"You probably saw some of the residential and commercial parts of the city when you came in through the main gate."
Izzy nodded. "The shops looked amazing."
The queen sat up a bit straighter. "They work so hard to keep the city gleaming." She held up her hands, making a triangle. "The widest part is where most of the citizens live. The middle portion of the city is where all the vendors, shops, guilds, and temples are. The point is the palace."
"Now the palace is surrounded on all sides by the Royal Garden, the only exception is the gate to enter and leave. In the Royal Garden, we have a large courtyard..."
"Do y'all have Founding Family peeps like the other cities?" Meryn asked interrupting.
The queen nodded. "Yes, they reside here on the palace grounds." She pointed behind her. "The Royal Palace acts as the anchor. Along each side opening up to the courtyard, there are six houses on the left and six houses on the right. The four closest to the palace belong to our Founding Families, the next four to our Noble Families and the last set of four to our Warrior houses."
"What are Warrior Houses? We don't have those in Lycaonia and they didn't have them in Noctem Falls either," Meryn asked.
"We've always had them," Brennus said, answering Meryn. "They are the four houses that produce the most sons who end up serving as unit warriors. Because of this, these four families have dedicated their lines to taking care of the warriors that not only defend Éire Danu, but also serve in the other pillar cities."
Amelia leaned forward. "How do you mean?"
Brennus scratched his chin then eyed Aiden. "I think in Lycaonia Byron calls the retired warriors the Old Guard. Our Old Guard is heavily involved with the warrior houses. House Erlondon acts as a training ground for our children who are too young to train as cadets. The older warriors love instructing the children and getting them started on the exercises to strengthen their bodies for future drills. House Aindin is comprised mostly of retired warriors who have taken up weaponry. They are learning to incorporate fae magic into human weapons."
Meryn turned to Aiden. "I need a superweapon."
Aiden shook his head. "No."
"But..."
"No! You already cause enough trouble with your damn screwdriver thingy."
Meryn turned to Brennus with puppy dog eyes. "Brennus, can't I please have a weapon to keep me and the baby safe?" she asked pitifully.
The queen's consort practically melted. "Aiden, why don't you want that child to have a weapon?"
Aiden gave Brennus a flat look. "Because she accidentally shot me, she took out ferals with a sniper rifle, and she loves tasing my warriors. I'd be terrified to see what she'd do with a fae enhanced weapon."
Brennus grinned broadly. "She sounds adorable."
Ryuu preened. "I think so."
Meryn pointed to Brennus. "See, he thinks I should have one."
"No. Ask for a self-cleaning diaper."
Meryn opened her mouth, paused then turned to Brennus. "Is that a thing?"
Brennus looked confused. "Of course."
"Can I have one for the baby for when I'm watching over them?" Meryn asked.
"Hey!" Aiden protested.
She glared up at him. "You get to play in shit for cock-blocking my weapon upgrade."
"Meryn!"
"As you were saying," Meryn said sweetly.
Aiden stared down at his mate in shock as Brennus continued. "House Orthames and House Liordon help provide support to our warrior estates in the form of food preparation and house care."
Izzy was impressed, it sounded as if the city really looked after their warriors. "We're moving to Lycaonia, right?" she asked Oron.