OK LET'S START WITH THE NOTE FIRST
This is a continuation of my Fic the Fighting Princes, so if you have not read that, I suggest you do so.
Also I wrote this for the FrostIron Bang and there is some lovely artowrk to go with it, I will add that later
Lastly, I had some serious isses with my computer and lost many sections of my fic and had re rewrite scenes that were lost because I was a dummy and didnt save stuff to multiple places. I would love to come back some day and add more to Part II, the section that suffered the most from my issues, but I am please with how I handeled it since this is a fairy tale afterall.
I hope you all enjoy and if you did so, feel free o leave a review or message me. Thank you so much and enjoy!
Part I
Once upon a time there was a young prince named Anthony Edward Stark. The kingdom he was destined to rule, Midgard, was a peaceful kingdom, mainly due to its advanced weaponry, which made it the strongest of the twelve kingdoms. Despite being the most intelligent person in the kingdom, the young prince faced many hardships. He lost his mother during childbirth and his father, well he treated him more like an heir than a son. But that was nothing compared to what would happen next.
When the prince was only fifteen his kingdom was under siege from an enemy kingdom that were called the ten rings and lived on an island in the vast sea. During the siege his father's hand, the Lord Obadiah, eagerly handed Tony over to the enemy. The agreement was that they would kill the prince in exchange for weapons, but the leader of the ten rings had a different plan. Since the prince was the creator of all the kingdom's weapons, he was going to keep him alive and force to make weapons for his own kingdom. But most of all, force the prince to make weapons that would be used against his own people. Finally when the time was right since he had to be careful in its construction and execution, the prince made a special weapon and armor and escaped from the island. He cross the rest of the ocean, and found himself in a land he had never been to before, the Kingdom of Asgard. A primitive land that was almost a years voyage from his own land, due to the crude boats the ten rings possessed.
While in that kingdom he learnt of a contest that could bring him home. King Odin had five sons: Thor, Steven, Robert, Clinton, and Loki, who would vanish every night. In the morning they would be in their beds but their armory was full of dulled and battle worn weapons and armor. Thus the king made this decree, if any person of noble blood could discover his son's whereabouts not only would they become a ruler of Asgard, but marry whichever son of their choosing.
Tony knew winning that contest was his only way home, but he had to be cautious. He was a foreigner and didn't know if whispers of his kingdom stretched this far across the seas. He kept his identity a secret and hoped despite not being able to, nor wanting to prove his noble blood that he could still compete in the contest.
Due to his ratty appearance the princes took pity on him and he was allowed to compete. During his three short days there, he was able to discover the prince's whereabouts; but something queer happened. Something that changed Tony's life and outlook on his current situation. He fell in love. In love with the youngest prince, Loki, who was using magic in an attempt kill his own brothers so to gain the crown. The Midgardian Prince offered the Asgardian a home and a life with him. But most of all, a country that they could one day rule together. Midgard. King Odin however, had enough of Loki's schemes and magic and ordered him to be executed for his treason. In exchange for discovering his son's whereabouts, he did offer Anthony a ship so he could return home with his knight, Sir Rhodey, who had spent the better part of four years searching for him and ended up a victim of King Odin's contest as well. Tony accepted the offer because he knew Loki was clever and that he would cheat death. That King Odin could never truly kill him despite the attempts.
And he was right. The moment after the execution, he and Sir Rhodey went to their ship to begin the journey home, and there he sat in one of the cabins. Loki was alive and well. Eager to start his new life with Anthony.
But that was not the end of the prince's tale, but just the beginning. For they had a throne and a kingdom to reclaim. And such a task does not come as easily as saying happily ever after.
Three O'clock!" Tony shouted as he moved the cannon to the right. The smaller boat was swiftly approaching and since it didn't have a white flag of surrender waiving, he could only assume that like all the other that came before it, it was on the warpath. They had been at it for three months, three very short months considering all things. Most of it was spent plotting his revenge. Maybe revenge was too strong of a word. His plan to overthrow the bastard who killed his father and attempted to murder him in order to regain his kingdom, Midgard, was the better technical term of what he was doing. But saying plotting his revenge did have a certain ring to it.
"Right." Loki said nodding his head in agreement. He closed his eyes, and with the same incantation he used the other times, he vanished from their ship and appeared on another. "Good evening gentlemen." He said the moment his body appeared on the other boat. The weapons that he quickly learned were called guns were not pointed at him, but he was prepared this time with an invisible shield. "I am here to inform you, as I did with your predecessors, that your true king." A smile curled on his lips as he said this. King. He. He is finally going to be a King. And he guessed Tony was too. In fact, the only reason he was going to be a King was due to his faux death and runaway engagement to the Midgardian. But still. King Loki. It did have a ring to it. "Has returned. So you can either claim fealty to him or suffer the consequences." There was a glimmer in his eyes that matched the darkening grin.
"Like hell we will." One of them shouted as they haphazardly aimed and shot at Loki. However the face of not just the soldier, but every soldier dropped when they saw the small ball stop in midair and fall to the ground.
"Anyone else?" He asked cockily? He began to pace around the deck, his shield still following him. He knew just like the other, these soldiers would follow suit and just attack him haphazardly. That they would not actually stop and think about their lives. About the option being laid before them. All they were was sheep. Sheep obediently following their shepherd. And all that following will do is lead them to their grave.
"Kill the demon!" he heard someone from the back shout.
"Honestly, demon?" Loki questioned with a sigh as be began the next incantation. One that would alter the shield so it rebound the ball back to the shooter, instantly killing them. "For all the civility and modernization your land has gone through, you still deny the fact that something stronger and more powerful exist than your feeble technology. Magic." Every soldier that had fired a shot, now laid dead on the boat. A shade of crimson was dying the pristine wood, and the sweet scent of their fading lives was intoxicating. It reminded him of who he was. Who his brothers and father made him be. The magic wielding tyrant who would stop at nothing to become king. But Tony. Tony found a way to calm the beast. To bring out the good in him. However with all the death he has been around. All the murders and blood that taint his hands. The monster has found a way to come out and play. And the best part was, Tony, his fiancée, didn't have a clue.
Loki finally took a moment to see how many men had not fired, those who still stood alive. Three. A new record. "Is what you speak true?" A slight effeminate voice came from one of the three still standing. The one who spoke took a few steps forward, and took their helmet off. Long red hair came down in messy tendrils. They wiped their hair out of their face showing that the soldier was in fact a woman. Upon closer inspection, Loki noticed that the armor she was in was slightly too big and the exposed parts of her face from the helmet didn't hold any of the same scars as seasoned veterans to the battlefield. "Is Prince Anthony alive?"
