Thor likely did not realise just how large a blow the battle on Jotunheim had been for Loki also. It had marked the start of when his plans had begun to get away from him, it had been the death toll for his comfortable lie as a prince of Asgard. He had never intended for them to get so far. The guard had been informed to fetch Odin, Heimdall should never have let them pass, it was not his fault that both had proven incompetent.

Everything after that had led him to this moment, standing opposite Thor and hating every inch of him, disgusted by his tears and his desperation.

"You never had to claim you were worthy." Loki's voice had lowered to a furious hiss, the spit of a venomous snake who had sighted prey. "What you said mattered little, you were lauded as worthy by all the fools around you simply for the strength of your arm. You will suit the throne ill, you are incapable of leading. Even now you cry for an illusion broken, like a child who has been forced to confront the harsh realities of life."

Loki took a step backwards and closed his hand once more around a dagger, a comforting weight within his palm though he knew it would likely not be as dangerous a weapon as himself. As the ice he could wield.

"Fight me or bring me in chains to the All-Father, but cease your mewling of kin and kindness."