My Commander (Bewitched and Bewildered #1) (23 page)

No sooner did she speak the words when a gossamer silver and white wrap appeared around Meryn's shoulders.

"It thinks of everything doesn't it? Even your make up is exquisite. Did it provide you with underthings?" Adelaide asked. Meryn shifted around a bit.

"Yup, it's like silk leggings, they are warm and comfortable. I could get used to these."

"Excellent. Let's go downstairs. Byron arranged for a horse drawn carriage that way we are safely dropped off at the Council Manor entrance and don't have to walk. I love the cobblestones in the city, but sometimes they can be a nightmare to work around." Adelaide picked up a small clutch off the bed.

They walked downstairs and met Marius and Byron in the foyer. Byron looked kingly in his Elder dress robes. She was dying to see what Aiden looked like in his dress whites.

"The loving earth and the gentle sea, the two of you take my breath away." Byron kissed each of them on the cheek. They were about to head towards the door when Marius cleared his throat.

"Is little miss wearing shoes?" Meryn glanced down.

"No, I ..." Seconds later the world shifted as she was elevated four inches in the air.

"Yes, I think I am now."

"Have a wonderful time."

"You're not coming?" She asked. He shook his head.

"My mate Bronwyn has a terrible time around people. I will be celebrating with her in our quarters. She's the one who gave me the crackers for you earlier. She has really taken a liking to you." Meryn felt an odd sense of kinship with the woman she hadn't met yet. Those crackers had helped tremendously this morning.

"Tell her thank you and when she's ready I'd love to meet her."

"I'll do just that."
 

Meryn turned away from him and had only taken two steps when her ankle twisted and her entire body pitched forward. She landed on the marble floor.

"Motherfucker!" She yelled. Byron hurried forward and reached through yards of fabric to help her stand.

"I'll kill myself in these shoes!" Meryn wobbled unsteadily. She experienced a moment of vertigo and she was back on flat feet again, the dress had shortened itself to allow for flatter shoes. When she lifted the hem she could see blue Converse peeking out.

"Kick ass!"

"Oh dear." Adelaide sighed.

"I like it. Come along, my dears." Byron held up each arm and escorted them to the carriage. He helped them get in and shut the door.

"I feel like Cinderella."

"I hope you enjoy yourself tonight. If you start to feel unwell, come get me." Adelaide offered.

"I think I'll be okay." As apprehensive as she had been this morning about being amongst strangers, it didn't seem as bad now. She was just that eager to return to Aiden. The sound of the horse's hooves on the road beat a staccato that seemed to be in sync with her nerves. She realized she wasn't anxious, she was excited. The carriage soon slowed and she could see flashes of light up the road. They were in line to be dropped off.

"What are the flashes?"

"Cameras dear, even Lycaonia has her own version of paparazzi. These pictures will appear in the paper tomorrow." Byron explained. And just like that, her anxiety returned.

"Just smile. If someone asks you something and you don't know the answer, direct them to me." Byron patted her hand.

All too soon it was their turn. Byron got out first and the flashes increased. He helped Adelaide out of the carriage and reached up for her. She took a deep breath and hesitated. He winked at her and she took his hand. When her feet hit the carpet the lights exploded everywhere.

"Elder Byron, is this your new daughter?"

"Can you comment on the rumors that she started a fight with Elder Evreux?"

"Is that the Gown of Éire Danu?"

The questions were coming at her from all directions. Acting on a burst of inspiration she buried her face in Byron's sleeve and acted timid and scared. Byron played along with her act and comforted her loudly.

"It's okay sweetheart they won't hurt you, they are just asking some questions." He cooed at her as Adelaide took up position on her other side. Byron turned to the crowd and in a booming voice began answering their questions.

"Yes, this is my beautiful daughter Meryn, Aiden's mate. As you can see she is a gentle creature, I can't imagine where the rumor started that she picked a fight with Evreux. And yes, this is the Gown of Éire Danu. Meryn made quite the impression on Lady Fairfax and she has passed this gown on to Meryn." Several gasps and whispers detonated around them.

"Now if you'll excuse us, my son is waiting impatiently no doubt for his mate." Byron nodded and led them inside the building. Once behind closed doors, she saw his mouth begin to quiver.

