Kara had released his power to allow Loki to shift the two Jötnar directly to Avengers' Tower. The seats on the Quinjet wouldn't accommodate them and neither he nor Kara thought having them sit on the floor was a good idea. Eventually the cold would seep through it and damage circuits. Haakun and Pepper had overseen a refitting of the old gymnasium to a suite that would be comfortable for visitors from Jötunheim; it included what Clint Barton referred to as 'AC on steroids' and custom built oversized furniture. Amazing what could be accomplished quickly so long as one had sufficient riches. Kara had chosen to fly in with the other guests. Gods he was getting ridiculously attached to his lady; even this much of a separation chafed. "I believe you will be comfortable in here without wearing the amulets," he told Helblindi and Gymir.

They removed the amulets and set them down on a table. After a few moments they both grinned. "Good. After a while the magic itches," his half-brother remarked. "What is this AC sorcery the Hawkeye spoke of?"

"It's a form of technology; the science that is used on Midgard. Tony Stark is to technology what I am to sorcery."

"Ah, then he is formidable in its use."

"And its creation; he is a true genius in the field. And, as with most geniuses, he is beyond annoying," Loki informed them. Gymir snorted and turned away. "Yes, my friend. I am quite aware that also applies to me."

The giant gave him an intent look and then nodded. "So you do know me as a friend. Good."

"Within limits," he agreed. "Should I cross Helblindi I'm well aware we would become enemies. Fortunately I have no intention or desire to do so. I have come to value my family, both blood and by adoption. I do not wish to lose any of those that remain."

"Speaking of family," Helblindi began. "We need to discuss the succession. We do not have any other blood family on Jötunheim. Our father saw to that."

"Yes, I'd realized that I'm your only blood heir, at least until you have a family of your own. Though I'm surprised Býleistr didn't have any bastards."

"As was I; I didn't leave enough of him intact to determine whether that was intentional or not. I have had our healers examine me and I am fertile…I was concerned about it once we'd established that despite his…ways that I had no nieces or nephews about."

"Then you need to sire offspring and quickly. While your people might tolerate me as a regent, I doubt they'd welcome me on the throne in my own right, at least not for long, despite my mastery of the Casket."

"Agreed; I have chosen a bride and I wish you to attend the ceremony with your lady. It will be held the same week as my name day celebration so you shall not need to visit twice."

Loki smiled. "I have no issue with visiting as frequently as you and the All-Father allow. Kara won't mind either. She liked your people, on the whole."

"And you? You are the one who tried to destroy us."

"Brother, I've explained that. I was foolishly trying to deny my heritage. You know it is the one thing I've done that I regret all aspects of."

"That does not mean you like our people."

He pursed his lips thoughtfully. No, it did not. "True. But I did like many of your…our people. They are like any other; some more likable than others. And I greatly enjoyed the attitude of the children. Which reminds me, what are you doing in recompense for Býleistr's abuse of the girls?"

"Finding mates for them, if they want them…providing dowries and such. For those with no desire to marry, I have arranged for apprenticeships in the fields they wish to pursue." He shrugged. "There is little more I can do other than offer my apologies for the wrong done them and make it clear to my people that they are to be shown the same respect as a woman who was not so abused." His brother's blood red eyes glinted as he grinned. "And, I am making one of them my queen." Loki's eyebrows shot up involuntarily. "Her name is Skrikja; she is the girl who challenged me as to what I would do to right my treacherous brother's wrongs."

Loki smirked, he couldn't help it. A strong and no-nonsense young woman as he remembered. "She will be a fine queen, and will likely keep you well in line."

Helblindi's returning smile was wry. "That was the thought of my shield brothers as well. It does not hurt that she is more than easy on the eyes."

Loki shook his head smothering the urge to chuckle. Kara wouldn't care for that sentiment, though he was honest enough to admit that her beauty was one of the primary factors in his initial attraction to her. "If you value your manhood, never say that aloud again and certainly not within your or my lady's hearing."

