Soft humming echoed through the halls of the prince's shared chambers as a beautiful princess ran a brush through the matted hair of a servant.

That morning when Andromeda woke up from only a few hours of disturbed slumber, she was presented with Alva. It seemed Thor put out word for her before he left. The poor girl was wearing rags and her face was dirty. With the princess being the mother she was, she ran her a bath and gave her one of her gowns. Andromeda had even called for the royal tailor to make her more outfits that would suit her.

It was a welcome distraction for the royal, as she did not have to think about the two princes currently feuding in her home realm.

Alva's hair was soon silky and Andromeda braided it back with dexterous hands, weaving a white ribbon into the blonde locks. "Alright, that should hold you for the day." She smiled, patting the young girl's shoulders. "Now, follow me to the garden."

Alva nodded and smiled back, getting up from the vanity to obey her command. She had grown into such a pretty girl and Andromeda was sure that if her status were higher, she'd have many suitors. Her blonde hair was to the small of her back and her eyes were a bright blue, just like her brother's. In Andromeda's gown, she looked like a proper lady and the princess couldn't help but proudly beam.

Not too far from them, Asger walked behind, as he was now her personal guard. Andromeda took very good care of her children.

Stepping outside, she felt the warmth of the sun and it added to her calm. "I water my plants everyday first thing in the morning." Andromeda chimed, going into the clear greenhouse and handing a watering can to Alva. "You can start with the roses over there, I'll get the daisies." Grabbing her own watering can, she made her way to the otherside of the garden. She glanced at Asger standing at the entrance stoically and smiled, teasing, "You may sit if you like, Sir Asger."

The warrior turned pink and shook his head, remaining at his post. Andromeda hid her smile and made her way around the garden, her plants greeting her as she passed. She looked to the siblings before kneeling down, humming to the buds. The royal was so lost in her garden that she did not hear her name called. She jumped as a hand was placed on her shoulder, she looked up to see Sif.

Andromeda rose slowly and smiled in greeting, "Sif, it is great to see you."

"I came as soon as I heard." The brunette warrior said discreetly, glancing at the siblings behind her.

Andromeda caught on quickly, "Give us a moment." They both nodded and Alva closed the double doors behind them. The friends took a seat on the stone bench and Sif was the first to speak.

"How are you?"

The princess smiled tightly, "Neutral. I think all of my anger was drained last night and now I am just… neutral." She muttered, "Any word from Thor?"

Sif shook her head, "Not as of late. I had not even known he left until he was gone."

Andromeda hummed and nodded, "He would not listen to reason earlier this morning, he had too much fire in his heart and you know how he gets when he sets his mind to something."

"Oh I know all too well." Sif shared a small smile with the royal, before her eyes searched her friend's face once more. "Do you want to talk about it?"

The princess froze for a moment before shaking her head, her gaze slowly falling to her lap. She felt a comforting hand on her shoulder and she sighed, "Sif… I know he is treacherous but he was my first love. He saved my life many times over and I can't help but-!" She stopped herself and bit her lip, tears lining her eyes, "I guess I'm not as 'neutral' about it as I thought."

Sif wrapped her arms around Andromeda and stroked her back, murmuring words of comfort. Buds around them bowed their heads, some even closing, but they did not pay any attention to that. "It is no secret that I have a certain distaste for Loki, but I understand."

"It's just," Andromeda swallowed, "I know that he's either going to end up dead or he's going to come back here and be placed in exile. I do not know which would be worse; knowing that he is gone or having the knowledge of him always being there but just beyond my reach." Taking a shaky breath, she wiped both of her eyes, looking up at Sif. "I just wish I could help."

Sif smiled tightly, her heart aching for her friend. "Always such the mother, Andromeda." The comment got a smile out of the princess and she continued on, "I am sure Thor will make the right decision when the moment comes, he is hard headed but he has his moments," She paused before smiling, "Like when he chose you."

Andromeda blinked in surprise but nodded silently, laying her head on her friend's shoulder. The two women just sat there in silence for a long while, an occasional sigh shared between them. Sif was there to comfort her best friend, position be damned. Even though they had differences in the past, they were still close as ever, and they would do anything to protect each other. The dark beauty was part of the reason that she would always detest Loki. He made one of the most beautiful souls cry.

Sif glanced over the head of Andromeda as the doors to the garden opened. Her eyes widened and she bowed her head, nudging the princess. Andromeda furrowed her brows and looked up, before she also bowed her head.

"Queen Frigga." The princess greeted, standing up to properly bow. Sif followed her and the queen waved her hand.

"Lady Sif, if you could give us a moment."

