Sorry for my mistakes, I thought I was never to write next chapter but here I am! Almost a year later but who will count. I hope you'll enjoy it ;)
disclaimer: I still don't own any characters form 300: rise of an empire or Loki himself, sadly.

Chapter 2

Artemisia decided to retreat her navy from the battle. United Greek was too big enemy to attack them without thinking of tactics first. Her generals failed her much lately so she knew that leaving all navy in their hands would be a great act of stupidity. She command them to do nothing aggressive until she come back and instructed how to react if they had to defend themselves.
-Anyone who won't obey will be punished by death. Understand?
-Yes, my commander. - said Artaphernes, who always be the one not afraid of speaking, and the rest of them just nodded.

After that Loki walked up to her and said:
- are you ready for a trip yet? I don't want to mess up my schedule, you now?
- oh.. it's a pity that I don't give a damn about your schedule – said Artemisia with mock sympathy. – by the way you should tell me where is this… Asgard city, first.
- don't worry about it, it's just a few galaxies away. - he answered nonchalantly. - Can we go now? – added with a little annoyance in his voice.
- we can. - she cut shortly and rolled her eyes. "I wonder what is so damn important to trouble this much" she thought and shook her head.
- Hold on! - shouted Loki with a smirk on his face. Before she even have time to react he grabbed her waist in a strong hug and ground fled beneath her feet. Artemisia felt great force pulling her down so she instinctively tightened her grip on his clothes. For a number of second she didn't see anything besides colourful vertical lines, flashing rapidly. World still seemed blurry for her when they suddenly hit the ground.
- Voilà! – he said looking upon his pale companion. - Don't worry, you will get used to it.
- are you insane!? You could warn me at least! – She shouted, feeling nausea.
- you can handle some flying I think.
- if you ever do this again when I'm not expecting it..
- yea. I know. You will kill me. But you will have to try harder, because we both know your last attempt wasn't so successful.
He just smile brightly in amusement, watching her annoyance rising more and more.
- we should go now, I have some things to show you.

Loki moved towards the exit from this golden round building, where they appeared. Artemisia didn't have much choice and started to following him, still fighting not to throw up. She felt even worse when they entered the bridge leading to a city, which was almost transparent, mounted high above the water. She stopped for a while to watch how waves brutally crushes on the rocks beneath her. Loki heard that she's not walking any more and turned around.
- are you scared of heights? – he asked, raising one eyebrow.
- of course not. - She lied and moved forward, feeling rather uncomfortable walking on this weird floor.

When they finally made it to Loki's estate, he said:
- Welcome to my humble house! Feel yourself at home. We still have some time before preparations begin.
- ugh.. preparation for what? – she asked in resignation.
- We're going to a ball! ..but not for entertainment. – he added hastily, when he saw Artemisia's death glare.
- I fucking hope so. I started to get tired of your funny games. Tell me what it's all about. - she said.
- In time. Now, listen: at this ball I want you to observe your future enemies. It's a little victory party so there will be most of the generals of the Asgardian army. The more you know about them, the better. This knowledge will be useful later.
- sigh… at least I know what to do.
- …and there is one more thing. – he started, - we have to look presentable so I have something for you. Follow me.

Artemisia didn't know what to expect but already decided she won't wear any fancy dress which will probably make her look like a doll. Much to her surprise, she saw black armour with gold and green elements of leather, shaped little like dress. This outfit looked oddly similar to those she wore every day.
- do you like it? I hope it will be suitable.
- yea.. um.. I think it's ok.
- so get change and I'll be back in half an hour. – said Loki and soon after he left.

