Sophie stopped and took out her earbuds, listening intently for the shouts she thought she heard. The sound of Natalia Kills's Wonderland cut off abruptly, replaced with the sound of sudden silence, then a whoomp and a grunt. She had just been about to start her run across the field the size of a stadium, but now... she started running anyway, but now it was to reach the source of the disturbance rather than for a random workout at a few minutes past midnight. Soon she saw a man lying on the ground in the distance, standing over him was a tall, imposing man with long hair, dressed in strange clothes, raising a sword over the unconscious man.

Her hazel eyes widened, and Sophie immediately began looking around for a weapon. There was none, of course, except... she picked up a large rock, hefting it experimentally in one hand before hurling it at the long haired man's head. It struck him squarely, then bounced off.

"Hey!" Sophie shouted, running forward, "Leave him alone!"

When she got over to the pair, she put herself between the unconscious man and his attacker. Then she did an internal double take. The guy with the sword had pointed ears. Determined not to show this person her confusion, she glared up at him, having to tilt her head back to do so because she was only five foot in height on a good day. But he didn't run her through with the blade like she was expecting, he merely stared at her.

"Who are you?" he asked, his voice light and lilting with a foreign accent she couldn't place.

"I am Sophie," she announced, then took into consideration the fact he was clearly from another plane, and added, "Of Midgard. And I will thank you to back the fuck off."

His eyes narrowed at her, and he was opening his mouth to speak when something made him pause. He looked at a point behind her, then turned and ran off. Sophie let him go. Instead of pursuing him, she turned and knelt down to observe the man sprawled on the ground. He too was dressed strangely, there was a large gash across his body, and – Sophie gulped. It was Loki, the Norse god that had recently become ruler of the plane she called home.

"Shit," she cursed.

With a grimace, Sophie tore off the bottom of her shirt and folded into a pad, then pressed it against the wound and put weight on it. She was considering what to do – she should probably call 911 – and was reaching for her cell phone in her back pocket when a voice called out to her.

"Do not move!"

Looking up, she saw men in odd helmets, armor, and capes wielding spears walking towards her. She recognized them from TV as the guards that had accompanied Loki into the United Nations.

"Okay, I'm just trying to help," Sophie told them, "Some pointy eared guy was here about to stab him. Well, I guess he kinda did already. But he was going to do worse."

Looking down at Loki, she noticed his eyes had opened so they were barely slits.

"Take... her," he whispered, then his eyes rolled up in the back of his head, and he went unconscious again.

Sophie's eyes widened in panic. What? No! Didn't he just hear what she said? She was trying to help him! She began protesting even as the guards grabbed her arms and hauled her up and away from Loki. She fought them only for a few seconds before realizing it was futile. Not only were they physically stronger and faster than her, but they would not listen to a word she said now that their king had given an order. She would have to wait for the opportune moment, as Captain Jack Sparrow was fond of saying.

They took her to a funny looking floating boat with wings, where they secured her hands in a pair of the weirdest handcuffs she'd ever seen. Frowning, she tried to tug out of them and found absolutely no wiggle room. She couldn't reach her phone or earbuds now...this was going to be a boring next few...however long they were going to keep her. Hours? Days? Did the law saying you could only be held for seventy two hours without being charged with something still apply now, with Loki coming to Earth and tipping everything on it's head?

She sighed and resigned herself to a long silence. They had already shown they did not want to speak to her, so what could she do? It would be fine. She had done no wrong, and could talk her way out of this. Sophie was interested to note they did not bring her to the White House, but a skyscraper. She paid attention to how they got in, and which turns, doors, and elevators they took going to their destination. As it turned out, they put her in a white room with a sliding door. There was a keypad on the outside, but not on the inside. Wonderful. But it did have a tiny bed, so that was nice. But what if she had to use the bathroom?

To make matters worse, they took her earbuds and cellphone before they closed her in the room all alone. Not that she could use them anyway, with her hands still in the cuffs. She simply laid down on the bed and waited, and while waiting, fell asleep. Bright lights snapping on woke her, and through squinting eyes, she saw a normal looking man dressed in a suit approach her. He grabbed her handcuffs, and for a moment Sophie thought he would release her, but instead he took her hand and pressed her finger to her phone that he held in the other hand. It unlocked, he dropped her hand and wordlessly left the room, and the door slid shut behind him. Sophie glared at it.

"Asshole," she said to no one, and turned on her side, closing her eyes again.

