Days passed, slow and tedious. Loki continued to have trouble letting his mortal out of his sight. Someone had hurt her when he had looked away. He would do anything to keep it from happening again. Anything at all. He needed her to know how he felt about her, and plans had been laid, but convincing her to join him may be a difficult task, indeed. Sadly, he knew how she hated feasts. It would take much coaxing to convince her to attend.

Loki leaned back against the headboard and sighed melodramatically to get her attention.

Nancy glanced up from her position on the chaise. She'd been blissfully caught up in scratching Calder under his chin, allowing the creature to momentarily distract her from her thoughts. The cat had quickly become one of Nancy's best friends, being her one comfort in the loneliness. She picked him up and held him close, listening to his calming purr. "Something bothering you?" she directed toward Loki. He was so dramatic. He wouldn't sigh like that for nothing.

A smile graced Loki's lips at her typical witty answer. As usual, she saw through his facade to tell he had ulterior motives to the gesture. He tossed his hands up in defeat. "A feast. I am afraid I cannot decline." Loki smiled at her, his eyes coaxing and his hands inviting. "Come with me? I am remiss to leave you alone."

She carefully sat up, minding her wounds, and moved the cat off to the side. "Another feast? With all those people staring?" Nancy vividly remembered her last feast. The nobleman who'd called her a 'that'. The little girl who couldn't understand how a human could be a pet. Everyone judging her with their pompous opinions. "After what I just went through? No." Nancy scooped Calder into her arms again and pretended to be more preoccupied. "I'm sorry, master, but I won't. I won't."

Loki jumped from the bed to kneel beside her chair. He rested his hands by her side, looking up at her with wide eyes and an honest expression. It was easy to ask the question, because he meant every word he said, even if the purpose wasn't quite what she thought it was. "Please, love? I cannot bear to be away from you."

Nancy glanced down at him, noting his expression. She looked to Calder, noting his wide, green eyes. She almost laughed. Perhaps they were alike after all. Nancy looked to Loki again and gave an irritated sigh. "Fine. But only because I know how much you hate them. We can sit there, hating them together." She carefully lay back again, making a kissy-face at her little black pet. "When is it?"

Loki took her fingers in his hand and kissed them, ignoring her last question with easy determination. She wouldn't like the answer, so it was better she come to the conclusion herself. If she did, she was less likely to blow up in his face. He didn't wish to go through that at that particular moment. "I greatly appreciate it. Your gown is in the washroom. I shan't even look if you do not wish it."

He always did this to her. Dropped things on her at the very last moment. "It's tonight, isn't it?" she asked, her voice flat.

Loki smiled wryly. She was too smart for her own good. He had thought perhaps it would take her a little longer to put two and two together. He should have known he would have no such luck. "Unfortunately."

Nancy sat up fully and finally gave Loki her full attention. "You know I'm having trouble moving." She blushed a bit, reluctant to admit her vulnerability. "I can't lift my arms over my head. This might get… awkward."

He smirked at her, fully aware she knew what he thought of that. He couldn't help his mischievous side as he purred one sentence in her direction. "Would you prefer my help?"

Yes. She would. But she couldn't have him seeing her wounds. It was bad enough he'd seen them the first time. Why he didn't reject her completely, she didn't know. Any other man would have. Any other royal would have. She couldn't understand why he kept her… her being tainted and all.

Nancy glanced away, ashamed. "No. I don't want you seeing what happened to me."

"Then you will manage?" Loki's mischief dissipated with her words. He should have known better than to offer. She wouldn't have him near her, not when she had been hurt. Like a pup that had injured itself, she would not let him touch what hurt. He placed a hand on hers, silently questioning her fortitude and determination to do all herself.

She glanced down to his hand and moved her fingers to wrap around his. "If I need you, I'll call for you." she promised.

Slowly, Nancy tried to stand. As her muscles stretched and strained over her body, Nancy groaned with pain. She wrapped both arms around her torso, feeling as if her whole body would simply fall apart if she didn't hold it all together.

"On second thought," she cast a pained glance to Loki and whimpered, "I think I could use some help."

