Dio is a good brother shooing people away so they can have privacy. And now Ismene-Eirene knows the real reason for the fight.
“I know you don’t intend it to be. But I don’t trust Lord Ares,” Ismene-Eirene sighed as she moved from her chair. I furrowed my brow, not sure what she was doing at first. And blinked in surprise as she sat on my leg, having used her hand to be sure of where my lap was. Am I dreaming this? Did Dio knock me unconscious in training? I froze, probably not breathing for fear of startling her or waking up from a fever dream. Her arms wrapped around my neck and hugged me like if she let go, I was the one that would disappear. “You have to be careful. And you have to win,” Ismene-Eirene said softly. “You're fighting for a good reason because you're a good man. And I won't stop worrying until I can talk to you after the fight and hear your voice," she said, muffled slightly as she buried her face into my shoulder. I was not prepared for this. I've been hugged by... well, Dio was the only person I could remember hugging me, which was VERY different. This was Ismene-Eirene hugging me. Thi
Two days. Two days of worry and nightmares. Even though I got to speak with Androkles and learn why he was doing this, I couldn't stop being unsettled. I don't trust Lord Ares. I kept fearing that he would not stop and would kill Andy. That is my biggest fear. I don't think I would survive losing him. Which only leads me to more questions. Andy is supposed to be my friend. That's all. Yet I worry for him and fear losing him as much… maybe even more, than I did for Alkaios. How is that possible if Alkaios was my soulmate? Rea has gone to the Ares training ground to be my eyes and ears. She told me he was still diligently training with Lord Zeus, always drawing a large crowd of soldiers. My parents were livid to find that I'd gone to see Androkles and have since found ways to keep me busy at the house. I'm glad that Lord Zeus is in his corner and helping him. I know I'd be of no help to him in preparing. But today is the day. Today he faces Lord Ares in the arena. "He will be okay. L
I’d sent Helene to find Ismene-Eirene as soon as I got to the changing room. That is, if she’s in the arena. If Helene can’t find her here, I told her to go to her family’s home to fetch her. I promised we’d talk, and there is much on my mind I want to speak to her about all of it. How strange is it that the girl I saved from the ruins months ago in the wake of a chimera attack would have become so important to me? Before her, I would have said I didn’t have any friends. Then Dio would have interrupted and introduced himself as my best friend. But now, if someone were to ask who my best or dearest friend is, I would say Ismene-Eirene. There are no secrets between us. There are no lies or half-truths, either. Ismene-Eirene is the one person in Olympus I feel I can be myself. She makes me feel comfortable in letting my guard down, sharing my mind, and sharing my heart. When I am with her, the world feels brighter. It feels like a place I belong. I want to bask in her warmth forever. W
She seemed content at least to stand here and let me rub her forehead. She reached up and gently ran the back of her fingers along my arm. "I wish that I could have seen you. I wish that I could see you, Andy," she whispered. I may have cuts and bruises along my arm, but I don’t care because she is touching me. "I'm glad you couldn't. Witnessing such things... I didn't want you to see me like that." I told her. I’d felt a surge of power that I’d only felt at rare moments previously, even if they were fleeting. I was reasonably sure there were moments out there, flickers, of the destroyer I’m prophesied to be. But when Eugenius started to trash talk about Ismene-Eirene. I couldn’t contain it. The rage was too much to control. She continued touching me, fingers gently caressing up and down my forearm. It was oddly calming. No, it’s not odd, not anymore. The more I’ve spent with her, the more I’ve realized something. I would die for this woman, kill for her, and move heaven and earth t
I was irrationally angry with Lord Eros for speaking so plainly and crushing what hope he may have had. It wasn't surprising that he had no soulmate or destined love in Olympus. It was like the world itself stacked against him. Lord Eros was plain with him? And the detached voice hurt me to hear. I hate to think he was told he had no love in his future. And don’t get me started on his father or Eugenius wanting to pick his bride for him. He deserves a woman that will want him for him, for the man he is not for his title and what that would do for her or her family’s station in society. Andy is a fantastic man. He is everything a woman could ask for in a husband. He is thoughtful, strong, brave, loyal, passionate, and honest. "Eugenius certainly can't do that now. Even your father loses his control now that you're Lord Ares." I said softly. That was one of the benefits of his win tonight. They have lost all control over his life, and I am so happy for him. "No... suppose they can't.
My breathing had gone shallow. I don't know if I want to hear more. I don't want to imagine what Eugenius threatened to do to me. If he was willing to have me followed, who knows how far he'd go. "Please don't make me say it." he pleaded. It must not be good for Andy to plead like that. I don't think I've ever heard him so distraught. And it just solidifies my decision that I don't want to know and that Andy truly is the best man I could have as a husband. "Just... know he threatened you harm… physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially," he said. I nodded and squeezed his hand. He said plenty without details, and I can only consider the worst. And the worst wouldn't be killing me, just making me wish he had. I shuddered at the horrid thought that crossed my mind. Eugenius is genuinely evil, and Olympus should bow at Andy's feet in gratitude for removing him from power. "You don't have to say more. I won't make you repeat such vile words. I'm not sure I want to hea
“Thank you, but no reason to be formal," I assured him, raising my free hand slightly. “I don’t think I could be informal, Lord Ares.” Leander bowed his head, stressing my new title. “Thank you for walking our daughter home. I’m sure you have more important things to do. Your House must be waiting to celebrate with their new Ares." he said, trying to suggest I should go. “Yes, we wouldn’t want to keep you from celebrating with your House," Elaine added. “Thank you for your consideration, but there isn’t anything more important than Ismene-Eirene," I stated. Ismene-Eirene smiled, blushing a little as she squeezed my hand. It was then that her parents noticed our joined hands. Generally, I escorted her with her hand on my arm, more formal and proper. This was very different. “And what might you mean by that?" Elaine asked. “Well… Leander and Elaine. Ismene-Eirene and I spoke tonight after my fight and made a decision. So now we have come to you to ask your blessing on our engageme
After Androkles left, I excused myself to go to my room. I needed to pack, but I mainly wanted to be alone for a few moments. To let it all sink in. I took Alexis off his leash and then flopped onto my bed, smiling. “I’m going to marry Androkles." I sighed, reaching up and lightly touching my lips. Closing my eyes, I could easily recall everything about our first kiss. I could still feel Androkles’ rough lips that moved so sweetly against mine. The sheer memory of our kiss sent shivers through my body. It’s a good thing I was alone. I wouldn’t want to explain why I was blushing. I would be dreaming about our kiss, about my first kiss. I frowned a little, wondering if it was Androkles’ first kiss. Would I be his first in anything? I knew we were close in age, but expectations of men vs. women are very different. Even more so when you account for his position and who his father is. “Knowing his father, he probably took him to a brothel. Or maybe some girl or servant was happy enough