A/N: Sorry for the small delay in posting this chapter. I had some issues with Word and long story short it was frustrating and I ended up just downloading Works Processor. Which, is meh. But, anyways thanks for your waiting.

Chapter Twelve

"Have you seen Thor?" I asked Hogun as I entered upon him and Volstagg chatting amongst themselves in the dining hall.

Volstagg's mouth was full of food as he stuffed his face with all sorts of Asgardian delicacies. He turned to Hogun, raising both thick and bushy red eyebrows in response for him to answer. Hogun shook his head and turned his attention to me.

"I have not seen him since last night," he replied. I slumped my shoulders. All day I had been searching for him and to no avail. Hogun grimaced and put his hand on my arm. "Do not fret. Thor always returns."

I smiled faintly and nodded. "Thank you." Slowly I started to turn, remembering that I did not congratulate him in last night's events. "Oh. I almost forgot." Just as I had seen the other Asgardians I bowed to him with one hand on my chest, and the other placed firmly behind my back. Hogun nodded, and returned the gesture. "Congratulations on your victory last night. It was amazing."

"Thank you, my lady," he said with a short nod.

"Weren't you afraid though? Those things were huge."

"All those who let fear cripple them let death find them with ease."

I turned around to see a tall, lean woman dressed in battle armor that covered only her chest and her arms. Her thick, muscular legs were bare save for a pair of leather boots that rode up to her thighs. Red hair tumbled down in thick waves hanging in a loose ponytail tied at the back revealing a small, round face with dark painted lips and bright green eyes.

Karnilla.

She looked me up and down, a small smile twisting upon her flawless face, and walked toward Hogun with even, long strides. I swallowed softly as I stepped aside, allowing Karnilla to extend her arms and awkwardly embrace Hogun. He stood in place as she wrapped her muscular arms around his shoulders, his gaze drifting to where Volstagg stood, awaiting a hug of his own. She let go of Hogun, her smile widening just a bit and turned to the red-headed man, reaching out and patting him on his shoulder.

He frowned, but she ignored it as she spun on her heel and turned to me. Slowly, she brought her fingers up to her chin and tapped lightly at the bone. Her mint eyes studied me, and I felt as though I were suddenly being exposed and on display—naked. Swallowing, I extended my hand to greet myself as I was taught by S.H.I.E.L.D. when Karnilla suddenly clapped her hands loudly together and turned her attention back to Hogun.

"Oh, you know what would just be grand?" Hogun's face remained expressionless. "We should go to the Rainbow River." Before Hogun could respond she spun around once more and smiled at me with giant, hungry teeth. "Have you been to the Rainbow River yet, Midgardian?"

I gritted my teeth reminding myself to keep calm. After my slapping Fandral I really didn't need to anger any other Asgardians. Especially not one as fierce as Karnilla.

Licking my lips, I shook my head and started to hesitate. "I'm not very fond of the outside world right now," I admitted as I quickly delved into my tale of the wolf and tree attack.

Karnilla waved her hand. "Oh, nonsense my dear friend. You shall have great company join you on this endeavor. No harm will come your way."

I shook my head and politely declined once more. "I actually am in need of speaking with Thor. I really don't want to leave and miss my chance with him." I bowed slightly, and waved goodbye to Hogun and Volstagg. "Perhaps another time," I called out as I walked away.

Just as I was about to leave through the door Loki turned the corner and I bumped into him. Flushing, I looked up and felt my heart pound beneath my chest. Images of last night flooded my memory and with the musky, spice-like aroma that lingered around him I struggled to find the words to even apologize for running into him.

He looked down at me with a curious gaze. His green eyes burning brightly as he titled his head. I swallowed, twisting my fingers around the cloth of my shirt when his head snapped up and his gaze hardened fast. I looked over my shoulder, following his stare to where Karnilla stood with her arms haughtily crossed against her well-endowed chest wearing a sly smile. If I didn't know any better I'd have thought I heard a low growl emit from Loki's throat.

I turned back to him and frowned. "She wanted to take me to see the Rainbow River," I said, unsure why I would even mention it.

