Cord winked at Meryn then rapped on the table twice. Before their very eyes, the table expanded, and chairs popped up out of nowhere. The place settings changed from the elegant gold linen to a more serviceable cream.
"Whoa," both she and Meryn said in unison.
Cord chuckled. "I still have few tricks up my sleeves. Now, I got quite the earful from Sebastian on how you should be fed," he rolled his eyes. "I think he forgot I was a squire before he drew his first breath, but he was so worried for you, I humored him." He steered the little Meryn over to a chair. "I heard that you adore Sebastian's Vanilla parfait..."
"Magic Pudding," Meryn corrected.
Cord smiled. "Of course, Magic Pudding. Would you be interested in trying my cinnamon scones with clotted cream?"
Meryn licked her lips. "Now, you're speaking my language."
Cord turned to Ryuu. "I could show you the kitchen so you can get acclimated to the layout for your stay," he offered.
Ryuu gave a half bow. "That would be most appreciated."
Once everyone was seated, the squires headed toward the kitchen to prepare tea.
Oron took her hand under the table. She was clenching her fists again. "Mother, maybe some introductions are in order? Meryn may recognize Doran and Celyn, but my mate is new to our world."
Brennus stood. "Allow me, my dear." The queen just smiled and he continued. "I know it may be somewhat hard to believe due to her unusual display of hysterics, but this amazing woman to my right is Queen Aleksandra...ow!" He scowled down at his mate.
She gave him a flat look. "Hysterics?"
He kept going. "The two gentlemen to my left are my younger brothers Doran Ri'Eirlea and Celyn Vi'Ailean. Doran serves in Her Majesty's Personal Guard, and Celyn is the fae Elder in Lycaonia." He barely paused before going on. "The stunning woman sitting next to Celyn has the unfortunate luck to be my brother's mate, her name is Vivian. Evidently, when they learned you were visiting, they insisted on coming as well."
"I'll give you unfortunate..." Celyn muttered.
Vivian laughed. "When I heard that Celyn was returning to Éire Danu to visit with Meryn, of course, I had to tag along." She looked over and beamed at her brightly. "And I wanted to see Felix again."
Izzy nodded absently. "I can understand that; he is freaking adorable."
The queen looked at her. "You can see him?"
Izzy froze. Had she said something wrong?
Oron squeezed her hand. "Yes, my mate can see sprites as well."
The queen puffed out her chest. "Both of my son's mates can see sprites! That will go a long way to still wagging tongues."
Meryn held up a long, skinny stick. "Let them talk smack, I'll shock the shit outta them."
Amelia and Izzy giggled and said "Bzzzzz" at the same time.
The queen looked absolutely shocked but surprised them all by bursting out into laughter. "It is going to be so much fun having you girls visit."
Aiden looked a bit ill, and Darian stared down at his mate a worried expression on his face.
Izzy snuck a look up at Oron to find he was simply grinning. "What? I want to have fun too," he admitted.
Micah chuckled. "Game on."
"Gods above give me strength," Aiden muttered.
CHAPTER SIX
Once everyone was introduced, Portia left to tend to the day to day activities of the palace. As the door was shutting Ryuu and Cord returned ready to serve tea. The queen lifted her cup. "So, Izzy, Meryn, what do you think of the city so far?"
Izzy exchanged glances with Meryn and spoke first. "I think it's magical. I can't wait to go exploring."