"Okay, I'll open it up for you to ask Meryn any questions you need to, to better serve." Adelaide sat down.
Meryn squirmed in her seat as three sets of male eyes stared at her.
"What foods do you like to eat?" Ryuu asked, his voice was surprisingly deep.
"I like pizza, sandwiches and hot pockets." He nodded.
"What is your favorite tea?" Dennis asked.
"I like strong teas, sweetened, no milk. Earl Grey double strength, preferably."
"I bet you would love my Yorkshire tea with milk." Dennis made a note on his sheet. Meryn smiled politely.
"Why do you drink it so strong?" Ryuu asked.
"I have a strong coffee first thing in the morning to get me going, by the afternoon I'm crashing and I need something to pick me up. It's why I usually like a light lunch and something sweet for tea. If I eat too much I get tired." She explained. He nodded solemnly. They got quiet.
"Do you have any more questions for Meryn?" Adelaide asked standing.
"Just one. What do you do in the afternoons?" Ryuu's handsome face turned to her.
"I'm on my laptop a lot."
"Thank you. I have no more questions Lady McKenzie."
"Very well then, Marius will show you to the kitchen. We'll see you gentlemen at lunch." They stood and filed out behind Marius.
"Enjoy your laptop time, lunch will be ready soon enough." Adelaide picked up her knitting.
Two hours later Meryn had just finished writing a new program when Marius appeared at the door. His mouth was in a straight line. Uh oh.
"Lunch is ready."
"Oh dear, I wonder what happened." Adelaide murmured. They stood and followed Marius to the dining room. As they passed the kitchen she saw that one counter was littered with vegetable cuttings and food splatters. Meryn and Adelaide exchanged a look. Now they knew what was wrong with Marius. One of the men applying was a slob in the kitchen. Along three of the walls, each applicant had set up a lunch spread. Meryn noticed that only Ryuu bowed when they entered.
"Walk around Meryn and pick whatever you like. I would recommend trying something from each to see if you like their cooking." Adelaide suggested and picked up a plate for herself. Marius handed Meryn a plate and she began to walk around the room.
She went to Dennis's table first since it was the one on the left. He had made French Onion soup and a tossed pasta dish. She skipped the soup and spooned a small helping of pasta on her plate. She smiled at Dennis and moved on. Jungen was along the middle wall. He had made a bratwurst sub with sauerkraut. For a side dish he had prepared a cabbage and red potato dish. She scooped out a helping of potatoes and moved on. Finally, she came to Ryuu. He had prepared simple looking pastries shaped like fish.
"Taiyaki?" She asked. For the first time his expression changed to one of pleasant surprise.
"Yes."
"What did you use for a filling?"
"Pepperoni and cheese."
"Seriously?" Meryn asked, reaching for the tongs. She grabbed two and put them on her plate. She smiled at him in gratitude. He bowed. She walked over to the table and took a bite of the pasta. It was really good. She quickly finished what was on her plate. Second, she ate one of the potatoes, but couldn't eat more. It had been cooked in grease along with the cabbage. It was too heavy for her to eat. Eagerly she reached for the small fish. She took a bite and sighed. The crusty exterior gave way to melted cheese and slightly spicy pepperoni. After polishing off the second one she was full. They thanked them and retired back to the drawing room.
A couple hours later the men returned, each one pushing a service cart. Meryn rubbed her eyes. She had been staring at her laptop for hours, her vision was getting blurry. She needed a strong tea in the worst way.
"For this exercise Meryn will review what each of you has prepared and pick the one which appeals to her. While we take our tea Marius will serve you outside on the veranda while Meryn and I discuss your merits. Gentleman, the floor is yours. Please tell us what you prepared and why."
Dennis stepped forward quickly and removed the large dome lid, revealing his selections.
