A/N-As always, thanks for your reviews, and for following the story! I love, love, love hearing from you.
As before, I've edited the heck out of this but will take a little while and reread (because I'll have missed something). And I'll add comments to some reviews, for you guys keep noticing things (which is awesome)...but these things are spoilery.
I hope you enjoy this. There's not a ton of plot here, but it sets up what I call 'Part II' of the fic.
Nothing too M rated here, though there's mention of an 'adult sit'.
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Chapter 6-Repercussions
As soon as the door snapped shut, Asrior stopped her pacing to take stock of the room's contents.
The selves were filled with books, but also with other objects—stones and silver filaments and crystal spheres. A box on the desk was open to reveal what looked like dried herbs, and a candle and small silver dagger sat next to it. All items that Loki used in his sorcery, no doubt. She had seen similar used by her father.
She was tempted to take something, the urge driven in large part by her desire to defy him. But he would know if anything went missing, because, like Valtur, her new husband probably had spells on everything. Not for the first time, Asrior wished that she had been allowed to study magic herself.
No. However tempting it might be to take something, the danger was too great to steal directly from Loki. She would have to be more careful…more cunning while under his control than she had been in Svartalfheim.
As she turned to resume her pacing, the door opened again; Asrior held her body rigid and watched as Emil and a woman walked through the door.
"Your chambers are ready," the manservant announced without preamble, and he nodded at the woman next to him. "This is Saldis. She is housekeeper here and will attend to you while you are at Okershall. You will follow her."
He sounded as though she were an uninvited guest who had arrived on their doorstep without warning, and he made little effort to veil his contempt.
The housekeeper—a strong-looking woman whose face was lined with either work or age—had locked her dark eyes on a position above Asrior's head.
"Very well," she said, walking toward them, undaunted. "I am most intrigued as to the accommodations my new husband has arranged for me."
The housekeeper turned, her expression never changing, but a corner of Emil's mouth twisted into a derisive sneer. But he was not rude, merely murmuring, "Thanks you, Saldis," as the older woman left with Asrior on her heels.
She walked in silence, her back as rigid as Asrior's, and she led her down the smaller hall and into the entry way. She bypassed the great golden staircase that dominated the entry, however, to walk across the room and cross under an archway made of stone.
She was leading Asrior away from the new wing of the castle—the family quarters, Loki had said—and taking her deep into the ancient keep.
They walked down a hall, and then another, and then up a small set of stairs that wound skyward into a turret, and with every step she took, Asrior found it easier to forget the hurt and humiliation she felt over Loki's betrayal and give in to her anger.
They could put her away in the darkest, furthermost corner of the castle, they could treat her with every ounce of scorn they felt and more—but they would find that she was not so easy to cow.
"I am to be kept in a tower?" she asked the housekeeper, her voice light, as though they were discussing the change of the seasons. "Are there no dungeons at Okershall, then?"
Saldis didn't speak or look at Asrior, simply climbing the stairs that rose higher and higher.
Trying again, she goaded, "Or is it the custom of this land to imprison those not fully of Asgard? I thought dark elves were supposed to be the barbaric ones, so please forgive my confusion."
The woman still did not say anything, but her mouth trembled, and finally she stopped on a small landing and turned toward a heavy wooden door to open it. The door groaned as it moved, and Saldis turned, her eyes still above Asrior's head, and spoke for the first time.
"Your rooms."
Asrior walked in and slowly began to turn around as she looked; she was indeed in a tower, near the top of it most likely The room was not small, but heavy wooden furniture filled up the space. Torches lit the walls, and a small fireplace made of darker stone jutted from one of the corners, and door nearby it looked to lead to the bath. One window, narrow and reaching almost floor to ceiling, lay on the other side of the bed.
It was so similar to her chamber in Valtur's fortress that she laughed.
"So a tower it is. I have to admit, I thought my lord husband had more imagination than this."
Saldis remained silent, but her lips thinned at the word 'husband'. Asrior felt a vicious stab of victory and vowed to use the term often.
Footsteps echoed on the landing outside her room, and a boy walked in, carrying her two small trunks. He dropped them onto the floor without ceremony, and moved to stand by the housekeeper, his arms crossed. He was fair-skinned, with light brown hair and amber eyes, and he stared at her with palpable distrust.
"Do you require anything before I leave?"
The housekeeper's voice was stiff, as though the words were torn from her, and the eyes she finally turned onto Asrior burned with hatred.
Asrior glared back at her.
"Yes, actually. I would like my freedom. I would like what is rightfully mine back from my husband and your master, and then I would like to leave this place."
The woman merely stared at her and the boy frowned.
"But if you cannot help with that, I suppose I will have to content myself here. For now," she said, and turned to walk toward the long and narrow window. "Leave me."
