as Thor was regaling Loki with yet another tale of one of the warriors Thor oversaw the training of that he took note.

"Where is Mother?" the question cut Thor off midsentence and the Thunderer was left with his mouth hanging open.

"Mother?" he repeated, and Loki's brows twitched together.

"Yes, Leif said I would be having breakfast with her."

"Leif? Ah yes, that's your new Valet, how is he doing?" the question had Loki's eyebrows rising, and a shiver of suspicion went down his spine.

"He's doing alright, a little nervous but that's normal."

"You should have picked one of the boys from the middle-class families. Isn't he related to the cook?" Loki bristled and sniffed.

"He was the closest to me in age, all the others were years older."

"Perhaps that would have been better," Thor mumbled, a glint of worry in his eyes. "They would have been able to look after you."

"Thor, I don't need looking after," Loki started but Thor shook his head.

"I disagree Brother. You are still but a child."

"I'm nearing my millennium."

"Not for a few more centuries."

"That's nothing to Asgardian's."

"Still -"

Loki frowned as Thor continued the pointless argument, clenching his jaw a little as he realised the tactic. "Thor, you're distracting me. Where is Mother, is something going on?"

Thor paled and Loki new instantly he was right. Standing he started to make his way out, only to find himself grabbed by the shoulder.

"Where are you going?"

"To find out what you're hiding from me," Loki snapped, wrenching his shoulder free. Thor sputtered, coming around the table to stop him.

"You can't!"

"Why not?"

"Father said -"

"I don't care what Father said," Loki huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I want to know -" a sharp tap came to the back of his head, causing Loki to stumble as he took the blow.

"You don't care for what I said? My son, you are truly getting to that rebellious age." Loki spun, shocked to see his Mother and Father both stood within the breakfast room. Odin's face was like thunder, though Frigga appeared more amused than angry.

Loki started to stutter, when faced with his Father's fury. "F…Father, I didn't see you there."

"Evidently," Odin grunted, though as he glared down at his younger son his lips twitched upwards slightly. "Perhaps you should keep your wits focused on your surroundings than arguing with your Brother?"

"I -"

"Oh Odin, don't tease him," Frigga said, sweeping forward and clutching Loki to her in a brief hug. "What boy doesn't argue with his Father. I seem to remember Thor and you having arguments that used to shake the roof of the Palace."

"That's not true, Mother," Thor protested, and Loki couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh no?" Frigga raised an eyebrow, even as she led Loki back to the table and the cooling porridge he had left behind. "I seem to remember quiet a few tantrums back a few hundred years ago. Thank the Norns you did not own Mjolnir; we would have been flooded out of house and home."

"Mother!"

Loki giggled, and even Odin chuckled as he took his seat, Frigga beside him. Breakfast quickly resumed, and Loki didn't even notice that he had been so easily derailed from his first train of thought. Not that it was difficult, his whole family was together, something that with everything that had happened the year before, Loki was beyond grateful for.

After the incident the Royal Family had had many a serious discussion. Of course, the first had been about Loki's heritage. Frigga, Odin and Thor had all reassured Loki that he was part of their family, no matter where he was born. Frigga had been angry that Thor had exchanged blood with Loki with out telling her. She had wanted to capture the occasion with her Seidr, much like a Midgardian recording, so they were forced to do so again, under her and Odin's watchful eye.

They had also spoken of the issues that had arisen within the family. Thor had admitted that he did not believe he was ready for the Throne of Asgard. That had disappointed Odin, but he could not disagree with the Crown Prince's arguments, instead they came to a compromise. Thor would have to attend to more duties, such as Council meetings, and dealing with small petitions in Odin's stead. He would also take over some of the training for the younger warriors. Thor was more enthusiastic at the last one but was determined to try and step up to the other tasks, as was his duty as Crown Prince.

It was Frigga that had requested that they spend more time together as a family. Loki was grateful that it was she that had brought this up. He was aware that she knew how Loki felt about the separation between his Father and Brother, that he did not feel close to them, or that his Father did not care for him the same way he did for Thor. Odin and Thor had easily agreed, but it had been much harder to put into practise.

