Four months passed relatively calmly, except for those early days, after Nancy discovered her pregnancy. For about a month, morning-sickness ravaged her body. Every morning, she was startled out of whatever sleep she'd managed to bolt to the washroom. Stubborn as she was, she'd be sure to kick or slam the door closed behind her, ensuring Loki would never see her in this wretched state. On the most severe days, she'd hardly hold anything down at all until late afternoon, preferring to lay in bed with the curtains drawn, despising what had become of her. But, eventually, to everyone's relief, the sickness passed. Nancy began to resemble herself again and won her appetite back… with full force.

Through it all, Loki stood ever-faithful by her side, comforting her and tending to her every whim. His constant trips between the realms kept Nancy's strange cravings satisfied, successfully keeping her new and fiery temper at bay, and keeping the child growing within her quite happy.

As the child grew, Nancy's belly swelled to match. According to Loki's calculations, she'd just hit her seventh-month mark last week. Seven months of waiting to be a mother. Of forgetting her former life on Earth and adapting to Asgard. Deep in her soul, Nancy knew she could never leave the planet now. She would raise her child here and remain with its father, her wonderful lover, forever. But she didn't mind the idea at all. Earth could pass away and she wouldn't care. She'd live here, on Asgard, as one of the goddesses, mother to the heir, and consort to the king. She'd have everything she'd ever wanted and more.

On this particular evening, as the weather shifted, and the season grew cooler outside, Nancy stood in front of her new mirror, leaning slightly into it as she applied a light layer of gold dust to her eyelids. Of course, the mirror stood atop her new dresser – designed just for her – next to photographs of her family sealed in golden frames. Jewels, golden trinkets, and tiny jars of make-up also decorated the small platform. Inside, her most precious items lay tucked away, safely stored in the golden drawers.

Loki materialized in the doorway with a grin. It had been a long day so far, and just seeing her made him feel better. Strange, how one woman could have such an effect on him. "Are you feeling well today, love?"

"Yes. Very well." Nancy leaned back and smiled at her reflection, proud of her new appearance. She wore all the confidence and radiance of a goddess now. "Although," she admitted, her smile wavering slightly, "I do have a bit of a pain in my side. But I'm sure it's nothing." She glanced to Loki and cast her smile on him, returned to all its brilliance. "The baby's as excited for tonight as I am. It won't stop kicking."

Loki was by her side in an instant, his fingers hovered somewhere in the air between their bodies. "Is that normal? Would I be able to feel?"

Nancy laughed at his innocence and eagerness. In the past few months, he'd taken to parenting well, counting down the days until the baby would forever remain in his arms. With her smile still in place, Nancy took her lover's hand in her own. "Yes. Here." She carefully placed his hand on the spot where the baby was kicking most, knowing that was the best place to feel it. After a few moments, it kicked again. "Did you feel that?"

Loki's eyes went wide, his emotions and protective instincts surging to the surface. This small, fragile life they'd created together meant the world to him. Almost as much as its mother. He glanced up at the beautiful Midgardian, then back down to their twined hands with a smile. "Yes. We're going to have our hands full."

"Yes." Nancy lifted a hand to caress his cheek and lift his gaze to hers. "We are." She kissed him slowly, savoring him. She so liked the idea that things were theirs now. Their chambers, their bed, their baby. They were already completely and absolutely one, sharing the burden of everything together, including that burden of raising a child.

With an excited laugh, Nancy took a step away from him and did a little twirl. "How do I look?" Her dress was simple, draped loosely over one arm and exposing the other. Wide, green swaths of lace hugged her curves and swept the ground behind her, draping over her figure and hiding her round belly. Flakes of gold strewn about the skirt and top helped to bring out the shimmers of glitter in her hair, skin and eyes.

Loki grinned wider. Even seven months along, she was gorgeous in his eyes. Her skin glowed without the sparkles she added, but they only enhanced it. He stepped forward, intending to wrap his arms around her waist, but even his long arms wouldn't reach. He settled his hands against her growing middle instead. "You look... ravishing."

Nancy leaned into his embrace, totally and completely happy. He thought her ravishing. And she thought him the most handsome man she'd ever had the privilege to lay eyes on. How could she be so lucky as to have him for her own?

After a moment longer of holding one another, Nancy pulled back and softly kissed his cheek. "Are you ready for the feast, darling?"