… …

She did not like Tolthe, not one bit. The Ljósálfar Queen's consort was unbelievably smug and it was annoying the spit out of her that she couldn't figure out what he was being so smug about. Nyvorlas didn't seem to like him either, that reassured her that at least she wasn't being totally paranoid. They'd gotten everyone, the invited guests and their allowed one attendant each, on the three Quinjets provided by S.H.I.E.L.D. and she was about to board the one that held her mother-in-law, Sif, Nyvorlas, and the guests from Vanaheim. "Kara; is it just me or is that elf even more of an ass than Keebler?" Tony asked.

"It's not just you. Have Jarvis keep an eye on him, will you?"

"Already done, Thor's carrying a tablet and leaving it on. Hey, why do the king and queen of the Vanir look so much alike?" he asked.

"They're brother and sister."

"Huh? Eww. What is it with ancient gods and incest?"

"Tony, get your mind out of the gutter. They're not, uh, involved. Frey's wife is Jötnar of some variety and the Vanir won't accept her as their queen. Freya's husband is usually absent, I don't know why, so they've set it up so that she is the official queen and they handle all of the official duties together and their spouses are styled "King's Consort and Queen's Consort."

"Oh. Guess I missed that part of the briefing. Wait, what do you mean of some variety?"

"You were sitting right there," Kara griped and he gave her his should-be-patented innocent look. "Geez, Tony, you were off in your own little world, weren't you? You're too easily distracted, big brother. Look, there're different kinds of Jötnar; mostly when that term is used, they mean the Frost Giants, but it can apply to the Hill Giants that live in the more temperate regions of Jötunheim or even the Fire Giants, but don't quote me on that one. I'm not sure what kind Gerd is, though I'm thinking either the Hill variety or a mix since she's living comfortably in Vanaheim."

Her honorary brother grinned. "You know, my own little world is usually a lot more interesting than any meeting, though maybe not this time." He chuckled at her glare. "Okay, okay. I'll try to pay more attention."

"I won't hold my breath. Now are you flying solo or coming with us?"

"I am going to sacrifice my dignity and ride with Fury and all of the attendants to make sure they don't drive the pilots insane. Oh, and your mother-in-law slipped me this nifty little item, so if there's any gossip, I'll understand it."

Kara examined the amulet Tony pulled from under his shirt and nodded as he dropped it back down. "Nice. Pay close attention, then. If she gave you that it means she's positive something important is going to be said. Comprende?"

"Uh, genius."

"Uh, easily distracted."

"Damn."

… …

"I've brought you a few things," Frigga told her daughter by marriage as Kara sat down beside her.

"Oh?"

"Loki hoped you would continue to wear Asgardian garb at official events and thought you might like to have a selection of outfits to choose from."

"He's expressed that, uh, hope." Kara grinned mischievously. "Well, it was more of an order than a request, but we've straightened that out."

Frigga had to laugh. "Oh, my dear; you can blame that on his father. Odin still hasn't learned to phrase his wishes as requests rather than orders. When we're in public I cannot dispute him, but trust me, he hears about it and quite forcefully once we have privacy."

"Yeah, well, Loki apparently missed the forceful discussions. I didn't figure you would let it slide."

"Shall I have a word with him, Princess?" King Frey offered. "He sometimes heeds my advice."

"No, but thank you; it would embarrass him, I think."

"True enough. Though if I hear him do it, I will, in the interest of helping my fellow married man, share my hard learned wisdom with him. In fact, I shall take him aside for a man to man talk. Best I do it before his brother attempts it."

"It's traditional," Frigga told Kara as the girl's features scrunched up in confusion. "You and Loki missed out even on some of our traditions due to Odin's haste in getting the two of you settled."

"Oh. He missed out on some of our traditions too. The guys are planning on giving Loki a modified Bachelor party. Since most of the Avengers are in relationships Tony has sworn up and down that they'll skip the raunchier aspects. That means it will likely just include lots of drinking, a little food and a lot of bragging…and maybe the Ironettes Dancers."

"The what?" Frigga asked.

"They're a group of kind of athletic dancers that wear costumes in the colors of the Iron Man armor. They're pretty and do some suggestive moves, but they're covered and keep their clothes on…and their performance is strictly a stage show, no touching."