With his extra duties Thor was busier, having less free time and so less to spend with Loki. Odin had his usual tasks, he was the King after all, and with the aftermath of Erling and Amora's coup still to deal with, he had a lot of damage control ahead. Frigga though had been determined, making sure that the family always ate meals together, and using her numerous contacts within the Palace to ensure they all got to spend time together. Even if it was simply sitting in the garden, watching Thor and Loki play in that rough and tumble kind of way, like when Loki had been a youngling.

Loki had been thrilled; he enjoyed the new arrangements. It made him feel more comfortable, accepted, loved. It reaffirmed his place within his family, even if he was still dealing with his heritage.

"Careful dear," Frigga admonished, picking up a napkin to wipe at Loki's face. "You don't want to get porridge down your front. Perhaps you should have a bib."

"I'm fine Mother," Loki pushed her hand away, while Thor roared with laughter.

"Leave the boy alone, Frigga," Odin said, though Loki could tell he was amused. "Every boy is going to get dirt on them."

"Oh, and you were such a filth covered youth, were you?" Frigga raised a brow and Odin looked away.

"Well, maybe not a lot of dirt."

Frigga smirked, and breakfast continued. Loki could have stayed like this for the rest of the day, but soon enough Odin had to leave for a meeting, and Frigga had her own duties to begin. After a brief hug and kiss to his parents, Loki was left alone with Thor.

"Now they're gone are you going to tell me why they were late?" Loki shot at Thor, hoping to catch him off guard.

Thor growled, standing from his chair to tower over Loki, forcing the Young Prince to look up. In the face of the literal mountain that was his Brother, Loki couldn't help but feel pathetic beside him. He could only hope he would get so tall.

"Loki, Mother and Father had been doing nothing of import. And even if they were, it has nothing to do with you. Beside don't you have your tutors to attend to this morning?" Loki scowled at the superior look Thor sent his way. He couldn't argue with Thor's words, it was true that Loki didn't really have the right to question his Mother and Father. He was only the Younger Prince, not the King and he did have his tutors to go.

Thor, seeing Loki deflate smiled and ruffled his hair. "Do not worry so much Brother, you will have wrinkles before you are even of age."

"With you as a Brother that is a given," Loki muttered, which only made Thor laugh.

They left the breakfast room together, Thor insisting that he escort Loki to his lessons. Loki thought that it was to be sure that Loki didn't disappear to find their Mother and Father. He was pretty sure he would have gone to his lessons, though he would have skipped out early.

As they traversed the halls Thor began to speak of his time on Midgard. It was a topic they had spoken of before, at great length. Loki had been fascinated by how the place had changed, especially compared to what he had been taught by his tutors. And Thor seemed happy to share his experience, however that changed when he spoke of the Midgardian woman Jane.

"Oh Loki, you would like her, she is so clever, intelligent, truly I believe that she will be able to create her own Bifrost."

Loki snorted, "I have little faith in that happening Brother."

"Why so?"

"The Bifrost is made of Seidr, at least in part," Loki explained, trying to keep a condescending edge out of his tone. "The Midgardian's have no such power; it would be impossible for them to construct a Bifrost."

Thor pouted, his eyes turning far away and sad. Loki left him to it, he could not understand why Thor was so upset about being apart from this Midgardian, it was not as though he would be able to be anything of import to her. After all, he was an Asgardian and she was of Midgard, he would outlive her my many centuries. It just wouldn't work.

Soon enough Thor dropped him off at the library, it was the private Royal Library, used only for members of the Royal Family. Loki loved it; it was one of his favourite rooms within the whole Palace. Walls that loomed high, crammed with books that contained more knowledge than most would be able to accumulate in a lifetime. If Loki could have had his way, he would practically live there.

"Have a good morning Brother," Thor said, easily stepping close to give Loki a hug. Loki reciprocated, the pair of them were much more open with their affection for one another. The incident last year had really hammered home that anything could happen, and they may lose each other. And Loki didn't want his Brother to pass on to Valhalla not knowing that Loki loved him.

"You to Brother," Loki said before easing back. Thor gave a final wave before departing and Loki opened the door that led into the Library.

"Ah, Prince Loki, glad you could finally join me this morning." An ageing male Asgardian was sat at one of the few tables that were in the Royal Library, stooped with white hair that even stained his beard, along with flowing green and black robes that fell to the floor around his chair.

