It was a nice, warm evening. Not too hot, but not too cold, either. The perfect sort of weather for curling up with a good book. A soft breeze caused the golden, sheer curtains to rustle softly, but Nancy paid them no heed.

She sat in a chair in the doorway of the balcony, attempting to read from an Asgardian tome. The breeze brought with it the sweet smell of the crisp, fresh water below and caused the curtains to glisten in the light of the setting sun. Her hair caught the breeze and shifted softly in the air, catching and reflecting back the light, as she sat with her head slightly bowed over her book. Nancy murmured softly, making mental notes to herself as her pen danced over her notepad. She was so engrossed in her work, she never heard Loki come in.

Loki entered to find her combing his books. The ones she had sworn she could not read. He noted what she was attempting to do and moved past her to his armoire. She still had not successfully translated anything from the Asgardian books. He had little worry that she would succeed today. His ceremonial armor awaited him, and he took his time attaching it to himself. How he hated these political functions known as feasts. If he weren't king, he simply wouldn't attend.

Nancy glanced up when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. But it was only Loki changing into another set of armor. He'd come and gone often enough that she was used to it by now. He'd come back periodically throughout the day to check on her or grab something he'd forgotten, but only to leave again. This time would be no different. Nancy quickly dropped her gaze back down to her book and resumed her work. "Would you like me to step out of the room so you can change in privacy, master?"

"No, no." He fastened the last metal plate. An idea slowly formed, and the longer he thought on it the better he liked it. He would love to see her as she was in his head. He glanced over at her. "I have a feast I must attend."

Nancy's eyes widened slightly at the thought of a feast. She hadn't had a decent meal in months. Some days, when she was particularly hungry, she'd give him a passionate, heartfelt kiss in exchange for a larger portion of food. But the kiss would only lead to too many emotions neither of them could control. So Nancy had learned early on to survive off of little more than apples. A roll. A block of cheese. And the hated apples. No lunch. No supper. Just rolls, cheese, and apples. Yet, here he was putting on his best suit of armor so he could go and gorge himself. How heartless. "I hope you enjoy yourself, master." Nancy licked the tip of her finger and turned the page, pretending to be more interested in her book. Let him go, then. Go enjoy himself and his food and his women. She didn't need him. She had all she needed right here in the suite. …If only she could make herself believe it.

"I hate to leave you here alone. And as you've been such an obedient pet of late..." He turned to stare at her, unsure how she would react, but wanting to know more than almost anything. If only she would look at him, acknowledge him. Why did she have to lose herself in books when he most needed her rapt attention?

Wait… what? Nancy glanced at him over the edge of the page, waiting for him to continue. Was he… was he inviting her to go with him? No. She was a pet. He'd never… would he?

Loki smirked. There was the look he waited for. The one of curiosity that desired deeply to be satisfied. "Would you like to come, pet?"

Yes. She would. More than anything else. She wanted to see Asgard in all its glory. Wanted to see the people and the culture. Wanted to spend time with him and see more of who he really was. "If that's your desire, master," Nancy set the book down and stood, assuming her posture of obedience. "I'd be honored."

"You must be a good pet and do all I say." This idea would only work if she was completely obedient, and he still doubted her complete sincerity in the matter. She could easily pretend to be obedient and cause more harm than good when she humiliated him at the feast. Yet, there was no one else he desired to attend with him. At least he knew her to be honest with him, to the point of detriment. Others would rather flatter than speak openly.

Nancy nodded, understanding the terms. Of course she would obey. If she didn't, he'd send her back here, most likely hungry and alone. And she was so tired of being alone. Nancy stepped closer to him. "Will there be a lot of people there?"

Her stomach suddenly turned at the thought she would no doubt be the center of attention, being the king's pet and all. That was the one thing she loved about S.H.I.E.L.D: Even when she stood out in her own field of specialty, she was still a number. A face in the crowd. But here, on Asgard, she was the alien. She was different and mortal and small. On top of her peculiarity, she would draw the attention of onlookers because of her position. Suddenly, she felt no different than a side-show freak. All color drained from her face.

"Just the nobles." He looked down at her, curious again. Did she know how to behave in such a crowd? Probably not, but as obedient as she had been, he was sure she would easily catch on. He would keep her from their insurmountably rude comments and their flattery, both, but he almost wished she could be by his side during everything. He swallowed. "There will be dancing after, but I do not dance unless my partner is especially ravishing."