Vibrant red hair. Soft green eyes. The name of one of Tony's childhood friends popped in his mind. The Lady Pepper Potts. The formers king's charge. "Yes." Loki said slowly unsure. How to take her yet. While Anthony may be his, this former childhood friend may have always wanted more than that.
"Take me to him." She demanded as she approached Loki.
"Hold on Pepper." Another helmet flew off and the long brown hair fell perfectly in place. "We don't know this man. If what he speaks is actually true. Be reasonable."
"I thought you wanted to help me find him Maya." Pepper snapped shortly.
"You know I do. I care about Tony as much as you, but we can't make a hasty decision like this. Tony has been missing for what, five years? Are we really supposed to believe that he is back now?"
Loki started to zone out the ladies conversation as his brain tried to wrap itself around the name Maya. Maya. Another friend of Anthony's but not like Rhodey or Pepper. Like he, she was a child prodigy. A genius. Assisted him with his weapons designs. Made some of her own. The Lady Maya Hansen.
"I am speaking to you in earnest. Anthony and Sir James are safe on one of my ships." Loki finally spoke knowing that if Tony was going to succeed in his conquest, he would want these people by his side. "But if you wish me to take you to him, I suggest your third companion makes himself known."
An older man was under the helmet. He looked quite plain with the exception being his eyes. They were the most jarring golden eyes he had ever seen. They reminded him of the butterscotch candies the kitchen staff used to make. His smile was kind and oddly humble. He bowed his head as a man who worked in years of servitude to royalty did. "My name is Jarvis sir. Edwin Jarvis. Former tutor to Prince, no, to King Anthony."
Loki figured these were the last. The only three in Midgard still loyal to Anthony. The ones that could assist them in killing the tyrant who stole the throne from him. They were the cavalry and several strategies were already forming on how to use them. A game of chess had officially begun. And he is starting bold. A move that most would never consider. He was no going to waste his pawns quite yet. He was going to start with his knight, knight to c3.
"Tony is it really?" Pepper attempted to keep her voice level, but a small crack could be heard at the end. Never mind the magic Loki just used to transport them, seeing Tony, toothy grin, with his messy hair and the lingering hints of a devil may care attitude; that was all that mattered to Pepper. Seeing him again. Knowing he was alive. Everything else paled in comparison to seeing him alive and well.
"Not tears I hope." Tony said, his smile refusing to fade from seeing the final three people who were most dear to him.
"Tears of relief." She said as her composure quickly returned to her. "But we must return to the castle and quickly. Obadiah will be relieved of your return-"
"Pepper?" Tony's voice changed in an instant. It sounded foreign. Older. And in a strange way, wiser. But there was an eerie darkness around it. A bitterness that surpassed any tone Tony had when speaking of his own father. It was unlike anything she had heard before. It almost scared her. Caused a chill to run down her spine. Made her actually question where he was and what happened to him. "What did Obadiah say about the night of the attack? What did he tell you?"
"Tony what does this-"
"Please Pepper. Humor me."
She wet her lips and began fidgeting with her hands. Everyone could tell this was something she didn't wish to relive again. The night everything in the kingdom turned upside down. "Obadiah and two of his personal guards came to my room. They said the castle was under siege. The guards took me to a safe room where the kitchen staff was hiding. I was there for hours. Everyone was so scared that we would be found and killed that no one even dared to breathe. The walls shook and we all thought we would be buried in rubble. But then. Then there was nothing. I don't know how much time passed, but the doors opened and the guards said we won. That it was safe once more in the castle. I looked for you, as did Maya. We ran down every corridor, opened every door, but then Obadiah found us. Pulled us aside. Said the king was dead and you. You were taken prisoner in the battle. That he tried to save you, but failed. His gun wounds were horrid. Still bleeding as he spoke to us. But he said he would not give up hope. That he had immediately sent parties to find you. But in the end, we know not what happened to those men, for they never returned. Rhodey, was the last man Obadiah would send to find you because there were whispers of more war breaking out. With your father dead and you taken prisoner and yet to be found, our allies dwindled. Midgard was considered the powerhouse of the twelve kingdoms, our weapons and armors were the best, bar none. With us weak, most of the other kingdoms feared the same fate would befall them. But others were taking it as an opportunity to take what little power we have left. They no longer wanted to be bowing to us, but us to them. Maya and Scott have done their best to continue your research. But with you and your father gone. Well, few in the kingdom take a women and a former thief heading weapons and armor development seriously."
Tony ran a hand through his long hair and the moved around to the scruff on his face. He paced for a few minutes as if he was still trying to process everything going on in his kingdom. That after being gone for five years, his kingdom was still mostly in one piece. But still, more wars, and with the neighboring kingdoms no less. He was only planning on fighting for his crown, not to have to also keep the peace between the other eleven kingdoms. It was more than he expected. And a part of him. A side of himself that he would never admit out loud, not even to Loki, was scared. What if he couldn't do it? What if he failed everyone? Caused their deaths. All he is trying to accomplish would be for nothing then. But he wouldn't let that happen. He is the smartest man alive. He would figure out a way to make things the way they were. All he needed was time; something that he didn't exactly have much of.
Loki saw the worry lines forming on Tony's forehead. That winning back his kingdom was more than just that. And even if he does win it back. Becomes king as he should. The neighboring kingdoms, may not want such peace. They have had a taste of what it's like to no longer be in Midgard's shadow. They want all the power, and will do anything to gain it. If he is to help his fiancée. To become a good king beside him, he needs to become stronger. Learn magic that he never has before. And a small part of him. The tiniest sliver imaginable, wanted his brothers. They were warriors, not he. They would know what to do in this situation. But they cannot help him. Not now. Not ever. He made them promise to stay out of his affairs. And when he does go back to Asgard, and he will, it will be as their equal, not the youngest living in their shadows.
Loki stepped towards his fiancée and linked his fingers into his and squeezed tightly. A way to tell him everything was going to be ok. That he would come up with a plan and they would accomplish what they set out to do. "Pepper." Tony finally said as he let go of Loki's hand. He walked towards her and rested his hands on her shoulders. "Obadiah paid them to kill my father and me. He wanted the throne. Was planning it for years. But they kept me alive. Forced me to make weapons for them. They reminded me that every day when I was prisoner. That I was lucky. Should be grateful. They spared me my life when they were told to behead me. That when I made them enough weapons they would return to Midgard and kill Obadiah themselves. They tried so hard to convince me that they were doing me a kindness. Obadiah means to kill me and nothing will stop him. If he learns that you three have come to me. That puts you all at risk too. He will kill anyone to keep the power he has and I have to be the one to stop him."
