My Commander

"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.