Another chapter. Once again, yaoi warning. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

Clint sighed in relief as he fell into his nest, burrowing into the soft fabric, popping his head out the opposite end to stare out at the landscape. He had the best view in the world, looking over the gardens and extending out to the city below. What made it even better was that is was up high and Clint could see everything. He hadn't been out past the castle but he was hoping that would change soon. He had been in Frigga's care for the majority of the time. Odin was busy with his own duties and he had only seen shadows of Loki around the corners.

Clint followed closely to Frigga, listening to her give a tour of the castle. A shadow caught his eye and he turned to see Loki staring at him before the god fled.

"Frigga," Clint started, staring at the spot where Loki was. "I know Thor talked about Loki facing justice..."

"Oh! Loki? He was pardoned because he was under the control of the Chitauri."

Clint stopped in his steps. "He was controlled?"

Frigga froze. "I apologize, Clint. I forget you suffered during his control. I will not ask for you to forgive my son, but I hope you understand what he has also gone through."

Clint couldn't breath for a moment. He couldn't believe that Loki had been used just as much as he was. "You know, my friends forgave me for my actions. I almost killed them while Loki controlled me. I was told that it wasn't me. If Loki was controlled, just as I was, then I can forgive him."

Frigga broke out into a watery smile, pulling Clint to her and tucking him into a tight hug. "Oh, Clint."

Clint figured either Frigga hadn't told Loki about his words, highly unlikely seeing how talkative she got about Clint, or Loki hadn't wanted to come near him. Clint wasn't sure since Frigga kept him extremely busy learning all about being a Queen of Asgard and the Intended for the Prince. It was exhausting. Thankfully, Frigga had given him a break before the feast later that night. He was learning so much. It was making his head spin.

In Asgard, the Queen supported the King. The Queen worked in the shadows, always watching. When the King was away, the Queen would step forward. The Queen's words were just as important. If the King couldn't perform their duty, the Queen would. Granted, Thor wouldn't be King for a while, so Clint wasn't too worried about having to attend to those duties. He was a prince so Clint would have the duties of a princess, which were basically the same. Although, the Prince was a lot more involved in battles and protecting the realm. That had him almost kicking up a fuss, princess. Clint had learned that on Asgard, gender didn't translate. Whoever married the King was the Queen and the same was said about Prince and Princess.

Clint focused back on the skyline. The setting sun cast an orange glow on the shimmering city. He understood why Thor's visits home varied so much in duration. It was easy to lose track of time and Clint was actually unsure about how long he had been in Asgard. He did miss the Avengers though. They had become a family and he hated having to leave them behind so suddenly with practically no information at all. It did help that Natasha at least knew he was safe in Asgard.

A knock at his door startled him from his thoughts. "Hawkeye? The Queen requests you start getting ready and to meet her in the main room. Do you require help?"

"No, no," Clint reassured, getting up from his nest. "I'm fine. Thank you. I'll be right out." He knew the maiden was only asking because Frigga had asked her to. Clint wasn't blind or deaf to the actions and comments of the Asgardians. They looked down on him because he was mortal. They didn't understand why Frigga choose him as Thor's Intended.

In the end, he had to win over and prove himself to Asgard. The betrothal process was very different and the two that entered into a betrothal had to prove themselves worthy of each other. Since Clint was involved with Thor, the approval went further than family. Considering Clint was mortal, Thor was considered out of his league and didn't need to prove his worth. It was all down to Clint. It was going to be a hard battle to win.

Clint threw on the dark purple robes that Frigga had made for him. She took in the request to keep it dark but it look more along the lines of something she would wear rather than something similar to Odin or Thor. Clint couldn't argue too much since Frigga was impossible when she decided something. At least then was enough room for him to keep his bow and quiver hidden from view. Frigga brought up the hidden weapons once but Clint pointed out the dagger she always kept on her. That was the end of that conversation.