When they arrived to the palace, most of the guests have already been inside. They went through huge dancing hall and entered even bigger room, full of tables with food on them. Interior was decorated rather impressive, full of gold, sculptures and some weird plants. Their appearance caused some stir. Loki led Artemisia right to the centre of the room, where stood the host. She didn't know who he is, but she felt he was important.
- Father. May I present to you the goddess of war from Earth – Artemisia.
"The goddess" how praising, she thought. Few people around also reacted to this remark, with various facial expressions; from amazement to scorn and disbelief.
- Artemisia. This is the king of Asgard – Odin.
- I'm honoured. – she said shortly and Odin bow his head in replay.
- I wish both of you have fine evening, ..now excuse me, I have a conversation to finish.
- Of course. – said Loki and they went few steps away.
-You didn't brag before that you are a prince of some sort. – she started – and I don't recall to be called "the goddess of war" either.
- I think this title can't do you harm, really.
She looked at him suspiciously but didn't say anything.

As the party goes Artemisia was getting bored. She decide to do something about it.
- If I'm supposed to know my enemies I need to talk to them at least. – she said to Loki, and without giving much thought to this, she went to the nearest group of soldiers.
- If this is your version of victory party i have to say it's pitiful.
- And who are you to say such a thing? – said the tallest man, looking at Artemisia intrigued but with a little mockery.
- I'm someone who always win and knew how to celebrate it properly.
- Oh.. how arrogant, and such confidence! I like it in women! It brings a little spice.. if you know what I mean – he said with a smirk looking at his companions, and they all started to laugh.
Ugh, that's what I thought. They are no worthy enemies, they're just a bunch of smug assholes. She looked at them irritated.
- If you fight as good as you joke, I'm starting to worry about this weird land, and I'm here about 3 hour long. It also makes me wonder who was your enemy, if the pathetic creatures like you won this war. – she teased.
- Huh. And I thought we could get along. You look much better if you don't talk.
- I don't think so, and I'm not a decoration.
- Oh really? You can't tell me that Loki brought you here for some serious purpose.
- What I'm doing here is not your concern, and honestly says, I can't see any purpose for you, here or anywhere.
- Listen babe, I don't care who you are but if you'll continue insulting me I will have to throw you a challenge. We shall see how much of a warrior you are.
- Finally, something interesting. How much disrespect I have to show to try your fighting skills?
- I didn't joke.
- Neither do I. – she said with a spark of madness in her eyes.
- So let's be it. – he said and pull out his sword.
Guests around them split in two, making some place for them to fight. Artemisia got in position with her two golden swords ready to attack.
- Swords are not toys for a pretty girl like you, put them down before you hurt yourself. – he warned.
- I hope you have the time to say goodbye to your friends? Because it is the last time you see them in this world – she answered with faked sympathy.
After those words soldier threw himself at her but she was prepared for that. Artemisia defended herself and then she start showing off her talent; dancing with her swords, looking so effortlessly when her enemy barely can shield himself. It did not take a minute before she impaled so called soldier.
At the same time lots of people gathered near, wanting to know what happened. In a second Loki also appeared, along with his father, who saw a dead body of his best commander and say:
- who is the meaning of this!?
- I am. – proudly says Artemisia, without a sign of remorse. – He got on my nerves. – added with a smile.
- He was my best commander! – said Odin.
- He hardly was a fret. I hope I taught this miserable soldiers a lesson. Don't dare to make funny of me.
Loki stood there speechless, waiting for the further course of events but nothing significant happened. Odin one more time looked at Artemisia directly at the eyes and walked away, saying:
- There's nothing to look at any more people, don't make a fuss! Loki! Come with me.
When the where on the balcony Odin say:
- I don't know why you brought her here but she could be useful, she show herself quite brilliant in battle. I want her in my army.
- Yy.. um what? I don't think it's a good idea father and she probably will refuse your offer.
- But you will ask her anyway, understand?
- Yes.
- Goodnight then. – and he left.

Great! Loki thought. Now he knew she's dangerous and valuable. Just perfect! Now I will have to think of some more discreet plan. Nothing is lost yet but I need to be more careful. First of all, I need to take her form this awful party and explain some things. It will be easier I hope.