* * *
The wedding was magical. Two beautiful brides, one wearing aqua and one wearing ivory, took their vows in the castle courtyard with their handsome princes, who were each wearing a kilt of Arish plaid. The design was woven with midnight blue, shamrock green, and gold wool. The same colors of the blue-and-green flag with three gold dragons on it flying from the high turret.
They had been blessed with a perfect sunny day. Not a cloud in the robin’s-egg-blue sky. When the wedding party and their guests descended the stairs to the kitchen and ballroom level, Jayce understood why it had been roped off before.
Opening the doors revealed an elegant room with one long dining table, set with white linens, crystal glasses, and silver flatware. Bowls of pink roses surrounded by petals graced the table every five feet or so. At one end was a kiddie table, set with the same decorations.
Jayce hadn’t noticed any children. Then he realized in horror that the table must have been put there for the leprechauns.Shit.This was the first time he’d met any, but he had heard they were quick to take offense and never apologized, even if they were dead wrong. Did that include at weddings?
He spotted his and Kristine’s names engraved on cards in ornate calligraphy and escorted her over to their places near the middle of the long table. Jayce held Kristine’s chair for her and pushed her in. He left his own chair out a bit just in case he had to jump to his feet to prevent a brawl.
No one else seemed too worried. People were smiling, chatting, and laughing. All except the Arish cousins seated across from them. Aiden and Eagan seemed on the edge of their seats too.
Finally, in came the leprechauns. They glanced up and down the long table, noting there were no seats left—except for two on either end, for the brides and grooms.
Chloe rose and hastened over to the little men. She bent down and whispered something, and pointed toward the kiddie table. The one wearing brown seemed too serious.
Uh-oh. This is it, Jayce thought.
When Chloe returned to her seat, she remained standing until all three leprechauns had found their places. Meanwhile, the photographer moved around the room, taking pictures from every angle.
Jayce didn’t even realize he was on high alert until he jumped when Chloe tapped her glass, interrupting any ongoing conversations with a musical tinkle.
“Thank you all for coming. I have the honor of introducing the Arishes. First, me brother, Rory, and me new sister, Amber…”
To the sound of enthusiastic applause, the happy couple entered from a side door and were seated at one end of the table. Jayce wondered if the humans hadn’t been present if they’d be referred to as princes and princesses—or clan leaders and ladies or whatever. Keeping it simple was probably for everyone’s benefit.
Then she introduced her cousin, Conlan, and his lovely wife, Amy. More applause made Amy’s grin grow even wider. If she had taken a stage bow, he wouldn’t have been surprised. As it was, she stopped and dropped a curtsy to Chloe, and Conlan offered a respectful bow.
It seemed as if all was well. At last he could relax and enjoy the festivities. Until…
Fagan rose, or at least he slipped off his chair. Clinking his glass, he announced, “May I have everyone’s attention please?”
Jayce wouldn’t have heard Chloe mumbleshiteif he didn’t have paranormal hearing. Unfortunately, he did.
“Before we get started, I’d like to present our gifts to the happy couples. We have a bit of mischief to make up for, so we wanted our gifts to be special.”
Rory mumbled, “Is that what being kicked out of me own country is called? Feckin’ mischief?”
If Fagan heard him, he ignored it. The O’Malleys came out with champagne and began pouring everyone’s glasses half full.
They did a double take when looking at the kiddie table full of little bearded men but politely continued on their way.
“One of our gifts is too large to show you here. It’s upstairs in the courtyard.”
Chloe rose, and everyone else rose with her. Fagan grinned as if very pleased with himself. He ran on his little legs to the door, with his two compatriots following. “Let’s go,” he called. The guests looked at each other, slightly confused, but followed politely. After climbing two sets of stairs, the leprechauns in green paused, one on each side of the big double door that led to the courtyard. Fagan waited until everyone had gathered in the grand foyer and then announced, “This is for Conlan and Amy.” They threw open the double door and revealed a sleek, black Maserati convertible.
Some of the guests gasped while others made impressed sounds like “Oooohhh…”
Amy leaned toward Kristine and whispered, “Do you think they heard us talking?”
Kristine shook her head and shrugged at the same time.
Fagan focused on Amy. “Come here. Admire it.”
Conlan took her hand, and they strolled over to it, making appreciative comments. Jayce noticed Conlan appeared hesitant.
“Where did this come from?” Conlan asked.
