The Sweetest Rose-LokixOC

Chapter 49

The quinjet touched down lightly in a cliffside meadow and the rear door popped open with a hydraulic hiss. Loki unbuckled himself from the harness, wishing he had used his sling-ring to teleport to New Asgard instead.

Stark didn't trust portals wanting a solid escape plan just in case things went awry. Such as a lost sling-ring for instance. Logical but Loki hated being confined in a small space with the self-righteous heroes for hours on end. He was grateful to have finally arrived at their destination.

Loki strode down the ramp with the others surprised to find Tyr waiting to greet them.

The old war general and former captain of the royal guard was tall and imposing even in his heavy red fishermen's sweater and beige cargo pants. "Welcome to New Asgard."

Stark grasped Tyr's forearm. "Tyr, how is everything here?"

"Well enough. Though I hear we now have a battle on our hands."

"Yes, I am sorry about that. Unfortunately, things have aligned that way." Stark said. "Since New Asgard isn't apart of the accords we have more leeway."

Tyr frowned, clearly not happy with this news. Then his gaze shifted to Loki. "My prince." He clasped Loki's forearm with none of the warmth he showed Stark. "I never expected to see you here."

Tension ratcheted up several notches as Loki and the other Asgardian engaged in a staring contest. Tyr's fingers dug into Loki's skin as his grip tightened. "Mr. Stark told me what happened to Thor. If I find you had anything to do with this..." The general let the sentence hang open in the air.

Loki didn't flinch at the accusatory tone. "If you know what happened then you know we're here to save the day."

"I also know you Loki. You do nothing without cause and only when you see benefit for yourself." Tyr said coldly, jerking his hand away as if touching Loki burned him.

Loki felt a twinge of hurt, unable to deny the accusation. It was true. He had always acted selfishly. But this time was different. It seemed he would have to prove himself to his people yet again.

Banishing Tyr's remarks from his mind, Loki crossed his arms over his chest. Cassandra was his top priority. Not a grudge with his father's former general.

The biting December wind spiraled across the meadow, whipping at everyone's hair and clothes. A wall of dark clouds hung over the sea, promising more snow. Several inches already lay on the ground, making Loki glad he wore his Asgardian fighting leathers and boots.

Tyr turned back to Stark. "We will go to my tavern to continue this discussion. It's cold enough to freeze a man's stones out here."

"My stones are on the verge of shriveling." Stark agreed, adjusting his tailored slacks with a grimace of distaste. "I could use a drink."

The man hadn't dressed for the weather.

"Guys, is this talk of stones really necessary?" Natasha asked with an eyeroll.

"Sorry, Nat. Wasn't thinking and forgot a lady was present." Stark said cheerfully.

The assassin rolled her eyes again. "Whatever, Stark."

Tyr pivoted on his heel and started across the snow. "Follow me."

A natural path cut into the cliffside descending toward the natural harbor where New Asgard waited. Strange floated over the ground avoiding the slippery death trap that everyone else struggled to navigate carefully.

Loki glared at the wizard's cape sullenly. Show off.

His gaze skipped over the wizard to the cluster of humble buildings ringing the port.