I don't own anything. Obviously.

A/N: And here is the long awaited fourth chapter! Thank you everyone for being patient with me. Please enjoy, and don't forget to review!

The Art of Love and War
A Thor Fanfiction

by: alcatluvr13

Chapter IV

As time moved forward and the months passed, the Asgardians grew more and more suspicious of their new king. Loki had initiated a series of so-called reforms that counter acted previous laws, and worse, traditions. As the new year drew closer, many dissatisfied citizens started voicing their concerns. And those who spoke the loudest were the ones that disappeared first…

Four months had passed now since Thor's exile. He had become accustomed to living alone, and it didn't bother him that he had conversations with a local fox. He had caught it trying to steal some meat he was attempting to dry, and instead of killing it, he cut a big chunk from the piece in the pot and tossed it to him. Ever since then, their relationship had become almost friendly. He called it "Fox." Not that he was lacking imagination, it was more that he stopped caring. In any case, he was pretty certain the fox didn't object. And if he did, Thor would never know.

Spring was officially here, and the ice and snow were melting fast in the warming sun. Now it was easier for Thor to get his bearings. He hadn't met any other humans yet, but he had seen signs of others near his camp. He figured they thought he was another lone hunter like them, and so respectfully stayed away. Thor knew it was an unspoken law among mortal hunters to respect others and should they come across another's territory, to move onward until they found one of their own. But he was finding himself wishing one of them would break that rule. Talking to Fox could only go so far. Still, he was used to hearing the sound of his own voice, even in large crowds. The prince in him couldn't help but be vain.

One day, after Fox had eaten his morning's share, Thor went down to the stream he had found when hunting. Before the snow melted, he would just gather piles of snow and melt it for water. But when it began to melt, he had discovered a steady stream of water. He guessed it came from the mountains, because it was much deeper and the current much stronger than when he had first come upon it. But its coldness was refreshing and if he wasn't awake yet, he was now after splashing some on his face.

"You're a long way from home, stranger," a voice said from behind him. Thor sprang up and pulled his knife from his belt. "Peace. I mean no harm." The man held up his empty hands in a placating gesture.

Thor sheathed his knife. "I suppose I am a long way from home. What makes you think that?" His tone was polite, but guarded. The man chuckled.

"Lack of a sword. No man I know ever leaves his home without a sword."

Thor grinned. He didn't need a sword, though he couldn't trust this stranger with the truth. "You caught me, stranger. I am a long way from home. But I seemed to have managed well enough with just this knife through the winter."

The man came closer and knelt beside the bank to dip his hands in. "Well, I suspect you can hold your own without that knife if it really came to it. Your arms must be as big as my thighs."

It had been a long time since Thor had laughed that hard. The man grinned. "The name's Antonio. But they call me Tony for short." He held out his hand to shake. Thor grasped it firmly. "I'm called Kai." He let go and settled back down to fill his water bag. "What brings you to these parts, Tony?" He sensed the man wanted to settle in for a long chat, and he wasn't about to let this first chance of intellectual conversation in months walk away.

"Just traveling through. I'm on my way to the capital to meet my wife, Pepper. She had been summoned to help the overworked seamstresses. From what I understand, even with the added help, there aren't enough women to help with all the court orders, let alone the orders from the lesser nobility." He chuckled. "I told her to call me if she needed anything. Of course, she told me she'd call me when hell had frozen over and pigs learned to fly. I can't wait to rub *that* in her face when I see her." He looked almost gleeful.

Thor looked at him blankly.

"My gods, you have been out here for a while, haven't you?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I don't even know where I am, to be honest. I just know I'm in Midgard and that summer is well on its way."

Tony whistled. "I suppose I should fill you in, huh? What have you been doing this entire time? I'm not surprised you didn't freeze yourself to death but even the most experienced hunter would have difficulties in these parts."

"Care to enlighten me?" Thor asked wryly. "Why don't you come back to camp? I've got some meat and I've been meaning to make a stew with the leftover broth I saved. And you can tell me all about the world outside these trees."

Tony laughed. "Sounds like a plan."

So it was that the two men walked back to Thor's camp together as if they were old friends. "So, our princess has finally come of age but the Council of Elders has been urging her to find a husband. From what I understand, they're a bunch of old farts who hate change."

