So you have my apologies... but this may be the last update for a few days. I'm going camping for 3 days with some friends, and don't have the next chapter prepared yet, I caught up in my uploads. So please read, enjoy and review, and you'll get to see (my own version of) the big battle shortly. Like, a week. Please be patient. Thank you to all of my readers, favouriters and followers, and a huge shout out to all who reviewed!

~ Elle.

We woke the next morning pressed against each other, the sheets tangled around us. Briefly I wondered what I'd gotten myself into before relaxing against the warm body behind me. I supposed that even though he was a god, Loki was not immune to human desires and needs. And that he was exceptionally good at it. A smile crossed my face at the previous evenings antics.

I pondered what would become of me now though. I was definitely attracted to him on at least a physical level; as for emotional… that remained to be seen. And there was that small matter of swearing loyalty – and more – to him. While I thought over what I'd said in the heat of the moment, I surprisingly didn't find myself feeling regret. I'd wanted to be free from S.H.I.E.L.D. for so long I hadn't thought passed getting free. Now that I was free, I had no plan, passed assist Loki. Why couldn't that be my plan for the foreseeable future as well? As I envisioned the court, and the world he spoke of, I pictured myself at his side, in the position of power that he'd promised me, and a smile crossed my face. After being a captive for so many years I'd be free, I'd be better than free, happily working for the king of earth from a place of control – something I'd dearly lacked in my life up until yesterday.

I guess if you started nit picking I shouldn't be supporting him in his ambition to conquer earth. After all it was supposed to be my home and all. Somehow, I couldn't conjure up enough feelings about any person on the planet to want to stop him however. The way he'd talked about his plans, the passion in his voice as he told me how he would rule the humans – it sounded good. Better than the way it was, at any rate. I'd seen my fare share of violence with S.H.I.E.L.D. and how governments squabbled between each other, within them even, sending their little soldiers to war. Loki talked of one government, one ruler, and equality amongst humanity. He and his court he spoke of leading the people to be better. No mindless killing as society was currently encouraging.

Could it really be that bad?

I rolled over to face the Asgardian in my thoughts, his face soft as he slept, arms wrapped around me. He was shirtless, only wearing a loose pair of pants as he slept, and I examined his chest. It was clear he'd seen many battles – long, deep scars marred his complexion, including one that seemed rather recent. I reached out hesitantly, running my finger along the length of the scar. His hand reached lazily up to snatch mine away from his chest, and I looked up into his magnificent green eyes. Suddenly, I felt unsure of myself, a blush creeping up my cheeks as my mind frantically worked to decipher what he might be feeling.

Silently, his eyes raked over my form; sleep mussed hair and in a loose green t-shirt of his conjuring. I was wearing my underwear after reclaiming it last night, but hadn't slept in pants. My blush still gracing my cheeks, I wanted to look away from his face, but was determined not to show weakness to him, prince or not. So when his eyes swept back up to meet mine, I held his gaze steadily.

"Morning, my dear." His smooth voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Morning." I greeted him, overly aware of his arms still around me. He smirked, as if aware of what I was thinking, but didn't yet move. I closed my eyes, ransacking my brain of what to say. I'd never woken up beside a man before, the few times I'd had sex, the man had been dead before morning.

"Mind if I go use the shower?" I squeaked out after Loki still hadn't shifted, several minutes later. I slipped from his grasp, all but fleeing the room. His laughter followed me out.

I stood behind the closed and locked door of the bathroom, wrapped in a soft robe I found in the room. I could hear Loki out in the main area, talking to someone – Erik Selvig probably. I groaned quietly, wanting to bang my head against the door.

'This is only as awkward as I make it.' I thought to myself, shaking my head. Taking a deep breath I unlocked the door and waltzed into the main room. Loki was pacing as Selvig explained something to do with the portal. The latter merely glanced at me as I emerged from the steamy bathroom, but the tall god kept his eyes on my robed form. Frustratingly, I couldn't read him, despite my training. I crossed my arms, which parted the robe slightly around my thighs and had the satisfaction of seeing his eyes snap to the skin revealed. Smirking, I cocked an eyebrow as his gaze flew back up to my face.

"I don't suppose you can magic me up some clothes?" I asked him.

"No I couldn't. However, as entertaining as it would be for you to remain in that robe, Selvig did pick up some Midgardian attire for you. It's in the bedroom."

I nodded, turning to head to the bedroom, knowing his eyes were still on me. I felt a thrill shoot from my spine to my head, making me dizzy. I'd never had anyone stare at me so, as if I was a treasure, or something so exciting. I let a satisfied grin spread over my face as soon as the door shut behind me, confidence regained. Position of power indeed.

I slipped into the clothing brought for me by the scientist, rolling my eyes at the black and green colour scheme. Once dressed I once again headed back out into the common area, walking directly for the fridge. I was starved. I wasn't rewarded with much upon examination though, so I made a mental note to get some money to stop at a bakery or café somewhere today. Hopping onto the nearby barstools, I listened in to the conversation – planning for the big day tomorrow.

"All possible precautions are set around the tesseract." Selvig was saying. "It's reasonable to assume that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s agents will go directly for the portal in an attempt to close it."

"Good." Loki replied. "However, I do believe that the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and their little team of mutants will be too preoccupied fighting the chitauri army to have time to figure out the portal. Damage control will be their priority, but the chitauri will be too much for them. They will be overwhelmed and their resistance quenched. Then I shall rule Midgard." He turned to me, smirking wide. "You my dear shall have a place at the side of the portal. If any agents do try to stop it, you shall protect the portal alongside Selvig." He moved beside me, running a hand through my hair. "I fear I shall be moving too much to take proper care of you, and I would not have you harmed by S.H.I.E.L.D., my sweet."

I shivered at his touch, smiling up at him. "S.H.I.E.L.D. can't harm me, I was well trained by them. Now, if you'll excuse me, might I get some breakfast?"