Masterlist - Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures
Plot summary :An Agent assigned to work with the Avengers is exposed to a new Hydra neuro-toxin and needs intimate assistance, but who should help them? This is my take on the sex pollen trope.
Choose your favourite - Thor or Steve : There are two options shown below, the reader gets to choose whether Thor or Steve will be the one to offer NSFW assistance.
Note : The two Times stories are very similar but the two versions of Measures are almost completely different, because let’s face it Thor and Steve will have a different approach to sex!
Desperate Times is the build-up to the story with sexual tension and some dirty talk, whilst Desperate Measures has all the really filthy smut. They can be read as stand-alone fics but are better read together.
Warnings - NSFW, 18+ only, smut, more smut, swearing, sex pollen so sort of dub-con
Tony throws a party, and you have no shortage of admirers. But where does your heart really lie? And why does Thor have a glittery beard? (Reader is Tony’s sister)
Masterlist - Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures
Plot summary :An Agent assigned to work with the Avengers is exposed to a new Hydra neuro-toxin and needs intimate assistance, but who should help them? This is my take on the sex pollen trope.
Choose your favourite - Thor or Steve : There are two options shown below, the reader gets to choose whether Thor or Steve will be the one to offer NSFW assistance.
Note : The two Times stories are very similar but the two versions of Measures are almost completely different, because let’s face it Thor and Steve will have a different approach to sex!
Desperate Times is the build-up to the story with sexual tension and some dirty talk, whilst Desperate Measures has all the really filthy smut. They can be read as stand-alone fics but are better read together.
Warnings - NSFW, 18+ only, smut, more smut, swearing, sex pollen so sort of dub-con
Rules: Six sentence story, make it as steamy and smutty as you like.
Warnings: NSFW, 18+ only, oral (male receiving)
Written for my Six Sentence Writing Challenge (info here)
Gods are made to be worshipped.
You had sworn your devotion to the Asgardian long ago - willingly surrendered your body to his pleasure again and again - and as he approaches, naked skin shining golden in the early morning light, you know your soul belongs only to him.
A growled command has you obediently dropping to your knees with open mouth, pliant and needy for his touch, seeing his gaze darken as your cherry-red lips stretch around the flushed head of his cock.
The bitter-sweet taste of his arousal floods your mouth and you suckle eagerly, tongue flicking and swirling with practised strokes, feeling him pulse and thicken as you swallow him deeper.
Gods are made to be worshipped.
But at times like these, with the weight of him hot and heavy on your tongue, when his thighs tremble under your palms and your name falls from his lips like a prayer, it is possible to believe that the God might worship a mortal in return.
Summary: Odin and his daughter Hela are the perfect conquerors of the universe. The nine realms fall one after the other into their clutch. After Odin takes a new wife and has a son, he wants to become a benevolent king, and has no use for Hela.
Hela abandons her father and marries King Laufey of Jotunheim, a sworn enemy of the Aesir people. Not long after, she becomes pregnant with Laufey’s child.
Odin cannot let that son be born, but against all odds, the boy survives. Odin declares war, imprisons Hela, and steals the child and the Casket. The boy is to be raised as his own until he could make further use of him.
The half-Jotun-half-Aesir boy grows up to look and act a lot like his mother, which disturbs Odin, and makes him treat the boy horribly.
Odin’s lies are deep and complex, but the boy, a Prince twice over, will learn the truth.
PAIRING: Hela/Laufey - Loki/OMC - Loki/Sigyn RATING: Teen WARNINGS: Graphic depiction of childbirth. Angst. Suicide attempts. Child abuse. Bullying. **Includes two NC-17/Mature oneshots.
Summary: Loki returns to Alfheim after finding out Erik is betrothed to marry the Vanir princess. Distraught, desperate, and in need of a break from reality, he and Erik find themselves closer than they had ever been before. This takes place at the end of Chapter 12: Diplomacy.
RATING: NC-17 || Mature for explicit sexual content (18+ ONLY). PAIRING: Loki/Erik (OMC)
Summary: Loki has accidentally turned himself into a woman. After a failed visit to Asgard, he and Sigyn have too much to drink, and their brother/sister relationship is tested in the most pleasurable way. This takes place at the end of Chapter 15: Woman.
RATING: NC-17 || for explicit sexual content (18+ ONLY). PAIRING: LadyLoki/Sigyn
Summary:Once upon a time, the youngest son of Odin, Loki Laufeyson, was imprisoned in the highest room of the tallest tower, ne'er to be seen again. The arrival of a stranger put everything to the test… and for a while it seemed as though they’d passed. However, not all is as well as it seems. There was more than met the eye in the deal that Odin made, all those years ago. Ends were left loose and promises were not kept. Friends, both old and new, must face an enemy unlike any other as sons are forced to pay for the sins of the father. The bonds of friendship and, more importantly, of family will be tested to their limits.
A/N:Part 3 already! Aren’t you lucky? If you want a song to set up the beginning of this one, check out ‘Touch the Sky’ bu Julie Fowlis. We couldn’t have The Tower 2 without more Disney references. Let me know what you guys think about this one. Enjoy! :3
The branches shivered; the leaves shook. For each horseshoe that struck the soil, a tremor thundered through the earth. ‘Twas a shire horse. Ebony in colour, save for the dirty white feathering on its legs – practically one of the shadows until a break in the canopy lit the beast up with sun. Each one of its chuffing breaths released a furious cloud of heat.
Atop the animal’s back was a woman. For the most part she wore leather – boots, pants, gloves, and gauntlets. However, a loose white shirt fluttered against the wind. She pulled the crossbow from her back and, after a long, steady breath, took aim at the upcoming target.
It was a plank of wood with a crudely painted circle in the center. Instinct dictated that you shut one eye to focus on it, but your mentor’s words rung in your mind and you kept them open. The arrow erupted from the bow with a thwip! – and hit the center of the plank.
You resisted the urge to yell and whoop with glee, instead readying for the appearance of the second target. Your horse chuffed again and shook its mane. Thwip! The arrow hit the plank, but slightly outside the center mark. It was a victory, if a little lacking.
Before you could prepare for the third target, you caught sight of the fallen trunk that was approaching fast. You could practically feel the lowering of your horse’s rear, ready to jump. He was excited. You’d not taken him for a ride in too long.
Squeezing your thighs a little tighter together, your hand rushed to clutch the horn of the saddle. The crossbow – still in your dominant hand – was pointed upwards, until you spotted the third target! Your stomach was turning circles as your horse jumped, but your brain was already reacting, aiming your crossbow despite the elevation.
Thwip.
To your surprise and delight, the arrow hit! The target swung back so far that it ensnared the branch to which it was attached. This time you did shout with glee. You hooted and hollered, punching the air with your fist. The laughter that permeated the silence of the forest seemed to make the birds sing. A couple abandoned their perches and flew into the sunrise sky.
Brynjolf looked up as the birds took flight, wondering if a misfired arrow had been the cause of their hurried escape. Duke, upon whom he sat, had grown a lot in the last year. Sure, he was still a runt, especially in comparison to the shire that pulled up beside him, but he’d grown nonetheless. Even Brynjolf looked grand sat atop him, beaming proudly as you manoeuvred your horse like you’d been riding all your life.
“How’d ye’ fare?” He asked, urging Duke forward to ride alongside you. “Every single one!” “Really? Even the third?”
You cocked an eyebrow and smirked. “Yes, and don’t think I didn’t notice that it had moved since the last time.” “I’m sure I don’t know what you’s talkin’ about.” “Uh huh.”
The two of you began a gentle trot back towards the capital. Duke leant over and nudged the shire’s flanks with his nose. Your shire - Angus - was less than pleased by this and attempted to swerve away from the little irritant until you steered him back. “So how’s the crossbow treating ye’?”
You pulled it from your back – leaving Angus to go where he pleased – and held it between both hands. “Alright, but it feels a little unbalanced. This back end is too heavy; I’m having to aim lower to compensate.” “Tha’s a real shame,” he hummed, leaning over to fiddle with the clasp on one of his saddle bags. “I suppose it’s a good thing I got ye’ this then.”
When he sat upright, the most beautiful crossbow was in his hands. Polished dark cherry wood, reinforced leather string, and decorative artwork painted in ivory on the foregrip and stock. It was, quite simply, stunning. “Happy birthday, lady,” he smiled.