"I have prepared a double strength pot of Yorkshire tea with milk since Miss Meryn likes it strong and cucumber sandwiches, since she advised that sandwiches were a favorite of hers." Meryn sighed. She really wanted her Earl Grey. Jungen stepped forward and removed the lid on his cart.
"I have also prepared sandwiches." He glared at Dennis. Now Meryn realized why Dennis stepped forward so quickly. He knew they had prepared the same thing.
"Instead of cucumber, I chose instead to use higher quality ingredients. On the left, we have egg and cress and on the right smoked salmon. For tea I have prepared a Darjeeling brew, no milk. I chose sandwiches as Meryn indicated they were a favorite and have prepared the tea without milk as she clearly stated she does not prefer it." Jungen looked pleased with himself. Meryn's eyes went to Ryuu. He had done so well at lunch she couldn't wait to see what he had prepared for tea. Please let the man have made a pot of Earl Grey.
Gracefully he stepped forward and bowed. With measured movements that reminded her of the ancient Japanese tea ceremony, he lifted the dome and presented his selections. The other two men snickered. With no pomp or pageantry the plate held small, ordinary looking pastry balls stacked in the center of the plate.
"I have prepared dango, or dumplings coated in powdered sugar and green tea. I chose the dumplings since Lady Meryn advised she liked something sweet with her tea. They are small and easy to eat, allowing her to stay on her laptop. I chose green tea over her preferred Earl Grey since a single serving contains the same amount of caffeine as a doubly strong brewed pot of black tea, yet also contains L-theanine, which improves brain function, helping her to concentrate later in the afternoon." He bowed again and stepped back.
"Thank you gentlemen, everything looks delicious. If you would just follow Marius, he has prepared his own special version of tea as a thank you for applying." The men followed Marius out the door. Adelaide held up a hand when Meryn went to speak. A couple minutes later she turned to Meryn.
"So. What do you think?"
"I was hoping you would tell me what you thought."
"Your opinion is more important than mine, they will be serving you, not me." Adelaide reminded her.
"Jungen is a hell no."
"Can I ask why? I just want to hear your reasoning."
"He creeps me out. I would never feel comfortable around him."
"I agree. I would have dismissed him outright due to his slovenly appearance, but wanted to be fair."
"I bet that's what got Marius's dander up." Meryn giggled.
"I bet you're right. That man is fastidious. What about the golden boy Dennis?"
"He made me smile. He's very open and fun. I could see myself relaxing around him. But ..." Meryn hesitated.
"What dear?"
"He flirted with you which I didn't like. He didn't listen. He acted on his own assumptions that he knew best. I could see Marius doing something like that, but he'd be right to do it and tell you why. Like; 'Meryn wear your jacket it's cold outside'." Meryn mimicked Marius's voice.
"The french onion soup was divine."
"I bet it was, but I don't like heavy meals at lunch time or milk in my tea."
"Go on. What about the dashing prince-like Ryuu and don't bother denying you didn't look. I've been mated centuries longer than you have, and I looked."
"He makes me feel safe, like Aiden does. There's just something about him. I feel like I know him from somewhere, like a childhood best friend or something. It's like I know I could depend on him for anything. He asked good questions about why I liked something and even though he didn't prepare what I preferred, he took into consideration why I liked it. If he were my squire, I wouldn't have to worry about a thing, I have a feeling he'd even think for me if I asked him to."
"I think you have your answer, dear one."
"Plus, he's dreamy."
"Yes, dear.
But don't ever let Aiden hear you say that. I made the mistake of mentioning how handsome I thought Marius was when he first joined us, I didn't hear the end of that until after Ben was born."
"I'd never ever betray Aiden."
"And I would never betray Byron." They stared at each other before Adelaide gave her a knowing smile. "But, that doesn't mean you can't appreciate a handsome face, especially one that will be taking care of you. I never once thought of Marius in that way, but there were days where I needed him more than I needed Byron. That creates a bond, it doesn't mean you don't love your mate, it just means that there is room in your heart for more." Adelaide poured a cup of Darjeeling.
