Even though Steven would likely never be loyal to Loki properly, except as the beloved brother of his true master, he could not help a twinge of grateful respect for the lie told. It was convincing and, best of all, it turned what could have been great shame for Thor and himself into honour and nobility, into self sacrifice in the name of protecting someone dear to the crown prince.

He knew, of course, that he was here to stop Thor pining for him. And he knew that this was how it had to be, he wanted to serve his master and he didn't want to ruin things, and so he would bear this. He would take this on as though this had been the task actually given to him, standing up straighter.

"I will protect Prince Loki to my last breath, then. He will not come to harm under my guard and watch."

Steven didn't think about how this might usurp a little of Anthony's position or make him jealous. Personal slave he might be, but Anthony wasn't the warrior of the pair of them, surely he would see that protection rights should go to Steven.

"I will sire as many new babes as he wants me to, and I will return to my master with honour."

Treasonous talk, especially as Loki was his master now. To say otherwise was such an insult.