“Oh, Brynjolf,” you gasped, trying not to cry as you pulled Angus to a halt. “It’s… I don’t know what to say: it’s beautiful.” “That’ll do ye’,” he chuckled back, leaning over to hand the weapon to you. He’d been right to have it customised; to say it looked perfect in your hands was an understatement. His chest puffed with pride. “And– And– And look at the paintin’ on the side there.” He waggled his finger, pointing frantically.
You tilted the crossbow over and examined the artwork. It was tapestry-like in style, depicting a story you knew all too well. It started with a tower… The water that flowed out from the base drew the eye across, to where a man and woman embraced under a canopy of lanterns. There was more to it than that – but your eyes had already grown misty, blurring the rest from sight.
“Well, I wasn’t tryin’ to make ye’ cry!” Brynjolf fetched a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and thrust it under your nose. You laughed weepily. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry… It’s happy crying though, I promise.” “I believe you.”
The two of you cantered back to the marketplace together, parting ways only when you caught sight of Loki awaiting your arrival. He offered you a hand in dismounting Angus but it ultimately wasn’t needed. Loki felt all manner of things at the sight of you swinging your leg over a mount in such a beautiful arc. There were many advantages to your increased riding proficiency, least of all your improved fitness and stamina. He’d benefited from that quite nicely.
Casting such impure thoughts aside, he kissed your hand sweetly. “Happy birthday, love of mine,” he said. “How was your morning ride?” “All three targets,” you admitted proudly, before taking Angus’ reins and heading for the palace stables. Both you and he were starved. Loki skipped to keep up. “All three?” “Yes, one of which I shot whilst Angus was leaping over an obstacle. I’m not bragging, but I’m definitely smug.”
Loki chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “And the crossbow? It’s new, yes?” “My birthday present from Bynjolf. Oh, you should see the artistry on it, Loki. I was practically brought to tears! Well, in fact, I was brought to tears, but you haven’t seen the bow.”
For the entire walk home, you rambled excitedly about this and that. Happy for nothing more than your company, Loki let you. Passers-by noted the lovesick smile on his face, uncharacteristic of the mischievous God prior to his resurrection. It was the unique type of smile that could only blossom on a man genuinely enjoying the sound of his lover talking passionately about their interests.
And it was true. ‘Twas a rare occasion that you truly wished to talk and talk, so when it did happen, Loki found himself inclined to do nothing more than listen. Eventually, you would slow, or silence, worried you’d spoken too much or for too long. This is when Loki would sigh, gather your face in his hands, and kiss you softly.
“You worry too much, my love,” he said. Angus appeared to snort in agreement. You shot the horse a filthy look. “I’ll have you know I worry the perfect amount.”
“Speaking of perfection,” Loki winked at you and turned to leave the stables, “what are your plans for this evening?” You rolled your eyes and, after scratching Angus behind the ear, pursued him. Angus whinnied a farewell to the pair of you before shoving his head into a feeding trough. “Fenrien wrote me this morning,” you said, lacing your fingers amongst his as the palace guards bowed their heads and opened the main doors for you both. “Jarle is working with his engineers today so they’re going to make a day of my birthday tomorrow.”
“And how do my least favourite architect and his boyfriend fare in their new abode?” “They finished unpacking this morning,” you smiled. Before Loki could ask if you’d consider spending the rest of the day with him, you’d made it to the corridor of the residential wing – where Thor was exiting his bedroom.
When he caught sight of you both, his face lit up. Thor swept in and gathered you into a magnificent hug, spinning you around in circles. “Happy birthday, sister!” He laughed raucously. Loki pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’ve talked about you calling her that.” Thor dropped you back onto the floor, and glared fiercely at his brother. “Hush, Loki. On this day, I answer to nobody but the good woman in front of me.” You bit your lip and turned away. “So, where is it then? Let me see it!”
You cocked your head with a bewildered smile. “See what?”
“Your crossbow,” Loki said quickly, cutting off any words that might’ve spilled from Thor’s open mouth. “Brynjolf went through Thor to get it made. He wants to see that his interference was for good cause.”
“I… Yes, that’s what I meant. Allow me to see the fine weapon you’ve been gifted!” A little baffled but compliant nonetheless, you handed over your crossbow for Thor to examine. However, the man looked like he’d never handled a bow in his life. “Yes, this… is very nice. Very nice indeed. A fine gift.”
“As you know, brother,” Loki hissed, “I’d intended to take the rest of the day off to give my beloved her birthday gift. I simply haven’t asked her if she wishes to yet.” “Oh, I see!” Thor said, smiling apologetically to Loki as he returned you gift to you. There seemed to be some context to the conversation that you were missing, and you weren’t particularly pleased to be out of the loop. Frankly, you were tired, sweaty, and hungry. You wanted out of your riding gear and intended to be so.
“If that is the case, I should change forthwith. Thank you for your assistance with my birthday present, Thor. I shall see you at dinner this evening.”
You bowed your head respectfully before departing down the corridor towards your quarters. Loki mouthed an insulting comment to his brother along the lines of him being ‘bone-idle’ before following.
Summary:Once upon a time, the youngest son of Odin, Loki Laufeyson, was imprisoned in the highest room of the tallest tower, ne'er to be seen again. The arrival of a stranger put everything to the test… and for a while it seemed as though they’d passed. However, not all is as well as it seems. There was more than met the eye in the deal that Odin made, all those years ago. Ends were left loose and promises were not kept. Friends, both old and new, must face an enemy unlike any other as sons are forced to pay for the sins of the father. The bonds of friendship and, more importantly, of family will be tested to their limits.
A/N:Hoo boy! I’m so far ahead with this now, as my beta-readers will attest. I’m really excited for you guys to see what I’ve written. It’s going to be a wild ride, I promise. Let me know what you think by dropping me an ask! :3
Once upon a time, there was a city. Though still cast in gold and iron, Asgard no longer shone amongst all nine realms. It’s involvement with varying different catastrophes had left it tainted. Rusted. A diamond that had lost its shine.
Just outside the centre of the capital city lay Asgard’s largest marketplace. Royal Fair. Merchants and vendors flocked and gathered from all over the realm to flog their goods. Caravans, spaceships, and even the odd water-faring vehicle transported a plethora of peoples to sell upon the polished cobbled roads.
Elios was a small boy; baby-faced, bright, and fair, there wasn’t much he couldn’t get away with. It would only take a flutter of his eyelashes and a quivering lower lip to the right mother or father and his purse would become a little bit heavier. Unfortunately for the unobservant, he milked that ability for all it was worth. Currently, it was worth several gold coins and a few silver. They jingled nicely in his pocket. But Elios wanted more.
The marketplace was his playground, and the vendors were his toys; their stalls his goal, and their produce his prizes. One toy in particular jumped out at him – the baker. The sheer size of the man had gifted him with a fine set of lungs, letting him boom and bellow about his prices every morning, noon, and night. However, his gargantuan weight also led Elios to believe that he ate as much of his produce as he sold. The cheeky child smiled to himself the more he thought about it.
Business was booming on account of the baker’s powerful and persistent advertisement method. A crowd had gathered around the glorious smelling goods to froth at the mouth and empty their coin into his flour-dusted palm.
Light and nimble, Elios weaved amongst the legs of the shoppers until the top of his head was just beneath the display. One moment longer… If he left too soon, too swiftly, he’d incriminate himself; not soon enough and his face would be known.
When a red-haired woman behind him reached over to collect her purchase, Elios struck. He reached up, and snatched a roll, before turning on his heel and beginning the wriggle to freedom. It had been a risky move, and, unfortunately, not one that paid off. The baker happened to be looking at the woman’s hand as she reached over – the lack of an engagement ring having raised his hopes a little – and that was how he saw the smaller hand reaching up over the edge of his stall to pilfer a roll.
“Hey, you,” he bellowed, and every head in the crowd suddenly turned. “Get back here!” “Try and catch me flat-foot,” Elios laughed, before breaking into a sprint. Outrunning the baker would’ve been easy, only it was not he to be doing the chasing. Two palace guards were on patrol nearby and, on account of the commotion, began the chase. Elios was really having no luck today. There’d be no fluttering his eyelashes out of this one.
Noon was always this busy, but at least for once it served as an advantage. A strong swimmer in the currents of crowds, Elios navigated the dense populace like a pro.
A livestock farmer placed a crate of chickens down by his stall; Elios vaulted over it. The first palace guard caught his foot on the top and went sailing down. The chickens squawked and flapped their wings in fright. A nearby baby began to chuckle and pointed a chubby finger at the guard.