"You? Meek and mild?" He guffawed to himself.

"Leave her alone Byron, it was a brilliant move." Adelaide kissed her cheek.
 

"Meryn?" Aiden looked awestruck.

"We leave you in good hands. Have fun tonight, dear." Adelaide and Byron walked arm and arm down a long hallway before stopping at a set of double doors. When the doors opened, a herald announced them and they walked inside.

"You ... you." Aiden couldn't stop staring. Meryn took advantage of his speechlessness and drunk in the sight of him. He was every inch a prince. His dark hair brought out the blue of his eyes. The uniform he wore was bright white accented in Lycaonian red. The black, polished belt fit snugly around his narrow waist, which emphasized his broad shoulders.
 

"Do you like it?" She asked before twirling round. When she stopped, he simply pulled her in for a long kiss. For the first time in hours she felt calm. It was like she craved him, his very physical presence was needed for her survival. She pulled back and tried to catch her breath. His eyes shone bright.

"How long before this heat settles down?"

"A couple hundred years." He teased and then offered her his arm. She laid her hand on his elbow as he escorted her towards the ballroom.

"Man, I'm going to stay pregnant." Aiden stumbled but caught himself. His eyes had a wild look about them as they darted from her midsection to her face.

"Are you? Could you be?" He stuttered. She shook her head.

"No, well, I don't think so." She shrugged.

"Don't do that." His other hand clutched at his chest.

"Sorry." She squeezed his hand as they approached the door.

"Ready?"
 

"As I'll ever be" Aiden nodded to the herald and the doors swung open.

"I have the distinct honor to present, Commander Aiden McKenzie, heir to the House McKenzie, Unit Commander to the four pillar cities and future Elder to all shifters and his mate Meryn Evans, the new Lady of the Gown of Éire Danu." The room quieted as Aiden walked them down the long carpet at a stately pace. Murmurs and whispers were everywhere. Meryn remembered Colton's words and just smiled at those who made eye contact and nodded.

At the end of the long carpet the four Elders, two with mates and two without, stood to receive them. When Aiden stopped and bowed, Meryn inclined her head. She knew if she tried a curtsey she would topple over. More whispers spread around them. Had she screwed up already? She swallowed hard and met the eyes of the fae Elder Celyn Vi'Ailean. He stepped forward and took her hand from Aiden's elbow. He kissed it and drew her forward.

"Darling, this is the sweet girl I told you about. Meryn this is my mate, Vivian Vi'Ailean. She has been very eager to meet you and is already planning a visit to our garden in your honor." The tall blonde woman stepped forward and took her hand into both of hers and smiled. Like Adelaide, she didn't have to bedeck herself in jewels, she wore her dignity around her.

"She's been invited to the fae gardens?"

"Who is she?"

"She's just a human, why is she so special?"

Even with her human hearing she could hear the contempt in the voices around her. Vivian's eyes flashed.

"Lady Meryn, it's such a pleasure to meet you. My mate has had nothing but wonderful things to tell me about you and your ongoing assistance regarding the troubling disappearances of late. I know that you have squire interviews tomorrow, but maybe after that has concluded you could come by for a visit? I would love to show you my garden." Her invitation started a buzz that spread like wildfire.

"I would love to visit tomorrow. The interviews should go quickly, we've had so many cancel unexpectedly. It was very curious how that all had to back out at the last minute. Would it be acceptable if I brought my new squire with me tomorrow?" She kept her eyes wide and her voice sweet. Vivian looked down her mouth twitching.

"Of course. I can't wait to talk with you tomorrow." Her words matched the admiration and sincerity in her eyes. Meryn just grinned up at her cheekily.

"I told you she was a darling." Adelaide boasted.

"And she is." Elder Vi'Ailean confirmed, then turned to Aiden.

"Commander, congratulations on your mating. She is an amazing woman."

"Thank you, sir, she has made me a happy man." When he gazed down at her there was no mistaking how he felt. His love was there for all to see.

"We won't hold you up any longer. Enjoy your first All Hallows' Eve ball Meryn."

"I'm sure it will be an experience unlike anything I've ever known." Meryn said and Elder Vi'Ailean coughed to cover his laugh.

