Playing with Fire

In the realm of Runaheim, there live the Phoenix people. So named for their monarchs; each deadly, with abilities to create and manipulate fire, and incredibly long-lived, for they live as long as Asgardians while their subjects are little more than mortals of Midgard. The Phoenixes' origins are a closely guarded secret among the family, not told to even the most trusted of friends, or even those who marry into the royal line.

Only two Phoenixes remain; Queen Fayeth, and her brother, Kagur. In an attempt to preserve diplomatic relations with Asgard in spite of heated debates over trade, the queen leaves Runaheim to her brother's care and visits the realm in hopes of peace.

Fayeth finds herself with a grudging respect for Odin, a love of Frigga and distaste for Thor. But in the ice-cold younger prince, Loki, the fiery Phoenix recognizes an almost kindred spirit. And she recognizes, too, the darkness, because it is a part of her also. And Loki is intrigued by the powerful yet vulnerable girl he can't seem to stop thinking about.

But Fayeth is greater and more deadly than Loki imagines, and playing with fire only gets you burned.