Elios was also laughing. He chucked taunts and heckles over his shoulder at the remaining pursuant. Weighted down by his armour, he was doing well to have lasted this long. At last, Elios spotted the opportunity for this escape. A series of boxes stacked 1, 2, then 3 high were just beckoning him to climb. He prepared for the leap upwards – when a hand grabbed the back of his collar and hauled him back to earth.
Elios’ head hit the cobbled stone, and, for a moment, he heard nothing but birds. Eventually he cracked open his eyes, to see who had thwarted him.
His eyes met those of none other than the Forgotten Prince. Loki.
“Up you get,” the man uttered, not giving him a choice in the matter as he lifted him by the scruff of his neck again. Once on his feet, Elios could see the two guardsmen who’d been chasing him. The former was covered in feathers and blood that poured from his nose; the second was red in the face and panting heavily. Loki Laufeyson folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. “What happened then?”
“He… He stole from the… from the baker, my lord,” said the secondary guard, who was now doubled over and wheezing. Elios tried not to laugh at the sight. Was this truly the best the palace could do? Even Loki looked unimpressed. “Is this true, boy? Is that roll in your hand paid for or not?”
“But, my lord,” spoke Elios, tongue admittedly a little thick from his head wound, “you asked me to bring you a roll!”
If the rumours were to be believed, then the Forgotten Prince was something of a renowned silver-tongue. Fluttering eyelashes and a quivering lip would not work on him, but perhaps he could be impressed with a bold enough lie…
Admittedly, Loki was impressed by the twinkle of mischievous delight in the young lad’s eye. The left side of his mouth quirked a little. But was it enough to let him off, just like that?
Apparently, yes.
Loki fished two gold coins from his pocket and handed them to the bewildered guards. “Apologise to the baker for the trouble that I appear to have caused. It shall not happen again.”
Elios breathed a heavy sigh of relief as the palace guards bowed, and then turned to leave. He resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at the retreating figures – least of all because he wasn’t quite sure what to anticipate with the company he’d been left with.
“So,” Loki chuckled, folding his arms, “you consider yourself smart, do you?” Elios had nothing to say to that. How did you answer such a question when it was the God of Trickery asking it of you? The lack of a response seemed to please Loki well enough, and he invited the boy to walk.
“As smart as you may be, young one, you have much to learn.” “Oh, and I suppose you intend to teach me?” Loki scoffed. “Please. I have better things to do. If I catch you stealing things again, I will let you take the fall for it.”
Elios frowned. At this point, he was prepared to fully ignore this man. His eyes scanned the crowd for an opportunity to slip away, when he caught sight of a vineyard owner flogging very expensive bottles. “I will say one thing, though,” Loki smirked, completely aware of the boy’s intentions. “You can’t cheat an honest man.”
Placing his hand on the top of the boy’s head, Loki swivelled it away from the vineyard owner towards a caravan owner in the distance. He bore fierce sideburns down the side of his face, and a greasy brown rat rail that had been braided over the side of his shoulder…. Loki knew of this man; he’d recently been released from jail but had gone right back into his old business. Of course, Loki couldn’t interfere directly, but the boy… “Find somebody who wants something for nothing and give them nothing for something.”
The smile that spread across Elios’ face could only be described as ‘shit-eating’. Loki resisted the urge to chuckle. “Where’s your mother then?” He asked. Elios’ head snapped up, offended. “Where’s your girlfriend?”
Summary: The war between Asgard and Vanaheim had not plagued the realms for many years. However, when the crown princess of the latter is thrown into an Asgardian prison for a crime she did not commit, tensions arise once more. She is forced to think quickly in order to save her people and theirs from needless slaughter. The solution? An arranged marriage. To the Odinson of her choice.
A/N: Part 2. Thoughts anybody? I’ve not got as much queued up for this one so I’ll post it intermittently. Otherwise, enjoy!
With a flick of his wrist, Loki willed the candles to light. The room flooded with gold, revealing the same expression on your face as was on his own. Surprise. “You’ve returned,” Loki said, subtly replacing his dagger and sitting upright. “And you’re… not Thor.” “Thank you.”
A few minutes passed as Loki dressed himself in a gown. He tied it loosely in front of his bare abdomen. “I could have you arrested for that, you know,” he said, rubbing his temple. “Like you wouldn’t enjoy a woman sneaking into your bedroom at night.” “Touché.”
“And besides,” you sighed. “I think I have served enough prison time at the hands of your people.” “Is that why you’ve returned?” Loki settled onto his bedside and crossed one leg over the other. He watched you in the candlelight. A fur cape sat around your shoulders, protecting you from the bite of the midnight air. Underneath, a black dress with a hood that had, until a moment ago, been over your head. Stealth was your intention, apparently. As stealthy as you could be as a Vanaheim princess. “I’m… I have no intention of discussing that with you.”
“But with my brother?” Loki chuckled. “Yes, actually.” You raised your chin a little higher and adjusted the fastening of your furs. “So, if you could point me in the direction of his room.” “But of course. Would you prefer a door or a window?” “Hilarious.”
Thor’s face was the picture of surprise. He opened his bedroom door in the twilight hours, to the image of his yawning brother and the recently released royal. Why was she back? Why was she with his brother? And he was dressed so… Well, he wasn’t really dressed. “Has… something happened?” Thor asked.
His answer came in the form of a shifty look in Loki’s direction. Rolling his eyes, Loki stood a little taller and cleared his throat. “I will leave the two of you to talk then,” he muttered, bowing his head in your direction and taking his leave down the corridor. Thor stepped aside and welcomed you into the room. Thankfully, he was better clothed than his brother.
You removed your furs and draped them over your arm as you stepped into the room. The longer you spent inside the palace, the warmer it got. However, the impending topic of conversation certainly wasn’t helping your temperature either. “I apologise for disturbing you in this manner,” you said, waiting until you were invited to sit before doing so. Thor placed himself in the smoking chair beside your own. “If it weren’t important, I wouldn’t be here. The middle of the night was the only time I could get away from home without being seen.”
Thor was rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Away from home without being seen? This did not bode well in the slightest. “Please. Continue,” he said. “I will not beat around the bush,” you smiled wearily, running a hand through your hair. Thor noted the way you acted very little as an Asgardian princess would. Your manners may have been impeccable but aside from that, you were very civil. Very relaxed. Calm. Ordinary. It was refreshing. That alone comforted him. He no longer felt the suffocating pressure that one might do when meeting with a foreign dignitary.
“It’s about my father. He intends to wage war upon Asgard.”
“What?” Thor boomed. You flinched and Thor immediately caught his tongue, placing his fist over his lips. “I– I– I tried to subdue him, your highness, I really did but he’s a man prone to temper. Once he heard that I’d been wrongly imprisoned, there was no talking to him! He left the room in search of his generals. I’ve been trying to contact him all afternoon but he won’t listen, fobs me off with nurses and maids. I know he means well, and worries for me, but he’s taken this too far and now people might suffer because of it.”
Thor leaned forwards, his elbows on his knees and rubbed his face deeply with his hands. “I see why you required the secrecy.” “Yes, quite.” You ran a hand through your hair again and Thor smiled weakly. He knew it must be difficult for you to discuss. The way you sustained your stoic expression however was both admirable and appealing. “I just… didn’t know who to turn to, your highness. I don’t know what to do.”
“Perhaps an alliance,” someone suggested, from the shadows. Thor sighed very heavily, and his eyes slid shut. On the black of his eyelids, he could see himself leaving the bedroom door open an inch too wide when he let you inside. Enough time for a certain someone with magical capabilities to sneak indoors without detection.
Loki stepped forward and dropped his invisible guise. He bowed his head in your direction again but made a note of the stony glare he received in return. “An alliance would negate any conflict by supplying a plethora of positives for the people of our respective realms.” Thor scoffed loudly. “An alliance, Loki? Truly?” He said. “I thought you were the diplomat of the two of us. I doubt either of our fathers will agree to an alliance right now, given their… temperaments.” “And what if the alliance is one they need take no part in? Save for giving their blessing that is…” Your breath hitched. Loki pretended that he hadn’t heard it. “We ought to make them act like fathers before acting like rulers.”
“What are you talking about?” Thor said, rubbing his eyes hard with the tips of his fingers. It was either far too late or far too early for this. He couldn’t figure out which. “Speak plainly please, Loki, I don’t understand.”