"Sorry Master Davyn," Loki bowed a little in apology. The old Master grunted, but Loki could see the twinkle of a smile beneath his bread.

"Well, it is no more than I expected. Perhaps now however you could take a seat and we can begin with the equations we began yesterday?"

"How are you sleeping?"

"Better."

"No nightmares?"

"No," Loki lied easily, even as Eir gave him a stern look. He was sat in her private office in the Healing Hall, the door heavily warded to give them their privacy. Loki wished he didn't have to keep coming to these sessions, but his Mother insisted, and he wasn't about to go against her.

He had gotten through the rest of his time with his tutors with little to no fuss. Loki was a good student and he made sure to study, he excelled in most of his lessons and the tutors were more content to work with him than have him start to rebel. That would result in nothing good.

Loki had hoped that as his last lesson came to an end, he would be able to sneak away, possibly to find out what Thor had been intent on hiding from him earlier. However, that plan was cut short as Leif was already waiting, ready to escort him to the old Healer.

"I see," Eir said, lacing her hands beneath her chin to stare at him. "Then how about your Shapeshifting have you tried to alter your form at all."

Loki shrugged, "I tried."

"That means you haven't."

"How can you possibly know that?"

"My Prince I have known you your entire life, even a little God of Lies such as you would not be able to sneak one passed me."

Loki scoffed as Eir smirked in victory. "Though I do not know why you are so reluctant to shift. It should be natural."

"It doesn't feel natural," Loki muttered. "It's monstrous."

"Prince Loki, what have we said about speaking of yourself or the Jotnar like that?"

Sighing Loki ran an agitated hand through his hair. "I know, they're not what they are painted to be by the warriors. I've read the books Mother gathered."

And Frigga had gathered many. Upon trying to help Loki come to terms with his heritage Frigga had at first turned to the Royal Library, but at discovering the lack of unbiased accounts the Queen had had to turn to other avenues to get her son the less prejudiced perspective he needed.

After some hesitation Loki had found the reading quiet fascinating. Frost Giants, or Jotnar as they should be called, were quiet a complex species. Ice beings, but with enough warmth in their blood that it stopped them from freezing on the frozen Realm they called home. They were able to command the ice elements and were famous for their music, art and sculpture before the Thousand Year War. They were the key traders of precious gems and minerals that grew in the great caves that made up the surface of Jotunheim's landscape, making them once a rich and prosperous Realm. Though, in all of his reading, Loki had yet to come across any mention of Jotnar appearing as small as him. All the accounts he read merely described the giants he had seen when he had had the pleasure of being on their Realm. Loki had to wonder why he was born so different.

Eir continued with her lecture while Loki was content to nod his head and hope she didn't notice his distraction. He was pleased when a faint knock sounded on her door and she was forced to remove the wards to allow Leif entry.

"P…Pardon me, H…Healer, b…but the P…Prince needs to pre…prepare for the afternoons Co…Cohort."

Eir clicked her tongue, darting an annoyed look Loki's way, who had to swiftly conceal his grin. "Very well, I shall see you in a week hence, Prince Loki."

"Yes, Healer," Loki jumped up from his chair, hurriedly ushering Leif out so he could escort him back to his chambers to change for the Cohort.

It was a simple switch, the soft clothes were exchanged for leathers, trousers and a vest, plus the shoes for the heavier boots. Twisting, Loki checked himself over in the mirror that Leif had pushed in front of him.

"It's good," he said, surprised as for once Leif had managed not to forget anything. Leif grinned, but he quickly schooled his expression when Loki looked at him.

"Very g…good, my Prince."

Loki felt his own lips twitch, it sounded so scripted that he wondered who had beat it into Leif's head that he had to say that. Hopping down from the podium, Loki led the way out of his chambers, Leif a silent shadow behind.

The way to the training yard was quiet, most having attended to their duties and we either eating or having a relaxing afternoon now that most of the tasks were done. Loki enjoyed this time, less people to stare at him, or try and speak to him if they were a noble. Both had increased since last years incident.

