Chapter 13: Pride and Prejudice

"His name is Donald Blake?" Coulson asked the professor.

"Doctor Donald Blake," Erik corrected him politely.

"You have very dangerous coworkers, Dr. Selvig."

"You know how pretty distraught he was when you'd taken all our research. That was years of his life - gone!" Erik slapped his arms against his sides dramatically before observing his surroundings. "You can understand how a man could go off like that. A big, faceless of this organization like yours coming in there with their jackbooted thugs and..." Erik trailed off when Coulson looked at him with a face that said: Keep talking, and you might regret it. "That's how he put it," Erik finished softly.

"That still doesn't explain how he managed to tear through our security," Phil said, slightly irritated by that fact.

Erik threw his arms helplessly, "Steroids! He's a bit of a fitness nut."

Eerie beeps went off from the technician's computer. He called out to Coulson to see the supposed license of 'Donald Blake' on the screen. The name and Thor's ID photo were in the system, but the words 'Falsified Data' flashed over it.

Before Erik could leave to rescue Jane and AJ, he knew he had to save Thor, too. If Erik didn't create a 'legitimate' cover story, he wouldn't only hear about it from Jane and AJ. S.H.I.E.L.D. might take Thor and Jane into federal custody, then maybe arrest Erik and the interns for conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Fortunately, he knew someone capable of creating IDs and hacking the database in exchange for a minimum passing grade on the next midterm, higher if the individual decided to study.

"It says here that he's an MD," Coulson stated, not asking.

"Well, he is..." Erik insisted, "...or he was. He - uh - switched careers and became a physicist - a brilliant physicist! He's a wonderful man - a man in pain!"

Coulson narrowed his eyes, analyzing Erik to tell whether he was lying or telling the truth, "Why the family charade?"

"Well," Erik chuckled, rubbing the back of his flushed neck, "AJ has some attachment to the man, treated him as if he was family. Super Uncle Thor is what AJ calls him because of his love for superheroes, saving lives and all. And Jane and Donald were... unfortunately were a thing." Coulson pressed his lips in a hard thin line. Erik gulped, not sure if Coulson had bought his story or not. "Deep down..." Erik continued narrating, "Jane was embarrassed by this scandal, but she has learned her lesson and remained professional for the sake of science."

Erik kept his eyes locked on Coulson. If he dared look away, the agent might detect a white lie, then Erik might join his peers. He was fortunate that Phil wasn't asking the big question - was Erik involved in the plan? The older scientist had to act quickly.

"So - um - can they all go free now?" Erik asked with a hopeful grin. "As far as we know... you guys are supposed to be a top-secret facility." Coulson raised a brow at Erik, who suddenly grew a spine. His associate behind him lowered his specs and narrowed his eyes almost as if he was trying to scare Erik into silent submission. Erik didn't mind him; his focus lay on the supervisor.

"This is a small town. Everyone here knows Jane. No doubt, there will be questions. The word will spread all over town - worse, the conspiracy theories on the internet. One might phone the president and ask him why a group of feds is building a city around a crashed satellite unless they're holding people captive."

"Is that a threat?" Jasper challenged in the background.

Erik raised his hands in surrender, "I'm just stating the facts here, gentlemen."

"I suggest you stop talking, Dr. Selvig," Phil warned.

Erik closed his mouth. These people were riding on the high horse for too long. He bit his lip nervously, fearing for his safety. His poor heart couldn't handle this high-level stress. He waited for the bullets that never came. Instead, Coulson told Erik to stay, promising his return. With that, the special agent disappeared inside the tube. Meanwhile, Erik averted Sitwell's gaze, praying for luck.

Minutes later, his prayers had been answered. Coulson did return with two prisoners huddling close together and following his trail. No doubt, Jane whispered apologies and promises in the boy's ear. AJ perked at the familiar face standing outside.

"Uncle Erik!" AJ rushed to Erik's side, hugging him around the leg.

Erik laughed heartedly, patting the boy's back, "It's good to see you, AJ. Did they treat you okay?"

"I'm fine! I beat Hawkeye and his buddies in a game of Go Fish. He knows Santa!"

Erik had no idea who Hawkeye was, but he laughed along with AJ, "Oh really? That's wonderful." He picked AJ up, wrapping his arms around the boy in a fatherly hug, "You shouldn't have left the lab like that, dear boy. Everyone was worried sick."

