A Grim Baby Read online

  “But, Mommy…”

  “Only two, girls.” She gave her daughters a stern look, “If I find out you didn’t tell Cook that, then I won’t let him make more. Understand?”

  “Yes, Mommy,” they said with less enthusiasm in their voices.

  “Good. Then how about kissing mommy before you go.”

  Giggling, the girls climbed up on either side of her and kissed her cheeks.

  “Can I give Adora a kiss too?” Miki asked, gazing lovingly down at her new sister.

  “Of course, baby. Just be gentle.”

  Slowly, Miki leaned down and carefully pressed her lips on the top of Adora’s head. It was an image Lisa knew she’d treasure forever. Looking at Carly, she saw the desire in her eyes and shifted on the couch so she could kiss Adora too.

  “Bye, Adora. We’ll see you soon,” Carly whispered.

  With that, both girls were off the couch and gone, leaving Lisa alone with her newest daughter for the first time.

  “You are so loved, Adora,” Lisa whispered to her now sleeping infant, “and we’re all going to make sure you know that every day of your life.”

  Lisa knew she should put Adora in her crib, but she couldn’t bring herself to release her. Instead, she cuddled her close, inhaled that unique scent only a baby had, then leaned back and closed her eyes.

  Chapter Eleven

  “What do you want, Lord Callen?” Grim demanded as the other male appeared on screen in his Command Room.

  He didn’t want to be here. He wanted to be with his Lisa and their daughter. He still couldn’t believe the Goddess had blessed him with one. Oh, Carly and Miki were his daughters, and his love for them was unwavering, but seeing his Lisa present Adora had changed him.

  Never again would he look at a female as the weaker species, not after witnessing what his Lisa went through. Females truly were the most powerful beings in the universe.

  “To inform you that your shipment of replacement crystals is on its way. I personally verified each and every one,” Callen told him.

  “Good. Have you discovered who is responsible?”

  “Not yet, which is why I’m traveling with the shipment.”

  “You’re en route to Luda?”

  “Yes, I’ll arrive in four days.”

  Grim opened his mouth to order Callen to return to Vesta, then snapped it shut. Callen no longer served him. He was now a lord. When he had served under Grim, he’d been an excellent warrior and even better strategist. He had a reason if he’d left Vesta when Tora was also off-planet.

  “You have a plan,” he finally said.

  “Yes. Which I prefer to not discuss over the comm.”

  Frowning, Grim leaned back in his chair and ran a more critical eye over the male. He had changed in the moon cycles since he’d become a lord, growing into the role. Before, Callen would have immediately explained himself when questioned by the king of Luda. Now, he remained unfazed, confident in his decision—something necessary to be a good Lord.

  “Then I will make sure I’m available when you arrive.”

  “I greatly appreciate that, King Grim.” He looked off the screen for a moment, then back, and for the first time, Grim glimpsed uncertainty.

  “What is it, Callen?” Grim asked, dropping all formality.

  “I wanted to inquire on how Queen Lisa is doing but wasn’t sure if it would be appropriate.”

  Grim knew Callen held a special place in Lisa’s heart. After all, if it hadn’t been for him bringing Lisa’s situation to Veron’s attention, she and Grim would have never met. Because of that, Grim owed this male more than he could ever repay.

  “She is doing well, very well. In fact, she presented our daughter, Adora, early this morning.” Grim didn’t try to stop the smile that spread across his face and saw it mirrored on Callen’s.

  “Thank the Goddess,” Callen murmured. “The empire will rejoice when this becomes known.”

  “Wray will be making the official announcement tomorrow. We wanted to let those closest to us know first.”

  “Oh.” Callen’s blue skin darkened. “I apologize for causing you to change that.”

  “You haven’t. Although Lisa will be upset that she didn’t get to tell you herself. We both consider you the closest of friends, Callen. Any inquiries you make will always be appropriate.”

  “I… thank you, Grim. I feel the same toward both of you and your entire family. If you ever need my sword, it is yours.”

