---
Sekhmet paused for a second. Then he said, "Okay, City Lord."
The city lord replied, "That sounds much better."
Lily almost laughed. But one look from her father stopped her.
The City Lord pointed toward Sekhmet.
"You may think the problem here is that you married my daughter without telling me."
Sekhmet looked at Lily. Then back at him. He said, "I assumed that was the problem."
The city lord replied, "It is a problem."
The City Lord emphasized the words.
"But it is not the problem that worries me most."
Lily already knew what was coming.
"Father…"
"No."
He looked directly at Sekhmet. He said, "The larger problem is her mother."
Sekhmet's expression remained calm.
"Aunty Lindin."
The City Lord became surprised.
"You know her name."
"Lily told me."
"That is not the same as knowing who she really is."
Sekhmet leaned slightly forward.
"Then tell me."
The City Lord took a slow breath.
"I didn't stay long in the Middle Domain."
Sekhmet waited.
