---
Lily stared at her, offended, then glanced at Sekhmet as if asking him to defend her. Sekhmet did not. He had learned long ago that when Elena spoke, arguing was a hobby that only led to suffering.
Elena looked at Sekhmet next. "Young master, the first guest line is already forming. The Iron House representatives are visible."
Sekhmet's gaze sharpened. "Dickoff."
Elena nodded once. "Yes."
Lily's expression tightened. She did not like that name. She did not like what it represented. She had grown up hearing her father speak politely of houses while privately describing them as poisonous. Iron House had always been one of the poisonous ones.
Sekhmet inhaled slowly. "Where is Mira?"
Elena gestured. "Ready. Auri is with her."
Sekhmet nodded. "Good."
Lily leaned closer again. "Your new secretary is terrifying."
Sekhmet did not deny it. "She is supposed to be."
Lily looked annoyed. "I was supposed to be your closest scary woman."