  Grim’s eyes widened slightly, for that was a pledge no warrior made lightly, especially not a lord. It meant the warrior would come to the other’s aid no matter the circumstances. It was a pledge usually made only between blood brothers.

  “Thank you, Callen, and mine is yours. I will see you in four days.”

  Grim knew he’d shocked Callen with his response before ending the comm, but Grim knew it was truth. He owed Callen everything. So if he ever had the opportunity to repay that debt, he would.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Lisa was up and moving by the time Montfort delivered mid-day meal to their quarters. Carly and Miki quickly followed behind. She’d changed Adora’s diaper, fed her again, and was just placing her in her crib for the first time when Montfort entered. Seeing his gaze move from the tray he set down on the table to the crib, Lisa smiled and lifted Adora back up.

  “Is Adora sleeping, Mommy?” Miki asked, rushing over to her mother.

  “She is, baby, so why don’t you and Carly go ahead and eat while I talk with Montfort.”

  “Okay, Mommy.” Miki hurried to the table. Apparently, the ice cream they’d eaten hadn’t filled them up.

  “Did you need something, my Queen?” Montfort spoke so softly that Lisa could barely hear him.

  “No.” She moved to the couch, knowing he would follow. “I just thought you might like to meet Adora.”

  “I… I would like that very much, my Queen.”

  “Then come.” She skillfully shifted Adora into one arm and patted the spot next to her on the couch. “Sit, and I’ll introduce you.”

  Slowly, Montfort sat. His eyes widened in shock when she placed the wrapped bundle in his arms. “What are you doing?!”

  Lisa couldn’t help but smile. Montfort would have shrieked the question but didn’t because it would wake Adora. “I’m introducing you to Adora. Now you need to support her head a little more.” She adjusted his stiff arm, so Adora’s head rested in its crook.

  “That’s good. Now slide your other one under her back.” She adjusted his other arm, which was even stiffer than his first, then slid her hands away.

  “Don’t!” he hissed.

  “You’re doing fine, Montfort. Just relax. You’re not going to harm her.”

  Montfort stared down at the tiny baby in his arms, afraid to move. What was his queen thinking putting such a fragile being in his massive arms?

  Unable to take his gaze away from the tiny features, he asked, “Are you sure? She is so small.”

  “Yes, and compared to Carly and Miki, she’s quite large.”

  “Truth?” he raised shocked eyes to her.

  “Truth. Now, Montfort, I’d like to introduce you to Adora Seren Vasteri.”

  As if recognizing her name, Adora’s opened her eyes and stared up into Montfort’s, immediately melting the old warrior’s heart.

  “Adora, this is Warrior Montfort, Master of House Luanda. He is a fit and worthy warrior who is an essential member of our household. I know as you grow, you will come to care for and respect him as much as I do.”

  Montfort couldn’t speak. He’d grown accustomed to his queen’s kindness and how she made every male feel worthy no matter his station. But for her to trust him to hold this tiny, precious, new life stunned him, as did her statement that she cared for and considered him an essential member of her household. She had said similar things to him before, but this gift truly made him believe it.

  “I’m honored, my Queen,” he finally told her after clearing his thro
at.

  “The honor is mine, Montfort,” she said, reaching out to squeeze his arm just as Grim entered their quarters.

  “Manno!” the girls exclaimed together, rushing from their seats to hug him.

  “Hello, my little ones.” Grim leaned down to hug them. “Where’s Mommy?”

  “We’re over here, Grim,” she called out.

  “We?” He started toward the couch, then came to an abrupt halt. A threatening growl rose in his throat at the sight of his newest daughter in the arms of another male.

  “Grim!” Lisa’s eyes widened, and Montfort, who’d finally begun to relax, stiffened. “What’s wrong with you?”

  Sucking in a deep breath, Grim forced his fisted hands to relax. Montfort wasn’t his enemy. He was a long-time and trusted friend. He would never harm Adora. “My apologies, Montfort. I had no reason to react like that.”