“He’s talking about matrimony,” you said. Your gaze never wavered from Loki. “A marriage, to join our two kingdoms.”
A few moments passed in terrible silence. Thor looked between the pair of you. Was he serious? A… A marriage? Very well, if that’s how it must be… “My dearest lady,” he said softly, sliding from his seat onto one knee on the floor. You blinked repeatedly, and Loki turned away, hiding a smile behind his hand. “Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
With a genteel laugh, you shook your head and touche Thor’s shoulder. “With all due respect, your highness, absolutely not.”
“What?” Loki stepped forward and cleared his throat. “If I may: it would look too suspicious for the two of you to be engaged so soon after your wrongful arrest. It would be quite an obvious power play. Not to mention the complications of inheritance; after all, you’re both in line for your own thrones.” You patted Thor’s shoulder and stood up. You approached Loki’s side, your arms folded and an eyebrow raised. “The younger sibling, however…” Loki smirked, and looked you up and down. “No throne entitlement. No ties to the household here. No obvious scheming behind the scenes – or at least no more than usual.”
“She’s right,” Loki said. “Though I hope you don’t expect me to get down on one knee.” “From what I know of you, my lord, you’ve stooped low enough in your time. No need to sustain the hobby.”
Thor got to his feet and straightened out his dressing gown. It was definitelytoo early for this. The stare between the two of you was palpable; thick with subtext and the unspoken. He stepped between it, eager to remove this drama from his sleeping quarters. “So, we’re in agreement then? We’ll announce the news in the morning? A prince of Asgard is to marry the princess of Vanaheim.”
You stared at Loki a moment longer but eventually nodded. “Yes. Alright. Let’s get married.”
Once Loki had been ushered from his room, Thor offered to set you up in a spare bedroom. It was partly chivalry – that he knew his brother would not extend – and partly because it would allow him to handle the situation to some degree. He would pick the nicest spare room he could find.
“So, I have to ask,” he mused aloud. Your furs were draped over his forearm and he stroked them distractedly as they walked. “You already knew that you would not be tying yourself to me, didn’t you?” “I did.” “Then why insist on being escorted to see me once you’d entered his room?”
You smiled bashfully and let your head fall. “Well, firstly, you ought to be kept in the loop regardless. We can’t have you being kept ignorant, only to blow the lie wide open, can we?” “Do I detect motives ulterior to those?” “You might.” You bit your lip and looked away. The interior decorating in Asgard’s palace truly put your home’s to shame. “I… also needed to make sure that Loki would agree. What better way than to make him think it was all his idea? I ‘accidentally’ crawl into hisroom, as opposed to yours, piquing his interest enough to stay behind and eavesdrop. Then, he suggests a solution and, on account of his wanting to take all credit, is obligated to see it all the way through.”
“You planned all of that having met him only once?” Thor said as he came to a halt outside of a tall, wooden bedroom door. He held it open to you as your explanation/confession continued. “To any spectators of my arrest, I was guilty as charged. He, however, discovered the true culprit and brought him in. I don’t see him as somebody likely to hunt truth and justice for the sake of it, because it makes him feel good, so one can assume that he sought me out with the intention of claiming the credit for my emancipation. So, to answer your question: yes, I got all that from meeting him once. He’s not as complex as he’d believe himself to be.”
Thor chuckled and leaned against the doorframe. Admittedly, if you were to be believed, then it was incredibly impressive. “How long did this little scheme of yours take, might I ask?” “It was a long ride here,” you said with a wink. “Besides, I needed some way to get revenge for the way he thought to manipulate me whilst I was behind bars.”
“You know, my lady,” he said, “I dare say you’re a better match for my brother than you both realise.” “I’ll try not to take that as an insult.”
Thor watched you seat yourself on the bedspread and cross one leg over the other. It was a similarity to a certain someone that was not lost on him…
Summary:Once upon a time, the youngest son of Odin, Loki Laufeyson, was imprisoned in the highest room of the tallest tower, ne'er to be seen again. The arrival of a stranger put everything to the test… and for a while it seemed as though they’d passed. A whole year later sees the rumour of nuptials circulating amongst the palace walls, amongst other rumours. Somebody is looking for you, somebody you thought was lost to the wind many moons ago. Adventure once again appears to be on the horizon. However, not all is as well as it seems. There was more than met the eye in the deal that Odin made, all those years ago. Ends were left loose and promises were not kept. Friends, both old and new, must face an enemy unlike any other as sons are forced to pay for the sins of the father. The bonds of friendship and, more importantly, of family will be tested to their limits.
A/N:I’m so excited to be back, you guys! I’ve been bursting to get started on this for ages and now I’m actually posting. It’s seems ages ago that I started this series, and now I’m already on a sequel? :O Who knew it was possible?! Anyway, I’ll shut up so you can go read. Enjoy!
Once upon a time, there was a city. Cast in gold and iron, it shone amongst all nine realms as a beacon of hope, strength, and wisdom. Asgard. A diamond on the neck of the universe.
At its centre, the royal palace. Visible from as far as the eye can see, it was testament to the triumphant history of the monarchy. It pierced the skyline like a blacksmith’s finest blade, twinkling similarly in the midday sun. The woman who approached it was careful to take her time ascending the ivory stone staircase. One wrong step and she’d have a dislocated hip for the next few months.
The coal-coloured cloak that enshrouded her was about 2-inches too long and, as such, threatened her footing every time her slipper met with the floor. Liver-spotted hands reached down every so often to pull it up, long, unkempt nails digging into the fabric. Contrary to the rest of her appearance, however, were the ribbons of gold that stuck out from under the hood on her head.
“Halt, who goes there?” called out a guard from the top of the staircase. The woman stopped and, with bones that might as well have creaked, pushed her hood down. Her face was as worn as her apparel, worn like well-tanned leather and several teeth missing. She smiled like she knew the guard’s dirtiest secrets. His armour rustled as he shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. “I have business with his royal highness,” she replied, voice like a creaking cabinet. “I believe he is expecting me.”
A few minutes and one enquiry later, the witch was allowed through the gates into the palace of Asgard…
Odin’s throne room was the crown jewel of Asgard’s palace. Everything from the walls to the furniture seemed to gleam with gold and sing in the sunlight. It was magnificent.
Even the Allfather himself looked as though he deserved to be artwork on the wall. His posture denoted nobility, and his apparel was dripping of wealth. Yet Odin was pensive. Concerned. “I daren’t make a deal with a devil,” he said. “If you think you can help my son, I must know it.” “Your highness, tell me again what you wish me to achieve and I shall assure you of what I am able.”
Odin adjusted his sitting position. The witch could see the hesitance in his sinking eyebrows. She’d dealt with men like this before; more familiar than he could ever fathom. His request was… unique, but it was an opportunity nonetheless. An opportunity she’d been anticipating for a very long time.
“It’s my boy,” Odin began. The witch held back the twitch at the corner of her grinning mouth. “The eldest?” “No. My youngest.” “Ah yes, your son who is not.” “He is my son so long as I have raised him as such.”
“What of the boy, my lord?” She continued, artfully dodging the Allfather’s temper. As it had been noted, she’d dealt with men like this before. “He has disgraced his name, and mine, by the attempted subjugation of another realm. Midgard. It was the intervention of my eldest – and some native accomplices – that led to his capture.” “If Laufeyson has been thwarted, what should you want of me?”
The question was a pertinent one; if this opportunity was to be successfully utilised, she needed the Allfather’s complete and utter compliance. Any hesitation, and her plan would be at risk. Like a finely weaved tapestry, one thread out of place and the whole piece was at stake. If her plan was to work, it required Odin to finally take some responsibility for his actions. For Loki’s.
“His… His punishment was suited to the courts,” Odin began, and the witch could practically hear the sounds of everything falling together. “Imprisonment seemed fitting at the time – the wound was fresh and my people wanted justice. They would not listen to a father who wished to help his son; instead they wanted a ruler who held no bias.” “You do not approve of your boy’s punishment then?” The witch tilted her head and for a moment, in the sun that streamed through the throne room’s window, she looked younger. “Oh, I approve of his imprisonment absolutely. What I regret is the sentence’s lack of potential for redemption. He is still my son and should he wish to prove that he has changed, I should like him to have that opportunity.”
The witch chewed one of her disgustingly long fingernails. This was… not what she’d anticipated when the opportunity had arisen. However, if she played her cards right, it wasn’t completely horrible either. A different type of cage to what she’d had in mind, but a cage nonetheless. And Odin seemed willing. All she needed now was the last piece of the puzzle; the thing that would bind Odin to her deal. Carefully, she allowed herself to smile and saw Odin visibly relax. “Thankfully, I think that I am more than capable of assisting in the matter.”
