To another chapter! Warning, contains yaoi and I do not own anything. Onto the story!

Chapter 15

Clint watched from the back, in the shadows, as Jane Foster was looked over by the healers. Curious hands reached up to the magic the surrounded her and Clint shook his head at the actions. Thor was increasingly worried and argued with Odin about what to do.

"So, she is housing the Aether?" Clint asked softly, his eyes seeking Loki's nearby. Loki nodded, sticking to the shadows near Clint. "There has to be something we can do."

"Unfortunately for us, we cannot do much," Loki admitted. "From what you and Thor have told me, your world doesn't look at me kindly and you are a fugitive."

Clint nodded. "The Council would take her if she knows I am here. And then she'll be lost and there would be nothing we could do. Thor cares about her and I do not wish to do anything to jeopardize her."

"We will stay with the shadows until things get a little too out of hand," Loki said, watching as Frigga took Jane under her care and Thor followed them out. Loki took Clint's arm and lead him away, staying in the shadows and away from Thor, even though they both wanted to stay close.

It happened so fast. One moment, Clint was walking with Loki on the far side of the palace, the next, Dark Elves were attacking and chaos was everywhere. Death and destruction. Buildings were collapsing and on fire and screams filled the air. Clint tried to save as many as he could but his arrows could only do so much. Even with Loki by his side, the fight was tough. As fast as it started, it ended with a an explosion of lightening. In Clint's opinion, the safety of Jane came at a too great a cost.

Clint stood on the familiar platform, over looking the large river and adjoining waterfall, his bow in his hand, as Frigga's boat floated out. For the first time in a long time, his hands shook as he held the arrow in place. Taking a steady breath, Clint released his flaming arrow. It arched up and landed on the boat, fire catching as prayers to the Queen went to the heavens. More arrows flew through the air, covering all the boats in the water, each with a fallen warrior. Clint didn't need to look at those surrounding him to feel the grief of the people.

Thump.

The boat dissolved into light as Frigga and the other warriors who fell joined the ancestors in the night sky. Clint lowered his bow, watching as the light slowly dissipated. He quickly wiped away a tear before getting down from the platform. A flash of red was his only sign or Thor with Jane right on his heels. Clint wanted to comfort his Betrothed but with Jane nearby, his hands were tied. He could only looking longingly as they disappeared from his view. Clint took a quick look, noticing that Loki had already disappeared into the shadows.

"Clint." The archer turned to see Odin waiting for him. "Why don't you come with me?" Clint nodded, not trusting his voice just yet. Odin offered his arm and the two walked in silence toward the palace.

"I'm sorry," Clint finally said as they reached the sitting room linking their two rooms.

"She meant a lot to you too," Odin said, sitting them both down. "You can mourn."

"I just wish for a little more time with her," Clint admitted, running his hand over his cloak.

"We all do," Odin said. "But we must move on. We can remember those that have passed fondly but we must go forward."

"Of course," Clint said.

Odin took a breath. "As such, there is something I must discuss with you."

"I will listen, Allfather," Clint said, knowing the change of tone meant something big.

"You are to be married to my eldest son, who will take the crown one day," Odin stated. "We thought you both would take it when Frigga and I stepped down together. Asgard must always have a King and Queen."

"Are you saying Thor will be..."

Odin held up his hand. "No. Thor may have humbled over the years but he is not ready for the throne. It is not unheard of for one crown to be held by the next generation."

"What are you saying?" Clint breathed, tightening his hold on the cloak.

"You are to be the Queen of Asgard."

Clint let out a shaky breath, placing a hand on the cushion to steady his spinning head. He knew it would happen one day but he always thought he would have Frigga's guidance and Thor by his side as they took it together. Odin reached over, placing a hand on Clint's shoulder.

"I know it is a lot but Asgard will be looking to you as their Queen, even now. When things settle down, we will have an official ceremony but as of right now, you are Queen."

"I... I... I don't deserve..."

"You will make a wonderful Queen," Odin stated. "I will still be here as King and Frigga has taught you well. Do not doubt yourself."

"I'm Queen of Asgard," Clint breathed out, sinking down. He turned back to Odin. "That means I'm safe now."

Odin nodded, sadness tinging his eyes. "Once the coronation takes place, your place is here."

Clint let out a small chuckle, laying down on the cushion. He was finally safe to return home but he had duties to Asgard, which required him to stay. "Would I be able to visit? Like Thor?"

"I will never stop you."

Author's Note: I really didn't want to but in the end, Frigga had to go. Special thanks to ELOSHAZZY and Katie MacAlpine for the reviews. Until next time!