She ignored the others as she tumbled into her chambers, walking through the centre of the relaxed group and straight into her quarters - tears pricking like hot embers at the corners of her eyes. She felt like an emotional teenager as she threw herself face first onto the wide expanse of her bed but didn't care, letting her emotions rule her and practically screamed her loud, violent sobs as soon as the soft mattress gave way beneath her.

She'd been an idiot. When she was small, and learning to hunt, the first thing her mother had taught her was that emotions only get in the way of the objective. It was fine to feel guilt at the death of the beast, to empathise with the creature and respect it's life, but never to let those feelings interrupt what you were there to do…

She'd failed in that, today.

She'd come to Asgard to marry Thor, to become queen, and had indulged in feelings for his brother in the meantime.

Loki's objective, obviously, was to use his silver tongue and attempt to cause as much disruption to the asgardian throne as possible. She knew how Loki felt about his brother, she'd always known - they'd gotten so close so quickly, were so comfortable around each other. How much of that was real, and how much was some sort of long-term plan from him?

She couldn't help but think about his initial distain, the way he'd suddenly flipped and taken her to the forest, shown her the first real positive experience in Asgard...how long had she felt like this for him? How obvious was she, that he could take advantage of her so seriously, so easily?

She'd heard rumors of his abilities to twist people to his will, but had stupidly, stupidly not expected to experience it herself. A calloused hand gently brushed down her hair, not speaking, just...being there for her, and she rolled onto her back to find Eirik lounging beside her. Hiccuping down her tears, she crawled forwards, letting him tuck her under his chin.

"Should I ask?"

She stayed silent for some time, finally rolling away to accept a handkerchief and clean up her nose. She was done now, done crying. She'd had quite enough of that.

"He kissed me"

Eirik nodded. "That explains the emotions you threw down before we cut you off. I'm...well i'm curious why you're crying though" he asked delicately.

"Because i'm set to marry his brother, and that's why he did it"

Eirik looked down with disbelief. "...Did he tell you that?"

She shook her head. "He told me it made him angry that his brother got the throne 'handed to him' and then also got me"

Eirik hummed beside her, laying back against the bed and nodding.

"What do you think?" Aela asked, worrying at a nail as she propped herself up with pillows, kicking her feet out and burrowing them under his back.

"I'm angry that he's made you feel this way, but I...we all saw you two together after the battle...that didn't feel fake"

She rubbed her eyelids with the heel of her hands, mulling things over before finally replying, fingers at her temples. "I didn't think so either, but the look on his face as he spat the words, the poison...the first thing in my mind was the realisation that that's what matters most to Loki. Getting back at Thor. And what better way than to steal his throne, his bride…" she hesitated, hating the sniffles that plagued her breathing, the weakness they meant. She was tired though, worn through like overwashed linens. "Did it truly seem real to you, Eirik?"'

"Truly" he agreed, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her in close. "However, I'd see if he rushes to your side tonight first, or at first light tomorrow. We like Loki, we trust him, but he's also been alive longer than any of us...and he's known for his schemes. We could be wrong. I would wait until tomorrow, enjoy your evening with Thor tonight"

She groaned, pulling a pillow from her side and screaming into it. "I cannot. Eirik, I just can't. How am I supposed to be with Thor after what I just experienced with Loki…"

Eirik looked up at her roguishly. "The kiss was that good, then?"

"Eirik"

"Okay. Let's pretend for a moment that it wasn't an aggressive act of jealous rage" Eirik began, completely ignoring her side-eye at his words. "Was it a good kiss?"

She pursed her lips, pulling her knees up and resting her head against the smooth fabric encasing them; turning to face her friend. "It was incredible"

"Yeah?"

"I've never had a kiss feel like that before, so primal...but i've also never felt so strongly for someone before...before now"

Eirik squeezed one of her feet gently. "If he's been lying to you, you're perfectly capable of simply killing him. But if he wasn't?"

"I'd rather he was" she finally said, wiping her eyes and giving Saf a watery smile as she crept round the door.