"Of course I'm ready." Loki laughed as he magicked his ceremonial armor to his person. It was so much easier than going through the whole ordeal of getting dressed and ready. Loki offered his arm to Nancy. "Shall we?"

Nancy rolled her eyes playfully at his show of splendor and slipped her arm through his. Nothing could ruin this night or shatter this new connection between them. Their love grew stronger by the day and drew them ever closer together. But… as they made their way out of their chambers and into the hall, a thought dawned on her: This was her first feast since becoming his lover. She remembered the last one well. How she'd had to sit on the floor and kneel to him in front of everyone. How he flaunted his superiority over her and made her sit at his feet.

"You're not going to make me sit on the floor again are you?" Nancy asked cautiously, suddenly fearful of upsetting him. He could shift moods so quickly. "I don't think I can last down there all that long. Not in this state." Of course, she couldn't last anywhere very long in this state, but that was beside the point.

"I've heard it's good for women with child to sit there." Loki grinned down at her. "But if you wish a chair, you shall have one."

Nancy was silent for a moment, considering his words. He offered her a chair but seemed to want her to sit at his feet anyway. He was so confusing sometimes. "I'll do whatever you would have me do." Nancy finally stated, conceding to his power and rein. Most times, he knew what was best for her anyway, or so he claimed.

Loki sensed her hesitance, her desire to please him but her reticence to lose herself again. He reached out a finger to stroke his knuckle along her cheek. "Love, you are not a pet now. Where would you be most comfortable?"

Nancy dropped her eyes, embarrassed by her regression, and avoided eye-contact as his gaze sought hers. "In a chair…" she whispered, her voice barely audible and coming out as more of a mumble, "If it wouldn't be too much trouble."

"Then there will be a chair waiting for you." Loki held his arm out again, holding his breath in anticipation of her acceptance or rejection.

Nancy took his arm again and continued on with him, her sinuous skirts trailing along behind her. Several minutes passed as the two walked in silence, the distance between them almost deafening. How could she explain this sudden regression to him? This shift that placed her beneath him once again.

Finally, Nancy rushed her words as her rampant thoughts tumbled out of her mouth, "I'm sorry for how often I slip back into my 'pet' mentality." She swallowed hard and averted her gaze again. "It's been burnt in."

"I understand." Loki ached to hold her, to reassure her in all the ways he could that she was more than enough for him. He didn't dare let the emotion show at this point in the evening. She was so emotional all the time already and he feared hurting the child within her. "And I apologize. I should not have treated you so."

"It wasn't as bad as I made it all seem. Really." Nancy shrugged, still uncomfortable with the topic. If she avoided her memories of all the times she failed him, pushed him away, and sat in loneliness without him, her time as a pet really wasn't that bad, considering he had fed her enough to keep her alive, spent time with her when he had the chance, and gave her beautiful tokens of his affections when it pleased him. "I was just scared and upset, which made everything worse."

"And hormonal." Loki chuckled softly at the thought. "And it was terrible, what I put you through."

Nancy frowned, finally allowing the thoughts to rush back in and pool deep within her memory. It had been terrible. Horrible. To this day, she still thought herself his pet. Still grappled with her new place by his side and her equality to his status. Still struggled with believing she was even human.

"Yes." The words came out of their own accord, choked back and laced with tears. "It was." She looked to him, seeking truth in his eyes. "But you won't do it again?"

"I will not put you through those tortures again," Loki promised.

"Good." Nancy finally let her smile return to her face and swiped at her tears. He loved her too much to ever hurt her again. "Because I want to be in my right mind for our baby."

"As do I." Loki carefully dropped a kiss to her forehead. She deserved better than him, but he wasn't man enough to let her go. He sighed at the thought about the same time they came face to face with the doors to the great hall.

Nancy took a deep breath as the large, golden doors rose up before her. "The last time they saw me, I was your pet. Now I'm pregnant." She took a step back, a bit nervous of the judgement she'd receive. "What will they think of me?"

"Whatever I tell them." Loki leaned down to kiss her lips this time. He couldn't resist her for long, even when he needed to. And, for the child's sake, he needed to. "I love you. Their rumors and gossip have no bearing on that."

His whispered words against her lips sufficiently relaxed her enough to accept his kiss and return it with fervor. As Nancy dropped her guard, her hands found their way up his arms and shoulders, finally threading her fingers through his dark curls and successfully drawing him closer. If only they could stay this way without having to move or parade themselves in front of Asgard's nobility. If only they could return to their room and lay in each other's arms all evening.

