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Being a prince of Asgard came with an incredible amount of influence and status. Even his role as second prince still put him a league above any other royal in the Nine. His usage of seidr and tricks did not even create a true detriment on the other realms.
The Aesir might think it womanly and untrustworthy – but to the Elves who praised seidr, he was a master of the craft. The Vanir had no opinion on the matter and frankly, even his tricks were on both realms considered a tolerable action.
They were often more well received than Thor’s boisterous and arrogant ways.
In truth, Loki could, in essence, have anyone he wished.
And that was what the current feast was catered towards. Thor had dismissed all notions of a spouse; too eager to spend his days hunting and fornicating with a splendour of women. He would not be pressured until he became King.
But Loki, as a second prince, would be well suited to set a good example and help unify the realms and show stability.
He had also not refused the notion when his mother had tentatively broached the subject.
And now the feast was occurring and all the most eligible men and women had attended from far and wide. The Grand Hall was a clash of many cultures and clothing. Loki stood by the royal table, overlooking the many visiting dignitaries. His mother was at his side.
“Do you find any of them pleasing, son?” she questioned.
She herself was a product of Aesir influence. Odin had wanted her and she had been willing to be chosen. She also seemed to have fallen for him over time, which was better than many others had managed.
Loki observed the many men and women of the realms. Princes, Princesses and other nobles.
Unbidden, his eyes flicked to one man.
Loki knew that if he said a name, his mother would use her considerable influence to have them cross paths and associate as often as needed until Loki could ask and gain acceptance.
And, shamefully, Loki had even considered allowing it.
He knew it would take only a small amount of pressure from Asgard and almost every man and woman would bow to the Golden Realm. He could have the hand of nearly anyone. The only person whom could best him in preference was Thor.
And Thor had no interest in courting a man.
In courting this prince.
“One does,” he finally answered his mother.
“Would you like me to-”
“No,” Loki interjected, shaking his head. “I would have him choose me on my own merit, without influence.”
His mother was quiet for a moment and Loki didn’t know if she was following his gaze. If she’d located the prince he wanted. A man almost as popular as Thor (more popular in many circles). He was handsome, charming, intelligent and coveted by many.
Prince Anthony of Alfheim was, far and above, the most eligible bachelor outside of the Asgardian princes.
When his mother spoke again, her voice was soft and tentative, “Are you sure?”
Loki didn’t look at her. He didn’t want to see her expression. Her voice said enough. She knew he’d chosen someone who would not be won easily. Anthony was almost as frivolous with his lovers as Thor.
The influence of the royal family would ease Loki’s task considerably – but… it would not be real.
And after mastering the art of illusion, Loki knew the benefit of having something he could truly call his own. Someone that he could trust to love him for who he was rather than the political influence he might bring.
“I am,” Loki answered firmly.
Staring down at the large feast, his gaze remaining locked on one man, he saw Prince Anthony’s attention shift. He glanced up at the royal table and locked eyes with Loki’s green. He seemed momentarily surprised before he grinned. It was his wide, charming smile and he followed it with a wink.
Loki’s lips twitched but he didn’t quite smile before Anthony was distracted by someone at his side and he looked away.
He felt his mother touch his arm. He finally tore his gaze from Anthony. Her smile was soft but encouraging.
“I wish you well, son. Let me know if you require anything.”
He nodded and she squeezed his arm before turning away. She stepped down from their higher perch to join the rest of the feast. Loki looked back down at the hundreds of people whom had come on the request of Asgard.
Some of them might have an inkling as to the nature of the occasion, many wouldn’t. Loki only cared about the Alfheim prince whom, even now, had at least four women and two men vying for his attention. Loki knew it wouldn’t be easy to win the heart and mind of this particular man, but he was determined to try.
He had talked with Anthony at over a dozen feasts and many times in Alfheim’s libraries. There were enough similarities that he knew they would match well. He merely needed to prove it.
He also had to hope that unlike his mother whom had accepted through obligation, Anthony would agree to the bold request to marry into Asgardian royalty, but he would do it for love.