Author's Note: I know for the past few stories I've been saying Hel is Loki and Sigyn's daughter (which isn't true). I just painted her as such because I want the two of them to have a little girl. = I hope you've been enjoying the past few stories! =D Okay, on to this one.

Loki was worried.

He'd risen from bed only to find that the space normally occupied by his child, Hel, was empty. Since Hel was only a few months old, she couldn't have gotten up and walked away on her own.

Sigyn will kill me, Loki thought, as he strode down the hallway. His green cape swept the floor behind him, but Loki didn't notice. He just had to find Hel before Sigyn returned from her parents home, and he certainly did not want to tell her that he had lost their firstborn.

"Blast it all," Loki muttered, running a hand through his unkempt hair. He hadn't bothered with the usual morning cleansing rituals; once he learned that Hel was not in his room, he had simply thrown on his usual green and gold armor and started the search for his impish child.

Even though she was only a few months old, Hel was prone to playing tricks on everyone she came in contact with. She especially loved tricking Volstagg, who bellowed like a bull whenever he fell for one of her tricks.

"She has certainly inherited your magic and your nature, Loki," Frigga had told him one night as she carried the sleeping baby in her arms. "Now you know how your father and I felt when you were young."

Despite the worry that now ate away at him, Loki felt a flash of pride. Hel was the first person who he knew truly belonged to him - who was truly a part of him. Although Hel hadn't shown any signs of inheriting his Jotunn blood, the thought of having a blue Jotunn baby didn't deter the other Asgardians from considering Hel as their princess.

Loki saw Thor walking out of the great hall and hurried towards him.

"Thor," he called, and the God of Thunder stopped and turned to him.

"Brother. You look troubled," Thor said. "What is it?"

"Have you seen Hel?"

Thor shook his head. "Isn't she with you?"

"Apparently not," Loki replied through his teeth. His brother could be an idiot sometimes. "If you see her make sure to bring her to me."

"Of course."

Thor left, and Loki entered the great hall, in the hopes of finding someone who knew where his child was. But neither Volstagg, Sif, or Fandral had seen Hel. Loki gave a sigh of frustration.

"She'll show up eventually," Sif assured Loki, who didn't look convinced. "When is Sigyn arriving?"

"Today," Loki answered shortly.

"Oh." Sif's eyes widened. "Oh. Well...you would do well to find Hel before she arrives."

Loki nodded once and left, his boots thudding on the floor. He even checked with the other guards, who claimed that they hadn't seen Hel since last night. His annoyance vanishing, Loki now felt a stab of worry. If Hel was playing a prank on him, she would not have let it gone on for this long. Perhaps she had been kidnapped.

I'll kill whoever harms her, Loki thought viciously, walking out into the garden.

"Loki?"

Loki turned and saw Sigyn striding up and garden path. She looked lovely with a string of pearls in her hair, which fell in loose curls down her back.

"Sigyn," Loki said, enveloping her in his arms. Her familiar scent - lilies - invaded his nose and comforted him immediately. Sigyn must have sensed his worry, for she pulled away from him and stared deep in his eyes.

"Something troubles you, my love. What is it?" she asked.

"I..." Loki hesitated. How should he say this?

I cannot locate our only child, and I fear she may have been kidnapped.

It sounded stupid, even in his head.

"Is it Hel?" Sigyn's voice became strained. "Has something happened?"

Loki opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a noise.

"Sigyn," the All Father greeted, walking out of the garden maze. "Welcome home."

In his arms he carried Hel, who was grasping the stems of several white lilies and smiling innocently. Loki frowned slightly, but Sigyn was distracted by the sight of her daughter to notice.

"All Father," Sigyn greeted, smiling as the All Father gave her a kiss on the cheek and handing her Hel. "Are these for me? Thank you my love."

Sigyn took the flowers from Hel and inhaled them deeply. Hel turned her head towards Loki, who was torn between scolding the child and hugging her in relief. Hel giggled softly at the look on Loki's face and Sigyn walked towards him.

"Are you alright?" she asked as Hel reached for Loki's collar. "You seemed...annoyed."

"No, it is nothing," Loki assured her, while Hel looked up at him and laughed. "I was about to get some flowers for you, but it seems Hel and the All Father had the same idea."

Sigyn smiled, and Loki noticed that the All Father was looking at him in amusement.

Apparently someone wanted to play a little hide and seek, Loki thought, catching Hel's eye as the family walked back to the palace.