"I would be honored." Loki stood to his feet and reached out a hand to steady her. Too quickly, he realized after he had done it. Surely she would assume him eager, or some such nonsense, when in reality he simply didn't want her to injure herself further. Too many bruises meant too much pain, to begin with. He wouldn't stand for any more harm done to her, even if the harm came from herself.

He moved so quickly. Too quickly. "Are we in a hurry now?" Nancy groaned, trying to stand to her full height. The effort caused her more pain than she would've liked, so she wrapped her arms farther around herself.

Loki chuckled nervously. He wasn't used to being found out. Most took him at face value, despite the fact they knew him to be a compulsive liar. "No. No." He rubbed at his forehead. How did he explain his anxiety to her? Would she believe him if he said he still feared for her safety? No, most likely not. He sighed. "We are not. I only fear you will change your mind again."

Losing her strength, Nancy leaned against Loki for support. "I might." she mumbled, then spoke louder. "I'm only letting you see me because I need help. Otherwise, please don't touch."

"I would not. Not this soon after what... he did." With an ease and gentleness he hadn't known he possessed, Loki wrapped an arm around her and lifted, supporting her weight with his arm. He swore she weighed little, if anything. Perhaps he should reconsider the apple idea and replace some of them with meat.

Nancy closed her eyes as the memories burned through her mind like an angry fire. Blood and pain and horror. She swallowed thickly and forced herself to move. To bury the thoughts and strive past them, as a good agent should. Upon opening her eyes, she found herself in Loki's room again, his arm around her. She welcomed the protection he gave her, the safety she felt. He would never let anyone hurt her again. The first time, he hadn't known what would happen. Neither of them did. But now… now she had to play her role. She had to dress and sit pretty and perform her role as the king's most cherished pet. With all its pomp and feigned splendor.

"I hate these feasts." Nancy grumbled between clinched teeth as she limped toward the washroom, "They're just circuses."

"If I can endure them for so many years, surely you can endure one night." Loki kept his arm around her on their way to the washroom. For a moment, he doubted she would make it, but he knew she would not give up. She was strong, and she liked to prove him wrong.

Nancy stopped for a moment and looked him square in the eyes. She needed him to know why she would put herself through this crazy charade. She wouldn't do it for any other person. "For you I can."

Finally, as they reached the washroom, Nancy collapsed down into a cushioned stool just inside the door. She panted softly from her effort, her ribs throbbing with every breath. Once she regained some composure, she glanced to the dress hanging from the door. Long, shining green silk hung in waves. "It's beautiful," she whispered, smiling at her beloved. Her smile soon grew into a teasing grin. "What's with you and green? There are other colors."

"But green is my color." Loki smiled and kissed her head. After all this time, did she not yet understand that he put green on her to claim her? He only wanted others to know. He wished her to know, that she was and forever would be his. Regardless of injury or attitude. "As you are mine, I wish the world to know it."

Nancy blushed slightly. After everything that had happened to her, he still claimed her as his. He wanted to show her off to all the world. It was quite the honor.

Slowly, wincing with every movement, Nancy began trying to pull her current dress over her head. Just as her arms reached her upper torso, pain exploded across her ribcage, causing her to cry out and wrap her arms around herself again.

Loki reached out for her, gently prying her fingers from the fabric. She would only hurt herself if she tried to lift. She shouldn't move the bruises too much, allow them time to heal. The purples and blues and blacks spread across her skin like spiderwebs and curled into each other like smoke. He could only imagine the pain it brought her, though he had a good inkling, having been in a similar situation himself. He sighed resignedly, there was nothing more he could do for her but what he had already offered. Deftly, gently, he slid the fabric up and over her immobile limbs, cautious not to hurt her any further.

Nancy winced from the slight movement and quickly covered herself. Not that he hadn't already seen her before. But that was different. She couldn't help that. This time, she felt exposed and vulnerable. Already broken and injured, she didn't think she could handle any ridicule for how awful her body looked.

Frowning, she looked down at her body. Covered in blacks and blues, the pale white of her skin was nearly gone, replaced with darkness and pain. "Horrible, isn't it?" she whispered.

