The she also noticed that they were paying particular attention to her stomach – rubbing it, sending healing energies, and the like. They knew she was pregnant, how embarrassing.

"Hello," she said uneasily.

"Hello, dear. My name is Tienan," an elderly woman said. She looked old and frail, but her energy radiated.

"Liam," Morgan looked for the speaker to find a young, attractive man. Morgan held her hand out to shake his, but instead he drew her hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss. A suspended moment where she was caught in his green gaze persisted until she suddenly became aware of Cal. He had come over and put a possessive arm on her hips. He was giving an icy glare to his comrade, glacial indeed.

"Don't let him catch your eye, Morgan," Cal said tightly. "Liam is a master of love spells."

Liam chuckled, "Come now, friend. You've always liked my talent before."

Cal's expression softened a bit, "Sorry mate, but don't try it with Morgan again, or I will claw your eyes out."

Liam whistled, "Got it bad, have you?"

Cal smiled, "No one else like her."

"I think I shall have to get to know you Morgan. You've won the faor of such a diverse and powerful froup," Liam said, eyes twinkling.

"Not too well, I should hope," Cal said under his breath.

Liam shook his head, "I never figured you for the jealous type. I thought we shared toys."

"Morgan's not a toy," Cal replied sternly.

Liam nodded, "You've things to do, Cal. I'll introduce your girl to everyone."

Casting a final warning glance, Cal nodded and left.

"So, let's get you introduced," Liam said, steering her into the mass of witches. He helped her greet everyone and remember nearly all the names.

"So, what do you figure your loyalty test will be?" Liam asked nonchalantly.

"Loyalty test?" Morgan asked, dreading his reply.

"Didn't you know?" Liam seemed startled.

Morgan scried the crowd for Ciaran and headed in his direction, completely ignoring Liam.

"You, now," Morgan said fiercely to the utter shock of Ciaran's companions.

"Daughter," Ciaran greeted pleasantly as his audience drifted away.

"I want to talk to you alone," Morgan continued.

Ciaran nodded and entered a side room, holding open the door for her as she brushed passed him.

She jumped in immediately, "If you are planning what I think you're planning, I can tell you right now, no."

Ciaran looked perplexed, "What am I planning?"

"If you bring Hunter into this, I will not kill him," Morgan said firmly. "You should already know about Hunter from Killan."

Ciaran shook his head slightly, "I don't think that you understand our loyalty tests and Hunter's plant in this is of his own doing."

"What?" Morgan asked, bewildered.

"You may be my favored, but I can say no more," Ciaran replied firmly.

"Yes, Da," Morgan said, without enthusiasm.

They returned to the party and she saw Liam, with a perplexed expression, miming her swift departure to Cal. Morgan walked up to them, "Sorry about that. I needed to speak with Da."

Cal turned to her and she suddenly realized he was not in a good mood, "Well, I might as well tell you, Killan is here."

Morgan, sensing there was another point, prompted, "And?"

Through clenched teeth, Cal said harshly, "And he brought Giomanch with him."