Chapter 26

When Remy awoke he was confused as to why it was so bright. In the castle bed chamber sunlight had come in, but it had always been diverted by curtains being drawn to block them at least partially. That way they did not blind the occupants inside but rather gradually woke them up. This time, however, it felt as if someone had brought the sun in an aimed it directly at the Cajun. Remy groaned, reaching over to pull the covers over his head which helped to block some of it out.

As his body slowly began to wake up so did his mind. It took him a few minutes to realize he was alone in the bed. Squinting his eyes against the light, Remy peeked out from under the covers. Loki's side of the bed was empty, long gone cold. Peering around the room, Remy spotted the source of his torment; an open balcony he had not seen before last night. He had mistaken it for a window since the curtains had been drawn. Someone had come in at some point and thrown the doors open, allowing sunlight to stream through.

Cautious, Remy rose halfway out of bed; self-conscious of his nakedness. He heard no one else in the room except the slight flutter of the curtains as a cool breeze blew in. Spotting a black robe folded neatly over a chair, Remy grabbed it and pulled it on as he got out of bed. Thankfully the room still felt warm despite the breeze coming in as he wrapped the robe around himself and went to peer out at the balcony.

There was no one out there save for a set of chairs and small table. There was a plate covered by an ornate domed top which Remy assumed was his breakfast. When his gaze turned to the outside view it took his breath away.

There were no true words to describe it in the Cajun's mind. Only that he gazed upon a city of gold when he looked out at all of Asgard. It lay before him, a city of gods he stared down at it in awe from his loft up in the palace. Truly it was a spectacle to see the rising domes of the city. Buildings suspended in mid-air held by nothing but dreams by the way they slowly rotated around one another. Everywhere Remy looked he spotted something new to stare at before his gaze was drawn to another.

Below him at the foot of the palace he saw what appeared to be a stadium of sorts. At the moment it was empty, but he imagined many battles of strength took place there. His eyes roved around spotting a Pegasus go by, a woman upon its back as she appeared to be patrolling. She was armored head to toe but her armor seemed of a lighter make. It was clearly meant more to allow her to move freely; sacrificing protection in favor of speed and agility.

Spotting the Cajun gazing at her, she spun her flying steed around and headed straight towards him. Surprised, Remy quickly retreated back into the bedroom as horse and rider stopped only a few yards away from him. The horse beat its wings to stay aloft; allowing it to hover above the balcony as its rider gazed at the newcomer. Remy felt his powers surging to his fingers as he retreated farther into the room, searching for his cards.

"Good morning, my lord. I'm glad to see you're finally awake." The woman greeted him with a bow of her head. Her eyes were a dark gray like storm clouds as they peered at the man. Remy pulled up short; staring at her in astonishment as she continued to hover there upon her steed. She was beautiful in a dangerous way; a sword strapped to her side and a bow slung across her back. Remy judged the woman to look at least in her early twenties, but as was with the age of Asgardians such things were deceiving.

"Who are you?" Remy asked dumbfounded. He really wanted to ask what she was but could not bring himself to. The woman appeared to be annoyed by this; her brow wrinkling as she answered.

"I am Sonia, one of the All Father's Valkyries, my liege. I and a half dozen of my sisters have been commissioned to protect you and render any service you may require if necessary." Remy was digging through his mind, trying to remember what he had read on the subject so long ago.

"Valkyrie as in you roam de battlefields fo' fallen warriors an' take them t' Valhalla? T' battle fo' an eternity an' t' feast each night?" Remy asked. Sonia nodded her head, her long raven locks bobbing with the gesture. Remy thought he saw a look of approval cross the warrior woman's face but it quickly passed.

"So you do know of our ways, at least some? I had thought all mortals ignorant of the ancient legends. We have not visited Midgard in some time. It is good to know we are still remembered there." Sonia said. This time Remy could only sigh and shake his head.

"Remy knows bits an' pieces, yes, but he does not know how much of it pertains t' Asgard. Why is Odin havin' you protect Remy? Is it really so dangerous t' live here?" Remy asked, looking around as if expecting a dragon to come flying out of nowhere to attack him. At this the warrior woman gave him a grim smile in return as she answered. As if relishing the words even though she was forced to serve him.