Loki wanted to stay there all day, all night, and into the next century. Her kisses were always so sweet, never the same one from another, but always good. If he didn't put distance between them now, he wouldn't ever enter the hall. "Are you ready?"

Nancy nodded once as she took another breath to calm herself. "As I'll ever be."

As he straightened beside her and shone in all his splendor, Nancy took his arm again and lifted her own chin, doing her best to appear regal. These people expected a queen, so she would give them one. Even if she did feel like she was still only a pet. Or a glorified paramour.

The doors swung open, assisted by two large guards, carefully selected to protect the woman and child. Just in case. Loki plastered a stoic expression on his face and led her inside. He hoped she would be alright beside him, in the chair he ordered specifically for her. He never intended to let her sit at his feet in her condition, no matter how it would please him.

The moment the doors swung open, Nancy lost all nerve and debated on bolting for the hall. But then he was escorting her, pulling her along beside him. There was nothing she could do, nowhere she could go. So she stood as rigid as a board, her gaze locked on the throne, as her grip tightened on Loki's arm. For a moment, she was thankful he was covered in all his armor – she would have bruised his wrist without it.

As the two reached the bottom of the stairs, Nancy released his wrist and tried to pull away from him, attempting to kneel as she'd done before. But this time, his grip tightened. She looked up briefly to catch his meaning.

"No, love. Not today."

Confused by his actions, Nancy continued on with him, using his strength to support her as she climbed the stairs. When they reached the top, she turned with him, facing those who once scorned her. The nobleman's taunts from the first feast returned to her mind, spurring her to run away again.

Loki glanced briefly at the woman on his arm, noting her fright and discomfort. He patted his fingers against her hand in an attempt to reassure her. "Sit, love. Pay them no mind."

His soft words, spoken in a tone only she could hear, calmed her enough to obey. Nancy slipped down into her chair and sat just as rigid as before, almost preferring her position at his feet to this new place of distinction.

Loki lowered himself into the throne, leaning sideways toward Nancy and sprawling his long legs before him. He motioned carefully for things to begin, then went absolutely still. In the blink of an eye, he'd left a clone in his place and maneuvered behind his lover.

His fingers brushed her arms, a ghost of a touch that she could certainly understand didn't come from a clone. "Relax."

Nancy jolted a mile as his touch suddenly ghosted along her skin. The suddenness of it all, combined with the fact he still appeared to be beside her, caused her breathing to quicken and her heart to race. "How are you doing this?" she whispered, trying not to look like she was talking to herself.

"Magic." Loki couldn't resist her any longer. Not with the tension etched into the lines of her face. He leaned down, barely brushing her hair aside to press a kiss beneath her ear.

Unable to help herself, Nancy let her eyes flutter closed as he kissed one of her favorite spots. "But you're next to me," she protested softly, "Or is that one a double?"

Loki let his teeth nibble at the same spot, a sensitive one he'd found many times over with her. If she would relax, this night would go so much better for her. "Take a guess."

"I'm guessing it is." As much as she loved these sensations, Nancy knew she'd draw attention to herself if she kept this up. To everyone else, he was still on the throne. And yet here she was, caught up seemingly with the air. One look out at the crowd confirmed her suspicions: A group of women had started whispering and were pointing directly at her. Nancy shifted uncomfortably and sat rigid again as she watched them chatter. "Stop." she whispered to Loki.

"Why?" Loki removed his lips, but his fingers rested at the small of her waist, just above her burgeoning belly.

"Because I'm talking to the air and you're being very distracting." Nancy whispered, still looking out at the crowd.

"Then it's working." Loki sighed and stroked a knuckle down her cheek.

Nancy gasped as his touch found her face, and she involuntarily flinched away from him. "Loki, please!" The words came out louder and more desperate than she'd intended.

In an instant, Loki switched back into his place, the clone dissipating immediately. He spun to face his lover, all tenderness gone from his gaze and replaced with irrevocable concern. He'd done something wrong again. A frown turned his lips down.

Nancy sighed with relief as he returned to the throne. "I enjoyed that, truly, but please don't do it in public. I don't want them to stare."

"I enjoyed it, too." He would have kept enjoying it had she not so loudly announced his little bit of mischief.

