I was the second prince. It would break tradition if I married before Thor.
[ This is a half-lie. It's true, it would have certainly raised eyebrows if Loki married first but he knows better. Most likely, Odin was waiting to reveal Loki's heritage and move him to become an ambassador to Jotunheim. Marriage would have no part in that. No Asgardian or anyone else in the Nine Realms would deign to such a union. ]
no subject
[ This is a half-lie. It's true, it would have certainly raised eyebrows if Loki married first but he knows better. Most likely, Odin was waiting to reveal Loki's heritage and move him to become an ambassador to Jotunheim. Marriage would have no part in that. No Asgardian or anyone else in the Nine Realms would deign to such a union. ]