"They were not unprotected. Hermione is able to care for herself and I believed you to be taking care of them, as well. However, like I said, it appears that I was wrong." Loki paused, his body weakening with every passing second. After a tense silence, he was able to continue. "Do you not care to keep the things we love safe? I protected Asgard in your absence, though it was my fault that you were not there to protect it yourself."