"Why?" her friend asked, climbing onto the bed to join the other two.

"Because then she doesn't have to face the reality of the decisions she has to make" Eirik answered for her, tensely.

"Well...I came in to tell you that Thor's here" Saf told her gently - "we told him that you were feeling homesick, after the letters from your sister, so he's just waiting in the lounge"

Aela looked up, eyebrows furrowed. "Letters?"

"A wad of them arrived about an hour ago, Thor dropped them off himself, we told him you were bathing"

She grew quiet at the sight of Aela's stoney face. "Aela, what's wrong?"

"I'm just...it's so much lying" she moaned, getting up from the bed and moving over to the wardrobe, not caring about her nakedness as she stripped off the black suit in favour of a simple navy tunic atop of her usual tailored leggings. I've not opened a single letter, I've been...busy elsewhere...What if he asks about the letters?"

Saf moved behind her, lacing up the back of the tunic as Eirik stretched out, groaning as his back clicked. "Just...just tell him it's just updates so far, fish yields and party descriptions"

Eirik scoffed. "I don't think he'll ask, but trust me, give that description and he certainly won't ask anything else"

She rolled her eyes and quickly blotted at her face with cool water, laying the dragon's tooth over the tunic and pushing the doors open.

"Thor!" she called out, plastering her best smile on her face as she strode forwards, barefoot. If he realised her happiness was fake, he didn't indicate it, smile as broad as his shoulders as he accepted her kiss on the cheek with sunny grace.

If there was one thing to say for the future king, he was as oblivious as he was warm.

"Apologies for coming to you so late, but I was hoping to show you one of the most wonderful things in Asgard, if you feel up to it?"

She smiled, finding it absolutely impossible to feel anything less than gently creeping happiness when faced with such an open, happy expression. She took a few moments to lace up her sandals, accepting his arm and giving the others a tense smile as she left.

Do you want us to fill them in? Eirik asked as they left.

Please.

Jorik may already know, he went upstairs shortly after you arrived back

She couldn't help but laugh as they slipped out of a side door, getting to the stables much faster than she was used to. Interfering, overprotective old fool

"What?" Thor asked, and her heart raced. How much to admit? She wondered. At this point...it didn't feel like there was much point.

"Eirik, in my head" she chuckled.

"Is he teasing you for sneaking out with me at night? It is rather teenage, isn't it?"

He had a point, and she gave him a crooked grin as she led a dappled mare, conveniently already saddled, out of the stables. "Did you spend a lot of time sneaking out as a young man?"

"Enough, I feel" he responded, cheekily as he mounted his own horse, "to give my mother a few grey hairs"

She leapt onto her own horse, clicking her tongue and following him from the enclosed area. He turned to face her, the cheeky smile from earlier still firmly plastered on his chiselled, handsome face.

"Well 'God of the Hunt' - let's see if you can catch me!"

They were breathless by the time they dismounted, and she couldn't control the veritable waterfall of laughter that bubbled from her, echoing the forest brook they'd just leapt across. Leaving the horses safely tied, she took his accepted palm, feeling surprisingly at ease as his warm, strong fingers surrounded hers.

The cave mouth was dark and foreboding, especially under the cover of night, but seemed calm, rather than frightening. Perhaps it was the stress of the last 24 hours, or the fact that the enormous blonde was actually keeping his mouth closed for once instead of blurting every odd, mildly offensive, highly patronising thought that came into it; but she felt relaxed, at ease, walking through the darkness alongside him.

Not romantic, by any stretch of the imagination, as much as she imagined it was his intent. Just, relaxed. The fingers of her free hand brushed against the rough, wet surface of the walls, feeling her way rather than seeing it. The darkness around her, the mixed sensations...it was all she had to think about - not whether or not her prince really liked her, whether she'd have to abandon love for power. Just, not letting the cave wall scrape gently across her fingers. Base instincts, simple things to focus on.

It was familiar, akin to the rush of battle, of letting one's body and senses take control, placing thoughts to the side. She could manage that.

