The Faerie Queen bit her lip as Rikive listed her heritage, her father, grandfather, and not least of all the giver of her weapon. The fairy knights paused and while they didn't step back or forward, there was a general unease about them as they sized up this woman, sword in one hand, pudgy baby in the other, and the calm cool of a champion gambler.

The Queen sat back upon her throne, twirled a lock of red hair in her finger, and said "Asgardian? And the daughter of Heimdall the all-watcher?" The Queen clapped her hands twice, summoning a pair of servants. Between the two they carried a crude crib made of wood with a bed of leaves for a mattress. "The humble abode of Parael for the next 10,000 years," she said, admiring the handiwork. "A bit crude, and I'll admit it was built as a cage rather than a true sleeping pen. To show off my rare and exquisite catch to my guests. And who knows, it might still hold him for me?"

The Queen grinned, waving a finger at the two.

Parry felt a rumbling in his stomach, a rising pressure he fought with every muscle in his body to contain. Feet kicking in the air and eyes tearing up further, he wanted to cry knowing what it meant. Knowing he would be powerless to hold it at bay for much longer. But opening his mouth for a moment would doom him.

"So here I have in my court a Goddess and a Celestial. I was paid handsomely in blood and promises to neutralize Parry Magnus and leave de Lacy vulnerable. But to have a Goddess in my debt would be just as great a boon as all those promises. Swear a single service to me- whether I ask it tomorrow or 10,000 years from now- and I will release the curse from Parry Magnus. Else, you will be free to take him- as a babbling infant..."