Archive of Our Own

Frigga looked down at her sons, who were seated on the grass a few meters from her chair, with a sweet smile on her lips. She had planned to finish her cross stitch, but was slower than intended as she couldn't help but glance at her sons playing.

It was peaceful afternoons in the gardens like this one that made her heart happy. As their mother, she hoped to see this happiness and innocence always in her children's gaze, even if she knew it was impossible. But as for now she permitted herself to savour the moment.

Staying silent, she returned to her work, not without keeping an eye on them.

"I can't find the green armor," Loki complained as he was rummaging through a wood box of doll cloths.

"Maybe it is in the bottom of the box," Thor suggested without looking at him, his eyes on his own doll that he was concentrated dressing with a gown.

"Didn't you took it?" He asked with a suspicious gaze.

"Why would I? I don't need it. I'm dressing a warrior princess but she isn't going to fight now, so she doesn't need an armor."

Loki only sighed.

"You can put an other armor on her," Thor said.

"But I want the green one!"

He turned around to reach another big box and take a smaller one out of it.

Even if they were in the gardens, they were surrounded by the many toy boxes that have been brought there. They were first playing in their chambers, but their mother had suggested that a bit of Sun was always good, and so with the help of some servants, they had settled they playground here. Of course they weren't in an area full of brushes and alleys, but rather in a wide parcel of grass surrounded by the shadows of fruit trees.

"That's not fair... why can't I find it?" Loki grumbled. "Never mind, I'll dress her in something else. Hand me the box of gowns," he asked his brother.

Thor did so, and observed as he brother took a bright green dress from it.

"Is she a princess too?" He asked him.

"No, she's a powerful sorceress from Alfheim. But she has to disguise herself to enter Asgard's

court."

"Why?" Thor asked curiously, wanting to hear more about the story Loki had in mind.

"Because she wants to steal a powerful magical artefact from the Allfather's treasure room," he invented.

"Then my doll can help her! Let's say she offered her fighting services to yours!"

"Hm... all right. But she has to convince her."

With a smile, Thor took a random armor from a box and dressed up his doll with it, changing her from its original gown. It was more coherent for their story. Then he put it on the grass between them, as if she was in a field.

Loki put the green dress aside to dress his own doll in a dark green cloak before doing the same, facing the other one.

"Mighty sorceress!" Thor began. "I heard of your exploits in all the nine realms! I want to offer you my services."

"And why?" Loki said while putting his doll forward. "Why would I, the best sorceress of the Universe, need someone to accompany me?"

"Because I am not anyone. I am the best warrioress ever, I even surpass Valkyries, I've slaughtered tons of Jötunns and monsters from all the realms, and even fought in big wars across the Universe! My skills are requested in the biggest empires of the Galaxy, and I know the use of numerous weapons!"

"But weapons are no use for my mission, dear shieldmaiden," Loki said with an haughty tone. "I need someone discreet and wise, not a savage fighter."

"I know how to be discreet. I once got in a big spaceship of a big galaxy emperor to steal a treasure from him and nobody saw anything!"

"Good, then maybe you can help me. I want to steal something from the Allfather's treasure room."

"What is it?"

"A magical artefact that will help me rule over the Galaxy!"

"Then I want to be sure to be by you side if you do."

Frigga was still listening to them with one ear, and through their playing was amusing her, she

couldn't conclude if what she was hearing now could be concerning or not.

"I'll see if you do a good work or not."

"Great! Then I am looking forward to our partnership! How do we proceed?"

Loki thought for a short moment. "We have to blend in the court. The Allfather is having a feast tonight, we will be going. Then, when everyone at the royal banquet will be drunk with mead, we will go to the treasure room. I'll hypnotize the guards and you will fetch the artifact."

"How will I know which one it is?"

"I'll describe it to you. Now don't waste time, we have to prepare ourselves. Let's use that tavern for it," he pointed a random direction with his doll's arm.

They then changed their dolls cloths' for the gowns they had chosen before. Loki moved a closed wooden box to put it between them like a table, and put his doll on it. Thor did the same. After all they were on the palace grounds now and it made no sense to be on grass.