"No." Pepper said shaking her head. "No. Obadiah wouldn't do that." She was in utter denial of everything Tony was telling her. "He loved you and your father. He sent so many knights and soldiers to find you. He could never."
"Lady Pepper it's true." Rhodey finally spoke up. "When I was searching for Prince Anthony, I came across one of their ships and learned the truth from them. In the Lord Obadiah's mind I was sent on a fool's errand. That they made the deal with Obadiah to get weapons. And to get those weapons. Their payment. It was to kill the King and Prince. But unbeknownst to Obadiah, they kept Prince Anthony alive. Were keeping him prisoner to make more weapons. But one night, he escaped and was probably died at sea."
"I don't understand." Pepper said looking past Tony to Rhodey. "Why would Obadiah want the king and Tony dead? And where have you two been all this time. And who is this?" She was pointing at Loki now. "And how can he repel bullets and appear out of nowhere. Not to mention transport us from one ship to another. None of this makes sense."
Tony let go of Pepper's shoulders, and walked back to Loki. They laced their fingers together and Tony squeezed his hand firmly. "This is my fiancée, Loki, former prince of a country across the seas called Asgard."
"Excuse me." Pepper said incredulously. "Can you repeat that? I thought you said he was your fiancée."
"He is." Tony said seriously.
"You expect me to believe that Obadiah made a deal with the Ten Rings, killed your father, attempted to have you killed, but instead you were prisoner to them, then you somehow escaped, and got yourself a fiancée?! All this. All this in the span of five years." Pepper's voice rose in the incredulity grew. "I know you're impulsive Tony. That you were one of the most powerful people in all the Twelve Kingdoms. But this I'm sorry I can't. I just can't." She was in a fluster now and turned around to face Maya and Jarvis. "Please tell me I'm not the only one having a hard time believing this."
"Honestly Pepper, this isn't the weirdest thing Tony has come up with." Maya finally said, her eyes finally drifting from the two men holding hands to that of her friend's eyes. "I'm not saying this isn't strange." She spoke slowly so to not step too hard on her friends toes. "But honestly, we have seen stranger, a lot stranger. Like that time with the black stallion in his room."
"A black stallion?" Loki asked raising an eyebrow.
"It's not as strange as it sounds." Tony said calmly, but the awkward smile was telling a different story.
"You and that Prince from the Xandar being in your birth suits was the only normal thing about that situation." Maya said with a cheeky grin. "I don't know how aware of it you are, but your fiancée had quite the reputation before his untimely kidnapping."
Loki laugh and smiled warmly. It was the first genuine warm expression he had given the three. A sign that he was slightly warming up to them, even if they were just chess pieces in his plans of he and Tony taking back the throne and ruling as kings. "Well, when I need a piece of blackmail to use against my fiancée you will be the first I turn to Lady Hansen." Loki put the charm on, but just enough to not raise any suspicion from anyone on the boat. Back in Asgard, Tony had never been on the receiving end or seen such faux pleasantries. No matter how hard he tried, Tony ignited something in him, forced him to show his true colors. His silver tongue always turned into a brick of lead when they held a conversation. Maybe that way why he fell for Tony. Why he fell in love. Why he wants to be a better man for him. Because he cannot hide who he is. And despite all he had done, Tony still loved and accepted him for who he was. If only Tony knew though what he was doing now. What he is doing for them. But more importantly, what needs to be done for both of their sakes.
"Lady Pepper, Lady Maya, if we are gone for too long, our disappearance may be made known." Jarvis quickly interrupted as his eyes moved towards the distant lands. It was as if he was expecting more boat to come. That the truth of who was actually on this boat was revealed and the lord Obadiah was finishing what should have been done years ago. "While you hunch was correct about King Tony being the one on this ship, we want no one else to make such assumptions. For if anyone finds out we will not just be putting our King in danger, but our own lives as well."
Pepper's eyes were hard as her head whipped back to look at Jarvis, but her eyes quickly softened. He was right. It would be foolish to stay here any longer. Especially if what they said about Obadiah was true. She just got Tony back in her life again, and she didn't want to lose him. Especially if it meant that loss was permanent. "Your right." She said with a sigh. "But how will we get in contact with Tony if something is happening in the kingdom. And where is he supposed to go. He obviously can't stay on this ship forever."
"We could poison him." Maya said slyly. "There is no one he trusts more than you Pepper. I could make the poison in my lab. Obviously when Dr. Lang and Dr. Killian aren't there." She said when she saw Pepper's shocked face transform into an eye roll. "And you could slip it in his drink or food. While the people are in morning heroic Sir James Rhodes." She moved her eyebrows up and down excitedly in his direction. "Could come back and say that he finally found Prince Anthony, who just like he thought was kidnapped by the ten rings and not killed. And finally after his long search and voyage, has finally brought him back home to assume the throne. The people go wild. Tony can be king. Everyone goes home happy." Everyone was silent at Maya's plan. "Well plan B was to have Loki here magically teleport you into Obadiah's chambers and kill him in his sleep. But I thought the one where Pepper and I turned out to be the true heroes of Asgard had more of a flare to it."
"No." Tony finally said quickly. "No." He repeated just as quickly again. "He made this personal. He killed my father. Attempted to kill me. He doesn't deserve a quick death. I want all the kingdoms. Hell, I even want Loki's kingdom talking about how I regained my crown for the next millennia. He tried to take away my life. Now I'm gonna take away his."
"Revenge Tony?" Pepper asked. "Is revenge really the answer?"
"I don't know Pep." Tony openly admitted without any hesitation. "But honestly, I don't see any other way around this."
Loki used his magic to transport Pepper, Maya and Jarvis back to the mainland and the three that still remained on the ship were quiet. Rhodey was keeping an eye out for enemy ships and Tony returned to his cabin in an attempt to plan out his next step. But Loki. His plan was already brewing. No, it was past brewing and it was ready for implementation. But he didn't know how Tony would react to it just yet. He knew that he alone could not convince Tony to go along with his plan, so instead of heading to the cabin below deck, Loki found himself climbing up to the crows nest.