“I will be grateful for your discretion,” he sighed. “I said that I was capable of assisting. If you should have discretion as well, that shall cost a pretty penny.” “Tell me what you desire.”
The witch grinned and once again youth flowered in her eyes. “I am a vain woman, and my best days are behind me. However, I have read of a flower that can grant youth to anyone in its ownership. It’s located a fair distance from the city and I have not the strength to retrieve it.” “It shall be a training exercise for my men. We will have it within one week.” “Most gracious, your grace,” the witch smirked. Odin ought to be unnerved that her price was seemingly so small. And judging by the narrowing of his eyes, he was.
“Now,” he boomed, feeling suddenly more confident, “to the matter at hand.” “Quite,” the witch smiled. “We will begin straight away.”
For the second time that week, the witch climbed the stairs to Asgard’s palace. This time, however, she climbed with fervour. Excitement – unlike that which she’d felt in years – had gotten the better of her. She thought less and less about tripping and falling, and more of the prize that lay waiting for her.
“Halt, who goes there?” called out a guard from the top of the staircase. The witch revealed her golden hair yet again, smiling at the guard much more sincerely. “I am here to conclude my business with the King. He is expecting me.”
A few minutes and one enquiry later, the witch was being… turned away.
“But he’s expecting me, you imbeciles!” The witch screamed as two guards led her down the staircase. “Our orders are to turn you away at the gate. Your business with the King is done.”
No. Impossible! How could he have backed out on their deal? It had been so simple! Did he suspect her? No, she’d made sure of that. Unless…
With a gasp in realisation, the witch wrenched herself free of the guards’ grasp and turned to face them. Malice contorted her face like a wilting rose. “Very well. Tell him I’ll be in touch.”
And just like that, she disappeared in a cloud of foul-smelling smoke. The guards covered their faces and coughed horribly, hunched over. When finally they were permitted to breathe again, they stood upright and stared at the empty steps. The taller guard turned to his companion. “You don’t think that she would-” “I do think that,” he said. “Hurry, we must reach the King.”
Thor’s steps were sluggish and slow. He could feel his father’s hand on his shoulder; it felt heavier than his hammer. “I’m so sorry, my son.” “I just… I can’t believe he’s gone. Are we sure that it was real? He’s… He’s faked it before, maybe– maybe–”
Odin sighed and strengthened the grip on his son’s shoulder. “I understand your concern, but it is true. He’s… Loki is dead.” “I just… When? How?”
Thor stopped in his tracks at the end of the corridor, his face the picture of grief. A single tear rolled over his cheek. Odin placed a hand under the boy’s chin and wiped it away with his thumb. “If it’s any consolation, it was quick. It happened in the night. A stroke, followed by cardiac arrest, the healers say.” “Just like that?”
Forced to think quickly, Odin turned away to grant himself a moment’s pause. That was when he saw her. Odin tensed, and at the sight of this, Thor followed his father’s gaze.
A woman with golden hair and a haggard face stood in the corridor. Immediately, Thor raised his guard. He knew an intruder when he saw one, and this woman reeked of danger. His father, however, seemed oddly unsurprised by this woman’s appearance, despite his apprehension. Did they… know one another?
“Your father has lied to you, boy,” she said, with a peace reserved for the most dangerous of wraths. “He’s lied to us both.” “Explain yourself,” Thor said, stepping in front of Odin. The latter’s face had fallen with disappointment. He should’ve known it wouldn’t be this easy. “What did he tell you?” The witch began. “That your brother died in the night? Inexplicably? And let me guess: you have been forbidden sight of his body. ‘Ah, my son, that would be too cruel’. Something like that?”
Thor’s guard slowly began to melt away. Either she was an expert eavesdropper or… “Father, I- I don’t understand.” “You ask him?” The witch cackled. “After what you now know? Do you truly trust him to explain?” Odin was denied every opportunity to defend himself. His hands were balling into fists of rage and his mouth thinned substantially. His gaze with the golden-haired woman never wavered; nor did hers. The two were in a fierce yet silent showdown.
“He lied to you, boy,” the witch finally confessed. “Your brother isn’t dead. Your father paid me to move him, to imprison him elsewhere. He’s in a tower just outside of the city; specifically, he’s far enough away that he’d never fortuitously be found by you, but close enough that he could find his way home should he ever make it out of there.”
Thor’s mouth fell open and he looked to his father for explanation. None came. Odin’s silence was telling. The witch frowned and continued. “Except he didn’t pay me. He backed out on his end of the deal, only to proceed with his schemes regardless. That is why I’m here. That is what I came for.”
When the witch finally silenced, Thor ‘s hearing was replaced with the sound of his heart in his throat. It pulsed and pounded like a raging bull. “Of all the things…” For a moment, he considered exploding, screaming in his father’s face, berating him. However, that was not important to him currently. What mattered to him currently was bringing his brother home. Loki needed him. “I will deal with you once I have rescued my brother,” Thor growled, spinning on his heel and storming down the corridor.
He’d made it barely two steps, however, when a halo seemed to appear over his head, silver and twinkling. Thor’s balanced wavered and he stumbled to the side, gripping his forehead. When the halo disappeared, he turned around again, an expression of concern on his face. Even Odin was a little bewildered at the sight. “Father?” asked Thor. Odin stepped forward. “My son, are you… alright?” “Yes, I’m…” Thor rubbed his head. It must’ve been… a migraine. “Forgive me, I’m being completely rude. Who is our guest?”
Odin blinked and turned slowly around. The witch lowered her hand with a knowing grin. “Do not think of your manners, young man. I am only here to have a word with your father.” “Of course, my lady. I will grant you some privacy. Good day.”
Had a lump of coal been placed within Odin’s fist, it would’ve swiftly become diamond. “What do you want?” He snarled at the witch. “You didn’t search for it, did you?” She snarled back.
“My men failed to find your flower, after days of dedicated searching in the area you specified. I simply will not sanction another pointless exercise for something that is clearly just a myth!” The grinding of the woman’s jaw practically echoed amongst the walls of the room. “How many times would you have me search for this insipid thing before the realm is left defenseless at its most dire hour?” “As many times as is required - you owe me a debt! I fulfilled my end of the bargain, I should expect the King of Asgard to fulfil his.”
“Silence!” The woman’s mouth clapped shut, lips tightening into a sour knot. “I will not be insulted this way. You have burdened my time long enough. Go now, whilst I still have my mercy.”
The witch did not leave immediately. Her line-ridden forehead wrinkled further with disdain. It was only when the two palace guards burst into sight at the end of the corridor that her hand was forced. Odin’s head was turned at the sound of their shouting. The witch saw yet another opportunity.
With her horrible fingernails, she pulled his ear down by its lobe and hissed into it. “This is not the last your family will see of me, King of Asgard. You shall pay for this injustice. Perhaps not today or tomorrow, but you will. I shall see to it personally.”
And just like that, she was once again nothing more than foul-smelling smoke.
Summary: The war between Asgard and Vanaheim had not plagued the realms for many years. However, when the crown princess of the latter is thrown into an Asgardian prison for a crime she did not commit, tensions arise once more. She is forced to think quickly in order to save her people and theirs from needless slaughter. The solution? An arranged marriage. To the Odinson of her choice.
A/N: Yoooo, so I’ve got a rough plan for the plot of this one; it’s a short-ish series. However, as for an ending? A.K.A. whether she ends up with Thor or Loki? That’s completely up in the air. I’ll let you guys decide nearer to the time, me thinks. In the meantime, enjoy!
‘Between a Rock’ (Part 1)
The sun beat down upon the polished stonework. Loki’s heels clicked upon them as he perused the marketplace – or rather, as he perused the people perusing the marketplace. So fascinating. They would flit like magpies to the nearest shiny object; squawks of sales and discounts calling out to them and beckoning.
Food; jewellery; clothing; even bejewelled daggers. To be honest, the stall with the bejewelled daggers had caught his eye more than once. He found himself being beckoned yet again as he walked, though distracted as had he become that he walked into someone.
Their person hit his shoulder hard, seemingly oblivious to his presence and consequently oblivious to the necessity for an apology. He turned for a moment to watch, aghast. He made note of the woman who hit him. The colour of her hair. The style of her dress. Her conduct. Her manner of walking. The shape of her shoulders… Shaking his head, Loki thought little of it for a second. Nobility, for sure. A higher status of those around her – except him, of course.
