The last thing that Steven expected was for Anthony to try to go toe-to-toe with him physically, not when they both knew that he was by far the better warrior of the pair of them. Instinct almost had him tossing Anthony off, but affection held him still and made him listen to what his friend had to say.

He half bristled in return, because he would never be Loki's, not truly. He was Prince Thor's in his heart and he always would be, even if he were forced to wear another's colours and call another master verbally. He scowled up at Anthony.

"I know that you come first, and I'll take direction from you, but surely even you can see that I'm a better choice of bodyguard than you."

Perhaps his time with Thor had given him just a touch of arrogance.