She stared wordlessly out at the deepening twilight and did not move, and after a moment, she heard the door shut.
Once their footsteps faded and she was sure they were gone, she dropped her air of defiance and turned, moving quickly toward her trunks. Loki had gone through her things and taken the silk bag that held the remainder of her coins, so there was little of value left, but some of the items would be worth salvaging.
She opened the trunk that held her new clothes, and took the handful of dresses out and laid them on the bed. There were three that were unworn, gowns of silk and velvet. Their price on the black market would not be much, but they would fetch something.
The blue gown she'd worn on her wedding lay at the bottom, along with the carefully folded nightdress she'd worn the night before. Her anger and resolve almost faltered at the sight of them; but Asrior blinked and, swallowing the bitter taste in her mouth, gathered them up in a large ball. She moved quickly to the large wooden wardrobe that dominated one of the room's walls, for there was a drawer along the bottom of it, and she yanked it open and shoved the offending garments deep inside.
Then, breathing hard, she moved back to the trunk. The opulent, purple-bound book Loki had given her was in there as well, and with a harsh laugh, Asrior took it and tossed it onto the bed next to the unused gowns, not caring if she got anything for it—she'd give it to a beggar to use to kindle a fire if nothing else.
The other trunk did not offer much—a leather bag and silk hose. A new pair of soft leather slippers. Embroidery thread, and a pair of gold scissors and needles. Ribbons and wooden hairclips carved to look like flowers—Geror's wedding gift. Nothing of great value, but all worth selling.
And so, her plans beginning to take shape, Asrior put her meager lot of goods into one of the trunks and placed it carefully inside of the wardrobe. Then she moved to a wooden chair near the room's lone window and sat and gazed outside, her mind whirling.
….
She did not know how she stared out the window. The little turret looked down upon the stables, which were lit with warm light and still bustling with activity despite the growing darkness; but Asrior saw nothing. Her mind was far away, first with her mother, where she sought strength and resolve, and then on new plans to escape.
At some point the door to her room opened, and she heard the housekeeper's voice.
"It is time for supper."
Asrior did not turn to look at Saldis, simply saying, "I'm not coming down."
"My lord Loki demands it."
"No doubt. But somehow I lack the desire to fall in line with my husband's mandates."
The door shut after a moment, and Asrior resumed her plotting, though she steeled herself, for she knew Loki would not allow her defiance.
Soon enough, the door opened again, with more force, and his voice—so silkily quiet that she almost wished he had shouted—said, "You should know me well enough by now to understand that I expect obedience from my wife."
Asrior kept her eyes on the window. "And I expected honesty from my husband. It appears that we have both set ourselves up for disappointment."
He growled with impatience, and she heard his boots clicking on the floor as he walked to stand beside her.
"I am not interested in your expectations, elf, though you have little room to speak of honesty. You will obey me." And he bent so that he was crouching next to her, and his voice felt sharp as a blade in her ear. "I will allow you tonight to lick your wounds, but tomorrow, you will leave these chambers and you will do your duties as mistress of these lands."
"Duties?" she scoffed. "What use have I to…"
His hand was on her forearm, gripping hard. "While you are legally mine, you will attend to the people that I rule. You will see their burnt out homes and wrecked fields, and you will witness the devastation your kind has wrought on them."
"You are letting me out of my prison?" she asked, arching a brow and looking at him, her jaw jutting out in obstinacy. "I would think you to be more careful. I confess I am shocked you do not chain me to the wall instead."
He teeth flashed as his lips stretched into wicked smile.
"Do you honestly think you can run away from me?"
Her stomach clenched uncomfortably at his confidence, and she turned back to the window, seeking to wound him.
"I think you are as much a monster as the gossips whispered about."
He growled and moved his hand to her hair, pushing into it and gripping her head so that she was forced to look at him, and when he spoke, an edge of savagery tinted his voice.
"Let go the air of self-pity. Your childish need to feel sorry for yourself is indecent when you sit here surrounded by those who have suffered real harm."
The unfairness of it stung, she clenched her fists and tried to pull away, her mouth opening to rage at him, but his grip grew stronger as he pushed her head back toward the window.
"Look out there…your injured pride is nothing compared to what the people there continue to face."
His hand dug so hard into her scalp that tears pricked her eyelids before she could control them, and she blinked them back and reached up to tug at his hand, snarling, "I am not my father. Their suffering is not my doing."
And I have been injured too.
But the words she most wanted to shout did not come.
Loki, however, dropped his hand and leaned back on his heels, and a mask fell over the rage that had contorted his face.
