Green with Envy

Parental guidance

****Loki's POV****

"Angel?"

Envy is gripping the edge of the lounge chair so tightly I'm surprised she hasn't fractured it. I sit next to her rubbing her back, trying to coax her to speak to me.

But she just sits staring at Zeus, like the slightest sound from her will set him off.

The god himself sits behind Odin's lectern as if it was made for him. His dark grey eyes have been fixed on both Envy and I since Odin and the others left the room, only briefly looking away to take a sip of the rare Asgardian liquor that Frigga so kindly offered before she unhurriedly left after her husband, trying to get into the Grecians good graces.
Thor too, was reluctant to leave is alone with Zeus. He may not be the brightest tool in the box but even my Oaf of a brother could sense a more sinister motive behind Zeus's visit to Asgard.

"Are you not going to join me?" Zeus motions to the navy glass bottle on the desk which Frigga had offered to him for a 'refreshment'.

"I must decline your offer, for I fear that a clear head may be needed for our conversation.."

Zeus smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes. It's more of a snarl than a grin, and I realise now why Envy is so unnerved by him.
"Indeed. We do have much to talk about.." he glances at Envy, I feel her spine straighten under my hand, as though just his attention alone causes her pain.
"I was surprised to hear your arrival to Asgard daughter.. I thought you were dead."

"I almost was.. at one time.' Envy replies coldly.

"You can't kill a bad thing it seems." He sneers. "Never the less, here you are, And on the arm of a prince.."

"Betrothed to a prince.." I add too politely.

"Not yet she's not. Not without my blessing. And I am not yet convinced to give it you both, plus the fact Odin has requested I consider giving you to the crown Prince instead.. "

The wood frame of the seat creaks and groans under my hand.
"That is not going to happen.." I say between gritted teeth.

"It will if I order it so boy.."

"Envy would never obey such an order.." I retort tightening my arm around her waist holding her rigid frame against me.

Zeus gives us another one of his signature smarmy grins.

Norns, I hate him already..

"Envy cannot deny ANY orders I give her.. isn't that right daughter?"

I look to the goddess, bewildered by Zeus's statement.

"I can sure as hell try.." she says her voice trembling, her eyes are that amber colour again.

"You can try but we both know it would be a waste of your time- and mine. So less of the heroics daughter, it doesn't suit you.."

Envy is breathing heavily, caught somewhere between a panic attack and a fit of rage.

"What do you mean by it would be a waste of time?" I ask.

Zeus sits back casually, like he's thriving off the discomfort on my poor angels face and mine.
"I have a level of control over her actions and powers since I exiled her, she cannot go against her creator.. No matter how hard she fights against me.."

"Since my exile? From what I have gathered you have had a control over my abilities for much longer than that. Care to explain?"
Envy asks grinding her teeth together, her eyes blazing. I can feel her hatred with each word she says to him.