"I have seen worse things." Loki stopped his own wince, his own memories. How had he ever thought showing her what he went through would be a good idea?

"I bet you never thought the first time you'd see me without a dress on would be like this." Nancy retorted, reaching for the new gown. As the fabric slipped between her fingers, she stopped and glanced away. "I didn't want this to be how you first saw my body."

"No. But I must say I don't particularly dread the sight." A smile returned to Loki's face as he watched her attempt to cover herself. The bruises saddened him, but her form before him brought him immense pleasure. He would not touch her, but he wanted to. So badly.

Nancy looked up at him, finally making eye-contact with him again. "I wanted to look better for you. My absolute best. Not like this." She held the fabric tighter against herself, as if the pressure of it would help hide her.

"Love, it is not as if I will never see all of you. The true you inside your insecurity." Loki stretched one finger to tap at the gown she tried to hide behind. Not hard enough to move it, but enough to show her he saw what she attempted to do. Hide. She should know by now she couldn't hide from him. He knew her too well.

Nancy blushed intensely, suddenly even more self-conscious. "I'm not… I mean, I'm really not…" she fumbled for words, then fell silent. Finally, looking away, she managed to whisper, "I can finish getting dressed by myself."

Loki's smile fell. Of course she would push him away, now when she felt most vulnerable. Was that not what all wounded creatures did, even himself? He should not be surprised that she wished him to go, but something tugged at his heart and demanded he ensure she meant the words. After all, he hadn't seen her devotion before, why would he see her need now? "You are quite sure?"

No. She desperately wanted him to stay. But not when he saw through her so clearly. Not when he was going to point out her flaws. She was already damaged. She didn't need him dredging up her self-consciousness and drawing it out into the light of day. Stiffly, Nancy nodded. "Yes. Please." Her words remained a whisper, yet lacked any real force, betraying her uncertainty.

She wasn't entirely sure. He could tell by her hesitance. Yet... he owed her the respect it took to believe her words. After all she had been through, he owed her at least that much. With a stiff bow, Loki examined her once more, studying her eyes most of all. Her emotions always played out in her eyes. He turned to retreat before he convinced himself to stay. She deserved privacy. She deserved her independence in any way she could get it.

As tears rose to her eyes, Nancy slowly lifted her arms to pull her dress over her head. The higher she lifted, the more her muscles pulled against her ribs. But she was strong. An agent. She could handle the pain. Just a bit more. Just a bit higher. A sudden, shooting pain broke forth, spreading across her chest like wildfire. Nancy cried out and dropped her arms, letting the dress slip to the floor. She grabbed at her sides again, her tears finally flowing.

Loki heard her cry, could almost hear tears if he listened hard enough. Every bone in his body screamed for him to return to her, to take her in his arms and do everything for her, but she would never accept it. She wanted to do it herself, so he would let her attempt it, even if she failed. With a thick swallow, Loki turned sideways and began to pace the room.

She could do this. She had to prove to herself she could do this. With a trembling hand, Nancy reached out for her dress. As she moved again, pain seared into her. "Master!" she cried out, the pain unbearable. "I do need help. Please." A sob choked in her throat.

Loki sighed, relieved. Restraining himself had never worked before, and he had been on the precipice of giving in that time. Blast it all, if he didn't help her he might explode. She could yell if she wanted. He stepped back through the door and stooped beside her. "I did try to warn you."

"Do you really have to gloat?" Nancy leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes, trying to regulate her breathing. If she could calm herself, the pain would subside. All she had to do was breathe. "Have I mentioned I hate feasts?" she grumbled.

"Yes. I think we established that neither of us particularly enjoys them." Why did she always have to ruin the mood? Could she never just go with him on anything? Perhaps obstinacy was in her blood. Perhaps she couldn't help it. He snatched the dress from her hands and stood to his feet, a little superior, but she had wounded his pride. "Come now, stand. Let us attempt decorum."

"Attempt." Bracing herself for the pain the movement would bring her, Nancy slowly stood to her feet. Another tear fell as she looked up at him, no longer bothering with trying to cover herself. "How do you expect me to kneel in this condition? I can hardly move! And, master, I really don't think I can sit on the floor."