Thor thought it would be better if they were in their playroom, because they had a great miniature replica of the palace there, and it would suit more. But as their mother wanted it, they had settled outside, and they had to do with it.

"This palace is very beautiful," Thor began, because he did not lack imagination.

"Indeed. But we have no time to look at it. We have a mission."

He moved his doll, and Thor followed him.

"This is the great hall. Everyone is here but we have to wait for them to get all drunk. It should not take a long time."

Frigga almost laughed. What vision of the palace's feasts did her children have? They were not wrong through.

"Then I'll take time to eat and drink," Thor said and he sat down his doll as if there was a table. Loki did the same.

"Good idea. But don't get drunk too."

"You now, dear sorceress, this gown suits you very well."

"That's... nice of you. Yours is pretty too."

"And you are very powerful. I met a lot of sorcerers before, but never have I encountered one as skilled as you!"

"Of course. Nobody in this universe is more powerful than I am."

"And as beautiful too. Even in the numerous empires I have visited, never have I seen such a charming lady as you."

Loki raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to court me?"

"Well, you are powerful and I am too, and very pretty, why don't we get married?"

"That's direct. We barely know each other."

"But it was love at first sight. Please, I would love to rule over the Galaxy with you."

Loki made his doll stand up. "All right. If you succeed in the mission I have given you and prove yourself worthy of my love, then I will marry you, dear shieldmaiden."

"Great! Everyone is drunk now, can I go fetch your artifact? And after we can get married."

"Of course. The artifact is a precious sword, it glows and is very lightweight. Go now while I distract the guards."

With a smile, Thor put his doll away, and went to search for a sword in a box of little objects. When he found one, he put it on his doll's hand before putting it back.

"I have your treasure, mighty sorceress!"

"Great! Now let's go!"

They made their dolls go on the grass, as if they were fleeing the palace.

"I succeeded in your mission! Here is your magic sword."

"Thank you. You have proven yourself worthy."

"Can we get married then?"

"We can, but first we have to find a temple."

"What are you playing at?"

The two boys lifted their head. Thor made a wide smile.

"Fandral! I didn't know you were coming! What are you doing here?"

The boy smiled to him in return.

"My father is meeting with the King, and he wanted to visit the Queen before," he informed

them and pointed his father doing so a few meters away.

"And you can stay with us?"

"Yes, my father said he didn't want me to interfere with his affairs but he was somehow very pleased to let me come to play with you... he said it was good for me to be close with you, but I didn't really understand."

Thor looked at him, seemingly confused too. Loki looked elsewhere, almost pouting. Why did he have to come? He was playing with his brother, and now his attention was taken away from him.

Fandral sat next to them, eyeing the toys they had in hand.

"So what were you playing at?" He asked again.

"My sorceress and Thor's warrioress were about to get married," Loki said bitterly, not even looking at him.

"Yes, because they love each other and it was love at first sight!"

Loki made a little smile.

"That's interesting! Can I play too?"

"No!" Loki said firmly. "You would ruin the wedding."

"Why would I? I could even be the priest or the priestess. Hand me a doll," he asked gently.

Loki looked away, frowning, but Thor did so willingly. Fandral chose to dress it with the same cloak Loki had chosen before, which pissed him off even more.

"Dear sorceress and dear warrioress," he began after putting his doll in front of their ones, "do you wish to love each other forever?"

"I do!" Thor exclaimed. "And to conquer the Galaxy and the Universe together too!"

"I do," Loki said while blushing a little but not really noticing it.

"Then I hereby declare you married for eternity, and may the Norns reserve you the most happy future," he said simply.

"May we conquer great lands with our mightiest powers!" Thor almost shouted.

That caught the attention of Frigga and her guest. As they stopped taking, the queen put away her cross stitch and stood up. With the man following her, she approached the children gently.

"Your playing must be quite amusing, for you to be so noisy, Thor," she chuckled.

"We got married, mother, and we are going to rule the Universe together!"

She didn't took it seriously. After all her children were so innocent in her eyes. "Such imagination and determination. I have no doubt you'll both have a great fate as a hero's."

