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by Alanea Alder
Aleksandra sniffled. "He's going to cut Oron, so he bleeds onto the Eirlea Elder tree and add him to their family line. By doing so, they will be merging House Eirson and House Eirlea. The Eirlea Elder tree will give strength and support to the Eirson Birch, which will allow her to endure until Oron and Izzy have children and more light feeds into both trees. This is the perfect solution." She looked at Meryn. "You are a true wonder."
Meryn shrugged. "I guess, even though I do most of this shit by accident."
"Accident or destiny?" Kendrick asked.
"We need to find your light," the queen announced.
Cord carried the wooden box over to the queen. She carefully lifted each sphere until she smiled. "This one is the warmest." She walked over and sat on the ottoman in front of Meryn. "Ryuu, can you get another drop of blood from Meryn?"
Ryuu held out his hand. Meryn sighed and reached out to him, turning her face away. He pricked her and she yelped. The queen dabbed her finger on the sphere and it opened. Unlike the other, which contained a recording, this one opened to reveal a small ball of light.
"Meryn, this may be a bit disorientating."
"I'll still be me, right?"
"You may gain some new abilities, but you will remain who you are," she promised.
"Okay, hit me." Meryn pushed out her chest and closed her eyes.
The queen chuckled and gently pressed the small ball of light into Meryn's heart. Both she and Aiden clutched at their chests. A moment later a tiny bead popped out of Meryn and dove into Aiden.
The queen blushed. "I forgot about them sharing since they are mated."
Aiden grunted and rubbed his sternum. "How do you feel baby?"
Meryn opened her eyes. "Still hate people and love coffee. Shouldn't I be all 'light and happiness' now?"
"I told you Meryn, you would remain who you were. You have a lifetime of experiences that make up your personality, adding your light doesn't change that."
"Holy shit!" Everyone's heads turned to the sounds of startled male voices.
Darian and Doran raced back in, looking as though they had seen a ghost. The queen stood and rushed over. "Son, whatever is the matter? Where's your brother and Brennus?" Darian pointed to the door.
Slowly Brennus and Oron backed into the room. In front of them, an ethereal form floated in from the courtyard.
"Wicked," both she and Meryn said at the same time.
The queen smoothed out her dress before dropping into a beautifully executed curtsey. Seeing the queen giving this entity deference made everyone in the room stand to attention and either bow or curtsey.
The form solidified into the shape of a remarkably handsome man. Unlike the fae, he had long jet-black hair that was tied back at his neck with a winding vine. He did wear robes, but unlike anything Izzy had seen in the city. His sleeves were gossamer so you could see his muscles move and flex beneath the thin fabric. More than anything, he wore power, pure and simple.
"Dude," Izzy whispered.
"I know right," Meryn whispered back.
"Abraxas, you honor us with your presence," the queen said in the form of a greeting as she stood.
"How could I not come? Nothing happens to my family for thousands of years, then within the space of five minutes, you add a son, a daughter, three mates, and a bud on the way." His bright green eyes scanned the room before landing on Meryn. He strode over only to be brought up short by Ryuu. Izzy was terrified that the squire was going to get himself killed.
"Abraxas," Ryuu said curtly.
"Sei," Abraxas replied, just as shortly. "Step aside."
Ryuu shook his head. "She belongs to me."
Abraxas' body took on a green glow. "She is of my line, move aside."
"Ryuu, don't get murdered by the hot tree guy," Meryn ordered, as she peeked out from around her squire.
Abraxas' light dimmed almost immediately. "Hot tree guy?"
"She meant no offense," Brennus said, moving to try and stand between him and Meryn.
Abraxas inhaled and then exhaled. Everything and everyone around Meryn was pushed aside, except for Ryuu.
"Kick-ass," Meryn whispered.
Abraxas smiled. "Come here, little one, I will not harm you."
Meryn popped out from behind Ryuu, causing him to shake his head. She walked up to Abraxas and held out her hand. "Meryn McKenzie, please to meetcha."
Amelia wasn't the only one to cover their face with their hands at that greeting.