"Do not question the future, pet." There she went again, ruining everything. She didn't have to know everything, even if she acted like it. He frowned. Why did she insist on ruining surprises? It made his life so much more difficult. Another sigh escaped his lips, frustrated this time, as he bunched the dress and helped her into it, one limb at a time, careful not to push on bruises. "You ruin acts of kindness when you do that."

Nancy frowned. He was right. Here he was, going out of his way to be nice to her, and all she'd done was complain. "You're right. I'm sorry." With a light smile, Nancy stepped forward and gave him a soft, lingering kiss. "Does that make up for it?" she whispered against his lips.

"Mm. It will do."

A soft voice cleared her throat. Loki turned to see the ladies' maid he had ordered. One of Frigga's maids, and a trusted friend. He nodded to her, then turned to Nancy, waiting for her reaction as he simply said, "for your hair."

"Great. Thanks. I'll need the help." Nancy turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. The dress was beautiful, but her hair was an absolute mess. It was then that realization hit. She'd had a ladies' maid. A woman assigned to her to help her with dressing and brushing and bathing. "Wait a second!" Nancy turned around and glared daggers at Loki. "Where was she when I needed help with my dress?"

Loki's smile returned, mischievous as ever. So he had twisted the truth a little to get his way. It didn't matter at this juncture. The past was past and he had said and done what needed to be said and done. He met her gaze with a boyish grin. "Yes, come to think of it I shall have to berate her for her tardiness." He slipped from the room before she could attempt to yell or hit him.

Nancy growled softly as she reached for the cushioned stool and placed it in front of the mirror. "That man is insufferable." she grumbled to the maid.

"I heard that!" Came Loki's voice from the bedroom. "But as you are injured I will overlook it."

Of course he had. Nancy winced and called out, "Sorry, master." The strain of yelling caused another pain to creep across her ribs. She winced again and slowly sat down. "I'd like to leave my hair down," she whispered to the maid, ensuring Loki couldn't hear her this time, "But do something nice with it, too. Tonight, I want him to see me as a person, not a pet."

The maid nodded and brushed at the hair. Her fingers worked quickly, tucking and braiding into an intricate style to hold back the front of Nancy's hair. The braids shone and the twists fairly glowed with the handiwork of a woman who had done this a thousand times.

Nancy smiled at her reflection. Her hair looked amazing. She should've hired a maid to do her hair years ago. "It looks fantastic! Thanks!" Slowly, careful not to cause too much pain, Nancy stood and turned for the bedroom. She stood tall and confident for the first time in a very long while. "How do I look?" her voice was soft, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Loki turned at the sound of her voice, verging on happiness for once in a long while. He took his time studying her, the long green gown gathering in satin pools around her feet. The eyes that fairly shone with the knowledge she looked beautiful. The hair that gleamed gold and red in the lamplight and crowned her head much like his mother's once had hers. "Exquisite," he breathed, before catching his exposure of sentiment and turning for the door. She mustn't suspect. He cleared his throat quietly and put on his most princely airs. "Come. We do not want to arrive late."

Nancy allowed a smirk to cross her features before she followed at his side. As they walked, she subtly slipped her hand into his, more for her own comfort than as a display of their newfound closeness. All those people. Even though she knew she looked beautiful, just below the covering of her gown, the bruises still spread across her body. Surely, by now, the whole palace knew of her ordeal. And now here she was, on display once again for them all to criticize.

"Please don't look so morose." Loki glanced to her continuously as he neared the door. He could have told her, he supposed, but he liked surprising her. For once, in a good way. "I rather like your patronizing face better than morose."

She tried to smile. She really did. "Fine. I'll smile. But only because everyone will be staring." With a deep breath to calm her frazzled nerves, Nancy released Loki's hand and took two steps back. She had no idea how she'd be able to kneel to him, but she would. And she'd do it with pride and grace. All for him. He was the only one who mattered.

