The servant she had ordered to bring us drinks reappeared, now walking on legs of her own inside a deep purple skirt. She scurried to my sister’s side with a tray and four goblets. She bowed low, so her auburn hair curtained her face. “Your drinks, my queen.”

Lorelei grabbed the largest of the goblets, wrapping her taloned fingers around the stem. “Bring one to my mother and those two.” She pointed between Lou and me, pursing her lips at the puddle that had formed under us.

The servant obeyed and hurried our way. “My Emperor,” she said. She bowed and extended the tray.

Lou and I lifted our gilded chalices. I peered inside mine. Pink juice bubbled below the rim, churning enough to make the weeping blue sapling bud float from edge to edge like a sailboat on the high sea. I gaped at it, recognizing the scent. “Is this what I think it is?” My brows pinched, and I placed my hand over the top of Lou’s. “Do not drink this.”

She looked up at me. “I didn’t intend to. It looks alive. What is it?”

Lorelei, who had already taken a taste, lifted a wine-colored brow. “Why wouldn’t you drink it, Lander? It’s clearly not poisoned.” She offered another sip to prove her point.

“It’s Teething Berry juice.”

Lou held her cup at arm’s length, raining water from her soaking shirt onto the floor. “Why would you ever consume this?” she asked my sister.

Calliope stepped forward. “It’s rude not to drink. You are a guest. Or do humans not have manners?” She glared at Lou.

“Mother, is there something you’d like to make known?” I growled, gesturing between Lou and herself. “Since apparently you take issue with Lou.”

She averted her gaze.

“Mother thinks you’re better than your little captain.” Lorelei tittered. “You’re technically a demigod, so in her mind you belong with someone of that nature or above.” She took another sip, peeking at me over the rim.

Lou placed her hand in mine. “Your mother’s love life created this mess. I wouldn’t let her approval mean much.”

Lorelei choked on her drink.

Calliope’s eyes widened.

I smiled.