Birthright

Incredible

"You're back..." he smiled as he leant on the doorpost. "I wasn't sure you would come back. Since you've had your wicked way with me?" He winked at her, head on one side, running his tongue along his upper lip.

He was wearing a white vnecked tee, his tattoos just visible through the fabric. Black jeans and, much to her stomach's consternation, bare feet. Not because she didn't like bare feet, quite the opposite. The implication that he might ONLY be wearing jeans and a tee, making her lightheaded.

His hair was hanging in damp curls, some tucked behind his ear, revealing his neck. The vein in it standing proud as he tipped his head back and laughed.

"I said I would... Loki." She looked him dead in the eye. He stopped laughing, his jaw setting into a clenched grimace, his eyes clouding over.

"Stop. Saying. That." He said softly but menacingly.

"Why?" She asked, pushing him inside before he could stop her. "Why does it bother you so much, Thor's brother?" She knew what she was doing. Trying to prove a point to him.

"Stop it, Asa. It's not funny. You know what happened last time I lost my temper with you about it." He stepped away, hugging himself. Closing his eyes and turning away. "Im still ashamed." His voice was barely a whisper. No malice, almost fear.

"Then let me explain." She put her hands on his shoulders, feeling the tense muscles of his back as he tried to calm down. Slowly, she turned him around, and he looked down at her.

"I wish you would." He breathed."I dont want to fight you... I want to..." he bent down and tried to kiss her.

"No, Loki." She put her fingers to his lips, stopping him. "We have to talk. After, if you still want to, then you can kiss me. I doubt you will, but...." he stood back, his face revealing his confusion.

"Why do you insist on calling me Loki? My name's Tom. Tom Torbroder." He followed her into the living room and sat down next to her.

"No... It's not." She said, "it's Loki. And you're not a writer." She stood and walked to the fireplace. Closing her eyes, she took off the necklace, a small silver dagger she wore all the time. As she did so, the charm was broken, and the clothes she wore changed in a silver blue shimmer.

As he sat, open-mouthed, her jeans and hoodie morphed into full armour. Her shoulder bag into a dragonfang sword. Her trainers into armoured boots.

"Whatheactualholyfuck!" He breathed, standing up and backing away. "Whotheholyfuckareyou?"

Part of her wanted to laugh. He looked about as shocked as it was possible to be and still breathe. It was so cute. Loki, God of Mischief, taken aback by a mere Valkyrie. She didn't laugh, however, instead she carefully undid her sword belt and set it on the floor beside her. Never taking her eyes off his, she smiled as she did it; trying to keep a connection.

"I am Asa Olafsdottir, and I am a captain of the Valkyrie. I am sworn to protect Asgard, Odin, and the royal family. Queen Frigga, Prince Thor and... you. Prince Loki." She took a knee and pressed her fist to her breastplate. "I'm here to bring you home." She bowed her head and waited for a response.

He stood, dazed. He could hear the words, but they made no sense. Well, no sense because they DID make sense. He was losing his mind. He had to be.

Walking over, he tipped her head up to look at him. "Very good, Asa. Very good. You almost had me. For a moment, I almost believed you." He drew her up to stand. He smiled at her softly.

She stood stock still as he ran a hand up her arm, tracing the armour across her breastplate to her neck. Gently, he stroked the skin, and she swallowed. There was something in his eyes...

"Loki... please... it's all true..." she started to say, but now it was his turn to silence her.

"Shhhhh kitten." He said softly. "Shhh
No more. No. More." He looked at her, his eyes searching hers. "You're good, very good. But not good enough. Now, try again. Tell me the truth of your own will or I will make you. I have talents you could never imagine. And not one of them involves anything pleasant."

He seemed to have gone into autopilot, and she was truly afraid. This had backfired spectacularly. Even Frigga hadn't forseen this.

"P..please... dont do anything rash L..Tom. please?" She felt his fingers slip around her throat, and she began to panic.

"Rash? No, no, my pet. It's not in my nature." He smiled, but she wasn't reassured in any way whatsoever.

Before she could say anymore, do anything else, there was a blinding flash and they turned just in time to see a tall blonde man in armour and a red cloak appear in the room with them. He wore a winged helmet and carried a large hammer.

"Take your hand of my Valkyrie Loki. You know better. She's only doing my bidding. Mine and mother's."

Tom's eyes almost fell out of his head and his hand fell away from Asa's throat.

Asa dropped to her knee. "My Prince."

Thor looked down at her and held out a hand. "Asa. I thought you might be needing a little help."

As she stood, Thor turned. "So brother, I see you may be less greasy and weasely, but no less prickly. Let us take you to Asgard. I know someone who can help you."

He'd lost his mind, completely lost his mind. Too many nights drinking and womansing. Too many days immersed in sagas and myths. As the light around him changed to rainbow hues, he shook his head.

This was madness. It had to be.