He stopped her in her tracks, covering her eyes with his hands. She immediately froze, tensing beneath his grip, all comfort vanishing under the sudden claustrophobia his actions brought. He obviously felt the reaction, and quickly his oddly...nervous? Was he nervous? Voice filled the narrow cavern.

"The next part, it...it um, needs to be a surprise" he stuttered, pulling a long strip of silk from his pocket and fastening it around her eyes, the material soft against her exposed skin as it removed any last traces of vision from her.

He wasn't just nervous, but also breathless, excited, and her own unease faded into giddy intrigue, focusing on only that emotion as the let him lead her forwards. The ground was slick under her feet, and her heart leapt into her chest as her grip on the floor slipped, falling backwards. She twisted, grip sliding from his hand as she threw them forwards, ready for the impact of stone against her, likely cutting into the firm flesh of her hands with razor precision, but it never came. Instead, the wind was knocked from her as the fabric of her top became tight against her chest, constricting her throat and blocking any hope of intaking air.

Her mind cleared, and she wasn't sure whether to laugh or attack, as she realised her husband to be was holding her in the air like a kitten.

"Would you like me to carry you, my lady?" he asked, voice thick with unvoiced laughter.

"The nervous prince becomes the cocky prince, eh?" she quipped. "No, you may merely put me down, and if it pleases you, you may escort me more carefully to our location"

"It would please me greatly" he laughed, placing her carefully down onto the ground and stepping behind her, placing both hands on her shoulders and watching each of her steps before moving them forwards.

"I enjoy this side of you Aela, you are far more free. If this is how you've been with Loki this entire time, I can see why you get along so well"

She was silent, considering his words. She didn't want to talk about his younger brother, but it wasn't worth snapping, she doubted he'd be brought up again and this was supposed to be a lovely, bonding session. And...he made a good point. She had been holding herself back, and maybe if she hadn't have been they'd have grown closer sooner. His hands squeezed her upper arms, patting them excitedly. He wasn't much taller than her, but his voice being directly in her ear, giddily asking if she was ready, still sent a slightly shocked shiver up her spine. She nodded, feeling relieved as he untied the ribbon, stuffing it back into his pocket as a sudden, shockingly bright blue light filled her vision. She blinked away the glare, enjoying how it settled as her eyes adjusted, and let him lead her to a blanket he'd very obviously prepared earlier.

She was completely in awe as they walked forwards, as she relaxed back against the multitude of cushions, settling back completely to watch whatever it was that was lighting up the cave. Thor caught her look of wonder, of curiosity, and let her watch for a while before filling a glass and settling in to answer her unspoken question.

"They're birds, filled so completely with magic that they glow. They return here every year to mate, and Loki tells me"

Aela cut him off, sensing a theme. "I'd rather not talk about your brother, if that's quite alright"

Her companion looked to her, not quite as shocked as she had expected, given that she'd regretted the words as instantly as they'd emerged.

"My brother has done something" he spoke, sighing, deflated.

"You aren't surprised?"

"Indeed, I am not. My brother, much as I love him, has a certain ability to both be a silver tongued genius and also a reckless, selfish ass. Most of my companions find him both untrustworthy and insufferable"

She was utterly gobsmacked. For one, she wasn't sure she'd ever heard him say so many words that weren't about his own accomplishments, and two…

"I beg you though, he truly, truly seems to enjoy your company. Not in a 'she's fleetingly entertaining and I'll grow bored eventually' manner, but in a 'this person is interesting and I wish to remain around them' manner"

Aela didn't, couldn't respond, very slowly spinning the glass clockwise, watching the liquid gently slosh as she did so.

He coughed, obviously realising he'd run on. "I shan't say anymore, but please. It made me very happy that the two of you got on so well - I'm aware he can be difficult"

She nodded, looking back up at the birds. "Very well, my lord". A sly thought took her, and she glanced up at him, letting a smirk come through. "You eerily remind me of him when you pull that face, you know Aela" he laughed. "What is it you wish to say?"

"I will consider forgiving your brother...if you tell me something" she said, lips pursing into a half smile.