After a smug little smirk, Loki shrugged, turned away, and continued with his afternoon…
The sunny weather persisted for several hours as Loki completed his rounds. He reached the edge of the market walkway, picked an apple from a tree, and turned around. He leant back against the trunk of the tree, which was encircled by a small mosaic patio and shrubbery.
His teeth sunk into the crisp flesh of the apple, crunching pleasantly. As he did so, he noticed an even more pleasant event taking place. Chaos. The throes of commotion. Beautiful mischief at play. He took another bite of his apple and stepped closer towards it. The crowd parted, almost on cue, as he neared.
Familiar hair colour. Familiar dress. Familiar conduct. The woman from earlier that day was amidst it, in the arms of palace soldiers, oddly enough. “Unhand me,” she demanded. “How dare you grab me this w– Let goof me!” The market vendor was stood a few feet away, her arms folded and her expression dower. “I’m telling you, officers. I’m missing several necklaces from my stand that were there a minute ago.” “Interesting accusations. Did you actually see me pilfer them?” “I don’t need to. They’re in your bag.”
The soldiers shared a look and nodded at one another. Loki scoffed and chuckled. There was only a moment’s hesitation before the taller of the two men grabbed the strap of the bag on your shoulder. “Howdareyou! I am innocent, and you will find nothing in there. I swear you will suffer the consequences. That is my personal property. Unlawful apprehension of a-”
Sure enough, the guards lifted shimmering gold and silver. Diamonds. Pearls. All of it reflecting the expression of horror on your face. “Well, this is just ridiculous. I’ve been framed. A scapegoat. I-” “Save it,” muttered the guard gruffly. “You’re under arrest for theft.” “Are you joking?”
Loki raised an eyebrow. The way they began to drag her away, kicking and screaming, looked pretty serious to him. “There’s no way I did this! Please, someone must’ve seen something. I’m innocent! Innocent, I say. You will hear from my father.”
Loki chuckled at that. He took another, final, bite to the apple before tossing it aside. There was a certain young lad amongst the crowd who looked especially unnerved by all the proceedings, with whom he wanted a conversation…
Loki couldn’t quite say what drew him to the prison cell. Curiosity. Boredom. Amusement. All of the above. Either way, he descended the staircase with his hands clasped behind his back. He could hear you calling from your cell. “Hello? Can anybody hear me? Please, I just want to contact-” “Your father?” Loki answered as he rounded the corner and appeared in view.
“Ugh, finally,” you huffed, standing up straight and placing your hands in front of your abdomen. “What are you? The night guard or something?” Loki smiled and dipped his head. Well, let’s see, it’s still early evening and I’m also Loki, the son of Odin. So, to answer your question, no. I’m not the night guard.” “O-Oh,” you stammered. “The son of Odin. I see.”
“But that’s not what is important,” he continued. “I want to know who youare.” “I beg your pardon?” “Oh, please. ‘My father will hear about this’? How many people have used that line?” “I imagine a few, if you’re questioning me about it.”
Loki’s eyes narrowed. For the second time that day, he examined you. The colour and style of your hair. The style and material of your dress. Your conduct and countenance. The shape of your shoulders and even your collarbone… “Plenty of people use it. Something about you, however, tells me that there’s actually some substance behind it. That you do in fact have a father with whom you could call in a favour.”
Biting your lip, you turned away and began to pace. “Yes, I’ll admit… I wasn’t watching my tongue in that moment. It lacked sense. I shouldn’t have revealed my hand so easily.” “So what is it? A duke? A councilman? A wealthy merchant?”
“A king, actually,” you sighed, rubbing your forehead. “Vanaheim. My father is the king of Vanaheim.”
Loki felt something stick in his throat. It was only small, but he felt a small bead of moisture above his brow. Vanaheim was once at war with Asgard, fierce rivals of the Aesir that lived in the latter realm. Despite having put their differences aside, their relationship had been… fragile. And Asgard had just thrown one of Vanaheim’s crown princesses behind bars.
“W-Why not declare yourself sooner? Request an emissary or an envoy?” “And make a grand deal of the whole thing? Be offered countless somethings for nothing just because of who I am and who my family is? Please. I came here to be a tourist. Not an ambassador for my people.” “Very well,” Loki said a little callously. “Then you can suffer a tourist’s punishment for theft.”
“That implies I have some sort of culpability,” you quipped, raising a well-manicured eyebrow. “However, I continue to insist that I am innocent. Why will nobody listen when I say this? I cannot explain how those items ended up in my possession, but I certainly did not put them there.”
Loki began to tap his chin thoughtfully. “IsupposeI could look into it…”
You frowned. “Oh,thank you, your royal highness.”
“I would not be so glib towards the man who might become responsible for your release.” You scoffed and turned your gaze upwards, folding your arms. Before either of you could submit another remark, the doors to the prisons burst open; Thor descended the staircase, two steps at a time. His cape billowed behind him. “Ofcourse we will look into this, your highness.” Loki rolled his eyes and immediately spun around, striding towards his brother with haste. “I don’t doubt that there is a reasonable explanati-” Loki grabbed his brother’s ear and hauled him back up the staircase.
Once the doors had slid shut, Thor voiced his understandable confusion. Loki scowled back at him. “I already know who did this, you buffoon. Let me handle it!” “Then bring the culprit in! She must be released immediately,” Thor said, gesturing wildly to the closing doors. Loki grabbed at his hair and tugged gently. Was this man ever infuriating… “The guards were informed of his identity before I even stepped foot in the room. And would you stop yelling?” “I will stop yelling if you tell me why you are tormenting her? Acting aloof and smart?” “Because our people were responsible for getting her thrown in that cage,” Loki sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “If I play my cards correctly, then perhaps I can convince her that she owes me a debt for her release.”
It finally sunk in. Thor’s eyelids slid slowly shut. “…and you can use it to stop her family threatening Asgard.” “Exactly. The last thing we need right now is another war with Vanaheim. In the meantime, why don’t you see to it that the guards who started this are suitably dealt with?”
Thor bowed his head and ran a hand through his golden mane. “I am sorry for doubting you brother. I’ll see to that immediately.”
As he turned and left, another two guards appeared behind him. The shifty looking gentleman from the marketplace was between them, looking very solemn and sorry for himself. “Wait, wait, wait,” Loki said, holding out a hand. “Let me go in first.”
That night, Loki lay awake. He couldn’t help but think about what he’d achieved that day. War with Vanaheim had been narrowly avoided – because he’d been in the right place at the right time. Upon hearing your confession – “My father is king of Vanaheim” – he’d had to think quickly, think on his feet. If only somebody were here, he thought to himself, he’d tell them just how magnificent he was and get such a round of applause.
Be careful what you wish for, said the voice in his head, as the sound of his window sliding open filled the empty quiet of his bedroom.
Loki’s resting form stiffened noticeably. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched the shadowy figure slip inside and close the window behind them. He screwed his eyes shut, controlled his breathing. He reached his hand under the mattress and clutched the hilt of his dagger. Just a few more seconds of feigning sleep…
“Your highness?” whispered the shadowy figure. “Your highness? It’s me. I’m afraid I need your help again.”
Part 1 to The Will and The Way — Series masterlist can be found here
Summary: and so the story begins…
Pairing: OC x Thor x Loki (love triangle) (not really in this chapter yet)
Warnings: None
Despite the early hour, Asgard was far from quiet. In fact, the entire city was buzzing with an odd mix of excitement and mourning. King Odin had passed many months ago, but the love for him among his people was strong as ever.
Still, today was a day of great importance. Asgard had been without a proper leader for far too long, the people were ready for the change that was certain to come this morning. Odin had picked up on the habits of Midgardians, and he’d been wise enough to write out what they called a will, ensuring his final wishes were set in stone, unable to be changed at the whim of any one.
He had even had an enchantress come and mark the document with a seal, a binding of its words that could not be tarnished, nor tainted by anything other than her own power.
While some citizens found this practice odd, others did not question it, given Prince Loki’s habit of slipping through the cracks and making choices for the throne on his own. To them, this was a security blanket. To him, it was a massive brick wall in the way.
“Astrid! Wake up! It is time for the royal will to be read, we must hurry.” The young girls roommate urged, pulling her out of bed by her arm, earning loud grumbles from under the covers.