"Sounds normal," Thor said drily. Tony chuckled. "Indeed. In any case, during her birthday ball, she met the son of a former aide of her father's. Henry, I believe his name is, duke of something. I really don't pay attention to court gossip, but Pepper does. Usually I try to block things out, but unfortunately, I don't always succeed. Actually, I'm certain she figured that out but if I don't say anything there's a chance that she might still be guessing." He winked at Thor.

"Anyway, Jane's engagement to this Duke Henry was announced and now everyone is scrambling to the city to see her wedding. According to Pepper, and honestly I have no idea where she gets this information, but somehow she's always right in the end." He paused for a moment and glared at him before continuing. "Um, don't tell her I said that, though, please. Wouldn't want it to go to her head."

Thor nodded in agreement, suppressing a smile. He was finding that he liked this Tony.

"But anyway, our princess is none too happy about her future husband. It seems the Regent knew something about our future king that made him second guess the betrothal, and had made some serious accusations against the good duke. But they were quickly hushed up, by none other than our future queen. Sounds fishy to me, and Pepper agrees. So, aside from seeing this once in a lifetime event, I'm also traveling to ensure my wife's safety. From what it sounds like, it might mean dire consequences if this becomes common knowledge. And I know my Pepper can hold her own, but if she calls, then there's something dangerous amiss."

Thor nodded, understanding the dangers far more then he suspected Tony thought he did. Court intrigue was always risky, for everyone involved, and when one grows up surrounded by the powers Thor was accustomed to, it was even more risky.

Still, he considered himself blessed that he wasn't in such a predicament. Despite the betrayal and the obvious concerns and worries that accompanied a throne, Thor was glad of the reprieve. He could get his bearings and win some allies, and above all, plan how to win back his crown. In the meantime, he would enjoy Tony's company for a little longer.

"So, our beautiful princess is to wed. That's definitely an occasion to travel to the city. I suppose the inns and taverns must be packed by now," he said. "I wonder why she would silence the accusations. The Regent has some considerable power, and by all accounts he's a very liberal man." Thor knew little of Midgard politics, but he had retained what bits and pieces he had overheard through conversations. Mortals were of little concern to him, although now he was wishing he spent more attention.

"Aye. Our princess Jane is a woman of compassion, and perhaps she was concerned with the safety of someone or something. Enough that she would ensure nothing amiss became common knowledge." Tony sighed. "But I just want to make sure my Pepper is safe."

"Indeed." Thor thought it prudent to change the topic. "Here, have some jerky before Fox comes back. I've been saving it for him, but he'll understand when he sees you. At least I think he will."

"Fox?" "Aye, caught him trying to steal some meat I was drying out a couple months ago. Been feeding him ever since. Think he trusts me, which is strange since he's a fox. But I see him twice a day, once in the morn and once in the evening. He's a strange fellow." "Is this Fox a human or an actual fox?" Tony asked. Thor laughed. "Nearly six months in the wilderness with only a fox for company can make a man desperate."

Tony whistled. "By the gods, you have been out here for a while. How did you end up here?" "That, my friend, is a longer story than you would think," Thor said softly.

Jane wanted to weep, laugh, and scream all at once. She couldn't understand where it had all gone wrong. Five months of feigning being in love and she's already sick of it. She didn't just feel stuck, she was stuck. And there was no out of it. Every day she regretted telling Erik to stop voicing his opinions, even if they were right. She was willing to let herself get hurt but her friends and family were another thing. She couldn't stand any more of it but every evening Henry would send her a note with flowers. Most thought that it was a genuine show of love, but the notes were usually a reminder of the threats that Henry had made that first day.

Jane knew she would regret that day for the rest of her life. If only she had been stronger. Legally, Henry would be king-consort. He couldn't take the throne. But Erik had been whispering about a loophole that Henry had discovered, despite the fact that her forefathers had ensured no such thing existed. He wasn't sure, but Jane wouldn't put it past Henry. He was charismatic, manipulative, and full of ambition. He had the whole Council in the palm of his hands, leaving Jane with no allies except for Erik, who was steadily losing what little power he already had.

Even Darcy was finding herself in trouble. Just the other day she had been accused by a newer lady-in-waiting, Daisy, of theft. Of course, Jane had defended her one true friend, and Daisy had backed down, but it was at that moment that she realized how alone she truly was.