"How very ominous" he chuckled. "Go ahead"

"Why have you been treating me differently recently?" she asked, curious and without hesitation.

He coughed, spluttering and choking around his sip of wine. "Ah. You noticed"

"I noticed, my people noticed, I think perhaps even Volstagg noticed"

He leaned back, setting the wine aside and covering his face, embarrassed .

"An agreement was an agreement, My Lord, give me your answer"

He hesitated, and finally spoke lay on the ground, still focused on the dancing movements of the birds above. "When I was a boy, there was one thing I wanted to be even more than King"

"Oh aye?"

"Aye. I was absolutely desperate to be a Valkyrie. When I found out they were only women, I was devastated. I begged my father to bend the rules, to let me join...but he refused. And then, when I was still small, I found out that they'd been wiped out a century before. All of them, dead. To this day I'm not sure of the enemy or the story, it brought our father a lot of pain to discuss it so it's simply...not discussed. But since then I've always been in awe of such amazing, legendary warriors. When I saw you, on that battlefield...well it was like I was a small boy again, listening to stories of those fierce Valkyrie maidens levelling beasts five times their size. And since then...well I've felt awfully tongue tied around you"

"And yet you can talk to Sif?"

"We've been friends since we were children, it's very different. She's beautiful, and powerful, but…"

"But less shocking?"

"Exactly"

She nodded, leaning back and lying beside him, shaking her head and holding in a laugh behind tight lips. "And now?"

"It took a couple of days, but I see you differently. I really think we can become good friends, Lady Aela. And whilst we will be husband and wife, and I don't expect you to fall at my feet...my mother told me recently that friendship is a good place to start in a marriage"

She paused before opening herself up in kind, admitting what she'd been feeling for some time now. "I'm glad, Thor. I was worried you'd never see me properly, never respect me as your equal"

"I mean, you're still no Asgardian warrior…" he began, laughing as she playfully slapped him on the chest.

"Now...the birds"

The pair lay there for some time, discussing the view above them, other creatures native to their homeland, til the wine was empty and they felt calm, and content. He shivered beside her, and she chuckled, jokingly asking if he wanted her cloak.

"I should be asking that to you, My Lady"

"Unlike certain delicate princes" she joked "I require no cloak, not in these conditions".

He rolled his eyes as she made a show of fanning herself, of pressing her warm hands against his arm. "Though you know that, you're the one who asked these bracelets to be created, after all". She paused in her chuckles, giving him a serious look. "I never had the chance to thank you, you know. Your gifts...have been so thoughtful"

"Thank you Aela, though I know nothing of any bracelets" he answered honestly, eyebrows furrowing as he turned her hands, taking in the delicate bands of gold.

"You don't?"

"No. I have had many gifts taken to your rooms, flowers, instruments, animal hides - but no jewelry, or any clothing items, for that matter. Would you like some? I would be more than happy to provide them. You seemed attached to your...tooth necklace, so I had assumed you wouldn't appreciate baubles"

Aela was shocked, eyes fixed on his fingers as they investigated the bracelets. "But, Loki said they were from you"

"I can assure you they are not. I had assumed you were enjoying the warmth, and hadn't thought you required such a charm"

She sat up, looking at him, desperately trying to stay calm, to not think about the message within the leggings, to not think about the raw emotion behind their kiss. "Why would he lie to me?"

"My brother is a strange person at times; often we find ourselves unaware of his reasons until he chooses to show them, if at all"

"I find myself in a similar predicament, it seems…" she replied, mind reeling as her words tapered. "I should thank your brother; he appears to have done me many a kindness since my arrival"

Thor sighed, climbing to his feet with a yawn, extending his hand towards Aela. "I gave up attempting to understand all of his motivations many centuries ago, Aela. Many centuries ago…"

The revelation settled upon her like a soft blanket alongside Thor's soft revelation, smothering her in emotional warmth and sweaty discomfort.

Loki...likely hadn't been playing with her.

The emotion she felt had been serious, heartfelt. The desperation in his grip, in hers in return, wasn't fabricated.

