Meryn closed her eyes. "Oil."
Law nodded. "All you could see was black oil. When did you start associating pictures with your feelings?"
"A couple of days ago; it was easier when certain feeling got a picture. That way I can understand what it was trying to tell me, and I could interpret it better. They would pop up, get identified and then go away. It didn't hurt as much."
"That's a really good idea." Law nodded his head approvingly.
Meryn flushed at his compliment.
"Oily?" Magnus asked. "He has always been a slippery one," he commented.
Meryn smiled up at Law. "Thanks for your help; those headaches kill me."
Behind her, Ryuu's eyes flashed. "You should have told me."
Meryn turned to her squire. "I didn't want to drain you."
Ryuu gave her an exasperating look. "Let me worry about that. I have more than enough power to help you, and your health comes first."
Kari watched as a group of men joined them in the antechamber. The twelve-hour shift was up, and there was about to be a change of guard.
Law kissed Meryn on one cheek then walked over and gave her a kiss. "Good night, ladies, I'll see you in the morning." He turned on his way out the door. "Rex, you're welcome to visit anytime," he threw out.
Declan flinched, and his eyes widened as Rex's expression became confused. "Thank you for the invitation. I may take you up on that later to discuss some things."
My brother is going to hell. Kari decided to stay quiet and watch how this played out.
Meryn waved, and Kari gave her brother a salute. "Thanks again," she said.
"Anytime, ragamuffin," he said, shutting the door behind him.
The security detail went to their charges and everyone began saying good night.
Kari laughed when she heard Meryn. "Now I that have minions and mercenaries, I can take over the world."
Aiden looked down at his mate, a terrified look on his face.
"Okay, on that note, let's go check on Avery," Declan suggested. Kari eagerly headed toward the guest quarters with Declan. She couldn't wait to see Avery's reaction to her pregnancy news in person.
She knocked on the door. Avery answered almost immediately, looking happier than she'd ever seen him. He squealed loudly and wrapped his arms around her neck. "A baby! Our own
baby! A real baby!" he rambled.
"I am happy to see you, too."
Avery danced from foot to foot. He was about to say something and then looked up and saw Declan. "Congratulations," he said, looking down at the floor. It was as if Avery had forgotten that Declan was there for a moment.
Kari looked at Avery. "Do you need sister time?"
He hesitated and nodded.
Declan smiled. "You're not going to hurt my feelings, Avery. I'm sure there will be things you will need me for too." He kissed the back of Kari's neck. "I'll be waiting for you by the tunnel."
Kari shut the door, took Avery by the hand, and led him to the bed where they sat down. "Where's Warrick?"
"He returned to his house, I could tell he wanted to stay but," Avery pointed down to the double sized bed and giggled.
Kari shook her head at the image of Warrick trying to fit on the tiny bed. Then she looked at her brother. "Okay, what is going on?"