“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?”
“I usually can’t. That’s why I don’t entertain.” She stared down her nose at the next guest. She didn’t smile, just nodded curtly. She knew how to draw a line between her and her guests. I tried to be as calm and indifferent as her, but some of these men were comical in their attire.
“Preening peacocks” Echo had called them, and they did look like the exotic birds. Over the top cloaks, fancy clothes, jewelry, and swords strapped to their waists. I didn’t catch the names. It didn’t matter whether they were Dwarves, Elves, or Jötnar. None matched up to Echo. Where was he anyway? I wanted him here so he could see that none of their glitter and glam impressed me. Yes, I liked my clothes, but I wanted to shine for him.
I tried to see how many more guests were waiting to be introduced. They were entering through a different entrance by the Waiting Hall, not the door the Grimnirs usually used. Each guest walked to the foot of the stairs to be introduced, his entourage waiting on the side.
The staff served drinks and food, but I doubted the guests appreciated Helheim’s lavish offerings. They stood in groups with their entourages, whispering in low voices, and staring at me. Mother hadn’t introduced me yet, but they knew who I was. I’d heard the whispers.
The next one marched like a drill sergeant and wore a black uniform of some kind with medals. His skin was grayish, and his tattoos covered one side of his face and shaved head. Unlike the all-male entourages of the other peacocks, this one had an equal number of male and female guards. They all had skin with the same grayish hue, Mohawk white or pitch-black hair, black cloaks with silver designs on the shoulders, and sleeveless shirts. Their arm braces almost reached their elbows, and tattoos covered the visible skin to their shoulders.
He was introduced as Dorac, son of a Dokkalfr general. Mother waved over one of his guards after the introduction. She stepped up to the throne and bowed. She had serious body piercings, several on her ears, and a stud on her nose. Her tattoos covered her neck and the shaven sides of her head, and her eyes were silver. They stood out against her dark skin. Was she Eirik’s friend Niorun? Unlike the other guards, she wore a leather duster like a Grimnir.
“Niorun, since when are you part of an entourage in my hall?” Mother asked.
The girl made a face. “My father ordered me to bring Dorac to Helheim, and I couldn’t say no.” It was obvious she considered the task a chore. She glanced at me and nodded. “I’m Niorun, your brother’s friend.” She glanced at Eirik and added, “Hey, Baldurson. Can I visit Celestia while here, Goddess?”
She talked to Mother without fear, yet I’d noticed wariness in the eyes of the others when they were introduced.
“Of course. Try not to start a fight while in my hall,” Mother warned.
Niorun grinned. She was beautiful. Exotic. “I’ll try, Goddess, but I can’t make any promises. If they insult me, my guards, or my people, I will be obligated to defend our honor.”
“Not in my hall, Niorun. I mean it.”
“Outside the hall?” she asked, and Mother smiled. It was obvious she had a soft spot for the girl.
“If you must. However, your father will have to be informed if you destroy my property.”
Niorun groaned. “Yes, Goddess.”
Mother lifted her scepter and brought it down. Silence spread across the hall. “Thank you for coming to my hall. I know you came here to keep vigil with us while my son’s consort, Celestia, fought for her life. You’ll be happy to hear that she is doing better and is expected to fully recover within the next forty-eight hours. You are welcome to stay until she is back on her feet.”
She paused as though daring them to say anything.
“For now, drink. Eat. Enjoy our hospitality. Let’s see which ones are bold enough to ask about Einmyria,” she added softly to Father, but I heard her. She was tough as nails, baiting them even though we knew they were here for me.
The conversation in the room rose until Lavion stepped forward and bowed. “Goddess, may I have the honor of talking to your daughter, Einmyria?”
Instead of answering him, Mother glanced at Eirik. “Rescind the invitation to that little man.” She glared at Lavion. “About what, Lavion, son of Drathyn?”
“Life, Goddess. Her dreams and mine, and a way to make them merge,” Lavion said, grinning. “She is more dazzling than the sun, yet more delicate than the benga flowers that bloom at midnight under the full moon in my homeland. It would be an honor to have her as my consort.”
I fought hard not to smile. He was bold and funny.
“Lavion, my daughter will one day rule this realm. Any man she favors with her affection and devotion will be
her consort, not the other way around.” The conversation level shot up. Apparently, they hadn’t known I’d rule Helheim.
Revan, one of the Elven princes, stepped forward and bowed. “If it pleases the young goddess, I would like a chance to win her approval.”