Loki caught her movement from the corner of his eyes. This time, her obedience didn't settle right with him. Not after what she had endured for his sake. He gently reached back and wrapped his fingers around her bruised wrist. No, he wouldn't allow her to enter like an animal. He would never make her feel below him again.

"Tonight..." Loki lifted her wrist to nestle her arm around his, delighting in the soft flesh over his armor. He resisted the urge to place a soft kiss to her forehead. "Tonight we give them reason to stare." The banquet hall doors swung open.

No onlookers stared. No nobles scoffed. The room was empty, save a single, long banquet table in the center. Foods overflowed in dramatic fashion, meats and fruits and cheeses. Everything he had observed that his mortal loved to devour. Everything he had denied her for so long in his own vain attempt to find understanding in another. Loki slowly entered, towing her along gently by the arm over his. He sincerely hoped she enjoyed it. It had taken him ages to put into effect.

Nancy glanced around at everything. The beauty and gold. The calm and quiet. No people, no drama. Just peace and closeness and togetherness. "What is this?" she laughed softly, glancing up at him. Her smile was genuine this time. If she hadn't known better, she would have called this a date.

"Oh, did I forget to mention?" Loki chuckled low. Of course he had forgotten to mention. On purpose, because he wanted to see this reaction. "We are the only guests this evening."

"Yeah, you might've forgotten that part." Nancy giggled, still stunned by his sudden change. He was so sweet and sincere. In this one moment, he finally saw her. He saw her as she truly was. Saw her as a person. She looked up at him, studying his eyes, as a teasing smirk pulled at the corners of her lips. "What's all this going to cost me?"

"I've yet to decide." Loki almost winced at the automatic answer. He had to get past that. She was hardly disobedient anymore. He didn't need her to offer something in return, he just liked knowing he held the upper hand. It had always been a way to keep the status quo unchanging. "For now, let us simply enjoy the luxury, yes?"

Yet there it was. His god-complex. His need to be above her. Yet… he had gone out of his way to surprise her. And he'd come so far. He was trying, she could tell. It could take years to rid him of his need to be superior, if at all. But she would recognize the effort. Because he had, indeed, changed. So much. "Everything looks wonderful." She glanced up at him again, making sure he knew the gravity of her words. "Thank you."

Loki smiled, thankful she seemed to have overlooked his superior retort. They both knew he had many issues to work through, almost as serious as the ones thrown upon her. He reluctantly released her arm, but only to pull out her chair for her. "Pet."

Her laugh was a strange mix of gasp and scoff. "All this and you're still going to call me 'pet'?" Well, Rome wasn't built in a day. Baby steps, she reminded herself, baby steps.

"Yes." Why wouldn't he? Had not even she said it was a term of endearment? Surely she could see how much she meant to him, now. Surely... Loki slid her chair in, situating her comfortably at the table before he moved to his own chair and sank onto it. They must get past this awkward tension between them. He couldn't imagine how, but they must.

Nancy's frown lasted only a moment. All this luxury, his kindness, his… acceptance of her. Yet she was still a pet to him. But, no. She wasn't. He wouldn't do all this for a pet. He'd locked her away when she was a pet and attended feasts without her, not threw them in her honor. No… she was more than a pet now. Nancy's smile returned. She was a friend.

And, she was absolutely starving. So many foods she'd forgotten. So many things she wanted to try. Roasted meats, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, desserts. It was heaven.

Loki watched her eyes dart to and fro, and found himself following their direction. Had he done something wrong? Forgotten something? She couldn't find fault in this, could she? He looked up at her. "Is everything alright? Something out of place?"

"No. Everything is fine." She gave him a genuine, grateful smile. "I just... haven't seen so much food in a while."

Of course she hadn't, and it was all his fault. He had denied her one vital part of existence. True sustenance. What kind of monster was he? As bad as all of Asgard thought him? Surely not, and yet...

"Aren't you going to eat?" Nancy finished piling her plate and glanced to his. Still empty. He'd been daydreaming again.

He shook his head slightly to stop that line of thought and looked around the table. Pheasant, grapes, melons... roast boar. That worked. Loki reached for the serving spoon and dished some onto his plate, attempting a small smile in Nancy's direction. "Distracted by thought. An old, odious habit."

