Chapter Text
“Prince Loki, ‘tis time to rise.”
A bright light shone into the bedroom as a servant drew back the brocaded drapes. A shape rustled underneath a heavy duvet and many fine furs, as the second prince of Asgard began his day.
“Good morning, Sigrid,” Loki groaned. Ordinarily, he hated awaking early, but today was no ordinary day. The thought of what was to come alone inspired him to rise and greet the day. He rolled out of bed, beginning his daily routine.
Loki’s bedroom was the picture of opulence, as befitting a royal of his status. Emerald green curtains framed the windows overlooking Asgard, with golden highlights accenting every surface. The four poster bed was draped with countless furs and blankets and every dresser or wardrobe was carved of the finest dark wood.
Sigrid began laying out his clothes as Loki performed his morning ablutions. The outfit Sigrid chose was simple but powerful — a deep green tunic with golden embroidery around the edges, a long leather vest with golden armor plates fused in the edges, leather vambraces, and black trousers. While twas not the most grandiose outfit he possessed, twas certainly representative enough of his position.
Sigrid knew him and his preferences well. She had officially became his personal handservant a few centuries ago, and he was delighted with her work. Unlike others, Sigrid seemed to have a genuine care for Loki — Prince of Asgard or not. While Loki already had a mother, he appreciated the care to which Sigrid learned his preferences and quirks.
Finishing donning his clothes, Loki made his way over to his dining chamber. A servant from the kitchens was already laying out his breakfast, as Sigrid made her way over to the edge of the dining chamber.
“Will you be wanting tea this morning, my prince?” Sigrid questioned.
“Aye, Sigrid. Though I would like a stronger blend then normal, perhaps the Alfheimr Green leaves?”
“Of course, Loki,” Sigrid said with a knowing look.
Aye, she knew the significance of the day. Today was Loki’s first official day on Asgard’s High Council, and he would make sure he was prepared.
In order to maintain an informed position as a prince of the realm, Loki had maintained an observer position on the Asgard’s High Council — the group of King Odin’s most esteemed advisors and trusted nobles. Though, as he had just passed his coming-of-age, Loki would now be able to join his brother as a real decision-making member.
And oh, what a feat that would be. Loki was going to be so glad when he could finally challenge some of Thor’s preposterous decisions. Why Odin felt his brother, the oaf, was right for the throne, he would never know. Being a wise king required such intricate politicking that Loki dearly questioned whether his brother was at all prepared for the task, as Loki was fairly certain that “subtly” wasn’t a word in Thor’s vocabulary.
Alas, Loki ate the remainder of his breakfast in thought and alone. While he had consistently broke his fast with either his mother or the rest of his family, as he grew that tradition became more occasion than norm. In fact, he rarely found time to be with his family at all, his duties steadily increasing with his age.
Now, however, he would finally take on the role he most desired — a chance to be heard by his father. If his new position on the High Council didn’t allow him his wish, well, then Loki would accomplish it somehow.
Finishing his meal, Loki gestured to Sigrid to the clear the table. He stood, and it suddenly dawned on him how awkward eating alone was. Loki had been steadily growing apart from his family, finding solace in his seidr studies or other administrative work. He longed for some kind of company, some kind of real connection.
Not a romantic one, he thought, at least not for now. Loki had had a long-lasting relationship with Sigyn, and he didn’t intend to break it while she was away. A fellow Seidr user, Sigyn had left Asgard last year for a decade of studies abroad in Vanaheimr.
Loki had been missing her dearly, but twas only a decade. She would hopefully she her again soon.
Regardless, sometimes he felt Sigyn was the only person who really knew him. Well, other than his mother of course, who was probably the being that knew him best in the world. Unlike Thor, who had Lady Sif the Warriors Three — or Idiots three as Loki liked to call them — Loki seemed to have trouble finding real companions.
Whether twas his mischievous nature or seidr-use, both of which garnered serious scorn from the rest of Asgard, Loki was not well-liked amongst the nobility. And, as Prince of Asgard, he could not be seen regularly consorting with those outside of the nobility. Though, he considered, it would most likely provoke a minor scandal, and Loki was nothing if not one for chaos.
Nay, he thought. Today is my first day to truly be on the council, I shan’t entertain such thoughts if I am to make a positive reputation.
Shoving away any notion of chaos or mischief he may want to cause, Loki exited his chambers and made his way to administrative wing of Valaskjalf.
“We may begin,” Odin proclaimed across the large open chamber.
