Page 74 of My Haven
Daia nodded. “It makes sense she would have a guard.”
“Thad, am I seeing things?” Varan began.
The charismatic witch laughed. “No Varan, you’re not. I was surprised to see that our Lady Meryn here, has a touch of magic. She has been getting lessons from Kendrick Ashwood, as he was recently visiting Lycaonia and currently Thane Ashleigh as he is herathair,” Thad explained, as if he known all along.
Nia spoke up. “Meryn, have you been tested at all? It must be so frustrating discovering magic later in life.”
Meryn shook her head. “Thane says I have just enough to be a headache, so I never really saw the need to be tested.”
Atticus moved so that he was standing between Meryn and several of the council members. In his hands, he held her teapot. Slowly, he served her a cup. “Lady Meryn, do you prefer milk or sugar in your tea?”
Meryn smiled. “Yes.”
The squire carefully poured the milk until Meryn nodded, then added sugar until she lifted her hand. He handed her the teacup. “If it isn’t to your liking, please let me know.”
Once Meryn was served, he turned to the council members. “Your usuals I assume?”
Thad waved a hand. “Yes, that’s fine.” Smiling at Meryn he continued. “We were actually hoping to get your help with something.”
Meryn sipped her tea. “Oh?”
Jayne leaned forward. “We’re at somewhat of a standstill in reestablishing communications with Éire Danu. We wanted to know if you had any insight you could share.”
Meryn was quiet for a second. “I think getting your crystal thingie fixed could help. It’s hard to reestablish communications if the tool you use to communicate is broken.”
Thad chuckled. “You’re not wrong, but we were hoping for more insight into the mindset of the new king.”
“Darian?” Meryn asked, casually calling him by his first name. “He’s really easy going. I think if you just approached him honestly, he’d be open to your concerns. But I know that the huge sticking point for Darian and Auntie was the high-handed way you closed the portal. From my history lessons, even I know that the fae have complete control of the portals as part of the alliances,” she pointed out, taking another sip of tea.
Jayne winced. “I told you that was a major issue.”
Ruadh pounded the arm of his chair. “They had dark portals popping up everywhere, you can’t tell me that wasn’t a security risk.”
Daia scowled at his outburst. “The Queen herself assured us that the established portals were safe.”
Thad held up his hand. “I think we can discuss this later, hmm?”
Daia and Ruadh both sat back.
Caiden took the break in conversation to change topics. “Meryn, what do you think of Storm Keep so far?”
She played with the spoon in her cup. “It’s okay, I guess. I miss the shops that Lycaonia and Éire Danu have. Even Noctem Falls has a Market level. I was kinda hoping to buy magic stuff, like a self-inking quill for Portia or something like the heating stones Zoe and Kincaid made.”
Ruadh sat back. “What a unique perspective. You’ve just visited the other three of our four pillar cities.” He turned toDaia. “I know that additional shops were an agenda item for this year. Hearing Meryn comment on it, we should move it up on the priority list.”
Daia smiled. “I’ve been dying for a decent coffee shop, so you won’t hear me complain.”
Varan looked to Meryn. “What is this about young Zoe and Kincaid?”
Meryn shrugged. “It got colder in Éire Danu, so the sprites were having a hard time, Zoe and Kincaid just made stones that were warm. That’s all.”
Nia blinked. “How?”
Meryn held up her hands, shrugging. “No idea.”
“He was just elevated by the Elder Council to a Founding Family status, wasn’t he?” Ruadh asked.
Jayne’s nose scrunched. “Do they still use those archaic titles?”