"No. You are not your father. And you are not imprisoned here. You can leave your room and walk through the castle and its lands any time you wish, and even further if you are escorted by me or one of my trusted servants. And you'll get to go home soon. But I have ensured that you can only go so far and with certain people for now."
"And then what?" she asked, her tone dripping with ridicule. "You think I'll wait here while you divorce me, while you leave me penniless? Do you believe that I will happily attend to your peasants and endure their hatred for me…and that their pitiful existence will so move me that I'll go back to Svartalfheim and convince my father to change his ways?" She laughed before turning to the window. "You are delusional if you think that can happen."
"No. I do not expect you to be happy as you attend to my people. Not at all." He stood, his voice hard. "But you will do as I say, Asrior. You have little choice in the matter."
"You do not control me," she said mulishly, for she was feeling desperate and wanted to hide it. "You cannot stop me from leaving."
Loki sounded amused when he answered her. "Oh, but I can. And I think you well know it." He walked away, then, saying, "You will do as I say tomorrow. You do not want to test my magic."
The door opened and closed again.
Asrior turned back to the window and stayed there, forcing herself to stop brooding over her situation and to think.
When Saldis send up a tray of food, she did not eat it. When the housekeeper sent a maid up to draw a bath and help her prepare to retire for the night, she sent the girl away with a glower, snarling that she did not require assistance.
She was still sitting in the chair when the sun's light began to creep above the forests beyond the grounds; and she paused from her plotting for a moment to watch the activity around the stables begin again. And not long after, her door opened once more.
"I have been sent to escort you downstairs to eat."
The voice was unfamiliar, and Asrior turned.
The boy from the night before stood just inside her door, and the eyes that watched her were self-assured for one that looked so young.
"You will come with me today," he explained. "You will eat everything that is put on your plate, and then I will begin your instruction as to our lands. Loki said you would be no trouble."
She was about to refuse when it occurred to her that she would need to know what lay outside the castle if she were to escape.
"And why did Loki not come himself?" she asked, carefully taking measure of the boy.
His face gave little away as he answered, "He left for the city this morning. I do not know when he expects to return."
So he had dared to leave her alone so soon?
Good.
Asrior stood and looked down at her wrinkled dress, saying, "I will need a moment to change."
"I will wait outside."
But before he left, she stopped him. "Wait a moment. What is your name?"
"Hlin," he said, remaining remarkably poised.
"You are young. You look to be barely twelve."
And perhaps your youth is to my advantage.
But Hlin smirked and looked so like Loki in that instant that she blinked to clear her vision.
"I am merely small for my age." He turned after that and was almost out the door when he looked over his shoulder to say, "I hope you do not underestimate me because of it."
When the door shut, she exhaled and pressed her palms to her eyes.
Quite clearly, escaping here would be a tricky bit of business.
….
Loki wondered how it was that he could feel so many things. He was accustomed to mercurial chances in mood, but this…this was different, this blend of everything all at once.
How could he feel so triumphant and furious at the same time? Shouldn't the glorious outcome of his plans have overridden everything? Such success should have made him happy—yet, despite his great delight in his achievement, he was still very, very angry.
He was filled with a rage he thought would ease once his plans were put into place. But he still burned with it, which frustrated him to no end, and that was compounded by his annoyance at his inability to browbeat the elf he had married. And while her insolence only strengthened his resolve to see her fully chastised, he could not overlook the uncomfortable fact that the little wretch intrigued him. And that made him even angrier.
He was filled with such self-disgust over his lack of control over his emotions that he wanted to scream.
Instead, he stalked through the crowd at court, glowering at those who tried to stop him. He looked for Sif, for he wanted to tell her first what he had done, and to discuss his growing apprehension over what Thor would say when he learned of his latest plot. His brother was away from the city again, which gave him time to discuss exactly how he should tell Thor that he had tricked Valtur's daughter into marriage.
But Sif was nowhere to be found, and that left only…
Fandral was standing in the middle of the banquet hall, talking to Volstagg, and each were adorned with their usual accessories—the blond warrior with and equally golden goddess on each arm, and the other with a plate piled high with food.
Volstagg spotted him first, hastily swallowing a mouthful before exclaiming, "Loki! I had no idea you were expected back at court."
The others turned to look as Loki approached, Fandral's face filled with curiosity, and the goddesses' with calculation.
"I'm not expected," he explained curtly, and he ignored the simpering smile the woman on Fandral's right arm aimed at him. "Where is Sif?"
Fandral's brow rose at Loki's imperious tone. "Resting this evening. She was training with a new weapon yesterday and ended up in the healing room overnight."
Distracted by the news, Loki frowned. "That doesn't sound like Sif, being so careless."