As they rounded the last bend, Loki stopped before the large hard packed dirt that made up the training yard. He could already see a couple of the other boys milling around. Some were chatting, laughing at something or other, while others already had axes, swords or various other weapons and were practising on the strategically placed wooden dummies.

"Erm … my Prince?" Loki turned to his Valet, who was shooting nervous glances at the gathered boys in the yard. "W…what would y…you have me do w…while the Co…Cohort is p…p…pa -"

"I won't need you here during practise," Loki interrupted the stammering, knowing that if he didn't the simple sentence could take well over five minuets to be said. "You can either stay and watch or if you have other duties you can attend to them."

"I…I can watch?" Loki shot Leif an odd look and nodded.

"Of course."

"Thank you, my P…Prince," Leif seemed almost ready to bounce with excitement. Loki didn't know what he was so pleased about. Nothing interesting happened during the Cohort, only bashing weapons against dummies and occasionally each other. What was fascinating about that?

Loki nodded, then squaring his shoulders and tilting his chin high he walked into the training yard. Immediately he was noticed, the boys stopping to stare at his approach. Most awed, but a few were glaring with undisguised resentment. Loki tried not to let them bother him, the boys in the Cohort had always been a little standoffish with Loki, though he had no clue as to way. Their ranks were from noble families, those that frequented the Palace on a regular basis. But Loki had never had the same charm that Thor did.

Instead of making his way to the main knot of boys, Loki headed to the weapons rack. He frowned when he saw there were no knives. They were not really considered a weapon for a man among the Master's, who viewed it more of a woman's weapon, thanks to it being small and easy to hide. Loki thought that it was a smart choice, who knew when you were going to lose your sword in battle. Frigga had proven that decisively when she had disarmed him easily when they sparred occasionally in their Seidr lessons.

Sighing, Loki reached for the short sword, it was the best alternative. Turning to make his way to one of the dummies, he was not surprised when his shoulder was roughly bumped, sending him stumbling back into one of the racks.

"Oh, sorry, didn't see you there, Princess."

Loki, once he righted himself, sighed in frustration as he looked to the other boy.

"Just go away Sven," the tired words were all Loki wanted to say on the matter. Sven had been giving him a hard time ever since his Grandfather had been removed from the Council of Nine. Loki didn't know why the other boy was so upset about it; it hadn't changed his House's standing at all within the Palace. And it wasn't as though Loki had told his Father to restructure his whole Court. The All-Father had had no choice in the matter really. With the coup attempted by Erling, Odin had to be sure there was no sympathisers within his closest ranks, and in order to remove them discreetly, he had overhauled the whole court. Rangvald had simply been an unfortunate casualty.

"What? Am I not good enough for you to speak to now?"

"No, I -"

"You're a piece of work, Princess. Just because your Father is the King doesn't mean you should ignore us more common folk."

That earned a smattering of agreement from some of the other boys, mostly Sven's cronies. Loki scowled, his eyes turning an acid green colour. "I didn't know your family had fallen on such hard times. Tell me, will your Father be asking for another extension on his taxes, or will that be spent in the brothels too?"

Sven growled, clenching his meaty fists together, looking all to willing to start swinging them. Sven was a larger, though younger boy than Loki, with dirty blond hair that was cut in a similar style to Thor, which Loki had to force himself not to roll his eyes at when he first saw it. Stormy grey eyes, that seemed to be always narrowed in disgust, was set into a round tanned face which looked out of proportion with his squat yet muscled body. Loki watched as the other boy barred his teeth, stepping closer.

"What did you say?"

"Are you deaf as well as blind?" Loki easily retorted, though when a hand snapped out to grab at his vest, he thought that it might have been wiser to keep his mouth shut.

"You think you can say what you want to me? Just because you're a Prince? Your nothing!"

"My Prince!"

Loki had to hold in a yelp as something yanked on Sven's shoulder, jolting Loki along with it. After he had regained his balance, he was shocked to see Leif, one trembling hand still on Sven's arm from where he had tried to pull him off Loki.

"Who do you think you're touching?!" Sven roared, releasing Loki to turn his fury on his Valet. Leif was shaking, shrinking in on himself as Sven towered over him.