  “No apology necessary, Majesty. The welfare and protection of this precious little one must always be the priority.”

  “Agreed.” Grim was glad to see that Montfort understood.

  Lisa stood and took Adora from Montfort when she started to fuss. “You are both overreacting.”

  “We are not, my Queen,” Montfort disagreed, something he rarely did as he stood. “Princess Adora, along with Princess Carly and Princess Miki, are the future of the Tornian Empire.”

  “Their future is theirs to decide,” Lisa growled back. “Whether it benefits the ‘empire’ or not.”

  “It is, my Lisa,” Grim agreed, “but that doesn’t mean I won’t make sure they are protected along the way.”

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Lisa walked beside Grim, carrying Adora as they made their way to the dining hall where the warriors of House Luanda awaited them. Grim had called for the assembly so they could present Adora to them. The Tornian way after a presentation was for the manno to make the announcement alone.

  If a male were presented, congratulations were given. If a female were presented, a grand celebration would follow. But his Lisa never did things the Tornian way. She wanted them all to be present for the announcements, including Carly and Miki.

  As they entered the hall, everyone stood and bowed their heads while the family made their way to the dais. Once they all stood on it, the King’s and Queen’s Elite Guard formed a protective shield around the platform, facing outward.

  Lisa hadn’t thought it was necessary, but Grim insisted, and she’d given in, knowing his new father instincts were kicking in. When he reached down, she shifted Adora into his arms.

  It took him several moments to arrange Adora in the nook of his arm and facing the room before he straightened and addressed their House.

  “Warriors of House Luanda, we present the newest addition to our family, Princess Adora Seren Vasteri.”

  The roar that filled the room caused Lisa to flinch, but surprisingly not her children, any of them. Adora actually appeared to be waving her little fists in the air in acknowledgment.

  “The emperor will make the official announcement tomorrow, but we wished to inform you personally.” This was met with another roar of approval. “Warrior Tagma has prepared a celebration for you, so enjoy.”

  Afterward, Grim escorted his family off the dais and into the protective perimeter formed by their Elite Guard, who led them out of the hall. Usually, the male announcing the presentation of his offspring would remain to celebrate with his brothers-in-arms.

  Having Adora with them changed that. Lisa wanted their people to see Adora, and while he agreed, he refused to let Lisa walk through those assembled to allow them a closer look at the newest princess. Lisa had just presented Adora, and they both needed rest.

  Lisa hadn’t disagreed.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  The first rays of Luda’s sun revealed Lisa on one of the couches, nursing Adora with Grim next to her, an arm around her shoulders, watching intently. He’d seen Lisa feeding his daughter several times already, and it never ceased to amaze him. Females were truly amazing creatures.

  “I’m going to speak with Padma today so she can get started on the girls’ uniforms,” Lisa told him quietly.

  “Uniforms?”

  “For the girls to wear when you’re training them.” She frowned at his look of chagrin. “Grim, you have to do this. The girls are so excited.”

  “I plan to, my Lisa. I just have to speak with Alger and several other trainers to create a plan for them.”

  “I thought you said they would be treated just like the other trainees. Would have to pass the same tests.”

  He placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “They will, once they reach the age of the trainees. They aren’t right now, so their training must be adjusted.”

  “I see.” Relieved, she stretched up and kissed his lips. “Thank you for that. I know I was the one who suggested this and still believe they should be trained, but I am also their mother, and knowing they could be hurt is difficult for me.”

  “I know, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that is kept to a minimum, my Lisa.”

  “I never doubted that, my love. Is there anything specific I need to tell Padma about the coverings?”

  “Just tell her to make them as she would for any other trainee. She will understand.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “She is beautiful, Lisa,” Padma told her as she cooed at the baby in her arms. She’d arrived not long ago, responding quickly to Lisa’s request. “A perfect mix of Grim and you.”

  “Thank you. I think so, too.” Lisa gently ran her fingers through Adora’s silky black hair flowing over Padma’s arm. She’d never seen a baby born with such long hair. “The only thing we’ll have to wait and see is what color her eyes are.”