Feeling a pang of guilt at upsetting him, Nancy took his hand in hers and kissed the back of it. "I didn't mean to upset you, dear. I'd like for you to continue later tonight. When we're alone." A smirk played at the corners of her lips as her own glint of mischief appeared in her eyes. "Who knows, it could get very interesting."

Loki nodded and let his hand rest in hers. Did she always have to have everything on her own terms? It wasn't as if he would have done anything too scandalous. He'd only wanted to touch her. "Your tray should arrive shortly. There will be dancing later."

Nancy's smile fell as he abruptly changed the subject. She could sense his emotions and felt every ounce of his injured pride. "I'll slow dance with you, if you want." she offered, whispering softly against the back of his hand and twining her fingers with his, "But I don't think I can do the faster dances. At least, not tonight."

Loki forced a small smile for her benefit. She didn't deserve his ire. She hated these functions as much as he did. "I didn't expect you to. But I would like one dance, if you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind." Nancy held his hand closer and stroked her thumb over the back of it. "I'd be honored to dance with you, Loki. You know how much I enjoy it."

"Good." Loki shut his mouth as two young servant girls carried Nancy's and Loki's trays to the top of the stairs. They bowed before retreating. Loki released Nancy's hand to handle the trays himself. "Please eat. And if... the baby... craves anything, do not hesitate to let me know."

"Oh, believe me, I won't." Nancy chuckled, catching his meaning. As she ate her meal of roast boar and buttered potatoes, Nancy glanced out at the crowd, who were all now happily eating and conversing amongst themselves. Within moments, she caught sight of two blonde heads bobbing up and down together, their laughs floating all the way up to the throne. "I'm glad they're getting along so well." Nancy commented, glancing sideways at Loki.

"Hm?" Loki looked up to the crowd before him, letting his gaze wander through the familiar sea of faces. "Who, my love?"

"Maija and Fandral. They really are becoming great friends." Nancy gestured out towards the two, pointing them out for him. "And look how he's gazing upon her. It's beautiful. You could even say they're in love."

It was Maija's blond head that caught his attention first. She always had been a beautiful woman. One of the only ones he had considered holding onto. "Oh. Yes." Loki's fingers fidgeted, something inside him not quite as happy for them as he should be. He snatched an apple from his tray and took a large bite.

Nancy frowned at Loki's sudden shift in mood. A twinge of jealousy burned beneath his hard exterior, his walls and defenses shielding him in again. Without saying a word, Nancy turned her attention away from him, feeling every ounce of emotion hidden in his heart. That was the trouble with this new spell binding them together. There were no secrets. No hidden feelings or unspoken words. Each lived the other's life through their own eyes, and Nancy could tell how troubled Loki was with this whole ordeal. The feast, his old flame, her own rejection of his advances… and something else hidden beneath it all.

Loki didn't like Nancy's silence. It meant she was thinking again, processing and planning something. He glanced to her, concerned, as he finished his apple. He'd upset her. Yet again.

"I apologize for my mood." It was the best he could give her right now. Until he sorted things through in his own head. He snatched his chalice of wine and drank it all in one swig. Having been raised by Odin and that oaf brother of his, he could drink with the best of them. He held the cup out for more.

Nancy shrugged, nonchalant. It's not that she didn't care, she simply knew him by now. "Your moods flicker more than the flame on a candle. If I sit here long enough, they'll change again. Don't apologize." With a half-hearted smile, she turned and lay her hand on his arm, giving him a small token of comfort in his sea of turmoil. "You're just stressed."

"Highly." His second glass slid down in fewer seconds than the first. Loki sighed and motioned for the jug to stay on the small table beside him. It would be easier.

"Slow down, Loki." Nancy tightened her grip and used her other hand to turn his face toward her. "Look at me. Why are you so upset?"

"These things always upset me. And..." Loki swallowed yet another glass to bury the hurt beneath it all. "... they make me think of mother." His eyes searched for Maija again. Her graceful ways soothed him, hypnotized him somehow. Even if it was with Fandral, he liked to watch her move around the dance floor. Perhaps he hadn't dealt with his feelings for her as swiftly and ruthlessly as he should.

"Darling, I know you miss her, but I can't help you if you keep shutting me out." Nancy sighed, noting his distraction. "I'd ask about her, and everything else that's bothering you, but right now I'm afraid to." He was downing his wine like water but had only managed to eat little more than an apple. Any more shots of the centuries-old wine would inebriate him that much faster.