The next time the lights came on suddenly, Sophie threw her hands up to cover her eyes and made a displeased growling noise in her throat as she sat up. She didn't know how long she had been asleep, but she hated rude awakenings like this, she could never get used to them. Peering into the brightness, she saw Loki had come to visit her. Surprised to see him on his feet and looking like he'd never been so much as scratched, Sophie blinked at him. He was without horns, cape, and armor, leaving him in green and black leather clothing. He almost looked causal, except his posture and demeanor was far too elegant and powerful. And he was handsome. Sophie could not help but notice that fact, but was determined not to let it affect her. Loki stared over at her like a hawk watching it's prey, standing absolutely silent and still, the way only pet rocks could manage. Was he even breathing?

"What were you doing out in the middle of no where, in the dead of night?"

Even his voice was appealing, though it was authoritative in a non friendly way.

"I was out for a bit of exercise," Sophie responded.

"Do mortals not usually sleep at that time?"

"Most of us, yes. The sane, boring ones. Can I have my phone and earbuds back now? I'd like to go home."

"Not until I am content with the answers you give me."

"What would you like to know?"

"That elf that attacked me. You stopped him from eliminating me. How?"

"Well, I threw a rock at him, shouted a bit, and got in front of him and glowered at him. I didn't really do much other than distract him, he ran off. I think he heard your guards coming."

"That's it?" Loki asked dubiously.

"Yes."

"Why did you save me?"

"To be honest, I didn't know it was you until I turned around and recognized you from that 'I'm taking over your pathetic planet now' speech that was televised all over the place."

"Ah. So if you had known, you would have let him kill me."

"No."

"Oh? Why not? I'm sure there are some Midgardians who are not pleased with my presence here."

Sophie smiled gently at him.

"I helped you because you needed it. And do you think common people like me care who's in charge? We don't, because we know people in charge like you are so high above us, whatever you do is very unlikely to affect us. Our lives will go on as usual, no matter who rules. And I suspect the only reason the leaders of Earth yielded control to you in one day as you claimed is because they're frightened of you."

"But you're not?"

"No. I'm not afraid of anything."

"Do not be absurd, everyone fears something."

"Not me. To be afraid of something, to fear it, you have to truly dwell on it, dread it. Oh, sure, I might not like the thought of being split open and my blood on the outside where it doesn't belong, but if it happens it happens. I'm not really afraid of that, you see? Or the dark, or fire, or public speaking, or spiders, or even death."

Loki stared at her.

"You do not fear death?"

"No. Because I know where I'll go when I die."

"How very brave. I can't tell if you're a lunatic or just a moron."

"Oh, I've already told you I'm not entirely sane, so I guess lunatic it is, though I prefer 'charmingly eccentric'. I'm certainly not brave, just fearless. The only time you can be brave is when you are afraid, since I'm never afraid, that rather defeats the whole point, doesn't it?"

For the first time, Loki smiled at her. She got the feeling it was a rare expression on his face.

"Very eloquent for a lunatic."

Sophie shrugged, but made no other response.

"I want to offer you a job," Loki said suddenly, "As my advisor on Midgardian affairs."

Sophie blinked, stunned, and gave a little nervous laugh.

"Ah ha ha, I don't think one person can reliably be depended upon to speak for all of Midgard, the countries and people in it are too different. Even within countries, customs can vary depending on the region. I'm hardly an expert. I think you'd be better suited with a group of representatives."

"You would suit my purposes just fine."

"That is good of you, but I – "

"What?" Loki interrupted, "It isn't as if you have a job currently to occupy your attention."

Sophie froze.

"How do you know that?"

"Your little box, what did you call it? Cell phone? Well, I might not know how such primitive Midgardian technology operates, but I gave the task of unlocking it to a subordinate of mine. Once they had done that, they delved into it and found out many things about you. Your name, for example, is Sophie Reed. You are fresh out of a contract with the Unites States Navy, where you worked in the Intelligence field. I'm told you had to achieve very high scores on your government's test in order to attain that position. I'd be very interested to know what exactly your duties entailed."

As shocked as Sophie was at his depth of information on her, her brain still managed to come up with a quip.

"The best I can describe what I did with my job is 'I drink and I know things'."

"You do understand I am your king now, yes? No knowledge is off limits to me."

"Well, I'm American. I don't recognize the authority of kings or queens. And I certainly don't recognize you as my god."

Loki's expression hardened.

"I am a god."

