“The elders?” Maldenis gulped. “Wh-what do you mean the elders?”
“You two will meet the elders, of course.”
“Of course?” Maldenis shot up from the plush white couch. “You said all I had to do was bring her here so you could meet her?—”
“Sit down, son.” Melora’s voice was calm, yet Maldenis quickly obeyed. “You must drill into your brains how serious this matter is. The ancient laws are no joke, and being dishonored reflects on our house, not just today but for the generations to come. Maldenis, if you decide to have children in the future, it will affect their standing as well. And Liora, you have your reasons for coming back too, correct?”
“Yes—wait. How did you know?”
A mysterious smile appeared on her lips. “I have connections too. Including a certain gorgon who’s been searching for the children of Zeus.”
“So, you know about our mission here in Vale Crossing.” She glanced at Maldenis, then back at Melora. “Do you know?—”
“Yes, but we can talk about that later. For now, you must face the elders.”
“Wait, then you know how important this is,” she pointed out. “I can’t hang around here playing dutiful housewife for the next year. There are lives at stake, some of them basilisks.”
“Do not worry about that, child. Medusa and I have already spoken. Maldenis will join you on your missions for the time being as part of your team.”
“I’m going to what?” Maldenis cried. “I can’t go traipsing around Vale Crossing looking for demigods. I have a job.”
“That little bar you run with your cousins?” Melora scoffed. “That’s not exactly a real job. I’m sure they’ll do fine without you.”
“You do realize we’re talking about Makron and Charlie here.”
Liora cocked her head to the side. “You have a cousin named Charlie?”
“Yeah. So?”
“Why doesn’t his name start with anM?” she asked.
“It does,” he said. “At least his real name does, but he doesn’t like it, so he decided?—”
“Ahem,” Melora interrupted.
“Sorry,” Maldenis said. “Go on, Mother.”
“As I was saying,” Melora continued. “You will remain together for the next year in a real marriage. What you do after that is up to you.”
“And what constitutes real marriage, exactly?” Liora asked, then she took a deep breath. “Do we have to…you know…”
Melora frowned. “No, I do not know. Speak up, child, and say the words you mean.”
She tsked. “You know. Consummate the marriage.”
Unfortunately, it was at that moment Maldenis had taken a bite of cake, which he choked on. Both Liora and Melora rolled their eyes as he coughed in an attempt to clear out his airway.
“We have to have sex?” he sputtered as he wiped crumbs from his lips.
“What you do in your nest is no one’s concern, of course,” Melora said in a cool tone. “But to anyone looking, especially here in Solkaris, you must act like a real married couple.” She rose up from the couch with languid grace. “Now, I must arrange your meeting with the elders.” She waved when Liora began tostand up. “Please, finish your cake and tea and stay as long as you like. But, come back here tomorrow at the same time and we will talk some more.”
She glanced at Maldenis, her expression inscrutable. Liora waited for a flash of…anything really. Emotion, memory, even a smile or a frown. But Melora’s thoughts and emotions remained a mystery. Perhaps she didn’t have any or maybe she was immune to Liora’s powers.
That would be a first.
“So,” Liora said once they were alone. “We really are going to do this huh?”
He sighed. “Yeah, I guess so.”
