Aiden pointed to the far hallway. "Still in the bedroom."
Rex frowned "Isn't she supposed to be out here?"
Aiden spread his hands wide. "We're working on it."
Kari patted Declan's arm. "Give me a moment. I will see if I can go help Bethy."
He leaned down and nipped her ear. "Good luck."
Kari walked toward the guest quarters and stood at the open door. There, Tarragon was still fussing over Meryn's arm.
"It should be better by now, but I'm so hesitant, you're human after all."
"Get this freaking sling off me. I can't even wipe my butt," Meryn groused.
Tarragon rolled his eyes. "Thank the gods Bethy wasn't like you."
Meryn stuck her tongue out at him. He carefully removed the sling and gently made her extend and then flex her arm.
"Is there any pain?" he asked.
"Nope, I'm okay," Meryn insisted.
"Okay, I'm going to go to the antechamber for a glass of wine"--he looked at Bethy--"or three." Then he left the room.
Ryuu stood in the corner watching his charge, a smile on his face.
Bethy turned. "Meryn, you need to start getting ready."
"No," Meryn said. "I don't want to eat with that asshole."
"And I do?" Bethy asked. "Listen to your Yoda. Sometimes you have to make nice with jerks. It's part of being an adult."
"Fine," Meryn said.
"Fine?" Beth asked.
"Yeah, I quit being adult." Her clothes shimmered, and she stood before them in her Simba pajamas.
Kari laid a hand on Bethy's arm. "I guess this is just beyond her." She turned to Meryn. "Go eat your pudding, dear."
"What's beyond me?" Meryn asked, her eyes narrowing.
"This dinner." Kari clucked her tongue. "I keep forgetting how young you are."
"I'm not that young," she protested.
"It might be better if you do not attend. You are so very blunt."
"I totally nailed Daphne at that sewing circle."
"Oh yes, Bethy told me about that. Sweetheart, that is like bragging you stayed in your lane at the go kart track to an Formula One racer."
Meryn gasped. "I could totally do this."
Bethy looked unsure. "Maybe you should stay in tonight and get some sleep."
Kari nodded her agreement. "Meryn, there is nothing to be ashamed of. I think it is admirable you know your limitations."