"That's true, you'll become a great warrior as in the stories, Thor!" Fandral smiled.

"Is that a way to adress one of the princes?" His father scolded him.

"Sorry... you'll become a great warrior, your Highness."

"Oh, let him," Frigga said. "He does not need this formality. He is but a child, and he is their friend before anything else."

"Right, my Queen... Beside, if I may, I wish to speak more with you and of a serious matter. If possible in a private place. Plus, I would think it very useful to let my dear son form a tighter bond with the princes."

Frigga smiled. "Of course. They are almost of the same age and your son is already a great friend of my children. Seeing them playing together is very heartwarming and tendering."

The man wondered if the she only thought of it that way or if she had understood the hint and his real projects. The second option was more likely, as the queen was very intellingent.

"But as you said, Sir, we must talk in a calmer environment. We should settle in one of the petits salons. As for you three," she adressed the boys, "Behave well. Do not make too much noise. If you need something, we are not far, and as you know you can call for a servant."

Thor and Fandral nodded. Loki didn't look up.

"You're right," Thor said as soon as the adults were far enough, "your father really wants you to stay with us. That's weird. Maybe he is juste nice."

Loki shrugged. He didn't care. He only wanted to stay with Thor alone.

"You know," Fandral told them, "last night, I heard my parents talking. They thought I was asleep but I was not. They were talking about the royal family."

"What were they saying?" Thor asked, visibly way more curious than his brother.

"They said it would be great for our families to tighten out relationship, that being associated with the royal family would be great for our reputation."

"But you already have a great reputation," Thor raised his eyebrow.

Fandral shrugged. "Yes, but it's an adult thing, they always want more money and connections. And so, after that they said it would be even better if I could marry one of the princes later."

Loki, who was concentrated on his doll and was barely paying attention, open wide his eyes as hearing that. "What?!"

"Married?" Thor repeated. "It would be so great! We would be together all our life!"

"Would you not rather prefer to marry someone you love?" Loki asked him. "Someone that already loves you even..." he added while looking away.

"But I like Fandral a lot, and I already know him. And he wants to become a great warrior, like me! I prefer to marry a boy or girl that likes fighting and there isn't a lot."

"But someone who is learning magic can be even more powerful," Loki suggested, not at all dropping an hint.

"Well there aren't a lot of people born with magic on Asgard. So, Fandral, if you are to married one of us later, who will you chose?"

Loki gritted his teeth.

Fandral looked at them both for a moment, hesitating. Before saying, "Hm... I'll chose Loki."

"What?!" Thor exclaimed. "But you won't be king if you marry him. Only the elder is."

"Maybe, but I don't care if I'm king or not. I choose him because he is calm and clever. You always put us in trouble with your foolishnesses."

"That's mean," Thor pouted.

"And if I don't want to be your husband?"Loki said, frowning.

"You don't have the choice if our parents marry us."

That only seemed to irritate Loki even more.

"I don't care, I don't want to," he grumbled.

"Then I'll marry Thor, but you'll have to be a good husband," he declared in his direction.

"I'll try my best! We can be warrior husbands!" he exclaimed happily.

"I don't want to either!"

The two boys looked at Loki. What was up with him?

"Why?"

He stayed silent.

"Why don't you want me to marry him?"

He only looked away.

"Loki, tell us..."

"And why won't you marry me? Is there someone you like?" he teased him.

His cheeks were red. "No! It is only that I want to stay with Thor and be king with him. And if Fandral becomes the king then there will be no place left for me, and... and Thor won't pay attention to me anymore," he added with a lower voice.

The two boys looked at each other, confused.

"But you know I'll always be there for you, Loki. I'll never leave you!"

"But I want to be your husband!" he exclaimed, his cheeks flushing and still not looking at them.

An other silence went by.

"...But... can two brothers be husbands?" Thor asked.

"I don't know. I've never heard of such thing. Maybe we should ask the King, since he knows everything."

"But father is busy. And he doesn't like to be interrupted in his councils. He won't be happy."

