"You know, I almost wasn't able to come tonight. Most of the shops in Lycaonia were completely out of fabric and couldn't make me a costume. Imagine that, every single clothing shop in the city, running out of fabric at the exact same time. But I found out later that things happen for a reason. Due to my dire situation, Lady Fairfax was moved to give me this lovely gown. You could almost say it was meant to be." Meryn said sweetly. Behind them Adelaide began to choke on an h'orderve, Vivian laughing, pounded her on the back.
"I see. Well I hope nothing happens to the gown, that would be a shame." She sniffed and turned away, her twin toadies raced behind her.
Meryn opened her mouth and Aiden stuffed a bite size brownie in it. She chewed and took a deep breath.
"The man at the grocery store said that chocolate helps make women more loving. I think he was right." Aiden held out another brownie.
"Especially chocolate sauce." She accepted the second brownie.
"How do you eat sauce?" Aiden asked frowning. Feeling wicked she smiled.
"By licking it off of something."
"Licking it off of ... Oh!" Aiden leered down at her. This time it was Byron who was choking and Elder Vi'Ailean hitting his back laughing uproariously.
"It seems like you're doing just fine short stuff." Colton walked up also in his dress whites. Meryn sighed, men in uniform were always so yummy. Aiden nipped her neck.
"It's the uniform." Meryn explained. Colton preened.
"In that case, look your fill." Colton turned and pointed behind him. On the dance floor, the men of the different units were dancing with ladies of all ages. Each man wore a pressed white uniform and glided across the dance floor with their partners.
"Meryn I hate to do this, but I'll be right back. Eleanor's grandmother is flagging me down. Colton will stay with you." Aiden kissed her hand. She nodded.
"Hurry back." She watched his broad back walk away. He greeted an older lady with a bow. She covered her face with a handkerchief and Aiden escorted her to a more private corner. Meryn turned to Colton.
"It's so sad."
"We do what we do so that other families won't know their heartache." Colton took a deep breath. Grinning, he pulled Meryn into his arms and dipped her. She squealed and started laughing.
"Come on Meryn, let's dance." He tugged her towards the dance floor and she started digging in her heels.
"But I can't dance like that!"
"What kind of gentleman would I be if I couldn't lead a woman around on the dance floor?" Colton raised an eyebrow. Meryn looked around frantically. She grabbed a champagne flute off a passing tray and downed it. She set the empty glass on the table.
"Okay, ready to go."
Colton swung her around and guided her onto the dance floor. Meryn realized that if she stopped thinking about where her feet was supposed to go and just kept up with Colton it was a lot easier. Pretty soon she was getting the hang of the turns and bows.
"May I have the next dance?" Darian bowed at the waist. Colton handed her off to the fae.
"You didn't have to dance with me." Meryn blushed furiously.
"The pleasure is all mine. In fact, the Alpha Unit has dibs on the dances with you tonight. The other units were very upset with us. We all wanted to dance with our Commander's lady." He winked at her.
The dance with Darian was no less graceful or fun than with Colton. By the third time around, she was getting thirsty.
"I believe it is my turn." A silvery voice interrupted. Darian bowed in favor of Gavriel.
"I believe I will pass on my turn to dance, let's find you something to drink." He guided her over to one of the festively decorated tables.
"Here you go Meryn, mineral water." Gavriel handed her a wine goblet.
"Thank you." With little thought or care on how it would be perceived she downed the whole glass. She smiled at Gavriel.
"Much better."
"I'm so glad I could help." Meryn looked around the room. She watched as small groups of people merged to become larger groups, or how two or three people would leave a group to talk amongst themselves. It was then that she remembered that tonight was also about wheeling and dealing. She stood on tiptoe and didn't see a thing.
"Gavriel do you see Adam anywhere?" Gavriel looked around.
"Yes, I believe, he is talking to the Public Works Commissioner and a group of city businessmen."
"He must be trying to drum up support for the clinic."
"More than likely." Gavriel agreed.
"Can you escort me over there? Maybe I can help." Gavriel offered his arm.
"You will be good, right?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" By this time they were already walking up to the small group.