"I'm sorry, Uncle Erik. I just wanna help."

"I know. I'm just happy you're okay," Erik peered over AJ's shoulder to see Jane's sheepish face.

"Thank you, Erik," Jane stated sweetly. "I'm so glad..." She fell silent, watching Erik's expression darken; his wrinkles deepened. He was angry, and Jane couldn't blame him. She spun around, noticing one guy missing, "Where is Th-"

"Oh, look!" Erik interrupted the woman, pointing at the entrance to S.H.I.E.L.D's facility. "Donny is here!"

AJ and Jane looked at him quizzically, one question came to mind.

Another guard rolled Thor outside. S.H.I.E.L.D. had taken significant heights to keep the former god of thunder in place. Thor wore a straitjacket that was chained to a gurney. He was ready for transport to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute.

"Okay, are the chains really necessary?" Jane stomped toward Thor to undo the chains and jacket, having difficulty yanking the lock off.

"Just taking precautions, Miss Foster," Coulson waved to Sitwell to unlock the restraints; the bald agent reluctantly obliged.

"Now, in case I didn't make myself clear," Coulson began firmly, folding his arms across his chest, slightly frustrated that he had to repeat himself. "This is my final warning. Don't come back here and try this stunt again. If you do, you'll be arrested or, worse, shot dead." He gestured to the snipers from above, aiming their guns at the trespassers. AJ widened his eyes in fear of getting shot in the head, only to quickly light up at the sight of Hawkeye, who joined the party with his crossbow. He waved goodbye to the man and asked that he put in a good word to Santa for him, willing to trade all his presents for a ride on Rudolph. Not surprisingly, Hawkeye was unresponsive, positioning himself in his perch like a bird waiting for his prey. He was living up to his codename.

"Let us do our job," Coulson pleaded, "and I'll do everything I can to find Kelsey."

"And if you find anything?" Jane asked.

"You'll be the first to know," Coulson slipped a device in her hand. She was surprised that he had given her cell phone back. However, it wouldn't be a surprise if he had wiped the data clean. "I expect the same courtesy from you," he didn't expect a promise from her, yet he needed confirmation. "Do you understand what I'm telling you all?"

Erik nodded, "Of course."

"Not you," Coulson snapped before he addressed the troubled trio. "You three." The only response he got from them was AJ's nod. Thor and Jane stared at him angrily as Sitwell finally unlocked the chains.

Once the jacket was removed, Jane threw it at Coulson, who easily caught the cloth, "Just because I'm not allowed back here doesn't mean I'll stop looking for my goddaughter!" For that, she marched away.

Erik thanked the agent with a nervous smile and carried the young boy away. Thor followed beside them and noticed the table containing Jane's stuff nearby. Slyly, Thor grabbed a book on top of the equipment and stuffed it in his pocket. AJ's blue eyes peered at Thor, witnessing his sneaky action. Thor blinked back and signaled the boy to stay quiet by placing a finger against his lips. AJ wasn't an idiot; he knew better than to blow the whistle.

"Doctor Selvig!" The three males jumped suddenly at Coulson's voice. Was the supervisor going to bust Thor for stealing?

"Keep Doctor Blake away from the bars!"

They all sighed with relief, then Erik shouted back at Coulson, "I will!"

The agent watched them go up the hill intently.

"Are we really going to let them go?" Jasper demanded. "They are a high-risk, especially that man. S.H.I.E.L.D. is all about discipline and answers. If we let them get away with-"

"Let me handle them, Sitwell," Phil spoke with such superiority but had a gentle calmness about him. "You stay focused on the prize inside and don't question my judgment again. Understood?"

Sitwell cleared his throat, shoving the unnecessary words down his throat, "Perfectly."

"Don't worry," Phil faced the gate, keeping his eyes locked on the shrinking four until they were gone. "We'll get the information we need soon. Trust me."

...

They all continued the journey back to the van while Jane made it at a fast walking pace. Her hands rummaged through her pockets, fishing for the keys to the vehicle.

"Where did I put those damn keys?" she grumbled in frustration.

The headlights flashed twice then the click inside the vehicle indicated that somebody unlocked it with the keys. Jane followed the familiar jingle to see Erik holding them in his hand.