"But if you two can marry each other then I'm left out and it's my father who won't be happy," Fandral said.

Now they were all trying to find a solution. Well, mainly Thor and Fandral. Loki was mostly annoyed.

"Do you think I can marry you both?" Fandral suggested.

"That's not possible," Loki rolled his eyes. "There can be only two people on the throne, like father and mother."

"That would be even better!" Thor said, ignoring his brother. "And your parents will like it, since you won't marry one prince, but two! They'll be even more happy."

"But Loki is right. There can't be more than two people on a throne..."

"But I know the Queen of Alfheim has many husbands," Thor recalled.

"That's not possible."

"I swear! I heard it, and there is even one time she came here to see father and there were two men with her."

"They must have been warriors."

"You're so stupid, Thor," Loki mocked him.

Thor crossed his arms, pouting. He didn't like when no one believed him. And he was sure of what he had heard and seen!

"But it's true! Let's ask someone and you'll see."

"But the Queen is busy with my father..."

The boys looked around, searching for someone. Thor smiled when he saw a gardener in the distance.

"There! Let's ask him."

Although the boys didn't believe him, they still were curious, and left out their toys to follow Thor when he stood up and walked in the gardener's direction.

When they arrived by him, they greeted him loudly. The man, who was planting grown flowers, jumped at that sudden noise.

"Princes...!" he exclaimed with suprise. "Sir Fandral..." he saluted him. "What... what could I do for you? Do you wish to see the beautiful new roses I am planting?"

Loki was interested, and he was about to say 'yes' but Thor spoke before him.

"No, we have a question to ask you. Do you know a lot about politics and the other realms?"

The man made an amused smile. "Well I am no counselor or diplomat, but I hear a lot of ado within the palace. As for the other realms, there is a lot known among the population. Particularly with Alfheim and Vanaheim, with who, as you should know, your father the King has greatly tighten our relationships and trading deals."

"That's great," Thor said, "because our question concerns the Queen of Alheim. Is it true that she has many husbands?"

The man looked confused. "Of course not, prince Thor. The Queen has only one King, as it is the case with all realms. In some times there has been two kings or two queens, but never have I

heard of a queen with multiple kings."

"You see?" Loki crossed his arms. "We were right. You are well too idiotic."

Thor clenched his fists, frustrated. "But I swear I heard father talk about her husbands, and how they could not all come to the banquet!"

"Ooh, I see where comes your confusion, my prince. The thing is that the Queen of Alfheim indeed has one king, but..." he bit his lip, not knowing how to expose this. "...She has, well, many men around here."

"What do you mean?"

"Is she admired by her courtesans?"

The gardener looked at the three curious children. How could he say to them, without sounding to vulgar, that the Queen had a harem?

"No, it is that she has men at her service."

"Like servants?"

"Not really... there are men to... spent good time with her. To entertain her. They talk, for exemple, or play together."

"Then there are just friends!"

"It is more than that. They can also be called favourites, for the Queen favours their company above others."

"Then why don't father and mother have favourites? They only spend time with courtesans. But they don't have favourites one."

The man was incredibly embarrassed, but also wanted to laugh.

"The King and Queen are very in love, and they suffice for each other. A favourite has a great place among the court and the rulers. The King and Queen do not need of such a company."

"Then could Thor or I have favourites when we'll be kings?"

Now the gardener was speechless. We wanted to answer 'why not' but he wasn't sure that was the best thing to do.

"Well... you will rule, so of course you will have all rights to..." he said clumsily.

"Maybe Fandral could be one!" Thor exclaimed. "Then he will be close to the royal family like his

parents wants, and Loki and I can be kings!"

"That's a good idea!" Fandral smiled.

The man looked at them almost in shock. What had he put in their mind? Gods, now he was feeling guilty.

"Why don't we go fetch our parents approval? Then we'll be sure we can marry and have him as a favourite!"

"Why not..." Loki shrugged.

If he could stay with Thor forever and marry him, then he didn't care.

"We can ask mother first," Thor continued. "She said she was going to one of the petits salons. I know which one, she may be in her favourite. Let's fetch her."

