My Champion(63)

"This is biased panel! I demand that we replace Rex Lionhart with Elder Evreux for more neutral and impartial deliberation. The defendant's own brother should not be part of the Council panel," Ivan DeLaFontaine protested.

Elder Primrose's eyes flashed. "Denied! If he does not want to be at the mercy of an elder whose family member he nearly killed, then he should not go around attacking people. He is lucky it wasn't my brother. He would have been gutted and the warriors would still be looking for his spleen."

Elder Vi'Ilsimir cleared his throat, smirking as he looked at Ivan DeLaFontaine. "Funds are to be transferred by close of business today. Do you have anything to add as the Founding Family head?"

Ivan turned to Magnus. "I will see you tonight for dinner, Prince Magnus."

Magnus inclined his head. "Of course."

Gerald stood and he and Ivan walked toward the door and left. Once the door closed behind them, Meryn broke down into a contagious fit of giggles. First Bethy and finally Kari got wrapped up in the infectious laughter. Elder Primrose chuckled along with them and turned to Magnus.

"I can see why you requested that Leif and Travis come back."

Magnus turned to him, an innocent look on his face. "Whatever do you mean?"

Elder Primrose winked. "I'm not saying Mr. DuBois was under a spell with Nigel and Neil Morninglory's magical signature all over it, but if he was, I would recommend that someone teach them a concealment spell."

"Good idea," Meryn murmured.

Elder Vi'Ilsimir bowed. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Meryn McKenzie. I received a report from Etain in regards to the standing invitation to Éire Danu by our Queen." He walked around the desk and up to the sections of seats where they had observed the sentencing. He handed her a small gold card. "If you need anything, anything at all, use that and it will contact me."

Magnus' eyes bugged out, and he practically raced around the desk to look at it.

"Cool beans. May I friend you on Facebook?" Meryn asked.

The Elder chuckled. "I think my mate has already friended you. She enjoys your hilarious updates."

Meryn winced. "I need to work on my phrasing."

"Oh, I do not know; I think your phrasing is just right," he said teasingly.

Meryn stuck the card in her pocket.

Aiden grimaced. "Meryn, that is a very, very important gift. It has been spelled so that it will allow you to contact Elder Vi'Ilsimir directly anytime you wish. If you stick it in your pocket, you may lose it."

"Dani wouldn't lose it. Besides changing into cool clothes, she is really good about keeping stuff in my pockets safe."

"Dani?" Elder Vi'Ilsimir asked, choking on the word. "Gods! Is that?"

Meryn nodded. "The Gown of Éire Danu," Meryn said, plucking at her T-shirt.

The fae Elder looked down at the small human and took in her scruffy shoes, her baggy jeans, Star Wars T-shirt, and large hoodie.

"That is the coveted Gown of Éire Danu?" he asked.

"Yeah, but that got to be a mouthful, now I call her Danu or Dani."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a flash drive, two pieces of gum, five salt packets, a small stone, and what looked like to be a sonic screwdriver.

"See, she keeps things safe."

Aiden looked over her shoulder and down at her hands.

"Packets of salt?" he asked.

Meryn looked up, and with a very serious expression, said, "For demons."

The witch and the fae elders both turned deathly pale.

"There are demons here?" Elder Primrose whispered as if he were almost afraid to say the word.

Meryn paled and stuck the salt back in her pocket. "Wait, they're real, like, really real?"

They nodded. Elder Vi'Ilsimir turned to her. "Yes, but they have not been seen for many centuries, ever since their battle with the Dark Prince."

"I only started carrying them around since I started watching Supernatural."

The witch Elder shuddered. "The representation of witches in that show is ghastly."

Magnus nodded his agreement. "How do you think we feel about vampires? They made us look like piranhas."

Both the witch and fae Elders gave a half bow. "Well, if you'll excuse us, we've been asked to consult on different projects for the upcoming fair," Elder Primrose said, smiling.

Rex shook their hands. "Thank you for your help."

"I am sorry it happened at all," Magnus replied.

Elder Primrose clapped him on the back. "It is not your fault. On a different topic entirely, I wanted to thank you for hosting this fair; I haven't seen my mate this excited in decades."

Elder Vi'Ilsimir also smiled. "My mate is also very anxious to see what Noctem Falls' first fair will be like. You have given us something to look forward to." Together they left, and the door closed behind them.