"AJ, I need you to ride with me this time," Erik announced, setting the boy down.

"I get to ride in the front again?!" AJ grinned. "That is awesome! I should sneak in the van more often!"

"No, you are not!" Jane argued. "Erik, what are you-"

"And you get in the van!" Erik pointed at Jane angrily, earning a flinch in return. He shifted the extended finger in Thor's direction, "You too! Both of you want to ride like Bonnie and Clyde? Be my guest! I'm taking the boy back to the lab. For God's sake, AJ is seven years old and was this close to having a criminal record!"

"No, I'm not!" AJ argued. "I'm eight!" His correction reached deaf ears.

"Doctor Selvig," Thor spoke, raising a defensive hand, "I understand your rage. We betrayed your trust. You have every right to be-"

"Angry? You damn right!" Erik agreed, putting his hands on his hips.

"I ask you not to take your anger out on Jane or AJ. All of this is my doing. I'm the one-"

"I know perfectly well whose fault it is! Thank you!" Erik glanced at shameful Jane, "But she should've known better than to help you break the law!"

"I did it for Kelsey," Jane explained, but Erik refused to listen. "What happened was not right!"

"I don't want to hear your excuses. I want you two to get in the van and not say a word. Right now!" Erik ordered AJ to get in, opening the passenger side of his car.

"Wait."

Erik huffed in exhaustion. He didn't need to peer across the car roof to see Jane's sullen face. Her shaky voice showed evidence. She knew that she had disappointed her mentor. That word alone was worse than infuriation.

"H-He needs his car seat," Jane explained softly.

Erik agreed. Jane wordlessly transported AJ's car seat from the van to the backseat of Erk's car. Once AJ was inside the vehicle, Erik slammed the door, allowing AJ to buckle himself. The professor led the way while Jane followed him. AJ wanted to talk, but Erik told him now wasn't the time to chit-chat. It was best to play Quiet Mouse until they reached the lab. Then the real debate could begin.

~000~000~000~

The royal feast was about to start. Kelsey couldn't help but shake with anxiety. She had never had dinner with royalty before. Yes, she had danced with Cinderella's Prince Charming at Disney World. It was like a fairytale. To think that day would go wrong when she decided to order ice cream in ninety-degree weather, resulting in significant chocolate stains on her jacket and shirt. The worst part was that she had no backup clothes, and the family didn't return to the hotel to change for dinner. She was a mess like Cinderella, but they both ended happily. That was years ago, and the prince wasn't real. Loki's dad was a king who scared the hell out of Kelsey. Both Odin and Loki were the ones that Kelsey should watch out for. Loki may have trusted her, but that didn't mean she could trust him.

Yet.

Kelsey, Loki, Sif, and Warriors entered the dining hall. Kelsey saw a bunch of guests already seated, talking amongst themselves. She couldn't help but look down at her dress to ensure it wasn't covered in chocolate or blood. Kelsey cringed at the nosebleed incident at Hollywood Studios. It served her right to ride the Tower of Terror.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Volstagg cried out, gaining the guests' attention. "The guest of honor has arrived!" Everyone applauded except for the missing king and queen. The mortal girl looked around to see who the guest of honor could be until she noticed all eyes were on her. She was the guest of honor. Kelsey smiled nervously and politely curtsied while averting their gaze. She wasn't used to getting all this attention, becoming like royalty. This was an honor but nerve-wracking.

"Thank you," she acknowledged sweetly. "I-I'm so happy to be-be here."

"Let's escort you to your seat, my lady," Fandral placed a hand on the small of Kelsey's back, leading her to the massive table. He gestured for her to sit beside a crafted throne at the far end of the extended bench. Kelsey wondered who was sitting at the head of the table. Admittedly, the guest of honor should have the right to sit there. Her brain refused to do any thinking at the moment. One strain could give her a splitting headache.

Before Fandral could sit down, Loki slyly slid his place between Volstagg and Kelsey.

"Kelsey, you will sit right here, next to me," Loki explained to the girl with a smile, patting his hand on the bench.

"Perfect," Kelsey declared, almost breathing out with relief.