"Do you love Marius?" Meryn asked.
"Yes, very much. But it's somewhere between brother and best friend."
"I think I know which one to choose."
"The men will be back soon. Eat your dumplings."
Meryn dug into the small sweet treats. She poured a cup of the green tea and sweetened it with a bit of sugar. When she took a sip with the dumpling she sighed happily. They complimented each other perfectly.
"Hana Yori Dango." She popped another in her mouth.
"What's that dear?" Adelaide asked.
"Dumplings over flowers. Or practical things over pretty things."
"Aren't you getting both?" Adelaide teased.
"Oh, hush you." Meryn smiled. Adelaide just sipped her tea and let Meryn think.
An hour later the men returned. Meryn let Adelaide take over. She'd just stammer her way through and they wouldn't understand a word.
"Meryn and I have discussed things over with great deliberation. After taking all things into consideration, she would like to extend the offer to Ryuu Sei."
"What! Why!" Jungen demanded. He had turned an unhealthy shade of red and looked like he was about to blow.
"We feel that he will be a better fit in our household." Adelaide advised simply.
"I refuse to accept that this foreigner would be a better squire than someone of my caliber." Jungen ground out the words from behind clenched teeth.
"Dude, seriously, you never stood a chance. A little piece of advice. Shower before interviews. Okay?" Meryn couldn't help it. Jungen had no right to belittle Ryuu. She felt an irrational sense of loyalty to the man already.
"I should have listened to Daphane Bowers, there's no way a human mongrel like you would appreciate high class service." Jungen spat.
"Marius please escort this man from my home immediately." Adelaide ordered. Marius moved quicker than Meryn thought possible.
"Unhand me!" Jungen took a swing at Marius, easily ducked before twisting the man's arm behind him.
"I'll get the door." Dennis said standing quickly. "I have nothing against humans, I think you're lovely Meryn. Hopefully I'll see you again in another household." Dennis winked at Meryn and ran ahead to get the door for Marius.
"I liked your pasta!" Meryn yelled after him.
"Thanks!" Was the reply. They heard a loud slam, the sound of a man's whimper, Dennis laughing and then silence. Throughout the entire scene Ryuu hadn't said a word.
"I never even asked. Would you like to be my squire Ryuu?" Meryn had a flash of fear that he would say no.
"Let me ask. Will it bother you that I am Japanese and not of European descent?"
"No, I never even saw that as being an issue." Meryn answered truthfully.
"I keep forgetting how very young and human you are." Ryuu answered with a gentle smile.
"Will it bother you that I'm human?" Meryn asked, feeling prickly, especially after Jungen's mongrel comment.
"No. I meant that in a good way. You see things differently than we do. Paranormals live for long periods of time and we tend to get trapped in the past. But you see things as fresh and new. Nothing is impossible and everything can be conquered."
"Do you think you'll be happy here? You'll be very far from home." Instead of answering Ryuu looked towards the hallway.
"Would you like to go for a stroll outside?" Ryuu suggested.
"Stay close to the house. I'm not sure if Marius explained, but Meryn has been threatened. Her safety must always come first." Adelaide said in her mom voice.
"Of course." Ryuu stood and waited for Meryn by the door. She joined him and they walked side by side through the house and out the back door.
"I did not mean to be disrespectful to Lady Adelaide, but you will be the one I am serving. My story is for you to hear." Ryuu looked out at the trees and sighed.
"You are right Lady Meryn, I ..."
"Just Meryn is fine." Ryuu shook his head. "Your mate, when he inherits, will be the closest thing to a sovereign our people will ever know, I cannot speak to you in such a common way."
"I don't like the way Lady Meryn sounds, it makes you feel too far away."
Ryuu smiled. "I am a servant, our positions are very far apart."
