Marvel owns everything. I am merely a humble writer making use of their work for my own entertainment.

A/N: Been a few months since I last updated. I am deeply sorry for it. That being said, I will delay you no longer. Onward!

The Art of Love and War
A Thor Fanfiction

By: alcatluvr13

Chapter V

The wedding of the century was in three days and the whole kingdom rejoiced that their princess was getting married to such a handsome lord. The beauty of their beloved lady was well known and many said she almost sparkled with love. It truly was a joyous occasion for the entire realm….

Jane had never known true fear before. Of course, she had been frightened before in her childhood, and when her father had passed away, but this feeling that ran through her was new. She didn't like it. In fact, she hated it. She hated being powerless. She understood now what her mother must have felt living with her grandfather. Thank Odin her father had been a liberal man. Unlike those coughing, old lords who made up her council.

The wedding was in three days, and Jane was losing hope. Darcy and Pepper told her not to worry, that it was best she didn't know the plans until they actually happened. All they requested that she keep up the act until the time was ready. She had no idea what they were planning, so she couldn't help but feel despair. She was hardly alone now, even when Pepper came for fittings, and when Jane asked where her friend was, Pepper demurred and said she wasn't feeling quite well. But she hadn't been feeling well for a week now! She wanted to scream and rant and tear at her hair, but Jane knew that her every movement was watched and everything was duly reported back to her disgusting fiancé.

Today was one such day where she felt like screaming. From the moment she awoke she had been beset with ladies, seamstresses, maids, wedding advisors, and every hour a new gift from Henry would arrive. It was bad luck to see the groom before the wedding and so, keeping with tradition, Henry had moved his household to a nearby castle a week ago. It was a relief not to see him every day, but the arrival of the gifts were an unwanted reminder that soon she would be a married woman.

Jane flinched as a loose pin struck her ankle.

"My apologies, highness."

She murmured some kind word, not really caring if she sounded gracious or not. She found her lack of concern for her well-being and health was increasingly accompanied by dark thoughts.

Pepper could tell the poor princess was lost. She had watched her grow thin and taut, speaking less and less, and not caring a whit who spoke to her or even what they said. It concerned the seamstress, this slow and deliberate slide downhill and even several courtiers had noted it and made some passing comment.

"We're almost done."

Jane gave an almost imperceptible nod. Pepper sighed. She only hoped that the note she slipped into Jane's shoe would give her some measure of comfort. The plans were in motion and would be enacted shortly. The only thing left was informing the princess of when to be ready.

She bent down closer to slip one last pin into the cloth and as she did so, she dropped several pins underneath the stool. "Forgive me, princess, but don't step down just yet. We don't need you pricking your foot days before you walk down the aisle." She grabbed the small tin can that held her needles and pins, and went to pick up the needles. Sliding her hand under the stool, she grabbed the pins that had fallen and in quick succession, slipped a note into Jane's shoe.

Jane felt a small poke on her foot but didn't bother acknowledging it. Pepper's clumsiness wasn't common, but it wasn't unusual either.

"We're all set, highness. You can take it off. The gown will be ready by tomorrow afternoon, by my calculations."

Jane stepped off the stool to allow the maids to unlace the gown while Pepper began cleaning up her mess. "Is there anything else you might require of me, princess?" The princess didn't reply, but she shook her head no. "Very well." Pepper finished cleaning before she turned to curtsy.

"Princess, may I ask a small favor?" Jane nodded graciously. The seamstress hesitated before taking the plunge. "My husband is in town. I can finish the alterations on your gown before I do anything else, but I was wondering if I might spend a night away from the palace? I only ask because I need a token."

Security had gotten a little tighter since Jane's engagement. Another thing she had lost control over.

"Of course, Pepper. But I thought he didn't like the city?"

Pepper flushed. "He doesn't. But he had some business with his factor and took the chance to check in on me. Not that I can't take care of myself, he's a man and men need their pride."

The ladies, who had been busy working on sewing projects themselves, all giggled. Even Jane smiled a little. She handed a large coin to Pepper, who gave her a pointed look at the bottom of her gown before smiling broadly. "Thank you, princess! I will see you two days hence!" She grabbed her sewing box, nodded to her assistant who stood ready to leave, and with one quick glance towards Jane's feet, she left in a flurry of skirts with her assistant trailing behind.

"If you ladies don't mind, I would like a moment to use the privy before we head down to the hall," Jane said once Pepper had left. She recalled the poke at her foot and Pepper's looks at her feet made her suspicious, and, if she was honest with herself, slightly hopeful.

"Oh course, highness,"

Jane nodded, lowering her eyes as she turned away so her ladies – spies – would not see the obvious excitement. Once she was alone, she took her slipper off and a small folded piece of paper fell out.

Princess,

Tonight. Burn this.

D.

