Thor carried the limp form through the halls in a rush, not caring that he left a dripping red trail behind him as he made for the throne room. He was moving so quickly he didn't notice the odd stares he was getting from those around him… nor did he notice the raven haired man watching curiously and scheming all the while.

The crown prince of Asgard skidded around a corner, nearly dropping his groaning buddle, and found himself in front of the throne room doors. He barged through the protesting guards, who regretted to inform him that his father was busy with the lords of the realm, and yanked one of the doors open. Barreling into the middle of the room, the blond roared to get everyone's attention.

"Thor, what drives you to interrupt this meeting?" Odin snapped, clearly peeved. The king's one eye followed the trail of blood from the door to the bundle in his son's arms and he stiffened.

"No time to explain, save this girl." Thor held the bundle forward, which was actually a woman in her early to mid twenties wrapped in the prince's cape.

"Who is she?" Odin gripped his staff with one hand and curled his other into a fist.

"Does it matter? She was a casualty in an attack by a lindworm on Midgard."

Odin rose and stepped away from his throne to inspect the girl. Her pale face was covered in sweat and smears of blood. Her bleached blonde hair was streaked with blood as well and her eyes were shut tightly. Her breathing was frantic and she had an enormous gushing hole in her abdomen and two smaller holes on her shoulders.

"Set her down." The king ordered and Thor hastily lowered her to the floor.

"Can you save her?"

"I can."

"Thank you, Father-"

"Can and will are two different things, my son."

"Father?" Thor's brow furrowed.

"She is a Midgardian whom we know nothing of. Perhaps the Norns have fated her to die this day. Who am I to stand against them?"

"If you can save her then I know she is not destined to die. She is an innocent. Her only fault being at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Oh? And you know her so well as to say that she is innocent of all crimes?"

"No, but-"

"If she were someone close to you or our family then I would gladly spare her life."

Thor clenched his fists and was about to let loose a torrent of arguments. He stopped himself though and simply turned and marched from the room, leaving the girl on the floor, gasping.

"Let no one touch her. I will be back." He growled as he darted from the throne room.