"Ah, the traditional farewell to the bliss of being single…without the bevy of loose women, then. Small loss; such cause more problems than the enjoyment of them is worth." Frey winced as his sister smacked the back of his head. "Leave off, Freya. You are worse than my wife."

"Gerd would do the same were she here and you well know it. I honor my brother's wife by acting in her stead."

"Shrews, the both of you."

"Truly, Frey?" Frigga scolded. "You are alone in a vessel full of powerful women and you say such?"

The burly god glanced around and then laughed boisterously. "You forget the Ljósálfar prince, my lady; though he is near as pretty as some women."

Nyvorlas sat up from where he'd had his seatback reclined out of her line of sight. How silly of her to have forgotten his maneuvering to avoid traveling with his mother. "Prettier than many," he agreed equably. But not than any here."

"And his words prettier than his face," Frey said, continuing to chuckle. "How is it that you have yet avoided matrimony, my boy?"

He shrugged. "It has taken this long to find a woman worth having. Being the youngest child and second son has its advantages; there has been no rush to marry me off for the succession and those families of note that want an alliance wish a marriage to one of my siblings closer in line to the throne." Frigga smiled at his wording. She hadn't mistaken his interest in Sif. Had the warrior even noticed? Ah, she did so love matchmaking. Perhaps she could help the boy along.

… …

Consort Tolthe was still complaining. Thor wasn't certain how his queen lived with such or why she'd bothered to bring him along. Queen Elénaril was very aware of the bad blood between her consort and Loki. One little prank…Thor swallowed his grin. Little indeed. Loki had cast an illusion making it appear that Tolthe's manhood had withered and since his sexual prowess was the sole reason he had won the queen's favor he'd been more than a bit…incensed. Still, it was centuries past; he should just let it go. "Are you listening to me, Odinson?" Tolthe demanded. Uh oh.

"My apologies, I was woolgathering, I'm afraid."

"Abiding with mortals has worsened your manners," the man grumbled.

"On the contrary; I'm far more considerate, ask the All-Father and Queen Frigga," he said evenly.

"I have found you to be much improved in courtesy, Prince Thor," Elénaril agreed. "Do these machines bother you as they do us?"

"It is more a mental unease than physical discomfort, your majesty. But it is truly distracting," he agreed, glad for the excuse she provided. "Again, I do apologize; what was it you wished of me, consort?"

"I asked why the mortals are willing to harbor your so-called brother like a viper in their midst. What does Asgard bribe them with?"

Thor stared at the true viper while struggling to rein in his temper. "Were you not privy to the discoveries made by the heroes of Midgard concerning Loki's actions? He saved them from a much harsher fate than they suffered with his intervention. They consider him a friend and you would be well advised to remember it. My brother, and there is naught so-called about that relationship, suffered greatly on behalf of all of the Nine Realms to stymy the Mad Titan in his quest to destroy us."

Tolthe returned his stare sullenly. Yes, he had obviously been told everything and chose to spew his venom anyway. "We shall see," was all the fool said.

"It does seem odd," Elénaril offered, trying to be conciliatory. "Loki was rarely one to do aught for others."

Thor shrugged. "He returned what was offered him. We did naught for him and often gave him grief. My father lied to him for all his life. It is little short of miraculous that when he was put to the test, he did not give us all up for glory and revenge."

"Your father lied to all of us," Tolthe said with a sneer. "We hosted a monster amongst our children."

"My children," Elénaril reminded her consort. "I do not hold his bloodline against him. Frigga raised him to be gentle with those innocent of wrongdoing. My second youngest girl was quite devastated to learn he had wed."

"She's better off. Now it's simply one monster wedding another."

"That is enough, Tolthe. I will have silence from you until I bid otherwise," Elénaril finally snapped.

"My sister by marriage is a fine woman. Her power no more makes her a monster than mine does me," Thor retorted as mildly as he could manage.

"I'm certain she is, Thor," Elénaril soothed. "Your mother is terribly fond of her and I trust Frigga's judgment in such things."

"She is wise indeed about people, your majesty," Thor agreed as he fixed Tolthe with a brooding stare and wished he had half his mother's wisdom in such things. He shot a glance at Fandral and Hogun. They too seemed seriously disturbed by the exchange.

