Chapter Six

I woke to the sounds of people gathering outside. Groaning, I was reminded the 'festival' wasn't over. Melite murmured in her sleep, snuggling closer to me. I smiled, remembering how after we had sex against the wall, I carried her back here, and she fell asleep cuddled next to me. With a sigh, I carefully slipped out of bed, getting dressed. 

"Mmm… Asterion." she murmured but didn’t open her eyes. I decide to leave her to sleep and make her something to eat, knowing the drawing will happen soon and probably wake her. And it doesn’t take long for Minos’ voice to echo through the labyrinth, “Welcome to the fifth day of the festival!” Of course, this wakes Melite.

“What’s going on?" she grumbles, sitting up rubbing her eyes. I look over at her as I set a plate of eggs and fruit down. There are some light marks on her body from where I’ve nipped at her flesh. I could certainly get used to having her naked in my bed. “The festival is starting for the day. They’ll draw the next tribute’s name soon. You should eat." I explain, gesturing to the plate. 

She smiled a little at the food but frowned. “What will you do?" she asked, getting up and regrettably putting her clothes on. “I don’t know. I mean, I could do nothing. I’m the only one that can navigate this place. You’re lucky that last night you found me instead of getting lost yourself. If I do nothing, they will just get lost and probably die of starvation or dehydration." I shrugged while eating some smoked meat. 

I noticed her grimace, glancing over at what I was eating. She’s probably wondering who I’m eating. I refuse to feel bad about it. “Would you prefer I find and kill whoever Minos sends in?" I cocked my head. “Well, I don’t want you to kill. Unless you have to. I mean, you have food, right…" she said, looking at my plate yet again. “For the moment, yes, my food storage is full." I nodded. “And well, what if it’s another girl. I don’t think I would feel okay with you killing one of them or us letting them die." she frowned. 

She’s making this complicated. It almost makes me wonder if sparing her was worth the headache. “Guess we see what happens." I shrugged, finishing up my breakfast. She was quiet as she ate, watching me from the corner of her eye. I could tell she was thinking about what she wanted to say—probably trying to think of the best way to say it not to offend me. 

She’s a considerate little thing. “Asterion… if today’s tribute is a girl.” she began. I cocked my head and waited for her to continue. “Will you bed her?” she asked in a soft voice. I stopped myself from laughing. She’d probably get angry at me if I laughed. “Do you want me to?” I asked because I’m pretty sure it will make her blush. 

I’m right, of course. Her face flushes crimson, and she shoves me or tries. “Asterion. I know we talked last night about how sex isn’t something you want or will leverage in exchange for letting someone live. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find one of the other girls attractive.” she pouted, and damn, is it cute. “That would make you jealous?” I questioned. She turned brighter red and shoved me again. 

“I mean it. I just want to be prepared. I mean, there’s only this room. And that one bed.” she sighed. I glanced to the bed and nodded. “That’s true. There are other rooms, but they don’t have a bed. If more of you are going to stay here, I will need to talk to my mother on her next visit about more pillows and blankets.” I agreed. “Do you think she will come back before the festival ends?” she asked. “Maybe. It will depend on Minos and how well guarded she is.” I sighed, getting up.

“Asterion? Where are you going?” she asked, turning to watch me. “They will announce the next name. I was going to go be ready to find them.” I explained. And on cue, I hear Minos’ voice echoing through the maze. “TODAY’S TRIBUTE IS…. Europa! We wish you luck, young lady. May you have better fortune than the girl from yesterday.” I glanced at Melite at the announcement. 

Her eyes were wide, and I’m not sure what the expression on her face was. Of course, she would know the girl. But I’m not sure if they are friends or rivals. Or maybe her expression is because Minos thinks she’s dead. “They… they think I’m dead.” she said softly. “Well, you did scream when you first saw me.” I shrugged. I could hear this Europa crying as she was shoved inside. “Do you know this girl?” I asked. Melite nodded softly. “Yes. Though not well. Just after the drawing, all tributes were isolated together. We traveled by ship together. She’s… gorgeous. The sailors on the ship and the guards when we arrived here all had eyes for her. I’m sure you will too.” she answered, pouting again.