Loki sank into his seat, his legs spread wider and a petulant little pout on his face. He sighed heavily. For Nancy, he should at least try to be intelligent. "Probably wise." Loki attempted a smile but he knew it fell flat. "I will attempt to stop... drinking."

"Good." In an effort to calm him, Nancy stood and moved to stand beside him, the edges and curves of the throne blocking her from standing fully behind it. "Lean forward, dear. I'm going to rub your stress away."

Loki blinked, startled by the request. He shot a look sideways to her. "I humor you because this child bends your mind." It was still an odd request, but Nancy was an odd woman. He leaned forward against his knees.

Nancy chuckled and slipped her hands under the silk of his collar. "If you say so." She rubbed his shoulders lightly, pressing her thumbs into the spots she knew he liked best. "Forget everyone else." she whispered in his ear, "Think only of me."

Loki's eyes slid closed as pleasure ratcheted through him at just her touch. "How is it fair that you can do this to me, but not I to you? Hm?"

"Because… it's not. That's the beauty of it." Nancy pulled his collar down and nibbled at the side of his neck, the same as he'd done to her only a few short minutes ago. "Besides, they expect this from me. And they can see me."

Loki's chuckle was sinister, deep in his chest. "Do not push it, love. Take it too far and I will not be able to control myself."

"Especially with all the wine you've been drinking." With one last kiss to his delicious skin, Nancy returned his collar to its upright position and sat back down in her chair. "Better?"

If the helmet wasn't so darned heavy, Loki would have been able to roll his neck side to side. He did his best despite it. "Mm. Slightly." This time, his smile came easier. "My sincerest thanks."

"My pleasure." Nancy leaned towards him, mischief glinting in her eyes again, "I'll make you a deal. You continue your mischief later tonight, I'll continue mine." She grinned at him, a winning smile meant to lower his guard and draw him closer.

Loki chuckled again. She would make such a proposition. His better judgment got a hold of him first and his eyes fell to her belly. "You would be up to it?"

Nancy glanced down at her belly, feeling the child within her, and lifted her gaze to her lover again. "Just don't be too rough, and we should be fine."

"Well, we'll see how the wine affects me first, yes?"

Nancy's smile fell. "You should stop while you're ahead. Please. I don't like it when you drink."

She remembered his last drunken fit well. How he'd stormed into the library to catch her working again. How he'd backed her into a corner when he realized she'd taken one of his spell books without permission. The ensuing argument as he tried to coax her into his room to lay with him, and her struggles against his latest fit of rage. The moment she tripped over one of the toppled chairs was the worst of the memories: Had she been any farther along in her pregnancy, she could have lost the baby. "Please, Loki." Nancy begged quietly, "You lose your temper and all rational sense. I don't want to get hurt again. Think of our child."

"I'm trying to stop." Loki could no sooner hide the hurt and trepidation in his eyes than he could change his mischievous nature. "I am attempting with all my will power."

Nancy raised an incredulous eyebrow and pointed to the cup in his hand. "How many is that?"

"Three and a half." It was better to gaze into the wine than into her eyes. He couldn't do anything right this evening. He might as well make the biggest fool of himself. "Is the meal not to your satisfaction? Do you require something different?"

"No, it's fine, darling." Nancy sighed again, relenting, as he changed the subject again. Whenever he was uncomfortable, he fled from his problems or ignored them. This time was no different. "I'm just worried about you."

Nancy glanced down to her plate and took stock of her meal, her appetite wavering. Roast boar, potatoes, a bunch of grapes, and an apple. She lifted the apple and turned it over in her hand; as much as she hated to admit it, she despised the blasted things. All those days living off apples in her cell. The continued days in his room, still living off apples, but with the added benefit of a small roll and cheese. After a short expression of disgust, Nancy turned to Loki with a feigned smile. "Apple?" She held the thing out to him.

Loki grinned at her. "Thank you, love." She knew it was his favorite and his hazy mind rejoiced in her offering it to him. He lightly plucked it from her fingers, lingering to lean over and plant a kiss against her forehead.

Nancy's smile grew genuine at his kiss, yet still belied her concern. Before he'd even finished his apple, he'd finished his fourth glass of wine. Before she'd finished her meal, he'd finished his fifth.

