"Do you like it?" She asked before twirling round. When she stopped, he simply pulled her in for a long kiss. For the first time in hours she felt calm. It was like she craved him, his very physical presence was needed for her survival. She pulled back and tried to catch her breath. His eyes shone bright.
"How long before this heat settles down?"
"A couple hundred years." He teased and then offered her his arm. She laid her hand on his elbow as he escorted her towards the ballroom.
"Man, I'm going to stay pregnant." Aiden stumbled but caught himself. His eyes had a wild look about them as they darted from her midsection to her face.
"Are you? Could you be?" He stuttered. She shook her head.
"No, well, I don't think so." She shrugged.
"Don't do that." His other hand clutched at his chest.
"Sorry." She squeezed his hand as they approached the door.
"Ready?"
"As I'll ever be" Aiden nodded to the herald and the doors swung open.
"I have the distinct honor to present, Commander Aiden McKenzie, heir to the House McKenzie, Unit Commander to the four pillar cities and future Elder to all shifters and his mate Meryn Evans, the new Lady of the Gown of Éire Danu." The room quieted as Aiden walked them down the long carpet at a stately pace. Murmurs and whispers were everywhere. Meryn remembered Colton's words and just smiled at those who made eye contact and nodded.
At the end of the long carpet the four Elders, two with mates and two without, stood to receive them. When Aiden stopped and bowed, Meryn inclined her head. She knew if she tried a curtsey she would topple over. More whispers spread around them. Had she screwed up already? She swallowed hard and met the eyes of the fae Elder Celyn Vi'Ailean. He stepped forward and took her hand from Aiden's elbow. He kissed it and drew her forward.
"Darling, this is the sweet girl I told you about. Meryn this is my mate, Vivian Vi'Ailean. She has been very eager to meet you and is already planning a visit to our garden in your honor." The tall blonde woman stepped forward and took her hand into both of hers and smiled. Like Adelaide, she didn't have to bedeck herself in jewels, she wore her dignity around her.
"She's been invited to the fae gardens?"
"Who is she?"
"She's just a human, why is she so special?"
Even with her human hearing she could hear the contempt in the voices around her. Vivian's eyes flashed.
"Lady Meryn, it's such a pleasure to meet you. My mate has had nothing but wonderful things to tell me about you and your ongoing assistance regarding the troubling disappearances of late. I know that you have squire interviews tomorrow, but maybe after that has concluded you could come by for a visit? I would love to show you my garden." Her invitation started a buzz that spread like wildfire.
"I would love to visit tomorrow. The interviews should go quickly, we've had so many cancel unexpectedly. It was very curious how that all had to back out at the last minute. Would it be acceptable if I brought my new squire with me tomorrow?" She kept her eyes wide and her voice sweet. Vivian looked down her mouth twitching.
"Of course. I can't wait to talk with you tomorrow." Her words matched the admiration and sincerity in her eyes. Meryn just grinned up at her cheekily.
"I told you she was a darling." Adelaide boasted.
"And she is." Elder Vi'Ailean confirmed, then turned to Aiden.
"Commander, congratulations on your mating. She is an amazing woman."
"Thank you, sir, she has made me a happy man." When he gazed down at her there was no mistaking how he felt. His love was there for all to see.
"We won't hold you up any longer. Enjoy your first All Hallows' Eve ball Meryn."
"I'm sure it will be an experience unlike anything I've ever known." Meryn said and Elder Vi'Ailean coughed to cover his laugh.
"With your permission?" Aiden bowed and guided Meryn through the crowd that parted before them making it easy to get to the refreshment table. He leaned down and nipped her earlobe.
"How are you feeling?" His eyes were dancing with laughter.
"Surprisingly well. The fae Elder is really nice, I like him." In the distance Vivian covered her mouth to hide her smile as her mate blushed. Aiden nipped her ear again. Right! He was trying to remind her that anything she said could be heard and of course held against her. She spun around and eyed the table. Everything looked amazing.
"Hungry?"
"Starved." She would keep her mouth full so her foot wouldn't have any room.
"Heads up." Aiden murmured.
"Darrrllliiinng. So wonderful to see you again. I'm so surprised you could make it." Daphane Bowers stopped before her with two other women. Meryn couldn't help the mental image that popped in her head. They were like the evil stepmother and step sisters from Cinderella, with the regal atmosphere her brain was stuck on Disney.