The warrior nodded and placed a fist over her heart before leaving the garden and closing the doors. Andromeda rose from her bow and her eyes widened as the queen wrapped her arms around her.

"Oh darling," She sighed, petting her hair, "How are you?"

"I'm alright." Andromeda breathed, pulling away from the embrace to look at her, "Are you alright?"

"My eldest has gone off to face my youngest." The queen recounted with a sad smile, "As a queen I feel very conflicted, as a mother I am heartbroken." Her voice cracked and Andromeda frowned, leading her to the stone bench as she began to weep.

The princess held the queen just as Sif had held her. Through all of her emotion she had forgotten that Frigga was alone. She had the king, sure, but who could truly understand the hurt a mother feels for her children? Andromeda couldn't, not completely, but she knew how it felt to lose your family; she knew that all too well. She patted Frigga on the back, and whispered words of comfort in her ear.

"I am sure it will all be fine." Andromeda muttered, though her heart was advising against it. She pulled away from the queen to look into her eyes, "Thor will bring him back to you… to us." She added with a reassuring smile, the words echoing in her own head.

"I am sure you are right." Queen Frigga sniffled, a watery laugh coming from her lips, "You always have a kind word to say and for that I appreciate you." The woman raised Andromeda's hands up to her lips and pressed a kiss against her knuckles, "Truly, you are like the daughter I never had."

Andromeda smiled prettily, "Thank you, your majesty."

"No, thank you Andromeda." Queen Frigga winked, patting her knee, "Would you like to join me for lunch?"

"Of course." The princess nodded graciously, the two women raising from the bench. Andromeda waited to let Frigga walk ahead of her, but the queen looped her arm through hers, forcing her to ignore the formality.

An hour later they were in the queen's garden with empty plates and refilled chalices. Frigga's fair complexion had a red tint to it, giving away the fact that they had been drinking. Andromeda's dark skin gave no such hint.

"Andromeda I want grandchildren this millenia." The queen complained, giggling in her chair.

"All mother-!"

"Oh hush," Frigga snapped, "You are family, call me my given name."

"Frigga," Andromeda stressed with a laugh of her own, "I would like to be married first."

"Then say 'yes'." The queen blurted before placing a hand over her mouth, "Excuse me."

"Consider it forgotten." The princess sung, though her smile faltered a bit. She hid it with a gulp of her drink. They continued to chat idly, giggling at the little quips they'd make before they were interrupted by Asger.

The young boy fell to one knee and lowered his head. "I am sorry to interrupt, your majesty, but there is a pressing matter."

Andromeda blinked, sharing a look with the queen. "Excuse me, Frigga." She muttered, standing up. She touched Asger on his shoulder and he rose, keeping his head down as he lead her into the hallway. "What's this about?"

"I have been instructed not to tell you." Asger uneasily answered, making a beeline for her chambers.

"By who?" The princess questioned, just as the doors were opened for her. In her common room stood her lover, fresh cuts on his face. Andromeda's eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms. "Leave us." She heard the door close and she huffed, "That was quick."

"I need your help." Thor rasped at the same time.

The scowl on the princess' pretty face melted away and her arms dropped, "What happened?" She breathed, quickly walking up to him.

"It's bad, Andromeda." Thor muttered, shaking his head, "He… It's really bad." Andromeda's heart dropped and she put a comforting hand on his chest plate. "So many people are dead. He's beyond reason, he won't…" Thor paused, his nostrils flaring, "He won't listen to anyone…"

"But he might listen to me." Andromeda finished his thought, as he buried a hand in her hair and pressed his forehead against hers.

"I didn't want to put you in danger." The blonde rasped, hugging her to him, "I thought I could handle it myself. I'm sorry."

Andromeda nodded, brushing a hand over his cheek and smiling tightly, "When do we have to leave?"

"As soon as possible."

"Okay." The princess breathed, "Okay." She pressed her lips against his and removed herself from him and hurrying to the bedroom. She replaced her dress with a white one with slits up the sides for mobility, then slipped slippers onto her feet and a cloak around her shoulders. Sweeping her curls up into a ponytail, she braided her locs down tying it off with a string. Putting her satchel over her head, she walked back out to see Thor ready for her.

"Let's go."

Following him to the balcony, he tugged her close and swung mjolnir over his head, sending them flying. They landed right outside of the observatory and as they walked up the steps, Andromeda's heart dropped a little. She caught sight of the dark guardian and bowed her head, feeling bad about her words.

