The queen smoothed out her dress before dropping into a beautifully executed curtsey. Seeing the queen giving this entity deference made everyone in the room stand to attention and either bow or curtsey.
The form solidified into the shape of a remarkably handsome man. Unlike the fae, he had long jet-black hair that was tied back at his neck with a winding vine. He did wear robes, but unlike anything Izzy had seen in the city. His sleeves were gossamer so you could see his muscles move and flex beneath the thin fabric. More than anything, he wore power, pure and simple.
"Dude," Izzy whispered.
"I know right," Meryn whispered back.
"Abraxas, you honor us with your presence," the queen said in the form of a greeting as she stood.
"How could I not come? Nothing happens to my family for thousands of years, then within the space of five minutes, you add a son, a daughter, three mates, and a bud on the way." His bright green eyes scanned the room before landing on Meryn. He strode over only to be brought up short by Ryuu. Izzy was terrified that the squire was going to get himself killed.
"Abraxas," Ryuu said curtly.
"Sei," Abraxas replied, just as shortly. "Step aside."
Ryuu shook his head. "She belongs to me."
Abraxas' body took on a green glow. "She is of my line, move aside."
"Ryuu, don't get murdered by the hot tree guy," Meryn ordered, as she peeked out from around her squire.
Abraxas' light dimmed almost immediately. "Hot tree guy?"
"She meant no offense," Brennus said, moving to try and stand between him and Meryn.
Abraxas inhaled and then exhaled. Everything and everyone around Meryn was pushed aside, except for Ryuu.
"Kick-ass," Meryn whispered.
Abraxas smiled. "Come here, little one, I will not harm you."
Meryn popped out from behind Ryuu, causing him to shake his head. She walked up to Abraxas and held out her hand. "Meryn McKenzie, please to meetcha."
Amelia wasn't the only one to cover their face with their hands at that greeting.
Abraxas took her hand gently. "You're Eamon's daughter."
She gave a slow nod. "I just found out though. He died when I was young."
The handsome spirit tilted Meryn's head back to stare into her eyes. Meryn blinked. "Hey, we have the same eyes! I thought I got them from my Aunt Lily, but they match your green better."
"Your father was one of my closest friends. He would sit in my branches and tell me wild tales of the things he had seen and done. When his branch turned to stone, I felt my heart hardened as well." He released Meryn's chin and rested a hand on her belly. "Such a strong life." He threw an irritated look at Aiden. "Even though you are mated to the furball, will you come to visit often so that I may know you and your child?"
Meryn looked surprised. "Of course." She paused, then asked. "Does your tree have a swing?"
Brennus released a strangled sound. Behind Abraxas, Oron and Darian were waving their hands back and forth and shaking their heads.
Abraxas kissed her forehead. "I will add one, just for you and the baby." He stepped back and looked at Ryuu. "Nothing better happen to her under your watch. No flowing about, leaving her unguarded."
Ryuu glared at him, "You must be mistaking me for one of your kind who only sits back and watches, stagnating in place."
Abraxas turned to Meryn. "There were no other squires you could have chosen?"
Meryn hugged Ryuu around the waist. "I wouldn't have anyone else. He loves me and I love him. He feeds me and lets me act crazy even though he knows Aiden will give him shit. He allows me to be free."
Abraxas' facial features softened. "I guess he's allowed in my garden then."
Meryn exhaled. "Good. Because he's in charge of diapers."