"Listen, you're right. I am young and I am human, but more than that I'm an American. To me everyone is equal. I don't need a servant. I need a friend. I need someone who will help me navigate this world without embarrassing myself or Aiden. I need someone that I can lean on when this world gets to be too strange. I need someone that I can rely on. Will you be my friend Ryuu?" Meryn couldn't keep the emotion out of her voice. She wanted the level of comfort and trust she saw between Adelaide and Marius.
Ryuu cupped her cheek and for the first time she saw the intensity of his feelings in his eyes. He took a deep breath and the veranda dropped away, a huge palace appeared behind him. Autumn disappeared to be replaced by a balmy summer afternoon. In the distance she could hear a shine's bell toll as a comforting breeze wove in and out of the bamboo trees. She didn't know how he did it, but she was standing in a royal palace in Japan and every breath and movement felt slow as if they were one step out of time.
"When I lost my previous Master, I did not dare to hope that I would find another to whom I could serve from the depths of my soul. But your sincere wish for a friend, not someone to subjugate, assures me that you are someone that I can serve. I have felt connected to you since the moment I entered the drawing room. It seems that Fate isn't quite finished with me, and in you I have a fresh start and a new purpose."
He stepped back and dropped to one knee, bringing her hand to his lips.
"I swear to you on my life that I will dedicate my existence to serving you. That my children will serve your children, until the day that one of our lines ceases to exist. I swear to put you above all others, save my mate and my children. Your health and happiness will be placed above my own. Do you accept me Meryn Evans? As your guide, your sword and your shield?" The words as they were spoken sounded as if he were speaking a ritual or a spell. Meryn hesitated only for a moment. Fate had brought her this far, she had to trust that Ryuu was also brought to her for a reason too.
"Yes, I accept you." No sooner had she spoken the words when a searing pain encircled her wrist. The vision cleared and they were back on Adelaide's veranda where the October sun provided just enough warmth, making the cool fall breeze enjoyable. Ryuu winked up at her and stood.
"We are bound together for all eternity. It feels good to be in service again." Meryn noticed that he seemed younger, happier, as if the burdens on him had lightened.
"Well someone doesn't have commitment issues."
"We were meant to be Meryn. Fate brought me here."
"I thought the same thing before I said yes." Meryn pulled up her sleeve and stared. Around her wrist, like a sapphire bracelet was a blue dragon tattoo.
"Wicked! I get a tattoo! Ha. Take that Aiden!"
"It will allow me to monitor your health, track your location and interpret your feelings." Meryn didn't know how she felt about that.
"We're going to have to work on your communication skills."
"Oh, I don't know. I think I timed it perfectly." Ryuu said with a straight face.
"It's gorgeous. I love it." Meryn couldn't stop staring.
"Denka, it's getting
colder, we should go inside."
"What's Denka?" Meryn asked heading towards the door.
"You don't like when I call you Lady Meryn, Denka, is a formal mode of address in my language, equivalent to something akin to Royal Highness." Ryuu held the door open for her.
"I like it."
"Have you worked everything out?" Adelaide asked when they entered the drawing room.
"Yes. I think he and I will get along perfectly." Ryuu had taken a position behind her, standing feet spread, hands clasped behind his back.
"I'm glad. Meryn, I had Marius make you a cake to take over to Elder V'Ailean's for your visit. It's Vivian's favorite, a Lemon Crunch Cake. Please give it to her with my thanks. She made last night so pleasant." Adelaide sipped her tea.
"Sure, what time do I ..." Meryn's question was cut off by a deafening roar. Aiden charged into the room and pinned Ryuu to the wall by the throat. Meryn's mouth dropped.
"What the hell Aiden? Let him go!" Meryn yelled.
"He has marked you. He has put his mark on you. You! My mate!" Aiden roared. Ryuu on the other hand, looked calm. He accepted Aiden's treatment. He simply turned his face to Meryn.
"What would you have me do Denka? He is your mate and I don't wish to harm him." His voice was composed, even pleasant.