Among the Stars

Chapter 5

Loki drank in the sight as Jane's face shifted to nakedly reflect her fear. He gazed appreciatively at the dress he'd so helpfully picked for her and that left her so open to him. He would enjoy her fully before he destroyed her completely.

"I don't know how you're here," Jane said tautly, "But if you try anything I'll call the guards."

Loki's grin didn't falter. "They'll hear. They just won't care. They would join in if I asked them."

Jane's face went pale as she realized what he meant. It made her look even lovelier. She said nothing, but shifted to a more solid stance and watched him intently like a swordsman in a duel.

Loki approached her slowly. She didn't back away. She only tensed, and though her face was neutral, Loki could feel her terror filling the room.

"I suppose you're going to 'ravage me inside and out,'" She said. "Or perhaps 'shatter me like crystal'? You had such success last time you tried."

She was as sharp as ever, and Loki relished it. He drew close enough that she had to look up to meet his gaze.

"I was perhaps too rash in my attempt to cause my brother pain, and regretfully I underestimated you. I have had much time to reflect, and I will not make the same mistakes again."

Jane's eyes flashed suddenly. "What about Odin? Surely he-"

"Odin is dead." Loki cut her off.

"Then who is ruling Asgard?" Jane shot back.

"I am," Loki said. He shifted form to Odin.

For only an instant, Jane trembled. Then she steadied herself and stared back at Loki. "What have you done?" She whispered.

"The interesting part is what I'm going to do," Loki said. "I already control the palace guards. When Sif and her i***t friends return, they'll be met with enough guards to send them to Valhalla. And then no one will oppose me when I reveal myself and finally receive the adulation I deserve. There will be dissent initially, but not for long."

"What about Thor?" Jane asked defiantly.

"I have no plans to harm Thor. As an enemy of Asgard, he'll simply be exiled. It would be rather a light punishment if it wasn't for what I'll do to you."

"What's that?" Jane asked. She drew back like a mouse that heard a cat.

Loki reached out and cupped her neck with one hand. With the other he traced the scar around his neck.

"Look how you marred me," He hissed at Jane.

"Yes, it almost makes you look like a man," She spat.

He tightened his grip until she was gasping for breath.

"First, I'm going to show you what it's like to feel your flesh tearing like paper. Everyone who looks at you will see I've marked you as mine. And that's just the first scar. I'm going to scar you inside and out, and the next time Thor sees you he will cringe in disgust. And he'll be seeing a lot of you, since you're going to be my queen."

Jane stopped gasping and seemed utterly paralyzed with shock and surprise.

"Every day he will watch you share my throne, and every night he'll know you share my bed. I'm not even going to let you die. I will never tire of causing you pain. How was it you said Thor used to kiss you? I would hate to disappoint my bride."

He bent forward and kissed Jane's neck, releasing his grip as he approached the hollow of her throat. He drew up so he could move on to her ear.

Suddenly Jane leaned forward and kissed him right on the lips.

Instantly, Loki knew it was a trick. Last time she'd kissed him he'd gotten a knife in the back. He wouldn't fall for that again. He leaned into the kiss and waited for her to make her move.

Sure enough, he felt her leg tense as she prepared to send her knee flying upward. He stepped back out of range and smirked.

Then Jane slammed her heel into his foot with all her weight and shoved him backwards with both hands. There was a soft, brittle crack.

Loki's other foot was still in the air, and the backward momentum of his step combined with Jane's push toppled him backwards onto the ground. Jane whirled around and darted for the door. Loki leapt to his feet and almost fell forward as pain shot through his foot. He cursed as he forced himself upright. He could feel a tiny sliver of bone pressing into his flesh.

Jane was already out the door when he started after her. He couldn't help but admire her for dragging it out as long as she could. He was going to enjoy his crafty, mischievous queen.