A/N: The authors have elected to allow your imaginations to come up with what happened between Nancy and Loki. It's not that we don't want you to get what you want, it's that we think maybe it'll be better if you have to imagine it and gather from suggestions what happened. (If you want to write and tell us what you think happened, we welcome comments and/or PMs.) Thanks for reading so diligently and please stay tuned because there's so much more to come!

Well, she'd admit it. Loki definitely lived up to his reputation. Perhaps he was the fabled lover all women ran to after all. With a contented sigh, Nancy snuggled closer to Loki, twining her fingers with his. "Oh, I love you, Loki. So much."

Loki nuzzled against her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of satisfied woman. His lips trailed up to press a kiss to that sensitive spot just behind her ear. She seemed to like it, as he had diligently discovered in the past few hours. "And I believe I love you, pet."

"Do you?" She ran her fingers back through his hair, still damp with his sweat. "How do you know?"

He couldn't help but trail his kisses down to her collarbone, lavishing each inch of exposed skin with as much love and care as he had during their interlude. "I've never felt this way before."

"Never? Not with any of the women you've courted?"

"Maija came close." Loki's gaze lifted, all light and green glow, to meet her gaze. She must know this came from his heart, because he pride would not allow him to admit it. "But, no."

Nancy met his gaze and smiled softly. He finally admitted he loved her. It took a lot for him to say it, but it meant the world to her. He loved her. "Does it feel how you thought it would?"

"Better." Loki splayed his hands over her hips and pulled her against him. Holding her close was a luxury he thought he had lost only hours ago, and not he had the privilege of experiencing it again. Never again would he take her for granted.

Nancy giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm glad. And I'm glad you kidnapped me. It wasn't even all that long ago, but it feels like forever." So much had changed since her first few days here. They'd both grown so much. And had grown so close. Everything she'd gone through – every pain and torture, every day of starvation and humiliation – everything was worth it, now that she had him.

"Oh, I knew you would be worth it." Loki laughed lightheartedly, the first time that happened since before his mother's death.

As though fate knew he was happy, a knock on his doors interrupted their interlude.

Loki slid down along her front and dropped his head to her stomach. Could he not have one moment of happiness as king? He almost wished to go back to the carefree, spoiled prince he had been before all this. A sigh slipped through his lips. "Rotten timing."

Nancy glanced up at the doors with a frown, then glanced down to her lover. She wrapped one strand of his hair around her finger and watched it slowly uncoil again. "Make them go away."

"I wish I could." Loki lifted his head to shoot her an apologetic glance. She was so beautiful, laying there before him, laid bare and vulnerable for his taking. Another sigh teased his lips. If he did not do something immediately, he would listen to her pleas to forego his duties. Loki glanced over his shoulder toward the doors. "Enter!"

Wait! She wasn't dressed! Nancy scrambled to pull the covers over them again, barely having time to cover Loki's bottom half before the doors burst open. She used a pillow to cover her upper half a moment too late. Thankfully, Loki proved to be a perfect cover for her lower parts.

A guard opened the door and bowed low, keeping his eyes respectfully downcast. He knew better than to look upon the lover of a king. Especially this king. "Many have returned with prisoners. And Kjell is talking again."

"Kjell is talking?" Nancy scoffed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Wonderful. He should be muzzled. Tightly." She hated that man. Let him suffer a while to see what it feels like.

Loki laughed at her adamant judgment. There was a proper way to go about these things, but her feisty need to be in control brought a smile to his lips nonetheless. "Bring him to the throne room."

The guard bowed again, his eyes still religiously studying the floor as though the secrets of the universe could be unearthed there. He backed out the doors and shut them, then turned to carry out the king's orders.

Loki lifted Nancy's hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles one... by... one. "Come with me."

It was a command, but it was laced with sweetness. How could she refuse? Besides, he was giving her what she wanted, a chance to help. "Okay. Help me get dressed?"

Loki smiled at her and kissed her stomach before he slid off the bed to grab her a dress. The wardrobe provided one similar to that which he shed from her just a while ago. He smiled in remembrance as he brought it to the bed and helped her slip into it.

Armoring himself proved much easier. A flick of the wrist sent it into place easily, and he reached behind him to settle his helmet on his head. Now that all that had been completed, he breathed a deep breath and gently swept Nancy into his arms. She felt so right there, the perfect weight against his chest.

Nancy wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned her head against his. "You know, I'm going to need a bath later." she mused, "It has been a couple days. But, I'll need some help. With my ankle and all."

"Haven't you heard? Baths are my specialty." Loki smirked and started out of the room. She had no idea what he could do given different situations. "But do not expect me to keep my hands off you." Now that the floodgates had opened, he wanted nothing more than to spend all his time with her.