"You are the betrothed of Loki, traitor to the All Father and Prince Thor. Even within the palace walls you may not be safe so we are to see it no harm comes to you. Your husband to be has many enemies here, my liege, so I would suggest watching your step." Sonia sneered. Remy stared at the woman for a few heart beats, wondering what to make of her. He detected a threat in her voice as she clearly saw it as beneath her to protect him.

"So you blame me fo' his crimes?" Remy asked her bluntly. There was anger in his voice at the thought of so many accusing Loki. Yet the former prince had committed crimes he would have to answer for. Where did that leave Remy?

"I am only meant to protect you, my liege. Not to advise you." Sonia answered stiffly.

"Dat's bullshit, Cherie, an' you know it." Remy shot at her despite himself. The warrior woman's nostrils flared as her steed reared mid-air, neighing as if wishing to battle. Sonia's eyes narrowed at the Cajun as she answered, her voice dripping with venom.

"I suggest you watch your back, my liege. I am obligated by the All Father to serve you but beyond that I render no other service to you. My advice to you would be you should have never fallen in love with the Trickster God." Sonia snarled before turning her steed's head around and diving down towards the city. Remy peered over the edge; watching her descent before she pulled up sharply barely missing the ramparts of the buildings below.

Remy frowned, imagining her pulling him off the balcony and causing him to fall to his death. Retrieving his plate of food, he retreated into the bedroom and sat at a small table to eat as he considered what to do. His old clothes from yesterday had either been taken away to be washed or destroyed because Remy did not see them. Instead there was a set of clothes laid out for him similar to Loki's, only dark red in color like blood. Some parts, such as the sleeves, were black to compliment his eyes. Remy only shook, his head wondering who had tailored his clothes. It seemed as if these people were willing to tolerate him, but not about to roll out the welcome mat.

After getting dressed and eating his late breakfast; Remy could not help but wonder what he was meant to do now. There had been no note or sign from Loki for him to stay in the room. Neither was there an invitation for him to go out and explore the palace. He debated the worst that could happen if he ventured out of the bedroom. Between being eaten alive by wolves and possibly being imprisoned for life for being with Loki, he opted to leave the room in his new outfit. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they said; only to end up as a red smear at the bottom of an unknown cliff several months later.

This time Remy noticed there were guards posted outside the bedroom. They did not stop him as he walked out but he thought they may have stiffened when they saw his eyes. So among Asgardians he was mistaken for some type of frost giant offspring, when on Earth people thought he was some type of demon incarnate. Certainly it was the inside that counted, not how one appeared on the outside.

Remy walked down the hall, trying to remember the way Odin had come from the throne room. His eyes flickered to the unfamiliar faces as servants and vassals of the palace stopped to stare at him. Most were discreet about it, their eyes flickering towards him before turning away. Others openly stared aghast at this newcomer among them walked by. Remy touched the ring on his finger which had shown itself ever since he had come to Asgard. He could feel slight pulses coming from it reassuring him Loki was close by. Where had the Trickster gone to this time?

He continued walking until he came to what appeared to be some type of sitting room. There were soft seats, similar to round couches, placed around a fireplace at its center. Several windows opened up to a view of the city for one to enjoy as they sat and talked with friends. If a person wished to only gaze out and ponder mysteries they could do so in quiet and privacy without actually feeling secluded or being separated from those around them.

Curious, Remy walked into the room. The fire had fallen to low embers to be woken up at a person's convenience. It appeared to be late morning as he walked over to the windows to gaze out. He was trying to decide if the sitting room held a better view than the one in Loki's room when he heard loud laughter from down the hall. It sounded like a drunken laughter as three men appeared in the doorway grinning and laughing as they talked amongst themselves. Their faces were flushed from drink as they stumbled in, each trying to talk over their companions.

One of the men was young and handsome, slender compared to his friends. He had blonde hair and a mustache he constantly reached up to stroke as if checking to make sure it stayed properly in place. The second companion was not what Remy would call fat, but he certainly seemed as if the man ate with a huge appetite. He had a large read beard and a booming voice as he talked, shoving the handsome one for making a comment about his supper including three boars. Their last companion was a serious fellow not quite smiling but a quirk of his mouth showing his amusement. He seemed to be in control of his actions better than his friends. If Remy did not know any better he would have mistaken the serious man for Japanese on the street.