"Oh, I didn't say you weren't. But I'm also aware that you are not the only god in the world. There are the Egyptians, Greek, Romans, Aztecs, Japanese, Irish, and so on, not to mention Jesus and Allah and Buddha, and so on. I accept all these gods exist, all on their own planes of existence, I just don't worship them. Or you. Sorry. This isn't even the only universe, come to think of it. There are multiple, stacked on top of each other," Sophie shook her head suddenly and made a face, "Sorry, I tend to babble sometimes. This is why I can't do public speaking. It's not that I'm afraid of it, you see, it's that I'm so scatterbrained, you'd never get me to shut up. But I'm done now."

She folded her hands and looked at Loki, waiting for a response. Loki had been staring at her, and now, for the first time in his life, couldn't think of anything to say. He had never heard of a Midgardian with her way of looking at things. Which was exactly why he had to have her as his advisor. Her unique perspective would be invaluable during his reign here. He blinked.

"Are you certain you're an adult?" he blurted out.

"Last time I checked, why?"

"I cannot conclude if you're actually fourteen years old, like you look, or fourteen centuries, like you sound."

Sophie grimaced. Before going on her run, she had put her long, straight chestnut hair into two braids down her back. The result must have made her look even younger than usual, as most people would guess at least sixteen when they first saw her...

"Thanks," she said dryly.

Loki took a deep breath and marshaled his thoughts. He had tried to intimidate the woman by letting her know some of what he'd found out about her, hint at his position over her, but clearly that avenue wasn't working. Time to try another way.

"Look, I can make the position I'm offering you well worth your while. Your own chambers while you're here and free reign of the facilities, as well as my protection and care. Not to mention a staggering salary. You would be rich, and have nothing to be concerned about."

Sophie was tempted, but she hesitated. She had all she needed while in the Navy, had been completely taken care of before. And then things had happened. It would be nice not to worry about bills or health care again. But she didn't even know what exactly he wanted her to do. She would not assist him in enslaving her people. However... she might be able to deter him from just that, temper his harshest impulses. She looked away from him, considering the offer a little more than she had a couple seconds ago.

"What would you require of me, exactly?"

Loki shrugged.

"As I said, you'd be an advisor. Someone I can go to and ask questions to, get a different answer from. And you would keep my secrets of course. Since you've had a 'Top Secret' security clearance and have signed a non disclosure agreement, I assume you are well versed in such things. I take it that agreement is why you won't reveal what you did for the military? Honor, rather than any real need to keep the information from an enemy?"

Sophie nodded reluctantly, then gave a wry smile as she thought of something.

"If you can unlock all doors as King of Midgard, as you claim, there should be no need for me to tell you anyway. You should be able to find out."

Loki smirked.

"Indeed."

She didn't say anything further right away. She took a bit to think it over, going through every possibility, every pro and con, in seconds. Some thoughts were discarded as quickly as lightning striking a tree.

"Very well," she said at last, "I accept your proposition."

This had been the strangest job interview she'd ever been through.

"Lovely," said Loki, "You may have your things back now. Follow me."

The door apparently opened of it's own volition, and Sophie followed him to a vast bedroom a few floors up. She only took a peek inside before looking back up at Loki.

"Might I be allowed an escort home to pack my own clothes and personal items? I can drive back, I have my own car."

"Very well. I'll have Lady Siff accompany you. Oh, and here."

Loki gave her back her cell phone and earbuds.

"I took the liberty of having my number put in," he added.

"You have a cell phone?"

"Of course. I am King of this realm now, and I'm certain I can figure out how such technology works in a short amount of time."

He strolled away, and Sophie went into the bedroom to have a look around. The bed was a four poster, with curtains on the railings, which she was delighted to see. There was a nightstand and lamps on each side of it, a dresser across from the rack with a TV on top. Never before did Sophie have her own television, she hadn't found it necessary when she could watch things on her laptop. Next to the dresser, a window looked out onto the streets below, and there was a padded seat and curtains so she could sit and admire the view. There was a desk, chair, and a floor-to-ceiling empty bookshelf against the wall that the entrance door was on. Across the room from the door was a dark wooded vanity table with a mirror atop it and a padded stool under it. Beside the vanity was a door that led to a walk in closet, and on the other side of the vanity was a door that led to the bathroom, and it was here that Sophie really lost her shit.