Rhodey was sitting down, his legs hanging off the edge and separated by a single wooden beam. The spyglass was in his lap, but he was just looking in the distance at the mountain ranges where his home was. Loki sat down behind Rhodey, his own legs hanging off the edge. The direction he faced was eternal sea. But he knew that his own home was in that direction, even though he could not see it, and hoped he never would until he could finally prove his father wrong.
"You have a plan." Rhodey said breaking the silence. He and Loki didn't really talk much. The only thing connecting the two of them was Tony. The man they would both be willing to die for.
"Yes." Loki simply stated. His eyes were too focused on the never ending sea of blue.
"Why did you keep me alive?"
Loki was taken aback. Caught off guard. Something that rarely happened to him. And it was not the questions itself that surprised him. For the entirety of their voyage he was expecting this conversation. But not here. Not now. Not when a bigger and grander war was on the horizon. More important matters were at hand than something that happened a little over two years ago. Then again, this could be a test of trust. Rhodey was a knight of the highest order. He probably formed a close camaraderie with the other knights beside and under his command. He knew he could trust them no matter what in a battle. But Loki. Loki knew he had given the knight no such reason to trust him with something as valuable as his life. And it was not without good reason. Despite only knowing each other for a short while, Rhodey could see it as clear as day. The darkness that lurked in his eyes. He, much like the other contestants in his father's twisted game knew to be weary of him. That the fifth son was not to be underestimated. But unlike Tony who was able to banish the darkness lurking within by his sheer presence. Rhodey could see the small remnants of it when they were alone. The fragments that were trying to become whole again. But Tony. Tony always found a way to keep the pieces from connecting.
"Back when I stupidly entered you father's contest. When I tried to figure out where you and your brothers escaped at night and failed miserably might I add? Sleeping drafts. I mean. Come on. How did I not see that?" Loki chuckled briefly at the memory. The sleeping draft worked far too well. Tony and the Lady Natasha were the only ones who saw through that ruse. "Anyways, you could have let me die. There was no reason to save me. I was a stranger to your kingdom. You could have let the executioner behead me without a single drop or remorse. But you spared me. And I want to know why."
Loki wet his lips and closed his eyes. He inhaled the salty air and exhaled just as slowly. Despite imagining this conversation a million times. Despite having every word methodically planned out, a small part of him knew he should tell the truth. That this man was important to Tony. And the side that want to be good, good for Tony, knew he could not pull his usual stunts. "I found you intriguing." Loki answered honestly. "A man from an unknown land shows up on our doorsteps asking to compete. You refused to tell us how you came across our kingdom, or even that of you own. You were an enigma, focused solely on a mission. And you would do anything to complete it, even marry a person and in a sense, a kingdom that you know nothing of. I thought if I kept you alive you may be useful to me someday."
"And have I?" Rhodey asked without any signs of emotion. "Have I been useful to you?"
"If I had not kept you alive, I never would have found out Tony was a kidnapped prince. Been able to keep up with him in my father's game. And without you, I probably never would have fallen in love with him." Loki quietly whispered that last part and he didn't know why. Probably because of the word. Love. It was not one he could use lightly. For that emotion was still foreign to him. Something he was still learning how to do. For the longest time he wrapped himself in his self-made torture, believing love to be a fantasy. But now he knows of it. Believes he feels it himself. So actually admitting it out loud and to a man that is nothing but a chess piece in his own game, it was terrifying. "It was through our banter. Our constant need to outdo the other. To be the superior intellect that brought us together. And without you, I would have just been a bitter, bratty prince whose only solution to his problems is to kill and destroy. You brought Anthony and me together. So yes. You have been useful to me." And still are. Another voice continued the thought that Loki knew he shouldn't.
"Yah?" Rhodey sounded skeptical now, but there was also a hint of intrigue and pride in his voice now. "And how did I do all of that?"
Loki's tongue slithered between his lips again. Honestly. Truth. This was harder than he imagined. But there was also something relieving about it. Like a weight was being lifted off his shoulders. One he had not felt until he succumbed to his feelings for Tony. "I came across a spell in one of my mother's books that allows me to see a person's memories. I had never used it before and knew not how taxing it could be on me. But with you in a catatonic state, it allowed me to perform such spell without the risk of being killed."
"You read my mind?"
Loki laughed, enjoying the worrying quaver in the knight's voice. "You needn't worry. The only scandalous and salacious acts I saw where those on Anthony's end. But I must say I am disappointed that you were not there for the stallion incident."
"That was once incident I was relieved to have missed." Rhodey said as his voice became light, and a small chuckle escaped. "I have seen Tony make a lot of stupid decisions. But I have also been there for all his brilliant breakthroughs. He has been through more than most his age. His mother's death, his father being murdered, being taken prisoner, seeing his own weapons used against him, trying to escape captivity, and now winning back his kingdom. A place he has not seen in five years." Rhodey moved from his spot in the nest and was now sitting shoulder to shoulder with Loki. "I know he puts on a good face. Tries to be strong. Not show any weakness. And typically he does everything he can to solve his problems on his own. But this. Winning back a kingdom where everyone assumes you to be dead. He needs you-"
"But you are not sure if you can trust me." Loki said interrupting the knight. He turned his head, and his own vibrant emeralds met the chocolate one's of the knight. He wanted to get his point across and he knew this was the only way he could. "And I have given you and many others little reason to. But I say this in earnest. I will not let any harm befall on Anthony. I will do everything in my power to keep him and his kingdom safe."
"I know. But, it's not him I'm worried about." Rhodey said soberly.
Loki's eyes drifted back to the ocean and for a moment he thought he saw his old home in the distance resulting in a shiver running down his spine. He said nothing for he didn't know what to say. The knight made no attempt in denying the claims in mistrust. And even though Loki knew very well why, it still hurt. Reminded him of his father, and at times his brothers. Tony was the first person who didn't make he feel that way. And he had hoped a fresh start would wipe away such prejudice, but it appears he will never be that fortunate.
"Tony is more than just my prince and future king. He is my friend. My best friend. And when I entered the knighthood I happily swore oaths to protect him and my kingdom. But Pepper, Jarvis and Maya are civilians. And growing up those three were the closest thing Tony had to a family. He already lost his mother and it's not like his father was ever there to begin with. So they were all he had. I know they want to help. Take part in and support Tony taking back his rightful place at the throne, but I think it's best if they stay out of the lines of fire. Tony has already lost so much. I don't want him losing them either." Loki let his eyes drift to the left and he briefly met the knights before returning his attention to the sea. "Listen. I know you already have a plan brewing. I could tell the second you met them. But promise me this. That whatever plan you come up with, you keep them out of it."