The feeling of complete and utter isolation and despair was something Jane never thought she would experience. She was 18 years old, a princess born and bred and a queen in her own right. And she knew no one would come to her aid because no one knew she was in such trouble.

A little over a month from now she would be a married woman, and in just two months she and her husband would be crowned king and queen of Midgard. How time flies! It seems so long ago that he had threatened her, and it was just under a year ago that she had agreed to marry for the sake of keeping her throne. Back then, she had hoped that she still had time, that Erik could convince the Council to allow her to rule alone. It still bothered her that queens had ruled alone before; at this point, she had begun to consider that perhaps it wasn't just the "law" as the Elders claimed, but something else. Then again, after seeing Henry's true self, she had been paranoid and suspicious of everyone. She wasn't even sure if her hunch was right, even if she did know where to start looking.

"Your highness? Princess? Are you okay?"

"Hm?" Jane had been sitting in her window seat, leafing through a book but her gaze was drawn to the garden outside. Spring was beautiful and today it was giving a hint of what summer would be like this year. Normally, on a day like this, she would be outside walking or sitting outside on the lawn, reading somewhere. But lately she had confined herself to her chambers, only emerging for public meal times and scheduled audiences.

"Princess?" "Yes, I'm fine. Just thinking, as usual."

"About your wedding night, princess?" Jane sighed, not caring that her reaction could be reported to her future husband and king. King-consort. "Unlike most women, my dearest Daisy, I have a kingdom to rule, an important job that doesn't always give me the mental energy to think about future husbands and beautiful ball gowns," she said sharply. Daisy annoyed everyone, but Jane found her especially irksome after Henry had suggested – forced – her to take her as a lady-in-waiting. If it weren't for Elena or Darcy, Jane would have lost her mind by now.

"Of course, your highness." At least she had the sense to look chastened after the reprimand. Fool.

"Now what can I do for you, my friend?" She turned to Darcy, who looked apologetic for disturbing her musings. "The seamstress is here, princess. It's the last fitting."

Jane groaned inwardly and caught Darcy's eye, who smiled slightly. She knew how her mistress felt about fittings and new gowns, but she hoped this would be one fitting that Jane would find useful.

"Very well. Ladies, you're dismissed until dinner. Darcy, would you mind sending up some tea? I would not mind having a fresh cup just now."

The ladies curtsied and filed out. Daisy was last to leave, clearly dawdling in hopes that Jane would send her on an errand as well. But Jane pretended not to notice and so she had to leave. When Darcy returned, she was alone.

"I don't know how much longer I can do this, Darcy."

Darcy smiled sadly. "I wish there was more I could do for you, Jane." There were only two people who were allowed to call her by her given name, and Darcy was one of them. Erik had that right since before she was born, so the privilege had always made Darcy feel special. Unfortunately, soon another would have the right to call her that, and neither Darcy nor the princess were looking forward to allowing it.

"What more can you do? I'm trapped in a net of my own making. No one could have predicted this."

"No, you're right. But I'm a firm believer that nothing is final until you're dead. Enough. I'm sure the new seamstress is waiting for you. Shall I announce her in?"

Jane waved her hand in assent, a sure sign that she hadn't truly heard what Darcy had said.

"Your Highness, Princess Jane, this is Mistress Pepper, your new head seamstress."

A young woman with long blonde hair curtsied to Jane, who looked at her curiously. "Welcome, Pepper. I'm afraid I wasn't expecting you. Is Mistress Rowan well?"

Pepper had a clear, soft voice, though Jane could tell she was accustomed to giving orders. "She is well, ma'am. But she was feeling it was time to retire after she received word that her grandson's mother was ill." Jane nodded. "I've heard you're not particularly keen on fittings, your highness, so I will try to make this as quick as possible. Mistress Rowan has left all her notes and her underlings know what needs to be done, so it should be painless." There was no malice in her voice, only kindness, so Jane nodded and stepped behind the screen to change.

"Pepper is an old friend of mine, if truth be told, Jane. Remember Tony?" "Of course." Jane stepped up to the stool, wondering where this was going. She remembered Tony was a country lord who lived near Darcy's childhood home, and he had inherited the extensive property when his father had died. Neither were particularly fond of court, and only came when Parliament was in an emergency session. It seemed Tony was intent on following his father's footsteps, for Jane had only met her once when he came to swear fealty to her years ago. But Darcy had stressed the family's loyalty, and Jane had liked Tony's sarcastic wit.

