Another chapter! Warning, contains yaoi! If you don't like, don't read. Once again, I do not own anything. Onto the story.

Chapter 11

Clint sighed, sinking deeper into the plush of his nest, gazing out the large window at the night sky. Asgard made it easy to forget why he was forced to leave earth in the first place. Time had flown by since the prevented assault. Clint had spent the time with his new guards, Loki, and Frigga. Going back and forth between training in weaponry with the guards, exploring with Loki, and learning about the duties of the Queen with Frigga. Even though he was extremely busy, he still couldn't wait for Thor's return. He needed to remember to ask about the rest of the Avengers and he hoped Thor had reassured the others of his well being. Knowing Natasha, the subject of his marriage to Thor would probably not be a secret for long.

Clint reach over and pulled the covers up, staring up at the stars. The rest of the Avengers were back on Earth and that was where his problems were. He could deal with those problems when he was able to return. Clint drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a set of strong, warm arms, pulling him close and holding him tight.

A large bang from outside jolted Clint awake, fleeing from his nest into a dark corner, his hands automatically grabbing his bow and some arrows. He glances over at the large window, the normal lights that would be seen in the night were gone. Shouts and the ring of steel sounded in the air. Clint drew his bow, focusing on the door to his room. He realized that the sound of battle was coming from inside the castle.

Clint sensed a presence appear next to him and turned, elbowing the person quickly. A grunt and Clint back away, training his arrow at the intruder.

"Easy!" It's just me!" Loki said, materializing out of the shadows, hand in the air.

"Loki!" Clint breathed, lowering his bow, and stepping back to the shadows. "You know not to sneak up on me. What's going on?"

"Somehow intruders have gotten past the guards and have entered the castle," Loki explained. "We think they have come to either kidnap or kill you."

"Why would they even do that?" Clint asked.

"You are Thor's Betrothed."

Clint shook his head. "How did you even get in here?"

"Our father may have focused on Thor's power with his strength and weapon but Mother focused on magical knowledge with me," Loki explained. "I've mastered shadow walking long ago." The shouts of battle grew louder.

Clint secured his bow on his back. "We have to help."

"No!" Loki nearly screamed, reaching out to grab Clint's arms. "I have to keep you safe. Mother will do worse if you are harmed."

"I thought I proved myself in battle," Clint smirked. "There are people out there, getting hurt, because of me. I can't let that happen. So, are you going to come with me or not?"

Loki cursed and reached for his daggers at his side. "Please remain close to me."

Clint nodded, grabbing his quiver and strapping it onto his back. Loki and Clint burst through the door into an empty hallway. Clint kept his bow drawn as they ran through the hallway, towards the sounds of battle. The two turned into a large staircase, revealing several guards and intruders. Clint recognized many as part of his personal guard. One man was completely on the ground while an enemy stood above, sword ready to bring about the final blow.

"NO!" Clint screamed, letting an arrow fly, killing the man, allowing the fallen guard to kick the body away. The guard nodded in thanks before rejoining the battle. Two other enemies broke over, one backing Loki into a wall while another faced against Clint.

"Our orders were to take you," The man sneered, the sword gleaming. "Or to kill you, if you were too difficult."

"I'm nothing but difficult," Clint replied, ducking as the sword swung over his head, trying to put some distance between the two. He couldn't do anything with his bow in such close quarters. The man lunged, his sword slicing into Clint's side while the man whipped around with inhuman speed, kicking Clint down. Clint couldn't hold back the grunt and held up his bow, blocking the next attack. The man laughed, preparing another strike as a blade burst through his chest. The man was tossed to the side as the same guard Clint had saved earlier reach down to him.

"Your Highness! Are you alright?" He asked, frantic at the sight of blood on Clint's shirt.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Clint said, trying to reassure him. "The others..."

"We have finished here," The guard said. "We must get you to a healer."

"Not until the intruders are gone and those who are hurt are looked after," Clint said, pain lacing through his wound.

"Those who are hurt are already on their way to healers," The guard said, gesturing to the near empty hallway.

"Sir!" Another guard shouted, running over. "The intruders have been eliminated and we have captured a few."