Yes. Of course. She'd been distracted by thought so many times. "Old habits die slowly. But it's fine. I don't mind." She picked up a small potato and bit into it. Butter and sweet cream filled her mouth and dripped down her chin. Nancy couldn't help her small sound of pleasure as she covered her mouth and blush with a napkin. Regaining her composure, she turned her attention back to Loki. "What were you thinking about?"

You. Loki smiled and shook his head. She would never believe that, even as true as it was. He returned the serving spoon and grabbed a bunch of grapes as well. "Everything. And nothing."

"Sounds like that would be distracting." This time, Nancy tried the meat. It must've been roasted for hours. Or days. It was the most amazing piece of meat she'd ever tasted. "This is delicious. We don't have things this good on earth."

"I am aware." This was Asgard, the realm of gods. Everything was better on Asgard. He had learned that quickly during his time away, banished and forgotten as surely as Thor had been. Worse, even. Loki smiled when he realized she had complimented the meal, even admitted Midgard didn't live up to these standards. "Is it to your satisfaction, then?"

"Yes. Of course." As Nancy glanced around at all the food again, she noticed their goblets of wine. A smirk crossed her features. "Do you remember the last time we had wine together? Back on Earth?"

Ah, yes. Their last game before the epic failure of study. Loki sipped his glass of wine with the reminder, savoring the sweet and tangy taste. He remembered all of it. Every last detail. "Quite differently than you remember it, I am sure. But enlighten me."

Nancy stopped to ponder his words. He remembered it differently than she did. For a moment, she wondered what he'd thought. But she quickly moved past it and made a mental note to ask him about it later. "I was thinking we could play our game again."

Loki bit back a smirk and nodded once, settling his glass on the table. "As you wish."

"Only, this time, I have no reason to fear for my life." Nancy traced the rim of her glass with one finger. "Just don't let me get drunk. I'll ask a question, and you answer honestly. But, this time, I want to know everything. No dancing around things like you did last time. And, this time, I'll answer any question you ask of me fully and honestly." She smiled brightly, satisfied with her terms. "The game ends when we run out of our first bottle of wine. So, you first. Ask me something. Anything."

He did smirk this time, intrigued. What to ask first? There were so many things he wished to know. He might as well start with the bluntly obvious ones, the ones he assumed but did not know. "Do you desire me..." How to put it delicately? He rolled his shoulders back and leveled his gaze at her. "...in that way?"

Of course – god of mischief – he would choose that question first! Nancy blushed intensely. "Yes. I have since the day I met you. I think… I think it started when you brushed my hair from my shoulder. Since then… yes, I have desired you. And I do… desire you."

Good. He wasn't a complete dolt when it came to reading her. At least he had that comfort.

Nancy glanced away, thinking of her question. The one question she'd been dying to know for so long. She looked back at him again, studying his eyes, searching his soul. "Am I only a pet to you?"

Loki's smirk widened and he leaned back in his chair, gaze never wavering. She assumed such ridiculous things. "I would have thought you knew by now. No." he sipped his wine, in accordance to the rules of their game. "During your night in the washroom, how terribly did you wish it was you in my bed and not Maija?" Perhaps that pushed it too far, but he had to know. He had to understand why she had reacted as she did.

Nancy sipped on her wine, slowly, then traced the rim of her cup, thinking of her answer. She said she would answer honestly. Completely and honestly. "Terribly." she finally admitted, her voice quiet. "I cried. Sobbed. I… I wasn't good enough for you. I wasn't good enough to keep you." She swallowed as her throat grew tight. "Am I good enough for you?" Her eyes rose to meet his again, her pain showing through.

"More than." If he didn't eat, Loki realized, he would drink too much and act out thoughtlessly. He took a bite of boar before sipping his wine and asking his question. "How badly do the bruises hurt?"

She'd nearly forgotten about eating by now. She picked at it here and there. "Pretty bad. I couldn't even lift my arms to get dressed. And I think I still have a few broken ribs." How could she ask her next question? The one that meant the most. The one that resounded through her mind. Kept her awake at night and filled her waking hours. But she must. She had to know. "Why did you do all this to me? The cell, starvation, the muzzle, making me into your pet."