... …

"Why are we riding with the servants, Stark?" Fury asked before they boarded.

"You're a spy, right? Who is the best source of information anywhere?"

Old Scratch stared at him. "They aren't speaking in a language we can understand, that makes anything we overhear useless."

"Au contraire, mon ami; I can understand all of them perfectly. Your job is to keep me on task. Just remember; they can likely understand us so you can't be obvious about it."

"That…"

"I'll have my SI-Tablet out and I'll type a translation in." He handed tablets and ear buds to Fury and Sitwell. "I'll have Jarvis give it to you audibly. They all have better hearing than we do so the volume needs to be low. You can type in anything you want me specifically to concentrate on and I'll read it and we can go from there."

"You've actually thought this out. I'm impressed…for once."

"I always think things out, I just don't always go with the conventional conclusion." Tony grinned at Fury's longsuffering sigh. Yeah, Morpheus baiting was a blast. He tucked in ear buds of his own and typed a quick message to Jarvis. 'You with me, J?'

"Yes, sir," was the barely audible response.

'OK lets test this out Im skipping punctuation J is that OK'

"For the sake of accuracy, sir; I suggest the inclusion of punctuation and the avoidance of acronyms."

Damn. 'Okay, fine. Better, Miss Priss?'

"Much, sir."

Tony didn't remember programming Jarvis to be anywhere near this persnickety and he was pretty sure he was mostly sober when he'd done that programming. He'd need to work on that. 'Great. Let's test it. Mary had a little lamb; its fleece was black as Fury's eye patch.'

'STARK!'

Tony read the message sent from Fury's tablet and grinned. 'Looks like it's working.' He caught Sitwell fighting a smirk and counted it as a major victory in the Stark versus S.H.I.E.L.D. war.

… …

Pepper looked stunned. Yep, that was the word. Jane wasn't looking much more with it as they stared at the door to the outside deck where Loki and Bruce had taken the Jötnar to see the view. "I did tell them," Natasha told her.

Darcy nodded agreement. "You did, but, well…you left out important descriptive words like 'scary as all fuck'."

Natasha smirked at her. "I don't find them scary as all fuck."

"Yeah, but they're not warm and fuzzy like the Avatar characters either. Come on, Nat. Look at their teeth, they're pretty damn scary."

The redhead shrugged. "They look like Loki only taller and with slightly sharper teeth."

"And blue. And freaking fangs like a shark."

"They don't have teeth like a shark and Loki is…Wait, haven't you seen Loki in that form?"

"Um, no." She looked at Pepper and Jane. Both women were shaking their heads wordlessly. "I don't think Beth has either, so maybe Loki should show us when she gets back, you know, so we don't freak out if he has to do it in public some time?"

"In public…Chyort voz'mi, I don't think we've even considered that possibility." Nat sat down abruptly. "We have enough problems with Bruce's other. Okay, Darcy; what is this going to do to Loki's rebranding?"

"Depends on how he looks."

Nat rolled her eyes. Darcy didn't think she'd seen the woman do that before. "He looks like Loki except that he's the same shade and has the same clan markings as Helblindi."

"He's the one with the gold collar-thing, right?"

"Torc, it's called a torc."

"Whatever." She frowned trying and failing to picture Loki blue with ridges on his face…or other parts of his body. "Hey, do those marks go all over?" she asked. Nat gave her a deadly look. "What? I'm curious. Besides, you know the fans are going to ask."

"Bozhe moy. Don't mention that to Loki."

"Too late," a smoothly accented voice told them. Darcy snickered at Nat's horrified expression as Loki walked back into the lounge. "I've already heard," he continued. Fortunately he looked kind of amused; the two giants behind him, not so much.

She shrugged. "Sorry, but it's not like I can look Jötnar anatomy up on the web like you can look up human anatomy."

"Jötunheim doesn't have internet access, Ms. Lewis," Loki chided. He was still amused though. There was this sparkle in his eyes that just wasn't there when his smirk was pissy. Subtle difference, sure, but it was there.

