PROLOGUE
Oron lay in bed gasping as he stared up at the ceiling. His mate was a walking, talking disaster. She was like Gavriel's mate, except it wasn't fate causing mishaps and mayhem around her, she did it to herself, but in the most adorable, curious ways possible.
His dream had been a sequence of reactions and events caused by his innocent mate. When all was said and done, her place of employment had caught fire.
He scrubbed his hands over his face. Mother would know of a way to keep her safe from herself. He took a deep breath, of course mother would know what to do. You didn't live for over ten thousand years as a queen and not learn these things.
As soon as he could, he would slip away and visit the city of his birth. He just prayed that his hapless mate didn't accidentally set off a nuclear weapon between now and then.
CHAPTER ONE
Oron looked around Level Six at the reception that was in full swing celebrating Warrick Fortier's mating to young Avery Therian. Having only arrived yesterday with Amelia and Darian to escort the menace to Éire Danu, he was desperately trying to keep everyone's names straight, but he knew it was a lost cause. He had no sooner stepped through the portal and Meryn began rattling off names, most of which either got confused and mangled together in his mind or had evaporated completely.
The only ones he had no problem remembering were Nigel and Neil Morninglory because Meryn was right, they did look like young Keelans.
Darian walked over to stand beside him. "Have you ever seen so many vampires smiling this much?" he asked.
Oron shook his head. "Never, and in Noctem Falls at that. But from the stories I've heard since arriving, the city has had more than their fair share of grief, you can see that they've bonded and grown stronger." All around them vampires and wolf shifters laughed and toasted each other, teasing the couple mercilessly. Their Noctem Falls unit brothers kept snatching Avery away from Warrick causing the warrior to hiss at his fellow men at arms.
"Almost feels like Lycaonia... almost," Darian said grinning.
Oron chuckled. They both had a soft spot for their adopted city. "So how long do you think Menace will be in Éire Danu before she's arrested?"
Darian smiled wide. "As if our queen would ever imprison her favorite human."
Oron noticed that his brother only referred to their mother by their familial relationship while they were safe within the borders of the fae city. He personally agreed with the decision, one never knew who was listening, and neither of them would allow their enemies to hurt their mother and queen.
"I'm more worried about Portia throwing Meryn into a bespelled closet to keep the queen's schedule running smoothly," Darian admitted.
Oron winced, his brother was right. Portia Kilardin was an absolute genius when it came to keeping the palace running, but she had no patience for anything she deemed a disturbance to her detailed itinerary. Growing up she taught both of them etiquette and deportment so they wouldn't be an embarrassment to the queen. Cord ruled the kitchen and domestic issues, Allia managed the queen's day, but Portia kept the entire palace running.
He sighed. "She isn't mean, but she will absolutely hate Meryn for doing what she does best, bucking the system."
"I do, do that pretty well, huh?" a voice said from behind them.
Both he and his brother turned and smiled at Meryn. "Yes, you do," Oron agreed.
"So, this chick is like a super squire?" Meryn asked.
He exchanged looks with Darian who shrugged. He looked down at the menace. "She isn't a squire, she's not really an advisor either."
"How about an 'estate manager'?" Ryuu suggested.
Oron nodded slowly. "I think that's as close as we'll get to a description. Portia manages everything to do with the royal palace itself. The staff, events, invitations from other noble and founding families, birthing presents, celebrations, communications from the queen, the list goes on."
"So I should just stay out of her way?"
Darian exhaled. "Absolutely. You'll more than likely be staying in the royal quarters and that's more Cord's domain, he'll love you," Darian ruffled her hair.
She knocked his hand away. "Stop that!" She straightened. "If Cord is the food source, then I'll stay glued to him."
Oron laughed out loud. "Gods is he ever going to love you, that man lives to cook."
Meryn's eyes rounded. "More than Sebastian?"
"Did someone say my name?" the Rioux squire asked, walking over.
Meryn pointed to them. "They said that the queen's squire lives to cook and that he'll love me. I was wondering if he's a better cook than you because you totally kick-ass."
Sebastian cheeks tinted. "It is such a pleasure to cook for young appetites, you made every day a joy." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She scrunched up her nose at him and he laughed. "As for Cord Danual, he, like Ryuu, is somewhat of a legend amongst squires. He has held his position as the queen's squire for as long as anyone can remember. I honestly believe he has forgotten more recipes than I have ever learned," he admitted.
Meryn licked her lips. "Super fae squire food."
Ryuu sighed. "While I am ecstatic that you are eating more, the drastic return to your tapeworm like existence is worrisome."
"It's the cinnamon, the baby loves it, so I am putting that shit on e
verything." Meryn rubbed her rounded belly.
"Cinnamon?" Oron asked.
Meryn nodded. "Yup, evidently my kiddo really likes fae cinnamon. I promised Sebastian I'd find some more for him and send it back. I think I decimated his stash and it's tough to get too," she said, looking guilty.
Sebastian frowned. "Do not worry yourself over such a trivial thing. I would give every speck of fae cinnamon in this city to ensure that you and your little one stayed healthy."
"Denka, I will see to it personally once we arrive in Éire Danu that a shipment of fae cinnamon is sent here, will that make you feel better?"
Sebastian went to protest, but Ryuu held up his hand. Meryn nodded. "Yes, please. That way he can keep making Magic Pudding."
"And I will ensure that you receive your Magic Pudding no matter what," Sebastian promised getting misty eyed.
Meryn blinked furiously. "Stop that! I don't want to think about tomorrow," she grumbled rubbing her eyes with her arm. Ryuu wrapped a supporting arm around his charge's shoulders.
Oron watched as one of the most influential squires in their world swallowed hard and put on a bright expression. Sebastian cleared his throat. "Of course, it is not as if we will never see one another again. Magnus is negotiating for another portal from the queen, I will just remind him that visiting Lycaonia may be in his best interests."
"That would be so amazing!" a young voice exclaimed.
"Avery!" Meryn practically jumped the newly mated shifter.
Oron looked over to Darian who looked just as shocked as he felt. They had never really seen Meryn be so exuberant with her affection.
"Denka has made some very dear friends while here, I believe that this is the first time she will ever have to say goodbye," Ryuu explained.
"Meryn, thank you so much for being here. I couldn't have had the ceremony without you, you're like my best friend," Avery ran his cheek over Meryn's wild curls.
Meryn stood back sniffling. "Well duh, I had to be here. And you better call me later and tell me all about the butt sex."