"To see how strong you were. To study you." He shook his head. Should he tell her? She deserved to know the truth about why he had brought her here. She should know why he had been so cruel. He looked away, not willing to see the rejection and disappointment in her eyes. "So you would understand me." He swallowed thickly, forgetting to sip his wine as he changed the subject. "How long, do you think, until you are fully and completely mine?"

Nancy shrugged and swallowed another sip of wine. "I don't know. Every time I close my eyes… I see that guard." She paused to catch his attention. "But know this: I am yours. I will always be yours." Finally, Nancy remembered her food, getting cold on her plate. She lifted a bite of roast meat to her mouth, chewed, and swallowed. "What did you mean by you wanting me to understand you?"

Regaining his composure, Loki sipped his wine and pushed the memories of those horrible times to the back of his mind. He could ignore them if they stayed there, and answer simple. "These things you now understand... I, too, have suffered them." He shrugged at her, another question he burned to know popping into his head. "Are you still jealous of your sister?"

"No. Not anymore. But what do you mean? How did you suffer? We never tortured you or starved you." It was all starting to make since.

"Not you. Not earth, save the muzzle. One much more powerful." Loki sighed. Would she not let it go? He could not say more, not without breaking down. "Do you feel safe here?"

"I'm safe when I'm by your side." Nancy stood, forgetting her food. Forgetting their game. He was far too important for those petty things. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him, softly stroking his hair. "Tell me what they did to you?" They'd hurt him. Some monster had hurt her Loki. But she was here now. And she'd never let anyone hurt him again.

Loki closed his eyes against the embrace, blocking out the tortures and focusing on her close proximity. "I cannot," he breathed. He wished he could offer more, but he refused to relive those moments in his life. He reached for her hand and wrapped his fingers around it. "You realize you are not safe anywhere except by my side. This is true."

Nancy kissed the top of his head and offered him a small smile. "I didn't hear a question in there."

"Why do you feel unsafe elsewhere?" He lifted her hand to his lips, almost closing his eyes as he gently kissed her fingers. How did one keep her skin so soft?

"Do you really have to ask? You're the only one I trust." She paused and ran the fingers of her free hand over his cheek. "Do you love me, Loki?"

Now, that question he hadn't expected. Loki furrowed his brow, stroking her hand with his thumb. Did he truly love her? Or was this infatuation? Could he truly love her? He hardly knew what love was anymore, so he answered truthfully. "I do not know. I may. But, love, please know I have never known true love. I may not know it if it barged through this very throne room."

Nancy dropped a soft kiss to his lips. "Will you let me show you?" she whispered, her lips still hovering near his.

"If you will allow me to teach you to dance, then yes." Loki smiled, desperately needing to hold her in his arms.

She laughed softly. "Favor for favor. Alright. But I don't know how much dancing I can do with cracked ribs."

"I will steady you." He met her gaze. He would not let her fall or injure herself. He would hold her steady and teach her carefully.

"But be careful. Everything still hurts."

Oh, well, she had just walked into that one. Loki smirked at her. "Let me kiss it better?"

He was so adorable. Nancy gave an honest, sincere laugh. It'd been so long since she'd laughed. And it hurt so much. She groaned and wrapped her arms around herself. "Don't make me laugh." She tried to smile through the pain, showing him she forgave him. That she could still love him through all the pain she endured. "Maybe tonight I'll let you."

"Mm." Loki allowed his gaze to rove over her, searching out every curve and imagining them under his hands and lips. "I look forward to it. Are you done eating?"

She glanced to her half-eaten plate. A meal she would've scarfed down before. "I guess I just don't have much of an appetite anymore." She looked back at him. "Is the night over so soon?"

Loki stood and held her hand a little tighter to steady her. "You said I might teach you to dance." Loki took a step back and bowed slightly. He had wanted to teach her to dance for weeks now. He couldn't believe she had finally accepted. He planned to make the most of it.