The victory feast was no small arrangement. Hundreds of people filled the hall with laughter and the music blared triumphantly. The great hall's tall ceilings were glowing with golden light from crystal chandeliers and candelabras. Asgardian soldiers wore their armor and their women proudly as they strutted among the tables, jesting loudly with one another. The tall windows had been adorned in deep crimson curtains to commemorate Thor as victor.

The entire hall turned and bowed politely to Loki as he entered, Emilia on his arm. Loki scanned the room for Odin and smirked inwardly at the confusion on his face. He led Emilia to the royal table through a crowd of gawking people.

What are they looking at? Emilia thought in confusion.

Loki's eyebrows raised and he leaned his head closer to her. "You." He whispered softly.

At the royal table, Loki bowed stiffly to his father and mother.

"Loki!" huffed the Allfather. "Who is this enchanting young woman?"

"Mother, Father, this is Emilia." Loki said almost proudly, glancing sideways at the beautiful woman on his arm.

Odin stood creakily and took Emilia's hand in his. "It is a pleasure to see such a gorgeous woman beside our Loki! After the horse incident-"

Emilia's eyes nearly burst from her head.

"-ODIN!" Frigga screeched.

The Allfather took one look at his wife and silenced himself. "Lovely to meet you, Emilia." He chuckled and moved away to circulate the room and speak to his soldiers.

Frigga smiled embarrassedly at the confused Emilia and followed her husband.

"It was one time." Loki breathed heavily. "Would you like some wine?"

The wine was sweet, but Emilia could tell it was strong. She would have to be careful if she were to keep her wits about her this evening. She noted the exits casually. Loki hissed a warning.

Suddenly, the entire room burst into a roar. Emilia's head whipped around to locate the cause of the cheer.

A large, thickly muscled man wearing armor and a red cloak had entered the room. He greeted the soldiers as brothers, embracing arms with them and laughing heartily.

Loki's eyes narrowed at the thoughts creeping into Emilia's mind.

"Thor!" boomed Odin from the center of the room. "My son! The victor!"

Thor grinned and made his way to his father, clasping his arm tightly. "Father! You've outdone yourself with this feast." he bellowed.

Thor hugged his mother and made his way to the royal table to greet Loki, shaking hands with soldiers along the way.

"Brother," Loki said evenly as Thor grabbed him in a bear hug so tight it would have crushed a weaker man's ribcage.

Then Thor caught sight of Emilia. Jealousy bubbled in Loki's gut as he watched his brother greet her. Thor caught her hand and kissed it, his lips lingering on her knuckles just a little too long. The jealousy flared even more dangerously when he realized how Emilia's mind was reacting.

Loki introduced them quickly and sat down at the table. Thor ignored the soldiers vying for his attention and seated himself next to Emilia.

"Where did my brother find someone as beautiful as you?" Thor leaned close and purred to Emilia as he filled her glass once more with wine.

To Loki's disgust, Emilia blushed and replied, "He's been keeping me hidden. I don't know why."

Thor chuckled cockily and began telling her about the victory. Soon a crowd had gathered to hear him tell how he had vanquished a horde of frost giants hoping to claw their way across the bifrost and into Asgard. Toasts were made to Thor and his victory and more wine was drunk.

When the story was through, the dancing began. Thor picked Emilia up and spun her round like a child.

Knowing Loki was in her mind, Emilia thought He's very handsome.

Loki's grip tightened around his wine glass.

He spoke into her mind, You're tiptoeing on thin ice.

And a wonderful dancer! She thought as she gripped Thor's thick shoulders.

This stupid midgardian harlot was managing to tweak every one of his nerves and insecurities.

He looks familiar. Have I seen him at Kolr's?

That finished it. Loki had attempted to keep his anger in check for her. Only for her. But now she had gone too far. Loki knew Thor had never been to Kolr's, as he preferred to have his whores brought to him, but this was too much.

Loki's eyes met hers and the dress disappeared for a millisecond.

Loki watched as Emilia blanched and then whispered something in Thor's ear. She sauntered back toward the royal table, murder in her eyes.

"How could you exsssspose me like that!?" she slurred as she slumped into the seat next to him.

"Did anyone seem to notice it?" asked Loki smoothly.

He watched her drunkenly calculate his words in her mind.

Loki brought his face to hers, so close their noses almost touched. "Nobody saw you, Emilia, except yourself. But I swear, if you ever taunt me again, you will pay dearly."

With that he stood and offered his arm. She gingerly took it and let Loki lead her from the hall.

They left so quickly that neither of them saw Thor whispering strangely to his servant.