The next morning, I woke with Loki's arms wrapped around me in a sound hold. I rolled over and snuggled into his chest. It felt just like a Saturday morning should, calm and lazy.

Loki sighed, waking up. He held me tighter, kissing the top of my head.

"Good morning." I whispered.

"Good morning." Loki rolled over for a second to see what time it was. "I need to get up, darling."

"Not yet." I mumbled. Loki chuckled, turning back to me and holding me close for a moment.

"I have to go. I have a world to run, you know." I didn't answer him, I only wrapped my arms around him and held him close.

Something had changed in the last few weeks; no longer did I fear him, or even loathe him. I enjoyed his company, his intellect, his warm embrace. And while it had been some time since we had slept together, I did not dread the day when he would bed me again. There was even a chance I could grow to love him. I was absolutely sure, underneath his cruel exterior, there was some bit of kindness. He had comforted me when I could barely breathe and made sure I had everything I could possibly want. I just needed to find a way to coax that soft side out.

"Melody...darling...you have to let me go." Loki rubbed my back.

"Five more minutes." I muttered.

"No, I have to get up." He gently pushed me off him and got off the bed. "Do not mistake my actions, if I could, I would spend all day in bed with you. But alas, I cannot."

"Please..." I tried to make the most pitiful face I possibly could, in hopes my feigned plight would draw him in to stay for just a little while longer.

"No." Loki said sternly. I crossed my arms, glaring at him as he made his way to the bathroom. "Be ready to go out to dinner by six. I'll come pick you up shortly after."

"Where are we going?" I groaned, wiping my eyes.

"A banquet."

"But why am I coming?" I rolled over, pulling the covers back over me. I closed my eyes, feeling sleep returning.

"You are my companion," Loki's voice grew nearer and I felt weight on me. I opened my eyes to see Loki perched above me, his face hovering just above mine. "You could even go as far as to say..." he gave me a quick kiss. "My lover..." I blushed. I wouldn't go that far. "I do believe it's time everyone knows that you belong by my side, if not my lap."

Rolling off me, he returned to the bathroom. In a few moments, I heard the water running. I pulled the covers tighter around me and attempted to return to sleep. Just as I was slipping away, I felt a soft kiss on my head.

"Rest well, Love." Loki whispered.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"You look ravishing." Loki smiled as I drifted down the stairs, my navy blue dress swishing as I walked. Blushing, I looked at my feet. Loki lifted my chin, placing a kiss on my lips. "Don't ever doubt you are beautiful. You shine like a thousand suns when you grace any room with your presence." He took his hand from my chin and held it out for me to take.

"Thank you." I blushed, taking Loki's hand. He smiled, leading me towards the elevator. In his other hand, he held a golden scepter in his other hand.

It must have changed shape, for the first time I saw it, it looked entirely different. Around the jewel that crowned the tip, a sinister blade had extended. I had seen Loki carrying it when he was out, but it stayed on a stand in his study otherwise. There was also a glass case of knives. Some were ornamented with intricate designs, others seemed ancient, yet others were rather plain.

At that point in time, the scepter has grown in length, almost to Loki's height.

As the elevator clicked, going down, I grew more and more on edge, nervous of what people would think of me. Would they throw me away as some whore, or would they see I really was someone more. Loki squeezed my hand, drawing me out of my hectic thoughts.

"You're shaking." He said. "You don't need to be nervous. You'll be fine."

"Who all will be there?" I asked, hoping I would know someone.

"Well, a few of my advisors, officials, politicians from other planets, and a few other important figures." He explained. "And if you're wondering, yes, Pepper will be there. I knew you wouldn't want to stand around and hear me talk about politics."

"Thank you." I leaned my head on his arm.

The elevator doors opened and we stepped out into a hallway that was entirely unfamiliar. In what seemed like a few moments, we were in a rather large dining room. I followed Loki around like a shy child, wanting to cling to him.