"Funny." She decided boldness…even more than her normal…was called for and slipped her arm through his. "Come on, Loki," she said in a conspiratorial tone. "Inquiring minds want to know."

He snorted. "Inquiring minds are too nosy for their own good. And before you ask Kara, think on this. I'm only half Jötunn; that really won't tell you if the full-bloods have the same anatomy."

Not deterred, she let go and turned to the two giants with narrowed eyes. Helblindi frowned even more deeply than he had been. "This is not a fit discussion with a female."

"Not much on feminism on Jötunheim, huh?" she muttered. Helblindi looked confused.

"It has more to do with respect, Darcy," Loki told her. "Do behave," his words said, but his expression said otherwise. As she opened her mouth he held up a hand. "No, really…I cannot encourage you to embarrass my brother; not this one, anyway."

"Oh, so you're good with me embarrassing Thor?"

Laughing outright, Loki told her, "Yes, but only if you do it while I can see his reaction."

"Sounds like a plan. I'm still going to ask Kara though."

There was that glint in his eyes again. "Oh, to be a fly on the wall during that conversation."

… …

Kara stifled a laugh as her mother-in-law and the other queens tried to hide their astonishment at the antics of Aleixandre Bailey, the designer working on their dresses. "Well, what do you think?" she asked everyone as she turned slowly to display the basted together dress.

"Perfect," Frigga said with a smile. Freya nodded agreement and Elénaril looked approving as well.

Sif was the sole dissenter. But then, Kara didn't expect the warrior to approve. "Can you breathe in that thing?" she asked with a somewhat appalled expression.

"Breathe, yes; bend, not so much."

"It will keep your posture perfect," Aleixandre exclaimed. "You will look every inch the princess you are."

She directed a sour look to the back of his head. "I'm sure," was all that she said aloud.

"You need jewelry, Kara," Freya said with a considering frown. "It should be something tight about the neck, perhaps having multiple stones depending from it."

Pepper looked over from where she was trying on her headdress and veil combination. "Tony has that covered. It's in the vault back at Avengers' Tower. We can stop by there when we're done here to take a look at it." Tony's fiancé smirked at her groan. "I know, but it was supposed to be a surprise. Just don't tell him I told you and act surprised when he gives it to you."

"He's already paying for the wedding…not to mention everything else."

"So? He's having fun with it. Throwing extravagant parties is one of his favorite things. Trust me; he's spent far more money on far less important events."

Kara tried not to sigh, she really did. Frigga took her by the arm and led her back to the dressing room so that she could remove the gown. "Don't fret, daughter. You will repay them many times over through the years."

"Probably, but I hate owing anyone."

Frigga smiled as she helped her tug the bodice off. "I know you do, you are an independent woman. Other than his habit of trying to forbid you things how well is my son dealing with that?"

She thought about it for a minute. "Not too badly, actually. He's changed so much since I first met him, and in a good way." Kara could feel the heat of a blush rise in her cheeks. "I fall more in love with him almost every day; isn't that kind of pathetic?"

"No! That is wonderful. It means that you are both becoming more what the other needs and that, my dear, is to be envied."

"Okay. I-I'm really proud of him, you know? He's growing as a person, caring about people he knows he'll lose sooner rather than later and dealing with that. It makes him sad, but he's also recognizing he's better for having known them. Did Thor tell you that Loki is getting the team to help him with his mischief?"

"No, he did not."

"Hmm. Oh, he wasn't there, duh, Kara. Loki got Steve and some of the others to help him paint flowers all over my armor. They had to be really sneaky to do it. They also painted a political kind of thing on Tony's armor. I don't think Tony thought it was all that funny."

"Did you?"

"Well, kind of. I mean, having flowers all over my armor was too weird for words, but just the thought of everybody spending an entire day not just sneaking in and out of the room to paint but teaming up to keep me away from my armor until it was done is kind of hysterical. It was a really complicated farce…do you know the works of Shakespeare?"

"Yes, a fine bard. Midgard has had many such."

"Okay, so think 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' or 'Much Ado about Nothing' and that's the kind of thing they had going on to get it done."

"Ah, that would be amusing. Yes, he has changed, but not to something new. This is how he was as a boy and a very young man, before he became so very embittered."