It took the trio a minute or two to realize they were not alone in the room. When they caught sight of the Cajun, they all fell silent almost at once. Their smiles disappeared as they stared at him their mouths set in grim lines as they studied him. Remy met their gaze dead on, silently daring them to tell him to leave. On the inside he was shaking at being faced with these foreign people. He did not have Loki nor Thor to back him up, not even Fenris to lend his support. He would have to face this new challenge on his own.

"Ho there, stranger, who are you?" The blonde asked his eyes flaring as he glared at the Cajun. Remy found himself frowning as he answered, displeased even though he was scared of the group.

"I could ask de same thing of you, cher. I live here." Remy answered defiantly. The words surprised him yet he was quite sure of the fact. The blonde frowned; his mustache seeming to droop at being talked down to by this person. Beside him his large friend, the one with the beard, muttered under his breath before coughing and raising his voice to be heard.

"We've never seen you here before, friend. So please forgive Fandral for his rudeness. It's not often we see new faces here." The man said with a nod to the handsome man. Remy's frown turned to one of puzzlement as the name rang a bell in his head.

"Fandral? As in de Warriors T'ree?" Remy asked despite himself. At this the bearded man grinned at having stumbled upon familiar ground with him.

"Why yes, you've heard of us? I am Volstagg and this here is Hogun. Do not take offense if he never smiles at you. As a matter of fact, if he shows any signs of amusement it means either he has gone insane or it's not him. Usually the latter." Volstagg said bursting into laughter at his last comment. Beside him Hogun scowled at the large warrior as Fandral shook his head in disapproval.

"We still do not know who you are. Even though you claim to live here." Hogun said, addressing Remy. Remy raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he looked the serious man in the eye.

"My name is Remy Lebeau, cher. On Midgard my enemies know me as de Gambit. My friends know me as Remy an' a choice few know me further as 'damn Cajun'." Remy replied. This was greeted by more pleasantries as Volstagg chuckled as his bad joke. No doubt he got the gist of it even if he did not know what Cajun meant.

"How did you come to live here in Asgard, Remy?" Fandral asked, his curiosity piquing. Remy didn't hesitate in his answer even as his better sense told him to hold back.

"I am to marry Loki. He's my fiancé." Remy answered. This brought their polite conversation to a halt as they all stared at him with mutual expressions of shock. Then anger reared its ugly head as they suddenly surged upon him, forcing Remy to give ground even as he reached down for his weapon feeling his folded Bo staff in his sleeve ready for use.

"You are going to marry that traitor?!"

"He tried to kill the King! Loki almost had Thor banished from Asgard for life!"

"Loki betrayed us all!"

"You're fiancé is nothing more than a-"

Fandral was cut off when Remy whipped his Bo staff out; smacking the man in the larynx and effectively stopping him mid-sentence. Fandral immediately started coughing as he staggered back into Volstagg and Hogun, stopping their advance. Remy braced himself; glaring at the trio as rage pumped through his veins. His voice dripping venom as he spoke, daring them to speak up.

"Do not speak about him like dat. When you've spoken t' him when his guard is down, den you may truly know him. If not; you know not'ing of him." Remy growled, bristling as he glared at them. He saw Hogun tensing as if meaning to attack as Remy braced himself ready for a fight.

"STOP!" A voice boomed into the room.

Four heads focused on the doorway as Thor came striding in; sparks flying from his eyes as he stormed into the room. He walked past the trio and went to stand next to the Cajun, frowning at his friends. The Warrior Three only looked on their friend in puzzlement, wondering if he had lost his mind. Thor glared at them as Remy lowered his staff, folding it back up to slide back into his sleeve as the thunder god spoke. His voice boomed in the small space as he addressed the trio.

"You promised me you would not harm Remy. He is a good friend to me and a good warrior on Midgard. He deserves your respect, not your hate my friends. Treat him as you would me."

"Is dat with or without you drinking?" Remy asked the thunderer. Thor frowned, turning to Remy. For once he did not smile at the Cajun's joke as he spoke, his tone serious.