I saw familiar heads of state around the room, politicians who had taken the place of monarchs and entire governments to handle districts and enforce laws. Loki was still king and high ruler of the entire planet, but he couldn't keep the peace by himself. He appointed politicians, who had jumped onto his boat when democracy's started sinking, to enforce laws and handle imports and exports to the rest of the world. They reaped the rewards from their betrayal; power, wealth, and the hatred of the people.

The world had been divided into districts, each district into regions, and each region into quarters. I had lived in Virginia before my family took that fateful trip to New York City on the day the world ended. Since I was only eighteen at the time, I was not considered an adult. Because of that, I was allowed to stay with my sister when she was sent to a foster home: Lori and her daughter, Hannah.

Each Quarter was issued a small group of Chitauri guards, just in case an outbreak of rebellion insued. Each state was issued another set of Chitauri, and each district another set. I had seen one of them running around before when a riot broke out in Charlotte, the city where Lori lived. They looked like some kind of reptile, yet they walked like humans.

Every now and then, the people of our city would be gathered and those who had committed crimes would be punished. Everyone was required to watch, no matter how squeamish you were. These crimes could range from robbery to a simple mistake, but each punishment was far too severe. One could spend years in prison for the most minuscule of crimes.

No one could protest this; our constitutional rights had been thrown out the window when Loki arrived. He had established his own laws, and freedom of the press was in no way involved, except that it was banned. News didn't travel swiftly, and when it did, it was always bad. A new law that was passed, a riot that had been squashed, but every now and then, we heard word of hope. That hope was usually disproved by the governors of each district, causing the people to hate them even more.

Now that I was in a room full of those crooked men and women, I wanted to leave, or give them a piece of my mind. I knew if I did, Loki would have my head, and I was in no mood to end up with another rainbow back any time soon.

"My lord," I heard someone say. I turned to see the governor from my own district: Philip Anderson. He was renowned for his cruel punishments and brutal taxations. I hoped he wouldn't recognize me as I remembered the first incident I ever had with him.

"Ah, the party has arrived!" A familiar voice exclaimed. Tony Stark walked up, Pepper on his arm. "It's wonderful for you to...Ah! Here's the little lady I've heard so much about!"

"How are you?" Pepper smiled, giving me a quick hug.

"I'm well, how about you?"

"I'm doing wonderful!"

We continued to talk throughout the night. While I stayed near Pepper, Loki talked with his advisors and other political leaders. I saw Anderson eyeing me across the room the entire time. I had no idea if Loki was keeping an eye on him, but I felt entirely uncomfortable.

Every now and then, Loki would return to me and make sure I was alright. I still felt nervous, even after almost an hour of conversing. Some of the politicians came to talk to me and Loki watched every move they made, making sure no one touched me.

I could see it in their eyes; the men wanted more than anything to slip me away from the crowd and have their way with me. Loki always has a sharp eye on me, so that would never happen, but it still scared me.

We ate dinner and conversations continued. I stayed closer to Loki this time, shyly being introduced to governors and politicians. Loki seemed rather proud of me, parading me as his precious creature, an exquisite flower, delicate to the touch. After a while, I wandered over to the other side of the room.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" I heard someone ask behind me. I turned around to see Tony leaning against the wall.

"Yes. I suppose so." I replied, walking closer.

"Not to pry or anything, but what exactly is your relationship with our gracious king?" The way he spoke surprised me. His tone of voice, the sarcasm was not something those under Loki's influence usually displayed. "Besides the fact that he owns you."

"I...I...don't really know." I had never thought about it.

"Are you two a thing? Will I be expecting to hear wedding bells anytime soon? Or is this just a fling for a little while?"

"I don't quite know. Sometimes it seems like there could be romance between us, then other times, not so much."

"Well, if you ever decide you want to get out, just tell me." Tony offered. I nodded, not thinking much of his offer at the time. I thought he was joking.

"If you'll excuse me..." I said, turning away. had to use the bathroom, bad.

Somehow, I found my way to a restroom and figured out a way to relive myself in my floor length dress. After finishing, I washed my hands and fixed my hair in the mirror.

The door to the bathroom opened and a tall, model like woman walked in, looking as if she could kill. Her dark hair fell straight down her back. She was absolutely gorgeous. She glared at me with searing blue eyes.

