"I know you have done much more with far less time in some of your schemes," Thor said, clutching the tray so that it nearly bent in his grasp. He embraced his brother fully then before he stepped away and watched Loki go. Thor waited for nearly an hour before he called his slaves back to him to clean up the mess and named Samuel temporary personal slave until he could travel to the unclaimed village and choose another, younger, moldable Midgardian to take over. There was no talk of Steven. No questions asked or gossip to be had. Thor adored his slaves, appreciated them, and the meal he had prepared for them for when their labours were over proved as much.

When Loki returned, he would find Anthony waiting for him, questioning the way that no other slave would dare. "I've sent him off to get some rubes and tunics made in your colors," he said, arms crossed over Loki's symbol on his chest. He tilted his head ever so slightly. Loki always seemed to like it when he looked up at him through his eyelashes like that. "I've pretty much put two and two together, but Steven's not saying a word and I'm not going to insult you, my prince, by saying anything out loud. I just... I kind of think we don't really need him, though."

There was Anthony's jealousy peeking out again.

"Maybe he could teach me to defend myself or fight a little better but...." Anthony frowned. "I want to be enough for you. Tell me how I can make it so that I am." He loved Steven....but he loved Loki far more.