The High Council meeting chambers, while no new sight to Loki, stood high in glory. The large rooms was lined with beautiful tapestries, all depicting sights from Asgard’s endless slew of battles and victories. The floors and walls were marbled and golden respectively, with a sweeping balcony overlooking all of Asgard.
The magnum opus of the room, however, was the carved lacquered table dominating the center of the room. About the table sat the most powerful men in all the realm: Asgard’s High Council.
At the head of the table sat Odin, Allfather, King of the Nine Realms, and Loki’s father. At the other end of the table sat the Kings advisors: Lord Fyrirtal, Lord Kostramaer, Lord Ivar, and General Tyr. Across from each other sat Odin’s brothers — Loki’s uncles — Vili and Ve. To Odin’s right sat Thor, and to Odin’s left…
An empty seat. Not only would Loki be a fully attending member of the council, he would have the coveted position next to Odin himself. While, yes, technically Odin’s right hand seat was the most coveted, Loki knew that the Golden Boy was going to receive no matter the hoops he had to leap through.
The meeting ran much as he expected, albeit this time he chimed in quite often. Things had been running quite smoothly. Had been. The current issue was quite contentious, even by Asgardian standards. A proposal had been raised — one that would reallocate funding traditionally meant for education in the outer districts to bolster military defense.
“The funding should go where twas originally allocated, the schools of the outer district,” claimed Lord Fyrirtal. The lord had been a staunch advocate for public funding for as long as Loki had been observing council meetings. While Loki agreed, twas clear the sentiment was not shared by all members.
“No one here wishes to see the children of Asgard suffer, Lord Fyrirtal. But the threats to our borders are real. The very same outer districts have reported an alarming increase in banditry and incursions. Without an increase in military resources, we risk far worse than an underfunded school.”
Thor, ever eager to side with the military, pounded his fist on the table. “Precisely, General! What good are schools if they cannot be protected? We must ensure the safety of Asgard’s citizens first.”
“And yet,” Loki cut in, his voice calm but pointed, “failing to invest in education ensures the perpetuation of instability. Poverty and ignorance breed unrest, brother. Increase the military budget all you like, but it’s a bandage on a festering wound.”
Much to Loki’s surprise, General Tyr nodded to him in acknowledgement. “There is truth in that, Prince Loki. However, we are dealing with immediate threats. A balance must be struck.”
“The issue with that is that there is no balance currently,” claimed Loki. “So much of Asgard’s budget goes towards warrior applications, we barely utilize enough to keep basic services running. Are you quite certain the warrior’s current resources not sufficient enough? Tell me, General, Thor, if Asgard’s military is as highly touted as it is, surely we would be able to address such a threat with our current resources?”
“Precisely, they are high touted so we should give them the respect they deserve!” Thor bellowed. “Those resources are going to honorable warriors! Those are worthy causes and are the most deserving of the funds!”
“Oh, and schools do not ‘deserve’ the funds, Thor?” Loki chimed in. “What is it, Thor? Wolf got your tongue? Say it, right now. Look me in the eyes and tell me that schools don’t deserve the funding.”
“They get enough of it! You know precisely what I mean, do not twist my words, brother,” Thor said. “No amount of books will stop an axe.”
“Perhaps not, Thor,” said Loki. “But an educated populace is less likely to pick up the axe in the first place. Or is that too complex a concept for you? I wouldn’t want to strain your intellect.”
Thor slammed his fist on the table. “Watch your tongue, Loki!”
“Enough!” Odin’s voice cut through the room like a dwarf-forged blade. Every person in the room fell silent. Odin turned to his son, “Loki, your disrespect will not be tolerated. The military budget is approved. You will cease your incessant interruptions.”
Loki blinked, stunned. “Interruptions? I am here as a fully-realized member of the council! I apologize if merely presenting a reasoned argument is considered ‘incessant’, unlike Thor who just pounded the table like a drunken oaf.”
“That’s enough!” Odin roared. “You embarrass yourself and this council, my decision is final. General Tyr, draft the necessary parchment work.”
“Of course, Your Majesty” Tyr replied.
“That is enough for today, this meeting is adjourned,” Odin concluded. “Loki, see me in my office.”
Damn, loki thought. As the other members rose and filed out of the chamber, General Tyr gave a sympathetic glance to Loki — though Loki wasn’t quite certain as to why. Tyr had been his and Thor’s tutor and weaponsmaster since they were boys. Tyr had always been a stern teacher, and always steadfast in his opinions. Why was he showing sympathy to Loki, as he so often took any but his side?
“Loki, now!” Odin said.
Loki emerged from his thoughts, seemingly lost in them for a moment. This was going to be interesting.