The next thing I knew, I was being thrown against the wall. I pushed the woman away, ready to defend myself.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed. "Who are you?"

"I'm the girl who should be where you are now." She hissed.

"What?"

"Everything was going smoothly until you stepped in between us. I had him wrapped around my finger, then you had to draw his attention away from me."

"I don't know who or what you're talking about." It was a lie. I could guess she was talking about Loki. Even then, I still could not comprehend Loki having a relationship with anyone.

"Oh really, you walked in on his arm tonight. You spend every night fucking him, or running away from him. I wouldn't be surprised if you cheat on him every chance you get." This Woman was insane.

"It's not like that, and I would never cheat on anyone." I still wondered who this woman was.

"No matter." She walked over, grabbing my face. Her long nails pressed into my skin. "I'm warning you, stay. Away. From. Loki."

"I don't really have anywhere else to go." I mumbled. She slapped me across the face.

"Mark my words, you'll regret ever catching his attention."

I pushed her off me, running out of the bathroom and back to the banquet hall. I ran smack into a tall, blond man.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" We said at the same time. His eyes were the same sickening blue I had been seeing an awful lot of.

"It's my bad, I should have been looking where I was going." I stated.

"No, it's my fault." He was very charismatic. He seemed kindly, and brave, but His eyes were sad. He was also built like a super soldier. "Steve Rodgers." He said, offering his hand.

"Melody." I smiled, shaking his hand.

"Rodgers, have you seen...Ah, here you are." Loki walked out of the banquet hall. He smiled when he saw me. "You may return to your post, Rodgers."

"Thank you, Sir." Rodgers walked down the hallway, standing by a doorway.

"Where were you?" Loki questioned, brushing my hair out of my face.

"Just using the bathroom." I explained. I didn't want him to find out about the peculiar incident there.

"Alright." He held out his arm and I linked my under it. He started to lead me to the elevator.

"Where are we going?" I questioned.

"It's getting late. And I have plans for you tonight." He purred into my hair as we waited.

A shiver ran down my spine. For once, I was looking forward to spending the night in bed with Loki.

The girl walked into the building with her sister. As they walked in, she saw a group of politicians heading their way. She didn't think too much of it, until she saw the tall, dark headed man amongst them. She wouldn't have recognized him if it had been for his staff. What is he doing here?

The king saw the girl and her little sister enter the building. It seemed he chose the right day to visit this district. He had already arranged to retrieve her later, now he could see how she interacted with people.

"Go sit down." The girl whispered to the sister, handing her her phone. "If anything bad happens to me, and I tell you to run, you run. You run and you find a safe place. Then you call Lori." The sister nodded. The girl watched as her sister skipped over to the benches and sat down, reading an abridged copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream. She had always been a brilliant child, something her teacher had continued to suppress.

The girl walked over to the desk, her heels clicking on the floor. Great, more attention towards me. She handed in her ID and papers, then waited for the receptionist to approve them. She just had to renew her ID. Itwouldn't take long.

While the girl waited, she pulled out her book and began reading. It was a book full of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories. She turned the page and began reading the Cask Of Amontillado. It had always been one of her favorites.

Every now and then, she would glance up from her book, to see a man staring at her. It wasn't the king, though he kept a sharp eye on her, it was one of the politicians. He made his way over to the desk and the girl felt pandemonium building inside her.

"Donna, darling. Could you please pull up my appointment list for next month?" The rat said to the receptionist.

"Yes Sir, and soon as I finish with this woman's papers." The receptionist replied.

"No, I need them now. This girl can wait, can't you?"

"Um...I guess so." The girl shrugged. The king watched the situation unfolding. He noticed the sister watching as well.

"Why is a pretty thing like you reading something so dark?" The rat questioned. "Wouldn't you much rather be reading a romance novel, if reading at all?"

"It's just Edgar Allan Poe. There's nothing wrong with him. He's classic literature." The girl had a bad feeling about this man.