Thor ushered her the transportation point and she glanced at Heimdall, smiling tightly as he nodded at her. As the light began to flash around them, Andromeda held on to Thor tightly, her heart rate increasing. The last time she had traveled this way was after her wedding."I've got you." The prince assured, rubbing her arms comfortingly. She closed her eyes tightly and held her breath, her braid whipping around.

Andromeda felt the wind around her slow and the light in front of her eyes dimmed. She felt earth beneath her feet and even so, Thor kept his arms around her. "We're here." He breathed, caressing her back.

Popping an eye open, she was underwhelmed with how… gray everything looked. "Oh my gods… what happened?"

Thor furrowed his brows and looked around before laughing heartily. "Oh Andromeda, this isn't Earth! We're on a helicarrier."

"A what?" Andromeda questioned, eyeing the oddly dressed people around her. "Why is everything so dark?"

"Thor." A voice sounded from their side and Andromeda looked to see a man dressed in black with a patch over his eye. "Is this her?"

"It is." Andromeda answered for herself, turning to the man. "Princess Andromeda of Aethiopia, and you are?"

"Director Nick Fury, Shield." The dark man introduced, glancing at Thor, "Come in and meet the rest of the team, your highness."

"Gladly." Andromeda breathed, looking around uneasily. Thor placed his hand on the small of her back protectively and led her as they followed the director.

"The Earth is a lot different from the one you remember, I'm sure." The director made conversation as they entered a metal fortress.

"I would not know, for this is not the Earth." The princess replied smartly, smiling innocently when he glanced back at her. Thor pinched her side teasingly and she elbowed him back.

The director opened a door for her and motioned for her to enter. She did and four eyes fell on her as the conversation they had died. Andromeda's whole body exuded regality and her eyes danced from person to person, before looking back at Thor.

"Everyone," The prince's voice boomed, "This is Princess Andromeda."

"Andromeda?" The dark-haired men questioned, his tone inherently snarky, "As in the myth of Andromeda?"

Andromeda nodded, not bothering to add in her title of princess, "Of Aethiopia."

"I thought you died." The dark-haired man bluntly stated and she smiled tightly.

"Sorry to disappoint."

"No offense, ma'am," A man with blonde hair addressed her formally, "But how do we know you're on our side?"

"What other side would I be on?" Andromeda retorted, folding her hands in front of her, "Earth is my home, I was born here. I had friends, family, a kingdom here. Why would I want to aid in its destruction?"

"She's right." The only woman in the room besides her nodded, crossing her arms in the corner, "And she might be our only chance at cracking Loki."

"I am here to help." The princess assured, looking to Thor, "In any way I can." Looking back to the group. Her eyes fell on the man with silver and black strands, his uneasiness apparent to her. "You have not spoken yet," She started, with a small smile, "Do you distrust me, too?"

The unnamed man returned her smile with an uneasy one of his own, his eyes flickering to the side, "I think it's worth a shot."

"Great." Andromeda replied sincerely with a pretty smile that lit up the room, he turned away from her bashfully. "What's the plan?"

"Just talk to him." Director Fury answered, crossing his arms, "He won't be expecting you and if we catch him off his game he might tell you his plan."

"And if he does not?"

"He will." Thor assured her, "If I had any doubt I would not have brought you here."

"I'd tell you anything you wanted to know." The snarky man threw in, earning a sharp glare from her.

"And I would tell my guards to execute you and feed the meat to my goats." The princess retorted, as the other woman in the room spoke up.

"I tried to talk with him earlier but I got nothing. Which is...very uncommon for me. He needs someone he has a history with."

"When?" Andromeda asked, a little worry bleeding into her tone.

"Preferably soon." The director replied.

Andromeda nodded with a sigh and removed her cloak, revealing her gown. She undid the string around her braid and unraveled it, her curls flowing down in a high ponytail. Raising her chin again, she turned to the director, "Where is he?"

A few minutes later, she was walking down a metal ramp, the rest of the team observing her in the meeting room. A little bug was placed in her ear and she resisted the urge to take it out, she was told it was for communication. A year, it had been a whole year and she was about to see her first love. She had to be strong, strong like her mother Cassiopeia before her. Raising her chin and lowering her shoulders, she sauntered across the walkway like it was her coronation. The closer she got the more she could make out his figure, standing tall. Her dress flowed behind her and her dark thighs were exposed by the slits, she looked like the second coming, which coincidentally, she could be. She could make out his eyes now and they were narrowed.

Andromeda stopped in front of the glass cell and crossed her hands in front of her, looking up at the rogue prince. It was silent for a moment and the princess noted that his eyes were not the forest green she remembered, instead they were bright blue.