Nancy let out a breath and glanced away, feeling even smaller. Of course he wouldn't dance with her. She wasn't ravishing. Especially not 'especially ravishing'. Loki would no doubt dance with one of the Asgardian goddesses – women who were more beautiful than even the best models on earth. Women with beauty that shone like diamonds. These were the women Loki was used to. The women he feasted with and spent his time with. Women who were far more worthy of his time and attention. "Of course. I'm just a pet anyway."

Loki chose to ignore her comment. Just a pet? Where did she come up with these idiotic ideas? Of course she wasn't just a pet. He fixed his helmet on his head and studied his appearance in a mirror. "Come along, then."

Nancy turned and glanced at her own reflection. She smoothed a hand through her messy hair and tugged at the panels in her skirt. What would they think of her, seeing her in a dress like that? "But, shouldn't I prepare first?" She turned to look at Loki again. "Do you think I look alright?"

"You look lovely." And he meant it. She had never looked lovelier, even in the midnight blue that she preferred. The green brought out the gold in her eyes and the burnished quality of her hair. He rather liked that. No, he didn't rather like it. He especially enjoyed it. He extended his hand to her, offering some form of companionship and a little physical touch. She had said once that all humans needed it. "Come, pet."

Nancy blushed a bit and timidly took his hand, allowing him to escort her. How kind he was, when he wanted to be. A true gentleman. If only they could stay like that forever, as equals. If only he would see her as the strong, brave, witty woman she was. Instead, he only saw her as one of his pets.

Loki exited the room, pulling her behind him down the halls. He didn't care who saw. He took his other pets with him when he traveled about the palace, so this was no different. Only, this pet was a mortal. And his heart had betrayed him in her favor. Still, no need to hide it. He stopped at the throne room doors. They would await his command to open. He glanced slightly to the girl and spoke three words as a command, "Two steps behind."

Nancy gazed up at the large doors. Doors as large as oak trees, elaborately decorated with scenes of feasts and war. She knew what lay beyond. Dozens, if not hundreds, of the richest gods and goddesses Asgard had to offer. The ones labeled as the best. The best of the best. Pompous, arrogant nobles and lords. Ladies of the court with gowns far pricier than anything Nancy had ever dreamed of wearing. She took two steps back, more out of fear than compliance. She didn't belong here. What was she thinking? She wanted to observe these people? No. They would observe her. She would be very much like a bug under glass. They would scrutinize her. Nancy swallowed audibly, her mouth suddenly dry. "Can't we just-?" But her words were silenced as the doors swung open.

Loki lifted his chin and moved down the center of the room. One foot at a time, each step more sure than the last. Each of his subjects bowed as he passed, completely submitted to his rule. He could sense his pet's presence behind him, and saw scattered glances in her direction, even a few jealous glances from some of the ladies. It didn't matter. Their opinions didn't matter. They would each have him marry below his station, anyhow. He could do as he pleased, and he would spite them in the doing. He held in a smile.

Nancy immediately assumed her posture of obedience. Head down, eyes down, hands folded in front of her. She followed obediently, silently, watching the bottom of Loki's cape swish softly against his legs as he walked. She followed two steps behind, as he'd asked. In that moment, she would've done anything he asked. She was so frightened. Not of what the people would do to her, but of what they thought of her. Nancy could feel their eyes watching her every move. The shy scientist – only outgoing when she was in her own element – was now thrust into the literal center of attention. It was nearly more than she could bear.

Loki continued his path up the steps that led to the throne. His throne. Remembering his pet, he stopped and turned his head just far enough to see her. His subjects didn't need to know what he said, only that he said something. They would all make their own assumptions. He spoke quietly over his shoulder, one command that he had long since become accustomed to uttering. "Kneel."

Faster than she could think, Nancy found herself on the ground on her knees. She knelt with her head bowed, unable to bring herself to look at him. Every instinct inside of her told her to get up and run. To flee from the condescending eyes and his power over her. In that moment, Nancy felt the full weight of being Loki's pet. More so than at any other time, even when she was in the cell. Her hands trembled as she gripped at the golden stairs. She was Nancy McAllister no longer. Agent McAllister had died long ago. She was always, and would forever be, Pet. Loki's Pet.

With an appreciative nod, Loki proceeded to the throne. She had obeyed, the first time. He liked that she had listened to every word he said. Perhaps she was learning after all. He sank into the throne and slouched sideways, his legs sprawled wide. He beckoned to his pet with one finger. "Come." He indicated the space on the floor between his feet. It was more than ample room for her to fit.