"This is not the time, my friend. We are not allowed to fight within the palace. The only reason you are forgiven in this matter is because Fandral intimidated you and you do not yet know the ways of Asgard. Please, don't use your weapons here." Thor instructed him, though his voice became more gentle as he squeezed Remy's shoulder. Remy raised an eyebrow but nodded his head in ascent. In front of him the Warrior Three appeared to relax at seeing their friend and leader accept the Cajun without question.

"Where is Loki? I didn't see him when I woke up this morning." Remy asked a note of panic creeping into his voice.

"That is why I'm here. Father wished to speak with both you alone at breakfast. Loki refused to wake you though so they've been talking all morning. Come, we must not keep him waiting." Thor urged Remy. Remy glanced at the Warrior Three as Thor hustled him out of the room and back into the hallway.

They only walked a short way before Thor led him into a dining area. At the moment a long table had been loaded with food and dishes Remy had no names for. He recognized a large boar set in the middle with an apple in its mouth as the main course. Fully roasted no doubt with heaps vegetables piled around it. Seated at the end of the table were Odin and Loki talking in hushed tones. A woman was at Odin's side whom Remy assumed was the king's wife as Thor entered with him. When they came in Odin spotted them with his one eye, rising to greet them. Thor immediately balled his hand into a fist; touching his right shoulder as he bowed to his father. Remy awkwardly copied the gesture hoping he at least made a good second impression.

"Thor, it is good to see you have finally found him. I take it you had a good rest, Remy? You slept for quite some time." Odin addressed them waving his hand in dismissal of the pleasantries. Remy nodded his head as he approached the old man, his eyes flickering to Loki nervously. The trickster god looked displeased with his being there but said nothing as he watched the exchange along with the woman.

"Remy apologizes, yo' majesty. He was very tired an' would have come sooner if someone had woken him up." Remy said shooting an accusing glare at Loki. At this Loki frowned, returning his glare.

"We've been in battle, I nearly died, and on top of which we were brought here none too gently. You needed a good rest, Remy. Don't say otherwise because we both know you would be lying." Loki snapped, sounding annoyed. Remy couldn't help the teasing grin that came to his face at Loki's tone.

"It is no problem, I understand the need for rest. This is my wife and queen, Frigga. My dear, this is Remy, our son's betrothed." Odin said with a light bow to his beloved. Frigga offered Remy a kind smile as she to rose, her husband offering her a hand up. She only came up to Remy's shoulder, but Remy found himself smiling none the less. Frigga had a warmth about her which he thought made even the fiercest of men soften around her. There was simply a gentle kindness to her demeanor which put the Cajun at ease. He had nothing to fear from this woman. Nothing to hide for which he had to be ashamed of.

"A pleasure to meet you, Remy. My son has told me a little about you. Though I have to say it is much better to meet you in person." Frigga offered as she smiled up at him. Remy returned it as he saw Loki from the corner of his eye tensing as if expecting a blow. What did he have to fear?

"I'm afraid your son finds me quite infuriating most of de time, Cher. He claims Remy drives him crazy an' is frustrating when he doesn't listen t' him." Remy offered. Loki huffed, scowling at his lover as Frigga laughed; reaching up to cup Remy's cheek as she stood on tiptoe to give him a kiss on the cheek. Surprised by the intimate gesture, Remy only stared as Frigga gazed up at him, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

"It is good to know someone tests his patience. Often we need loved ones there to do so since we often cannot remember good times. They remind us to appreciate what he have and can be lost if handled carelessly." Frigga said to him. With that said she offered Remy a seat beside Loki who looked relieved to finally have the Cajun by his side again.

Thor sat to the right of his mother while Odin sat to her left. Shyly Remy sat down next to Loki, suddenly conscious of his aches and pains from the night before. When he winced, he saw the trickster give him a sly look, knowing what the cause of it was. Remy nudged the demi-god's leg under the table quirking a brow in response. Loki smirked back at him before turning his attention to his family, his beloved at his side.

"So here we all are. You wished to discuss this with Remy present, father. I see no reason to delay it any longer." Loki said, meeting his father's steely gaze. Odin nodded his head slowly as he glanced in between the two.