Kara sighed out loud this time. "Sometimes I really hate your husband and even Thor."

"I have and will always love them both, but I understand. I have been terribly angry with them over the years. There was only so much I could do that wouldn't have made it worse."

She laid the dress across the table against the dressing room's wall and finished putting on her street clothes. "They'd just better not make me angry. I don't think I could sit by and let them hurt him again."

"Daughter, they've changed too. Truly. I have never seen Odin so contemplative in all my years with him. He has actually looked back at his actions and not only recognized but has sorrowed over the mistakes he has made. I much doubt he'll repeat them. And you have seen Thor change."

"Yes. Okay, enough of that. Are you coming to the Tower tonight? We're throwing an informal kind of pre-engagement ball party."

"Frey, Freya and I are coming. Elénaril is rather unhappy with Tolthe at the moment; I believe they will be remaining in their suite."

"Good. Uh, it's not that Elénaril wouldn't be welcome; but if I have to look at Tolthe's smug face again, I just might get sick. What is up with him? There's got to be more to it than a prank that happened centuries ago."

"I do not know, my dear. What I do know is that it does not bode well."

… …

Tony clapped his hands together and Loki tried not to smile too hard at his antics. The billionaire was in his element; entertaining his friends and guests with nothing but his wit and outrageousness. This was a relatively small gathering; the Avengers, their loved ones, Tony's closest friends, Nyvorlas and the visitors from Asgard, Vanir and Jötunheim. He'd met Colonel Rhodes or Rhodey as Tony called him and liked the man. While he seemed bound by duty, it was also apparent that he could and would bend the rules he lived by when that served the greater good. He was also, from what Tony and Pepper had told him, a most loyal friend. The mortal was short, even shorter than Tony who was not a tall man and he lacked the Avenger's sheer presence. But he was not one to be ignored, either. Loki tilted his head slightly, contemplating the puzzle of it. "How are you such good friends with Tony Stark?" he finally asked.

Rhodey shrugged. "I was the military liaison to Stark Industries for years. When he's not putting on a show for the public, he's a good guy. I got to know that good guy." Loki nodded agreement. "He says you're a good guy too; but I'm going to have to reserve judgment on that."

"Understandable. All I ask is a chance."

"You've got it. Hey, did you really paint the Anonymous mask on his faceplate?"

Loki smirked. "Now why would I do such a trivial thing?"

"To see Tony blow up over someone touching one of his precious suits."

"His reaction was glorious. I believe Dr. Banner retrieved a copy of the video from S.H.I.E.L.D. if you care to see it."

"We've got to add it to the gag reel for Tony's bachelor party."

Gag reel? "What is a gag reel?"

"Um, it's a collection of funny videos, usually starring the person being honored."

"Interesting." He'd have to see if Banner was able to obtain the video of Stark and the hay incident to add to it.

… …

Beth was doing her best not to stare at the Frost Giants. They were kind of beautiful in a savage sort of way. Clint and Natasha seemed pretty comfortable around them and they were the most vulnerable of the Avengers, so she wasn't worried. They'd all been warned not to touch them. Apparently only Loki and Kara could touch or be touched by them, skin to skin, without getting frostbite pretty quickly. She dragged her attention back to King Frey and his sister, Queen Freya. Frey was regaling Steve with tales of battles and, surprisingly, diplomatic victories. Freya was looking at her curiously. "Victories do not impress you?" the taller blonde woman asked.

"I guess the victories that impress me are ones that save the life of someone who has been ill or injured. I've been studying medicine…uh, healing for a long time now."

"Beth is going to be a doctor soon. That's like what Asgard calls a journeyman healer," Steve told them. He sounded so proud that it made her smile.

"Ah, a truly honorable vocation. I suppose your interest in the Jötnar is understandable then."

She flushed. "Well, that and they're so very different from us. I mean, I've kind of gotten used to Prince Nyvorlas, but I couldn't help being startled every time I looked at him for a while. We've brought our myths to life using costumes and special effects, but to see the real thing in real life is kind of overwhelming."

"Did Midgardians truly believe they were alone in the universe?" Frey rumbled.