Finally, Nancy finished all she wanted, and sat watching the people float across the room. It was nice to watch them dance this time, enjoyable even, since she knew this time she'd be allowed to join them. And it was beautiful, really, to watch the colors and partners swirl round and round the floor.

Loki took note of the tray that sat before her, untouched for many long minutes now. "A dance, love?"

"Sure." Nancy smiled brightly, honored that he'd finally asked her, and stood to join him. A servant took her tray from her hands as Loki carefully led her down the stairs. All at once, the music calmed, dropping down to a relaxed and mellow tune. Nancy lifted her arms and placed her hands in his, fitting easily into his arms – at least, as much as she could with her belly in the way. Instinctively, Nancy knew his every move and followed him willingly, happily floating with him in time to the music.

Loki smiled at her, drunk but genuinely happy to have her in his arms. He couldn't ask for much more than that. Not with the way he'd been acting all evening. He led her effortlessly around the floor, despite the encumbrance of their child between them.

Nancy smiled as she danced with her lover, enjoying the feeling of his arms around her body. As they danced, the kicking within her slowed, then stopped completely as the baby dropped off to sleep. "You should dance with me more often." Nancy whispered teasingly into Loki's ear.

"I will take note of that. And, when it is born, shall make the necessary arrangements to lull it to sleep as well."

Nancy tilted her head, her smile never wavering. "Why do you assume I meant we should dance because it makes the baby stop kicking?" she laughed, "I never said that."

"Darling, I could feel it kicking through my armor." Loki grinned again, knowing she never expected that answer. "But I think I much prefer dancing with you."

She blushed, his words so sweet and sincere. He deserved a reward for being so kind. As they turned into another step, Nancy lifted onto the ends of her toes and gave Loki a quick kiss. Had she been lighter and able to stand on her toes longer, she would have stayed that way with him. But, she was larger now than ever before, and the dancing was already making her feet swell; she could only last on her toes for a moment.

"Have you thought of any names yet?" Nancy asked, never missing a beat of the dance, despite her size.

"I rather like Otar if it is a boy." Nancy's kisses were far to slow and soft and short as of late. It wasn't fair. He wanted this child, but he wanted his spirited lover back too. He missed being able to have his way with her, no matter the situation.

Loki's eyes wandered over the dance floor briefly, stopping to watch Maija and Fandral. The small blonde woman was certainly elegant. Dressed in a spring green dress that hugged her slender, curvy frame every time she moved, she was practically begging for attention. It would be a wonder if half the men in the room didn't want her in their bed that evening. Loki barely refrained from licking his lips as her golden mane fell over her shoulder, resting in such a way that it just teased at the low neckline of her gown. Loki wanted to feel that skin again, to hear her soft sighs, meant only for him.

With her, he could do all the things he'd been denied because of this child. Perhaps, for only a little while, she would make a good mistress. Someone to sate his basest desires while Nancy carried their child. He could do it, without getting his emotions involved. Drunk, Loki needed someone to be completely free for his use. Or so he thought.

His attention wavered. His gaze found another. Slightly miffed by his lack of attention and shunning of her question, Nancy pulled him a bit closer and gazed farther up into his eyes. "And if it's a girl?" she pressed, still trying to get his attention back.

"Hm? Oh." Loki shook his head and tried to focus his attention back on his lover. "I am unsure. I rather like Senna, I think."

"Yes. I like the sound of that." Once again, his attention wandered. His eyes followed another around the floor. As the two turned and twirled into another step, Nancy glanced around to find the prize of Loki's attention. There, just across from them, floated Maija – smiling, beautiful, graceful Maija – dancing in Fandral's arms. Nancy should have never pointed her out to Loki before.

Maija's dress hung about her like draped silk and caught the breeze as she moved past, dancing and shimmering itself in the blaze of the torches. Her magnificent golden hair fell about her thin shoulders, framing her figure. Her smile and laugh were her defining features, displaying two perfect rows of straight, shining pearls. Maija was the embodiment of beauty and majesty. How could Nancy compare? And here was her Loki, her lover and the father of her child, captivated by the young Asgardian goddess. Enraptured in her beauty and forgetting all about his little, mortal human.

In a jealous rage, Nancy gripped Loki's head and pulled him down into a violent and passionate kiss, hoping to jolt him out of his fantasy.

Loki jerked out of his hazy, lustful thoughts, surprised by her force. He pulled back immediately, his eyes wide as he assumed the worst. "Love, are you ill?"

