"Loki still resented our father, but he was determined to earn back his freedom. Although he pretended to loathe following Father's orders, I believe that some part of him still yearned for his acceptance," explained Thor.

"I know he does. In one of the most remote places in his mind, he still craves affection from his father. He loves and hates him at the same time," said Stella, never breaking eye contact with Thor.

"How can you be certain?"

"Loki explained to you that I have… gifts, did he not?"

"He said you were not like other Midgardians."

"You could say that. I am what's known on Earth as a 'mutant'. Humans are evolving into new beings with special abilities. One of my abilities allows me to see into people's minds, their thoughts, their feelings, their memories. That's how I was able to know something was wrong with Loki when you first arrived at my home. Now, I want you to tell me if he's alright, and how he was hurt in the first place."

"The healers are doing everything they can for him. He is very weak, but still strong enough to conjure snakes to chase away unwanted visitors."

They both smiled briefly.

"Father's first task for Loki was to subdue a small rebellion in Muspelheim, the realm of fire. I and a small army accompanied him in the battle. The rebellion was crushed in very short time. We rounded up all the rebels and saw to it that they were properly restrained, all but one. He must've cut his ropes behind his back. Once Loki was close enough to him, he took his dagger to Loki's side. I tried to stop it. I… couldn't get there fast enough. I didn't hesitate; I killed the rebel right there. Loki's wound was minor, but the dagger had been coated in fire poison. It is very rare poison of Muspelheim, and Loki's Frost Giant heritage makes him even more vulnerable against it."

He looked into Stella's eyes and found a surprise. Her irises were gold. He knew they had been blue before. She noticed his reaction.

"Oh, it's part of being a mutant. My eyes turn gold when I use my power. Sorry, I didn't know that I was making it windy. Um, that's another part of my abilities. I can control the weather."

She tried to force out a smile.

Thor led Stella to the throne room in the palace of Asgard where she would be greeted by Odin. Before entering, Thor said to Stella, "You must kneel and address my father as 'Your Majesty'."

"Yes, yes, I know. Loki told me everything."

Thor had suggested she change into Asgardian attire, but she had said, "No, I just want to see Loki as soon as possible." So she was now appearing before the King of Asgard in sneakers, blue jeans, and a t-shirt, with her brown hair in a messy ponytail.

"Are you the human Loki claims is his bride-to-be?" Odin asked Stella, after she stood up from kneeling.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"And are you aware that there has never before been a marriage between an Asgardian and a human?"

"Yes, so that makes us even more special."

"Very well."

"Yes, and forgive me, but I'd like to see my fiancé now. I'm very concerned for his health."

"You may be dismissed."

She gave another quick kneel, and then turned and almost ran out of the throne room. "Now, where is Loki?" she asked Thor.

Thor led Stella through several winding corridors until they came to a bed chamber. The door towered over them— at least twenty feet tall. The wood was carved with faces of beasts and stories of epic heroes, but Stella had no time to admire them. She shoved through the door and went to see her future husband.