I do not own the Marvel Characters. They are property of Marvel Comics, Inc. This is set after Thorand before (and leading into) The Avengers movie.This is an AU. I only own Iona.
Chapter 4
Three months had passed since the fall of the Avengers and Loki had been crowned King of Midgard. He had ended the wars around the world and he had made war criminals rebuild Stark Tower as he, Hawkeye, Iona travelled to Versailles and made it their permanent residence.
The people of Midgard had accepted it only because Loki had abolished the UN and made himself the highest authority. He allowed each country's governments for now. But he told them if they acted out, it would be under his direct control as in the case of Iran, Afghanistan, and Israel. They couldn't handle the change and they paid the price.
Iona had adjusted to her life, but kept her distance from most people, including Hawkeye and Loki. The servants treated her like a queen, but she didn't seem to react to it as such. The Avengers had been visiting now and again, but Iona would only talk to Steve.
But today of all days, was important for Loki because the Odin All Father of Asgard, his queen, and his heir were coming to visit the King of Midgard. Iona stood in her dressing chambers wondering what she should wear. She wondered if she should wear Loki's green gown she wore at the Fall, or if she could wear something different.
Finally, the navy blue gown jumped out at her and she smiled. This was how she was to impress the visitors who approve of her marriage to their adopted son. She had to show them that she was not under Loki's control, that she resented him in some respects. She got out of her nightgown and began dressing humming at her superior logic.
When she was ready, she upswept her hair and calmly walked out the door. The necklace of ice blue made her feel regal, but she knew she would be outclassed by Thor at the very least.
Clint met her outside and she smiled at him. "Are your friends coming to see Thor at all?" She asked as they walked down the hall.
"Yes, actually. Steve is especially anxious to see you, my queen." Clint answered, a little more spring in his step. "It's been a while since I've seen most of them, though Tony is here more often than most."
"That he is. I wish he would stop it. All that talk of politics and business make me grow bored." She said as they arrived to see the ranks of Steve, Tony, Bruce, Natasha, and Nick all there. Loki was sitting on his throne and smiled when he saw her.
"There is my queen. I was worried you wouldn't want to meet my adoptive parents, love. Thor is looking forward to seeing you again." Loki motioned to the smaller throne beside him.
"Thank you for your concern, my king, but I was just hoping to be left alone all these months." She answered as she went to the throne. "When will they arrive?"
As if on cue, the All Father and Freya entered the hall. In ceremonial armor, Thor was behind them, smiling at all assembled. Loki stepped down from the throne and Iona followed suit, not sure what she should do.
"Loki, King of Midgard. I was sure this would lead to ruin, but you are handling your reign quite well so far." The All Father began. "You have made me proud, Loki Laufeyson."
"Thank you, All Father. May I present to you my fiancée and my queen, the only human born of Asgard, Iona." Loki pushed her gently forward and Iona curtsied unsure of what to say.
"A pleasure. I understand the humans are under your protection, Queen Iona of Midgard?" Odin asked and she nodded. "If anything happens to them, I will hold you responsible for not keeping Loki in line."
Iona's face dropped, but Freya smoothed her gown before saying "Loki, have you prepared dinner?"
"Of course, my queen." Loki answered. "Right this way…"
He led all of them to the ornate dining chambers. Iona was busy repeating Odin's words in her head. She would be responsible if the humans suffered at Loki's hands. Maybe she shouldn't have signed on to be Loki's queen after all. Clint smiled in reassurance, but it didn't help.
After they sat, Iona looked at them all and felt small. They were gods and superheroes, she was a human. What was so special about her? She sighed, wondering if she was as important as she once thought.
Freya noticed and Thor was instantly comforting. "My lady, you don't have to feel so down about your position. It is a cherished position to protect the humans."
"I just feel like a gigantic weight has been placed on my shoulders." Iona replied looking at Odin. "Your father seems to hold me responsible for the humans well being."
"That's why the Avengers are here. They will protect the humans and meet with you bi-monthly in order to assess what we can fix for them, Iona." Loki had noticed her unease. "I want you to be comfortable."
"When is the wedding?" Thor asked, smiling.
"In two days, before you take your leave. I was hoping the All Father would attend with his queen." Loki answered.
Iona felt sick to her stomach. Only two days? Was he nuts? She looked at Clint, but he seemed focused on Loki and Odin more than her. They were all waiting for Odin's answer.
"Who would you like to walk you down the aisle, Iona?" Freya asked, knowing Odin would like the honor.
"I was wondering if the All Father would do me the honor." She answered, feeling so small.
"I would be honored, Queen Iona." Odin answered with a bow.
She looked around at the Avengers and they all didn't object. She wondered how they would accomplish everything in two days. Iona looked at Loki and he smiled almost sinisterly at her. She wondered what his true intentions with her were. She stood up and felt lightheaded.
Then everything went black.
