All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

Over the next few days, McKenna spent most of her time in the infirmary. Selig spent more time awake, and grew increasingly cranky at everyone's insistence that he remain in bed. He glowered at Eir, at his mother, at his father, even Odin wasn't immune.

"Mommy, please, can I go riding today?" he asked, as he did every morning, when McKenna came into the infirmary three days after his fall.

"No, Selig. I've told you, not until the cast comes off and Eir said that won't be until next week."

Selig scowled, sinking back into his pillows. "I hate it here."

"I know, love," McKenna replied, sinking onto the edge of his bed to ruffle his hair. "I think Eir will let you sleep in your own bed tonight."

"I will," Eir replied, coming around the corner to smile at Selig. "I know how much you want to go and play, and I think that, as long as you don't play too rough, I can allow you to go outside for a while."

Selig glanced around. "Where is Daddy?"

"He is busy. Uncle Thor and Hogun are coming home from Vanaheim this evening and Bestefar is planning a celebration. Apparently, war was avoided and everyone is happy."

"So Daddy doesn't have to leave again?"

"No." Which made McKenna happy. Although she had forgiven Loki-or more honestly, didn't blame him-for what happened, the image that still flashed through her mind at least twice a day left a sour taste in her mouth. She didn't care what happened on Vanaheim, as long as Annelie kept her distance from Asgard.

"But, even though he's staying here, he still has stuff to do. Important stuff."

"Mommy, Eir said he is a prince. Is he?"

"Yes, Selig. He is, actually."

"So, will he be king one day?"

"It's possible, but not likely. Unca Thor is his older brother, so Unca Thor is next in line to become king. Daddy would do so only if something happened to him."

"And then would I become king?"

"In theory, yes. But don't count on it." McKenna rumpled his hair again and lifted him from the bed. "So, why don't we see if we can find Daddy and maybe steal him away for a little while?"

Selig nodded. "I'd like that, Mommy."

Eir stepped back. "I'll be by to check on him later. Nothing too strenuous."

"I know. And he'll be fine." McKenna threw Eir a smile over her shoulder as she carried Selig from the infirmary and toward the Throne Room.

"Mommy, when will the baby come?"

"Not for a few months yet. Why?"

"Well, will I have to give him my toys?"

"No, sweetie." A dull ache started in her lower back, so she bent to set Selig down and took him by the hand. Although she was only two months' in according to Earth standards, by Jötunn standards, she was nearly six months' pregnant, and already had begun showing with a small, round tummy. "The baby will have his or her own toys. I promise you, no one is going to take any of your things."

"Is it in there?" He reached up to poke her belly.

"Yes, sweetie. He's in there."

Selig's dark brows met over his wrinkled nose. "How did it get there? Did you eat it?"

She couldn't help but laugh at that. "No, Selig. I didn't eat it. Babies grow inside mommies' tummies."

"But how do they get in there?"