They walked downstairs and met Marius and Byron in the foyer. Byron looked kingly in his Elder dress robes. She was dying to see what Aiden looked like in his dress whites.
"The loving earth and the gentle sea, the two of you take my breath away." Byron kissed each of them on the cheek. They were about to head towards the door when Marius cleared his throat.
"Is little miss wearing shoes?" Meryn glanced down.
"No, I ..." Seconds later the world shifted as she was elevated four inches in the air.
"Yes, I think I am now."
"Have a wonderful time."
"You're not coming?" She asked. He shook his head.
"My mate Bronwyn has a terrible time around people. I will be celebrating with her in our quarters. She's the one who gave me the crackers for you earlier. She has really taken a liking to you." Meryn felt an odd sense of kinship with the woman she hadn't met yet. Those crackers had helped tremendously this morning.
"Tell her thank you and when she's ready I'd love to meet her."
"I'll do just that."
Meryn turned away from him and had only taken two steps when her ankle twisted and her entire body pitched forward. She landed on the marble floor.
"Motherfucker!" She yelled. Byron hurried forward and reached through yards of fabric to help her stand.
"I'll kill myself in these shoes!" Meryn wobbled unsteadily. She experienced a moment of vertigo and she was back on flat feet again, the dress had shortened itself to allow for flatter shoes. When she lifted the hem she could see blue Converse peeking out.
"Kick ass!"
"Oh dear." Adelaide sighed.
"I like it. Come along, my dears." Byron held up each arm and escorted them to the carriage. He helped them get in and shut the door.
"I feel like Cinderella."
"I hope you enjoy yourself tonight. If you start to feel unwell, come get me." Adelaide offered.
"I think I'll be okay." As apprehensive as she had been this morning about being amongst strangers, it didn't seem as bad now. She was just that eager to return to Aiden. The sound of the horse's hooves on the road beat a staccato that seemed to be in sync with her nerves. She realized she wasn't anxious, she was excited. The carriage soon slowed and she could see flashes of light up the road. They were in line to be dropped off.
"What are the flashes?"
"Cameras dear, even Lycaonia has her own version of paparazzi. These pictures will appear in the paper tomorrow." Byron explained. And just like that, her anxiety returned.
"Just smile. If someone asks you something and you don't know the answer, direct them to me." Byron patted her hand.
All too soon it was their turn. Byron got out first and the flashes increased. He helped Adelaide out of the carriage and reached up for her. She took a deep breath and hesitated. He winked at her and she took his hand. When her feet hit the carpet the lights exploded everywhere.
"Elder Byron, is this your new daughter?"
"Can you comment on the rumors that she started a fight with Elder Evreux?"
"Is that the Gown of Éire Danu?"
The questions were coming at her from all directions. Acting on a burst of inspiration she buried her face in Byron's sleeve and acted timid and scared. Byron played along with her act and comforted her loudly.
"It's okay sweetheart they won't hurt you, they are just asking some questions." He cooed at her as Adelaide took up position on her other side. Byron turned to the crowd and in a booming voice began answering their questions.
"Yes, this is my beautiful daughter Meryn, Aiden's mate. As you can see she is a gentle creature, I can't imagine where the rumor started that she picked a fight with Evreux. And yes, this is the Gown of Éire Danu. Meryn made quite the impression on Lady Fairfax and she has passed this gown on to Meryn." Several gasps and whispers detonated around them.
"Now if you'll excuse us, my son is waiting impatiently no doubt for his mate." Byron nodded and led them inside the building. Once behind closed doors, she saw his mouth begin to quiver.
"You? Meek and mild?" He guffawed to himself.
"Leave her alone Byron, it was a brilliant move." Adelaide kissed her cheek.
"Meryn?" Aiden looked awestruck.
"We leave you in good hands. Have fun tonight, dear." Adelaide and Byron walked arm and arm down a long hallway before stopping at a set of double doors. When the doors opened, a herald announced them and they walked inside.
"You ... you." Aiden couldn't stop staring. Meryn took advantage of his speechlessness and drunk in the sight of him. He was every inch a prince. His dark hair brought out the blue of his eyes. The uniform he wore was bright white accented in Lycaonian red. The black, polished belt fit snugly around his narrow waist, which emphasized his broad shoulders.