"First off, I'm curious as to how you two have even come to know one another. What happened on Midgard for Remy to convince you to change your ways that all of Asgard could not do?" Odin asked. His tone was curious, sincere in the question as he wished to truly know. Loki glanced at Remy for him to answer.

"You know this part better than I, peu diable. It is you who attracted me, after all, not the other way around." Loki stated simply. Remy took a deep breath, his mind going back to the first time he had ever met the demi-god.

"Well, your majesty…"

"Please, call me Odin."

"Ah, Odin. Well, Remy got trapped up in de mountains. He came across a place where dey used t' house mutants and experiment upon dem. Remy was exploring, looking for food or some way t' contact help when he managed t' lock himself in a cell." Remy said, wincing at the memory. It had been stupid and foolish of him to trip and be locked inside.

"Remy was trapped dere at least all day. He called fo' help, but no one heard him. At least he didn't t'ink so." Remy said, glancing at Loki. Taking his cue, the demi-god then spoke up as well, continuing the story.

"I had heard yelling earlier, but there had been humans roaming the mountains for the past couple of weeks. I assumed it was them, but this one voice stayed persistent. So, having nothing better to do, I decided to go and see who it was. Low and behold when I opened the door there was Remy standing in the cell. Half-starved and nearly freezing to death." Loki answered, his eyes distant at the memory. At that moment, Remy realized something when the demi-god spoke.

"Remy would have died dere if Loki had not come. At first I did not know who he was. Remy t'ought it strange for a man t' just be wandering around in de mountains, alone. Let alone in an abandoned mutant testing facility."

"You thought I worked for SHIELD. A most ridiculous notion if I ever heard one." Loki scoffed with a shake of his head.

"Shut it, Loki. Anyways, yo' son led me t' his hideout where he let me stay de night. Over de next couple of months we came t' befriend each other. Loki gave me de ring at a festival I was attending." Remy explained, twisting the ring on his finger. Mention of the festival brought back the memory of Logan giving him the dog tags. It had been quite the gesture at first glance. The dog tags were Logan's only link to his past. For him to give them up to a person meant the feral man expected to stay with him for a while.

"Yes, unfortunately I had to go into hiding after that. We did not see or speak to each other for a whole year." Loki said, his voice growing quiet as he remembered the time spent part. At this point even Thor looked uncomfortable as Odin frowned, leaning forward.

"What made you decide to seek Remy out again?" Frigga asked. It appeared as if Odin had not mentioned anything to his wife. Loki and Thor both looked at Remy; waiting for him to decide whether he should speak or not.

Remy felt his tongue catch in his throat; his mouth going dry. Loki's eyes flickered; worried for his lover. He reached under the table to hold Remy's hand, squeezing it reassuringly as he spoke quietly to him yet loud enough for the others to hear.

"You are under no obligation to say anything, Remy. If you don't feel comfortable with telling them then it is fine. We can leave right now and I can show you the city. You would love the fountains here, the water shifts in mid-air." Loki said gently. Remy turned his head to gaze at the familiar forest green eyes. Those eyes were completely unguarded, filled with love for the person beside him. Logan had gazed at Remy the same way.

"It is fine, cher. I can… I will tell dem." Remy said, his voice shaking slightly. He turned back to focus on Odin, Frigga, and Thor. He took a deep breath; bracing himself as he told them what had transpired to bring him back into the demi-god's presence.

"ere was a man called Sabretooth. He kidnapped me for a man named Magneto, who sought t' use me against Loki." Remy began, his voice strong despite himself.

"For four months Magneto kept me locked away underneath a mountain. No one knew where I was, or who had taken me. For four months Sabretooth… He tortured me. Demanded t' know where t' find Loki or how to contact him. At de time I t'ought Loki had abandoned me so I did not t'ink t' use de ring until I was about t' be killed." Remy said. By now he felt tears streaming down his face as he talked. Remembering how easily he had been hurt during those months spent laying in the dark wondering if he would ever escape. Wondering if he would ever see the light of day again or taste fresh air.

"When I called him Loki answered. Dey took me t' a meeting place and Loki was waiting dere fo' me. He… He killed Sabretooth. I don't know if he killed Magneto or not, but de old man was not moving when we left. After dat, Loki helped me t' heal. When I first came into his care I was not even able t' t'ink coherently." Remy said, now having a death grip on Loki's hand. Loki only stroked his hand comfortingly; offering his support.