"Twas one of Stark's weapons," Volstagg explained in between bites of sugared berries. "Apparently it malfunctioned. He's returned to Midgard, perfecting it. I believe that is where Thor is as well."
Loki held back a growl at his brother's stubborn infatuation with that beleaguered realm and its people, and asked, "Do you know when our king is expected back?"
Volstagg was busy eating, so he shook his head; Fandaral was looking at the goddess on his right arm, for she was tugging at it and eyeing Loki at the same time.
Chagrin crossed the blond warrior's face, but he gave a formal little bow and rolled his eyes."Forgive me Loki, I am neglecting the formalities. Allow me to introduce Ragna, who has recently returned from travels to Vanaheim." He looked at the other goddess, the one on his left, and muttered, "And this is her sister, Tola. This, as I'm sure you know, my beauties, is Loki, prince of Asgard, ruler of the lower countries, master of tricks, etcetera."
The woman called Ragna slid her hand from Fandral's arm and sidled up to Loki, looking hopeful.
"I am very pleased to meet you, my lord," she purred, her eyes raking over him, her smile suggestive. He took note of her overtures without emotion and studied her, his eyes just as calculating as hers had been when he walked up to them. His mind refused to be still, and it occurred to him that perhaps he could drive away the restless thoughts that plagued him through base, physical exertions.
But she was small for an Asgardian, her body appearing almost delicate encased as it was in a flowing blue gown.
He frowned. "It is my pleasure, I'm sure." And when he took her hand, he moved his lips over it without actually touching her skin.
Disappointment flooded her face at his disinterest, and as Loki offered the same detached greeting to her sister, he heard Volstagg, amused, whisper loudly, "I dare say our good lord of mischief is taken, my girl. Fandral, on the other hand, has room for more than one woman in his heart…and other places, no doubt."
Loki's eyes snapped to the rotund warrior, wondering for a moment if word of his marriage had somehow reached court; but Volstagg was looking over his shoulder, smirking, and Lorelei's husky voice filled his ear.
"Loki… it has been too long, my lord."
Turning to the bronze-haired goddess, he smiled, and then nodded at the other two warriors as they moved away, Fandral with the two women, and Volstagg saying something about smoked and salted stag.
"My lady. It has indeed been a while since I last saw you." And he allowed his lips to linger on the smooth skin of her hand, for he had learned not to neglect her when he needed information. "How is it that I survived?"
Her lips twisted. "Still, you mock me. It is I who lingered here in solitude."
"You are the one who jests," he countered, keeping her hand in his and moving thought the crowd and toward an empty alcove that sat nearby. "I doubt you lacked for company despite my absence. Your popularity is legendary, especially with the males of our race."
She smirked. "But you wish to know of the males of another race, do you not? You are so transparent."
"I am concerned with Asgard," he corrected, his thumb stroking her wrist. "And you have been of much value to me in protecting it."
Lorelei sighed heavily, and her free hand moved to her generous chest. "But I cannot be of much help now, and the thought of your disapproval distresses me."
They were at the dimly lit recess, and he pulled her into it and dropped his flirtatious manner, demanding, "Tell me what is wrong, Lorelei, and do not disassemble."
She pouted, pursing her overly full lips. "Valtur is not at court. He has been gone for over a fortnight this time." One of her hands drifted to his chest, a finger trailing over his armor. Loki allowed the familiarity, for he needed her cooperation. "He was barely here before. After his daughter disappeared, he said he spent much of his time at Jerrick's home in Nornheim. He said they were coordinating the search for the girl. I suggested that he might be more comfortable with companionship on his journeys, but he did not take the hint."
Loki grunted, annoyed. "Is there nothing that would be of interest?"
The finger drawing a pattern on his armor paused. "I would have hoped that I would be of interest." When she saw his look, she sighed and said, "No, there is nothing that you would find of interest. The time he spent here was in the company of Thor or his courtiers. He barely spent time with me. And as I told you, he was not here often." She sounded frustrated. "I was left too much alone."
He notice then that the hand at her neckline was fidgeting with the beading there—drawing attention to very generous curves barely hidden by the silver material of her gown. Lorelei drew a deep breath, causing the material to shimmer, and his eyes moved over her breasts to the sumptuous curve of her hips. The goddess's head reached well above his shoulder, and despite her excessive femininity, there was nothing fragile about her.
His hand moved to her waist, and he leaned toward her, his voice lowered to a silken whisper, "I hope you do not think I am ungrateful." And he smiled when she moved closer to him in response. "You have been most helpful to me, my most gracious lady. Perhaps it is time that I show you how truly appreciative I am."
The goddess caught her breath at his words, and the eyes that moved to his were almost fervent. "Do not toy with me, my lord. I am not in the mood for games."