"I wouldn't dream of it." Nancy laughed. "It might get awkward, though. I'll have one foot sticking out of the tub."

Loki grinned. She knew better than to toy with his mischievous side. His lips dropped down by her ear, ghosting over its shell as he whispered, "You've not seen all of my tricks."

"No. I haven't." Wait. Tricks. He's not the only one with tricks. The rebels had magic, too. "That reminds me. Kjell said something about tricks. Be careful. He might know magic, too."

"I've safeguarded against such a thing. He will not bother us with magic."

"Does he know about the safeguards?"

He smirked. "Of course not. Take away his opportunity to show his hand? Tsk, tsk, pet. I thought you knew me better than that."

"I do. But, I'm just wondering if there's any way at all he could've found out about your counter-measures and can now counter them himself."

"Very slight." Loki nodded his head. She was concerned, and she had every reason to be with the way she had been treated these past weeks. "I see your point. I will remain on guard."

"Thank you. I'm just speaking from experience, master. I've been here before. Held at gunpoint and told to choose a side." That day left a scar in her memory she couldn't erase. The day her whole world collapsed. "Rebels are horrible creatures."

"Yes. I am aware." All too soon, they arrived at the throne room door, ominous and foreboding before them. "Are you ready?"

Nancy lifted her chin and sat up straighter. This time, she had the home-field advantage. And, this time, she had Loki by her side. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. A smirk spread across her features. "Let's go make a grown man cry."

"I will never understand your sayings." Loki shook his head with a soft laugh, then schooled his features to step through the opening door. He didn't expect the rage that welled up in him at just the sight of the man's glare. How dare he make himself out to be the victim, when he was so obviously the villain in this tale.

Loki didn't deem to acknowledge the man, focusing solely on Nancy's comfort instead. He kept his gaze forward, ignoring the eyes boring into his skull. A single, cushioned chair, very akin to a small throne, sat beside Loki's regal perch. It was the least he could do. She was in no shape to sit on the floor, though he did like the sight.

And now she got her own chair. This day was just getting better and better. As Loki placed her in the chair, Nancy sat like a proper lady, glaring down at Kjell like a queen. Let the games begin.

Loki saw her settled before he sank into his own seat, sideways with his legs spread and his spear ominously held in his other hand. He knew he was intimidating. He knew how to wield his power. Kjell would pay, no matter his plea. "What do you have to say for your actions?"

Kjell continued to glare, but his lips remained closed. Only one eyebrow moved, and then only to raise slightly.

Loki glanced to Nancy, watching her reaction to her attacker.

Hm. Now he would choose to be silent. Nancy sat back, calm and collected. "That's fine. You don't have to speak. But I'd advise you to. You see, I didn't get to have my revenge on your father. But I have you." She paused to let the information sink in.

"No revenge? After what happened to him? Castrated and-"

"Silence!" Loki glanced to Nancy again. He wanted her to be alright, and if she gave any indication that she wasn't, he would whisk her away faster than either of them could blink.

Nancy raised an eyebrow at Loki. He had the monster castrated. Good. She would've done far worse.

So she heard Kjell. Loki took a breath and lowered his voice to a tone only she could hear. She needed to know his reasoning. "It seemed fitting."

Nancy gave a half-shrug and turned her attention back to Kjell. "As I was saying, I never had my revenge. The king was merciful to your father. I won't be to you. I saw what you did, and you shall receive no forgiveness from me. When I was younger, as part of my training in Medieval history, I studied a vast assortment of torture techniques. Extensively. Ways to get men to talk." She looked to Loki, conceding the floor.

Loki gave her a nod and turned a steely, fiery glare on the man who sought to outwit him. "Who is your master?"

"I have no master!"

"Do not speak unless you speak truth!"

"You'll never hear his name from me!"

Then there was a man in charge of this whole operation. Loki sneered, revolted by the secrecy and disloyalty pervading his courts. "very well then. I concede your punishment to the women you harmed. Guard, bring Maija."

Poor girl, having to deal with all of this. Nancy continued glaring at the man who'd done such harm. If he would not talk, she would act. And sentence him to the worst punishments she could think of. During her time in S.H.I.E.L.D., she heard of what the organization would do to its captives. That would all be child's play compared to what she'd have done to this man.

In moments, Fandral and Maija appeared at the doors. Though Fandral's gaze on the king was not hostile, it turned to such a murderous thing when it landed on the man on his knees. Loki had never seen the warrior's eyes so cold and calculating. His arm tightened around the fair maid's waist, pulling her closer to his side as they approached the throne.

Maija bowed low, showing the king respect as Fandral struggled to keep an arm around her. As she stood, her gaze shot to Nancy, and a nod of camaraderie passed from her to the king's consort.

