Elena appears, sitting on the arm of the throne. Loki looks at her in slight annoyance. "I appreciate your assistance, but as the ruler of Asgard..."

"Which I made happen."

"I demand you remove yourself from my throne!"

Elena shrugs before hopping off and walks around to face Loki. "Better?"

"Indeed. Now, may I ask what requires your presence?"

"I got bored. Wanted to see how everything was going."

"The realm is as it should be. My brother is locked away where his arrogance will not interfere."

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"I have all that I have desired, after all this time."

Elena frowns slightly. "I didn't ask if this is what you wanted, I asked if you were happy with your power."

Loki scoffs. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because..." Elena casually paces in front of Loki. "Power, money, those are the two most addictive and disapointing desires of man. Money can buy you anything you could ever want or need. So what happens when you run out of objects you desire? Power. Power can make and break civilization. Those who get a taste, can't get enough. A man wants control of his village, so he becomes a king. He still craves more, and takes over the neighboring countries. Its still not enough so he seizes control of the whole world. He still wants more, and you know what the kicker is? He never really wanted power."

Loki raises an eyebrow. "What did this man desire?"

"Only he knows."

"If he held knowledge of what he desired, why was he not aware?"

"Because he was lying to himself." Elena purses her lips. "I'm gonna go hang out in the flower dimension for a while. I'll see you in a few weeks. Oh, and I know Asgardians drink a lot, but don't let Kate drink any alcohol. Shes only fourteen."

Elena vanishes, leaving Loki alone.

...

A man kneels before Loki sitting at the throne.

"Your highness, I bring troubling news."

"You may speak."

"I have gotten word of a small rebellion in progress as we speak."

Loki perks up in intrest. "How many?"

"It is but a small group. No more than twenty. But most others side with them over you, my king."

Loki sighs. "Very well then. Your news is appreciated. You may leave."

The man nods before standing and leaving the throne room. Loki signals for a guard to come over.

"Find them and lock them in the dungeon."

"Yes, my king."

The guard leaves and Loki rests his head on his hand.

...

Once in his chambers, Loki sits down and closes his eyes. He hears movement and looks over to see Elena in a green dress with her hair dripping wet. She glances at her hair dripping water of the floor and looks at Loki appologetically.

"Sorry, I like to let it air dry."

"Why are you in my chambers?"

"Asgard has the best baths. They always make me smell like wheat and roses. I hope you don't mind, I wanted to check in anyway."

"It matters not. I have had plenty of time with my thoughts."

Elena nods. "I guess you have, haven't you? So...what do you do for fun around here?"

"I have no need for activities of mischief."

"Okay." Elena walks over and makes a chair appear across Loki's. She sits down. "So hows Thor?"

"He remains silent. All the better."

"You sure about that? I know whenever Kate would stop talking to me, I'd be pretty upset. Silence and solitude can be maddening at times." Elena makes a black rose appear in her hand. She looks at it thoughtfully. "These only exist in four dimensions. Beautiful. Roses come in many shapes and colors. Some are loud and colorful, some are a subtle beauty, while these hold beauty in the complexities of rareity and individuality. It may not be as popular or desired as the other breeds, but its just as signifigant, if not more."

Loki glares at Elena. "If you came to me for a lecture, you have wasted your time."

Elena stands up. "Not a lecture, just an observation." She tosses the rose onto his lap. "Keep it. Plant it. Press it. Do whatever with it."

"Are you not curious as to the state of your sister?"

"Why would I ask when I already know? I'll talk to her when the time is right. Well, I'll head out. See you later."

Elena vanishes. Loki sends the rose away for the time being. He rubs his forehead in frustration.

"Servant!"

A minute later Kate rushes into the room with a goblet of wine. Loki snatches it from her hands and takes a sip. He pauses and narrows his eyes at Kate.

"You have been stealing mouthfuls of my drink."

Kate shakes her head. Loki eyes her skeptically. "You may speak."

With a smile of relief, Kate responds. "Thanks."

"You were warned previously against sampling what is mine."

Kate shoots him a glare. "I wouldn't have to sneak it if you let me have some."

"If you were a mere servant, your sentance would be merciless."

"Whats the big deal? Whats it gonna do? Stunt my growth?"

"Your sister has expressed strongly against you tasting a drink of this sort. I inteed to keep her on good terms."

Kate crosses her arms. "And what if I do it again?"

"Then I will simply remove your ability to taste."

Kate huffs and Loki continues. "Your voice is disrupting my silence." Kate sighs, knowing he has removed her voice. "Now fetch me a drink untainted by your disgusting mortal mouth."

He shoves the goblet into her hands and she storms out of the room in search of a new goblet.

She returns a few minutes later with a fresh drink in hand. Loki takes it and takes a sip. He notes Kate staring daggers at him.

"Do not resent me for your vices. Your sister has your best intrest at heart."

Kate rolls her eyes. Loki chuckles. "I know of that gesture. You are aware that you are rolling your eyes before a god?"

Kate huffs in annoyance and Loki stands. He sets his drink aside. "Draw me a bath and then you may return to your chambers to eat."

With a sigh, Kate walks to the next room.

When she returns, Kate finds that Loki has already removed his armor and has begun to remove his clothes. She catches sight of his chest and blushes. Loki talks without facing her. "You may now retire to your chambers. Your dinner is in your room."

Kate nods and quickly walks away. Loki notes this and smirks. "So your sister was not extending the truth. I am commonly desired in your realm, am I not?"

Kate reluctantly faces him and nods. Loki continues. "Mortals are strange creatures indeed. You may leave."

Kate dashes out of the room.

...

Next time...Kate...