Loki's tongue once again slithered between his lips. The knight was more observant than he gave him credit for. But his pawns, he still needed them. The only way his plans would work was with them at their disposal. He knew he should continue being honest. This man was close to Tony. If they were not, he never would have traveled across the seas looking for him and place his life on the line in a contest he was guaranteed to fail. And yet Loki could not find himself agreeing to this term. He could feel the shadow of who he used to be surfacing once more. His tongue slightly tasting of a silver coin. Just one small mistruth. Twist his words ever so slightly. And yet the other side of him, the one that loves Tony knew he shouldn't. That he should agree to the terms and find a new plan. Tony is his world. Without him he would still be the bitter prince who would kill anyone who got in the way of what he wants. He doesn't have to be that person anymore. And yet, Loki could not see any other way to make Anthony and his dream come true. Just one small lie. And if everything works in the grand scheme of things, there will be no problem.
Loki turned his head and looked at the knight square in the eyes. His voice was calm and smooth like silk. "You have my word. I will do anything in my power to keep harm from befalling on them."
He could see the knight was studying him hard. Weighing the sincerity of his words. His eyebrows were furrowed and eyes slightly squinting. After a few moments, his body relaxed and his head drifted in the direction of the sea. "Good. Now what do you have planned for me?"
Loki stayed silent as he slowly inhaled the salty air. It was so clean, fresh and calming. Exactly what he needed to be when laying out his plan. "I think it's time for Sir James, Knight of Midgard to finally return home."
"No." Was the one simple word Tony said when Loki explained his plan. "No. We need Rhodey here." He continued refusing to accept anything else Loki or Rhodey would say. "I forbid it." He went on as he paced around his cabin. "I'm playing the royalty card here. So as your prince and future king I command you to stay here." It was as if Tony was not just attempting to convince Rhodey and Loki on his final answer, but himself now. He has used his status before to get Rhodey to do what he wanted, but it was never something this serious. A choice that could be the difference between life and death.
"Prince Anthony Edward Stark." Rhodey started using the same stern voice he did when training the younger soldiers. "Our provisions are low. Enemy ships have attacked us nearly every other day. And our only weapon and form of defense is your fiancée who has been using his magic nonstop and looks like he could pass out any minute now." He stopped his snappy response knowing he got his point across and his face instantly became softer. "Besides if I return to the kingdom it may bring the people hope. We don't know how the lower classes have been affected by the change in power. If I go back to the kingdom I could show all our people to not stop believing in something better."
Tony gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes. "And even if I tell you to stay, you two have already decided this is the best plan and will disobey my orders not matter what."
Rhodey put his hand on Tony's shoulder. "Learned from the best." His smile was wide, knowing that he had won. How many times had Tony disobeyed orders from his father and did what he thought was best, only to get scolded by Rhodey later on. And Tony was the last person who could seriously chastise someone who broke the same rules he did.
"And when do you plan on leaving?"
"Tonight, before nightfall. I will have Loki transport me to one of the villages on the outskirts of the kingdom. The northernmost one closest to the ocean. If I arrive there, there should be little suspicion as to what's been happening. Plus it gives me two days travel on horse to see how the villages are doing and gives some time to allow rumors of my return to spread." Tony didn't say anything but instead began fiddling with his fingers. "You know this is the best plan."
"Just because you two think it's the best plan, doesn't mean it's our only plan."
"If you have any suggestions." Loki finally spoke up.
"Trust me. I will." Tony said before heading below deck.
However as the day went on Tony had to admit that Rhodey going ahead of them was the best idea. They needed to begin operation Win Back Midgard as soon as possible and that wouldn't happen if they all stayed on this boat. Rhodey needed to go ahead of them. They needed eyes and ears. As much as Tony wanted to go in charging he knew he needed from serious recon first.
It was finally happening. His dream of returning home and winning back his kingdom was finally happening. And nothing would stop him now.
The sun was rising and Loki was laying up the deck watching the last few stars being their rest for the day. Rhodey was now on the mainland and in a sense, the boat felt more melancholy than usual. Especially from the aura Tony was emitting, even though he was too proud to say so.
The air was still this morning and not even birds could be heard chirping. Normally, Loki would welcome such calmness, but something about it today felt ominous. Every morning since they have arrived to Midgard he has been greeted by the singing of birds and the wind making the scent of the salty seas more potent. Maybe it was partly from the mood of Tony. The actuality of them winning back a kingdom finally hitting him. Either way he couldn't deny that feeling in his gut.
He stood up and headed to the crows nest. So long as he saw nothing but sea in three of four cardinal the directions then he could be at ease. But the moment he got up there he saw them. It was small. Barely visible. But he could see something was out there. He looked on the flooring and found the spyglass, but his heart already told him what it was. "Anthony!" He shouted after his eyes verified what he already knew. He looked down to the deck but he was nowhere to be found. With a sigh, Loki transported himself to the deck, "Anthony!" He continued. "We have company!"
"Company?" Tony asked as he opened the door the led to the cabins. "How could we have-" But Loki pushed the spyglass into his chest and motioned for him to look. Tony begrudgingly accepted the spyglass and headed to the edge. "Huh. That company." He said after a few moments of looking. "Why not pay them a little visit like you have for the last ones and then we have nothing to worry about."
"Your precious knight has finally reached land. The beginning phases for us to win back your kingdom have already begun, and you still want us to hide on this ship?"
"I was thinking more of a strategic victory." Tony said with a toothy grin.
"The man claiming to be our late Prince Anthony. We suggest you surrender now. If not we will fire." A voice bellowed from the boat waving the Stark coat of arms. He had a cone in his hand that amplified his voice so it could be heard.
"It's not a claim when it's actually true!" Tony cupped his hands around his lips and shouted back. "So if you still want your jobs when I get my throne back, I suggest you back down and take me to Obadiah immediately!"
A whiz was heard and a large crash. Just inches from Tony's feet was not a hole created from poorly aimed cannon fire. "If they think they can take me down-" Tony said as he rolled up his sleeves, but Loki extended his arm as if just that would stop Tony.
Loki sensed their presence drawing nearer. The ocean was no longer safe for them. Too many boats with cannons were approaching. In minutes they would be surrounded. His magic. Producing a shield that could protect them against their attacks. It would be too much strain. It could kill him. Especially if they wait it out. Bide their time. Magic is draining and requires concentration. He can use it to sustain his body for approximately week. But after that he grows too weak and needs proper sustenance and rest. And when that time comes, they both will be killed.