"I…I'm s…sorry m…m…my Lord," Leif stuttered, eyes averted. "B…but the Prince -" the rest of Leif's apology was swallowed up by the cry that came from his lips, curtesy of Sven punching him in the face.

"Peasants have no right to be touching a noble!" Sven growled, as Leif fell heavily to the floor. "No matter what I'm doing, keep your hands to yourself, filth."

"I…I -" the punch was followed by a kick, making Leif gasp as the air was forced out of him. Loki watched, along with the other noble children as Sven took out his anger. Kicking and punching the poor boy, blood starting to pour from his nose and lip.

Loki shivered as Leif yelped, and an anger he hadn't felt before welled up in his stomach. It wasn't right, Leif getting beaten by Sven. He had done nothing wrong, nothing apart from stand up for his Prince.

In response to his growing anger, Loki felt his Seidr respond. It prickled beneath his skin and Loki had no objections to letting it lash out. Luckily nothing too destructive was unleashed, instead one of his most honed skills came to life. Spiders began to crawl from Leif's clothes, racing across his skin and onto Sven as he kicked at the Valet once again. The boy responded like most did, with a shriek and a quick halting of his assault on Leif.

"Get them off! Get them off!" hands came and slapped down on the fake spiders, doing nothing to dispel the illusion. The other boys that had been watching the beating in silence started to laugh, now that the threat of Sven turning his attention on them had been lifted, they were content to be amused at his humiliation. Loki didn't bother to witness the chaos, instead making his way over to the downed Leif.

"Are you alright?" he asked, hands outstretched, but he was swiftly batted away.

"F…Fine, my Prince," Leif said, though he groaned as he pushed himself into a sitting position.

"Are you sure?" Loki raised a dubious eyebrow, Leif was breathing heavily, his nose was busted, and his lip was split. From the look of things, he would be sporting a black eye and from the way he was holding his chest maybe even cracked ribs.

"O…Of c…course," the smile Leif sent his way was painful and Loki always knew a liar when he saw one.

Ignoring the blatant way in which his Valet was trying to dismiss the whole thing, Loki placed a hand under his arm, taking most of Leif's weight to lift him to his feet.

"You need to go to the Healing Hall," Loki muttered, to which Leif gaped at him wide eyed.

"I can't!"

"Of course you can, you're injured, you need to be seen -"

"My Prince, I…if I m…may? I would l…l…like to stay."

It was Loki's turn to gape at his servant. "Excuse me?"

"I don't need healing, m…my Prince. I…I'll be just f…fine."

Loki opened his mouth to angrily protest, but he didn't get the chance.

"What in the name of the Norns is going on here?!" the booming voice cut through the laughter and snide remarks that the boys were still throwing at Sven. Though it didn't stop the shrieks of the aforementioned noble as he continued to smack at the illusion spiders in terror.

Loki swallowed, nervously turning to see Master Harold stalking his way across the training yard. He easily grabbed a hold of Sven, who shot watery eyes at the Master. "Pull yourself together boy, 'tis nothing but air!" With a swipe of his hand, Master Harold sent his fingers right through a spider, managing to calm Sven as he watched with narrowed eyes. But Master Harold was no longer focused on the boy. Instead his eyes had found Loki, who tried to look innocent.

"Prince Loki."

"Master Harold," he bowed his head a little, like most of the other boys of the Cohort were doing. It was only respectful to not look your Master in the eye, of course, most Masters didn't stick to such rules, giving permission within the first few moments of being in a students company. But Master Harold was a stickler for old tradition and had no problem clouting a boy around the head if he dared to look at him funny.

"Would you like to dispel this little trick, or do I have to make you?" Shivering, Loki said nothing, but cancelled the Seidr. Instantly the spiders disappeared, and Sven let out a sigh of relief.

"Very good, Prince Loki." Harold tossed Sven aside, sending him a withering glare. "Get yourself to your feet boy, you have no right to snivel." Sven scrambled up, retreating with his head bowed low.

"Of course, Master Harold. It won't happen again."

"Aye, you're right. Get your pathetic hide out of here." Sven blinked and for a moment looked as though he was going to stare the Master right in the face.

"I'm sorry -"

"I don't want your excuses," Harold snapped. "Get out. Come back when you can look passed tricks and conduct yourself with a warrior's pride."

