"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.