Echo’s face flashed in my head, and I smiled. “Yes.”
“I hope we get to meet him. We want to make sure he is worthy of you,” he continued, and I stared at him with round eyes. He wasn’t serious.
“Stop teasing the child. She is free to choose her consort without our consent.”
“Our son can do that. Different rules apply to daughters.” His expression was serious. The goddess groaned.
“He’s been impossible ever since we learned you were alive. He wants to show you off, but no one is allowed to take you away from us. He made a list of potential suitors then burned it because none of them was good enough. He had no idea what you looked like or your taste in men, but he listed qualities of your future consort.”
I stared at him with wide eyes. “He did?”
“Of course, I did. I’m your father. He must be handsome and honorable. He must come from a good stock. He must put your interest above his and all others. He must be willing to break every rule for you. He must be strong, smart, fast, and unstoppable when it comes to protecting you and your realm.”
He’d just described Echo.
“Here, eat something.” The goddess broke a piece of bread and placed it in his mouth, shutting him up. “And stop embarrassing our daughter. She doesn’t need a man to protect her or the realm. She can do it all by herself.”
Their open display of affection was sweet, but my mind was on what Baldur had said. My realm? What realm? I took a bite while my mind raced. The food was really good. The loaves flaky on the outside and moist on the inside. The meat was tasty. It was so good I temporarily forgot about my realm and the tumbler of apple juice Litr had poured.
I didn’t get a chance to ask them what they meant because Maera entered the room and hurried to the goddess’ side. She whispered in her ear. The expression on the goddess’ face changed.
“Excuse us, Daughter,” she said and stood. A portal opened beside her, and she swept through it.
Baldur followed, leaving me with Liltr and Maera. The two exchanged worried glances.
“What’s going on?”
“It appears we have a visitor,” Maera said, sounding angry.
“Is that bad?” I asked.
“Someone talked about your arrival. The visitor claims he is here to heal Celestia, but I know him, the self-opportunist Dwarf. He’s heard about your arrival and, as usual, came bearing gifts. Unfortunately, he is Baldurson’s friend, so the goddess cannot throw him out. If he corners you, kick him between the legs.”
I tried not to grin. A Dwarf interested in me? Not sure how to respond, I left the dining room and went to join Eirik.
Chapter 11. Dwarves, Grimnirs, And Warriors
Eirik looked so much better.
“Where are Father and Mother?” he asked.
“They went to meet a friend of yours, who’s come bearing gifts. A Dwarf. Maera calls him an opportunist.”
“Lavion. Can you stay with Celestia?”
I nodded, and he took off. I settled against the seat when voices reached me from the living room and the others arrived. I recognized Hayden and her mother. The other two—the redhead from my memories and the blonde—had visited Celestia while she was helping Dev in Miami. The other three were new, but I guessed the older man was Celestia’s father, Richard. He had the same startling blue eyes. The other woman could be her mother. Something about her face reminded me of Celestia. The younger guy could be anyone, but the way he glanced at Celestia and went pale said he cared about her.
“When did you get here, Cora?” Hayden asked, pulling away from the others.
“A couple of hours ago.” My eyes went to Trudy. “Hey, Trudy. Thanks for taking me to Raine’s wedding. I would have missed it if it weren’t for you, Hayden, and Celestia.”
Everyone’s gaze went to Celestia, and an awkward silence followed before Hayden broke it as she introduced the crew from Windfall. The woman was Celestia’s aunt, and the guy was Celestia’s cousin, Zack.
“Everyone, this is Eirik’s sister, Cora.” I got bows and curtsies until I told them to stop. I ignored the stares and focused on Celestia. A loud sound came from outside the hall, and everyone glanced at each other uneasily, but no one spoke. When it happened again, I knew something was wrong.
“What is that?”
“Garm,” she said. “Did you meet him?”
“Yes. What’s wrong with him?”
Trudy looked at Celestia. “He knows something is wrong. Dogs are very sensitive. Usually Eirik takes him out, and he hasn’t since Saturday. Would you like to look around?”
“I promised Eirik I’d stay with Celestia until he returns.”
“We’ll watch over her,” Tammy said, and Celestia’s aunt nodded.
I glanced at the door, then Celestia. Eirik would never forgive me if anything happened to her while he was gone. I was saved from explaining when he entered with the flashiest Dwarf I’d ever seen. Litr was behind them, and from his expression, he didn’t approve of Lavion either.
The Dwarf was dressed in a red and black cloak lined with fur, his hair reaching past his shoulders, tiny braids on his beard and the tips tied with gold beads. He looked like a stage performer. Gothic rings on his fingers and matching chains around his neck finished his outlandish outfit. I wasn’t the only one staring. Trudy tried to hide behind Jessica.
Eirik introduced him to everyone, starting with the crew from Windfall before moving to me. “My sister, Einmyria.”
The Dwarf kissed the back of my hand. “Welcome to Helheim, Einmyria. Baldurson deliberately forgot to tell me he had a sister. Now I see why. You are exquisite,” he added, winking at me.
“And you are very handsome,” I said.
He laughed. “I like your sister, Baldurson.”
“And this is my other sister, Jessica.”
Lavion didn’t mask his confusion as his eyes volleyed between Jessica and me. “Another one? You’ve been holding out on me, man.”
“They are both unavailable to you, Lavion,” Eirik said.
“You wound me, my friend. I’m charming and rich. I could have them both as my consorts. No, three of them.” He glanced at Trudy and grinned. “I haven’t forgotten you, my lovely Trudnir.” She made a face but didn’t respond.
Not bothered by her indifference, he crossed his arms and levitated. When the people around the bed gasped, he bowed.
“Dwarf magic is the best there is,” he explained. “My people make all the weapons used by the gods, Valkyries, and Grimnirs. Ask Baldurson. We make all artavo, his gunnlogi. I’m sure you’ve seen him wield it. Then there’s Thor’s mjornir, Odin’s gungnir, and jewelry so beautiful the goddesses are willing to do anything to acquire it. I’ll have to make something that rivals the beauty of the women of Eljudnir.” He bowed and switched focus to Celestia, resting his hand on her forehead, then her chest. “Her energy is weak but not that faint.”
My eyes met Eirik’s, and guilt followed.
“She should be tired but still up and about. This is very strange. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” He glanced at Eirik. “I need to consult our head healer in Nidavellir and get back to you.”
“Thanks, Lavion. Maera will prepare your quarters if you plan on spending the night.”
“No, my friend,” the Dwarf said, returning to the floor. “I’m going home posthaste to consult our healer. She might have answers. She’s already heard about Celestia’s healing abilities and how she’s helped families in Eastern Gj?ll Pass. Sleep ceases to matter when a young life is in danger. I’ll come back with answers as soon as I can.”
I was impressed. My watch said it was after six and it had to be dark outside, but he was willing to ignore his comfort for Celestia. That was loyalty. He and Eirik were headed to the door when Lavion stopped and glanced at me.
“I hope we meet again, Einmyria,” he said, bowing.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I said.
He chuckled. “I like her, Baldurson.”