Loophole found! Her parents couldn't say no to Andy's offer. And now her father knows that she knows.
Before I approached Leander, I’d waited a week to investigate the idea of training a seeing-eye dog. I’d, of course, hoped to see Ismene-Eirene when I arrived. Luckily, she was coming to greet me, so she was able to be part of the conversation. The look on her father’s face was truly priceless. From the moment he saw me standing there to realizing I was there to offer help training a dog for his daughter, to finally when Ismene called me Lord Androkles making him aware she’s no longer in the dark on my identity. He will still have to answer for never telling her, but that’s not my problem. And now I had a reason to spend time with her. I’m glad it’s in the open now. As I placed her hand on my arm to escort her, I thought of how different this felt from when I was forced to accompany Daphne. I liked having Ismene’s hand on my arm and her at my side. It felt right to walk with her. I even matched my pace to hers. “I was not sure I’d see you again after your tree-cutting escapades.” Is
I should have been prepared for this. But being overrun by puppies still caught me by surprise. There were so many of them, and they were so soft. Some didn’t get as close as others. But one seemed very intent on getting as close as possible to me. So laughing, I picked the puppy up and laughed even more as it licked my face. “Okay… okay. I get it. You like me.” I said, trying to control my laughter, holding the pup away from my face. “So he does,” Andy commented. “Oh, it’s a he?” I asked as I put the pup in my lap and pet him from head to tail to get an idea of how big he was. “Does he already have a name?” I asked. “They do not get names until we begin their training.” The trainer, I’m assuming, answered. “I see,” I said, hoping someone would give me the trainer’s name. I don’t like to be rude when speaking to someone and not knowing their name or what to call them makes that challenging. “That would make sense….” “Right, I neglected to introduce myself. I am Jason. I am the l
“Ismene? Lord Androkles, I beg your pardon, but please remove your hand from my daughter.” Mother’s voice burst our bubble. Such horrible timing, mother. She sounded uneasy and a little agitated. I could feel Andy tense at her words. I sighed, straightened myself, and stepped back from Andy while he took his arm away. She didn’t need to be so rude to him. Not only because he is an heir but just out of basic etiquette. She was jumping to conclusions, and I won’t allow it. “Hello, mother. It was my fault. Alexis managed to get away from me, and I stumbled. Lord Androkles caught me, so I didn’t fall.” I explained as Alexis found his way back to my side, out of breath from his mini adventure. “I see. So this is the dog your father mentioned.” Mother said, dismissing the situation with Andy and focusing on the dog. She could at least apologize for her rude behavior. How does she expect me to follow all these social protocols and treat people of higher stations with the proper respect wh
It’s been over a month now, six weeks to be exact, that I’ve been helping Ismene-Eirene train Alexis. I’ve started to grow used to the looks we get when we walk around town. I’m even used to the looks I get each time I pick her up and return her to her house. I had hoped her parents would start to look at me with less veiled contempt. But it seems they have not changed their minds about me. Eventually, they’ll realize I mean their daughter no harm. “Lord Androkles?” Helene called, knocking gently at my office door. “Enter,” I called, putting my quill down. I’d spent so much time yesterday with Ismene-Eirene that I had a lot I needed to catch up on. I’m not neglecting my duties as an heir. Working with Ismene-Eirene is part of my duties. It just happens that spending time with her is something I also enjoy. I don’t mind having to catch up on paperwork in the early morning. There are worse ways to unwind. “Good afternoon, m’lord. Lord Ares has requested your presence immediat
“Once was more than enough.” I shuddered, remembering the first time I walked in on them getting frisky. There are some things I don’t need to or want to know, let alone see. It’s bad enough that I know Dio has a sex life; I never wanted to see it myself. It may not have been worse than catching my father or Eugenius with a lover, but it’s still up there on the gross scale. “She still hates me because of that. You, she forgave because you’re her soul mate and husband. Also, eww.” I wrinkled my nose, looking at the table, terrified at how many times he’s fucked her on the table. I have been eating at this table every Sunday since he took over as Lord Zeus. And he married Kallisto that same year. I don’t want to do the math of how many times they could have had sex on this table. Possibly even at the spot where I sit. I felt my stomach churn. I’m not sure the staff here could clean this table enough to eliminate such stains. “I hope you have this table thoroughly cleaned.” I sighed.
“Miss? Your parents have requested to see you.” a servant called out to me from where I was walking with Alexis outside. He had grown so much in the last six weeks, and I don’t mean in just size. He’s still the curious and rambunctious pup he was, but now he’s more vigilant, alert, and disciplined. He had been doing well in his basic obedience training. I don’t doubt that when we begin his training as my seeing-eye dog, he will excel at it. “Oh? Has something happened?” I asked, turning my head as she sounded happy. “I would consider it something good, Miss. You will need to decide for yourself,” she answered. “Very well. Come, Alexis.” I said, giving the command to Alexis as I turned to where I knew the house would be. Alexis quickly followed and walked just slightly ahead of me up the path. I was curious to know what my parents wanted to see me about. I hoped it was news of Rae. She’d written recently saying she was much better and expected to be able to return to my service soo
I still haven’t had a chance to talk to Helene about Ambrosia, and it’s getting late. I’d wasted most of my day with paperwork to not think about Zeno sending his damn brother to court Ismene-Eirene. Hypatos?” I called from my office, rubbing my eyes. “Yes, m’lord?” he answered, coming into my office. Hypatos was older, my father’s age, and had served under Eugenius for some time. But after becoming wounded and losing his right arm, Eugenius felt he had no use. So he got assigned to my staff. He’s been with me since I was ten. I still wonder if there was more to the apparent friction between them. “Can you call in Helene and Ambrosia?” I requested. “I want to settle this matter before I turn in for the night.” “Of course, m’lord. I’ll have them sent to you post haste.” Hypatos bowed before leaving. I had to wonder, is Hypatos one of Dio’s informants? It’s possible. Hypatos may be pledged to Ares, but his father was both pledged to Zeus. I shook my head. I shouldn’t bother trying
“My… relationship with Ambrosia?” Kostis repeated. All color drained from his face as he started to tremble. Based on what Ambrosia said, he knew of Eugenius’ favor of her. He probably thinks he was called in here for an official challenge from Eugenius or me on the matter. Honestly, he looked like he might shit himself any second now. “Yes. Congratulations, you aren’t deaf. Ambrosia, the servant on my staff. I’m sure you are aware of her.” I said, folding my arms. “Well… there is no relationship, sir. But… did you say your staff? I thought she was working for Lord Ares.” he asked, stammering a little. He was worried about being caught having any relationship with a nymph, especially one he knew Eugenius had his eyes on. His eyes glanced around my office like he was waiting for Eugenius to step out any moment and declare his life forfeited or something along those lines. “Yes. I requested Ambrosia’s transfer to my household staff. And it is my understanding that there is a relatio