“We are both a part of the royal staff, if we do not show, you know someone will scold us!” The other girl says, begging for her friend to awaken.
“No one will notice our absence. But if you are so worried of such an unlikely occurrence, go on without me.” The covered girl orders, her voice groggy with sleep. For a palace maid, Astrid had never been one for mornings. She preferred nights, where she could watch the stars in peace.
Finally, after a beat of silence, she groaned in what sounded like agony and literally rolled out of the bed, her fiery reddish hair emerging from the blanket oasis she’d been in seconds before.
“Go, go. I will just get dressed and join you.” She insists, her full lips curling into a grin as her friend hesitantly runs off to join the mornings preparations. From what they’d both been told, there would be a grand ball in the name of whichever of the princes “won” everything.
For Astrid, the competition between the two was pointless and frivolous. There were more important issues in the world than who got to call themself king. It should matter more which of them would rule Asgard with a steady and fair hand, not which looked better with a crown and a throne.
To her, the will was merely a reminder of the Kings dramatics with his sons, along with the competitive nature the two of them shared with each other.
“Besides, Prince Thor is the one with the advantage. He always had Odin’s favor really.” She thought to herself as she tied her hair back into a twist, her daily hairstyle of choice.
The only royal Astrid had ever really taken a liking to was Frigga. She had been one of the maids who spent most of their time in her wing of the castle, and she had always been a friendly, kind woman to the staff. There were even a few times that the Queen had offered Astrid and her friends favors, small things to make their jobs easier or to make their free time more enjoyable.
Astrid could remember a handful of times where Frigga had walked through the gardens with her, just to chat with someone outside her circle. Though she was never one of her ladies maids, Astrid might as well have been. The two of them were much closer than she remembered any of the other staff being with anyone, since she hardly counted those that the princes (mostly Thor) schmoozed with or seduced to be “close” to them.
In fact, Astrid had been in the room when Queen Frigga was murdered and she carried that memory with her everyday, every time she walked into the room that she had perished in. Honestly, she was surprised the king continued to use the space, but she knew better than to say anything about it.
As she looked over her plain appearance in the mirror, Astrid wondered what could possibly have the whole kingdom in such a frenzy over papers that no doubt held nothing but Thors name.
She ran down the hallway, worried about being late now that that realization had finally hit and she started a sort of jog, rounding a corner and nearly slamming directly into another.
“Oh! By the norns, I am sorry your highnesses. I should not be running in a palace, it is rude.” She scolds herself, her freckled cheeks going a light pink.
“No apologies necessary, we run through the palace all the time, it is the only way to get around in manageable time.” Thor states with an easy smile, and Astrid laughed tensely, wanting to leave the situation immediately before the harsher brother spoke up and she lost her job.
Still, Loki only eyed her up and down and let out something between a scoff and a sigh before turning and continuing on his way.
Thor gives her a small wave, the swoonworthy smile still glued to his face and making her lose track of thoughts, but he finally turns away and follows his brother, bringing her senses back and sending her racing down the hall once more, her shoes pattering on the shimmering floor loudly as she goes.
——————————————–
“People of Asgard, we have gathered here today for the reading of the will of our beloved King Odin. In this will, we will learn where his assets have been placed and in turn, who the position on the thrown will be passed down to.” A royal official decrees from the balcony of the golden palace.
What seemed to be all of Asgard cheered, but the princes themselves looked less than disinterested. Loki was all but glaring down at the crowd below, staring down every last citizen, his eyes just grazing over a redheaded maid as he looked on, until his eyes reached the figure standing next to him. Thor, the figure in question, was too busy focusing on his hammer to see if it had been chipped or scratched on his way here to care what the man was saying, to which Loki rolled his eyes.
“At least pretend to pay attention brother. They may be your people soon afterall.” Loki hissed through gritted teeth, rolling his eyes again at the aloof nature of his brother.
“Lighten up Loki. It is not as though it would go to anyone else. We are both in the running, this is not a new idea.” Thor says back, leaning against the balcony, finally looking down to eye up the large crowd below.
The crowd consisted of every citizen of Asgard, but it was still an organized group. All the regular people were in the center of it all, guards in the back in case anything dire were to happen, and palace staff at the front so they could be closest to the entrance, quick access to get in and prepare for the nights festivities to come.
Thor’s wandering eyes landed quickly on the same redhead as Loki’s, a small grin growing at the sight of her disinterest matching his own. In a way he felt they were sort of kindred spirits, both seeing this as a boring formality. Either that, or she just didn’t care. Whichever the answer was, Thor found her bored sigh and relaxed posture amusing to say the least.
He quickly moved his gaze from her, noticing other members of the audience for their own specific traits. Thor wasn’t the sly or mischievous brother, but he and Loki did share their keen eyes to detail, something they’d both gotten from Frigga.
Down on the ground, Astrid let out another loud sigh, waiting for it to be over. It wasn’t really that she didn’t want to see who got everything, but with the weight of the ball that came after relying heavily on the maids, she just wanted to go inside and get to work so they could all rest earlier rather than later.
The palace staff was never overworked perse, but in times of glamorous parties, they were the most imperative part of the planning in order for it to go seamlessly. Astrid took pride in the work she did, and she knew plenty other maids who could say the same.
“Enjoy the moment Astrid! It is not every day we see who the next ruler of Asgard will be! soak it in!!” Another young maid named Signe said with a giggle.
“I know I know. I just wish it was closer to the time of the ball so we could have more time to get everything ready.” She groans back, leaning against one of the many fountains surrounding the courtyard.
Her friends collectively rolled their eyes.
“We have put together much more complicated parties than this one. The worst part is hanging the banners, and I am sure some of the guards will help with that.” Her roommate Liv chimes in, making them all, including Astrid, giggle.
Liv was the flirtiest of their bunch, and she had a knack for convincing the guards or butlers or stableboys or pretty much any man to do the harder parts for them. No one complained about it, given that the tasks usually required an annoying amount of time standing and holding things above your head for who knows how long while you waited for someone to grab it and hang it, a task no one would enjoy.
“They are supposed to protect us anyway, now they are just protecting us from overexertion too.” Liv always said with a shrug and a giggle.
Astrid watches up above at the tall balcony, shading her eyes from the bright and warm sun. She stares as if willing the man to continue his proclamation, still waiting for the opportunity to retreat back into the castle.
As if on cue, the papers are picked back up, and he continues on.
“I, King Odin, being of sound mind and body, decree that my worldly possessions, including all monetary and physical assets be distributed as follows” He starts, stopping to turn and give Loki a glare when he scoffs at the use of Midgardian languages and practices. Loki merely shrugs as though completely innocent in response.
The announcer clears his throat and continues on. “Should my wife Frigga predecease me, A quarter of my monetary assets must be given to my eldest son Thor Odinson. Another quarter goes to my younger son Loki Odinson. The remainder shall be distributed in ways to help Asgard flourish, as well as to the heir to the throne.” He reads, and the crowd goes completely silent, confused by the lack of a named heir.
“I leave my son Thor Odinson the armour left in the royal armory, the staff I have carried as king, the Midgardian artifacts, and the power over the royal guard. He shall make an excellent leader to them all.” He states, and Thor’s face drops at the lack of a throne in his list.
“To my son Loki Odinson, I leave my gold helmet, the library of the palace, the west wing of the palace, and the throne I have sat upon to make my decrees. May he find read much wisdom while he sits in a fine chair.” Loki laughs a testy, angry sort of laugh.
The audience remains speechless, staring up in a mix of confusion and fear. Not once had any of them thought anyone other than the princes would take reign over their kingdom. Now, it looked like neither of them would.
“Finally, I leave the crown, the throne, and leadership over Asgard, as well as the palace and power over its staff to Astrid Ivarsdottir.” The man finishes, clearly having not read the will in full before now, given the look of shock on his face and the way he brought the parchment that much closer to his face.
Astrids breath hitched and her hands gripped tightly around the edges of the fountains frame. Her knuckles were going white, she was going white. Everything around her was moving in a sort of slow motion, her ears ringing loudly.
“Who?!” Someone called out, and a chorus of others chimed in. Soon enough, the crowd was in hysterics, trying to find out who this girl was.
Meanwhile, the princes were just as anxious. Loki was livid, snarling at the man as though he’d been the one to be so cruel to the boys, and not their own father.
“How in the norns did this happen?!” He demanded, looking quite ready to strangle the poor guy.
“Loki murder is not the answer!” Thor said, pulling his brother away.