The heat in his gaze wasn't a lie.

And she'd run.

Of course, he was jealous of Thor; and she couldn't help but wonder if this situation had begun with him attempting to steal her away...but however it had begun, even lounging here beside Thor in this absolutely magnificent cave...She knew where she truly belonged.

Oblivious to her restlessness, her betrothed continued to chat away about festivals that were approaching, weaponsmiths he felt she would appreciate. It was amazing the difference one split second decision to abandon your veil and leap into battle could make.

Finally though, they stood, stretching and feeling their way out of the cavern and blinking into the light of dawn. If he noticed her haste to return, he said nothing. If he realised the gentle shake of her hand or flush of her cheek, he remained silent.

She forced herself to remain calm, collected and in the moment as the two made small talk, rode, handed the mounts to the stableboy and made their way back into the palace. Her heart pounded as he walked her back to her chambers, and even as Thor ever so gently kissed her cheek to bid goodbye, all she could think of was the man she truly...truly wanted, hopefully cloistered upstairs.

She didn't bother to change, or even enter her chambers before ignoring Eiriks advise and heading straight to his chambers, long legs making quick work of the stairs. Aela didnt care that it was nearly dawn, that everything that she was doing was inherently wrong.

Her entire life, she'd done what she wanted. No-one had been able to stop her from going hunting, or fishing, or swimming or dancing. She'd fought alongside warriors at the frontlines, and returned in time to pour tea for her fathers guests. She'd slept with who she wanted, when she wanted, and taken the lead in council meetings when she needed to.

If she wanted to be queen, she'd damn well make that happen. And if she wanted Loki to be king, well that would happen too. They were easily smarter separately than most, but together... oh together they'd be unstoppable.

The thick, heavy doors slammed satisfyingly against the surrounding walls, and she stormed in; the eyes of every servant on her.

"Leave, all of you"

They hesitated briefly, but there was no mistaking the authority behind that voice, and they very swiftly exited, wondering what on earth the Prince had done now to make the crown princess so fierce.

She didn't even watch them leave, simply choosing to walk through their departing bodies into the private chambers in the rear. Her love at least had the decency to look somewhat shocked at the entrance, quickly smoothing over his expression to hold her gaze as he slid the laces closed on his trousers. He was topless, and she decided not to hold back, stalking towards him like a lioness, taking great satisfaction in the way his breath hitched in his throat as her hand splayed across his bare chest.

She was going to just talk, but catching him like this, half dressed and even less awake, she chose to instead slide that hand downwards, curling it around his hip and pushing him at the bedpost.

Her lips found his with all the fire she could muster, the need she felt earlier coming back full force as she fit herself snugly against him.

"You came back" he gasped between kisses, and she leant back, cheeks flushed, lips bitten. He chased her but she pushed him back; holding him against the bedpost by the firm, wiry muscle of his hips.

"Promise me now Loki, that this wasn't a rouse"

His fierce, intense expression softened. "It wasn't. Truly, this was not part of my plans, Aela"

She ghosted her fingers down his chest once more, right to the waistband of his trousers; feeling his muscles tense in anticipation before taking his hand and leading him to the chairs by the empty fireplace.

"Then tell me Loki, what are your plans?"

He settled back into the chair, legs crossed, and truly hesitated before responding, as if he were considering completely keeping her in the dark. "I understand that my actions gave you a lot to consider, and were possibly ill-timed"

She couldn't hold in a snort of laughter at that, settling into the chair opposite his. "Ill timed? That's a way of wording it" she shook her head, continuing quickly lest the discussion devolve into an argument too quickly. If they did...well it was likely she wouldn't get the rest of his clothing off. "Loki, what did you hope to gain from your move?"

"It was honestly something I hadn't been planning on doing at that moment" he replied, amusingly sheepish. It was a new emotion on him, one she found both vulnerable and endearing.