Loki looked over his shoulder to send a death glare at the blonde warrior, who widened his eyes in shock. Fandral scoffed and sat down in between Sif and Hogun. They, too, disapprove of Loki's act. Sif shook her head, more disappointed in Kelsey, for she had warned the girl not to go near the trickster. It seemed the girl had already fallen into the prince's spell. Unfortunately for Kelsey, she must learn her lesson the hard way.

Just as the servers arrived with bowls, the queen graced her appearance with a heart-warming smile.

Volstagg stood up from his bench, raising his goblet, "The queen has arrived! All hail Queen Frigga!"

Everyone else, including Kelsey (who wanted to participate in their customs), raised their goblets and repeated after Volstagg, "All hail, Queen Frigga!"

Queen Frigga bowed her head to the guests with appreciation. She approached the table, focusing on the girl across from her.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, my child," the queen greeted.

Kelsey smiled shyly, "It's an honor, your - your majesty."

"I see that you have already made your acquaintance with my son. Did you thank him for saving your life?"

"She did, Mother," Loki replied as the servers placed bowls before each guest.

Kelsey looked down at the clear broth with only a slice of fresh lemon sticking on the side of the bowl. This must be the appetizer. She scooped the liquid and was about to take a sip from it, only to get interrupted by Volstagg's booming voice.

"The king has arrived! All hail King Odin!"

Kelsey widened her eyes, now knowing who would sit on that big chair beside her. She wanted to slap herself for asking the stupid question previously. Kings sit on thrones; that's royalty 101. She bit her lower lip, holding back a suggestion to switch spots with Loki. It was bad enough to meet the king alone, but sitting close to him was terrifying. Her eyes stuck on the table, avoiding the king's eye contact.

The crowd repeated after Volstagg in a loud, proud voice, except for Kelsey; her voice was shy and weak.

"Good evening," The king greeted everybody. "I'm pleased to see you all make it for this occasion. As you may know, we have a special guest who shall stay in Asgard till she's healed from her wounds."

'Oh, crap. He's talking about me!' Kelsey thought. 'Don't panic. Just smile and thank the king. No big deal.' She pressed her lips together, holding her breath as he came closer. She didn't watch his journey to the armchair, only the moving shadow across the table. He cleared his throat - a silent order for the girl to look at him. She heaved a breath through her nose. No doubt, her face was bright red from the lack of oxygen. She didn't greet him; best to speak when spoken to. He could pretend she didn't exist at the table if she were lucky. Unfortunately, her wishes never came true.

"It is... an honor that you have decided to join us tonight, dear girl," Odin said with forced politeness. Frigga must've said something to him.

'Okay, he said something nice. Just say thank you.' Kelsey felt the intimidation and panic running through her body. "Mm-hm," she smiled like an idiot, then lowered her head back to the table, mentally kicking herself for not saying the words. She was indeed a chicken.

Speaking of which, Kelsey picked up her spoon from her napkin, ready to slurp the appetizer.

"Uh, darling." Before Loki could stop her, it was too late. Kelsey grimaced after tasting the not-so-chicken broth. It was too sweet and lemony for her liking, wishing to wash it down with water. Instead, she hummed pleasantly, forced to declare this dish delicious.

"Kelsey," Loki called to her again.

"What?" Kelsey attempted to speak despite the bitter taste on her tongue. "You guys usually pray before we eat this soup? I'm sorry-"

"It's not that," Loki whispered, smiling sheepishly. "You see, what you have just sipped from your bowl is not really soup."

Kelsey raised her eyebrows and stared at the broth, "What?"

Loki dipped his fingers in the bowl, demonstrating its purpose. The mortal looked around the table to see everybody washing their hands and drying them with a napkin.

'Shit!' Kelsey giggled with embarrassment. It didn't take long to catch up with the crowd. "I'm sorry."

"That's perfectly alright, child," Frigga assured her. Odin snorted, holding back his laughter, finding Kelsey drinking the finger bowl amusing. Kelsey didn't want to look at him. Loki and Frigga, however, sent a warning glare at their king, silently telling him to be kind.

Minutes went by. The guests were asking Kelsey questions about the fascinating world of Midguard. The girl feared the rest of the people would be pretentious and judgmental just because they were superior to mortals. Thankfully, the guests acted more humble about it. Odin, however, was not modest. Whenever the king opened his mouth about Midguard's culture, Kelsey had to close her ears, withdraw her lips, or hide her clenched fist underneath the table.