I sighed and walked over to her, leaning down, and tilted her head up, and kissed her soundly. After a moment, I pulled back, leaving her breathless. “Even if I find her alluring, that doesn’t mean I would neglect you. You will always hold most dear.” I assured her. She sighed and nodded. “Okay. Should I come with you?” she asked. “No, stay here.” I shook my head. 

“But if she sees you… she will panic as I did.” she frowned. “I know. And because you screamed, they all believe you are dead.” I pointed out. “Oh… you want her to scream, so they think you killed her.” she blinked in realization. “Exactly. So stay here. I’ll be back.” I nodded before leaving to find the sobbing Europa. 

I must admit I’m intrigued. Melite is gorgeous but is envious of Europa’s looks. I have no disillusions that I’ll be having sex with anyone I let survive. I’m still surprised Melite slept with me, let alone twice. A few turns away from the entrance, I found Europa. She was huddled in a ball against a dead-end crying wearing a blue chiton and her long, vibrant red hair hiding her face.

“Europa.” I greeted, catching her attention. Her head turned, her hair parted like a curtain opening to let in the sunshine, and eyes as bright blue as the sky I haven’t seen since I was a child looked at me in terror. I was at least prepared for the blood-curdling scream that escaped her bow-shaped lips. I waited as I heard the crowd cheering outside before I stepped closer to her. Her scream fell silent as she fainted. 

I sighed and hefted her off the ground and onto my shoulder. “And this is the girl Melite is envious of? Melite didn’t faint and tried to put up a fight when I found her.” I snorted as I carried the girl back to my room. Melite was still at the table chewing on her bottom lip in worry. As I entered, she darted to her feet. 

“Is she okay?” she asked nervously. I’m sure there’s more she wants to ask but thought better of it. I can imagine what she was thinking. Probably wondered if I hurt her. But at least she didn’t voice it. “She fainted after she screamed seeing me." I explained, laying the girl on the bed. “Oh. I guess that makes sense.” she nodded, coming to sit on the bed. 

I stepped back and watched as Melite checked on Europa. “I’m glad she’s okay.” she sighed. “I had another question.” she said, turning her attention to me. “What’s that?” I asked, folding my arms. “Is there a bathroom?” she said shyly. I chuckled and nodded. “Yes, I have a bathroom. Not that Minos knows about it. But my mother ensured some things were put into the construction of this labyrinth.” I explained, offering her a hand.

She smiled softly, taking my hand to stand. “I’ll show you the way. There is also a tub and water that can be heated if you wanted to wash.” I offered. “I can take a bath!?” she exclaimed but quickly covered her mouth and glanced at Europa, who was still out. I chuckled at her innocence and sweet demeanor. 

“Come on. I’m sure after everything yesterday you would like to bathe. I will deal with Europa when she wakes. Don’t leave the bathroom till I come for you.” I instructed, leading her out of the room. “Right. I wouldn’t want to get lost.” she agreed, walking next to me. 

I left her in the very simple bath that my mother had ensured existed in one of the dead-ends. Unlike the center of the maze, which was a large room, this had no archway or anything that separated it.  There was nothing fancy about it; a stone toilet, stone tub, and a water pump. The tub is raised with an area to heat the water underneath. “It isn’t much.” I started to say. “It’s more than I expected. Your mother was very thoughtful to ensure this was even included. From what you’ve told me of King Minos, he wouldn’t have bothered and just left you to designate a place to go to the bathroom as if you are an animal." Melite frowned. 

She’s not wrong. He probably had fully intended I be treated like an animal. “Did you want to take a bath or just use the toilet?” I questioned. She blushed at how casually I talked about it. “I um, I would like a bath.” she answered shyly. I nodded. “Okay, well, just use the water pump to fill the tub. I can get a fire started under it to heat the water if you want.” I offered. “Thank you, Asterion.” she smiled.