"The kind where I can tell my mother to mind her own damn business."
"There's a non-denominational temple down Third Street."
"Perfect."
Jory trudged down the street, happy that his mating gifts were on their way. He hoped both men liked their gifts and accepted them in the manner in which they were intended.
"Over here." Mal pointed at a square ornate structure that could only be a temple. "We'll search the building first then leave you to your worship."
Jory didn't bother to correct the man. If he wanted to think it was worship and not an argument with his mother then he'd let the other man think so. He waited patiently with the other two guards, who conscientiously scanned the street.
"Don't worry, sir, we've heard about the attack. We'll make sure no one else comes after you."
"Thank you." Oddly, Jory wasn't as concerned about possibly being murdered as much as he was about a marriage to two men.
A minute later, Mal walked back out. "All clear. It's completely empty. Strange since this is a common hour of worship."
Jory knew why it was empty. Mother was expecting him. He gave the man a non-committal nod and walked up the stairs. Entering the temple, smooth marble floors replaced the roughness of the stone stairs. He wasn't even halfway through the temple when he heard the doors slam shut behind him and the scent of lilacs filled the air. A soft shimmering chime drifted past him.
"Good afternoon, Mother."
"Jory." The word was more a sigh on the breeze than an actual voice. "I'm so pleased you came to see me and you brought flowers."
The delighted tone told him, whatever their differences in that moment in time might be, she was happy with him.
"You had Father send me here." No point in beating around the bush. Goddesses didn't understand subtle.
"What if I did?"
Jory stared at his mother as she slowly went from shimmering light to glowing goddess. Crossing his arms, he glared at her. "I like to be in charge of my own relationships."
"Haven't you learned yet, son, no one is in charge of their relationships? That's why they're so messy. I certainly wouldn't have chosen to fall in love with a king and leave my son with him. You deal with what you are given. I gave you two men… so deal."
"Thanks, Mom, you're a great help."
His sparkling mother laughed. "I know." For a brief moment, she solidified completely, giving Jory a glimpse of the woman she had been before she transformed again. "You'll do fine. I picked out good mates for you. It will take a little adjustment, but you'll get used to each other."
"But will they get used to each other?"
His mother gave him a brilliant smile. "I think any two healthy gay men who constantly see each other naked will eventually want to take it to the next level, if only to satisfy their curiosity. The three of you will be in bed often. Give it time, dear boy; everything good comes to those who wait, or in your case, with a little subversive action. How is shutting down your uncle's slave trade going?"
He didn't ask how she knew. Apparently, she knew everything. He wondered if that was a goddess thing or a mother thing. "My pirates are pretty much shutting down his shipping routes, but he's sneaky and somehow still getting some ships through."
"Well, you'll figure it out. You're a smart boy, but leave it until after the wedding. I want you mated to those beautiful men before you start any more trouble. I'll watch your back and make sure your brother doesn't get near you. You watch your men and make sure they do."
Jory blushed. "Thanks, Mother."
"You're welcome. Now get out of here before the guards try to break the door down. I can feel them getting nervous. I expect you to come every seven-day and tell me about your life."
Nodding his agreement, Jory turned to go. "It's not like you won't be watching it anyway."
"I know, but this way, you won't look like an idiot talking to the air. You are one of the few people who can see me besides your father and your mates."
Jory turned back around. "Why can they see you?"
His mother smiled. "Because they love you. Their love for you allows them to see me."
That made absolutely no sense, but he knew better than to bring that up. "I'll see you next week, Mother. If I don't see you before."