She was almost quivering with desire, and though he usually found her over-abundant charms wearisome, he could not deny that she was an extremely desirable woman—and, no doubt, very experienced in the art of giving and receiving sexual pleasure. A lust-filled night with her would help settle his mind along with the debt he had promised her.
And, perhaps, it would drive away the memory of Asrior, for the feel of her had been shockingly pleasing. He understood before the marriage that he liked looking at her all too much, and he had done his best when he'd had to bed her to avoid the temptation she presented. He had not thought about how much he would like the simple act of touching her—or what her unsophisticated touches would do to him.
He almost snarled at the recollection, the anger and self-disgust he felt returning.
"I do not play games." He pulled Lorelei closer, and his hand sliding along her back and lower. And his mouth was against her ear as he spoke. "I am in your debt. Tell me what you desire, my lady, and I will do as you ask."
Her brown eyes were heavy with desire, and she turned her head so that their lips were almost touching.
"We should retire to my chambers, for such a debt will take time…and privacy…to pay in full. You have kept me waiting a long time, my lord."
And then her lips were on his, their movements sure and seductive, and her hands were not tentative as they moved over him. Loki felt his body responding, and he pulled back, impatient to get her alone so he could forget everything in a haze of lust.
"We should go then," he murmured, pulling her from the shadows. "I do not want to keep you waiting any longer."
….
Word reached Sif that Loki had returned, and she sent a message to his rooms the next morning. She was feeling more like herself, she said, and would be with the other warriors in chambers reserved for their use near the royal offices.
And so he found himself with little rest as he headed to meet with them, for Lorelei had kept him deep into the night, and his mood was no better than it had been the night before, either. His plan to free his mind through physical exertion had failed, and his body was little sated despite his best efforts.
Sif saw him first as he emerged from the curtained alcove that led to the room where they gathered, and she stood from the bench she sat upon and smirked.
"Look who the Arvak drug out." She looked out the massive window to her right, a brow arching at the sun's bright light. "Tis nearly midday."
Loki gave a halfhearted snarl in reply and advanced toward the group; they were gathered around a fire pit—Fandral lounging on a bench, while Volstagg knelt beside the fire, stoking the flames.
"Forgive him, Sif." Fandral's grin was wicked. "The goddess Lorelei looked to finally get her claws into him last evening, so we should be thankful that our lord of tricks can even walk." And then he leaned against a pillow and sighed. "I know I had a most difficult time moving this morning. Remind me of this day the next time I attempt to seduce two females at once."
Sif rolled her eyes and muttered, "Men. You are all most disgusting."
Volstagg did not look up from the fire. "Leave me out of this. May I remind you that I am a good and faithful husband…"
"…with the brood of children to prove it," Fandral finished for him, laughing.
Loki moved toward the pit to stand next to the redheaded warrior and murmured, "Allow me." And with a wave of his hand, had the fire began raging again.
Volstagg stood and bowed his thanks, and as he moved to one of the benches, Sif put her hands on her hips and demanded, "And where have you been?"
Smirking, he began, "I thought Fandral covered that…"
She huffed, and turned to begin pacing. "You know what I mean."
Sitting next to Volstagg, Loki adopted a look of innocence, pretending he only just understood her meaning.
"Oh… You mean since I left in search of the elf."
"Yes, since you left then." Sif stopped her pacing long enough to scowl at him. "You have been gone for so long that Stark is convinced he'll never see his things again. Did you know that he gets even more unpleasantly sarcastic when he is annoyed? I only agreed to test his weapon in hopes his mood would improve. When he found out you had returned here and was gone again in a day without even seeing us…" And at the look on his face, she stopped her tirade, and her eyes narrowed. "What?"
He was having a hard time controlling his expression.
So he leaned forward and rested his hands on his thighs, savoring their surprise when he told them what he'd done.
And though his words were simple, his pronouncement of, "I have news," had Siff stepping closer to him and Fandral sitting up on his bench.
Volstagg thumped the seat next to him and urged, "Well? Spit it out."
Loki threw the warrior a quelling look before he turned back to Sif, and with a barely suppressed smile, announced, "I am married."
Their reactions were what he expected.
Sif's mouth dropped open in shock, and Volstagg sputtered, stunned. Fandral's head tipped to the side as he tried to work it out, and with a voice filled with confusion, said, "To Lorelei? That was quick…"
Snorting, Loki looked at him as though he were simple. "No. Not to Lorelei."
"To who then?" Sif demanded, drawing his attention back to her. "If you have spent this entire time chasing after some… some piece of… What was it Stark said?" She searched for one then term, finally biting out, "…some piece of tail instead of finding out what Valtur is…"
Loki raised a hand to calm her, and quietly said, "The elf."
