Izzy knew they were in trouble when the first guard that saw them after entering the palace screamed the word 'found!' and ran off.
"Fuck," Meryn groaned.
They trudged their way back to the queen's chambers and opened the door. Izzy watched as Meryn changed tactics going from being defensive to cute. She bounced into
the room and ran to her mate. "I had the most amazing time ever! I can't wait to tell you everything," she said brightly.
Izzy watched the cascade of emotion flow over Aiden's face. He went from relief, to anger, to frustration, to resolution, to puzzlement and finally settled on adoration. "Baby, we were worried sick," he said, placing her in his lap. Izzy realized she was in the presence of a master. Because she knew, that Meryn knew, that there was no way Aiden would say or do anything to burst Meryn's happy bubble.
Oron stalked toward her, his eyes narrowed. She knew she'd never get away with the cute thing so she tried something else. She remembered the way Oron's body looked without his robes and let the heat rise in her.
Her mate stopped and stared. She closed the distance between them and ran her hands over his chest. He leaned down to nuzzle her neck. "I missed you," she whispered.
"Owww! Something bit me!" Oron yelled, standing back holding his cheek.
Her seduction plan flew out the window as worry for Creelee took over. "Creelee, honey, it's okay. This is Oron, my mate," she cooed.
"He eat you!" Creelee cried, tears of fear on his little cheeks.
Behind her, she heard Meryn mutter. "Not yet."
She shot a glare at the little nut, then turned her attention back to Creelee. "That was just a kiss, he was happy to see me, so he kissed me. It doesn't hurt at all." She lifted him to her lips and gently kissed the top of his tiny head. "See, not scary."
Oron watched on. "Is that a brownie?"
She held him close. "Yes, I adopted him."
Aiden began laughing. "That happens to me too."
Oron ignored his commander. "Where did you find a brownie in need of adoption?"
"In the Dark Forest," she replied.
His right eye developed a tic. "The one place I begged you not to go."
"I am in no way responsible for this Oron. You knew my personality when you issued that decree. You practically forced me into going by ordering me not to go. It's your fault."
"Yeah! What she said!" Meryn chimed in.
"You were with her?" Aiden asked, in a quiet tone.
Meryn turned in his lap. "Yup! And I got to meet a ton of goblins who knew my dad! They had just finished roasting this huge boar and let me eat all the pork I wanted. And I made a new friend. His name his Gilheim and he's super sweet."
"Gilheim? Isn't that the name of the gobling Eamon saved?" Doran asked.
Meryn bobbed her head. "Yes! He totally defended me against that dick, Telk."
"Defended you?" Aiden asked, a flush working up his neck.
Meryn waved off his concern. "Just your normal run of the mill douchebag action, evidently they come in all colors, including green."
Oron approached. "Creelee, I want you to know that if my mate promised to take care of you, that means that I will too. If you need anything and she's not around you can come to me. You're our family now."
Creelee's eyes got huge. He flew forward to hover in front of Oron. "Fam-ee"
Izzy watched as her badass mate melted on the spot. "That's right, family."
"Fing-er"