They left the gardener, who returned to his work, and the two boys followed him through the gardens and into the palace. Fandral looked around as they walked in a corridor. He had came here very few times in truth ; it was impressive. There was so much gold and so many colourful paintings. Was he really going to live here someday?

He continued to follow the princes until they reached a small room, where Thor didn't mind to storm in.

Frigga turned her head as hearing the noise, as did Fandral's father. The two were seated on a couch facing a large window.

"My dear boys," Frigga began, "do you need something?"

"We need to talk to you," Thor said loudly while going to face her, while Loki stayed silent behind him.

She raised an eyebrow. This seemed serious.

"Mother," Thor continued, "we understood that Fandral's parents wanted to make him an important person in our court. And so Loki and I had chosen to make him our favourite when we'll be kings."

Frigga almost burst out laughing. Fandral's father, a contrary, looked mortified.

"Oh, my dear sons!" she laughed, amused. "Could we hear why you wish of that?"

"Because Fandral's parents want him to have a good place in court, and that we like him very much. And it will be great to have another warrior to protect us, even if we are already a future

powerful warrior and sorcerer!" Thor added.

"Well, we must have the opinion of the concerned one," she said before turning to Fandral's father, not taking any of this seriously - a contrary to the boys. "Tell me, Sir, do you give your consent for your son to become Asgard's future king's favourite?" she asked amusingly.

The man looked so embarrassed it was almost comical. Embarrassed by the exposure of his political plans, and by all of this situation. What did the Queen even wanted him to say? He was no man to jest.

He tried a polite smile. Plus, being a king's favourite was an ideal position... some even grew to marry the king. His smile went wider. "Well, dear Majesty, I give my blessing to whatever relationship our children will decide to build."

"Well what a great answer this is. Did you hear it, my dear sons? Thor will have his favourite."

"But I always share everything with him!" Loki exclaimed. "So I'll share his favourite when we'll be kings."

"But Thor is the crown prince and only he will be king," the man said obviously, which maybe wasn't the right thing to do.

Loki looked up as his mother with big, sincere eyes.

"But can't I be queen or king too?"

Was it true? Could he not marry Thor?

Frigga bit her lip. "My dearest... that subject is of a complicated matter."

The man raised an eyebrow. What was complicated in this?

"But I want to stay close to Thor!"

Figga looked tenderised, through a little saddened. "Oh, my dear boy..." she said while going to stroke his hair. "Do not worry, you can stay close to him anyway if you want to."

Loki smiled returned. So he could marry him!

"Then I can be Asgard's queen or king too!"

Frigga seemed worried. What was all of this about? Did it have a link with them talking about ruling over the galaxy together? No, it was only a game... then should she talk to her husband about it?

"Majesty, tell me, what is the true purpose of a favorite?" Fandral asked her, taking her out of

her thoughts. "Does it consists only of staying close to the rulers and protect them?"

"So you were serious about that question before?" she half-joked.

"Of course!"

"Well... a favourite is very loved by the ruler, and the ruler trust them more than anyone. The favourite's purpose is also to entertain and display many arts."

"Does fighting count?"

"I guess. A warrior favourite is new, but it's true it could be very useful in case of a sudden attack."

"Father always tells me to protect and respect the Royal Family above anyone else. So by becoming a favourite I'll make everyone proud!"

Frigga chucked, and turned to the man beside her. "You raised your son very well, Sir."

He laughed to hide his embarrassment. "I am flattered, your Majesty. So how are you reconsidering my proposition?"

She became serious, under the three boys' curious gazes. "About enrolling your son in the Royal Guard? I would say I am in no mean against it, and he could enter the training in barely a few years. But I think you understand I have to ask the King about it."

"Of course! By all means."

"But do not worry, Sir," she smiled sincerely. "Your family is well-reputed and your son is very well-behaved. Plus I think our little princes would be happy to have their friend, their future favourite if I must say, move to the palace for his training," she added with a chuckle in their direction.

"It would be so great!" Thor exclaimed. "He could even join me on my trainings!"

