Sebastian made a clucking noise. "Poor darling. Do not worry Meryn, I have never stuck Bethy with a pin, and you can take as many breaks as you like."

Meryn thought for a moment then nodded. "Okay, but only to give my super dress a break every now and then. I had to stop wearing my other hoodies when they started to fit."

Declan frowned. "That's good right?"

Bethy grinned. "She wears them three sizes too big."

Understanding dawned on his face. "Oh."

Magnus chuckled. "On that note," he turned to Sebastian and Ryuu. "Whenever you gentlemen are ready, let us begin."

Sebastian and Ryuu worked seamlessly serving the entire table. A large roast was brought to the center of the table along with three bowls of steaming vegetables. Basket after basket of fresh bread was set down and wine and water goblets filled. When everyone was served, Magnus smiled. "Micah, if you would please?"

Micah looked surprised but then started a low incantation. Adriel felt the pressure around them build then settle. Micah had encased the room in a sound-proofing spell.

Magnus relaxed against his chair. "Thank you Micah."

Micah inclined his head. "Anytime, sire."

Magnus was about to begin speaking when a low vibration echoed throughout the room. Everyone turned to look at Ryuu. Frowning, Ryuu pulled a small phone from his pocket. "My apologies. I usually never receive any text messages." He looked down and scowled. Without even replying, he tucked the phone back into his vest pocket. Seconds later, another vibration sounded throughout the room.

Meryn's eyes narrowed. "How are you getting texts?"

Ryuu raised a brow at his charge and smiled wickedly. "How else? Magic. I took the liberty of casting a spell on everyone's phones by zeroing in on your device's batteries and used water particles to carry the signals. It isn't permanent, it will only last a day or two, but my denka, should have a solution figured out by then."

"Damn, skippy!" Meryn muttered.

Ryuu's phone dinged again, he looked down chagrined.

Aiden began to laugh. "It's Colton, isn't it?"

Bethy's eyes widened, and she, too, started laughing. Meryn smirked, and Gavriel shook his head.

Adriel tuned to Aiden. "Why is your second in command texting your squire?"

Aiden shook his head chuckling. "Ryuu is Meryn's squire, not mine. And Colton has a man crush on Ryuu, mainly for his ability to cook. I'm guessing Colton isn't liking his first night fending for himself for dinner."

Ryuu exhaled loudly. "I left plenty of food in the kitchen, along with planned meals and recipes. They shouldn't be running into issues the first night."

Meryn got up on her knees and turned in her chair so she could see her squire. "What happened?"

Ryuu rolled his eyes. "The men assumed the women were cooking, and the women assumed the men were. It's ten o'clock there now, and they are having sandwiches. Colton keeps texting me pictures of him pouting. It's getting ridiculous."

"Awww, they miss you." Meryn giggled. Another phone vibrated and everyone looked at Ryuu, who shook his head. "That wasn't me."

Meryn sat back in her chair. "That one was mine." She checked her phone and smiled softly. "Felix, this one is for you." She propped up her phone against her water glass.

Adriel looked around. "Who is Felix?"

Meryn pointed down to the table. Seconds later, the air shimmered, and a tiny sprite became visible, sitting on the edge of Meryn's empty soup bowl.

Etain gasped. "Is that a sprite? I haven't seen one since I left Éire Danu. They never leave fae gardens." He looked at Meryn in wonder. "How did the two of you meet?"

Felix jumped down and hugged Meryn's phone before returning to his tiny perch.

Meryn smiled up at Aiden. "Penny sent a good night hug to Felix. She misses him."

Aiden nodded.

Meryn looked up at Etain. "I was invited to the fae gardens in Lycaonia. Elder Vi'Ailean and his mate Vivian had me over for cake. Felix was there, but it didn't look like he was having a very good time, so I jokingly invited him to hang out with me. He packed a bag and moved in; we've been together ever since. I couldn't do without my little buddy."

Felix blushed and reached up to his necklace; seconds later, he was gone again.

Declan's eyes were wide. He stared, entranced, at the place where Felix had been sitting. "How'd he do that?"

Meryn's face clouded. Bethy answered for her. "Keelan made a necklace for Felix that allows him to become visible or remain invisible."

The table quieted. Magnus broke the silence. "Never in my wildest imagination did I ever believe that we would ever have a sprite here in Noctem Falls. Thank you for such an amazing gift."

Meryn's face brightened a little. "All I did was bring him along; Felix is a gift all by himself," she paused and giggled. "He's blushing."

Adriel lifted his wine goblet. "You left Colton in charge?"

Aiden nodded. "He may seem carefree, but he's actually stricter than I am when it comes to drills and patrol. I've chosen him as my successor in the event I need to assume my father's Elder seat before my son is of age."

Magnus smiled wide. "You are having a son?"

Meryn shook her head. "We don't know yet. I'm hoping for a girl."

Aiden shuddered. "No way. I don't think I can handle a girl. I'd never get any sleep. I'd be worried about my tiny princess all the time."