Clint pushed the door to the sitting room and Frigga stood up, a bright smile erupting on her face. "Oh Clint! You look wonderful!" Frigga reached up to fiddled with his clothes, smoothing out hidden imperfections. Clint gave a smile as she took his arm in her own. The contact was something Clint was forced to get used to. As the Intended, Clint was considered a maiden and maidens had to be escorted. Many guards had tried to escort him this way but he refused to allow he didn't trust near him. Frigga was perfectly happy to always have him within reach.

It was a feast of celebration. Clint couldn't really remember what they were celebrating but he was seated next to Frigga so he didn't have to remember exactly. Many people wanted to speak to Frigga and only gave him questioning looks. After all, he was the only mortal there. No one wished to speak him and Odin did advise him not to. At least, no one really wanted to speak to Loki either. Clint wasn't alone in that. So, Clint watched.

Servants bustled around, serving drinks and food to all the people. Clint's eyes narrowed at the table in the far back of the room. A figure in the servant's uniform held a vial of glittering gold to Odin's goblet. Clint recognized the glittering gold from the books Frigga gave him to read. Quick as lightening, his bow came out from hiding and an arrow flew across the room, pinning the man's sleeve to the table. The room went silent as a path appeared along the arrow's flight.

"What do you intend on putting in the Allfather's drink?" Clint calmly asked, lowering his bow.

The man turned in anger. "How dare a mere mortal!"

"The mere mortal just caught you read handed," Odin spoke, standing up. "That is my goblet." He motioned for the guards to surround the man. The man cursed as they took him from the table and pulled his arms behind him. The vial was carefully presented to Odin along with the arrow Clint had shot. Frigga reached over and took the vial from Odin's hands, Loki looking curiously from Odin's other side.

"It is a potion, made to send you into Odinsleep," Frigga said. "Since it would have occurred unnaturally, we wouldn't have been able to wake you."

Odin held the arrow up, turning it over in his hand. "How did you see this happen, Hawkeye?"

Clint straightened up. "I always see better from a distance. I recognized the color from the chamber the Allmother showed me where you were taken a while back during Odinsleep. I knew it was dangerous and I acted."

"Were you not concerned for those in the room?"

"I do not miss," Clint stated, eyes narrowing.

Odin handed Clint the arrow back. "I thank you, Hawkeye. You have prevented a catastrophe. In my eyes, you are worthy of my son."

After the feast, many Asgardians wanted to speak with the mortal archer who had saved the King. They wanted to know if he really didn't miss. They wanted him to prove his word. With the blessing of Frigga, Clint obliged. Asgardians picked out targets around the room and Clint would send arrows to them, never missing. Some even toss up fruit for him to shot in half. Frigga sat next to him with a smile on her face. She was extremely happy with the turn of events and was overjoyed that her people had begun to accept him.

Frigga touched his arm, motioning for him to lead down. "It is the Queen's duty to signal the end of feasts, If it were up to Odin, they would go through the night. When I leave the table, it sends the message that the feast must end within the hour. Since you are Thor's Intended, you will have the same duties. You'll have to join me and you'll learn, with time, the appropriate timing for these events." Clint stood with Frigga as she bade goodnight. Odin reached up, taking her hand and kissing her fingers. She flipped his hand and returned the gesture. Odin tend held out for Clint's hand. With a smile from Frigga, Clint extended his hand. Odin gave a kiss to the back of his hand. Frigga reach around and pulled Clint's arm in her own, walking back to their chambers and retiring for the night.

The next morning, Clint woke to a beautiful bow sitting on the table in his room. It was a dark purple, almost black bow with silver markings on it. It reminded Clint of Mjolnir and nothing could get rid of the smile on his face.

Author's Note: I just couldn't help myself! So, two updates this weekend! Special thanks to all those that have favorited and followed this story! To ELOSHAZZY, I hope you enjoy what is next to come! Reviews are always welcome.