"Anthony we can't stay here." Loki said urgently.
"That was a warning shot!" The man shouted again. "Surrender now or die."
"And where exactly are we supposed to go?" Tony shot back but his attention was now in the direction of the boat threatening to kill him.
"Seeing as how you were raised here, I assumed you would have such a spot planned." Loki nearly growled as he quickly put up a shield. The whiz of the cannon was heard, followed by the plop of the ball hitting the shield and falling into the ocean.
"My mistake." Tony said with a haughty tone. "Next time I get kidnapped I'll make sure I have a safe house in place for my unexpected return."
"As much as I enjoy our banter, I would prefer to not die on a sinking boat." Loki said as he put up another shield. His body was already getting weaker. He had never had to protect themselves against weapons such as these, only melee weapons and the occasional arrow. But his brother's aim was not nearly as spastic as the cannon fire. Especially since he could not properly calculate its trajectory in order to place his shield accordingly. But they needed to survive. They had to. Both had gone too far. Been through too much to be killed now. He could sense the other boats and when he looked around, he could see their flags. Despite doing decently against one boat, five more would most definitely be death. "Anthony!" He shouted as the flags became more apparent.
"Xandar!" Tony finally shouted the name of the closest kingdom that might not want to kill him. "Quill. I know of a hiding place that he will find us at." Tony was assuring himself more than Loki at this point. "That is if he is still alive. But details." He quickly waved off as the new shield did its best to rebuff the cannons. He looked back to his fiancée and saw his skin turning a waxy shade of yellow.
"Do you have a picture of it in your mind?" Loki asked knowing that if he held the shield up any longer they both would be dead, but for different reasons.
Tony barely said yes when he felt his body begin to warp. It was as if every molecule in his body was vanishing. Pain began to sweep over as if his organs were being removed without anesthesia. He wondered if it felt like this for Loki. If every time he teleported he went through this much pain and if so had he became accustomed to it for he never showed such signs.
The next thing Tony knew was that his eyes were open, though he didn't remember closing them, he he saw the ancient tall stone buildings of Xandar.
Military men and women walked by them, but no one seemed to notice the two young adults who magically appeared in the square of the city.
The fountains water was running, but Tony could see it was already iodized. Something he warned the engineer of, but he refused to listen. Apparently no one in the city cared though since the fountain was still standing.
Loki was looking around the large square and the stone almost reminded him of home. However the size of the structures reminded him of his other world. Buildings trying to touch the sky. Many people were walking about, several wearing bright blue uniforms, which his knew instantly as their military. But other than that, they blended in well. Most, if not all the citizens were wearing cloths akin to their own. Cotton tunics and slacks, simple workmen clothing. If classes existed in this land, it was not apparent in their appearance.
"This way." Tony said as his head nodded towards the castle.
"Anthony." Loki did his best to hold back the irradiance in his voice but the slightest hint of annoyance could be heard still. "We are supposed to be hiding. Not strolling up to the castle gates when we know not of who they aligned themselves with."
Tony's eyebrows rose mischievously and his eyes glinted in a playful way. Something Loki had not seen in days. The Tony he first saw. The Tony he fell in love with. The one who was so determined that he would always win. Be on top. That Tony was resurfacing. And Loki couldn't be more relieved. Part of him was afraid he lost that Tony. That the news of all the wars. His country crumbling. Everything his family had built being ripped apart brick by brick. It was aging him. Forcing him to mature. More so than when he was taken prisoner and had to escape. His entire kingdom was on the line. And with only a handful of allies, one wrong move to cause him to lose everything all over again.
That's why Loki needs to continue to push himself. To learn how to win the battles that were to come. He needs to help Tony with his burden. And as he is now, he is not strong enough. If he was, he could have taken down all of those ships. Killed every last man and woman who trying to take their own lives. His powers were not enough. He needs to be stronger. Stronger for Tony. For his future kingdom. But most of all, stronger for himself.
"Who said anything about strolling up to the gates?" Tony asked before turning around and heading straight towards the castle gate walls. But instead of going to the doors Tony made a sharp right. His fingertips gently scraping the dark stone as he walked.
Loki didn't know how long they walked. He kept looking up at the sky but the sun always appeared to be in the same place. A few guards looked at them with questioning eyes, but never approached them to ask what they were doing. They walked so far that they were finally near the edge of the town. The castle still looked daunting, but he could now see it in its entirety. As they reached the outskirts more guards looked at them, but these ones didn't look as carefree as the ones in town. "Anthony." Loki hissed quietly, following his heels. "I don't think it's wise for-" but Tony came to an abrupt halt and Loki found himself smashed into Tony's back.
Tony's head shot from left to right before he began touching the stones more forcefully. "I suggest you do one of your illusions on the guards. And fast." Tony said as he continued pressing the center of the stones.
"Anthony what are you doing?" Loki asked as he shot his head around making sure all the guards attention where on them. But Tony didn't answer as he continued his nonsensical rapping of stones. Gritting his teeth he thought of the best illusion he could and quickly began the incantation. Staying as still as possible Loki watched the guards hoping his illusion worked. After a few moments the guards shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders as if they were saying young people these days, and eventually left. Loki sighed in relief and turned his attention back to Tony.
"Please still be here. Please still be here." Tony pleadingly whispered as he continued the rhythmic pressed the stones. One of the stones finally fell into the wall and the rusted gears could be heard as part of the wall tried to move creating a space just barely wide enough for one person to slip through.
Loki's head shot around them but the illusion was still holding steady since they guards were purposely ignoring them. Their bodies shifting awkwardly, and when they did turn around to look, they never made direct eye contact, but quickly turned back to their comrades. Tony slid through the crack and Loki looked back at the guards one last time before he followed.
The second his feet touched the other side of the fence, he got the same tingle he does when he goes to other worlds. Everything about the environment, from the sweet scent of the wet grass, to the barren landscape was calming. In the distance was an old stone building that appeared to be a stable and even further away remnants of what could have been a castle. Three cattle were eating grass nearby and the soft babble of a brook was barely audible over their mooing. A soft breeze rolled in and Loki deeply inhaled the pure scent around them. He found himself being reminded of home, a place he never imagined himself being nostalgic over. But then again. Going outside, especially to the gardens in the spring and summer, to read a book was always one of his favorite pastimes. He could just picture himself laying on a patch of the green grass near the brook while practicing a new spell on one of the cows.