Jane could scarcely breathe. Tonight! Escape tonight! But how? She suspected the note was deliberately vague for her protection but she couldn't help but wonder how it would be done. She leaned against the door and fanned herself with the paper. And then she lit a candle, and holding it over the pot, she watched the flame catch and the note turn to ashes.

"Princess! Are you are feeling well?" one of her ladies called. It sounded like Daisy.

"Yes, just a moment!" she called, annoyance clear in her voice. "Can't a woman take a shit without people rushing?" She said a little lower. She grinned at the flurry of gasps and whispers of skirts at her remark. It pained her women that she was not more lady-like and most of them had become completely Henry's creatures, a notion that would have hurt her more if she wasn't so miserable.

"But no more," she whispered to herself.

"Tell me again why are you dragging me all this way?"

"Because I can. Because you'll thank me. Because I think we can help each other."

Thor scoffed. "You still haven't elaborated on that last part. Or the second part."

"Nope."

"So you expect me to help you rescue a princess but won't say what's in it for me. How do you know I won't run off with her myself? How can you trust me not to betray you?"

Tony looked up from the note he was writing. "Because you've known betrayal from someone you thought you knew," he replied simply.

"Yes. Well. You're right about that. But still." Thor was flustered. Either Tony was uncannily perceptive or he could read minds.

Tony chuckled. "I know what a man looks like when he's been betrayed, Kai, and believe me, you would not have spent the majority of the winter out in the boonies all on your own if you hadn't been dealt a blow. You may have given me a false name, you may not have. I don't know. But I see you're a good man who believes in justice. And justice will be done here. But first, we must help the princess escape."

"Very well, then." Thor paused. "You're not very good at negotiating," he added lightly.

"Is that what this is called?"

Thor just shook his head, grinning.

They agreed to travel to the city together after Tony spent two days with him. While Thor was deliberately vague about his circumstances, he did manage to make up some story about his origins to satisfy his companion in the meantime. Calling himself "Kai" was a rather impulsive move, but he doubted anyone would make the connection to the Thunder God's famous horse and if so, he was becoming a smooth enough liar to make up a quick story. Usually it was Loki who was called the Liar, but he was beginning to realize lies were essential to survival in an unknown world.

Still, Tony was blunt, funny, and horribly sarcastic. Yet Thor could see he was a good man and he loved his wife, Pepper. Despite claiming that he had trapped her into marriage, Thor suspected it was the other way around. Thor liked this mortal and he was honest enough to admit that. Especially after spending an entire winter with a thieving fox for company.

When the young lord (he was a lord, a rather prominent one, he gathered, from Tony's stories) invited him along, Thor was almost at the point of asking himself. Anything to get out of these woods and near civilization. While Tony's ego was substantial without the wealth, he had mentioned that he enjoyed traveling incognito sometimes. If he didn't, he would go mad what with all the "yes, my lords" and "at once, my lords" and "is there anything I can assist you with, my lord?" Plus, he added one evening that Pepper's note had specifically asked for him to come alone.

Thor was unawed at the wealth and beauty of the Capital, as he was an Asgardian, but he enjoyed seeing the everyday mortals go about their business. For centuries he had believed them to be inferior and rather numb, but after spending weeks in Tony's company and from his casual observations and interactions with the servants, he had reached a different conclusion.

Upon arriving in the city, Tony led him to a large townhouse where he was welcomed as the lord and master. It seemed his servants were used to him showing up incognito and rooms had been readied for them. He sent a note to his wife at the palace once they had settled in and in the meantime, gave Thor a tour and told him he was welcome to stay for as long as he needed.

However, soon Tony received a rather distressing note from Pepper. He left before dinner, stating he would eat out but that Thor was welcome to anything he wished for. (Clearly he was accustomed to wealth, despite him traveling like a poor tradesman.) When he returned late, he spoke to Thor about the princess' engagement, and recruited Thor to help.

They had agreed on a plan, using Lady Darcy as a contact as she was claiming illness and his wife was the head seamstress for all the wedding needs. Thor's impression of Lady Darcy was rather similar to Tony and she was not afraid to speak her mind. Upon introduction to Thor, she took one look at him before declaring "aye, he'll do." Tony grinned and Thor just stood there, rather taken aback at her bluntness and willingness to trust him. "If Tony trusts you, then I trust you. Tony wouldn't allow anyone with evil motives near the princess."

And thus, Thor found himself participating in a rescue mission for a distressed princess.

"Remind me why staging a kidnapping is the best way to rescue a princess?" he asked Tony. They had lapsed into a companionable silence, whereas Thor took the liberty to review the last couple months. "Because it is essential that his lordship, Duke Power-mad Sexist A-hole focuses his attention on finding a motive while we put some major distance between us." "Yes, but there will still be search parties. The chances of us encountering one on our way back may be slim, but they're still there. And besides, they'll have dogs."

"This is true. That's why we'll use the river. It will help in disguising our scent." "And if they think that we took a boat?" Tony smiled grimly at him. "Hopefully by that time we will be far enough ahead to do a series of crisscrossing."

