Hot. Hot. Hot. That's all I have to say about this chapter.
I don't know how I managed to have this woman as my wife, but I'm happy she is. I tried to remember the few pointers I'd been given since puberty, especially since our engagement. My brother was vaguer in his suggestions, but Diokles and Hypatos were more explicit. One of their unrequested suggestions was to use my tongue. When I first heard that suggestion, I wrinkled my nose because that didn't sound very sanitary. In my defense, I was sixteen and had recently been dragged to the brothel by my father and Eugenius. So, the notion of sex in all its forms turned my stomach. But right now, as I looked at Ismene-Eirene, my wife, my love, even if I haven't told her that part yet, I understood the reasoning better. Looking at her flushed skin and slick thighs from the pleasure my fingers had brought her, I felt this urge to taste her. So, I did. I dipped my head between her thighs, licking them clean before my tongue found its true target. "Annnndy…" Ismene-Eirene exclaimed. Apparently,
Two months. It’s been two months since our wedding. I’m still learning some of the ins and outs of being the Lady of Ares. I’ve at least been prepared to run a house by my parents. It’s more the politics of being a council member’s wife I’m adjusting to. Androkles has been fantastic through all this. Not that I expected less from him. He’s always been supportive of me and wants to be sure I have my independence. We have managed to adjust to married life. I’m sure the fact that we were friends first certainly has helped in that adjustment. Though I sometimes wake up disoriented by not only the new room but his arms around me and his naked body pressed to mine. Not that I will ever complain about that. In Andy’s arms, I know I am the safest woman in Olympus. And I certainly have enjoyed the physical intimacy of our marriage. We both have. I still can’t believe how much I have enjoyed sex. That first night was beautiful, even though we were both nervous. And each night since has been b
I only found relief after dinner when I finally got to spend time with Androkles. “You were gone all day." I frowned as he sat in his chair next to me in the sitting area of his office. “I know, and I’m truly sorry. I would have much preferred spending time with you or seeing to my House Ares duties." he sighed, setting something on the small table between us. Based on the sound, it was a teacup, and the smell must be mint. So many things have turned my stomach today, but this didn’t. “You brought me tea? Apology tea?" I asked. “Yes and no. I did bring you tea, but it isn’t exactly for an apology. I’ve heard from Hypatos that your stomach has been bothering you." Andy explained. “He recommended mint tea," he added. “That was very kind of him. I suppose it makes sense that your staff and mine communicate." I nodded as I carefully sipped the tea. The mint helped to settle my stomach. “That feels so much better. Or maybe it’s not the tea and that you are here." I sighed. “Well, whi
Two weeks have never gone so fast. I knew it wouldn't take long to gather my forces. Most of the time spent waiting was for a particular individual to arrive. But now she's here, which means I can move my troops. I wasn't sure that today would be the day, but then Hypatos brought our guest to my office as I discussed troop movements with my generals. "Lord Ares." Hypatos called out, knocking with his one arm. "The individual you have been waiting on has arrived," he stated as I glanced at him from the map on my desk. I nodded. "Good. Bring her in. And find my wife." I instructed. Hypatos nodded and ducked out of the doorway, closing the door. "Generals, we will be ready to move in a matter of hours. Make sure all your troops are ready." I instructed, dismissing my generals. They all know a rebellion within our House is not suitable for our image, and if it was to spill out and affect beyond our House, it could destroy Olympus in ways the Oracles only foretold I could. As the genera
"I'm going to miss you so much. It will not be the same to sleep alone again," she confessed."And I'll miss you. The sooner I go, the sooner I can return to you. But I do have a few hours before I do leave. And there is no one I'd rather spend that time with." I smiled as I kissed the top of her head. I smelled her hair, wanting to remember the scent while I was away. She tilted her head up, smiling. "Is that so? Is there something particular you'd like to do with our time?" she asked, her voice having that soft sexy tone that tells me she knows exactly how I want to spend our time. I smiled, glad we seemed to be on the same page. “I have a feeling you already know," I whispered as I kissed below her earlobe. She shivered with a soft sigh. “Yes, I do. But we shouldn’t… at least not here," Ismene-Eirene whispered. Her words broke slightly as I continued to trail kisses along her neck. I was about to answer her that I didn’t care when a knock interrupted us. “M’lord? Lord Zeus has a
I don't think either of us realized we had fallen asleep till there was a knock at the door. "Lord Ares. Lady Ismene. The army is ready." Hypatos called. I sighed as we detached ourselves. I don't want to think about how this could be the last time we are together. I don't want to consider a future that doesn't include Andy. My stomach rolled at the mere thought. I shook my head, dismissing those negative thoughts. This is Androkles, Lord Ares, The Destroyer, the man I love even if I haven't dared say the words. He will return to me alive. Olympus is doomed if he doesn't, Olympus is doomed, and I don't mean because of Nikos and Eugenius. Because I will rain fire upon those responsible for taking him from me. I am still determining how I will do it. But so, help me, I will find a way. "We shall be there momentarily. You may wait at the front steps." Andy instructed. We dressed quickly, helping each other with our clothes. I love it when Andy helps dress me almost as much as when he
“Death to….” someone started to shout, but their words turned to a cry of pain as I heard a thud. “I am sorry, but if you call for death, The House of Ares is the wrong house.” Mitha taunted as I heard bones cracking. I’m guessing she landed on my would-be attacker. Alexis growled, barking, taking a defensive stance before I heard him sink his teeth into someone who let out a cry of pain. Andy was right about Alexis. Even if the training never yielded results for him to be a reliable seeing-eye dog, he would protect me nearly as fiercely as him. “Bastard dog!” a voice shouted. “ALEXIS!” I yelled as I jumped to my feet, worried for my precious dog, as I heard him whimper in pain. “On your left, Lady Ismene!” Mitha shouted. Her warning came simultaneously when I felt the slight breeze of her wings before another thud. She must have taken down another attacker. I reacted quickly, revealing the long silver stiletto blade, and stabbed to my left. I winced as I put as much strength as
I’ve been away from Ismene-Eirene for over a month now. It feels much longer, which is strange. I never really missed home while gone on an assignment. But then again, I never had someone I wanted to return to. I write weekly, though my letters are updates on the war’s progress. I can’t send my wife a letter saying what I want to say. I don’t know how to write in braille, and I certainly don’t want someone reading my words to her. Only she needs to know what’s in my heart or my head. And it feels somehow like a copout if I write how much I love her instead of telling her. So, I’ll have to wait until I can return to say anything I want. We’ve at least made some headway in this war. My father and Eugenius had gathered many followers. However, not all are pledged to Ares or even any house. Rather odd for unpledged Olympians to want to side with the likes of them. It seems war tends to make strange bedfellows. Speaking of war-making strange bedfellows, Hypatos split off from my main for