Nancy scrambled to her feet, stumbling over the steps along the way. Finally, she managed to perch in the spot indicated, looking very much like a frightened bird on an unstable branch. She tucked her legs as close as she could to one side, willing the slits in her dress to stitch themselves closed. But they wouldn't. So she simply sat there, stiff and rigid, with her pale legs tucked neatly under her.

Loki motioned to the servants waiting around the outer walls, and suddenly the hall filled with life. Everyone moved to their seats and began to chatter. Loki, on the other hand, sent his attention to his pet. She trembled as though the nobles might stone her. He couldn't have her thinking something like that. He wanted her to understand how he felt around them, yes, but he did not wish to distress her. He should offer something to her. Her obedience should, after all, be rewarded. "You did well."

"I think my heart went into my throat." Nancy gasped, finally finding her voice, "I've never been so scared. Ever." Even now, her heart still pounded wildly in her chest.

"They will not hurt you." Loki surveyed the crowd. Nobles and their squires. Noblewomen and their daughters. Haughty gazes and jealous whispers. No. They would not hurt her. He wouldn't allow it. If anyone set foot near her with intent to harm her, he would see them banished, at the very least.

A server reached the top of the steps, bowed, and extended a tray in Loki's general direction.

Loki looked over what had been placed upon it and took each item into consideration. Meat, grapes, and of course apples. Yes. This would do nicely. He nodded solemnly. The servant settled the tray in front of Nancy and scuttled off to attend to other duties.

Nancy's mouth watered as she looked over the food on her plate. But, he couldn't possibly expect her to eat off the floor, could he? Sure, there was a plate under her food, but still… was he so cruel as to not even allow her somewhere else to sit?

"Master?" Nancy began, chancing a glance up at him, "How long are you going to make me sit here? It's uncomfortable." She quickly rushed the rest of her words, "Not that I'm complaining, of course."

Obedient, indeed. She had lasted five minutes before her complaint. A new record. If there was one thing he had learned about this woman, it was that she didn't hesitate to speak her mind, even after all she'd been through. Loki smirked. "Eat your food. I will provide a cushion, but perhaps if you relaxed a bit..."

True. She was in a very uncomfortable position. Slowly, Nancy unwound her legs and leaned back against the bottom of the throne, letting the panel at the front of her skirt cover her legs. Yes, this was definitely more comfortable. And she liked the fact that Loki was right behind her. Usually, she would've hated being forced at sit at his feet. But, in this instance, it was nice. His presence helped to calm her frazzled nerves, if only a little.

Nancy pulled her tray into her lap and tentatively began to eat. The food was delicious, and she had been hungry, but all those people were still staring. A few women were even glaring daggers at her. Instinctively, Nancy moved farther back toward the throne.

Momentarily, a tray arrived for Loki with much more meat to speak of. He ate it slowly, studying his pet while she was distracted. What would it be like to feel her head against his leg? He wondered. To have her trust him so much to lean on him when she was so frightened... Loki scowled at himself. What right did that thought have to sneak into his mind? She wasn't some lonely Asgardian woman. She was his obedient pet. He couldn't think of her in that regard. He refocused his gaze to study the guests.

As Nancy continued watching, she noticed a few of the women whispering amongst themselves. They were all glaring, obviously upset with something. Then one turned at pointed at her. The others erupted with laughter. Nancy blushed and reached out to grip Loki's ankle, seeking his comfort and protection.

She turned and looked up at him, her hurt obvious on her face. In her eyes. "They're staring." She whispered, not bothering to mention the fact they were laughing at her.

"They do that." He could almost bless their stares for driving his mortal closer to him. Yet... he couldn't quite condone them. He noted one of the higher lords making his way to the throne. No doubt with some outlandish request. Something to do with a daughter, no doubt. They had ceased their requests for land and power ages ago, after he refused one too many of them. Their flattery remained, however, and he dreaded that. He tried not to tense. No need to alarm his pet more than she already would be.

Nancy turned back around to find a large, broad man clad in full armor and a thick, fur cloak making his way toward them. Inside, she panicked. What was she supposed to do in this situation? Bow to him? Pretend she was above him? Still indecisive, Nancy acted on instinct. She lowered her gaze and pretended to be more focused on her meal.

Loki allowed the lord to approach, motioning the guards aside. He would hear the request, whatever nonsense it may be. He would more than likely refuse the man, but he would hear it as a good king should. Why had he ever wanted this job?

The man bowed low with a sweep of his arm. The motion made him look more like an overgrown peacock than a man of noble stature.