The blue-eyed Jötun, now in human size but still towering over the Elf, rose to the challenge, too. “I would love a chance to court the young goddess and will meet any challenges to prove I’m worthy of her.”
“I will challenge anyone for a chance to prove I’m worthy of the young goddess,” another claimed and more followed. Oh brother. I glanced at Father from the corner of my eye. He wore a broad grin. It was obvious he was enjoying himself.
There was commotion at the entrance of the Waiting Hall, and one of the guards ran up the steps to whisper something in Mother’s ear. She exchanged a glance with Father, then said, “Let them come inside.”
The guard hurried out. Silence swept across the hall, and necks craned to see who had arrived. Mother wasn’t even looking. She was busy whispering to Father. I was about to ask her who had arrived when they entered.
No, they made an entrance.
Echo led the way, and behind him were Rhys, Nara, and eighteen Grimnirs I’d never met. Dressed simply in the reaper uniform—leather pants, black shirts, fingerless gloves, and leather dusters—they looked badass. Had he finally reunited with his Druid brothers and sisters?
“No one in here is worthy to win the young goddess’ affection, except me,” Echo said. “And that’s why she already favors me.”
I wanted to clap. The goddess sighed and muttered, “He didn’t even wait to be introduced. Should I kick him out?”
“Mother!” I sputtered. Eirik chuckled, and I glared at him. “It’s not funny.”
“Who are you?” came from the lined-up suitors.
“I’m Echo Mairid, Druid of Eljudnir, soul reaper to Goddess Hel.” Laughter rippled among the people assembled in the Throne Hall. Echo smirked. “Laugh all you want, but no one courts Einmyria without going through me. I will accept any challenges, because when I’m done with you, you will pack up your tents and leave our hall, and she’ll stay here with me as my goddess, the love of my life, and the woman I cannot live without.” He glanced at me and winked. I grinned. Now he was showing off.
“I challenge you,” rang out from the line, and with each challenge, Echo’s smile broadened. I had a feeling he would have enjoyed facing each and every man that challenged him. Luckily, Mother had promised to intervene, and I trusted her. There would be no fighting Echo. Some didn’t volunteer to fight him. Maybe they figured anyone bold enough to claim me in front of all of them and my parents had to be legit.
“Who wants to start now?” Echo asked and pulled out two swords from the belt around his waist. “I’m ready.”
Mother’s staff connected with the floor, and I could swear a pulse of energy spread across the room. Silence followed its wake, and everyone’s attention shifted to her.
“There will be no fighting in my hall. My daughter is not a prize to be handed over to the winner like some toy. She is her own person, strong, independent, and gifted. She has already chosen a mate, and her decision is final.”
Deity obliges. I loved her. She didn’t take crap from anyone. She’d promised to nix this nonsense in the bud, and she just did. The disappointed faces of our guests made me grin.
“Enjoy our hospitality until Celestia is back on her feet,” Mother added, “or feel free to leave whenever you wish. Thank you for coming.” She glanced at Father, who stood and waved Echo closer.
“What I’m about to say is something the rest of the guests don’t need to hear,” Father said. “You have a year to court my daughter.”
“Father,” I protested.
“Humor me, Daughter. I know you are an honorable man, Echo, respected by your peers, and you have the loyalty of your people. What I don’t know is how you treat my daughter. As her father, I have a right to observe you and see if you are worthy of her.” His eyes met mine before he continued. “You must wait until you turn eighteen before you take him as your consort. We will never get back the years we missed out on, but we could build quite a few memories from now on. Your mother and I have a lot to teach you and to learn from you. Should you change your mind during the year, I will throw a ball and invite every eligible bachelor in all the realms for you, including the group here tonight. Is this acceptable to both of you?” The look he gave Echo said he’d better not argue. I didn’t mind waiting because I knew my feelings were real and true.
“Yes, Golden One,” Echo said. “I agree. And thank you for accepting me.”
Baldur looked at me. “Daughter?”
I moved to where he stood and hugged him. “I love him, but I will wait like you suggested. And I like that I can come to you if he is not acting right.”
Eirik snickered. He knew I could take care of myself, but sometimes a father loved to know his daughter still needed him. Mine had missed out on a lot.
“I love you, Father.” I stepped back and looked at the goddess. “Mother?”
“I know you will give him hell if he misbehaves, but you always have us if you need to figure out your next plan of action.”
Laughing, I kissed her on the cheek. “Love you, Mother.”
