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The Art of Love and War
A Thor Fanfiction

By: alcatluvr13

Chapter VI

Midgard was in an uproar at the announcement of their kidnapped princess. They could not understand that darker doings were at work and they vowed revenge on her kidnappers. Asgard, unlike their mortal counterparts, was less vocal. Fear had become widespread and there were many who were secretly praying for the return of Thor, the rightful heir to the throne.

The two horses thundered onward, having narrowly escaping the gates of the city. Although it looked no as if no one was following, their riders did not dare to linger for it was understood that pursuit could start any second. They kept close to the main road until they reached a large intersection, before turning right going towards the forest. When they spotted an abandoned farmhouse, they slowed and stopped. By this point, they had been riding for hours and the sky was already beginning to lighten.

"We'll rest the horses for an hour, then we'll move on."

Jane was mute as the tall hooded man helped her down the horse. "What? No thank you?" he asked, a small chuckle in his voice. She glared at him before looking at the other rider. "Your majesty, we mean you no harm. But Lady Darcy seems to have – er, fallen asleep on the ride. Do you wish to wake her up or should I grab a bucket of water?"

Darcy suddenly sat up and glared at the man. "Tony, that was years and years ago, isn't it time that we put that behind us?" Jane blanched as the man threw off his hood. "Never," he said with that familiar cheeky grin. "Tony? Tony Stark?" Jane all but sputtered. "How?" The older man smiled gently. "Suffice to say that my Pepper needed assistance. When I learned what, I did not hesitate to offer my services. I am, and always will be, a loyal servant to the crown."

Darcy grinned. "And he found this strapping, handsome blonde man to help as well. What's your name, Muscles?" Jane followed her gaze and inhaled quickly. She was right. The stranger was striking, in both looks and in his bearing. "My name is Kai, my lady. Tony has been a great help to me, and when he asked, I couldn't refuse. Besides, when I learned it was a damsel in need of rescue, chivalry demanded I accept." He winked at Jane, who's first impression of a handsome man turned quickly into disgust. "I thank you for your help, Tony, Kai, but I could do without the overabundance of flattery," she said, a bit stiff.

"Pepper said it was urgent, and when Lady Darcy contacted me, I knew it was serious. How did you become entangled with this man? He sounds like an ass." Jane smiled slightly; Tony was not one to mince his words, even when in the presence of his future queen. "It was not my intention to. Suffice to say that he basically threatened and coerced me, and with the Council of Elders backing him, I had little room to negotiate." "They do realize that in doing so they've committed treason, right?" Tony had imagined all sorts of situations, but he was sincerely appalled to hear that so many were self-serving. "I doubt all of them knew what he's been doing, and to be frank several of them have asked me if I was well. I suppose the pallor in my cheeks and the taking in of my gowns has become more noticeable than I thought," she replied wryly. It would be nice if their concern had been more than superficial, however kindly meant.

Tony nodded. "Still, treason is treason, Jane. Some could be pardoned but those who work directly with Henry must be punished somehow." "Agreed but it would better for us to discuss this once we're behind safe walls. To be frank, I would feel much safer when we can rest easily at night," Darcy put in. Tony grinned at her. "Of course you would, my dear lady. But wouldn't you prefer a nice bed of straw over a comfortable feather mattress?" "IT WAS ONE TIME." Tony ducked as one of the water cans sailed past his head.

Jane chuckled. She was not close to Tony, in fact she had only met him once but she knew of his antics through Darcy who admired him far more than she was willing to admit. But her close friendship with Pepper stopped her from anything embarrassing and they acted more like brother and sister than neighbors. She also knew that Tony's family had been close to her father and great-grandfather and had served them loyally throughout their reigns. She sighed. Sometimes she wished she had an older sibling to take the responsibilities that she was expected to do. But like Erik said, what was not to be, was not to be.

During their conversation, at which Thor was listening in on, he felt a kingship with the princess, though she would have no idea. Both were exiled from their countries, but neither of them was responsible for what had occurred. Through trickery, probably bribery and threats, they were shut away from their homes and lost in a world they knew nothing about: she a sheltered princess on her own for the first time, and he was a god driven from his world by his own brother. He considered revealing his identity but decided against it. It's too soon, he thought. A little while longer, perhaps.

He unsaddled the horses and gave them fresh hay. It was lucky they had discovered this barn on the way in to the city because Tony doubted the horses would have made it as far as they planned without a good rest. He had come back here yesterday and made sure that there were provisions set aside for both travelers and horses. He supposed any guards looking for the princess might look in here, but it would be easy for them to make it look like the place had been undisturbed. And besides, it would be assumed that squatters and other weary travelers might lodge here for a night if nothing was left behind.

"So where do we go from here?" Jane asked. Now that she had sufficiently calmed herself over her unexpected "kidnapping" she wanted to know what the plan was. Tony looked at Darcy, who sat down wearily next to her. "We will head into the forest close to the streams and rivers. We rode the main roads last night because they're well trafficked and it would be difficult to identify any prints, especially as day breaks. The water will help mask our scent until we reach Kilkenaveral. Tony has a house not far from there and it is there we will stay until we figure out our next step."

Jane nodded. "And what about money? Clothes? I still have that small pouch of jewels I packed but if I sell them, people will ask questions. Especially if someone recognizes them as belonging to the Crown." Darcy grinned. "While I was 'sick' I had been sneaking some of your gowns out of your rooms. One of the maidservants is loyal to Eric and she agreed to help me. I think she knew what we planned, but she'll keep her mouth shut. She's more intelligent than what she looks like." Jane assumed she was talking about the mute maid who was constantly picked on. While she was kind to her in her own way, it struck her how little she knew of those who served her. A thought to consider at a later time. "In any case, I have been passing them on to Tony here and he's packed them for us in the saddlebags."