Loki turned his attention back toward me and scowled. "What ever for?" I shrugged, not really sure on why she'd want to show me. "The Rainbow River is nothing more than a place for children to catch fairies."

I titled my head and smiled, almost in disbelief. "Fairies? Like...fairies?"

"Are there any other kind?" he grunted, reaching out and tucking a stray strand of hair from my bun behind my ear.

I jumped, slightly startled at the simple gesture and ran my own fingers behind my ear, tracing along the lingering touch. He seemed completely unfazed, as though he didn't even realize he had done it. I chewed on the bottom of my lip for a moment, feeling slightly angry with myself that I was acting like I had some silly, school girl crush.

Last night was a mistake. We both agreed that it was. I agreed that it was nothing more than a drunken accident. It shouldn't have happened. He was a God—a killer, truth be told—and I was just a human girl; an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. I had one goal and that was to learn about Asgard and their ways. Not to get tangled in the sheets with one of them. And, definitely not with Loki.

"Why so quiet?" he suddenly asked and I realized that I had been staring at him for a moment too long. Feeling the heat rise to my cheeks once more I started to speak when he groaned, "do not tell me that you wish to see the fairies."

"Well, no that's not—" I stopped myself and reconsidered it. It would be something worth reporting back to Fury. And, it did sound...magical. "I think that I would like to go. Besides, Rainbow River doesn't sound like it could be dangerous."

"I shall accompany you then."

"Really, you don't have to go. I'll be fine with Karnilla and Hogun and Volstagg," I muttered hoping that he would change his mind and stay.

Of course, that wasn't Loki's way. "I would feel better if I was there with you. After all, you are often finding trouble when I am not around. Perhaps it best that I join you."

Just then Karnilla appeared beside us. I Startled, I brought my hand up to my chest and inhaled sharply. She laughed. "Oh, I am sorry dear friend. I did not mean to frighten you. I often forget that Midgardians are not used to magic." She considered her words for a moment and widened her smile, "Such silly things you are." I started to open my mouth when Loki cut me off with a stern stare. "I could not help but to overhear what it is that was being said—mostly because I was listening—but nevertheless, I am ever so pleased to hear that you have changed your mind."

She turned to Loki, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. "Loki, darling do you not have someplace else to be?"

He stared at her, his eyes small and unreadable. She flinched her manicured brows and he sighed. "It seems that I have forgotten. Thank you...Karnilla." She nodded her head, pursing her lips tightly together. He turned to me, with hand on heart and bowed. "Perhaps another time, Hayden."

"Wait," I started as he turned to leave. He slowly looked over his shoulder. "You're not going with?"

"Do not act so disappointed," he muttered walking away.

"Pity," Karnilla said though there was no sound of pity in her voice, "it looks as though it shall be the four of us. It's just as well," she said with a wink, "five is a crowd, don't you agree?"

We were to wait until dark. Karnilla said that it was the best time to see the river in all it's beauty. There was nothing like it in the nine realms, she assured me with the huge smile that seemed to constantly be upon her model-like face.

So, while I waited for night to fall I sat outside my chambers watching for any sign of Thor below. Sully spent most of the afternoon napping at my feet until one of the palace dogs came trotting into my room and pulled him away. I frowned as I watched him run off to play, barking down the hall until not even the sound of his claws against the marble echoed.

Alone, and uncertain of what the night would bring me, I leaned against the railing and stared at the garden's below. To my surprise I saw Fandral walking along its paths with both hands folded behind his back. He was by himself which was a surprise. If one of the Warrior's Three was not at his side it was usually a woman—or two—hanging from his arm.

I watched him for a while, stopping and staring at the Asgardian flowers before deciding that I should go speak to him. After all, I did owe him an apology for slapping him. He didn't mean to offend me and in my drunken stupor I had let anger get the best of me.

Sighing, I made my way to the gardens finding him sitting on a bench with his head facing the setting suns. Swallowing hard, I carefully made my way toward him kicking up a couple of pebbles on accident, alerting him that he was not alone. He lifted his head and lazily opened one eye.

"Hayden, my friend," he teased rising to a full sitting position with both eyes wide open. To my surprise he smiled and gestured for me to take a seat next to him. "And to what do I owe this pleasure?"