Not only was there a shower that doubled as a steam room, but there was a deep bathtub against the wall that marble steps led up to. Sophie clambered into it and was pleased to discover not only was it deep enough that when filled the water would cover her breasts, but it was also just long enough for her feet to touch the other side without being crammed, and there was adequate space to accommodate a bath pillow and a couple spaces around the tub to place some candles. As if all this wasn't enough, the tub had jets! She could already see herself spending hours in this bathroom. The floor and counter tops were marble, and there was a mirror above the sink that opened and would allow her to put things into. The toilet wound up being a bidet.

"My God," Sophie whispered to herself, "Who got into my mind and found my plans for my dream head?"

It wasn't Loki, or anyone else really – she would know if someone tried to enter her mind without her permission. Besides, there was no way he could have arranged for this to be here like this in time, even with magic. This had likely been someone else's home, and had probably already been like this. Returning to the bedroom, Sophie ran her fingers lightly over the wall, pondering who the owner or owners of this building had been, and where they were now. Did Loki do something to them? Perhaps he outright bought it from them?

Sophie was staring at the silver scrolled doorknobs and crystal chandelier when a soft knock drew her attention to the door that led to the hallway outside her room. A dark haired woman stood there, dressed in what Sophie was beginning to recognize as Asgardian clothing.

"Are you Sophie?" she asked.

"I am. You must be Lady Siff."

"Yes. Are you ready to leave?"

"Sure."

Sophie followed Siff out of the building to another of the strange flying skiffs the Asgardians brought with them. There was silence for a few minutes between the two women as they traveled, then Sophie's curiosity got the better of her.

"Loki...what is he like?"

Siff glanced at her, and didn't answer right away.

"He is cold, cunning, and cruel," Siff said slowly, "And he is also dishonest, vindictive, selfish, and manipulative."

Sophie couldn't help but notice those were all negative traits, and wondered if perhaps Siff had something against Loki. If Norse mythology could be relied upon, and Loki had really cut off her hair once like the stories said he did, she could see why Siff might be upset.

"I'm sensing a 'however' here," Sophie said lightly.

When Siff didn't answer, she went on.

"You must have something positive to say about him."

Siff was silent for a few seconds, then grudgingly spoke up.

"I thought he was jealous of Thor. I believe I was right, but when Thor was murdered and it came time to seek justice for that, Loki did so."

Interesting.

"Did you maybe have something going on with Thor?"

"No," Siff said stiffly.

Sophie didn't quite believe her, but let the subject drop, sensing that she had pissed Siff off enough for one day. For the rest of the ride, Sophie only spoke to give Siff directions to her apartment. Lowering the skiff close enough to the ground for Sophie to jump off, Siff stared down at her impassively.

"You're sure you can find your way back?"

"Yeah, GPS is awesome."

Seeing Siff's brows furrow in confusion, Sophie elaborated.

"Global Positioning System. It's like a map, but inside the electronic box we call cell phones."

It was in some cars too, but Sophie thought it best not to bog her down with too much Midgardian jargon all at once.

"I see," Siff lied, the dubious expression still on her face.

"Don't worry, I can contact Loki if worse comes to worst."

Siff nodded and flew the skiff away without another word. Sophie went inside to her apartment and looked around, a bit daunted at the task before her. Moving was always a pain in the ass. But luckily, the furniture here was part of the apartment and not really hers, so she wouldn't have to get it out of here and put it in storage or something. And she kept all the moving boxes from when she moved into this place, so that was good. Sophie estimated she could get all her crap back in those boxes and squeeze everything into her car to ferry it back to her new home all in one drive. Loading and unloading the boxes from the car would take a few trips, but overall, the move shouldn't be too terrible to manage on her own. With a sigh, she got to work and called her best – which is to say her only – friend, putting it on speaker phone so she could talk and pack at the same time.

"You'll never guess what happened to me last night," Sophie commented when Ava picked up.

"You got laid!" Ava exclaimed, "Finally! Been, what, three years?"

"Four," Sophie corrected, "But no you slut, that's not it."

"Fuck you too, bitch," Ava responded cheerfully, "What happened then?"

Sophie sighed, wondering how best to break the news. Then she decided that the ripping off the band aid approach was the best way to go.

"You know that guy that was on TV and said he was Earth's new king or whatever?"

"Loki? Yeah. What about him?"

"Weeeeell...I'm kinda – er – part of his staff now."

"WHAT!"

Sophie winced. She was glad she didn't have the phone up to her ear.

"You have to tell me all about it! Spill!"

"Duh, why do you think I'm calling you, dip shit?" Sophie said dryly.

She spent the next few hours packing and talking to her friend, only just managing to convince Ava not to rush over and see her. She had a lot to do today, and it was best to get on with it.