Meryn leaned forward eyes bright. "I know this story! After the cease-fire the shifter commander disobeyed orders and abandoned his post. He walked on foot back to Lycaonia to meet his son."

Elizabeth and Sydney both frowned. "That's not part of the story, Meryn. Which thread did you read that from? We may need to take that one down."

Meryn shook her head. "That's the story Gavriel told me when I got bored and wouldn't leave him alone when he was on guard duty."

Sydney laughed. "I imagine he would have done anything to keep you entertained. Anyway, nowadays vampire parents tell their children to be good or they will tell the Dark Prince that they have been bad."

Understanding dawned in Meryn's eyes. "So like the Boogeyman? Humans do the same thing to their kids. Be good or the Boogeyman will come out of the closet and eat your soul. Though the story of the Dark Prince makes him sound kinda good. I can't really see him eating children's souls." She took another sip of her coffee.

Elizabeth looked at Sydney; they exchanged shocked expressions. Sydney turned to Meryn. "No, the Dark Prince isn't like that. When the parents threaten the children that they will tell the Dark Prince they have been bad, the children stop acting up because they don't want to disappoint him. He is their hero. I've said it before and I'll say it again, humans can be fucked up." Sydney shuddered.

Meryn stared at them in disbelief. "Come on, you have to have heard of the Boogeyman. Everyone knows about him. He lurks in dark shadows and under beds and if you're bad he comes out and either eats your soul or kidnaps you away from your family and eats you while you're still alive. He takes on the form of the child's worst fear."

Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Meryn, human parents tell their children this tale? It's barbaric!"

Poor human babies!

Meryn shrugged. "Well, yeah." She suddenly grinned. "You should hear what they say about werewolves and vampires."

"At least vampires and shifters are real," Sydney countered.

"So are Boogeymen," Ryuu said from behind them.

They all turned to look at him in horror.

"Seriously?" Meryn whispered.

Ryuu nodded. "Boogeymen are derived from the legend of boggarts. Boggarts are said to be evil sprites, which actually makes them sound more harmless than they really are. In all actuality what you're describing are demons."

Elizabeth scooted closer to Meryn. "But they aren't really real, right?" she asked.

Looking surprised, Ryuu's eyes went to each of them in disbelief. "Yes, but they haven't been seen in our world in over two thousand years."

Elizabeth let out a relived breath. "Thank all the Gods for that."

Ryuu smirked. "Actually, thank your Dark Prince, I'm pretty sure he led that crusade."

She and Meryn stared at the normally quiet squire then looked at each other.

"I don't think I want to know anymore." Meryn turned back to the counter.

Ryuu gave a half bow. "Of course, denka."

Elizabeth agreed whole-heartedly, the less she knew about Boogeymen the better.

Sydney gave a nervous laugh and shook his head. "Okay, on to better news. Did you hear that Elise Bowers found out she's having a girl? She's over the moon! Of course I heard Daphane didn't take it well," Sydney snickered.

Meryn laughed and looked at Elizabeth. "Looks like she's having a bad day all around then, isn't she?"

Grinning Elizabeth nodded.

"Okay chicks, spill," Sydney demanded.

Meryn told an overdramatized version of that afternoon's meeting. Sydney was laughing and wiping his eyes at the end. He turned to her. "You're welcome here anytime."

"Thanks, I'm already a huge fan of the coffee. This place is stylish and upbeat. I can definitely see myself coming here a lot."

Sydney blushed. "Thank you. Justice and I have put our hearts into this place. It's a dream come true being able to do this with my mate."

"You remind me of my fathers. They also work together."

"Broderick Monroe right? I saw pictures of him and his mate in last year's Midwinter newsletter from Noctem Falls. They're both so handsome. I remember telling Justice that we have to visit Noctem Falls, if only to go to their tailor." Sydney's face took on a happy expression.

"My uncle's squire, Sebastian, acts as their tailor. High quality clothing is my only vice. I was spoiled by his work growing up." Elizabeth pointed to her sweater.

"Lucky girl," Sydney said sounding envious.

"Maybe I should find a tailor," Meryn murmured, looking down at her cartoon tee-shirt and long sleeve thermal.

Ryuu spoke up quickly looking pleased. "I have already contacted three possible candidates. Whenever you decide you're ready for a fitting I will arrange for them to come to the estate."

"Maybe next week. Around the house I don't think it matters, but when I go out visiting I want to look nice." She looked at Elizabeth's sweater and sighed. "That looks snuggly."

"Maybe Father Christmas will get you one this year." Elizabeth winked.

Meryn perked up. "Really?"

"Get your measurements done and we'll see what happens."

Meryn turned to Ryuu. "Okay, call those tailors, tell them any time next week is good."

Ryuu bowed. "Yes, denka."