I cocked my head, unsure of why he was back to his usual self. After all, I did slap him in front of an entire crowd. Surely he had to be a little angry, despite what Loki said about him being slapped many times before.

"I just came out here to apologize to you for—"

"For my well-deserved slap?" he asked, laughing. I hesitated and then slowly followed with a nod. "Oh dear Hayden you worry too much. You needn't feel bad, after all it wasn't the first time a woman has struck me and I am most certain that it will not be the last."

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. The wind slowly began to pick up and I could feel a slight chill stick in the air. "Even so, it was out of line for me to strike you. And, for loosing my temper the way I did."

Fandral leaned forward and raised a thick, blond brow. "Do you always take blame even when you do not deserve to be punished yourself?"

"I—I don't understand?"

He frowned and settled against the bench, resting his arms along it's back. "I have noticed this about you, my friend. Not everything has to be done as the book compels one to be. I was out of line for calling you a Midgardian, acting as though you were weak and inferior. It was not my intentions at all, and for that I apologize. You needn't apologize and feel bad because of my horrid actions. I am the one to take blame, not you."

I swallowed again, unsure of what to really say. After what seemed like an eternity I forced a smile. "So, we're both to blame then. You shouldn't have looked down on me and I shouldn't have slapped you."

Fandral rolled his eyes and laughed. "You are hopeless. Like, a naive little doe."

"Fandral." He instantly stood to his feet as I turned around at the stern voice. With head held high, Lady Frigga stared at us both with empty blue eyes. He bowed slightly, with his hand on his heart and his charming smile wiped clean from his face. "Leave us."

"As you wish milady," he mumbled, bowing once more and bidding us both farewell.

Helplessly, I watched him walk the trail of the garden before disappearing behind dark, green bushes that were too high to be possible. Inhaling deeply, I returned my gaze toward Lady Frigga and forced a smile, hoping that I hadn't done anything to upset her. But, my mind reeled with possibilities of what she wanted to speak to me about.

Even though she wasn't at the tournament she more than likely heard of the slap. Fandral wasn't fazed by it all but I knew Lady Frigga wouldn't be pleased about it. A Midgardian laying hands to one of her Asgardians? Something that obviously wouldn't be tolerated. Or, perhaps she knew about Loki and I. How I didn't know but she was Queen of Asgard and it wouldn't surprise me if she knew the moment Loki and my lips touched.

"I think it time that you leave Asgard," she whispered and I felt my heart still. She knew it. She knew everything. Even the thoughts that I harbored against my own will. "Your father has grown ill," she started and I felt my heart stop. Frigga swallowed hard and looked down at her pale, trembling hands as she continued with a hard, yet uneven tone, "It has come to our attention that he may not make it much longer. I believe it in your best interest to go to him, to be with your loved one before you cannot say goodbye."

My entire body began to go numb as I slowly felt myself walk backwards until my knees hit against the bench and I fell onto it. Slumping over, I stared at the palms of my hand and gasped. My breath was short and fast and my heart pressed against my chest, pushing against the bone, ready to explode. Wheezing sounds escaped from my trembling lips as the taste of salt slid along the corners of my lips.

Lady Frigga stepped forward and reached out to touch my shoulder. I stiffened as her fingers brushed against my skin. She added pressure to her grip, and gently squeezed. Through blurred eyes I looked up at her and realized that her blue eyes weren't empty. They were lost.

She was a woman who had lost everything. Her husband, her power as queen, even—if not physically—her sons. Thor was now King and busy with his own duties and often leaving Asgard to be with his Midgardian girlfriend, Jane. Loki had gone mad and tried to create havoc on a world that did not belong to him, committing mass murder and being kept a prisoner in his own home. Balder, though I did not know him, was off gallivanting on his own while his birth mother grieved alone.

At that moment, I understood her pain. My father couldn't be ill. He was a God—at least in my eyes—and Gods could not get sick. They couldn't die. They were invincible. If he died who would console me when I had a bad day? Or, talk to me about his hunting trips and send me photos of silly cats after he discovered the internet? Without my father I would be...without my father I would be lost.

