"Can you please tell us what in the hell is going on?" he begged.
"He called you a 'traitorous bastard'."
Meryn lifted up her stick again and went to step forward. Aiden blocked her way. "No one disrespects my big brother-cousin," Meryn growled.
One of the other tailors inched forward and helped the man to stand. The queen and Brennus walked up behind them, Portia right at their side.
"Listen up. You better start circulating some rumors real damn fast. My name is Lady Vi'Eirlea, my mate is Oron Vi'Eirlea, and I am extremely protective of my mate. I will make it my life's mission to torture anyone who threatens his happiness." She pointed to Meryn. "And she likes electrocuting people." Meryn held up her stick and used it to draw an imaginary line across her throat. The entire group eyed the doorway.
"And who exactly would be threatening our son's happiness?" the queen asked in a deadly tone.
"The exit is this way," Portia informed them and led them away.
Oron was simply staring down at her with his mouth hanging open.
"Damn Izzy, how'd you jump high enough to reach his head?" Meryn asked.
She shrugged. "No idea. I think I got so angry, I blacked out for a second."
"Maybe you should bring your mate to the training field," a male voice suggested.
"Fuck you, Malcom, my mate isn't going anywhere near the training field." Oron groused.
Izzy began to bounce on her feet, throwing jabs. "Fighting in robes suck." She looked back at Oron. "I need fighting clothes."
"You do not need fighting clothes!" he roared.
Aiden suddenly broke out into a wide grin. "It's not just me!" he crowed.
Meryn elbowed him. "What does that mean?"
"No fighting," Oron ordered.
"No, because I love you, and I won't let anyone hurt you anymore," she declared.
"Awww, I want one," one of the guards teased.
"I like the little one with the taser."
Aiden and Oron glared at the men.
The queen walked between them and wrapped an arm around each of them. "Why don't you girls take a relaxing walk?" she suggested.
"Mother! What if they get into another fight?" Oron asked.
"I'm pretty sure they'll win," his mother assured him.
"That's not the point."
Izzy grabbed Meryn's arm and they made their escape.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
They slowed down when they turned the corner, trusting the queen to run interference. Of course, Ryuu and Pierce were right there with them.
"So, what now?" Meryn asked.
"How adventurous are you feeling?"