Odin had fallen into his deep sleep, the Queen refused to leave his side, Thor was banished to earth, and here the bastard who surely played a part in all of it sat on the throne, sprawled out in a way that made her blood boil.

Lady Sif could feel her blood pressure rise, and she knew there were multiple reasons for it. Just that afternoon, Loki had slapped down her request that Thor's banishment to Midgard be reversed. He had made a joke of her and the Warriors Three and surely loved every minute of it. Sif had been disappointed in his answer, but thoroughly aroused by the way he wore his new power.

Now she stood before the throne – his throne – again. She licked her bottom lip and swallowed, trying to think of the perfect wording.

"If you are back to beg for my brother's banishment to end, you may as well not even kneel," Loki said dryly as she paused before him. He looked bored, but something glinted in his eyes.

Sif scowled. "I had wondered if there was anything I could offer to change your mind." Her chest restricted and a tingle shot through her body. She was disgusted at herself, but held her breath. Inside, she was screaming and begging him to say yes.

One of Loki's eyebrows raised and disappeared behind his helmet. He turned to the guards and said, "We should like a minute."

The guards nodded and disappeared from the great hall.

"My Lady," Loki continued as soon as they'd gone. His voice was a low growl, not unpleasant to Sif's ears. "What are you looking to trade for Thor's return to Asgard?"

"If you bear to part with that throne for the evening, I'll show you." The words felt filthy and unloyal as she spoke them, but fed Sif's burning lust all the same. It was part of the constant battle brewing just below her collected demeanor.

Unsure if he should suspect a trick, Loki rose slowly. They'd occasionally met under Thor's nose in dark hallways, but this was an entirely different situation.

Sensing his apprehension, Sif offered, "Do you think I'm stupid enough to attack the king?" The word felt sour and she spat it as if it were.

"No," Loki said, walking down the stairs toward her. "You, my lady, are many things. A pitiful worshipper of brute force, a scared little girl playing warrior, a whore in my royal court."

Sif's lip curled, but she said nothing. She didn't want to risk him changing his mind.

"You are not stupid, however." Loki sneered at her as she turned and followed him out of the hall. They pushed through the great doors into a private hallway that led to Loki's chambers. "Upon further contemplation," Loki continued suddenly, "you must be stupid for your undying love for Thor." Loki laughed lightly, but the sound was dark.

"Leave Thor out of this," Sif snarled.

"Why? Are you not going to fuck me for a chance to bring him back to Asgard?" Loki suddenly slammed her against the hallway wall, pressing himself against her. "It seems like an odd time to be thinking of Thor."

Sif moaned softly. Sure, she wanted to see Thor return to Asgard, but she knew this would do nothing to bring him back. This was but another instance where Thor was a perfect excuse to get herself in bed with the younger prince.

Loki's fingers crept to her throat and squeezed. "Where's the excitement for you tonight?" he asked through bared teeth. "I'm surprised you came to me. There's not even the slightest chance my brother can stumble in to find his honorable lady beneath another man. Isn't that where you derive your fun?" He pressed harder.

Chills rolled up and down Sif's arms. Her nipples stiffened as she gasped for air. The tingling at the bottom of her abdomen told her she was more than ready for him.
She held onto Loki's wrist, loving the power she felt there. He'd always been power-hungry, but never had a chance to rule. She had always been raised as a strong warrior, but never got a chance to relax her assertive nature and be submissive. They both had a love-hate relationship with their arrangement, but made no moves to stop.

"You're no lady, Sif," Loki whispered in her ear. He released her throat and let his hand slide downward. She whimpered as he sank his teeth into her earlobe and slid his hand under her metal corset. Loki blinked heavily, rubbing his thumb over Sif's nipple. "Damn," he whispered, feeling himself throbbing.

"Come on," Sif breathed.

"You'll be quiet unless I ask you a question," Loki snapped. "I'm your king."

On its own accord, Sif's hand flew up and struck Loki across the face. She gave him a defiant smirk, challenging him. Please, she thought.

He hesitated, then shook his head quickly, shaking off the blow. "That's it." He grabbed Sif by the ponytail and pushed her through his chamber doorway. She stumbled forward and steadied herself on the bed. "You come to my throne, begging for my order. I'm the king and you'll have to obey." He pressed his lips to hers, laying her back on the mattress.

Sif kissed him back hungrily. She sank her nails into the leather of his armor. "Take it off," she managed against his lips.

"No," Loki growled. "You." He grabbed the top hem of her dress and in one mighty tug, ripped it. Her breasts spilled out as she cried out in protest. Her worry over her dress quickly dissolved as Loki lowered his lips to her.

"If you tell your brother about this," she panted.

Loki raised his head and smirked. He knew she loved when he did that, and he also knew Sif's threats were empty. Time after time they would tumble into bed together, their passion and hatred for the other fueling their sick game. "Let me guess," he cut in. "You'll kill me?"

Sif nodded. "Just so we're clear."

"Crystal."