Oron rubbed his cheek along the top of her head. "When I followed Darian to Lycaonia, it almost hurt to live there. Everything seemed dull, lifeless, and dark in comparison. It took nearly a decade for me to adjust to living outside of Éire Danu. How the warriors in Noctem Falls don't lose their minds is a miracle to me." He pulled back and looked down at her. "Never lose that sense of wonder and amazement, my love. It doesn't make you silly or weak, it proves you are alive."
She wiped her cheeks. "Come on, your mom is waiting."
His eyes lit up. "You're right. Let's go."
They managed to catch up to the group as Portia was rapping on a massive wooden door. She turned back to them. "The Queen insisted on meeting with everyone in her chambers as opposed to the throne room."
The door swung open and a scowling fae stood in the doorway. "That's because it's family visiting Portia." He looked at them and stepped to one side. "You may want to hurry along, Aleks is wearing a hole in the floor."
"I am not Brennus! Stop telling them that!" An irate female voice demanded from behind him. Brennus gave them a slow wink as Darian and Oron began to chuckle.
Darian stepped through the door leading them in. "It's wonderful to see you again, mother."
Once inside, Izzy could see that although the term private chambers had been used, it was more like a large family room. An opulent family room, but a family room none the less.
Instead of hard wooden chairs, there were plush looking sofas and loungers. Off to one side of the room, a round table and chairs sported linen napkins and fresh flowers, that softly beckoned them to sit and enjoy a brunch.
"Oron!" Izzy barely had time to step to one side before a tall woman practically plowed into her mate.
"Mother," Oron said softly, wrapping his arms around her.
This was his mother? She was gorgeous and didn't look a day over twenty-five.
Oron chuckled and stepped back, putting his mother at arm's reach. "Mother, I have someone I want you to meet." He snaked his hand around and pulled her into the nook of his arm. "This is my mate, Isabelle Campbell.
The ethereal looking woman in front of her suddenly burst into tears shocking both her sons and her own mate. "Oh! I prayed you would find mate soon, my little warrior! I hated the idea of you being alone."
Oron looked down at her, a panicked look on his face. She gently pushed him toward the overwhelmed queen. Oron too
k his cue from her and once again held his mother. With his free hand, he accepted the handkerchief Portia held out to him and dabbed at his mother's cheeks. "This is a happy occasion, so no more tears," he insisted. He beckoned Meryn to step closer. "Besides, I brought the little human you've been enamored with."
The queen sniffed and took the handkerchief from him to wipe her eyes. She looked over and saw Meryn hesitantly edging closer. "Oh, my dear, I am so sorry to go all to pieces on you." She held out her hand. "Let me see you." Meryn blushed and took the queen's hand. The queen looked her up and down. Izzy noticed that her eyes lingered on Meryn's cuffs. She tilted her head. "If I didn't know better, I would say that the gown is showing you off. It feels like it is having fun."
Meryn brightened. "I taught her about graphic tee shirts. I think I may have given her an addiction."
The queen nodded. "I may have to have the craftsmen start on another gown to give to Lady Fairfax. I'm certain that this particular gown won't work for anyone but you. It's almost as if you've imprinted on it."
Meryn's eyes widened. "I get to keep her?"
The queen nodded. "I think that may be best."
Meryn threw her arm in the air. "Yes!" She grinned then spotted Izzy. "Izzy, my Coffee Goddess, needs some clothes too. All her stuff burned up."
The queen's head whipped around to her. "Are you okay?" She hurried over and started to inspect her.
Izzy squirmed. "I'm good, but I lost most of my stuff, and what I do have smells like smoke."
"Cord!" the queen bellowed.
"I am right here, Aleks," a tenor voice said. Izzy looked at the man walking up to them. Unlike Darian and Oron, who had golden blond hair, Cord's was a fiery, warm hue. The undertones leaned more toward brown than blond, and he wore it well. He saw her staring and smiled. "Welcome to the family," he said, before placing his hand on his heart and giving a slight bow. "My name is Cord Danual, I am the squire for Her Majesty. If there is anything at all you need, please do not hesitate to let me know. Portia has already arranged for the city's tailors to come to the palace for your fittings."
The queen's eyes narrowed. "That means you knew he had a mate."
Cord simply smiled, then turned to the group. "Who would like some tea?" he asked as he began ushering them toward the dining table.
They walked over and Meryn turned to Cord. "Umm, your table is too small."
Izzy nodded. It looked like it was meant more for a small family than entertaining a large group.