“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.

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

It’s been a month since Amilios started to call on me. Though, at this point, I don’t think it’s me he’s coming to see. Yes, he escorts me around the property and for walks in the city. But Rea is always with us. And even if he insists on having me hold his arm, which irks me since I am not inept and have Alexis, I can always sense his attention is more on Rea.  And I know she finds him handsome. She gushes about him often, even though she’s trying to disguise it as encouraging me to be interested in him.  As always, the highlights of my weeks are the two days I get to spend with Androkles. He isn’t overbearing in the way Amilios is. He is so encouraging of my independence. I think, in a way, for him, my getting more freedom holds more value than anything. 

I sat down under the tree I’d punched to wait. Mostly I tried to listen. I couldn’t hear what Ismene-Eirene and Ilias were saying. But if she called out for help, I would hear her and be ready. And if she calls out for help, Ilias will be dead. I don’t like this. And it isn’t like I have any authority or power over her. But I have to trust she can handle things herself. I raised my head as I heard footsteps right before Alexis started nudging me with his muzzle giving a bark to indicate he had found me. “So?” I asked, looking up at her. The way the rays of the sun filtered down through the trees made her seem to glow. She’s beautiful. Wait, why am I thinking that? Focus, dumbass. She patted Alexis, then reached over, placing a hand on my shoulder. “It wasn’t just Lord Ares that gave the order. It was Lord Nikos as well. And apparently, they hired five- people. Ilias couldn’t see their Houses, but they all had armor with the symbol of a hydra. Five brothers, he thinks.” she explain

I’ve had Ilias reporting to me, in secret, for the last few weeks. I haven’t asked him to give the names of those others assigned to follow Ismene-Eirene. But he has at least assured me that none of them observe her while she’s inside her home. So all private moments are kept that way. He realized I’d kill him and every other soldier sent to spy on her if they observed her in private. As for the Pompeius brothers, I instructed Hypatos to find and retrieve the gold-enchanted sword. So far, he hasn’t found it, but I’m waiting impatiently. I want to put an end to them. Just knowing they are out there sets me on edge. Today I had a visit scheduled with my father. I want to dig up something. I can get him to admit to anything illicit regarding Ismene-Eirene. I don’t think he suspects anything. If anything, he was eager for this visit, probably to discuss my marriage prospects. As I entered his retirement home, I stopped hearing voices from his office. “What do you mean void!? You’re the