"Thor has spoken with Fury and they have arranged for you to go to your father for as long as you need. When you are ready, Asgard will be here for you to return too."

"You would let me come back?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even but I knew that I had failed. Lady Frigg nodded, and gently squeezed my shoulder again. Wiping my tears away, I breathed in slowly through my mouth and exhaled even slower through my nose to calm myself down. After a few moments of doing this, I turned to Lady Frigga and half-hardheartedly smiled. "I am so sorry for you loss, my lady."

Lady Frigga stared at me, stunned. "Thank you, Hayden," she croaked, her hard demeanor stripping away. "Go to your father. Right now you are what he needs."

He watched with curious eyes as his step-mother consoled the Midgardian girl for whatever reason that it might be. She was hunched over, her mouth agape and her eyes filled with tears. What sentimental fools humans were.

"You watch her often."

Loki turned from the window and snarled at Karnilla sauntered her way toward him. "And pray tell what vile creature dragged you onto the doorstep of my presence?"

Karnilla laughed. "Oh, Loki my love, you know exactly how to sweep a woman off of her feet. Charming as ever, I see."

She winked at him and he curled his lip, disgusted. "Allow me to ask once more— perhaps in simpler terms so that you might understand—what are you doing in Asgard, Karnilla?"

Karnilla joined him at the window and brought her manicured fingers to the glass. She dragged her nails against the pane, smiling at the scratching noise that followed. Loki remained still, ignoring the annoying sound that made him want to cringe. She was only doing it to get a rise out of him. He would not satisfy her needs.

"You were so much more fun when you were under Thanos's control," she pouted leaning forward and tapping her finger against his chest. "Remember the terror we reigned in Jǫtunheimr? You know...before you decided to take over an entire world on your own."

Loki scrunched his nose and plucked Karnilla's finger off of his chest. "I do doubt that you are here to reminisce of times due past."

"Oh you know me so well," she cooed. "I only came to participate in the tournament, after all I am a warrior worthy of the name," she assertively smiled. "I also came out of sheer curiosity to see this Midgardian girl that everyone has been absolutely buzzing about." She frowned and turned her gaze to the window. Hayden was no longer sitting on the bench, but standing holding onto Frigga's hand. "She really is not much to look at. I thought she would be much more interesting." Karnilla feigned a yawn. "And she is rather plain, even for a human."

Loki tilted his head and turned to face the window. Her sickly green eyes were puffy and red, her cheeks plastered with tears and her normally thin lips puckered and chapped. The tight bun that was usually atop her head was in strands and falling apart at her shoulders, a couple of longer pieces dared to curl down her slender back. She was awfully thin, and rather pale, and her lack of curves and muscle were disappointing but still the mortal girl did hold something of worth.

She was not downright displeasing to the eye. At times, when the suns were just right, the light would hit her face and she would be in a golden halo. Her eyes were bright and full of curious wonder and her all too thin lips would turn upright and bare a large, appealing smile. When her hair was down it would curl along the length of her back, and it smelled faintly of vanilla and coconut. It was also remarkably soft, he thought as he remembered the way it felt between his fingers.

And the lack of curves beneath her pencil skirts and unflattering buttoned shirts that she constantly donned were not for lacking completely. Bare-skinned and topless she was rather appealing. Her small curves were hidden under the mess of her Midgardian Grandmother clothing, and her milky skin wasn't wholly disgusting in certain lighting.

Still, she was easy prey. Her eagerness to please and her meek demeanor made her vulnerable and weak. His time spent in the custody of S.H.I.E.L.D had made him weary of who they would send. Never would he have guessed it to be this shy, awkwardly quiet young woman. It was a miracle that she had not been killed. Though, he had to hand it to the Midgardian woman; not many a female were able to elude the garish charm that came in the form of Fandral.

"You bore me," sighed Karnilla turning away from the window and sliding her way into his view. "Do tell me that you have not forgotten our deal?"

Loki cocked a smile. "Ah, so the real reasoning as to why you are here comes out."