Everyone stopped, frozen, as they processed his words.
"I am recently wedded to Asrior of Svartalfheim, daughter to Valtur." He paused for a moment and allowed the triumph he felt at his success to fill him. "She is under my control, bound to my castle, answerable only to me—and much of her father's fortune as well, as his only daughter, is now mine." His face changed then, becoming more feral as he said, "And when he comes looking for her, I will be waiting for him."
A grudging look of admiration began to fill Sif's eyes, and Fandral and Voltstagg were both standing, their faces lit with excitement.
But behind him, it was Thor who spoke.
"What in Odin's name have you done now, brother?"
Twirling in surprise, Loki grunted, "You are returned?"
"Just in time apparently." Thor stomped toward the fire pit. His face was thunderous, and it grew even more so when Tony Stark, who was behind him, pointed out, "Actually, you appear to be a little late."
But he ignored the Midgaridan, demanding again, "Tell me what you have done, Loki."
"You heard me. I married your runaway elf." Thor's face darkened at the words, and furious at his brother's immediate condemnation, Loki hissed, "She was waiting in Nidvallier's iron mountains where Valtur's dwarf had been kept, waiting to get to him. But we knew where she was, you see? And we made sure your men did not take him back there, and while she waited in vain for his return, I seduced her."
If anything, the words made his brother angrier.
"Tell me you did not actually seduce the daughter of a trans-realm emissary…"
"Perhaps that is not quite the right word." Loki held up his hands and smirked as he explained, "It was perfectly respectable, Thor. I paid court to her. I asked her to marry me. She agreed. It was only once we were married that the relationship was consummated. She came to me willingly. It was all perfectly legal."
"The Queen Aflyse of Svartalfheim is not going to be interested in our legalities," Thor snapped, and he looked as though he wanted to kick something.
"You're the one who told me to stay in the villages."
He probably should not have said that, for his brother's resemblance to Odin had never been more pronounced as it was at that moment. And when Thor spoke, it was with defeat and resignation rather than anger.
"Why is it that you always act without thinking, Loki?"
The age-old condemnation stung, and, wounded, he flung back, "I did think, it was you who failed to listen to us."
"But I did." Thor looked weary, and it was only then than Loki noticed his brother's armor was dented and dirty, and his short beard was covered in what looked like soot. Stark was wearing his suit of metal, his mask off, and he was covered in black dust as well. And as Thor sat upon one of the benches and leaned his head into a hand, he repeated, "I did listen. I just couldn't involve any of you."
It was Sif who spoke next, her voice quiet as she said, "What has happened, Thor?"
He dropped his hand slightly and said, "Valtur and some of his men attacked us. Tony and I. When we were on Midgard testing the weapons meant for the elves." And he looked almost defeated when he admitted, "And I do not know if Valtur is dead or alive."
The words hit Loki like they were arrows, and looking just as stunned as he felt, Fandral asked, "What do you mean, weapons meant for the elves?"
It was testament to how serious the situation was that Stark did not make light of it when he answered, "I've been working on a class of weapons specifically designed to target the dark elf weakness for lead. We were in the desert near Jane's old lab when they attacked. It was one of those weapons that injured Sif." He glanced at her. "Sorry."
Sif shrugged a shoulder. "Twas nothing."
"Yeah, well, it convinced Thor we needed to test the things on Mi…on Earth. So we went back there."
Volstagg sat back down heavily, and said, "We should have been with you."
Thor was sitting up straighter, and he shook his head. "It was best that you did not know. Your suspicions regarding Valtur were too well known to risk it. It was better if you appeared frustrated at my refusal to act."
"Why?" Loki bit out, angry at his brother's secrets. "It did you no good, seeing as you were attacked."
"Do you not think I have not thought of that?" Thor asked, the lines on his face deepening. "I have debated the entire time whether or not to tell you."
"So all this time," Sif breathed…
But Thor shook his head. "No. Only recently did we embark on this. I admit freely, I paid little heed to your collective doubt about him for too long. That was proven to me today most effectively."
Loki tried to tamp down his growing anger, and he moved to the bench where his brother sat and lowered himself next to him.
"If you had told me…maybe I would not have…" he began, and Thor smiled at him wearily, and asked, "You would have not followed Valtur's daughter when she disappeared? Even if you knew I believe you?"
His brother's knowing look was disconcerting, and Loki looked down, admitting, "At the very least, I would not have married her."
"Yes, but you did. And now I have to tell the Queen of Svartalfheim that not only is the emissary she sent to my court possibly dead at my hands, but that his daughter was married in secret to my brother, who is well known in her realm for his tricks and lies and dislike of dark elves."
