Loki x Reader: Into the MCU

Chapter 39: When in Rome

"So Odin was playing favorites with his son? That kinda goes against what he should do, right? Great, now I feel guilty wearing this."

"No, you shouldn't!" she assured you, "The Allfather has never, to my knowledge, granted crystals except for a gift from him and his sons to his wife, and that was many years ago. I am sure, despite my statement regarding the rarity of requesting crystals, that a few have tried, perhaps even his own sons. No, we trust our king's judgement, and that of our princes. If the Prince was willing to request, knowing the weight of such a favor, and His Majesty was willing to condone the gift, then there's a reason. It shows their high regard for you."

"Odin hadn't even met me yet," you said, unconvinced.

"Yes, but from what you've confided in me, you are more deserving of the crystal than anyone knows. You've aided the royal house as well as this planet and yours. I do not think it inconceivable to believe that the Allfather would give his son the honor of taking a crystal, if it were out of gratitude for your help."

"I'm sure it's not that. I'll talk to Loki. My best guess is he did it without permission or begged the hell out of his dad."

"He wouldn't perform such a noticeable act of deceit. Anyone who sees that crystal knows where it's from. And if it took pleading to get the gem, then it was a noble and wise effort, for I think such a gift is the best display of appreciation and affection."

"I'll find out the truth from him later," you replied, unable, as always, to accept that Loki would go above and beyond for you.

"I'm sure you'll find the answer quite...pleasing," she said oddly, and you glanced over to find a sly smirk.

"And just what do you mean by that?," you said in an accusatory tone.

"Oh, nothing," she answered in sarcasm akin to your own.

"We're talking about this later," you hissed as you approached the door to the grand hall, Ceyla stifling her laughter.

"Wait!" you stopped her before she opened the door, "Are there any, I don't know, rules I should know or something? Does he eat with like other members of court? Am I supposed to say or do something? What should I expect in there?"

"I do not believe the Allfather is present yet, as he usually enters last for formal breakfasts, though this isn't your typical organized affair. I've been told it is just you and the royal family, no other members of court, so I really couldn't say."

"I'm not sure if just the family is a gift or a curse. I either feel awkward in a crowd of others, or awkward among three others. I think I have a greater chance of hiding in the first."

"It is a great honor, but I'd be lying if I claimed to desire your position."

"We need to work on your peptalks," you snarked, taking a deep breath and facing the door.

"Someone taught me to say what I mean and mean what I say," she smiled.

"Damn straight," you grinned back, "Maybe we'll work on just a dash of lying for emergencies."

"Shall we?" she smirked, placing her hand on the door.

"Might as well. I don't think running's an option."

She pulled the right handle of the large double-door entrance, stepping aside for you to walk in. To your immense relief, Loki and Thor were standing by the large fireplace on one side of the room, no Odin in sight.

"It's about time," Loki snapped in irritation, standing with hands on his hips as you walked the three steps to the elevated area they occupied.

"Sorry, we were catching up."