---
Sekhmet raised one brow. "You."
Lily's smile widened in a dangerous, pleased way.
"Yes," she said. "Me. I already told Father I am going later, not now. He used his serious face. I used my daughter face. I won one more round."
Sekhmet stared at her.
"You negotiated with the City Lord."
Lily placed one hand dramatically against her chest.
"I am his daughter," she said. "That means I have trained for this battle my entire life."
That one actually pulled a faint smile from him.
Lily saw it and looked inappropriately proud.
"There," she said. "That face. Keep that face. If I am delaying my future for your auction, you owe me at least one human expression a day."
Sekhmet leaned back slightly.
"That sounds like extortion."
"It is," Lily replied. "You are finally learning."
There was a knock at the door. A servant entered carefully, bowed, and spoke to Lily first.
"Young miss," the servant said, "your carriage is ready."