The food had arrived, and everyone delightfully devoured the fruit and meat. Loki helped Kelsey get what she wanted, even poured her a goblet of wine, which Kelsey didn't touch.

Some small talked with their friends, while others stood around laughing merrily and drinking their goblets. This was like the school cafeteria again, except the food here was way better.

Kelsey took small bites of the dry meat, disappointed that Asgard had no steak sauce. At least, they churned butter to pair with the bread.

"Mm, this is really good steak," she complimented with her mouth full.

"Steak?" Loki asked.

Kelsey nodded, "Yeah, steak." She quickly realized she wasn't on earth, explaining the meat in detail. "You know... grilled beef from cattle."

"Cattle? Darling, you are not eating cattle."

Kelsey concealed her mouth and slowed the chewing, pinching her brows in question, "I'm not? Then what am I eating?"

"Reindeer," Loki plucked a grape in his mouth.

"Reindeer?" Kelsey swallowed the meat. "Wow. Look at me. I'm trying new things and liking it already," she forced to eat a few more bites before sipping her goblet, quickly realizing it was not juice. This red wine was too strong and had a bit of bitterness that burned down her throat. She needed water to suppress the upcoming gag but couldn't find a pitcher.

"I see this is your first sip of fine wine, is it not?" Odin seemed to have read her mind by her pursed expression. He looked as if he was ready to laugh and make fun of her for it.

"Yes, sir," she cleared her throat, hoping to extinguish the fire within by swallowing saliva. "I'm not much of a drinker."

"First-timers may not like it initially, but one must learn to get used to it."

Was that an order for her to continue drinking? Kelsey wasn't sure. "If that happened at home, your majesty, I'll get arrested. There's a law about underage drinking."

"How old are you?" Odin asked curiously.

"Sixteen. I'll be turning seventeen in four days."

"You have a birthday coming up?" Loki asked to confirm his hearing. The girl's cheeks heated up as she bashfully nodded. He let out a breathy laugh, "We must celebrate. Mother, is it possible to plan a ball or perhaps a feast?"

Kelsey opened her mouth to decline the offer, uncomfortable receiving the royal treatment. These people had given her too much already. She should be the one serving them as payment for their kindness. Before anyone could continue the conversation about balls, Odin spoke once more.

"Seventeen and no husband?" he wondered.

"No, sir," Kelsey shook her head. "Not currently searching yet."

"You should. You may lose your youth in a few years, perhaps less."

Kelsey masked her self-consciousness with a fake laugh. She couldn't help but see her reflection from her silverware, noticing the crease in her eyelids and the sunspots on her face. Sure, Kelsey had tanned without sunscreen many times before; not preferable for the skin. To be fair, she had an allergic reaction one summer by putting a specific kind of sunscreen on her face. Her nine-year-old self resisted the smelly lotion for a reason. Her eyes swelled up for the rest of the beach trip. Dad compared her to Quasimodo, and the reference was probably accurate.

Loki pressed his white lips in a harsh, thin line, looking at his mother with a silent conversation between them.

Frigga's face showed pity for the girl. After dinner, she would talk with her husband about his behavior.

"Another!"

A sheer broken glass caused the girl to jump and curse with fright, "Holy sh..." Kelsey closed her mouth with a fist over it. She searched for any signs of intruders, but there were no guns or shady Vikings in black: just Volstagg and shattered glass on the floor. Everyone's eyes were on her when they should have been looking at the mess.

"Kelsey, it is alright," Loki hushed, wrapping a protective arm around her. He ignored the sharp eye of his father.

"What was that?" Kelsey demanded.

"Oh, my apologies, Kelsey," Volstagg raised an assuring hand. "I smashed a glass."

"Are you hurt?"

That question alone caused the roar of laughter from the guests. Kelsey furrowed her brows in confusion but covered her flushed face from embarrassment. Did she say something wrong?

"Another!" a random guest smashed his glass, making Kelsey jump, but she didn't squeal this time.

"Why did you do that?!" Kelsey demanded.

"Beware, everyone!" Loki shouted over the laughter and smashing glasses. "She is new."

Kelsey blinked, completely confused, "New? About what?"