"Pepper is his wife."

Jane's jaw dropped. "Truly? I always thought he would remain a bachelor." Pepper was pinning the hem up a bit and she looked up to Jane and winked. "I had to trap him into marrying me. He still doesn't even know I had planned it all."

"Pepper was a local seamstress in the village when she met Tony. Her skill is beautiful and she enjoys the sewing," Darcy explained. "And I like the independence it gives me. Tony may be my husband and lord, but I made it clear to him that no man is my master and I make my own way. He won't admit it, but he likes that about me." Pepper glanced at Darcy before continuing. "In fact, there are many things he won't admit. But his stubbornness is endearing."

Jane laughed. "I remember. The one time I met him he would not back down in an argument. Even when he was in the wrong." She paused. "His personality is suitable for the court and his talents could be useful. He likes to talk, I noticed, if only to hear his own voice. Why doesn't he come to court?"

Darcy shrugged, a gesture Jane normally didn't tolerate if it was someone else. "To be honest, Jane, I have no idea. I've tried to convince him but he seems content to stay on his lands and fiddle with his inventions."

Jane giggled. "I could use an inventor at court."

"Not if Henry has his way, your grace," Darcy replied. Jane's face darkened and she shook her head, glancing at Pepper by her feet.

Pepper thought it was time to speak up. "Your highness, my husband Tony loves his work, but he's also a loyal man to the crown. Probably one of the most loyal you could find. His father served your father, the king, very well, despite keeping to his lands. In fact, I'm certain my late father-in-law was in contact with the king more often than people thought."

"What are you trying to say, Mistress Pepper?" Jane said, her voice tight. She was unsure of what the seamstress was trying to convey.

Pepper looked at Darcy, who nodded. "Your most gracious highness, he was your father's spymaster. He was the most informed man in the kingdom. Between himself and Lord Erik, they saved your father's crown, and his life, on many occasions."

Jane's eyes widened. "Is this true?"

"Yes, it is, my lady," Darcy said. "Then why was I not told? Why did Erik not say anything?" "Jane, when Tony inherited his father's estates, he was in mourning. He loved his father dearly and he felt he was not yet ready to take his place as the kingdom's foremost spymaster. So he has stayed away. My uncle Erik put pressure on him to come to court and meet with you, many times, but Tony always demurred, stating you were safe and he knew Erik could handle anything that should arise."

She paused and looked at Pepper, who was dutifully pinning the sleeve of the gown back.

"I brought Pepper to you because Erik can't guarantee your safety anymore." Pepper interrupted. "Your highness, one of the advantages of being a seamstress is that the ladies you work for don't think to look at you. They'll talk and gossip and spread secrets as if they were careless bobbins. So I listen and I learn, and the things I've learned are enough to make me very concerned for you."

Jane went completely white. "What do you mean?" At this point Pepper had stopped her duties and looked the princess straight in the eye. "Your grace, it's not safe for you here at court. There are plans afoot that make me believe you are in grave danger. I don't know many of the details, but all accounts are similar enough to make me believe they're true."

"You mean rumors? Darcy, you should know that I don't care for such gossip." Jane was scared and would believe anything if it wasn't true. Darcy shook her head. "No, my lady. Forgive me, but gossip can damage a reputation more than truth. But that's not the case here. I brought Pepper to you because I believe she can help. Erik and I are alone in guarding your safety. Everyone is in the thrall of Henry and it can't be helped. I've often wondered how he does it but that doesn't matter now. Pepper can help you, and together we will do everything we can to save you from this marriage."

Jane never cried in public, not since her parents had died. But she heard the truth of her friend's words and as she looked from Darcy to the petite seamstress, her eyes started to fill.

"But how can you save me? What can you do? I've given my word, a solemn oath, and it cannot be broken. He wouldn't let me break even if it wasn't legal."

Pepper smiled sadly, and ignoring protocol, wiped Jane's tears away with a handkerchief.

"And that is why my husband is traveling to court as we speak, my lady. He will find a way, for he is just as loyal as the Lord Regent. We will make this right, I promise."