Nancy growled and shoved away from him. How could he not tell what he'd done to her? Could he really be so stupid? "No, but perhaps you are." With a flip of her skirts and a huff to match, Nancy stormed back to her chair. Fine. Let him gawk at the pretty girls. Let him fawn. She didn't care.

Loki stood still, trying to make sense of what just happened. Had he done something terribly wrong again? He danced with her as she requested. He held her in his arms and spoke of their child, of names, of their future.

A shy young woman hovered near, her fingers wringing in her skirt. In the end, after several minutes, Loki took pity on her and held out a hand in silent invitation. She was a fair dancer, not excellent, but not lacking. It was his own thoughts that made the dance unbearable.

And just like that, he was already in another woman's arms. Not even five minutes had passed before he found himself another, more beautiful partner. Nancy gaped at the scene, crushed. How could he so quickly forget her? Did she mean nothing to him, after all this time?

Hurt and heart-broken, Nancy stood and fled down the golden stairs, quickly retreating out the back exit and through the servants' halls. She'd find her way back to their room… eventually.

Loki watched Nancy flee the room as he trudged through yet another dance. Of course she would run off like that, without even trying to speak to him about the perceived wrong. With a huff and an annoyed growl, Loki rolled his eyes. Let her run, then. He was tired of her games this evening. Why couldn't she tell him what bothered her?

It took several dances before Loki found the pretty blonde in his arms. His body reacted, remembering what it had been like to hold her close, in a more intimate setting. Loki ran a tongue against the inside of his cheek before he opened his mouth. Wine had lowered his inhibitions, and he couldn't help it anymore.

Maija laughed at whatever witty thing he managed to blurt out. Her lashes brushed her blushing pink cheeks as she looked down. It seemed she wasn't entirely unaffected by the close proximity either.

"You're still very beautiful, you know." Loki led her into a complicated spinning pattern, aware only of the soft, supple body that brushed against his.

"Thank you, your majesty." Maija dipped a curtsy even as she followed him through the dance. Neither of them would admit it, but both knew the truth. Maija had missed him. There had been something special about her, always, and it was hard to let her go. Even harder to watch her with someone else, as it was hard for her to watch Loki with Nancy.

By the time the dance ended, Loki knew his self control was shot. He pulled Maija to his chest, his lips ghosting against the shell of her ear. It was far too easy. He only had to utter three words. "Come with me."

Maija followed obediently, never one to say no to a direct order. He found that out long ago and used it to his advantage now. Loki kept her hand firmly in his as he exited the hall, taking her along like a prize from a competition. There were plenty of empty chambers nearby. He wouldn't soil his and Nancy's chambers with this indiscretion, no matter the feelings he held. He would simply pick one of the others.


/ /


Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Nancy hadn't been this lost and turned-around since her attempt at escape on the helicarrier.

Five minutes more. Then five more.

Finally, Nancy found her way out into a main corridor and sighed with relief. At least now she could find her way back to either Loki's chambers or the library. Just as she approached a nearby corner, however, she heard hushed voices approaching on the other side of the wall. A man and woman were walking together, talking. No… not just any man and woman. Loki and Maija.

Nancy quickly darted behind a pillar and crept into the shadows, hoping to catch a word or two of their interactions. What could he possibly be up to? As the two came into view, Nancy slipped tighter into her little corner, trying her best to remain hidden.


/ /


Loki had just about decided which chamber would provide the most privacy for the longest amount of time when someone or something snatched Maija from his grasp. He spun just in time to see the culprit.

Fandral scooped Maija up into his arms, his glare for Loki only. The petite Asgardian barely weighed a thing and fit too nicely against Fandral's chest. He spun on his heel, unafraid to turn his back on the god of mischief. He knew him too well.

Maija squealed, her big eyes turning up to look at his fierce expression. She seemed confused, uncertain as she voiced her question. "Fandral, what are you doing?"

"You are not Loki's toy." Fandral shot Loki one last glare before he hiked the woman higher in his arms and disappeared around the corner.

And just like that, all Loki's plans shattered. He growled loudly and paced the hall, uncertain which way to turn or what to do next. He couldn't have Nancy in the way he wanted, not without hurting the babe. And none of the other women in the hall would be able to bow to his whims like Maija could have. He was caught somewhere between a rock and hard place, with no moral compass to guide him to safety. If only he hadn't drunk so much wine tonight.