“How did she do that?” I asked, moving closer to examine the baby.
“Astral images are like souls. While on Earth, they are in energy form, but the second they enter my realm, the magic here makes it possible for them to become solid. Like this little one. You just have to will it. She wanted to touch my hand, and she did, shifting from energy to solid.” Mother tried to free her finger, but the baby thought it was a game and giggled. “The last time a female Mortal astral projected here, my son ended up falling in love with her. I’m out of sons.” She said it calmly while still trying to get her hand back, and we laughed. The baby continued to give her toothy giggles. “Troublesome imp.”
“She’s adorable,” Trudy said. “Can I carry her?”
“Not yet,” Mother said, and Trudy made a face. “Do not get attached to her. She’s only staying here until someone finds her and transports her astral image back to her body. I’m sure her parents are worried about her. They’re probably keeping vigil by her body.” She glanced at Raine, who was inching closer to her father. “Raine, Einmyria tells me you help Mortals.”
“Yes, Goddess.”
“When you leave here, find this baby and ease her parents’ pain. I can imagine what they are going through.”
Raine nodded. “I can do that.”
“Good. Go spend time with your father. One of the guards can escort you to a guest room.” She finally freed her fingers and placed her hand on the baby’s head. “I can access her memories and see what she’s seen.” She frowned and tsked. “This poor child had latched onto some very wicked souls in her short life. Too many. Trudy, tell your mother we need a crib, food, and clothes. Then find Jess. The two of you will be in charge of her until her family is found. You and Hayden should suppress these horrific memories in her head, too.”
Trudy raced out of the bedroom while Raine took her father’s arm, a broad grin on her face. Dev and Eirik were with Celestia. Only Tammy stayed by the baby. I watched Mother. She closed her eyes, furrows appearing between her brows.
“Strange,” she said. “The child’s memories show her at home, not a hospital. Her name is Hannah, and she has an older brother, Wes, and two sisters, Talia and Lana.” She harrumphed. “Interesting. They all look different. Is that normal on Earth?”
“Depends. If the children are adopted, they won’t look like their parents or each other, but they’re still a family.”
“Is that enough information to track down her family?”
“Is there a family name? The father’s or mothers?” I asked.
Mother shook her head. “No. Mom and Dad. Pops. The old man. Why would they refer to their father as an old man?”
I laughed. “People do that sometimes. I’ll tell Raine everything.” Raine had already left with her father. I touched the baby’s locks. “Poor thing. Your family must be worried about you.”
“They probably don’t know she’s gifted,” Tammy said. “Someone needs to tell them and have them bind her powers until she’s ready.”
“Then you work with Raine to help educate her family,” Mother said and went to join Eirik. Trudy returned with Hayden and Jess. Hayden rushed to Celestia’s side.
“Look at her. Isn’t she adorable?” Trudy picked up the baby, and the green glow disappeared. “We’ll take care of her,” she called out. She tapped Jess’ arm and waved Hayden over. “Let’s go. We’ll come back to check on Celestia.” Rhys and Nara followed them out of the room.
“Her name is Hannah,” I heard Nara tell Trudy.
“Rhys,” Mother called out, and the Grimnir stepped back into the room. “Keep an eye on them. Don’t let Trudy get too attached to that baby. And if Raine needs help finding the family later, help her.”
I went to join Mother. Eirik was back in his favorite seat. Tammy and Hayden were on the lounge with Dev.
“How is she doing?” I asked.
“She’ll get better now,” Mother said. “Both of you need to get dressed. We have guests.”
“Do I have to go?” Eirik asked, his focus on Celestia.
“Yes, Son. Your sister needs you by her side.”
“I’ll send Dev to get you if she needs you,” Tammy said.
“Good idea, Tammy. Come along, Einmyria. You need to get ready. Son, find us when you are ready.”
I followed Mother through a portal to their quarters.
“Maera has been working hard to make some gowns for you, so you should have your pick.” She pushed open the door to my bedroom, where Maera and Astrid were busy straightening three gowns on forms. One was an off a shoulder gold, trumpet dress with green accents and a sweetheart neckline. If someone were to ask me, I’d say the dress was haute couture.
“It’s gorgeous. Maera, how did you make them so fast?”
“I’m actually behind because of the guests. We’ll make more,” Maera said reassuringly. “Some will be short and some casual.”
The woman would be a celebrated designer if she lived on Earth. I moved to the second dress, a cream with gold embroidery on the bodice, sleeves, and along the hem. The same gold embroideries were on the wrist braces. The butterfly sleeves almost looked like a cloak because they were the same length as the dress and had an opening for hands. I couldn’t really describe it, except to say it was gorgeous.
The third dress was hunter green like mother’s, the design vintage with gold floral detailing. Two cloaks, one gold with green lining and the other green with gold lining and protection runes along the edges.
I hugged her. “I don’t care about the length. I love them, and I’m looking forward to wearing each and every one of them. I’ll wear the first one and the green cloak with gold lining.”
Mother chuckled. “Good combination. Gold is your father’s color, and green is mine. Find me when you are ready. I have a necklace that will compliment that dress. Show her the shoes.”
I felt like a princess. The dress, the cloak, the emerald necklace, the shoes. Ohmigod, the shoes were to die for. Crystal-embellished mesh pumps in nude. I fell in love when I first saw them. I had no idea how Maera had done it. I was sure she’d gotten my dress and shoe size from my clothes, but to work wonders this fast? Magic or genius? I didn’t care.
“Prince Revan Anoreth of Alarian, álfheim,” the court announcer said.
I forced myself to focus on the next handsome prince or son of a god being introduced. And they were handsome. The pale-haired man bowed, his flowing robes sweeping the floor. He lifted his head and smiled. Damn, he was gorgeous. Pretty, really. I nodded and smiled, wishing I had a watch. This was beyond boring, and I was getting tired of smiling.
He went to join his entourage as the next son of a king or a minor god strutted forward. I was on the left side of Mother’s throne while Eirik stood to the right of Father’s seat. Eirik had mastered the art of keeping a straight face even though I knew he couldn’t wait to be with Celestia. He looked like an Asgardian, fancy outfit, vest, and cloak. Father was in his element, smiling and nodding. I was fidgety. I wanted Echo, but there were no Grimnirs in the Throne Hall. Had Echo lied to me about parties including Grimnirs? Although this couldn’t be described as a party. It was a parade of beefcakes and their proud mamas and papas checking me out. So far, I was impressed and a little intimidated but not really drooling.
Mother reached over and covered my hand. She’d already placed it on the arm of her throne to make me focus.
“Bored?” she asked.
“Very. How can you stand it?”