She grabbed his arm. “Don’t you dare!” Ma’at’s voice was as stern as he’d ever heard it.

Seth curled his lip. “I look like a woman.”

“No, sweetie, you definitely don’t. Trust me.” She turned a sharp glare toward Maahes and Asmodeus. “And don’t either one of you dare contradict me.”

Maahes held his hands up in surrender. “I would never contradict you. I know better.”

“Good.” She turned her attention back to Seth. “Lydia wanted a Beauty and the Beast theme for her wedding. I think you look grand.”

Asmodeus broke out into laughter.

Once he realized the three of them were glaring at him, he sobered. “Oh c’mon. Don’t tell me that went over all of your heads. You know, she’s a jackal A.K.A. beast and dressed like that,” he gestured at Seth, “he looks like the beauty.” He laughed again.

Maahes met Seth’s gaze. “I can kill him if you want.”

“No, don’t. I want the pleasure of killing the bastard.”

Ma’at stopped Seth before he could reach Asmodeus. “Your bride is waiting for you. Do you really want to waste time with an annoying demon?”

“Fine.

But after …

“There’s one thing I want to add to Lydia’s registry.” He jerked his chin to Asmodeus. “His head on a platter.”

Maahes laughed. “With or without a roasted apple wedged in his mouth?”

*   *   *

Lydia tucked her hand into the crook of Solin’s elbow. Dressed all in black, her father was stunning and elegant in his coat and tails.

He covered her hand with his and gave her a stern glower. “You know, you don’t have to do this. It’s not too late to have George take us home.”

She smiled at the reminder of his valet who was seated just inside the temple door—ready to run her out to the car should she change her mind.

“Daddy,” she whispered to him. “I love Seth.”

He picked her hand up and kissed her fingers. “I’ve waited your entire life to hear you call me that. Thank you.” He returned her hand to his elbow.

She kissed his cheek. “I do love you, you know that, don’t you?”

“Absolutely. And while I don’t like the idea of you marrying that bastard, I promise I will always be polite to him.”

Yes, but his idea of polite and hers had a bit of a gap between them. Still, her father was trying, and for that, she’d give him extra points.

Ma’at opened the door that led to the hallway. “He’s downstairs, waiting.”

Dressed in a pale yellow gown, Ma’at made a gorgeous matron of honor. Since Lydia didn’t have a lot of people she was close to and everyone outside of this small group thought her dead, Ma’at had been the best choice.

Ma’at handed her the bride’s bouquet …