Abraxas took her hand gently. "You're Eamon's daughter."
She gave a slow nod. "I just found out though. He died when I was young."
The handsome spirit tilted Meryn's head back to stare into her eyes. Meryn blinked. "Hey, we have the same eyes! I thought I got them from my Aunt Lily, but they match your green better."
"Your father was one of my closest friends. He would sit in my branches and tell me wild tales of the things he had seen and done. When his branch turned to stone, I felt my heart hardened as well." He released Meryn's chin and rested a hand on her belly. "Such a strong life." He threw an irritated look at Aiden. "Even though you are mated to the furball, will you come to visit often so that I may know you and your child?"
Meryn looked surprised. "Of course." She paused, then asked. "Does your tree have a swing?"
Brennus released a strangled sound. Behind Abraxas, Oron and Darian were waving their hands back and forth and shaking their heads.
Abraxas kissed her forehead. "I will add one, just for you and the baby." He stepped back and looked at Ryuu. "Nothing better happen to her under your watch. No flowing about, leaving her unguarded."
Ryuu glared at him, "You must be mistaking me for one of your kind who only sits back and watches, stagnating in place."
Abraxas turned to Meryn. "There were no other squires you could have chosen?"
Meryn hugged Ryuu around the waist. "I wouldn't have anyone else. He loves me and I love him. He feeds me and lets me act crazy even though he knows Aiden will give him shit. He allows me to be free."
Abraxas' facial features softened. "I guess he's allowed in my garden then."
Meryn exhaled. "Good. Because he's in charge of diapers."
The tree spirit extended out his arm with his fist closed. "Hold out your arm, Meryn."
Meryn held out her arm, her palm facing up. He circled her wrist with his fingers and when he removed them, a beautiful wooden bracelet was left behind. "You have my blessing."
Meryn slid it around on her tiny wrist. When she tried to remove it, it wouldn't budge. "You could have told me it was permanent."
His mouth twitched. "Oh, I don't know. I think I timed that just right."
Meryn slowly turned to stare at Ryuu. "Where have I heard that before?"
On his way to the door, Abraxas clapped Oron on the shoulder. "I will care for her, don't you worry. She will not suffer because you chose to be happy." He waited for Oron to look up at him. "I've been waiting thousands of years for you to find your way to me. Welcome, son." When he lifted his hand, a wooden torc circled Oron's throat. Though it had an opening, like Meryn's bracelet, it wasn't meant to be removed. He walked out into the courtyard and disappeared.
Brennus plopped down onto an ottoman. "I need a drink."
Aleksandra shoved a cup of tea at him. He sighed. "Not what I meant, but it'll do."
Izzy went over and wrapped her arms around Oron's waist. "I was scared to death when he touched you."
Oron kissed her forehead. "He's our guardian, he would never hurt us."
She pointed to Brennus. "Then why did he practically try to throw himself in front of Meryn?"
Brennus downed his tea. "Knee jerk reaction."
She reached up and touched his necklace. "There's weird letters on it."
"It says 'Son of Eirlea'," he said, reaching up to run a finger over the smooth wood.
"How could you possibly know that?"
He shrugged. "No idea. I just know that's what it says."
Izzy turned. "What abo
ut you, Meryn?"
"Mine says 'Daughter of Eirlea' and some kind of warning."
Ryuu looked at her bracelet. "Loosely translated it means 'Harm her if you dare.' He has always been overly dramatic."
Meryn eyed her squire. "If you knew him, how come you didn't know I was part fae? You knew Amelia was my cousin, but not that Brennus, Doran or Celyn were my uncles."
He tapped her chest. "You didn't have your light."
Aiden reached down and tugged on the bracelet. "I am not a damn furball!"
"So, does that make Oron Meryn's big brother?" Izzy asked curiously.
Darian just started laughing. Oron flipped him off.
Meryn looked hurt. "You don't want to be my brother?" she asked.
Both Izzy and Amelia crossed their arms and glared at their mates.