Nancy's expression softened greatly at Maija's appearance. How strong she was. And brave. "Here. Come sit on the steps. We're passing judgment on your attacker." she explained in as soft and soothing a voice as she could manage. "What would you have done to him?"

Maija turned her eyes up to the blonde next to her, and Fandral gave her a tight-lipped smile and a nod. Her gaze shifted to the king, her once-lover, seated so regally on his throne. That man, too, gave her a nod of assurance. With a heavy swallow, Maija sank to the steps at Nancy's feet, utterly bewildered why they would ever want her to join on this judgment.

Poor Maija. Still in shock. How awful, to have to do this right now. "Take your time." Nancy placed a hand on Maija's shoulder. "I know how difficult this must be for you."

Maija's wide eyes landed on her abuser and would not look away. Her whole body shook with the knowledge of what he had done to her.

Kjell leered in her direction, licking his lips as his gaze raked over her.

Even as terrible as he had been, Maija could think of little she would want to harm this man. She only wanted him gone. She never wanted to look on his hideous countenance again. "I... I think I would have his execution be swift. Mercy that he did not show me."

Nancy nodded her understanding. Maija – beautiful Maija – with a heart of pure gold. "We'll have him beheaded. Anything else you want us to do?"

"No." Those wide, blue eyes moved to gaze at Fandral as though he held the answers to life. "Did I do that right?"

Fandral quickly swept to the stairs beside her and pulled her into his side. His cloak, he pulled around her shoulders to stop the tremors she suddenly suffered. He knew as well as anyone what caused the fearful response, and he, too, wished the man dead at this point.

Nancy gave a small smile at the sight. At least she would be loved. "You might want to take her back home now." she whispered to Fandral, "She won't want to hear the punishment I'm going to sentence him to."

"No! I do!" Maija looked at Nancy, who gave the command, then back to Fandral. Silently, she implored him to see why. "I must stay."

Fandral nodded, understanding. He may not like it, but he understood it, and he would support anything she needed to do in order to move past this.

Loki saw the determination and nodded to Nancy. "Proceed, love."

Kjell scoffed. A glance, more of a glare, from Loki silenced him before he could say anything.

That was it. She was so tired of his condescending tone and actions. Who did this man think he was? He was no more than common rabble.

Nancy stood, supporting her weight on her good leg and using the chair to balance. "You would dare scoff at the king?" She scowled down at the miserable pig. "You know the name of the leader of the rebels, and there are ways of making you talk." Nancy lifted her gaze to the guards standing behind the prisoner. She stood straighter, ready to command. "Every fifteen minutes, ask him again to give up the name. If he refuses, cut away part of his fingers, at the joints. Use a dull knife and cut slowly. The flesh first, then the bone. And start with his right thumb." Her scowl turned to a sneer and she growled softly. "When you run out of fingers, start on his toes. Then his eyes, nose, ears, teeth, limbs. Cut away inch by inch until he gives up the name. When he nears death…" She glanced to Maija briefly, then returned her gaze to the wretched worm. "Kill him." A mercy she would've never given him herself.

Kjell only glared. "I will not talk of him."

Maija buried her face in Fandral's shoulder. Even for a man such as this, the punishment seemed too severe. She didn't understand why he must suffer so. Had she not brought this all on herself?

Loki nodded, considering each detail of the punishment Nancy doled out. He could find no fault in it, especially after the damage Kjell had done. He flicked a hand at the guards. "Do with him as the women have said."

the guards bowed their respect and dragged the prisoner from the room. Kjell remained silent as he went to his death.

"Oh." Nancy held up a hand to stop the guards. "I forgot. I did promise you something, didn't I?" She looked to the guards again. "Flay his skin off before you begin his punishment." With a wave of her hand, she dismissed them.

And just like that, all her strength left her. Nancy sank back down into her chair and let her hot, angry tears flow. He would talk. And he would be punished for all he had done.

Loki sighed, knowing she would no doubt second-guess her own decisions at this point. It was a rather severe punishment, for a crime just as severe. "Do you feel better, pet?"

Nancy shook her head sadly, then lifted it to glare out at the golden room. "No. But that should get him talking." She swiped angrily at her tears, but couldn't stop them.

Loki leaned over to wipe away the end of her tears. She had no real reason to cry, not today. He would keep her safe and guard her with his own life. "There are others to sentence. I dare not send you away, but I shall lift the sleeping spell if you need rest."

"Thank you." With a sniff, Nancy tried desperately to recompose herself. She breathed deeply and remembered her mission: discover the rebels, detect the lie. With a sigh, she glanced down to Maija. If she herself was taking things this hard, how was this poor girl feeling? "Do you want to stay for the others?"