"Forgive me if they're a bit wrinkled. I'm not accustomed to handling ladies' garments," Tony said with a grin. "Also, I will not be traveling with you," he added. "I need to meet Pepper back in the city." "Of course, you do. She will be in danger the longer she stays there. But is Kai willing to stay on as our escort? I'm assuming he's been paid?" Thor flushed. Perhaps they're not quite as similar as he thought. "No, my lady. I am not being paid. And I will continue to stay with your party until Tony says I have leave to go," he said quietly, his shoulders stiff.

"Oh. My apologies, sir." Jane flushed, as well. She needed to work on her people skills. "Of course, you must stay with us. Darcy may come from a backwards country in the heart of the kingdom and used to the wilds of nature, but I've been a city girl for years." "If saving you from spiders, snakes, and bandits is what's required of me, then I will be happy to assist you." He bowed stiffly, and left the barn.

Jane and Darcy stared after his abrupt departure. "Where in the seven worlds did you find him?" Jane asked Tony. He shrugged. "A long way story, princess. Rest yourselves, because we will have to split ways as soon as the sun peaks through the trees."

Darcy had kept her in the dark for her own safety, though Pepper knew a portion of the plan herself. Therefore, the morning of the princess's kidnapping had been announced, she pretended astonishment and whispered blessings to the princess and hopes for a safe return, while inwardly she congratulated her on the escape. So many things could have gone wrong, but nothing had.

Upon learning that his bride-to-be was stolen away, Lord Henry rushed back to make an official announcement and then closeted himself in his rooms. The maids whispered of hearing bangs and angry yells, and whenever members of the Council visited, they always scurried out of his rooms, an angry tirade following them on their heels. The last few hours, however, there was silence, and Pepper was unsure what to expect.

She had reported to the sewing rooms as usual, knowing that anything else looked odd. She had the token to visit her husband's house later this afternoon, given to her from the princess, and she did not anticipate any trouble of her leaving for a visit. In fact, she was surprised to learn that she was being dismissed from her post.

"I'm sorry to hear of the princess' kidnapping and of course I am grieved for his lordship, the Lord Henry. But surely the ladies of the court will need new gowns?" She needed to play her part well and that required some resistance to whatever plans Henry was concocting, even though she had no intention of following along.

"M orders are to dismiss everyone in the sewing and hunting departments. It goes without saying, but I believe until the princess is returned to us, the court will be closing and those court ladies will soon be going home as well. Do not trouble yourself too much, Mistress Pepper. I know you have a wealthy husband and I am sure he will be happy to have you home with him." The steward's condescending tone did not escape Pepper but she nodded and curtseyed. "Where should I go for my wages, sir?" "I am sorry?"

Pepper gritted her teeth. "My wages, sir. I may have a wealthy husband, but I enjoy my independence and he allows me to keep what I earn." "I sincerely doubt that, Mistress. As he is your husband, he takes care of your every need, does he not? What use would you need of your own income? No, I commend your loyal duty to the princess and her household, but you must pack your things and leave the palace grounds by noon. Out of respect for your position and your husband's nobility, a carriage will be waiting for you at the gates. Make sure you are on it at the appointed time."

Irritated by the man's attitude, Pepper nodded her head and strode quickly out the room. Her bags were technically already at Tony's city house, but she had a few essentials she had kept with her. Best leave before she lost her temper, because something told her that if she stayed behind, she would no longer be allowed the freedom as a head seamstress and respected member of the nobility required, whatever her origins.

Loki had been watching the proceedings in Midgard with interest. While he knew Thor had no way of returning to Asgard, it was amusing to see his brother try to make a living with those mortals. He kept watch of all the known entrances and all of Odin's spies reported directly to him. Volstagg and Hogun were etching out a living on a small farm on the coast in Midgard, while the whereabouts of the Lady Sif and Fandral were still unknown. At least to everyone but Loki.

The Lady Sif had been fool enough to confront him of his plans alone, and he had used trickery to bind her to his will before locking her in a small cell. She was still there, with only a deaf and mute maidservant serving her. Fandral was in the cell next to her with only one book to entertain himself. Neither knew what was going on in the outside world, but they still refused to speak to him. In some ways, Loki missed their comfortable companionship.

"Your Majesty? I have a message from Queen Frigga," a guard said as he kneeled to the throne upon which Loki sat. He nodded for the guard to stand. "She wishes to visit you this evening." "Tell the queen that she is welcome anytime. Will she be staying for dinner?" "She did not say, your majesty." "Tell her I will dine privately with her. it has been a long time since she and I have done so." The guard bowed and hurried to deliver Loki's message.

His mother. Queen Frigga. She was more astute than he knew, Loki was sure. How could he manipulate her when she had always seen right through him? Perhaps he should urge her to retire to her ancestral home in the country and far from the capital.

He sighed. He had yearned for the throne for as long as he could remember. Yet betraying his family and friends, especially his mother, was more taxing than he realized. It will get better eventually, he thought to himself. Once you've been on the throne longer and people realize that you want nothing but the best for them, then you will be more comfortable. Besides, a new king always brings wariness and distrust in the first few years of his kingship. My reign will be remembered in history as the best, better even than Odin's.

Loki realized he was pacing and he stopped, staring out at the empty throne room. Pacing was soothing but he was a king now, and pacing showed weakness. He could not show weakness to anyone, not even an empty room. He smiled to himself and sat down.

Indeed, no one will even remember who Thor and Odin are when I am done.

A/N: So? How do you like it? Reviews, please, reviews!