"With your permission?" Aiden bowed and guided Meryn through the crowd that parted before them making it easy to get to the refreshment table. He leaned down and nipped her earlobe.

"How are you feeling?" His eyes were dancing with laughter.

"Surprisingly well. The fae Elder is really nice, I like him." In the distance Vivian covered her mouth to hide her smile as her mate blushed. Aiden nipped her ear again. Right! He was trying to remind her that anything she said could be heard and of course held against her. She spun around and eyed the table. Everything looked amazing.

"Hungry?"

"Starved." She would keep her mouth full so her foot wouldn't have any room.

"Heads up." Aiden murmured.

"Darrrllliiinng. So wonderful to see you again. I'm so surprised you could make it." Daphane Bowers stopped before her with two other women. Meryn couldn't help the mental image that popped in her head. They were like the evil stepmother and step sisters from Cinderella, with the regal atmosphere her brain was stuck on Disney.

"You know, I almost wasn't able to come tonight. Most of the shops in Lycaonia were completely out of fabric and couldn't make me a costume. Imagine that, every single clothing shop in the city, running out of fabric at the exact same time. But I found out later that things happen for a reason. Due to my dire situation, Lady Fairfax was moved to give me this lovely gown. You could almost say it was meant to be." Meryn said sweetly. Behind them Adelaide began to choke on an h'orderve, Vivian laughing, pounded her on the back.

"I see. Well I hope nothing happens to the gown, that would be a shame." She sniffed and turned away, her twin toadies raced behind her.

Meryn opened her mouth and Aiden stuffed a bite size brownie in it. She chewed and took a deep breath.

"The man at the grocery store said that chocolate helps make women more loving. I think he was right." Aiden held out another brownie.

"Especially chocolate sauce." She accepted the second brownie.

"How do you eat sauce?" Aiden asked frowning. Feeling wicked she smiled.

"By licking it off of something."

"Licking it off of ... Oh!" Aiden leered down at her. This time it was Byron who was choking and Elder Vi'Ailean hitting his back laughing uproariously.

"It seems like you're doing just fine short stuff." Colton walked up also in his dress whites. Meryn sighed, men in uniform were always so yummy. Aiden nipped her neck.
 

"It's the uniform." Meryn explained. Colton preened.

"In that case, look your fill." Colton turned and pointed behind him. On the dance floor, the men of the different units were dancing with ladies of all ages. Each man wore a pressed white uniform and glided across the dance floor with their partners.

"Meryn I hate to do this, but I'll be right back. Eleanor's grandmother is flagging me down. Colton will stay with you." Aiden kissed her hand. She nodded.

"Hurry back." She watched his broad back walk away. He greeted an older lady with a bow. She covered her face with a handkerchief and Aiden escorted her to a more private corner. Meryn turned to Colton.

"It's so sad."

"We do what we do so that other families won't know their heartache." Colton took a deep breath. Grinning, he pulled Meryn into his arms and dipped her. She squealed and started laughing.

"Come on Meryn, let's dance." He tugged her towards the dance floor and she started digging in her heels.

"But I can't dance like that!"

"What kind of gentleman would I be if I couldn't lead a woman around on the dance floor?" Colton raised an eyebrow. Meryn looked around frantically. She grabbed a champagne flute off a passing tray and downed it. She set the empty glass on the table.

"Okay, ready to go."

Colton swung her around and guided her onto the dance floor. Meryn realized that if she stopped thinking about where her feet was supposed to go and just kept up with Colton it was a lot easier. Pretty soon she was getting the hang of the turns and bows.

"May I have the next dance?" Darian bowed at the waist. Colton handed her off to the fae.

"You didn't have to dance with me." Meryn blushed furiously.

"The pleasure is all mine. In fact, the Alpha Unit has dibs on the dances with you tonight. The other units were very upset with us. We all wanted to dance with our Commander's lady." He winked at her.

The dance with Darian was no less graceful or fun than with Colton. By the third time around, she was getting thirsty.

"I believe it is my turn." A silvery voice interrupted. Darian bowed in favor of Gavriel.

"I believe I will pass on my turn to dance, let's find you something to drink." He guided her over to one of the festively decorated tables.

"Here you go Meryn, mineral water." Gavriel handed her a wine goblet.