"Over three hundred years ago the castle used to stand here. But my great times whatever grandfather destroyed it. Midgard and Xandar were at war with one another back then." Tony said as if he already knew what Loki was going to ask. "Since we are neighbors, I bet you can guess what we always fought over."
"Land." Loki said simply.
Tony nodded his head and started walking towards the one building at was still standing. "My family likes to think they won the war, since our army destroyed the castle. But the royal family of Xandar still thinks they won since they killed my ancestral grandfather who was of course king at the time. In the end it was both king's sons who bartered a deal in land division. It was their first treaty after being crowned kings themselves. Ever since then we have been at peace."
Loki followed Tony slowly still enjoying his surroundings. He didn't want to imagine this place as a castle's grounds, for it was far too lovely to be anything but what it is now. "I find it hard to believe two men, and newly crowned kings no less could come to terms to end a war so sufficiently. Power is corrupting and old blood feuds never end so simply. Your kingdom's history sounds like something from a fairy tale. No different than those ideals you spouted when we first met."
Tony stopped abruptly and turned around on his heels. "Not all of us were born and raised in peaceful kingdoms. Some of us dealt with death and murder on a daily basis. Seeing innocent civilians killed. And for what? Land? Power? Money? Some people are so desperate to end the pointless slaughter that they will sacrifice anything, even their pride, to make it end. So I don't see how it's that hard to believe that two boys raised in war torn kingdoms would be willing to do anything to finally make it end." Loki was never one to run out of words to say, but he found himself at a loss. While he has experienced loss and pain like Tony, the only war he faced was with his own family. His actual kingdom was never in the crossfires of their battles. And when he did try to kill his brothers it was always in an alternate dimension where casualties were literally nonexistent. "Come on, this way." Tony turned around and began walking towards the bard again.
For the rest of the walk neither talked and Loki always stayed a step behind Tony. He could tell Tony was still irritated by their earlier conversation. His body was stiff and not once did he turn around to look or wait for Loki to catch up. Instead he moved along at a brisk pace with only one thing in mind, making it to the barn. Once Tony reached it he began fiddling with the door. Loki looked over Tony's shoulder saw a several different contraptions on the doors that must have been locks. However unlike the fence, he got the doors open in a matter of seconds.
Loki expected the place to be covered in a layer of dust and to smell of must. He assumes holes would be in the roof and the sole window that faced the creek to be cracked. Much to his dismay the place was spotless. A bed was next to the window with what appeared to be freshly laundered sheets. A small fireplace with a large black pot was in the back on the room as well as a table and cabinets filled will preserved food. This was no stable house but a building reminiscent of living quarters. The only thing missing was a chamber pot and a place to bathe. While Loki explored the transformed stable house Tony put all the locks back into place.
"What is this place?" Loki asked as he sat down on the bed which was just as fluffy as it looked.
Tony began opening every cabinet in the place looking over what items were in each. "Quill and I made this when we were ten." Tony finished with the cabinets and moved onto the drawers and chests. "One day during one our dad's boring conferences with the other kingdoms we thought it would be fun to not be trapped in the castle with the other princes and princesses, so we escaped from our nurses and decided to get as far away as we could. We ended up here. Granted it wasn't as nice as it is now. Took us months to clean the place up. Neither of us had really ever cleaned before. Or ever. But it was our place to get away. No one comes here. It's the royal family's land so only those in the castle grounds have access. But since nothing is out here, there's no reason for anyone to come this way."
"Then why did you make the secret entrance in the gate? And how did you even get away building that?"
A smile was dancing on Tony's lips and he laughed wryly. "That was a later addition. Along with the bed." Loki rose an eyebrow and was about to comment but Tony held out a hand. "Quill and I never...that is to say...alright, we did it once." Tony said cracking under a presser that Loki was only giving him in his imagination. "A devil's threesome. But it was just weird. So after that we strictly kept it one on one...And not with each other. With other people."
Loki nearly had to hold back a laugh. He didn't know why Tony was so flustered admitting this. He knew very well of his promiscuous history. And he had no qualms with it. Tony's various partners paled in comparison as a crime when being compared to his murder attempts. Then again how serious could his relationships have been back then? Everything he saw in the knight's mind looked like flings with the staff and nothing else. It would be no different with the citizens of another kingdom. "I hope the devils threesome was not with the horse."
But Tony was only able to roll his eyes because voices were heard outside. A girl giggling excitedly and a husky voice shushing her. Loki and Tony stood as still as deer as the locks began to move. The door flew open and there stood a man no older than Tony. He wore a black tunic and slacks with a blood red jacket. His brown hair was wavy and parted to the side and small patches of facial hair were still attempting to connect.
Standing behind him was a young girl, probably Loki's age wearing a freshly laundered black servant's outfit and a white towel wrapped around her eyes.
Loki saw Tony's and this man's eyes meet for a fraction of a second before sense dawned upon him. "Shit!" The man shouted before quickly slamming the door.
"Peter? What's happening? Should I take my blindfold off?"
Loki turned his head to meet Tony and gave him a what's going on look but Tony just smiled and winked at him. "Listen I have had a great time..uhh..."
"Bereet."
"Bereet! But I have some princely duties to attend to so..." The voices faded away and Loki could only assume he was taking her to the entrance he and Tony went through.
Loki once again turned to look at Tony who was still laughing. "Stark!" The door flew open and this time the man who Loki could guess was the Prince of Xandar, the one Tony called Quill. "Buddy! How long has it been? Two? Three years?
"Six." Tony said after pretending to count the numbers in his head.
"What?" He laughed in disbelief. "What you've been up to?"
"Same old. My father's hand wanted the kingdom so my dad was killed. I was sold to the Ten Rings. Forced to make weapons for them as a slave."
"Well as glad as I am to see you alive and well I just have one question. Why are you here? As in here here?"
"Loki and I need a place to lay low until we can figure out a way to win back my kingdom. Should only take a week. Two tops." Tony said as if operation win back kingdom was a weekly occurrence.
"Of course. Whatever you need."
"Sorry to interrupt your-"
"It's not problem. She's new. Works in the kitchens." Peter said waving it off. "What about you? Meet in foreigners in captivity?" Peter wiggled his eyebrows playfully in Loki's direction.
"Well there wasn't much time to mingle. But I am engaged to tall, dark and brooding over here." Tony said turning his head to smile mischievously at Loki. "But let's save story time for later. I need to know everything that has been happening in the kingdoms since I was taken captive."