Something creaked, and Loki looked over at Stark and watched as he gingerly lowered himself next to Volstagg, who asked, "What exactly happened on Midgard?"
"We were firing at targets when some kind of portal opened and the Keebler Crew appeared." At the warrior's confused look, Stark waved a hand and said, "Midgardian term for elves. Anyway, the weapons kept failing." And he closed his eyes and leaned back on one of the cushions, giving in to his own exhaustion. "Some didn't work, and the others were tripping too soon—the explosions were uncontrolled. We injured the leader—Valtur—and another portal opened and more elves came. Thor got us out…but not before they tried to take a cache of weapons. One of them exploded and caused a chain reaction…and we don't know what happened, because the portal closed before the whole thing lit up. Thor thought they escaped as well."
"If they didn't?" Sif asked, her voice soft.
"Then they're all dead," Thor muttered. "They could not have survived."
"So what… What do we do?" Fandral asked, his eyes on his king. "You cannot keep us out of this fight. Not now, Thor."
"We wait," Thor began, and at the same time, Stark said, "We keep working on the triggering mechanism…"'
They paused, eyeing the other, and Thor finally said, "You work on your…triggering mechanism thing…while we wait to see how my talks with Aflyse go." And then he turned his attention back to Loki. "And you, brother… How many know of your marriage to his daughter?"
"Those in this room and a handful of my people in Ringsfjord—and maybe a few others."
"Maybe?" There was an edge to Thor's voice.
"The official who conducted the ceremony knows, but he was paid to remain silent. Everyone else is my servant, and they all been instructed not to gossip."
"And they will obey you? Are you sure?"
"Yes, brother, they will obey," Loki assured him, his eyes narrowing. And then he admitted, "Asrior may have told her landlady…or others in the village."
Sighing, Thor shut his eyes, and then muttered, "You will take care of it today, brother."
His lips thinned, but Loki bowed his head. "Yes. Of course."
And, his eyes still closed, the king ordered, "And after, you will go back to Okershall and remain there until I bid you return. And you will not make any foolish decisions unless you have consulted with me."
Loki didn't answer this time, instead turning to walk toward the door. But before he could take more than three steps, he heard the creak of Stark's metal suit.
"What about my things?"
Turning, he saw that the Midgardian had followed him toward the door.
"The ring of mine…my bracelets. You have them?"
Grunting, Loki pulled the silk bag from his cape and opened it. "Yes, actually. It seems my new wife has a penchant for shiny objects."
And as he rooted through the bag, the man across from him put a hand to his chin and pulled at the short beard there, before muttering, "And your new wife…she's a dark elf, isn't she?"
"She has dark elf blood," Loki said, pulling the bracelets from the bag and handing them to Stark. "She's not full-blood, though."
"But she is part dark elf?" Stark asked, insistent, and he held his hand out again when Loki found the ring and drew it out. "How much of their blood does she have in her?"
"Enough…" he said slowly, explaining, "Dark elves…they have magic in them, very potent magic. Valtur, her father, is a formidable sorcerer. It is obvious she is his daughter, for she reeks of dark magic as well."
He was about to leave again when Stark once again interrupted him.
"And yet she was able to live in the iron mountains?"
Surprised, Loki eyed him more carefully, saying, "Yes. She was not as affected by the metal as those with more blood in them." When Stark didn't say anything, instead again pulling at his beard, he asked, against his will, "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that I need to take a trip." And then he looked up, smiling wickedly. "How would you like a houseguest?"
They had attracted the attention of the others, and when Loki noticed his brother moving over to them, he growled, "I already have one too many."
But Thor was close enough to hear them, and he demanded, "What are you discussing?"
"The elf woman," Stark said, glancing at him. "She might be of help to me. With the weapons."
"What do you mean?"
Thor looked entirely too interested.
"She's part dark elf, but she's different," he explained, moving his hands as he talked. "If I can examine her…get a sample of her DNA and compare it someone here, a full-blooded Asgardian, I can extrapolate the…"
"Absolutely not," Loki said, desperate to keep him away from his home. "She will never agree in any case. You have no idea how stubbornly impertinent…"
"Tony will be allowed to try, Loki," Thor said, speaking over him. "My decision is made." But he looked at Stark and said, "But only if she agrees. I cannot go to her queen and explain that you are conducting primitive experiments on her against her will."
Stark looked offended, but said, "No, of course not. Only if she agrees. But I'll get her to agree." And he looked at Loki with smug satisfaction.
"What will you require for the journey?"
"Oh, a few odds and ends from home," Stark said, his hand moving to rub his neck as he thought. "And I need a few days with Pepper. She's a little…angry…at me for neglecting her lately." And his face brightened, and he gave Loki a slap on the shoulder. "But she'll be happy that I have the ring back."