Loki cleared his throat. "Much as it pains me, love, Fandral and I believe Maija knows more than she has said. She is here to identify those she saw during her captivity." The pain in his eyes was real. He wished he could do anything to spare the fair blonde woman this pain. Unfortunately, he needed her to help.

Maija swallowed and leaned her head against Fandral's shoulder. Fandral tucked small wisps of hair from her braids back behind her ears and out of her face, his touch soft and kind.

Wait, what? How long had they held her captive? What had they done to her? "How long did they have you, Maija?"

"Weeks." Maija slid her gaze to Loki and bit at her lip. As though she sought his permission to divulge the information.

Loki nodded at her and tried to smile. She needed his tender care. "Tell her."

Maija sighed and turned back around. "Kjell paraded me to his peers like a prize animal."

Nancy frowned deeply. She remembered that feeling. The humiliation. On an impulse, Nancy leaned forward and engulfed Maija in a loving hug. Her new sister, bound to her by fate and coincidence. "I know what that feels like. But believe me, you're not an animal."

Maija could only nod, all strength leaving her.

Fandral stroked her hair again, gently twining his fingers in the loose strands. He turned his head to speak to Loki. "Her father will not receive her return."

Loki's eyes went wide in shock. Not receive her? What kind of father would not receive his own daughter home after such an ordeal? The girl needed comfort, and where would she find it if not in a father's embrace. Loki growled in frustration. "Why not? That's his daughter."

Fandral's eyes hardened. "When she tried to explain, he called her a common strumpet, not fighting off a man." His shrug held all sorts of tension and spite. He would not let her return to such a place, not at the expense of her further happiness. "I thought it best to harbor her here."

Nancy growled softly. This was all her fault. She'd told Maija not to fight. How was she supposed to know this culture would be so uptight? So archaic.

Loki's rage quickly returned. A true Asgardian would not have made such an ordeal of it. A true Asgardian would cherish his harmed daughter and pull her back to hold her tightly. "He did not refuse her when my men escorted her home."

Fandral shrugged again, keeping his voice low as though it would shield the words from Maija's ears. "You are a king. Perhaps he hoped to place her in your home."

Loki nodded curtly. He did not appreciate the insinuation, but Fandral was right. Given the choice, her father would undoubtedly have preferred royalty to a traitor. "Do not let her out of your sight. We know not who might betray us."

Fandral nodded approvingly.

Finally, Nancy's gaze softened. This was her fault, and she needed to remedy it. She placed her hand on Maija's shoulder again. "If you ever need someone to talk to, about anything at all, I'm here. Come talk to me."

Crying softly, Maija nodded. No family and no home, save a refuge here in the place that ruined her originally.

Loki still bristled at the thought of her father disowning her. The nerve! He forced himself to take a breath. "Well. Shall we commence with sentencings?"

Nancy sat back again, listless and exhausted. She couldn't focus. Not now. Not after all that had happened.

Proceedings took all afternoon. Each man received either a nod or shake of her head from Maija. She couldn't force herself to say anything, so she stuck with that simple system. The men she shook her head at, a very few men, were immediately released.

There were too many of them. Too many men and too many matters to focus on. Nancy tried to pay attention, to tie the threads of this mystery together, but she couldn't focus like this. Her ankle was throbbing and her head pounded. Exhausted, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, still awake but barely listening.

After the sentencing, Nancy finally lifted her head and opened her eyes. "We have got to teach the kitchen staff how to make coffee." She groaned and rolled her neck. "Is it over?"

Loki scooped Nancy into his arms. She was moments from falling off the chair, if her stretching were any indication. And besides, he wanted to get her safely back to his room. "It is," he answered her simply. "For now. Would you like to sleep? We didn't get much... any... after your return."

Fandral pulled Maija into his arms. Exhausted, and utterly numb from her ordeal, Maija didn't resist. Especially since she was also mostly asleep against him.

Nancy barely nodded and leaned against his shoulder. The leather of his armor was cool against her cheek and helped to lull her further into sleep. "That was worse than one of the director's debriefings. I think I have a headache."

Loki wrinkled his nose and shook his head. Director Fury. A man almost worse than the so-called heroes he commanded. Loki stepped into the hall with a sigh. "That man has no sense of dramatic timing."

"Wha...?" Nancy roused herself out of her foggy daze. "What do you mean, darling?"

"Your director, of course." Loki chuckled. "I think perhaps that bath should wait for morning."

"Yeah." She snuggled back down into his shoulder. "Mmhm. Maybe."

Loki returned to his chambers and laid her gently on the bed. His clothes easily peeled off, and he settled down beside her. "Goodnight, pet."

But Nancy never heard him. She was sound asleep long before Loki entered his chambers, curled against him and sleeping peacefully in his arms.