Birthright

Rightful Heir....

Her jaw fell open as she gazed up into his eyes. His ruby red eyes.....

This was a Loki she'd only ever heard tales of. Never, in all her years at the palace, had she seen anyone quite so....stunning!

His skin, normally pale alabaster, was now washed with an azure blue. Silver lines marked his skin, an intricate and beautiful web denoting his Jotun heritage. His hair, still ebony, fell poker strait and glossy as the midnight sea. But it was his eyes.... ruby orbs... piercing her soul.

This wasn't just Prince Loki, second son of Odin, oh no. This was Loki Laufeyson, Prince of Asgard, rightful Heir to the throne of Jotunheim.

Instinctively, Asa took a knee, head bowed. "Your Majesty." She said softly, her heart racing. In this form, he wasn't his usual handsome self. In this form, he was astonishingly beautiful.

"Do not mock me, Valkyrie." He warned, his voice low and rough, making her burn for him. "I have been mocked all my life. I have been made to feel ashamed of my heritage. Mothers still threaten naughty children with being eaten by a Frost Giant. "

Asa looked up, and instead of the anger she expected, all she saw was sadness. Getting to her feet, she walked over to him, taking his hand and pressing it to her cheek. It felt as soft as ever, now though, icy cool.

"I would never mock you, Loki." She looked up into his face and smiled. "I love you no matter WHAT colour you are." He looked at her incredulously. She nodded. "You're surprised?"

"More than you know." He said softly.

"Well, I do, and there's nothing you can do about it." She paused, "but I can do this..." she reached up and kissed his lips gently. They, like his hands, were icy cool. A feeling like never before raced through her.

They parted, and Loki smiled. Gradually, he returned to his usual Aesir form. She was almost disappointed. "Loki? Before we go back, promise me one thing?" She stood, her eyes brimming.

"If it's in my power, it's yours, my Queen." He answered, voice rough with emotion.

"Promise me when we are alone; you'll never be ashamed to be yourself? Truly, I don't want tou to hide ANYTHING from me." She smiled and kissed his now warm lips.

Loki nodded, astounded. She was absolutely, breathtakingly, amazing. In every way. He realised that for the first time, not only did he love her, but he would also give his own life for her. He just wanted her to be alright.

Their little reunion was interrupted by a slightly embarrassed Maria.

"Sorry guys, know this is private, but we need to move. Klaue has been spotted buying more weapons. We need to make a move. Cut the head of the snake off and ...." she looked at them.

Asa nodded. "Come on, let's go decapitate the snake." Her eyes blazed with renewed fire, and Loki smiled.

"I do love a good snake!" Was his own, slightly evil sounding comment.

They boarded the Quinjet, and Fury stood between the two rows of seats looking at them all. Banner had automatically relinquished command, so he and Hawkeye piloted the aircraft. Thor, Tony, Hill, Loki, and Asa made up the rest of the team.

"So, we clear? In, extract Klaue, alive if possible, out. That's IT. No more, no less?" Fury surveyed them, his gaze piercing each and every soul on board. They all - even Loki - nodded silently. "These people do not like outsiders. I dont want to antagonise them. Their leader is very protective of his technology. He goes to enormous lengths to protect it. We need them waaaaaay more than they need us."

Asa looked at Loki, who shrugged. She turned back to Fury. "So where exactly are we headed, Boss?"

Fury looked at her steadily. "Wakanda."