Hello! Time for the next chapter! Warning, contains yaoi and I do not own anything!

Chapter 9

"Frigga! Wait a moment! What's going on?" Clint yelled, ripping his arm from the Queen's hold. He would have felt bad about the rough treatment to the woman who had been so kind to him but he was given no answers. Loki hadn't bothered to say anything as he dropped Clint off in Frigga's care before running off into battle.

Frigga's eyes softened at Clint's confusion. She reached out to take his hand, speaking softly. "We are under attack. From what I understand, the enemy hasn't crossed the Far Fields but they will need to be pushed back. I'm taking you to your chamber until the threat is neutralized."

"Kind of convenient that this attacks happens once Thor is gone," Clint pointed out.

"So it seems," Frigga admitted. "Loki will have to lead in his stead. Now, come. We must get you to safety."

Clint remained in his place, looking out between the columns to the glorious city. He knew the fields were close to the golden walls but the Far Fields were still too close for comfort. He slowly turned to Frigga, determination filling his eyes. "You taught me that the queens stands in the place of the king if he cannot uphold his duties. This including riding out into battle. Doesn't the same thing apply to future kings?"

Frigga smirked and withdrew her hand, reaching into the folds of her dress to the hidden sword at her side. "I knew I liked you. But before you go, you'll have to look the part."

Loki grunted as he fought off another attacker, his daggers flashing in the sunlight. He would rather use his magic but this fight required the use of the sword. The Asgardian forces easily held off the attackers but neither side was gaining any ground. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif held their own areas fine but Loki knew he wasn't the leader Thor was. As much as he hated the thought. the fight really needed his brother. If not for he's fighting power but for the moral of the soldiers.

The thunder of hooves sounded over the hills. Loki chuckled as he turned to the noise, his hopes rising that Thor had returned with his thoughts. Leaping over top of the hill was a white horse that Loki recognized came from the royal stable. It was a stubborn mare who would allow no one onto her back. No one knew where she came from, just that Odin had her for a long time and she refused to leave. What baffled Loki was the magnificent person who was riding the mare. The figure was clad in a deep purple and silver armor, his arms bare except for the silver bracers. Bright red warpaint decorated the figure's face in a bold design. The figure raised his bow, freeing the reins as he pulled an arrow back and set it into battle.

"Clint!" Loki laughed out gleefully, twirling his daggers. Clint rode forward, arrows raining down upon the enemies with Loki dashing close behind. Any Asgardian would know in a second that Clint was fighting in Thor's stead. Many had heard about Thor's Intended but few had actually believed that he would take the role so seriously.

The white mare cantered across the field, slightly following Clint's instructions as he continued to fire his arrows. Each arrow found its mark. With each fallen enemy, the Asgardian warriors cried out in triumph, determined to follow Clint to finish the battle. Each was willing to follow the one who was fighting in Thor's stead.

"If Thor doesn't want him," Fandral started, running up to stand by Loki. "I'll gladly marry him."

Loki laughed at the man. "I'm sure there will be many men and women who will want his hand after this. Although, you and everyone else will have to go through my brother. Not to mention, the archer himself has a say in this."

"Come on slowpokes!" Clint called out, circling back to the two. "The battle continues. We will push them out!"

A chorus of cheers sounded after Clint's words as he lead the warriors back into battle. Clint lead by example, putting himself in the middle of the battle, right at the heart of the danger.

"The whole of Asgard was worried that he wouldn't be worthy of Thor," Fandral said, jogging to join the battle. "It looks like Thor himself will have to prove himself worthy of the archer's hand."

"Oh. He will," Loki smirked, twirling his daggers as he rejoined the battle.

The battle was all the realm could talk about. More specifically, the archer who clad in purple in silver, who rode upon a white mare whom wouldn't let anyone else upon her back, fighting in the name of his Intended. No one in Asgard could remember that ever happening before. Usually, it wasn't until the two were married did they battle for each other. Clint's actions spoke louder than any words he could utter. Clint Barton was serious about marrying the Prince of Asgard and he would stand by Thor's side, even if the man didn't choose him. Clint's bold statement in battle showed his intention and earned the hearts of the people of Asgard.

Odin waved off another warrior, who was trying to prove that they were worthy to join Clint's royal guard. Each wanted to serve the archer who battle alongside them. As much as Odin humored each warrior who asked about joining Clint's guard, Odin already knew the archer already had 10 noble warriors to watch over him. The chosen ten were different than the ones who had approached him, for those went to Frigga. Odin may be King of the realm but Frigga had chosen who would succeed her as Queen. The dealings of Clint and his well being was in her hands.

Odin let the smirk appear on his face once he dismissed the last warrior. He couldn't wait for Thor's return. It would be interesting to see how he would react knowing he now had to fight equally as hard for Clint's hand.

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this lasted chapter. Special thanks to ELOSHAZZY and MoonstarWorld for the reviews! Loki will still be present but he won't be fighting for Clint's affections. His are more brotherly. Until next time!