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

These past two days have been the longest of my life. Or at least it felt that way. I missed her, which wasn’t new, as I often would miss her between training sessions. But now that we’re engaged, it feels different. I spent much of my two days in meetings. So many meetings. I sent Eugenius to the farthest southeastern fort that my House maintains. I wanted him to be as far from me and Ismene as possible. It didn’t take much convincing for Dio to send my father away. He was ordered to oversee a Zeus fort in the northwestern part of Olympus. We also agreed that keeping the pair as far away from each other as possible was important. But then I’ve been sorting through all the high-ranked members of House Ares to determine who is loyal to me, to the House itself, or Eugenius. I carefully evaluated anyone I felt would likely act out in loyalty to Eugenius. I can’t punish them. And I needed to be mindful of where I station them. I wouldn’t want to let any of his most loyal end up where I s

"Well, I am glad to have cleared that up for you, Lady Hera." I nodded. I was starting to understand why Andy doesn't always get along with others in the council. If they are all like Lady Hera when it comes to him, I may have some difficulties myself. And not just the council. I can tell that Lord Gaios also holds something against him. I'm curious to know what, other than what many Olympians have against him, caused Gaios to dislike him. But if other spouses are like Gaios, those luncheons may not happen. "Now that she has answered your question. Your decision?" Andy questioned. I could tell he was doing his best to keep a civil tone. "As she enters this marriage freely, I have no reason to decline. You have my blessing. Just keep me informed when you have chosen a date. As a council member, it is my honor and duty to perform your ceremony, Lord Ares." she said. "Thank you. We will notify you when a date has been set. Good day, Lady Hera. Goodbye, Lord Gaios." Andy said, wrapping

“It is a new era in Ares House, and my people need to come to terms with that change. I... we...” I said, correcting myself as I glanced at Ismene-Eirene. Ismene-Eirene smiled at my correction to include her. She is Lady of Ares, and I want her to know that it isn’t an empty or frivolous title. She has power and will be able to wield it. I want her to know she is as much a part of the House and the decisions made as I am. I know I’ve fallen for her in my heart, and I refuse to treat the woman I love as anything less than an equal. I don’t want to treat her like Eugenius treated Kyltië or my father treated my mother and any of his wives. After all, she is going to be my wife. We are friends, and I would respect her input. And beyond that, we are friends. “Can only hope they will see that these changes are for the better,” I explained. “I have one last thing,” I said as I reached into a pouch and pulled out an item wrapped in fabric. Pulling back the fabric, I offered a golden baby

“Yes, many things can change how someone sounds. When we went to see Lord Hades and Lady Persephone, the Olympians and daemons had a different tone in their voices.” I agreed. “Dio was rather sparse on the details about you two, other than the wedding is soon,” Cassatt said. “Yes, tell us more about the two of you. Of how you got to the point of marriage.” Aigialeus encouraged starting to eat. “It isn’t all that exciting a story,” I said. “It isn’t all that thrilling.” Andy agreed, wanting to downplay our meeting like I was. “I’m from one of the Eastern villages. I met Androkles when a chimera attacked, and he found me in the debris. The chimera had been spotted a few times before. So, we were lucky it waited to attack.” I smiled softly. It was strange to look back on that day and be able to smile, but I can do that because of Andy. “Though he introduced himself as Andy,” I explained. “He saved my life when he decided to bring me to the Apollo tents. He caused quite a scare.” “