"This is a trick." Loki nodded a tilt to his lips, "You are not real."

"I could say the same for you." Andromeda retorted, allowing a small smile to spread across her lips. Her eyes danced across his clammy skin and his dark bags but all she said was, "Your hair is longer."

"So is yours." Loki fully smiled at her, "I am happy to see you but you are here a bit too early, I'm afraid."

The beauty's breath hitched and she furrowed her brow, "What do you mean?"

"Well I was coming to get you of course," The forgotten man smiled slyly, "After the battle was over."

"What battle?" Andromeda questioned, trying not to sound so desperate, "Loki you have killed people. My people."

"Only humans." Loki dismissed with a wave of his hand, "Their lifespans are short anyway, I only helped them along."

The princess shook her head in disbelief, placing a hand over her stomach, "You are talking about me, you are talking about my family. You speak as if I am not one of those short lived humans."

"You aren't. I made sure of that." Loki assured, placing a hand to the glass, "I'm doing this for you. You lost your kingdom and I shall grant you a new one, a better one. We will rule side by side as it was always intended."

Andromeda shook her head again and a tear fell down her cheek, "Intended by who?"

"By me, by the cosmos." The prince explained with a sick grin, "It is our birthright. Aren't you tired of being a princess only in title? I am offering you a chance to be queen." He hissed before his tone lowered, "My queen."

"These people are not your birthright, Loki. They g-!"

"They are yours." Loki interjected before she could finish and she shook her head.

"They govern themselves," Andromeda continued, "They are different from the time I was here, more advanced, more-!"

"Destructive and dim!" Loki snapped, rolling his eyes, "They need a ruler, they need guidance. I will rule as a benevolent god."

Andromeda scoffed and crossed her arms, "And how is killing them benevolent?"

Loki smiled grimly, "I am putting them out of the misery of living."

"What happened to you?" Andromeda breathed, searching his eye, "Did the fall from the rainbow bridge change you so? You were mischievous before sure, but not like this. Never like this."

"How could you have known what I was to become?" Loki sneered, his eyes narrowing, "You were too busy following after my brother. I would not be surprised if you were overjoyed when I was gone."

"How dare you." The princess' voice boomed, her eyes ablaze, "I mourned," She stressed, "For ages after you disappeared, I was mourning the day the guard came to inform us that you were alive. I have loved you from my infancy until now and you dare to accuse me of rejoicing in your death? Me? Who held you in my arms as you cried? Me? Who begged to mother your child? Me? Who begged you to marry me," Her voice cracked as angry tears welled in her eyes, "When you couldn't even care enough to stop sleeping with the help." She sniffed, her angry resolve melting, "You tried to destroy me, after all I had been through that you knew, you tried to destroy me. And now here you are begging me to be your queen in one breath and insulting me in the next!" Her words echoed around them and she caught her breath, wiping the tear that fell from her cheek. "Loki," She began again lowly, closing her eyes, "Leave these people alone."

The power of her words resonated in the prison and as she stood there with her eyes closed and her skin glowing, she represented peace and maternity for her planet, for her realm.

"It's too late." Came Loki's response, soft and non combative, "I can't stop this."

Andromeda opened her eyes, which had melted from the fiery pits they were before. She placed a dainty hand on the glass and looked up at the prince, the same look she used to give him. "Why?" She whispered.

The prince's inner turmoil showed on his face as he battled himself to answer her. He slowly placed his hand where hers was on the glass and shook his head. His glowing blue eyes dimmed and green took their place for just a moment. "Go home, Andromeda."

"Loki…" The beauty breathed, seeing the vulnerability of the man she used to know, "Whatever it is, we can fix it. I'll help you, you know I will help you."

A sharp pounding on the glass, made Andromeda jump and the glass prison holding him jolted as well, a sharp metal attaching to it. "Go home, Andromeda." Loki again, his eyes fully overtaken by the bright blue. "Go back to Asgard where everyone loves you and your lover is to be king. Go back to reading stories to the children and yearning for your own but knowing you won't have one. Go back to your pathetic attempt at being royalty when you don't even have a kingdom to rule over. And go back to your pathetic attempt at replacing me in your heart." He hissed, each word running over her like acid, "You speak to me as if I'm a monster but do you know whose side your on? They have the real monster."

A static noise sounded in her ear, followed by Director Fury's voice, "We got it, your highness. Fall back."

Andromeda thinned her lips in a tight smile and looked over Loki once more, "I pray to the gods at night for your peace of mind and safety. And even though you are sick now, a part of me will always love you, remember that." She chimed before turning her back, "Goodbye."