Loki scowled at his audacity, but Thor was talking.
"Then it is settled. You will take care of any gossip, brother, while Tony is on Midgard. Be prepared for his arrival in Ringsfjord."
Stark began rubbing his hands together, looking altogether too pleased at Loki's discomfort.
"You do realize that I'll have to ask Bruce to come along." And he smirked before adding, "It'll be fun. We'll stay up late. Tell ghost stories. Do each other's hair. Reminisce about the time you tried to destroy Manhattan and we kicked your ass instead…"
Snarling, Loki turned, and as he left for his chambers, he vowed that one day, he would make his brother pay for this latest indignity.
For my awesome reviewers from the last chapter:
SapphireDreamer26: LOL, it's ok to hate him, especially if you get that he doesn't understand. Maybe one day you'll really, really, *really* like him. Just not today :P. Thanks for the review! I hope you liked this update.
Guest #1 Thanks for the review...and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There wasn't much for Asrior to do this time...but her mind is *always* working.
Sammi: You are entirely too kind. Thanks for reviewing, and I sincerely hope the wait was worth it this chapter.
sidlewild: Yes, she does need to do something. Unfortunately, even if she were to 'show' him just now, he might not quite be ready so see. But give them time. (laughs evilly). And thanks for the review. It means a lot!
Zippythewondersquirrel: OT I love your name! ON TOPIC, no it wasn't a double or projection. The laws of Asgard are pretty clear, it had to be the real Loki who consummated the marriage. He's still a rat about it though! Just a very hot brooding rat who needs hugs and... Sorry, letting my fangirl out. Thanks for reading! And *I* cannot wait until he realizes the truth either! Seriously, probably will be my favorite part of the fic. I hope it's as good on screen as it is in my twisted head!
candy flaps: LOL. Thank you! Very sincerely, thank you.
Guest 2 with the keen eye: As you have read, no, he did not just think of Asgard, not by a long shot! The pregnancy thing will be answered later (do you think he'd be so careless? ). As to Hogun... You will just have to wait and see (next chapter he'll appear). Thanks for reading and reviewing, and you always seem to just hone in on things I'm putting in there :D.
London Calling: awwww...can I admit I like it that your heart broke a little? And, YES, the little Elf Bride is *nothing* like Loki expected and her past has fully prepared her to handle what's up next (which isn't always easy). But it is that cunning and STEEL that she posses that 1) allows her to cause Loki headaches and 2) helps her find friendship and beauty in unexpected places ;).
mewlingq: No margaritas this weekend! Just a glass or two of wine, a chess tournament, and a beautiful spring day. But I had quite a few chances to write. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I still giggle like a twelve year old when I see your name pop up!
Crede Biron: Here's hoping I remain faithful to a Loki that reflects myth and MCU without getting too off track. You're my touchstone on this, and while this is my Loki (who will probably veer from canon in some ways as the story evolves), I hope to keep him faithful to the vast background his character has. You'll get more of Loki's POV later (in future lemons no less), and I'm really glad you liked the Vedis part. This is (obviously) fantasy, but I didn't want either main character untouched emotionally. Loki's been around for a looong time, so he's got a bit of history. And this chapter begins to answer what is up with Valtur, and how it is that Asrior will stay around with Loki for the time being. And why Loki noticed the spell but didn't (he's...well, we'll get into it in other chapters, but he has great contempt for dark elves and paid little attention to the magic he felt around Asrior). OH, and he'll find out the truth when it's time (insert maniacal laughter on my part).
Guest #3: Give him time to realize the truth. And you're right, he has a ways to go before he does such. Thanks for the review!
Shelly: Outside of making people cry, making them miss work is my favorite thing ever! :D But seriously, thanks very much for your review. You'll get Loki POV (some this chapter, and more to come, especially after The Big Reveal). And I sincerely hope the next wedding night is worth it (cough cough) AND the next smile? Ohhhhh, here's the part where I know what's going to happen and you don't and I love it but you have to wait and I can't say anything.
HarryPotterFreakie: Not a softie! Still an asshole! LOL Thanks for reading. It will be quite a while before Loki gets too soft (if ever), though he has his moments.
Guest #4: Yes...it's subtle, but he kind of goes into it this chapter, how he didn't want to be distracted by looking at her on their wedding night...yes, he really likes her hair, and NO he wanted it bound up and deliberately did not touch it. There will be more lemons. (plural) Eventually. Thanks for the review!
SissyPerigrin: Hmmmm. You noticed the red eyes! But not her father. Hmmmm...
Guest #5: Hmmmmm again. Not Loki. kdsfja;ldskjfalksdjfas;lkd Close, though. CLOSE.
Thank you to everyone for the reviews!