"Thank you," Loki said, nodding to dismiss the man. "Clint, we need to get you to a healer."

Clint shook his head. "The others..."

"Please." Loki reached out, touching his shoulder softly, his eyes pleading. Clint sighed and nodded, letting the two men take his back to Frigga's quarters.

"Thank you." Clint blinked at the guard, who was staring at him. "You saved my life. I owe you a debt."

"You owe me nothing."

The man shook his head. "Will you accept my loyalty and my sword?"

Clint blinked, not believing what was happening. He almost declined but he knew that the guard would take it as Clint believing he was unworthy. "What is your name?"

"I am Solveig."

"Solveig, I would be honored," Clint said, smiling at the man.

"Clint!" Frigga cried as the group walked into the room. "Come! Come! Bring him here!" Loki and Solveig gently lead Clint to one of the couches. Clint was laid gently down and Frigga reached over to the injury. "You may leave us."

"Mother."

"Loki, your father will need you," Frigga said. "There is much to discuss with how these people even came to the castle. You must be by Odin's side."

"Of course, Mother," Loki said, reaching over to squeeze Clint's shoulder before leaving the room. Solveig stood near the edge of the couch, staring at Clint.

"I'm fine," Clint said. "Solveig, you should go and see if there are others who need help."

"Of course, your Highness."

Frigga smirked. "Oh? He waited for you to dismiss him." Clint smiled as she gently pulled his ruined shirt away, her fingers probing the wound. Her hands glowed a soft green, magic flowing around the wound, slowing knitting the flesh back together, leaving an angry red line. "I am sorry I cannot do more. Our magic works differently on mortals."

"It's fine. I'm fine," Clint said, touching the line. "Thank you, Frigga."

Frigga smiled, taking Clint's hands. "I would rather you not be hurt at all. It does ease my heart to know you have those loyal to you."

"I can take care of myself," Clint pointed out. "What happened out there?"

"They ones who invaded are those who have been banished long ago," Frigga answered. "They figured that using the Intended of Thor would be the perfect revenge."

Clint froze, his breath catching in his throat. Dread filled him at the thought of the bloody halls. "How many have moved on?"

Frigga sighed, pulling Clint to her, gently stroking his hair. "You should focus on recovering from your wound."

"I want to know."

"I have word." Frigga and Clint turned to the doorway, Loki watching the two. Loki slowly walked up, unafraid to give him the news he desired. "Last I heard, seven have perished. I am sorry, Clint. Four were from your personal guard."

"I never wanted them to give their lives for me..."

"Clint," Frigga said, tightening her hold on his hands. "You showed Asgard your bravery, dedication, and heart. The ones who have passed knew you are worth protecting. They fell with honor. They were protecting not just a member of the royal family, but a brother in arms. Celebrate their life."

Clint gazed out at the rising sun. "I want to do something to honor them."

Clint stood near the flame, the light glistening off the silver pieces of his armor. He was ducked out in his deep purple and silver outfit, the black cap blew behind him as he tightened his grip on his bow. Eight lives were lost in the invasion of the castle, to protect him. Clint couldn't help but feel guilty at the loss but Frigga tried to reassure him that this would be an honorable way to thank them. The boats were sent off to the sea, one by one. Eight arrows stood ready.

Clint walked up to the platform and picked up the first arrow. He held it in his hand for a second, silently thanking the fallen warrior. He lit the arrow and let it fly through the air. The flame arched up in the air and landed true on the first boat, igniting it in flames. Seven more arrows flew through the sky, each sent was thanks and a prayer.

Clint lowered his bow as the last arrow hit the final boat, watching the eight burning pyres as they drifted further out to the large waterfall. He watched them, just as they had watched over him. He heard the thump from Odin's staff and each boat dissolved into balls of pure light, their souls rising up into the stars to join their ancestors. Clint bowed his head, vowing to protect the people of Asgard as they had protected him.

Author's Note: A lot has happened since Thor has left. Clint has really proven himself to Asgard. So much will happen! Special thanks to ELOSHAZZY who has been sticking around for so long! I am so glad you are enjoying it.