Oron walked over and ruffled Meryn's hair. "Meryn, we're laughing because we're already your brothers remember? Amelia mated Darian making him your big brother-cousin and I'm his brother. I guess we're just linked in more than one way."
Meryn smiled smugly. "My Christmas list is massive now."
Stefan walked over to Darian. "Can I get that portal now? If Portia is half as efficient as she seems, that announcement will be going out any minute now and I really owe it to Magnus to alert him to everything that's happened, so he doesn't hear it third hand."
Brennus walked over to the crystal and tapped it. It took a few moments, but just as before, there was a knock on the door before Portia entered. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
The queen smiled. "We may have a few tiny announcements to add."
"I may not make it through the day," Portia murmured. She took out her scroll and quill. "What are we adding?"
"Brennus Vi'Eirlea has officially adopted Oron into the house of Eirlea and has passed on his head of house position to him, furthermore, the Eirlea Guardian Abraxas has blessed both Oron and Meryn acknowledging them as son and daughter of Eirlea. Brennus will take on the new title Ri'Eirlea and Doran will be now known as Li'Eirlea."
Portia had long since stopped writing. She was staring at Meryn. "You do cause chaos wherever you go."
"What can I say? It's a gift."
"Portia, I want these to go out today please," the queen requested.
Portia added a final note then nodded. "I had the other ones finished and spelled; it won't take me a half an hour to add this." To her surprise, the meticulous woman turned to look at her. "Lady Isabelle, the tailors will be coming by today for interviews. Speak with each one and chose who you think you can work with for fittings."
"Thank you, Portia." The poor woman simply nodded and walked out.
"Ewww, fittings. Those suck, well, unless it's Sebastian. He was really nice about letting me take breaks," Meryn said sympathetically.
Izzy plucked at her robe. "I have seven brand new robes; I don't need more."
"I feel ya on that," Meryn said.
"Whenever you're ready, Stefan," Darian announced.
"Do we have to go to the main entrance?" he asked.
Darian shook his head. "I can open a portal here, and I'll send you right to the Grand Hall."
Stefan looked relieved. He turned and hugged his brother. "Don't be a stranger."
Cristo pounded his back. "Take care of the pack."
"Always do." He walked over to where Darian opened a regular sized portal. He gave a quick wave, then stepped through.
When the portal closed, Meryn quickly turned to Kendrick and Aiden. "Five bucks says he goes straight to Kari, tells her everything and has her update Magnus."
Kendrick grinned. "You're on. This is the news of the century, I bet you he can't wait to spill the beans."
"Aiden?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No way am I taking that bet. That pup is most definitely going straight to Kari. He hates meetings."
Meryn turned to Cristo. "You in?"
He threaded his hands behind his head. "I'll do you one better. I bet you ten dollars he goes to Kari, tells her everything, then has her sit in on the meeting so he doesn't forget anything."
"Deal," Meryn and Kendrick said.
Aiden bopped his mate's head around. "How are you doing?"
Meryn held out her arms and allowed her mate to settle her in his lap. "Still kinda in shock, I think. I love them because they were my parents, but I don't miss them as people because I didn't know them. I cried because I was sad, but I think I'll be okay."
Ryuu stared down at her. "Your ability to compartmentalize is frightening."
"Don't hate on my coping mechanisms."
"Do you need a nap?" Aiden offered.
"No, I'm still kinda wired."
There was a knock at the door then Portia stuck her head in. "Lady Isabelle, your interviews are here."
Izzy turned to Meryn and jerked her head subtly. "Wanna help me?"
Meryn gave her a puzzled look but stood anyway. "Sure."
"Have fun," both Aiden and Oron called out.
Izzy waved as Meryn, Ryuu, and Pierce followed her out. Once in the hallway, Meryn turned to her. "What are we really up to?"
"If these tailors are who I think they are, revenge."
"Awesome."
Portia was waiting at the end of the hall to escort them to a large waiting room. "Portia, how many interviews do I have?"
"There are five tailors waiting."
"Thank you." When she and Meryn got settled in a loveseat, she leaned in and whispered. "Ignore them if I do." Meryn gave the barest of nods as the first person entered.
