Chapter 21 - Androkles

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