Chapter 28

"I let you be and look what you've done."

"You shouldn't have sent dumb guards."

"So this is my fault?!"

This was the first conversation Loki and I had after two months. We were ignoring each other whole time and things got out of hand. To avoid him, I switched day for night. Little sleep I could get I used during the day, I would only leave my chamber during the night. At least I used my time in a clever way. I was practicing with stone which led to the destruction of most furniture. I was sleeping on mattress cut in half for three weeks now. Tonight during one of my practices two guards interrupted me and lost their heads.

"It was an accident. They shouldn't have interrupted me."

"Of course not. Poor Lady Swan has been never guilty of anything."

"Maybe I share traits with misunderstood rightful King." Mock for mock.

"I allow you to mess with me, but you won't hurt any of my people."

"People following false King to their deaths are your people. What a demise for them."

"You say you fear nothing, but Thanos is exception. His arrival makes you nervous."

"You're the one who is afraid. I am only a pretty box for precious gem, you failed him. He will try to kill me, but he will leave you alive and burn the heart out of you."

I didn't need to see visible reaction from Loki to know he was nervous about Thanos' arrival too. I was anticipating Thanos, adrenaline was pumping with my blood. The stones are getting closer and to do what I want, I need to get as far as possible from Loki. Getting the stones will be the priority for Thanos and if I lure him away, I might get the chance to prevent Thanos getting to Loki and put my plan in action. It won't be easy, I imagine it will be the hardest thing that I will ever do. Of course, if I survive.

"Realm Eternal will survive him."

"With what cost?"

"You should worry more about yourself."

"Well... This is me worrying about you."

"If only your words had meaning." Ouch.

"Like yours?"

"My promises will be fulfilled. I will do what is in my power to save you, not only because it is you, but because of Asgard."

"If the ice melted things would be different."

I speak of the ice around his heart, of course. There is an iceberg before my heart, but that is not important now. Whatever we feel it is best not confessed, only trouble follows after that and we have enough of that now. Loki left me with corpses till morning, then he sent a maid to take me to another room. He also sent cleaners to wash out the blood out of his green carpet and collect heads. He came up with a cover story of the vile men trying to kill vulnerable mortal.

After those events, Asgard has begun preparing for Thanos' arrival. I was left in dark with plan of rescue. To prevent me to do anything on my own Loki threw me to the dungeons. I caused nervousness down there, but nothing too much. Few people died, but I couldn't be held responsible for that. I was patient because I knew that when Thanos comes Loki will reveal his marvelous plan and I will do as I see fit then. Breaking his mind to control him won't be a problem.

My stay in the dungeons was very short. Thor returned to Asgard and he wished to see me. Before being brought to his eyes I was pampered and dressed in the finest silk. I was given green dress and I thought of that as of hidden message from Loki. Maybe showing some sort of ownership over me, but I wasn't' given any explanation. With Thor came Jane and as much as I found that surprising, it was pleasant to see another mortal, even one I hated.

" Prince Thor." I bowed.

"Lady Isabella!" Thor was overly enthusiastic, I even received a hug.

" I see Asgard treats you properly. You have one of loveliest sounding voices my ears ever heard."

"You'll make me blush."

By the end of the day I wished I had no tongue. I had to be polite and that was fine challenge. I had to explain Thor the miracle of me regrowing my tongue. I said it was the courtesy of the fair king. I almost suffocated while saying that. I escaped dinner with him by saying I don't feel well. Thor wanted me and Jane to bond, but I knew if I was left alone in the room with her that I'd kill her. My envy of her didn't lessen, even after all this time. I was still angry and hurt.

I was very surprised to learn Thor was staying to defend Asgard. I didn't expect Loki would tell Thor what Asgard is facing. That was good, I think. Loki is at times too proud to ask for help, but at this time I saw him in a different light. Loki had what was needed to be a great King. Too bad no man will ever follow a traitor. What a sad heritage Odin leaves. Thor, complete fool who doesn't know how to lead, but will sit on the throne of Asgard. And Loki, competent as king, but unable to rule.

"Loki." I sought him out few days upon Thanos arrival.

"It is nearly time."

"Asgard is ready."

"Are you?"

"No." I didn't mock him.

"Neither am I." I took his hand in mine and was grateful he didn't push it away.

Happy New Year!