Author's note: This story is told from both Jane's point of view and Loki's point of view, but in some places I've also included some third person point of view, where I think it works better. To stop it from getting too confusing, at the top of each section of the story I've indicated which point of view it's being told from. Hope this makes it simpler to read, but if not, let me know in a review and I'll try to change it.

This story begins about six months after the events of The Dark World. Hope you enjoy!

Jane's POV

When Thor invited me to Asgard to celebrate Odin's Naming Day, I really didn't know what to say. The first time I visited Asgard I didn't exactly get a warm welcome. The healers treated me like an idiot and Odin told me (if I remember rightly) that I belong on Asgard no more than "a goat belongs at a banquet". Frigga and Heimdall were the only ones who were nice to me. Of course, poor Frigga's gone now, and I didn't know if Heimdall would get the time off from guarding the Bifrost, so I had visions of me attending a feast with a whole load of guests who didn't want me there – apart from Thor, obviously. But I didn't want to turn down Thor's offer either. Even though I felt a little out of place, that doesn't change the fact that Asgard is probably the most beautiful place I've ever visited. And realistically, how many times am I going to be able to go to Asgard, celebrate the king's naming day and dine with the royal family and various noblemen? It's too good to miss! So in the end, I accepted Thor's invitation – Cinderella would go to the ball. Or in this case, the goat would go to the banquet.

And as I sit here now, at the massive dining table in the palace, I'm so glad I came. The Asgardians have been much less hostile to me this time around; that's probably due to the celebration putting them all in a good mood. Plus, a lot of them now seem to be drunk, which helps even more. Thor also took the opportunity to give me a proper introduction to his fellow warriors: Volstagg (a great big bearded man who shook my hand so firmly I thought he'd pull it off), Fandral (who winked at me and tried to pinch my ass when Thor wasn't looking) and Sif. Both Volstagg and Fandral were very friendly (Fandral a little too so!) but Sif seemed a little cold. She greeted me and said it was nice to see me again but she hasn't said another word to me for the rest of the evening. I thought at first that maybe she just doesn't like making conversation, but she seems to be doing okay with the other people sat at the table! Oh well, I guess you can't win over everyone.

It looks like the feast is starting to wind down now. We've just finished the desserts and some of the guests have already left – including Odin. He left pretty early, actually; and even while he was here it didn't seem like he was having a good time. I don't think he smiled once all evening! Sometime I'll have to ask Thor if he's ever seen his dad in a happy mood – I'd certainly like to know what the special occasion was! Reaching forward, I help myself to another glass of wine; it's the best stuff I've ever tasted! I take a sip of it and as I put the glass back on the table Thor places his hand on my shoulder.

I turn to face him and he smiles. "You are enjoying yourself?" He asks.

I nod, returning his grin. "Yeah! This has been incredible!"

"You see? I told you everything would be to your liking," he says in a satisfied tone of voice, causing me to chuckle. He's so cute when he's gloating.

"The feast is coming to a close," he continues as my giggles subside, "Volstagg, Fandral, Sif and I are going to continue our festivities at the tavern. Will you accompany us?"

I hesitate. It would be nice to join Thor and the others, but to tell the truth, I'd much rather they went to the tavern without me. I've secretly been hoping that I could have a private meeting with Odin this evening. I haven't told Thor yet – I thought he might try to talk me out of it. However, if he's going to the tavern, I might be able speak to his dad without him finding out. It'd have to be a quick visit, but I could probably get away with it.

I shake my head, smiling apologetically. "I'd like to, but I'm feeling kinda tired. Do you mind if I just go back to our room and get some sleep?"

"Not at all. Go ahead."

I lean in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek and he responds my squeezing my hand. "I will not stay out for too long," he adds as I pull away and stand up from my chair.

Oh, Thor, you're considerate to a fault! "No, no, please stay out as long as you like! Have fun with your friends. I'll be fast asleep, I won't mind!"

He laughs. "If I didn't know better, I'd assume you were trying to get rid of me!"

Well, I guess I am, in a way. But I certainly wouldn't put it like that! "Don't be ridiculous. If I didn't have you around, who would invite me to all these fancy parties?"

He laughs again, even more loudly than before. "I see your point," he replies, "Goodnight, Jane."

"Night."

Turning away from him, I make my way out of the dining hall and into the corridor outside. I try to moderate my speed, attempting to walk reasonably quickly without making it look like I'm in a hurry. Not that there are many people around to notice; I pass a couple of noblewomen who I remember from the feast, as well as a few guards, but that's pretty much it. Turning left, I take a detour, heading towards the room I'm sharing with Thor. When I reach it, I take the key (which I've been wearing on a decorative chain around my neck – Thor tells me this is common practice on Asgard) and let myself in.

I don't have time to light the candles, but the light shining in from the doorway is just bright enough to help me find my way around. Walking over to one of the chests of drawers, I pull open the bottom compartment and start rummaging around inside. Underneath several piles of my clothes, my hand finally brushes against what I'm looking for. I grab hold of it and pull my hand out of the drawer, pausing to examine the small square box that I've managed to keep hidden from Thor. Odin's present.

When I decided to come along and join in with the celebrations here on Asgard, I didn't just see it as a chance to have fun. I also saw it as a chance (albeit an incredibly small one) to try to improve my relationship with Odin, because as childish as it sounds, I really want him to like me. It's not for my own sake, but for Thor's. It can't be easy for him, knowing that his dad doesn't approve of me. Of course, Thor's never talked about it, never given me any hint that it upsets him, but deep down I'm sure it must make him uncomfortable. So, in an attempt to make things right between me and Odin, I bought the old man a present – I peace offering, I guess you could call it. I don't even know if Asgardians exchange presents on Naming Days, but it's the thought that counts. At least, I hope Odin will see it that way.

Eager to get this meeting with Odin over and done with (partly because I want to get back here before Thor returns, partly because I've been dreading this for weeks), I close the bottom drawer and stride out of the room, locking the door behind me.