  “Her eyes?” Padma raised her almost neon blue eyes to Lisa’s. “I do not understand.”

  “The eye color of Earth babies change as they grow. Isn’t it that way for Auyangians?”

  “No. How unusual. So you are saying that Adora’s eyes won’t remain this dark?”

  “I don’t think so. They could lighten until they are the same gray as Grim’s or become browner like mine and the girls’. They could even turn blue since my manno had blue eyes. Sometimes eye color skips a generation. At least on Earth.”

  “Fascinating. A Vasteri with blue eyes. Wouldn’t that be a sight?”

  “It would.” The two women were lost in their thoughts for a moment before Lisa spoke again. “There’s a reason I asked you to come today. Besides introducing you to Adora.”

  “I am sorry we were unable to attend yesterday.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Grim arranged it so quickly that a great many weren’t able to attend. Although,” Lisa gave her a knowing smile. “I hear most made it for the celebration.”

  From what Montfort had told her, the party had gone on late into the night, or rather morning. A female hadn’t been presented in House Luanda for over two hundred years, and their warriors wanted to make sure it was a memorable celebration.

  “Gossamer informed me it was one for the ages, although he did not stay long.”

  Lisa’s brows drew together, and the softness in her gaze darkened. “Are you and Gossamer still having problems because you’re Auyangian?”

  If they were, after Grim had proclaimed them true and trusted friends of the queen and king of Luda, then Lisa would personally confront those males and make sure they knew her opinion of them.

  She wouldn’t stand for prejudice in her house in any form. A person should be judged on their own words and actions, not how they look or their parentage.

  “No,” Padma immediately denied. “Nothing like that. My Gossamer isn’t fond of wisk. His manno abused it. So once it came out, he chose to return home. But he thoroughly enjoyed the celebration. He tells me he even got up and sang, which is something he hasn’t done since we Joined.”

  “Gossamer can sing?”

  “Oh, yes.” Padma’s face took on a dreamy look. “It is what first drew me
to him. He was singing in a brew house on my homeworld. I had never heard anything so beautiful.”

  “I would love to hear him someday. If he is willing.”

  “I will discuss it with him.”

  Lisa nodded, knowing she’d be hearing Gossamer sing soon, for the male hated to deny Padma, especially when it didn’t put Padma at risk. Just like Grim did with her.

  “Wonderful. Now the other reason I wanted to see you is I need you to make trainee coverings… for the girls.”

  “For the GIRLS?!” Padma’s normally lyrical voice hit a sharp note, causing Lisa to smile.

  “Yes, for the girls. Grim will train them so they can defend themselves if they ever need to.”

  “He…”

  The sound of young voices stopped Padma from continuing, although Lisa could see she still had questions.

  The girls had been in the garden when Padma and Dagan had arrived. Lisa had asked Kirk to take Dagan to them and to inform Ion that they could play for another thirty minutes before they needed to come back so Padma could measure them.

  “Mommy, look who came to play with us,” Miki beamed as she held Dagan’s hand.

  “I see, baby. Hello, Dagan.”

  “Hello, Queen Lisa.” His eyes lit on Adora in his mother’s arms. “Is that Adora? The new princess?”

  “It is,” Lisa told him. Dagan started to move toward her, then stopped and gave Lisa an uncertain look.

  “It’s okay, Dagan,” Lisa reassured the young male. “You can go see her. You can even hold her if you want.”

  “Truth, Queen Lisa?”

  “Truth, Dagan.”

  “Come, Dagan.” Padma patted the spot next to her. “Sit next to me, and I will show you how.”

  Dagan carefully sat down, his eyes never leaving the bundle in his mother’s arms. “Are you sure, Mama?”

  “You can do this, Dagan. Now, hold your arms like mine.”

  Dagan perfectly imitated his mother. He was a very observant, precise young male despite what some would see as a disability.

  “Very good, Dagan,” Padma said as he perfectly supported Adora when she placed her in his arms.