"Kelsey," Fandral explained, sticking his head out to face Kelsey, "where we are, we do this on purpose whenever we want a refill."

"But... wouldn't that be wasteful? Isn't glass expensive?"

"It may be for your people, but certainly not ours." Again with Odin and his unnecessary comments. Loki cleared his throat as a silent warning to his father, not for health.

"Here," Volstagg reached out for Kelsey's goblet, chugging down the remaining liquid before sliding it back towards her. "Try it."

"Uh..." Kelsey seemed hesitant. Never in her wildest dreams would she stand in front of a bunch of people, specifically the royal family, watching her smash a cup for fun.

"It's beneficial for stress relief," Fandral added.

"It is?"

"Of course!" Volstagg declared. He began stomping his feet, then clapped his hands together. Kelsey scrunched her brows when everyone else, except the royal family, was doing the same thing. Was this turning into a Queen musical?

"Smash" - STOMP - "the" - STOMP - "glass" - BANG!" Volstagg chanted in beat. "Smash" - STOMP - "the" - STOMP- "glass" BANG! "Say it!" He stomped at the word (smash) and banged at the word (glass), causing the bowls, goblets, and silverware to shake. Nobody paid mind as he repeated himself.

"Smash" - STOMP - "the" - STOMP - "glass" - BANG! - "Say it!" Volstagg waved his arms, gesturing to everyone to repeat his encouragement.

Kelsey felt a bit uneasy by pairs of eyes on her, commanding her to do the unthinkable. She looked at Loki for advice. His lips pursed, and his eyes averted from her. It seemed he didn't care whether or not she smashed a meaningless cup. Whatever she did was up to her. The queen didn't seem affected by the rash act. She had lived through the improper for thousands of years.

Kelsey knew that they wouldn't stop. This was like dealing with her little brother. He would purposely push her buttons until she reacted to his tormenting satisfaction. Finally, she stood on the bench with the goblet in hand, caving into the peer pressure. Everyone cheered, and she couldn't help but grin.

Kelsey raised the cup high, aiming it at the floor. Taking a deep breath, she screamed, "Another!"

She threw the cup down, which bounced off the floor. She couldn't help but jump and smile sheepishly at her peers. Looking at Loki and Frigga, they were holding back the snickers. She was adorable. The crowd remained seated, waiting for her response.

"Yeah," Kelsey breathed. "That felt good."

Everyone applauded, boosting Kelsey's confidence. She mocked a bow before lowering herself back down to her seat.

The high didn't last long, for the maids arrived with scowls and exhausted huffs; now, the girl felt terrible. Just because the servants got paid to clean up didn't mean they should have to endure stupidity. Kelsey waited for one maid cleaning up her mess to make eye contact with her. Once the maiden did, Kelsey whispered her sorry. The maid bowed her head, dismissing the apology immediately. Without the mess and laziness, she wouldn't have a job or a roof over her head.

Once everything calmed down, everyone resumed their conversations.

"Lady Kelsey," Frigga addressed the girl, "what are your plans once you have completed your education?"

"I'm sorry?" Kelsey leaned forward and squinted her eyes, straining her ears to make out what Frigga said. The other guests were overpowering their talk. Kelsey could barely hear anything, earning her a splitting headache.

Frigga repeated her question louder, but it didn't make it into Kelsey's eardrums.

"What?!"

Loki leaned closer to Kelsey's ear, repeating Frigga's question, "She said, what are your plans after your studies."

Kelsey shivered at the cold breath against her neck. Her body tingled, earning chill bumps on her skin. Was Loki always this cold? He better not be another Edward Cullen.

"Oh!" Kelsey understood. She turned back to Frigga and spoke louder, leaning forward, "I'm not sure. I've been thinking about taking a year off school to travel around the world like my dad."

"How intriguing," Frigga complimented.

"Yeah, though it's probably not going to happen."

"Why not?" Loki asked curiously.

Kelsey shrugged, "Just don't have the money, I guess." Honestly, earning money to travel wasn't the problem, but the bubble created around her. She didn't have the confidence or the authority to become independent. Traveling around the world with friends would be more fun than going alone. But who would spare the time to accompany her?

"Money?" Odin snorted. "I don't understand why your kind is obsessed with the crumbling, green trading paper."

Here we go again. Odin was draining Kelsey's energy back to nothing.