"What is your agenda?" Loki asked bluntly. No use beating around the bush. He had been diplomatic with the lords of Asgard too long. He lifted a bite of his meat to his mouth indifferently. This would be like all the other times. The man would ask, and he would simply decline.

Loki's adept eyes spotted the stiffening of the man's spine. "As your majesty oft has difficulty deciding on his partner for the opening dance, might I suggest my daughter?" He motioned behind him to a table.

Loki noted the petite brunette swathed in purple. A presumptuous choice, granted it was traditionally the color of royalty on Midgard. She was fair enough, but not nearly beautiful enough to tempt him to break his own hard-fast rule. He shook his head. "Thank you for the honor, but no."

The lord straightened completely and scowled. "Whyever not? She is far superior to," with disdain, he shooed a hand at the girl seated at the base of the throne, "that."

That. She'd been called a that. An indifferent, nonspecific pronoun used to describe nonhuman items, used derogatorily to label her as less than a person. She wasn't a person. She was a that. Nancy glanced up at the lord, then looked away again. He was right, he and his family were far superior than she ever could dream of being. She kept her eyes downcast, showing her obedience. In that moment, all she wanted to do was get up and run away.

Loki slowly, menacingly stood to his full height and glared down at the lord. How dare the man degrade Nancy to such a level? How dare he presumptuously stalk to the throne and try to tell him that his pet was nothing more than a heap of dung? Loki kept his voice low, sinister, and pronounced each word carefully so the pea-brained man would fully understand them. "You will watch your tongue."

The man sneered and gave a nonchalant shrug. "I only spoke my mind."

Spoke his mind? No. He had been cruel. Loki strode quickly forward and before the man had time to blink, Loki had taken his collar into his fist and held tightly. He desperately wanted to end the man, snap his neck then and there or order him beheaded. Instead, with all his subjects watching, Loki did the just thing to do. "I give you one more chance to not leave your daughter fatherless. I will not dance the opening dance tonight and I will not allow you to insult her." He used his head to gesture to his pet, sitting scared where he had moments ago been.

Nancy cowered back against the throne, her eyes wide. She didn't like being in the spotlight, especially not like this. She bowed her head and avoided meeting anyone's gaze, a hot blush rising to her cheeks. Before, she would have immediately jumped up and tried to stop Loki from harming the man. But now – now that all eyes were on her and she was forever labeled as an obedient pet – Nancy could only shrink inside herself to hide from onlookers.

The man didn't utter another word. Instead, he submissively bowed his head.

Loki slowly unfisted his hand and raised an eyebrow, daring the man to ever say anything bad about his pet again. Let him utter another word against her. He would gladly have him forcibly removed. He glared until the man backed away and the guards moved warily back into position. When the man left, Loki motioned for those staring to return to their activities. Adrenaline forced his breaths heavier through his chest, and he sucked air in through his nose to calm himself. He returned to his throne and settled back in it, still irate.

"You didn't have to do that." Nancy whispered as Loki resumed his position atop the throne. She cautiously glanced back, still not meeting his gaze. "I appreciate it, but…" She shook her head. "You didn't have to." And he shouldn't have. The lord was right. Nancy had no place among the royals and nobility.

"Yes, I did." He reached a hand to rest on her head, instinctively protective. If anyone said another thing against her, he would rip them to shreds. Having sustained travesties at his own hand was one thing. Having his subjects look down on her because she arrived from Midgard, another entirely.

"Let me go back to your room, sir." Nancy protested, turning around more so she could look at him. All she wanted to do was run away. It was a strange feeling for her. Usually, she'd be one of the first to rush into the action. But not here. Not with these people and their condemning eyes. "That nobleman was right. I don't belong here. I'm a mortal in a room full of immortals. Let me leave."

"You will be fine." Loki brought his other hand up, resting one finger against his lips. He kept his protective hand on her head, if only to reassure her that he would keep her safe. He would. He had thought this might turn out better than it had started, but he could prepare for other outcomes, as well. They all knew better than to come against the god of mischief, for his wrath was worse than his father's. As long as he held her under his care, she would fare well.

With a sigh, Nancy turned back around and began picking at her meal. She wasn't hungry anymore, but forced herself to eat out of a need for sustenance. She knew she wouldn't have meat again for a long time, so she may as well consume it while she had it.

She kept her head bowed, her eyes never leaving the floor. Her only comfort was the fact Loki sat behind her, with his fingers twined in her hair. Under any other circumstances, she would have loved the attention and affection. But now… now it only proved all the more that she was indeed his pet.