Darian nodded. "Malcom, I have the honor of escorting the Unit Commander, Aiden McKenzie, and company to meet with the queen."
Malcom gave one nod and eyed their group. When he saw her; he frowned. "That woman was not on the expected guest list."
Oron stepped in front of her. "She is Isabelle Campbell and my mate."
Malcom shook his head. "She's not on the approved list."
Izzy watched as Oron straightened. He simply led her past the guard and shoved the gate open. "Take it up with the queen," he said flippantly.
Behind them, she heard him stuttering. "Prince Darian," he began.
"You heard him, take it up with the queen," Darian answered.
When Izzy peeked back everyone was following behind them. Meryn met her eye. "Bzzzzz," she whispered.
Izzy nodded. "Totally."
Aiden looked down at his mate fear in his eyes. "Meryn, no."
Meryn smiled up at him. "What?"
Aiden looked over at Darian. "How far is it to the queen's chambers?" he asked desperately.
Darian grinned down at Meryn. "Not far. But just so you know, Malcom almost decapitated me during our last visit, so if Meryn is feeling buzzy, you won't hear a word of censure from me."
Amelia nodded. "Damn, right."
Aiden's shoulders sagged. "As long as we're not kicked out of the city; I guess it's okay."
Oron clapped his commander on the back. "No worries, sir, the queen already adores Meryn, so it's highly unlikely she'll kick us out."
"There you are! We were expecting you this morning." A tall fae female walked up to them. "Did you forget how to tell time living amongst the shifters?" she asked.
"Wonderful to see you again, Portia. Everyone, this is Portia Kilardin, the amazing palace manager I was telling you about." Darian said, greeting the extremely rigid woman and introducing her to the group.
She eyed his uniform and sighed before turning to look at the group. When she got to Meryn, she raised an eyebrow. "At least she's dressed appropriately, from the stories I heard I half expected to see her in demolition gear."
Meryn's expression flattened. Suddenly the air around her shimmered again and she was now sporting Pikachu pajamas. Izzy barely managed to suppress her giggles.
Portia's eyebrows raised to her hairline. "A sense of humor I see." She turned her attention to Izzy and Oron. "I hear congratulations are in order." She looked her up and down. "I understand you have lost most of your belongings." She unrolled a scroll. "I took the liberty of arranging for our local tailors to come to the palace to fit you for proper attire. Cord will let you know the times." She rolled up the scroll and turned on her heel. "If you all would please follow me."
Meryn sighed, and her clothes went back to her golden robes. "She's like a squire, and Beth, and Kari rolled into one."
"Portia, does mother know?" Oron asked.
Portia turned back to them and her icy demeanor melted a bit. "No Oron, I made sure that no one spoiled your surprise."
Izzy stared. The stuffy older fae liked her mate, maybe he had more allies than he thought. She brought his hand up and kissed it. He looked down at her surprised before returning the gesture.
If she thought that the fae city was impressive, she was sorely mistaken. The elegant cream and gold streets they walked seemed dull when compared to the understated, yet detailed splendor that was the royal palace.
It was golden without being gaudy. The hallway where they strolled opened on one side to a magical garden. As they walked, they passed stately marble pillars where the sprites waved and played peek-a-boo. Izzy was suddenly overwhelmed and felt tears sting her eyes. She was walking in a place more dazzling than her dreams.
Oron looked down and was smiling until he saw her expression. He stopped and pulled her off to one side. Darian, seeing his brother stop halted their progress. Oron waved him on. Darian nodded, and the group continued.
He stared down at her for a moment before she saw a look of understanding on his face. He pulled her close for a hug. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked quietly.
She sniffled and nodded. "I can't believe something like this is real and I'm lucky enough to see it."