Page 133 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Lilya stopped on one of the wide stairs. “Are you secretly majestic,or something?”
“I ampubliclymajestic. I am secretly myself andhappiest with people who take me entirely for granted.”
She plucked at his sleeve. “I’ll let you check my seal, butonly if Ginkgo’s there.”
“I look forward to his opinion on the matter.”
Lilya jumped down one step but lingered there. “Do you likeseals?”
“In the same way I like crossword puzzles and translatingancient poetry. But not nearly as much as I like storytelling in the naproom ortaking part in amateur theatricals.”
That’s what he called any game of make believe. Lilya knewLapis was supposed to be a world-renowned scholar, but whenever he was atStately House, it didn’t show.
Thinking of Uncle Waaseyaa, Lilya asked, “Why don’t youadopt a crosser?”
“Ah.” He smiled faintly. “I could. I might. But then I wouldhave tochoose, and I would really rather belong to all of you.”
“Truly?”
“Mostly.” Lapis fiddled with the rings on his fingers. “Iwill acknowledge that adoption would be the most sensible course for someonelike me.”
Lilya thought she understood. “You don’t want to besensible?”
“No.” He laughed and sighed and shook his head.
“What is the secret wish of your heart?” Lilya took areceptive posture. “You don’t have to say. But I’ve found it helps to knowthat. About yourself.”
Lapis smiled warmly. “Those who know me well know that I donot wish to remain a bachelor forever.”
“You want a harem? Brides from east and west, north andsouth?”
“One bride would suffice. If she can be found.”
“That would be good,” Lilya agreed. “Not me, though.”
He warbled his surprise. “Certainly not! I will probablyalways see you as a daughter.”
Lilya challenged, “Even when I look older than you?”
“How forward thinking. A sister, perhaps?”
She nodded approvingly. “I’d like having both you and Kyriefor brothers.”
Lapis inclined his head, but his smile was quizzical. “Whatput such an idea in your head?”
Before she could tell him about Glint’s ridiculous list andher decisive countermeasure, something else occurred to her. “I need to knowsomething, please. It’s important.”
“By all means.” Lapis sat upon his step, folded his hands,and waited.
Not for the first time, it occurred to Lilya that a dragon’sfull attention was dazzling, even if you were mostly used to it. She firmed herposture and began. “Tenma Subaru is your apprentice.”
“He is.” Lapis inquired, “Did you meet him here?”
“Yes.”
“I will seek him out in due course.”
Lilya asked, “Do mentors have to give their blessing whenit’s time for them to marry?”