"We'll discuss that with your father. Now could you leave us? We have to discuss more. Return playing outside, my boys."

Thor nodded, and happily took both of the boy's hands to bring them out of the room. Loki blushed when he did so and Fandral smiled, both squeezing Thor's warm hand into their own.

"It would be great if you could stay longer," Thor said to Fandral. "We could spend the evening together and you could even stay the night... but I guess you'll have to go back with your father."

"We could always ask him and the Queen when they won't be busy anymore. I'm sure they'll say

yes."

"What do you think, Loki? It would be great, won't it?"

The boy stayed silent, and looked down.

"Loki? Are you all right?"

As an only response, he let go of his hand to take him in his arms. Thor gave him the embrace back, a bit confused, but also tenderised. He loved when his little brother cuddled with him.

"I want to marry you and to be king with you, and to be the only one by your side... if Fandral stays with us, you'll love him more than me," Loki mumbled.

Thor's heart almost broke at those words. He let go of Fandral's hand to embrace his brother more tightly.

"No, I promise! I will do anything for you to stay close to me and be my king or my queen! Forever!"

"Do you love me?"

"Of course! More than anyone."

A small and satisfied smile appeared on Loki's lips.

"But don't you love me too...?"

The two boys turned to Fandral, who didn't look saddened nor angered, but only a bit confused. A little embarrassed too maybe.

"The kings are supposed to love and care for their favourite. That's what the Queen said... if you love each other like the Queen and the King, then there is no mean in me being your favourite... except for protecting you."

He didn't really understand why, but Fandral wanted to do more than that. He really enjoyed being in their company. He wanted to stay with them more and longer. He wanted to cuddle with them as they were doing with each other...

Thor let Loki go and was about to respond to Fandral, but Odin suddenly arrived by them, startling them both.

"Boys, what are you doing in the middle of the corridor?" he asked, not with a scolding tone but rather a curious one.

Again, Thor was about to speak, but Odin didn't wait for the answer and spoke again, laying his

eye on Fandral.

"Fandral, dear boy. Are you alone? Where is your father? I was looking for him. We need him urgently for the council, and I was told he had arrived in the palace."

"He is discussing important matters with the Queen," he responded.

"I see. I will tell some servants to fetch him when he is finished."

He turned away to left them and rejoin the council room, but Loki grabbed his cape, making him stop. Odin looked down at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Father, say..."

"What is it, my son?"

"When we'll be adults, can I be king or queen with Thor?"

Odin tried to stay calm. His face showed no emotion.

"Loki, my dear son. If I recall I have already told you both a few weeks ago that only one of you can ascend the throne of Asgard."

"But you didn't explain us why."

Odin sighed almost silently. "Listen, we will talk about this subject later. For now it is important I rejoin the council. Go play together with your brother and your friend as you were doing."

Loki nodded, a bit saddened. He couldn't be king too, and he didn't even know why. Did that mean he couldn't marry Thor? But his mother said he could...

"We shouldn't stay here. Come, Loki," Thor said as taking both of the boys' hands again. "We can return to playing in the gardens."

Loki only nodded slightly, and stayed silent.

~ ☘ ~

"I must say I am quite delighted to have such a guest at our table tonight," Odin declared towards Fandral's father before taking a sip of his wine.

"All the pleasure is for me, my King. I am otherwise very flattered by your invitation."

"Well if we are to see more of you and if your son is to be living in the palace and taking our royal guard's training soon, it is only natural," the king said while shifting his attention on his plate. It could be heard in his tone he was only being polite and didn't really care about that

change for the dinner.

The three children had been placed at the end of the table, quite like the usual, except that time Fandral was next to Thor. Loki turned his eyes on them. He could tell Fandral was embarrassed of his place, even if such a luxury table wasn't new for him - he was a noble after all and he knew the manners. Thor, at the contrary, even though he was a prince, didn't seem to remember them. His brother was facing him, and already had began to eat before anyone else, and with a showy gluttony on top of that. Really, if you saw the two boys side by side, you could be mistaken on which one was really an Asgardian prince.

