Dragonscales

Chapter 58|The Allfather

The steady clopping of the horse's hooves against the rainbow bridge calmed my nerves as we rode toward the palace. I placed an illusion on myself, using the magical energy I had collected during the ride in the Bifrost. I had never been that close to the stars before. They weren't the moon, but they still gave me power. 

Loki had warned me that his father did not trust dragons. So I would keep Tourmaline out of sight and illusions on myself to hide the marks of a dragon rider. The dragon in question shifted her weight in my backpack, finding a more comfortable position to nap.  

My eyes flicked to my betrothed, whose hands gripped the reins of his horse too tight to be comfortable for either of them. I steered my horse closer to his, matching their pace. "Everything will turn out fine, my love. We will announce our betrothal, stay a few days in the palace, and go back home." I tucked a tray strand of hair behind his ear. Loki exhaled, giving me a weak grin. "I suppose you're right." Thor rode up ahead of us, excited to return to Asgard. 

Our trio reached the golden palace, servants coming to take the horses back to a stable after we dismounted. "The Allfather is waiting for you in the throne room." One servant informed us. Thor thanked them as they scurried off. Allfather? Sounds a bit egotistical to me. Tourmaline muttered from my backpack. I agree, he wasn't even a decent father to Loki. But I have to make a good first impression. I responded, using the bond of a dragon rider to communicate telepathically. Loki had confided in me about his childhood, and I had told him about mine. Neither of our childhoods were very good, but we each had someone to make it better. Frigga for Loki and my father for me. 

Two guards opened the gilded doors, revealing the throne room. An old man sat on a golden throne, Queen Frigga at his side. Thor approached the raised dais, dropping to one knee and setting Mjolnir down as a sign of fealty. Loki followed suit, bowing extra deeply to his father. Seriously? What kind of king makes his own children bow? Tourmaline commented. I was thankful only I could hear her, for she would surely be thrown in the dungeon for talking shit about Odin. I copied Thor and Loki's stance, bowing to the king of Asgard. 

"You may rise." The old king said. Loki was the first to rise. "I am Princess Thistle Everstar, of Stardust Grove." Odin raised an eyebrow, "You can drop your illusion, elf. Frigga has told me all about you and your dragon." Tourmaline poked her head out of my backpack, crawling onto my head. I released my illusion, my horns curling up from my head. I ran my tongue along my fangs. It was taxing, both emotionally and physically to hide parts of who you are. "My apologies, Allfather. I was simply wanting to make a good first impression. Your sons have informed of the strained relationship between Asgard and dragons." My lips curled into my best be-nice-to-your-future-father-in-law-even-if-he-is-a-total-asshole smile. 

"I'm sure you and your dragon are tired from your journey. Frigga will show you to your quarters while I converse with my sons." Odin said, dismissing me. I inwardly exhaled, keeping up my perfect princess facade. That is until worry began clawing at my stomach. Tourmaline noticed my unease, Loki will be fine. Thor won't let anything bad happen to him. 

Frigga led me deep within the labyrinthine hallways of the Asgardian palace. The queen stopped at a gilded door, intricate rose bushes carved into the gold. "Tell me, dear. What is the reason for your visit?" Frigga asked, unlocking the door with a golden key. "That is a surprise, I'm afraid." I stepped into the suite. "I look forward to it, Thistle. I'll let you freshen up and send a maid for you when dinner is being served." Frigga said warmly, handing me the key. I thanked her and closed the door. 

LOKI'S POV

"Thor, how is Loki's punishment going on Midguard?" Odin asked, leaning to one side on his golden throne. A knot formed in the pit of Loki's stomach. The last time he had been in the same room as his father he was being sentenced to prison on Midguard. However, Avengers' Tower had turned out to be a convalescent home. After all, he met the love of his life there. 

"Loki is doing quite well. He has been lifted from house arrest and there is even talk of him becoming an official Avenger." Thor boomed proudly. Loki glanced at his brother. Even though Loki helped the Avengers on their missions he didn't think he would ever become one. Odin rested his chin on his hand. After a few agonizing moments, he spoke. "I'm glad you have found redemption among the humans. I am proud of you, my son." Shock flooded through Loki's veins. The thing he had wanted his entire life had been granted. Still, it didn't feel as good as Loki had hoped. He didn't need his father's approval anymore. Loki no longer felt he had to seek out attention that would never be given to him. The sentiment was nice, though.

A/N~

Ayo character development! On another note, my new Loki x OC fic is out. It's called A Little Bit of Mischief. You can search it up or just find it on my profile.

See y'all next chapter,

The Author