His mother continued. “Whatever anger you have toward me, Karima, please do not involve my son. He plays no part in our personal differences. Besides, since he last appeared before you, he has turned his life around. He has avoided conflict, established a business, and lived the life of an upstanding citizen of Solkaris.”
“And you’re proud of these accomplishments?” Karima sneered.
“Of course. Very proud.”
This time, Maldenis’s head whipped toward his mother. At this rate, he was going to get whiplash before this meeting was over. Still, her expression remained neutral, not indicating even a hint of whether she believed in her own words.
Halcyonius cleared his throat. “Any other objections? No? Alright, let’s vote on it now. All in favor of Melora’s plan, raise your hand. “
Eight hands out of twelve shot up. Unsurprisingly, Karima’s was not one of those.
“The Council has spoken. We will follow your plan, Melora, but with our additional input.”
Melora bowed her head. “Of course, Elder. Whatever the council deems necessary, they will follow.”
“And you, Maldenis and Liora,” he said, turning to them. “In case you do not understand the significance of your pairing, then let me educate you. You are the first couple in centuries, the first ever since the spring was transported to Vale Crossing, to choose monogamy and marriage. It is something to be celebrated, that the ways of our ancestors are coming back, a symbol that we are on our way to restore the former glory of the basilisks. That you choose to do this, and chose each other, will be a shining beacon of hope for all.”
“Wow,” Liora muttered. “That’s…a lot of pressure.”
Maldenis couldn’t agree more.
“We thank you for your generosity, Elders,” Melora said. “And our family will strive to do justice to this honor you have bestowed upon our son and daughter-in-law.”
“I hope they are ready for the challenge,” the elder replied, a skeptical brow raised.
Maldenis swallowed hard.
It couldn’t be that bad, right?
Chapter 8
Liora
The studio was enormous.
Sunlight poured through the high windows, bouncing off white stone floors and polished mirrors that lined half the walls. Racks of clothing stretched across the space, silks, tailored suits, flowing gowns in colors Liora hadn’t even known had names. Tables overflowed with jewelry, hair ornaments, brushes, powders, and tools that hummed faintly with enchantments.
And monsters. Monsters everywhere.
A minotaur carefully adjusted lighting rigs near the ceiling. A pair of harpies argued over fabric samples while perched on the back of a velvet sofa. A cyclops photographer peered through a massive camera that looked more like a magical artifact than a piece of equipment.
She stood just inside the door, clutching the strap of her bag like it might anchor her to reality. “What,” she said slowly, “is happening?”
This was not what she had expected.
When Maldenis had said there would bewedding photos, she’d assumed something simple. A quick formality. A few polite pictures to appease the basilisk elders. Simple.
That had been the plan in her head. This?—
“Ah!” A warm voice cut through the noise.
She turned as a female approached, her lower body long and serpentine, scales shimmering in shades of deep bronze and gold. The lamia moved with effortless grace, coils gliding across the floor as if the space had been designed for her.
She smiled brightly when she reached Liora. “You must be Liora!”
“Yes?” Liora said cautiously.
“Wonderful!” The lamia clasped her hands together in delight. “I was beginning to worry you’d been lost on the way.