As everyone did so, Loki began to eat too, way more carefully. But he couldn't take his eyes of them. They were both so... beautiful. His heart raced, but he tried to ignore it.

"So is it clear that Fandral could join the Royal Guard and begin his training soon, husband?" Frigga asked him seriously, but also with a soft tone.

"Why not. He comes from a respectable family of skilled warriors after all. If I recall his mother had greatly stood out in the battles against Jötunheim. I do not see why I would refuse such a perspective."

"That's so great, father! Thank you!!" Thor exclaimed suddenly, making all the table turn to him. His mother sent him a scolding look, but Loki didn't know if it was because he had almost shouted or had spoke with his mouth full. Probably both.

"I am glad to see our crown prince thrilled by the perspective," the man said, and honestly he seemed to be the only one to share that joy with him. Odin didn't care much and Frigga was happy for Fandral, but there wasn't more.

The concerned one wasn't listening, for he was happily eating the savoury meal served to him without caring for the adults' conversation. Even Thor's shout didn't caught his attention. He was accustomed to it.

"Fandral, my dear son, won't you thank the King for his very kind decision?"

The boy lifted his head. "Oh, hum... thank you very much, your Majesty. I promise I'll do well in the trainings you'll grant me and in the protection of the Royal family."

"Very well," Odin said, not even looking at him.

"Father, now that it is sure that Fandral will be a great warrior, could he also become our favourite when I'll be king?" Thor suddenly said with way too much naivety and enthusiasm.

Odin almost choked on his wine.

"I beg your pardon?... Thor, what is it that you are saying?"

Frigga looked like she was embarrassed but also wanted to laugh, and Fandral's father was only embarrassed. Particulary heavily even. As for the two other boys they ate silently, almost as if they were in there worlds, or didn't want to disturb.

"We would like for Fandral to be our favourite! He'll stay forever with us this way, and I could cherish him!"

Fandral's cheeks became red at these words. He loved hearing them from Thor.

Odin stayed silent for a while, fixing his elder son while everyone wondered how that would turn.

"Thor, my son... could it be that you have fallen in love with Fandral?"

Thor's cheeks reddened as he became confused. "I... I do not know... maybe... I love being in his company, and he is very pleasant to look at..."

Odin hummed. "As I was expecting. You are way too young to know the true and powerful feeling of love."

"But..."

"But I must say I am quite intrigued. Why requesting him to be your favourite, when you could ask of him to be your king?"

Thor's eyes widened. Could Fandral be king with Loki and him?

"He could too?"

At this point, Odin didn't care to pick up the last word. And he couldn't believe he was already talking of this subject, when his sons were still so young.

"Of course. Time has well changed, and Asgard is in its Golden Age. Never would we ask of you and your brother a marriage of convenience. As long as that person is of our kin, and is wise enough to occupy the throne, you can marry whoever your want."

"Who I want? Really?"

Then he could marry them both!

"Yes, now please make yourself more moderate. The council was very tumultuous and I wish to have this dinner in calm."

Thor nodded, a bit frustrated and returning to his plate.

But Frigga, as the Goddess of Love and as a mother, wasn't done with it. With a amused and interested smile, she looked towards the two boys. "So, Thor, is that what you were trying to tell us since the beginning? That you wanted to marry Fandral?"

"Well, yes," he simply answered, because even if he didn't understand the extended meaning of it, it was still the truth for him.

"I thought the sweet Lady Sif already had your heart. She blushes and stammers everytime she is around you," Frigga chuckled. "But it is no surprise for me that a so handsome and strong boy as you has many pretenders."

Thor shrugged. "Sif is very nice and clever but she also has a very bad temperament. And she is also very susceptible, she yells as soon as I win a fight."

"And Fandral suits more your taste?"

"Well he is calm, like Loki, and he always understands me. He never gets angry and always wants to help me."

Frigga was so tenderised. She turned to Fandral, who without surprise was by far blushing.

Odin was eating silently, not really paying attention to that conversation. Fandral's father did, but he really didn't know what to add.

"And you, dear Fandral? Does your heart feels the same?"