It was Jane's favorite time of the day. When twilight kicks in and the world seems to take on a magical air. She hadn't been able to enjoy it for months now, but the note gave her hope and she could not help but be in a better mood. She was kinder to her ladies, even those she regarded as spies. Perhaps they would report her good mood to Henry and he would take it as a sign that she would come willingly to the marriage bed.

Her mood was further improved by the return of Darcy to her rooms. She almost wept with joy when the dark brunette came into her room, looking healthy once more and full of spirits. She made it plain that she was Princess Jane's best friend and favorite lady-in-waiting, and since most were glad of the restoration of pleasant harmony, they didn't make too much of a fuss.

"Princess, would you like to go for a walk in the gardens?" Darcy ventured. Darcy shook her head. "I don't think so. Henry's father wishes to meet with me before I retire." "But he could find you in the gardens, of course. It's your favorite time of day and besides, it's a full moon and the night flowers will be blooming," she added.

Jane smiled. For once it was a genuine smile and her ladies sighed with happiness. "Very well. Daisy, grab my cloak, please. We will talk a walk in the gardens." The ladies gathered their own cloaks and gloves while Darcy assisted her with her own. Somehow she suspected that this was part of the plan, but Darcy had kept silent about it. Still, it kept her teeth on edge as escape was so close, but she had no idea of how close.

Together, the ladies formed two lines and followed Jane to the gardens. They fell behind as Darcy and the princess fell into a leisurely stroll but Elana and Daisy remained close enough to overhear any talk.

"How have you been feeling?" Jane asked. "Ms. Pepper said you were very ill. I wanted to come visit but…well, you know. I was unable to." Darcy shrugged, a typical gesture of hers. "Better but I still have this ache in my chest that troubles me from time to time." "Nothing serious, I hope?" "No, I don't believe so. The doctor said time and fresh air will help. He specifically said clean air," she added with a wink.

"So that was why you wanted to come outside," Jane said knowingly. "Partially. I just hate being indoors." Jane snorted, a highly unladylike habit but she didn't care. "You were never one for sitting inside all day with your embroidery," she said instead. "Neither were you," Darcy retorted. "Well. No. But I didn't get caught when I snuck off." Darcy laughed. "You got caught once, though." "That didn't count!" Jane protested. "You told the guards I was in the unused greenhouse!"

Darcy just grinned.

"You are insufferable." "And would you have it any other way?" her lady-in-waiting teased. "Never. Don't ever change. The gods know you are all I have left," Jane said, quieter now. Darcy gave her a sad smile. "You and your uncle."

They were nearing a small unused gate in the corner of the garden. It was partially hidden by some vines and the lock had rusted long ago. She and Darcy used to dare each other to try to pick it or climb over the wall when they were younger, but she knew it could be broken easily if someone had a heavy ax. So long ago those days were. So carefree.

Darcy sensed her mistress's discontent and partially to comfort her and partially to keep her from walking away too fast, she entwined her arm with Jane's and hugged her close. "We will always be friends, no matter what happens," she whispered.

Jane nodded, trying to keep her tears at bay. "What a beautiful evening," she said. Changing the subject seemed the wisest course and besides, it really was a beautiful night. The garden was aglow with the wakening of fireflies and the night flowers were beginning to open up as the moon rose.

"Besides taking comfort in you, my most precious friend, I also know that the stars are the one constant thing in this life of mine."

Darcy nodded and together they turned away from the quiet corner and started making their way back towards the main pathway.

It was then the attack began.

Two masked men, hooded and armed, jumped out from behind a cluster of trees. One grabbed Jane, who screamed, and the other pushed Darcy to the ground.

"Jane!" Darcy shrieked and rushed at the thief closest to her and started pounding at his back. He struck her jaw and she fell, limp across the ground. The garden was full of screams and shouts but still he hesitated. Then, making up his mind, he picked her up and swung her over.

Jane was already unconscious from a knock to her head. Together the kidnappers broke down the hidden door and escaped into the night just as the guards arrived on the scene.

They were long gone when a detachment had returned to the palace from their unorganized pursuit of the kidnappers. Lord Henry was summoned from his castle and the Council of Elders were roused from their beds for an emergency session. By the time the ladies were able to speak calmly and rationally, the sun was rising and word had spread that someone had kidnapped the princess just two days before her wedding.

"I will get her back," Henry vowed publicly, while offering a reward for any news of the kidnappers.

She made this too easy for me, he thought to himself, his inner self celebrating as he greeted the well-wishers of the court somberly. Far too easy.

A/N: Yes! I have updated! It's been a few months, hasn't it? I am very sorry about that. On the brighter side, you didn't have to wait two years again. I don't intend to be cruel, I promise. Life, unfortunately, just gets in the way. Please review! And I won't make any promises on when the next chapter will be out, because I don't want to get your hopes up. But I'll do my best to not make the wait so long.

Review, please! Reviewers get a cookie! :P