"Certainly some did. Some still do despite the evidence to the contrary. It's weird; a lot of us are pretty stubbornly narrow-minded. I just think it's kind of wonderful that there's all this diversity out there. It kind of makes our differences; I mean the differences between the different ethnicities here, kind of insignificant. Hopefully we'll be able to grow past the horrible way we've treated each other now that we have proof we're more alike than we are different."

"Well said, my lady," Frey told her. "But do not despair over your people. Many within the other realms do not value each other for their differences either."

"Like Loki, you mean?"

The bearded king nodded. "Even when they did not know the full extent of his differences, he was not treated well by the Æsir…and now, well, many of them foolishly fear him."

"We have no problem with him," Steve said. "I mean, once we had proof of what really went down with the invasion, we forgave him for it, and heck…most of us are a lot different than other people. He fits in here pretty well."

"I'm glad of that, Captain. I believe that is what is allowing him to heal."

… …

Kara was not looking forward to the ball. The informal party two nights ago had been nice, but they couldn't leave it at that, oh no. Her life was officially a media circus. She and Loki would have to face the hounds from hell, also known as the paparazzi, when they arrived at the gala. "Do I really have to wear the coronet?" she asked plaintively.

"You know that you do," Loki told her as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I don't like it either, you know."

"Maybe I could release your power and we could skip out on this party?"

"Kara…"

"I know, I know. But I really feel miserable." It was true. Her stomach was upset and she had a headache that wouldn't quit. Beth thought it was nerves and Kara was fairly sure their almost-doctor was right. She'd sipped the herbal tea that Bruce had suggested, but all that had done was calm the indigestion. Her abdominal muscles were still cramping.

"It will all be over in just a few hours. Then we can come back here and enjoy a long soak."

"That had better be a euphemism for really great sex." She grinned at his annoyed frown. "Okay, really great lovemaking."

Loki chuckled. "Yes, we'll get to that as well, I'm certain."

"So what did the girls say about your Jötunn form?" While she'd been busy with Nat doing her hair and makeup Loki had been in their living room area changing forms for Jane, Darcy, Pepper and Beth. She'd heard voices, and Darcy's had sounded excited, but between the hair dryer and Nat constantly badgering her to 'stay still' and 'turn this way', she hadn't been able to make out a word.

He shrugged. "I'm not certain I understand their reaction. Darcy and Bethany immediately tried to touch me, even after I'd warned them of the consequences. I-I think they actually found that form…attractive."

She smacked his arm. "How many times have I told you that you're gorgeous in that form?"

"That's different. You love me, you're biased."

"Well, will you believe it now? Darcy and Beth don't love you, are they biased too?"

"No, I suppose not." He frowned and shook his head. "Darcy wishes to do a photo shoot, as she calls it with me in that form, dressed as I was in Jötunheim. I refused."

"Why? It's part of who you are, Loki."

"Perhaps I do not like who I am," he snapped.

She lifted her skirts and straddled him as he sat on the sofa. "I love who you are and I'm very proud of you. I think you need to do this so you can see how truly beautiful you are."

"The mortals, most of them, will be appalled."

"Some of them will. Most will think it's just too amazing or extremely awesome." He shook his head mutely. "I'll make a deal with you. One picture, my choice. If it doesn't get at least fifty percent supportive comments I'll never ever ask you to do it again. If it does, then you let Darcy post whatever pictures she wants of you. Well, those that won't get us banned for lewdness and terms of service violations."

He looked up at her and sighed. "You won't let this go, will you?" Kara shook her head firmly. "Fine."

… …

If anything, this was more of an ordeal than his engagement ball. Everywhere he looked was royalty; not just those visiting from off-realm, but the local variety. Prince William and his wife and his brother Prince Harry from England were the most recognizable. Harry was a blast. The kid had an infectious grin. Tony couldn't help thinking he'd make a much more tolerable king than either his brother or his father. Maybe William would do everyone a favor and abdicate? Nah, don't want to wish that on poor Harry. The Crown Prince of Norway, Prince Haakon and his wife were extremely excited to be here. Ambassador Haakun couldn't get the guy out of his hair, especially considering the prince's name was the more modern version of his own. Prince Albert was there, sans wife, though. The youngest prince of Liechtenstein was there, he and Harry were the only single male royals…well, single male Midgard royals present. Oh, and he couldn't forget Crown Princess Victoria and her husband from Sweden. Damn. Tony couldn't believe he'd remembered them all without checking with Jarvis. Kara looked miserable. For that matter, so did the Lokester, though he was hiding it better. Maybe he should go rescue them?