"Well, my Queen..." he began, a bit ankward. What could he say? Could he say whatever he wanted? Did he have to please his father or the Royal family? "Thor and Loki are very important to me, I love spending time with them. I would wish to stay by their side if I could... I'll become a great warrior to prove my worth to them and protect them, even if they are also very strong."

No one may have noticed him, but Loki was pouting. Why talking about the two of them? Thor was his brother before anything else! And since a way longer time!

"I also want to spend all my time with Thor and protect him," Loki suddenly said, and for everyone - even for himself - it sounded like coming out of nowhere, for he rarely spoke during dinners, particularly when there were guests around.

"That's very kind of you," Frigga smiled.

"Dear wife, now that I think of it again, I would need some of your perception for one of the council matters we discussed."

Frigga turned to her husband, suddenly more serious. "Of course. I am listening."

Everyone returned to eat in silence.

~ ☘ ~

"It's so great our parents have let you stay the night!"

Fandral turned to Thor with a smile. He was in his bed, beside him. And it was so comfy. Surely he own bed had luxury and warm blankets but not as much as this princely one.

After the dinner, they had played a little more, and after having the confirmation Fandral could stay the night, a small bed was settled in front of Thor's giant one. It had not taken long before Fandral left his new bed to join the prince in his own, nor to Loki, who was in his own room, to join them in turn. It wasn't fair ; why would he have to stay alone? He too wanted to stay with his brother.

The three of them couldn't be more satisfied. Thor was in the middle, and if Fandral was pressed against him and had an arm around him, Loki was clinging to him while hugging him tightly. Actually Thor had never felt so warm and reassured.

"And we can all be married and be kings. Father said it." Or rather it was how he had understood it.

"When we'll be kings, could we sleep together like this?" Fandral asked. He loved that comfy bed, and to be so close to Thor... he wanted to be close to Loki too, to also hug him, but he had chosen to stay at his brother's side.

"Of course! We'll be kings so we'll be able to do all that we want."

"Don't people who love each other kiss?" Fandral asked. He wondered how that felt. It must be good, for he saw his parents doing it a lot, as well as the King and Queen.

The boys looked at each other, thinking, or maybe waiting.

Loki was the first one to move, as if he had thought about it, or maybe even wanted it for a long time. He pressed his lips against Thor's ones with clumsiness but true tenderness. It only lasted a few seconds, but when Loki pulled out, his brother's cheeks were bright red.

He didn't have the time to breath, or to really realise what had happened, because Fandral decided to imitate him and reach for his lips. That time the kiss was more forcible and sure, but not less sweet than the one before.

When they pulled apart, Fandral noticed that Thor was blissfully speechless and that he had stars in the eyes. Maybe he himself had ones too.

"It was... really great," he declared.

Loki snuggled up more to him in response.

"We should do it again," Thor continued.

"But I want you to kiss me more," Loki required.

"Why don't you kiss Fandral too?"

The boy found himself blushing at the suggestion. Loki looked everywhere.

It's true Fandral was very nice and was pleasant to look at, but he was always trying to take his brother's attention from him. But it's also true he always shared things with Thor.

He ended up straightening up a bit to reach him, hesitating at first. Fandral was way more forward than him. However the kiss turned out to last longer than expected. Loki's thin lips were so soft, and Fandral couldn't bear separating from them. When Loki did, he let out a small whine.

Thor didn't really realised why but he blushed immediately as seeing them. On top of that, Loki returned to kiss him softly and rapidly, as if he wanted to have the last say.

"You two... you're very beautiful," Thor said, and he brought them against him. Both snuggled up immediately.

"I am glad to serve you, and to be your future king," Fandral said without laying his eyes off him.

He felt Loki reach for his hand and squeeze it into his own, which surprised him. He saw in the pale light of the room that he had took his brother's one two.

With a smile, Thor used his free hand to gently stroke his little brother's hair. Loki hummed softly.

"I hope we can always sleep like this in the future... and kiss too..." he muttered sleepily.

Thor chuckled and kissed his forehead. "I promise you."

Fandral smiled slightly as hearing them.

Never had they sleep so well.