Silence filled the room as they listened closely. Frigga's expression was sad as was Thor's at hearing the news. Even though Thor had heard it once before, it still hurt him to see how pained Remy was by the memories. It reminded him of how much Remy truly needed his brother. Odin himself seemed slightly stunned by the account as a now a teary eyed Remy, a full grown man, sat beside his son looking lost. Loki's eyes had dimmed as well as he comforted the mortal speaking beside him quietly.

"You truly care for him, don't you?" Odin asked quietly. He had thought Loki was using the mortal as a means of getting out of his punishment. No one, however, could pretend to care for someone truly in need. Loki dropped the barriers he had around Remy; bearing himself for the human to judge. When the trickster was around the human, he became vulnerable yet stronger than he had ever been. Loki turned his gaze on his father, his eyes intense as he spoke.

"I love him, father. Remy is my reason for living." Loki answered. At that, Remy suddenly stood up; startling the trickster as he swiped at his eyes shaking his head.

"Remy apologizes t' y' all, but he is bein' pathetic. He will leave you t' yo' meal now." Remy said quickly. Before either of them could say anything, he was already striding across the room. He quickly slipped past the door; walking blindly back towards the bedroom he and Loki shared. A moment later he heard a pair of footsteps not far behind.

"Go away."

"Remy, wait-"

"I don't want t' hear it. Remy is a fool, ain't he? Actin' like dat in front of yo' father, de king of Asgard. How weak he must t'ink Remy is for burstin' into tears like dat for no reason." Remy snapped as he continued to walk.

He felt hand wrap around his arm as he was suddenly spun around to face Loki who gazed down at him. Remy yanked at his arm, but Loki did not relinquish his grasp; instead pulling him into his embrace. Surprised by the unfamiliar gesture, Remy could only stand there as Loki buried his head into his shoulder, whispering into his ear.

"I'm so sorry, Remy. I knew you weren't ready to speak of it. Don't cry, please. It was my fault for not coming to you sooner. I promised to protect you, to come when you needed me and I wasn't there." Loki implored, his voice urgent. He held tightly to the mortal, scared he would slip from his grasp. Loki could not remember when he had ever been more scared in his life. If he lost Remy… It would be the death of him.

"Cher, it's not yo' fault." Remy said. Loki only shook his head, still holding Remy as he spoke.

"Yes, it is. Don't say it isn't. Remy, you have no idea how much it hurts to see you cry." Loki whispered into his ear.

"It kills me to see you so sad."

Remy had never heard the demi-god sound so desperate in his life. He had grown used to a kind Loki, one who tended to be short tempered yet still able to care. It was rare he ever showed emotion beyond a smile or a kind gesture. He then felt the demi-god tense, suddenly stepping in front of him with a growl in his voice as he spoke.

"Do not come further. If any of you so much as glares at my betrothed, you will feel my wraith. If you thought you saw my true power when I was angered with Thor, then you are sadly wrong. You will regret the day you heard the name, Loki." Loki hissed.

Remy peered around the trickster to see what had angered him. To his shock it was the Warrior Three again who had stopped in their tracks. They had caught the demi-god hugging the mortal as he comforted him. The trio was silent as Loki stood there, a shield between them and Remy. Then it was Hogun who spoke first.

"You have my word. No harm will come to your beloved. I will do everything in my power to see to it he is safe in and outside of Asgard." Hogun swore, touching his fist to his shoulder.

"Aye, I as well. I'll defend him until there is no breath left in my body." Volstagg said, copying the gesture.

"Any person worthy to marry a prince of Asgard is a friend of mine." Fandral repeated as he too repeated the oath in his own words. Loki for once looked at a loss for words when they said this. Remy stepped around him, peering at the demi-god. To his astonishment there was a tear going down the trickster's face. When Loki caught his puzzled look he returned it as well.

"What?" Loki demanded of him suddenly. Remy could only shake his head, reaching up to draw the demi-god into a kiss despite the warrior's watching them. Privacy be damned.

"Nothing, cher. Just t'ank you. T'ank you fo' lovin' me."