Karnilla shrugged and batted her eyes innocently. "I have many a reasons to be here, Loki. As I recall this is Thor's kingdom, not yours." Loki gritted his teeth and willed himself to remain calm. He had parlor tricks. Karnilla had power. Power that would soon be his should they stick to their plans. "You can contemplate my murder all you want once your magic is returned to you. But, for now you need me just as I need you."

"You can be rest assured that I am diligently following through to get you what you need. I have only come across some minor difficulties along the way in obtaining it."

Karnilla snarled, the light playfulness in her eyes diminishing. "Then fix it. You want to have Odin's punishment disband without having to succumb to your human weakness like Thor than I suggest you do as I have asked of you."

Loki slammed his hand against the wall, pushing Karnilla against it. She looked up at him, tilting her head and smiling as he scowled down upon her. "I said that I will get it done, and get it done I shall. I will get you that spell book so that you can lift my curse and in return I will help you obtain the love of my brother."

Karnilla's smile widened. "People are going to get hurt Loki. You are not under Thanos's control any longer. You will feel the guilt without being able to lock it away. Are you prepared for that?"

Loki leaned in close so that his lips touched the bottom of Karnilla's ear. "I have been prepared to have that in which is rightfully mine."

Thank you guys so much for the reviews/comments. I am so glad to hear that you are still enjoying this. :D Also, if you're enjoying my fic I suggest that (if you're not already reading her fic) you check out vicvic221 and her story Fire & Rain. It's a Loki/OC fanfic about a girl named Raleigh who gets trapped into making a deal with Loki. It's amazing, and honestly the reason that inspired me to start writing this fanfic. It's a little darker than mine is, but her Loki is much more realistic and...just check it out! You won't be disappointed.

vicvic221: aw you're making me blush! Haha and thank you again for you insight/help. It definitely helps make me as a writer more confident in things that are new to me. You're the best slave/friend ever.

Benfan1: Thank you! And no worries, I plan on finishing this one to the end. (:

EnyaandEathenyl: Aw why thank you! And, don't worry Hayden isn't finished with her contempt toward Loki. It's bound to get a lot worse (but right now she needs to learn to actually speak her mind and not let others run all over her. She's working on it though.)

Poodle Warriors: Hello! And, I'm glad that you came across it and took the time to read it. Even more happy that you're enjoying it. Thank you. I intend to keep up the good work, hopefully I don't disappoint! ;)

Miko Hayashi: Typically I try to update at least twice a week. This week was a drag though. But, I've already got the next chapter almost finished so hopefully you won't have to wait too long for the next update. And, when he's not being an ass he's pretty charming. Haha

Cobic: No worries I catch your drift! Loki's a complex fella. And, a pain to write at times because like you I like it when my characters are in character when it comes to fanfiction as well. There's lots of twists and turns yet. Just you wait! :D

DoctorLokiLove: Why thank you! I'm really glad to know that you're enjoying it so much. I feel so repetitive when I say this to people but I can't even explain how much I love knowing that people are enjoying my writing/stories.

MusicIsMySinn: Your wish is my command! :D haha

Guest: (7) Thank you. Yes, fairytale-like stories is what I tend to write when it comes to my personal writing. So, I felt that this story could use that element. After all, Asgard would be a magical place to someone like us. It's a lot of fun writing about it, and learning the research that I can about it to add to my story. (11) And, it is my pleasure! I say this way too much but I mean it when I say the thing I love about writing is that I know my tale is being told and that people are enjoying it.

Hayden: I can't even fathom how much that means to me. Thank you! I worked hard on it and had to rework it a couple of times. And then my good friend who is quite talented in the smut area helped me out a bit as well. And no worries. She's working on it. I'm trying to capture it as realistically as possible, after all people don't just change at a whim. Hayden-which will be better explained in the following chapters-lived a fairly sheltered life, she's a good-person, doesn't like to step on toes. She'll grow a backbone soon enough. Kind of have to if you want to be with someone like Loki, eh? (:

Guest: Thank you so much! and, yes that was the approach I wanted for Loki. You don't really get to see his michevious side in the Avengers and you only get a small taste of it in Thor (especially from a well-written deleted scene that I wish they'd have kept in the film). He is after all the God of Mischief, the Prince of Pranks. It makes sense to keep the name true.