Izzy recognized the person from her shopping excursion with Oron. She took out her phone and set a five-minute timer.
"Lady Isabelle, what a privilege it is to meet you."
Izzy stared down at her phone.
"Lady Isabelle?"
Again, she didn't respond.
"Is the poor child deaf?" The woman asked Meryn, who just swung her feet and smiled up at her. For the next five minutes, the woman just stood there. Finally, when her phone beeped, she looked up and said. "You may go."
The woman gave a nervous titter before she quickly left the room.
Meryn frowned. "That was awkward."
"Why were you grinning at her like a serial killer?"
"It's my intimidation technique."
"Not bad, you looked like a psychopath."
"Awesome."
The next four interviews went pretty much the same way. When they were done, Izzy sat back, feeling satisfied. She was about to suggest they go back to their mates when Portia walked in. "Lady Isabelle, I had the five tailors complain to me that you didn't interview them. They are very upset."
"Where are they?" she asked, standing.
"In the salon."
"Show me to them."
"As you wish," Portia guided her and of course nosy Meryn with her squire and squire's flirt in tow.
The second she entered the room they all began talking at once. She held up her arm, showing them the bracelet that the queen had gifted her the day before. They quieted almost immediately. She lowered her arm. "The reason I needed new clothes wasn't because I wanted a new look. I lost all of my belongings in a fire and all I had were the clothes on my back and a few in a shopping bag that reeked of smoke. I was desperate not to embarrass my mate, so he took me clothing shopping yesterday.
You may not recognize me since you all took one look at my mate then either disappeared or became so busy with what you were doing you ignored us. I waited exactly five minutes for you to acknowledge that we were there, but none of you did. Today, I simply took my five minutes back. You're all dismissed," she said, pointing to the door.
Portia stiffened. "You heard her. And don't think for a single second that this won't affect your standings with palace orders."
Izzy felt like cheering; she knew that older woman liked her mate.
As the final tailor was walking past her, she heard him mutter. "Traitorous bastard."
Izzy didn't waste a second. She jumped up
and wrapped her arms around his neck. She clung to him with her left and began punching him anywhere she could with her right, mainly his ear."
"Kick his ass, Izzy!" Meryn yelled.
"Get her off me!" the tailor screamed.
Within moments guards flooded the room, but they stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
"Izzy!" she heard her mate call out her name.
"I'm not stopping until I see blood!" she screeched.
She really hoped she saw blood soon; her knuckles were killing her.
"Izzy! Jump clear!" she heard Meryn order.
She let go and jumped back. She saw Meryn dart forward and tap the guy with her little stick, he went down like a sack of potatoes.
"Yes!" Izzy said. She ran over and high-fived Meryn.
"Meryn!" Aiden roared as he ran into the room.
"I'm okay."
"I know you are. Why did you tase this man?" he demanded, looking her over.
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?"
Oron rushed to Izzy's side. "Did he attack you?"
She shook her head. "No, I kinda attacked him."
Meryn shrugged her shoulders. "I buzzed him because Izzy was hitting him."
"Do you know why she was hitting him?"
"No."
"Then, why?"
"Because I'm a ride or die bitch."
"You're not dying! And you're not a bitch." Aiden looked down at the unconscious man his canines dropping before his murderous gaze lifted to the other tailors. As one, they stepped away from the enraged commander. With a growl, he looked down at the incapacitated man. "Did he call you a bitch?"
Pierce stepped in. "Sir, what she means is that since Izzy is her friend, she, of course, would step in to help, no matter what."
Oron turned to her. "Okay, then why did you attack him?"
The man at their feet groaned and struggled to get up. Izzy kicked him. Oron physically lifted her up and carried her over to stand next to Meryn.
"Can you please tell us what in the hell is going on?" he begged.
"He called you a 'traitorous bastard'."
Meryn lifted up her stick again and went to step forward. Aiden blocked her way. "No one disrespects my big brother-cousin," Meryn growled.
One of the other tailors inched forward and helped the man to stand. The queen and Brennus walked up behind them, Portia right at their side.