Sven gaped, while the other boys shuffled nervously. Eventually he swallowed, lowering his head into a deep bow. "Yes, Master Harold." Without turning his back, Sven retreated from the yard. Only when he was by the door did he turn and flee into the corridors of the Palace. Loki watched him go, a feeling of smug satisfaction filling his breast, though it quickly disappeared when Harold turned his attention on him and Leif.

"Is this waste yours?" Harold nodded to Leif, who winced under the Master's hard scrutiny. Loki frowned, offended for the slight to his Valet. He puffed his chest, straightening his spine so he fell into the familiar pose of a Prince.

"He is my Valet, Master Harold," he announced.

"Then you can deal with its mess. Get it off the training yard, you're dismissed for the day." With that Harold turned, barking at the other boys as though Loki was no longer there. The Prince, while irritated that the Master had disregarded him so easily, wasn't about to turn down the gift he had been given. Turning to Leif, he reached out a hand to aid the servant.

"Come on," he muttered. Leif startled at the touch, jerking himself free from Loki's gentle grip. Loki stared at him, trying to morph his features into what he hoped was a reassuring smile. It didn't seem to help Leif though, as the Valet lowered his eyes and started to limp slowly, making sure that he was a step behind the Prince as they left the training yard.

Once out in the corridors of the Palace, Loki sighed. "We need to get you to the Healing Hall."

"Oh n…no, my Prince," Leif exclaimed, shaking his head. "I don't n…need -"

"You're limping," Loki interjected, eyes narrowed as he took in Leif's state. "Probably have some broken ribs by the look of you."

"I…it's not th…that bad," Leif protested, but Loki had had enough. Snake like he snatched up Leif's wrist, dragging him down the corridor. "My Prince!"

"Be quiet, Leif," Loki ordered, thankful when the servant fell silent. "Honestly, how do you expect to do your duties with those injuries?" he didn't expect an answer to his rhetorical question, so he was surprised when a muttered reply came from behind him.

"Ma's g…gonna kill me."

Loki frowned, but didn't push his luck in asking what Leif meant, instead he continued to drag his Valet through the Palace. The sight of the two of them caused a few raised eyebrows. The other servants sent Leif scathing looks, no doubt ashamed that one of their own was being pulled through the Palace by the one who they are supposed to serve. Loki ignored them all, keeping his head high and gaze hard, warding off any that might try to question him.

Soon enough, the pair found themselves outside of the Healing Hall. It was a familiar place to Loki, so he had no trouble walking right in, loudly announcing for all to hear.

"Eir, are you here?" No answer came and Loki scowled. "Where is that woman when you need her?"

"I s…shouldn't be h…h…here, my Prince." Blowing out a frustrated breath, Loki turned back to his Valet. Leif was glancing around the Healing Hall, eyes flicking to land on the cushioned beds, chairs and fine gold and marble walls.

"Leif, I've told you. You're injured and you need healing."

"Of course, m…my Prince," Leif awkwardly tried to bow, but with his hurt ribs it turned into a grimace. "Though perhaps the c…common Healers would h…have been b…better? I am a s…servant a…after all."

The words made Loki's scowl deepen, what was Leif talking about, he thought. Of course, he knew that the common folk had their own healers, it was only natural after all, they didn't live in the Palace. But Leif was his Valet, Loki's personal and only servant. Surely, he had been to the Healing Halls, to receive Eir's good, but not so friendly care?

"Leif, you don't -" the rest of Loki's words however were cut short, thanks to an ear-splitting scream that came from behind the pair. Startled, both Prince and Valet turned as one, Leif trying valiantly to step in front of Loki, but the Prince would have none of it. Loki automatically reached for his Seidr, adrenaline pumping through him as he turned to face the source of the noise.

However, before he could unleash a spell, he was confronted by the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Golden hair fell down her back, which was done in a tight braid. Bangs framed a heart shaped face, with some strands falling into a cornflower-blue eyes. She was tall, taller than him, lean and slender with skin the colour of ivory. Loki's Seidr washed away in his slack jawed admiration of her. He was so in awe that he didn't even realise that she had picked up a silver chamber pot and had thrown it at his head. Not until it cracked him right on the skull.

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