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Arthur hadn't expected that finding Thor would be as difficult as it turned out to be.
And apparently, when a man is with his girlfriend, both his thoughts and behavior become... well, rather extravagant?
Arthur isn't sure if that's the right word.
But in any case, Thor is definitely being excessive right now— because when Arthur finally tracks him down, he finds the God of Thunder publicly making out with Jane Foster.
As someone who has taken on a leadership role among the new generation of heroes, Arthur thinks it would be a bit much to interrupt.
But given the urgency of the situation, he can't let Thor keep going like this.
If the world weren't at stake, he wouldn't care how long they kissed… but right now…
Arthur clears his throat.
Given Thor's enhanced senses, that should be enough to get his attention.
But despite Arthur's confidence, Thor completely ignores the interruption.
Arthur's mouth twitches. "Never underestimate a man in love."
He coughs again— this time, louder and more deliberately.
Still nothing.
Arthur's expression darkens as he strides forward. "Look, I get it. A year is a long time, and you've been holding back. But seriously? In public?"
Thor and Jane abruptly break apart, their expressions so reluctant that Arthur briefly wonders if some kind of Asgardian adhesive is involved.
"Arthur— when did you get here?" Thor asks, surprised.
"Oh, don't give me that," Arthur deadpans. "I've been standing here for three minutes. If I hadn't spoken up, I could've stood here for three hours."
"Jane wouldn't last three hours," Thor muses.
Jane's face turns crimson as she pinches his arm. "Thor!"
Thor chuckles, wrapping an arm around her. "It's fine, Arthur's my best friend."
Jane, still flustered, glances awkwardly at Arthur. It's clear she's an entirely different person when she's with Thor compared to when she's not. After a moment, she sighs. "I was wrong about what happened before."
Arthur waves a hand dismissively. "That's not important. What is important is that I need to borrow your boyfriend for a bit. Hope you don't mind."
Jane hesitates but nods. "Of course."
Despite her words, her gaze lingers on Thor with clear reluctance.
"Just for a while," Thor reassures her before kissing her cheek and turning to Arthur. "So, what's going on?"
Arthur raises an eyebrow. "You don't think just because you brought her to Asgard that everything is settled, do you?"
Thor stiffens. "Of course not. There's still a serious issue, and I need to find a way to save her."
"Well, before you save her, you might want to figure out what's happening to her first," Arthur says flatly. "Tell me, Thor— have you ever heard of the Dark Elves?"
"That's an old bedtime story from my childhood." Thor frowns. "Wait, are you saying they're involved?"
Arthur smirks. "Let's just say you might be having a rather unfriendly reunion with some of those childhood 'fairy tale' characters soon."
"The Aether…" Thor suddenly looks grim. "I remember. The Dark Elves wanted to use it to consume the Nine Realms. But what does that have to do with us?"
Arthur falls silent, glancing at Jane, who is clearly trying to eavesdrop but quickly pretends to admire the scenery when he catches her.
Thor's expression shifts as realization dawns. He lets out a short laugh. "You're not telling me that the Aether is inside her, are you?"
Arthur folds his arms. "Isn't it obvious? The Aether is inside Jane. What do you think will happen when the Dark Elves figure that out? You think they'll just ignore her because she's in Asgard?"
Thor's smile fades. "I was told they had all fallen into a deep slumber."
Arthur's expression is grim. "And if the Aether awakens?"
Thor exhales sharply. "Then I can't guarantee they'll stay asleep. If they wake and learn where the Aether is, they won't hesitate. We need to be ready— I'll go speak with my father."
Arthur sighs. "I wouldn't count on Odin dealing with this right now. He's going through what I can only describe as a midlife crisis."
Thor narrows his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Arthur shrugs. "It's hard to say. He hasn't outright stated it, but it feels like he's slowly handing everything over to us."
"Not to us," Thor corrects, studying Arthur carefully. "To you."
Arthur blinks. "What?"
Thor folds his arms. "If you weren't so obviously different in height and complexion, I'd honestly start wondering if you were secretly related to my father. Are you sure we're not long-lost brothers?"
Arthur gives him a deadpan stare. "If you keep pushing this nonsense, I might have to challenge you to a duel for the dignity of my parents."
Thor grins. "It's not nonsense. Oh, by the way, you probably don't know this— but my father has granted you temporary authority to execute his orders."
Arthur freezes. "Wait, what?"
Thor nods. "As long as he doesn't revoke the command, your authority is equal to his."
Arthur gapes. "What is my relationship with him supposed to be, exactly?"
Thor chuckles. "That's what I'd like to know."
Arthur sighs, rubbing his temples. This is too much to process all at once.
After a moment, he looks up at Thor. "And you're fine with this?"
Thor nods without hesitation. "I no longer believe I have to be the sole ruler of Asgard. Leading the Nine Realms— or even just Asgard— isn't about brute force. I still have a lot to learn. In fact, in some ways, Loki is better suited for it than I am. He understands politics in a way I never could."
Arthur takes a second to close his slightly unhinged jaw. Staring at Thor in astonishment, he finally speaks. "You know, I suddenly feel a lot better for your father. Because you're starting to sound like someone who actually has the potential to be king. Self-awareness is a rare thing."
(End of this chapter)