Padon my interruption...

After returning to the safety of his home in the heavens, Mordecai began processing what he saw.

"Was that really Zemyna?? Kissing a mortal?! Could my eyes have decieved me?" Mordecai's mind was nearly in a panic. If not for his centuries of study that made his mind stronger than other gods and goddesses his age, he might have actually fainted from shock. The pressure of having this secret was much too overwhelming for him though. Mordecai had to tell someone. Keeping a secret of this magnitude would only bring more harm to him, Zemyna, and the entire royal family if discovered by another. Especially if that person was someone who coveted his father's position as Chief Archon. After all, a scandal centered around his heir to the Sun- Throne is not an opportunity his foes would miss. Thus, Mordecai first thought to share his burden with the only soul in his family that might hear him out who and his father may listen to while controlling his temper, their grandfather Thoth.

Thoth was the previous Chief Archon whose knowledge and mastery of the mysteries of the Cosmos earned him the additional title of Great Sage. In fact, during his time taking the Rite of Godhood, Thoth had such a profound effect on the mortals that his name is where they get the word "thought" from and the greatest minds of their society still study his teachings even these many millenia later.

Thoth saw a bit of himself in Mordecai since Mordecai also had a superior natural talent for the mystic arts and comprehending the truth behind ancient mysteries. So, he took Mordecai under his wing and helped him cultivate his gifts. Thoth was the only one Mordecai thought could help the situation, but he knew enough to know that before doing anything, he must meditate. Acting rashly in a situation like this would only compound the situation in a negative way. He also didn't want anyone to sense his anxiety.

During his meditation, Mordecai felt Zemyna's presence return to the ninth heaven. However, he did not make a move immediately and still continued to dive deep within himself to seek an answer to the matter at hand. After a while, he opened his eyes with a resolute expression on his face. He had his answer. Going to his grandfather would be cowardly and since he would be called before his parents to testify to the truth of what Thoth would tell them, he may as well go himself now.

Though, of course, this was much easier said than done as his parents were holding a council meeting at the moment. Representatives from all nine heavens were in attendance and disrupting such a gathering meant severe punishment. But there were measures in place to prevent such a foolish act anyway. After all, the council chamber was designed by none other than Thoth himself. What made Mordecai sure that he had a good chance of getting through his grandfather's defenses was the time he spent with him. Mordecai knew his grandfather well and they had a close bond. Mordecai was even present when Thoth created the artifical intelligence designed to secure the council chamber, a being he named Hermes.

"If I can convince Hermes, I have a chance. The rest will depend on father's temper once he hears what I have to tell him." Mordecai sighed deeply as he said these terrifying words out loud to himself. Then after he steeled his heart and mind for the task ahead, he used his imagination to conjure up an image of the council chamber. And in the blink of an eye, he was teleported there.

Mordecai could now see with his natural eyes, the magnificent council chamber his grandfather had made.

"Blows my mind every time."

His presence was immediately noticed by Hermes who appeared right in front of Mordecai out of thin air.

"Prince Mordecai, you know you are forbidden to enter these chambers once the Council of Nine is in session. What brings you here now?" Hermes asked.

Mordecai knew better than to lie, or attempt to outwit Hermes, as this entire area was Hermes' domain under Thoth's authority. So he simply said, "Hermes, I enact Enoch's Law. Code number 888. There is an emergency that the Chief Archon and Head Priestess must be made aware of at once!"

Hermes solemly responded, "Code acknowledged." But before giving Mordecai permission to pass, Hermes warned him. "Should you have invoked the law of your ancestors wrongfully, I will personally remove you and lock you in a cell for no less than three thousand years."

Mordecai did not let any fear show and simply affirmed by saying, "Yes, I understand. Thank you for the warning. But I would not dare dishonor the love I have for your maker by doing so."

Seemingly satisfied with this, Hermes instructed Mordecai, "Approach and present your key."

Mordecai flew up to the council chamber and stopped near the entrance. The giant sphere-shaped structure had many layers of magical wards and moving parts and was made of Thoths favorite crafting tools. Light, gold, and crystal. Mordecai closed his eyes for a brief moment and when he opened them again, a symbol had appeared on them. It was the magical seal of the royal family. The structure reacted to the presence of the key and glowed with the same purple color as the symbol on Mordecai's eyes. Then the building slowed its movements until it aligned perfectly to allow Mordecai entry.

As the prince walked in, an announcement was made by Hermes. "Emergency. Prince Mordecai has invoked Encoh's Law. Code number 888. The floor is now his."

Mordecai was immediately met with suspicious gazes upon entering the council chamber. He paid them no mind since he knew the irregularity of his actions. So, he wasted no time and immediately bowed before his mother and father in reverence before saying, "Please, pardon my intrusion Chief Archon, Head Priestess, and esteemed members of the Council of Nine. I stand before you all to report alarming news that cannot wait."

Chief Archon Zariah was the one to respond. "I cannot fathom what could have possibly led you to invoke Enoch's Law and interrupt this sacred gathering. But my position is nothing before the law. So, speak, Mordecai. Enlighten us on this emergency of yours, my son."

Mordecai knew that after his next words, the atmosphere would shift drastically like a sudden storm on a sunny day. His already distant relationship with his father will definitely be even more strained after this. But the words had to be said and he had come to far to turn back now.

"Chief Archon, I regretfully inform you that I have witnessed the princess Zemyna, heir to the Sun-Throne, romantically involved with a human male!"

And after those words were uttered, peace was over.