It was different hosting my brother and his wife as guests in my House. All the staff could sense it. They were each a bit unnerved at first, given how much my brother looked like me, like our father. But they relaxed when they were told he wasn't Nikos. I still don't know what Ismene-Eirene took Cassatt to do, well beyond visiting her parents, but they seemed to have bonded. Which is good as soon they will be family. Even if this will probably be the only time we see them, I'm glad we had the chance. It made me happy to see how well Ismene-Eirene got along with Cassatt and my brother."You seem… happier today," Ismene-Eirene commented as I walked her to her room. "I do?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

Honestly, I'm not sure what I'm doing. I've mostly just been following instinct. Years before I met Ismene-Eirene, I'd promptly ignored everything my father and Eugenius told me about sex and how to treat women. Oddly it was Aigialeus who gave me advice before the wedding. It seemed sound. He told me to go with the flow, pay attention to her needs, put her needs before my own, and stop if she ever said to. I trust him. I know his first marriage was arranged, and by his own words, they slowly became friends before sharing a bed. And he was genuinely broken-hearted when she died. And then, to see him with Cassatt, they have a happy marriage. So, I'll go slow. I'll let her set the pace. Easier said than done. She's driving me crazy, touching me like this. I know she's not intentionally torturing me. She's doing this to learn the layout of my body in a way she couldn't before. It is not her fault that her touch ignites something inside me that feels more primal. I groaned into her shoul

Two months. It’s been two months since our wedding. I’m still learning some of the ins and outs of being the Lady of Ares. I’ve at least been prepared to run a house by my parents. It’s more the politics of being a council member’s wife I’m adjusting to. Androkles has been fantastic through all this. Not that I expected less from him. He’s always been supportive of me and wants to be sure I have my independence. We have managed to adjust to married life. I’m sure the fact that we were friends first certainly has helped in that adjustment. Though I sometimes wake up disoriented by not only the new room but his arms around me and his naked body pressed to mine. Not that I will ever complain about that. In Andy’s arms, I know I am the safest woman in Olympus. And I certainly have enjoyed the physical intimacy of our marriage. We both have. I still can’t believe how much I have enjoyed sex. That first night was beautiful, even though we were both nervous. And each night since has been b

Two weeks have never gone so fast. I knew it wouldn't take long to gather my forces. Most of the time spent waiting was for a particular individual to arrive. But now she's here, which means I can move my troops. I wasn't sure that today would be the day, but then Hypatos brought our guest to my office as I discussed troop movements with my generals. "Lord Ares." Hypatos called out, knocking with his one arm. "The individual you have been waiting on has arrived," he stated as I glanced at him from the map on my desk. I nodded. "Good. Bring her in. And find my wife." I instructed. Hypatos nodded and ducked out of the doorway, closing the door. "Generals, we will be ready to move in a matter of hours. Make sure all your troops are ready." I instructed, dismissing my generals. They all know a rebellion within our House is not suitable for our image, and if it was to spill out and affect beyond our House, it could destroy Olympus in ways the Oracles only foretold I could. As the genera

I don't think either of us realized we had fallen asleep till there was a knock at the door. "Lord Ares. Lady Ismene. The army is ready." Hypatos called. I sighed as we detached ourselves. I don't want to think about how this could be the last time we are together. I don't want to consider a future that doesn't include Andy. My stomach rolled at the mere thought. I shook my head, dismissing those negative thoughts. This is Androkles, Lord Ares, The Destroyer, the man I love even if I haven't dared say the words. He will return to me alive. Olympus is doomed if he doesn't, Olympus is doomed, and I don't mean because of Nikos and Eugenius. Because I will rain fire upon those responsible for taking him from me. I am still determining how I will do it. But so, help me, I will find a way. "We shall be there momentarily. You may wait at the front steps." Andy instructed. We dressed quickly, helping each other with our clothes. I love it when Andy helps dress me almost as much as when he