"And when, Loki" she asked, crossing her legs and leaning against the upper knee. "Would you have chosen to kiss me in such a way? Your brother's coronation? Our wedding night, perhaps?" Oh she needed to dial back the sarcasm, but it was near impossible to ignore her rising temper. She'd been so focused on whether his actions spoke of truth that she hadn't really considered til now the lack of say she'd had at that moment.

She saw his expression shift towards his usual cocky expresion, then almost simmer down, the new wall gently crumbling. "When I allowed myself to think about the possibility of sweeping you off your feet, it was somewhere scenic, a nice snow capped woodland area or a magical cave inhabited by glowing magical birds…"

"Ahh" she sighed, "The location Thor took me to?"

"The very same. I had suggested it to him, knowing you'd enjoy it"

"Is that in the same vein as the 'gifts' from 'Thor'?" she asked, happy that he at least had the decency to look ashamed. "I do not value lies, Loki" she emphasised, firm. "Until now, I have been the prey in this hunting tale, and I do not appreciate it"

"Aela, it wasnt-"

"Do not interrupt me Loki, not in regards to something as serious as this. If you intend for me to give up my claim to the throne of Asgard I need you to understand how gravely you are mistaken"

His hands tightened on the arms of the chair, and he rose quickly. "I see you have made up your mind, Aela. I trust that you will keep this matter between us, and not divulge the nature of my feelings to my family"

"You interrupt me once more, Loki" she stated, stern.

"I understand your decision"

"No" she replied, knowing this was completely the wrong thing to do, but that if they were smart, they could just about manage it.

Hopefully.

"I am merely enquiring, Loki, as to whether you had a plan to claim that throne"

He faltered then, sitting back down. Two icehawks in a nest, they were, she inwardly chuckled as she saw the calm mask slide back over his features. She hadn't shocked him, of course not.

She stood, setting her drink down and stepping towards him.

"I came here Loki, to be queen, and I intend to complete that task. Finding...you, hadn't been part of that plan. I…" she faltered then, dropping the mask as she reached his knees, allowing how torn she felt to show on her face, in her voice as she gently moved her hand to his chin. "If I am correct, and my feelings towards you are reciprocated, than that is the greatest sorrow I think I may have ever encountered. I am nothing if not loyal, and I have made a vow to my people, a vow to your people, to your parents"

"I find myself in a similar state, recently" he admitted, mirroring her action- fingers cool against her cheek as he turned his own head, laying his lips against her palm. All of their kisses til now had felt fevered, desperate...but this was soft, intimate. His words were muffled, but she heard them clearly. "Whilst I hold no doubt that if we were to go to my mother, and then my father, they would understand, I also know you would never betray your own people like that. You know I want to be king, and my dream as of late is that you would rule by my side"

She leaned down, pressing her forehead against his.

"I also know that you are honorable, Aela. I do have a plan, and I know your insight would only make it stronger, but you understand that this is something I must do alone. Please, give me until the coronation. If Thor is crowned, then I will have failed us both, and I'll step back"

"You wouldn't include me in your plans?" she asked, offended.

"I would never ask you to betray your family, your promises in such a way" he defended, voice quiet.

"You are aware it's already sullied. I'm motivating you to do this, after all"

"In all honestly Aela, I was planning this long before you got here...I simply have far more on the line now if I fail"

She sighed, and knew without a doubt there would be no going back from this moment.

"We are equals Loki. You are never to treat me like prey again, do you understand?"

There was no hesitation in his reply. "I do"

She nodded against him, and sealed the pact, pressing her lips softly against his, pouring every inch of her feelings into the action. She'd thought about this more than she had allowed herself to admit, more than she wanted to think about. Knowing now, that even if he failed, and they were doomed towards sadness, that she could allow herself a small window of joy...well that was something, at least.

No matter what, they had a few months of happiness and love, if they were careful.

Their kisses grew more heated, and she pulled back, playfully tugging his lower lip with her teeth as they seperated.

Her words were husky with arousal, spoken swiftly before capturing him once more. "You're mine then, Loki Odinson, til the coronation"

He smirked, the gesture even more endearing when she could feel it instead of see it. "Til our coronation"