Pink tinged her normal cheek. She patted my arm. “We have more visitors. Take your rightful place by my side. Echo, take your place, too.” Echo started down the steps, but Mother called him back. “Your place is by my daughter’s side.”
My throat closed. I had the best parents ever. I took my place, and Echo stood beside me, the back of his hand brushing against mine. I hooked my pinky with his just as Torin entered the room. Was Goddess Eir finally here? He made his way to Mother’s side and whispered in her ear.
I glanced toward the entrance, but I didn’t see any new arrivals. Instead, I found Raine with her father. Grinning, she gave me a thumbs-up. Trudy, Baby Hannah, Hayden, and Jess were also around. I wondered if they had witnessed Echo’s dramatic entrance. Dev and Tammy were missing, so I knew they were with Celestia.
The announcer went to the archway separating the Throne Hall from the Waiting Hall and yelled, “Welcome Alfadir, Goddess Frigg, and the Ásynjur Court to Eljudnir.”
Six warriors in black uniforms, gold capes, and horned helmets marched into the room. None carried a weapon, and I noticed why. They’d handed them over to Mother’s guards.
One by one, everyone faced the doorway and dropped to one knee. An old man with a patch over one eye entered the room. Dressed like an aging military general, he commanded attention even though he looked frail with his white beard and hair. Beside him was a middle-aged redhead, and trailing behind them were at least a dozen women in flowing gowns and capes. Behind the women were two hound dogs. Two ravens flew around the room and disappeared from view.
Odin and Frigg. My grandparents. They walked past the Grimnirs and the suitors and climbed the stairs, stopping a step below the throne.
Frigg came up the last step, her eyes moving from my parents to Eirik, then back to my parents, her expression apologetic. Mother stood, and they gripped arms in a weird hug.
“I’m very sorry we just heard about Celestia,” Frigg said. “There was a misunderstanding at the gate, but we left the second the young Valkyrie told us what was happening.”
“Then welcome to Eljudnir.” While the woman moved to hug Father, then Eirik, Mother faced the old man. For one brief moment, they had a staring contest, neither one speaking.
“I should have sent an emissary,” Odin said.
“You are here now,” Mother said, her voice neither angry nor welcoming.
“When I learned that Frigg and her court were traveling to your realm because our granddaughter was ill, I bade them a safe journey and wished the child a speedy recovery. Then I heard about another granddaughter, one I didn’t know existed, and I forgot protocol and decided to join Frigg. I hope my presence won’t inconvenien
ce you.”
“I try not to let anyone inconvenience me. This”—she indicated me—“is your granddaughter, Einmyria. Einmyria, these are your grandparents from Asgard and the members of Ásynjur Court.” She didn’t give anyone a chance to speak, her focus not shifting from my grandfather. “I’ll give you a moment with Baldur and your grandchildren while I escort Eir to Celestia’s bedchamber.” She didn’t smile, and I noticed she didn’t welcome Alfadir Odin.
“I’ll go with you, Mother,” Eirik said. “Grandpa.” He clasped his right arm with Odin. Then they hugged. “This is a nice surprise.”
“It’s a start.”
“I’ll be back. I want to be there when Celestia wakes up.” Eirik bowed to the women accompanying our grandparents, then cocked his arm to one of them, a woman with wavy gorgeous reddish-blond hair tumbling down her back, clear blue eyes, and pale freckled skin. Wearing a red dress and a blue cloak clasped with a leafy brooch, she reminded me of Aunt Svana. She wore a lot of red jewelry—necklaces and a forehead piece. “I’ll escort you to our chambers.”
As Eirik, Mother, and Eir walked away, my grandmother enveloped me in a perfumed hug. “I want to hear all about you.”
Chapter 17. Stupid Fight
For an hour, I answered questions about my life, starting with what Eirik had told them about my disappearance. Then how he’d found me, which got me talking about my life, locator runes, how they attracted souls, and my decision to help them. They exchanged glances when Father told them I was the third announcer of Ragnarok and what the Norns had told Mother about me taking over Helheim after Ragnarok.
“I want you to meet the man who helped me when I was struggling with my ability to see souls,” I said.
Echo, who’d stood to the side while I talked to my grandparents, once again stepped forward to claim his place by my side. I took his hand.
“He is also my future husband,” I added.
“How wonderful. You must bring him to Asgard, so we can get to know him better,” Grandmother said, eying Echo.
Goddess: A Runes Book Page 28