Peter did his best to tell Tony everything that had happened since he was taken captive. Obadiah had cut off all trade and communication with the other kingdoms for almost a year. During that time the kingdoms Titan and Hala formed a new alliance and their army began attacking some of the smaller, nearby kingdoms. Wakanda, the third powerhouse of the twelve kingdoms, due to its mines, also cut off communication with the other kingdoms, and have not been heard from in five years. And any messengers that Peter's father had sent to make contact had never returned. Xandar did it's best to protect and keep trade with some of the smaller kingdoms such as Halfworld and Kingdom X, but the enemies numbers were too great. Causing more harm to befall on all the kingdoms than actual help. Finally when it seemed like the Twelve Kingdoms would become five, Obadiah offered assistance to the others if they gave a tribute; half of whatever crops or stock they grow. Some agreed to the terms, but others refused knowing if they made such a deal their people would die. And since they were dead either way, they would rather go out fighting. Surprisingly, when Obadiah made his offer both the Kingdoms of Titan and Hala withdrew their troops, but the tension was still there and some kingdoms were still at each other's throats. Peaceful times were long gone and it was very much an every kingdom for themselves kind of world.
Tony rose from the chair, "The kingdoms were mostly united and peaceful before all this happened. How hard can it be to do that again?"
"Stark, buddy." Peter said standing up as well and placing his hands on Tony's shoulders. "How about you go outside. Take a bath. And actually think about everything I just told you."
"Quill-"
Peter began pushing Tony back towards the door. "Stark. Buddy. I love you. But you stink. Take a bath." And before Tony knew it the door was open and he was standing outside and it was tentatively slammed in his face.
Loki's eyes drifted to the window and eventually Tony came into view at the creek. Loki felt like Tony purposely had his back to the window as he unclothed. Each article of clothing was coming off far too slowly and sensually in Loki's eyes to not be purposely. He felt his body warming up and tingle. It had been far too long since they had any alone time. Since his fingers ran up and down the scars that the riddled Tony's back and sides that he received from time in captivity. Since he looked deeply into the umber eyes and leaned in for a short but intimate kiss. When he could just rest his head on Tony's chest while they laid in bed and the only noise was that of his beating heart. How he craved for those long days in the cabin where it was just them and the sea and nothing else to worry about.
"So you're not from around here." Peter said sitting next to Loki on the bed causing him to snap out of his daze.
"What could have possibly gave it away?" Loki asked through gritted teeth as he turned to look at the man who he was now stuck alone with.
"Your accent." Peter said with a sheepish grin. "But in all seriousness. Stark. He's doing ok?" His voice became somber and all joking was put aside, for the most part. Peter was making sure Loki could see how concerned he was about this whole situation.
Loki leaned back in the bed as his eyes drifted towards the window again. There was a bucket in Tony's hand that he filled up with water and then dumped over his head. He placed it on the grass against a rock and it looked as if he had picked up a bar of soap from the rock because after a few seconds of rubbing his fingers in his hair foamy white bubbles had appeared. It had been months since either could take anything remotely close to a bath so he could tell Tony was enjoying it. But Tony appeared to be enjoying the sensual teasing the most. "He puts on a good front, but I can tell he's worried." Loki finally said, but this time in a more cordial matter.
"Listen, I know he's your fiancée and all and with what he's gone through, how can it not change a person? But I have known Stark practically my whole life. And I know when he is in something too deep that his egotistical pride alone won't get him through it. I know if I offered my help he would reject it. He only accepts it when there's no other way. But I want to do something." Loki rose an eyebrow in suspicion. He barely knew this guy and yet he was openly offering help. Help that he knew Tony would never take. Tony liked handing things, not the one being handed too. Even if they are friends and have been for years, Tony won't accept that assistance so easily, if at all. "I'm not king yet, so I have no bargaining power with Nova Prime." Peter saw Loki raising an eyebrow at that title and knew he needed to go in more depth about how his kingdom works if he was going to try to appeal to him. "That's the title given to the person that heads our army. The military and government are separate entities in Xandar that way no one person hold all the power. Despite this I do have my own private brigade." A smile began to form on Peter's lips and he paused dramatically. "We call ourselves the Guardians. The Guardians of Xandar."
A snort escaped from Loki. The pride that oozed from Peter at saying that was borderline camp and to Loki absolutely ridiculous. "The Guardians of Xandar?" He asked incredulously.
"Hey, the name needs a little work, but my team is good. Really good. The best warriors in Xandar."
Loki knew he didn't have the right to be picky in this situation. He and Tony needed all the help they could get. And since he "promised" not to personally involve Pepper, Maya and Jarvis in any of his plans; having soldiers from Xandar could possibly beneficial. The problem is all his plans will now rest on the current relations between the two kingdoms. "Very well." Loki said as if he was being forced against his will to agree. Putting on his best show of begrudging acceptance so this new acquaintance could not see or sense the true intentions that laid within him. "I accept your and your team's assistance."
Peter's smile didn't fail as he rose from the bed. "Tonight when Tony falls asleep, meet me in at the center of the forest where the creek branches out. You can meet the guys then." He walked to the door and turned around before reaching for the knob. "Hey. I know we don't really know one another. But I want you to know that you can trust me. No one will know you and Tony are here. And my team. They will do right by you...mostly." He quickly opened the door and stepped outside. "Damn Stark, you take longer baths than Pepper and Gamora combined. I gotta head back, but I'll check on you guys tomorrow. Just leave a sock on the door or something if it's not safe to come in."
Loki's attention returned to the window as he watched the prince jump across the river and vanish into the forest that would eventually lead to the main castle. But Tony was nowhere to be seen. His clothing was still where he laid it, but the man was nowhere to be seen. The door swung open and there he stood. Black hair dripping water on the floor and foam still behind his ear. It was as if Tony was counting down the seconds until he and Loki could be alone again. Even though Tony was breathing heavily from his mad dash back to the cabin, he positioned his body against the door frame seductively, it was as if he had been waiting for Loki all along.
Loki rose an eyebrow as if he was saying Honestly Anthony, but he didn't speak an actual word.
Tony sauntered into the room with a smirk. Not letting his lame attempt at being smooth break his stride. He crawled on the bed and immediately kissed Loki. It was forceful. Potent. Brought about a heated carnal desire both missed. Their tongues clashed and Loki's hands freely wandered Tony's bare skin. It was everything both needed. A moment of pure bliss. Something that was difficult to achieve with the knight possibly overhearing.
Tony tugged at Loki's shirt who obliged in his request. They were going to enjoy this night because both knew it would be some time before they could have another like it.