"Dear, it's their way of living, no different than us trading gold for prized horses," Frigga explained to her husband softly.

"Yes, Father, respect their culture," Loki demanded with gritted teeth.

Odin gulped a couple of sips of wine before speaking his mind again. It seemed the alcohol had already given him a buzz in the brain, being more truthful than usual.

"Women should never fly in poorly designed aircraft and have their hands covered in dirt. A wife should obey her husband: stay home, cook dinner, and bear children."

Ew. "Well, women don't normally do that anymore, your majesty," Kelsey's forced polite tone remained. "We're in the twenty-first century. My parents always told me that if I want something, I go for it." Unfortunately, the only person currently standing in Kelsey's way of freedom was herself.

"Your parents should have taught you better morals than encouraged this madness."

Finally, the king struck a nerve. Kelsey felt her blood pressure going up and emotions about to take over. She didn't want to hear him talk about her family, let alone her mother; that's a line she refused to let him cross. How dare he?

"Father, that's enough!" Loki hissed at him angrily.

"No, Loki," Odin refused with a smug expression, "it won't be enough till I say otherwise. I'm the king. I have the right to state my opinion."

Kelsey needed to leave, or else she might cause a scene. She wouldn't have a problem arguing her heart out if this was her family talking to her, but that wasn't the case. She asked the queen if she could be excused and explained that she needed to attend the healing room for her nightly check-up. Frigga nodded with approval. Before she could give the mortal a guide, Kelsey hurried out of the dining room, bidding a quick but grateful farewell.

"I hope her injuries shall heal soon," Odin returned to his food.

"What is the matter with you?!" Frigga demanded harshly. Odin paused a mid-bite, raising a brow at his queen while lowering the fork back on the plate.

"What is the matter with me?" he wondered.

"Father, are you trying to give yourself a bad name?" Loki matched his mother's tone. "How dare you?"

"She is clueless about our customs, Loki. I was only teaching her."

"You call that teaching? You insulted her and her realm! I wouldn't blame her if she lied about going to the healing room to escape you."

"Did she?"

Loki knew Kelsey lied, but his father didn't need to know, "Why does that matter, Father? You never wanted her here. You were glad to see her go; it's obvious." He shook his head, expressing his disappointment. "Must you be so cruel?" he sadly whispered.

"A king must know the balance between cruelty and fairness."

"What you had done to Kelsey was not fair, Father, only cruelty!"

"Why are you defending this mortal?" Odin challenged his son. "You expressed the same annoyance for those creatures as I do. What changed?" Loki clenched his jaw and stared ahead momentarily, thinking about how to give a nice comeback.

"She is more than that; she is our guest - an injured one by your hand," the prince clarified, ignoring his father's scorn. "And instead of accommodating her with pleasantries, you treated her like dirt. I don't see why I am so surprised, considering what you have done to Thor!"

"Enough!" Odin shouted as he slammed his staff against the tile floor, silencing the room. Everyone stared at the Allfather and son as they challenged each other through matching, narrowed gazes.

"One day, my son..." Odin regained his composure, yet the firm tone in his voice remained, "When you become king, you will understand."

"Do you truly believe I could become king, Father?" Loki challenged. "Or are you still convinced that your banished son is deemed worthy of the crown?" Odin didn't reply to the boy, but Loki knew the answer.

Not wanting to be embarrassed any longer, Loki addressed the queen, "Mother, may I please be excused from the table?"

"Loki, you must eat," Frigga insisted.

"I suddenly lost my appetite," Loki refused to see his father's face as he spoke. If he didn't leave immediately, all hell would break loose, and Poor Frigga would become another casualty.

"Loki Odinson, I know you are upset, but you are not leaving this table till your supper is gone."

Loki raised a brow at her, taking in her choice of words. He couldn't leave till his food was gone. If that's what his mother wanted, then so be it. His mother should be careful about what she wishes for. Running his hand across his plate, his supper disappeared. Loki finished his wine in two gulps before angrily slamming the goblet onto the table.

"There. I'm finished," Loki abandoned the table, ignoring the awkward silence in the room.

Sif watched the intensity between the father and younger son, relieved to hear that Thor was still under consideration for the crown. She was right about one thing.

Loki was always jealous of Thor.