Aleksandra tilted her head. "What's this?"
Rex straightened and blushed when he faced the queen. "Young Meryn admires the shape of my arms," he admitted.
The queen smiled and tapped her lips. "I can
see what she is referring to."
Rex's eyes widened as Brennus moved in front of his mate blocking her view. "Seems I need to add another name to the 'not allowed near my mate' list."
The queen stepped around her mate and looped her arm through his. "Stop embarrassing the cub," she admonished.
Brennus chuckled. "You first."
The queen turned to Rex. "I'm sorry dear, I just remember you as the studious little boy you were. So proud to be a Lionhart and such a serious little man."
Rex covered his face with his hand. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Brennus laughed outright at Rex's chagrin. "Maybe you won't make the list after all."
Micah pretended to be picking up something from the ground and blew on it. "Here Rex, I dusted off your pride for you." He acted like he was handing something over to the Elder.
Rex ignored him and sat down on one of the sofas. "Ferals in Éire Danu?" he asked and everyone quieted.
"It is impossible," the queen said flatly. She turned to Meryn and Ryuu. "I don't mean that I think you are lying, but maybe mistaken."
Meryn looked down at her hands. "Aunt Aleks, I know I've only been in your world for six months, but I've been personally attacked and fought ferals more than once. This guy reeked of hot ass and Cheetos, he was most definitely a feral."
Brennus winced at her description but was nodding. "It's not a smell one forgets."
The queen walked to the window, turning her back to the room. "There has to be some kind of mistake," she said sharply.
Oron went to speak, but Brennus shook his head once then pointed to his own chest. Oron nodded. "Mother, Izzy agreed to have a child one year from now," he announced, effectively changing the subject.
The queen spun from the window, pure joy on her face. "That is wondrous news! I'm so happy for you both. I was hoping that the two of you would work things out. I can't wait to start buying baby things, they need so much. When I remember how many cloth diapers Darian went through," she shuddered.
Darian flushed. "Mother!"
She threw her head back and laughed. "Some days, I was seriously worried about what we fed you."
When Kendrick and the Ashleigh brothers came in Aiden stood and met them at the door. Kendrick nodded and Thane looked worried, but both seemed to agree to whatever Aiden said.
"Are the boys from Lycaonia settling in?" the queen asked.
Thane smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Yes, Ari is showing them around now." He turned to Rex. "He's a damn fine warrior Rex. Your family should be proud."
Rex smiled as he nodded. "Both he and Declan are a true credit to the Lionhart name."
Izzy watched as Aiden looked over to Brennus who gave the barest of nods as he rubbed his mate's back.
Aiden stood, pulling Meryn to her feet. "If you'll excuse us, I promised my brother a tour." He turned to Kendrick and Thane. "Can you join us? I have some questions regarding the material you'll be teaching the warriors."
Both Thane and Kendrick nodded catching on. "I'm glad you have time, there are some finer points to the spell that needs clarifying," Kendrick said, sounding relieved. He held out his hand and Anne went to him. "We'll catch dinner out. I haven't been able to show Anne some of my favorite vendors yet."
Rex sidled up to Meryn. "I've only just sat down to visit. Oh, well. I'll walk with you as far as I can." Meryn laughed and took his hand.
Amelia pouted up at Darian shooting Izzy an urgent glance.
Shit! We're all bailing.