Avengers The Captain's Secret

Part 33: Hedging the Bet

LESEDI EVELYN POV

I couldn't sleep.

Tomorrow, two men were going to essentially go against the elements and each other for me. What good can come of that?

I wanted Steve to win, but I felt so badly for Ingemar. He was half Asgardian, and not like other frost giants. I could tell that Utgard-Loki didn't really think much of him, or love him, like my father loved me. How could anyone truly win?

"Lesedi?"

I turned, startled to see Loki standing in the corner of my inner chamber. "What do you want?"

"I have an idea."

"An idea?" I studied Loki. This was the master of trickery. I shook my head. "No."

"So you don't want to help Steve?" He let his question hang in the air for a second, and I was angry. He knew I did. "I'm no fool, Lesedi, I see how you look at each other." He paused, sitting at the foot of my bed. I drew my knees up, wanting to distance myself from him. I felt his sadness when I did, but I refused to apologize. His eyes rose to mine. "Have you spoken with Fenrir? I know he is near here, and I know he can sense the blood of his own kin."

"And if I have? We are all prisoners here, even Ingemar."

"Fenrir is the father of wolves, my dear."

"I know."

"He can tell the wolves to help your Steve Rogers."

I leaned forward. "He can do that?"

"He can."

"But how can I do this now? We are all locked--"

Loki waved a hand, and I saw myself sleeping on the bed. I gasped, almost falling out of bed.

"It's an illusion."

"I can't do that." I was amazed.

"I will sit in the corner of the room--" he gave a small smile. "Watching you sleep as a good father should, and you can make your way to Fenrir. Be quick, my abilities only last so long and so far."

I was already scrambling out of bed.

When I reached Fenrir, he was expecting me.

He said before I could speak. "So, our father has come for us."

I gasped. "I don't know about that, but can you do as he said? Can you send some of your kind-"

"Your kin, little one--"

"Can you send them to help Steve Rogers?"

"Of course I can, but be mindful, I expect to escape if I do."

"What happened to family?"

"You are my family, but our father is--"

I exhaled heavily. "I understand."

"How shall I identify this Steve Rogers?"

I thought about what he said. "He wears a star on his chest and on his shield. He will be accompanied by Thor and an iron knight-"

"Father!"

I turned to see Loki.

"I will set you free after your sister's beloved returns."

I felt my cheeks heat.

Fenrir raised a bushy eyebrow. "Soon after?"

"Of course."

I stood there looking at these two beings I was related to. It was a little surreal, looking at this huge and virile creature that I felt a link to, and this vile one whom I kept feeling nothing but affection from, though I didn't want to.

"We must get back to the castle before Thor awakens." Loki nodded to me. I let him take my arm as he nodded to Fenrir. "See you soon." He looked down at me. "Think room, darling."

I thought about my quarters and we were both there.

"It is nice to teleport with someone," he gave a small smile. "Now all is taken care of, I think. I hope you will rest now?"

"All this so I will rest?" I laughed humorlessly, and again I felt his hurt. I sobered. "Thank you."

His smile broadened a little and he turned to leave.

"Loki?"

He turned back.

"You said that Fury is bringing my father back to life?"

He froze for a second, but answered the question. "As far as Utgard-Loki knows, yes."

"If he is--alive, I mean--will I be able to see him again?" I felt his hurt again, and wish I hadn't. "He raised me, we love each other--"

Loki raised a hand. "That is something to take up with your uncle. He gets to do pretty much what he wants, whatever he pleases. He may be able to arrange something, but you should ask him."

"Thank you," I said again. "I mean it."

He mustered up a smile, and left me alone. I found sleep easily, dreaming of going home.