"Mr. Stark?" Frigga said quietly from behind him.

He turned and started to smile, but froze at her intense expression. "What's wrong?"

"I do not know, but I fear something terrible will happen. Your people are watching Tolthe and the Ljósálfar attendants?"

"Yeah. Fury has S.H.I.E.L.D. agents replacing the wait help. They haven't made a move out of place so far. Maybe the suspicion he's under from his queen has changed things?"

"My sense of foreboding does not agree with that."

"Nah, mine either. Hey, does Kara have foresight? She's looked miserable all day."

Frigga frowned, considering the question. "Many Æsir empaths do, I see no reason that Kara would not have at least a touch of it."

"Damn. That's not good news."

"No, dear friend, it is not."

He grinned. Hey, first time he'd been dear friend to a queen for a reason other than his inventions or his money. "I'll go check in with Fury, see if they've come up with anything."

"Thank you. You do have your armor?"

"Oh yeah." He nodded toward the side of the room where Happy sat holding on to the briefcase that held his portable suit. "Never go anywhere without it. I'm working on one that will come to me from anywhere, the Asgardian metal working is what's going to make that possible. In the meantime, I'm still covered."

"Good. I only hope that this time I am wrong and that you will not need it."

Well, shit.

… …

Fury nodded as Stark approached the spot he'd staked out. "Where's Nassar?" the inventor asked.

"Mingling. He's as on edge as we are. We've got every trained military person in here armed and ready, including the boys from the UK. Colonel Rhodes is standing by with the Iron Patriot armor. My people are as ready as they can be in the middle of an event like this. I still don't like it."

"Yeah, me either. More importantly, my honorary mother-in-law doesn't like it. That's scaring the daylights out of me."

"Why the fuck didn't Odin approve releasing Loki's magic for this shindig?"

"Politics." Stark raised a hand as he started to protest. "Before you go off on the old shit, Loki agreed with him. Kara can release his power in seconds, anyway. It won't make a difference."

"Damn sure hope not," he grumbled and then swore as an explosion rocked the room. Debris and glass rained over the attendees as two Chitauri sleds flew into the ballroom. Nick yelled over his com, "Why the fuck didn't we have a heads up on this?"

… …

Loki spun as Tolthe clapped a hand on his shoulder, it had…stung? "What have you done?" he slurred as powerful magic rushed through his bloodstream. He felt his own power bounce off of the internally absorbed sorcery as Kara tried to return it to him. This was not good. The last thing he knew before blackness claimed him was Kara's scream of fear and rage.

… …

Kara screamed as Loki's power rebounded back into her as she tried to return it to him. The force of it was enough to drive her to her knees. Two of the flying sleds she'd seen on videos of the invasion were swooping though the room. The Chitauri riding them held a net between them and scooped Loki up as he began to collapse and then the machines headed straight for the windows on the other side of the cavernous room. The backlash of the power had overwhelmed her, she couldn't reach her fire or anything else. Sobbing, she collapsed on the ground screaming Loki's name. She could see Rhodey and Thor giving chase, a moment later Tony was in his suit following them. A blue glow shone through the trashed windows and then it winked out. She could hear Thor bellowing in frustrated rage. It was too late.

… …

Author's Notes: Another cliffie. To soothe the savage beast (aka anguished readers) please go to my Tumblr account for a photo of a model that looks like Kara and photos of Kara's wedding dress. I'm so sorry for the delay with this chapter, I was out of town without computer access. The good news on that is that I was out of town at Disneyland and got to see the exhibit of the Iron Man Armor. I'll post photos on my Tumblr as soon as I figure out how to download them from my new camera. Chyort voz'mi basically means 'oh shit' and bozhe moy means 'oh my god'.