"But he's so dark! All that death and madness. You should be reading some teen romance novel, if reading at all."

"That's not usually my type of book, and what's wrong with reading?" The girl clutched her book closer.

"It fills a girl's mind too much. She becomes too smart, too independent. She starts getting ideas." The rat leaned on the desk, looking the girl up and down. The king did not like where this was going, and prepared to step between the two. The girl was his and his alone.

"I beg your pardon! Such knowledge is entirely harmless. It can help a woman succeed in the world. it can..."

"You're such a gorgeous girl. I ought take you out to dinner." The rat mused. The girl stepped back.

"Excuse me? I'm sorry sir, but no, thank you." The sister watched intently, hoping and praying that the girl could get away from this man's advances.

"Why? Do you not find me attractive?" The rat moved forward. She remembered this line well. The abuser had used it on her when he first asked her out, and that relationship had ended in flames.

"I...I...no...it's not that..." the girl stuttered, trying to throw away thoughts of her last relationship.

"Then join me for dinner. Let me show you a good time." The rat moved close still, a look of lust in his eyes.

"I'm sorry...I just left a very abusive relationship. I...I'm not ready for another at the moment." The king glared at the rat.

"Leave her alone, fool." The king thought, holding his scepter tight. If it came to it, he might have to take the girl away now.

"I know how to treat a woman." The rat assured.

"Please sir, I've already said no. I'm under too much stress at this point in time and I have no interest in a relationship." The rat looped his arm around the girl's waist, pulling her against him.

"I could relieve some stress. Just spend one night with me and I'll have you coming back for more." The rat purred.

"Please Sir, I've already said no. I'm not looking for that right now." The girl pried his arm off of her. She didn't want to bring the king over. The rat grabbed her arm. "Please let me go! You're hurting me!"

The rat said something she didn't hear. All she could focus on was the king, who was walking straight towards her.

"Let her go, Anderson." The king ordered, stepping almost between them. There was a sigh in his voice, as if he did this often. The rat released the girl.

"Thank you." The girl muttered, rubbing her wrist.

"You won't get anywhere with her. She's a stiff. She thinks too much. Completely worthless." The rat growled. The girl's face became a soft shade of red and she stared at the floor.

"On the contrary," The king inserted. "Such knowledge makes conversation rather interesting." He tenderly lifted the girl's chin. "You are an exquisite creature. how you've changed." The girl's eyes widened. He recognized her. "You thought I would forget you?"

The girl wanted to shrink down into a ball. That familiar feeling of anxiety crept over her, infesting her mind. She glanced over at her sister, who looked like she was about to cry. The king saw where she was looking and smiled.

"Is that little sister?" The king questioned. "My, how she's grown. How old is she now? What, eight? Nine?"

"Eight." The girl held her book tightly, trying to combat her shaking hands.

"You might want to take her home. She looks a bit pale." The king brushed a curl behind her ear.

The receptionist placed the girl's ID and papers on the desk. Quickly, the girl gathered the papers and walked back over to her sister.

"C'mon. Let's go." She urged, grabbing the sister's hand. As they walked out the door, the girl glanced over her shoulder. She saw the king watching her leave, a look of triumph painted across his face. The rat, however, looked as though he could scream with rage. The king had let her go, let her slip from the rat's grasp.

The king turned back to the rat.

"You let her go!" The rat growled. "I could have handled it."

"She was not yours to take." The king stated. "And grabbing and threatening is not a way to seduce a free woman."

"I could take away her freedom."

"No, you can't."

"Why not?"

"Because in a few months time, she will be registered as my property." The king explained. "And if you dare touch her in the time before that, I will have your hands."

XXXXXXXXX

The king entered the hall, the girl on his arm. She had changed. She had lost her bold walk. Instead, she seemed to be fearful of every move. She clung to the king's arm.

The rat saw the girl and immediately grew jealous. While she was fearful, she hadn't lost her beauty. If only she had been so docile before, maybe he could have seduced her. Of course, he still lusted after her. She hadn't left his mind. Maybe, he could find her alone one day and get what he had wanted for a long time.