“Well then finding this girl and how she managed to convince our father to play such a cruel trick on his own sons is!” He growls back, analyzing the chaos below.
Then, he saw her. The redhead from before, the one who ran into them both in the hall, the one who caught their eyes. The girl was pale as a sheet, staring into nothing, breathing heavy. Loki knew instantly the girl they were looking for was her. And he made sure Thor knew it too.
“Astrid? Astrid!” Liv whispered, not wanting more attention on them. She carefully splashes Astrids back with the cool water from the fountain behind her, earning a gasp in response.
“Thanks.” Astrid mumbles, slowly returning to herself.
But when she looks back up at Liv, she sees a guards finger pointed at her. And then she sees thousands of pairs of eyes. And all of them are on her.
Summary: In the midst of Odin’s death, a will is to be read. Asgard is overjoyed, but still in mourning. It is clear everything will go to one of his two sons, Prince Thor or Prince Loki, and there’s hardly a question as to which will win everything. But what if neither of them does?? What if, with a major catch, a young maid is the name they find written and bound to the throne…
Warnings: violence, angst, potentially some steam…
Pairings: OC x Loki/ OC x Thor (Love triangle)
Key Characters:
Astrid Ivarsdottir
“I am not a game for you to play. I am the player, and I will win.”
Thor Odinson
“I may be kind, but that is not to say I will not strike back in a time of need. Ruling me out is your own mistake.”
Loki Odinson
“You tell me, is it the truth or am I just very persuasive? Even I can’t tell the difference sometimes.”
Pairing: Thor x F!Reader Wordcount: 10K Warnings: Explicit AF. Rough smut. Serious GORE. Sex Pollen. Post-Thor 1 (pretend Loki is forgiven). Hair being pulled/fisted. Orcs being maimed. Thor being a dick. Brief allusions to attempted assault. Summary: Thor broke your heart. He wants to fix it. Things get heated in a cave. A/N: idk what this is, but the thor inspo is peak
The woods on Asldan were full of shadows - heavy with the perfume of soil and rain-slick leaves. A gloom ensnared the air, sagging like a wet blanket upon Thor’s shoulders. He could see his breath as he ventured deeper, the temperature dropping with each passing hour. The trees were tall on this planet, taller than any on Asgard and yet they did nothing to insulate the area, provide a brush of heat.
Thor tilted his head up, studying how the thick gray branches blotted out the scarlet shade of the moon.
A blood moon. According to his brother, his power was useless here.
He didn’t like it. He didn’t like that this land was foreign to him. He didn’t like feeling hindered by the natural elements of said land where danger could lurk close. He absolutely loathed the fact that shewas here with him. He could not concentrate with her striding ahead - a constant in his field of vision.
Yep. This is it. I swear tg you capture Thor and his character/personality FLAWLESSLY. Not to mention the way you write smut…*chef’s kiss* is a complete understatement. Bravo. Seriously, this was fantastic
I’m so glad you liked it!! The most important thing for me is to get him right
As much as I love the fanfic trope that thor loses control of his powers during s*x, it’s must be soooo awkward for everyone else in Asgard. Like, imagine just being an Average Asgardian™, enjoying a lovely sunny day outside of the palace and out of nowhere there’s a sudden clash of thunder and you realise that your future King is doing the nasty in the middle the day. How do you react? Do you mention it to the guy next to you? Do you clap?
Summary: (Y/N) starts to sense a pattern whenever Thor tells stories of his brother, and she can’t help but point it out to him.
Characters:Thor Odinson x Reader
Meanings:(Y/N)=Your name
Warnings:Arguing, fluff
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As Thor told me yet another tale about Loki, I had to stop myself making faces or rolling my eyes, because I knew what was coming next as he spoke. Although he was telling the story in a joyful way, I knew that he had gone through a lot of hurt due to his brother. This was how the anecdote would go: Thor was the hero, he needed help, bargains with Loki, everything goes smoothly until Loki betrays him and/or fakes his death. The day would still be saved but Thor was still upset over his brother.
“My love, did you hear what I said?” Thor asked.
“Yes, I did.” I didn’t mean to snap.
“What is wrong? Did something happened today? I’m sorry, I never asked, I just started rambling.”
“No, nothing happened today. It’s just…” I didn’t know how to go about this without hurting his feelings.
“Yes?”
“Thor, these stories are all the same.”
“Oh, I do not believe they are, I’ve been on many adventures and quests, none are the same as the other.”
“Not the stories per say. It seems that every time Loki is involved he…he uses you.”
He scoffed with a smile.“What?”
“He always either betrays you or lies to you about dying. I just thought after all these times, maybe you would clock onto it.”
“Are you saying I’m stupid?” he stood from the bed where we had been lying opposite each other.
I sat up.“No, of course not! It’s more like, you’re too trusting.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“Sometimes it is.”
“You don’t know Loki, you’ve never met him.”
“I know, but what else am I supposed to think when all the stories you tell me portray him as the cunning one?”
“That’s what he is though, the God of Mischief, it’s in his nature.”
“I understand that Thor, but I thought mischief might mean playing tricks on people. Not invading Earth.”
“I told you about that time he turned into snake and bit me, right?”
I sighed, it either wasn’t getting through to him or he was too stubborn to admit I was right.
“You don’t know my brother. He’s…misunderstood. He did not receive the love father gave me as we grew up.”
“Well, that’s very unfortunate but what did you ever do to him?”
I could see he was getting angry now. I really didn’t want this to turn into an argument, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. But if I couldn’t tell him, who could?
“Thor, please can you just sit down? I really didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Well I can’t stop thinking about it now. Who else sees me as an idiot? Was I a fool in front of all of my family and friends, my friends from work?”
He was pacing now, slowly, but it was clear to see he was trying to keep calm. When he was angry it wasn’t pretty. He had never directed it at me, and I know he wouldn’t now, however this had hit a nerve.
“No one sees you that way.” I crawled to the egde of the bed, now sat on top of my knees.“I only brought it up because I don’t like thinking of you in those situations. I just…it sounded like you didn’t realise what was happening in those moments.”
“I would like to see you battling monsters and evil men, I don’t think you would come out of it lightly.” he spat.
My mouth dropped open. Now I was angry too. I stood on the bed, only just coming to eye level with him.
“This isn’t about me winning any battles! I know I wouldn’t last a second out there. Why aren’t you acknowledging this?”
“Because no matter how many times I gave him a chance he let me down!”
A sudden crack of thunder made me jump, I faltered on the bed, almost falling. Thor moved to steady me until he saw that I quickly regained myself. But it was weet to see him still caring even though we were bickering.
I let a few seconds pass by, a small trickle of rain gently hit against the windows. OK, it wasn’t a huge storm, that was a good thing.
“Thor,” I gently said, stepping down to the floor,“I’m sorry for confronting you about this. I thought maybe you were in denial. And I understand why you would be. You love Loki, you want to give him second chances because you’re a good person, you see the good in everyone. But you can’t let yourself be in harms way when things like that happen. What if the next time he betrayed you-”
“There may not be a next time!” he then looked like he was thinking.“Oh, I’m beginning to see what you mean.”
I calmly continued.“What if next time he betrays you, you get seriously hurt, or killed even! And even if Loki quickly regretted his decision, it could be too late to save you.”
Thor lowered his head. He hated being wrong, just like I did. I watched as he turned his back to me, sitting on the end of the bed. I had learned that although Thor liked to be alone with his thoughts, he did need a calmer person to talk things through, make him see this all from a different perspective.
“I didn’t meant to make you sad.” I mumbled, looking out at the rain.“I hope you know I said all this because I love you. It would crush me to see Loki go behind your back again.”
He didn’t say anything, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. Slowly I approached him, kneeling on the bed again but behind him. I rested my whole body on his back, wrapping my arms around his torso as much as I could.
“Please talk to me.”
“I know you are right. But I don’t want you to be.”
Oh, he sounded so sad.
“Neither do I. You now I didn’t say it out of spite against you or Loki. It’s just hard to paint a pretty picture of him.”
“I know.”
I kissed the back of his shoulder.“Do you want to be alone?”
“No.” he placed a hand over mine.“But, please can we not talk about this anymore?”
“Of course.”
“I wish you could meet him. Or have met him before he turned into what he is now.”
“Me too.”
“I hate disloyalty and dishonesty. I am sorry I got angry but it is a difficult subject for me to talk about.”
“I know. Shall we just go back to lying down together?”
