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Chapter 18 - Androkles
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
BryantAt least he cleared up that rumor about Daphne.
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The Destroyer Chapter 19 - Ismene-Eirene
I should have been prepared for this. But being overrun by puppies still caught me by surprise. There were so many of them, and they were so soft. Some didn’t get as close as others. But one seemed very intent on getting as close as possible to me. So laughing, I picked the puppy up and laughed even more as it licked my face. “Okay… okay. I get it. You like me.” I said, trying to control my laughter, holding the pup away from my face. “So he does,” Andy commented. “Oh, it’s a he?” I asked as I put the pup in my lap and pet him from head to tail to get an idea of how big he was. “Does he already have a name?” I asked. “They do not get names until we begin their training.” The trainer, I’m assuming, answered. “I see,” I said, hoping someone would give me the trainer’s name. I don’t like to be rude when speaking to someone and not knowing their name or what to call them makes that challenging. “That would make sense….” “Right, I neglected to introduce myself. I am Jason. I am the l
The Destroyer Chapter 20 - Ismene-Eirene
“Ismene? Lord Androkles, I beg your pardon, but please remove your hand from my daughter.” Mother’s voice burst our bubble. Such horrible timing, mother. She sounded uneasy and a little agitated. I could feel Andy tense at her words. I sighed, straightened myself, and stepped back from Andy while he took his arm away. She didn’t need to be so rude to him. Not only because he is an heir but just out of basic etiquette. She was jumping to conclusions, and I won’t allow it. “Hello, mother. It was my fault. Alexis managed to get away from me, and I stumbled. Lord Androkles caught me, so I didn’t fall.” I explained as Alexis found his way back to my side, out of breath from his mini adventure. “I see. So this is the dog your father mentioned.” Mother said, dismissing the situation with Andy and focusing on the dog. She could at least apologize for her rude behavior. How does she expect me to follow all these social protocols and treat people of higher stations with the proper respect wh
The Destroyer Chapter 21 - Androkles
It’s been over a month now, six weeks to be exact, that I’ve been helping Ismene-Eirene train Alexis. I’ve started to grow used to the looks we get when we walk around town. I’m even used to the looks I get each time I pick her up and return her to her house. I had hoped her parents would start to look at me with less veiled contempt. But it seems they have not changed their minds about me. Eventually, they’ll realize I mean their daughter no harm. “Lord Androkles?” Helene called, knocking gently at my office door. “Enter,” I called, putting my quill down. I’d spent so much time yesterday with Ismene-Eirene that I had a lot I needed to catch up on. I’m not neglecting my duties as an heir. Working with Ismene-Eirene is part of my duties. It just happens that spending time with her is something I also enjoy. I don’t mind having to catch up on paperwork in the early morning. There are worse ways to unwind. “Good afternoon, m’lord. Lord Ares has requested your presence immediat
The Destroyer Chapter 22 - Androkles
“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.
The Destroyer Chapter 23 - Ismene-Eirene
“Miss? Your parents have requested to see you.” a servant called out to me from where I was walking with Alexis outside. He had grown so much in the last six weeks, and I don’t mean in just size. He’s still the curious and rambunctious pup he was, but now he’s more vigilant, alert, and disciplined. He had been doing well in his basic obedience training. I don’t doubt that when we begin his training as my seeing-eye dog, he will excel at it. “Oh? Has something happened?” I asked, turning my head as she sounded happy. “I would consider it something good, Miss. You will need to decide for yourself,” she answered. “Very well. Come, Alexis.” I said, giving the command to Alexis as I turned to where I knew the house would be. Alexis quickly followed and walked just slightly ahead of me up the path. I was curious to know what my parents wanted to see me about. I hoped it was news of Rae. She’d written recently saying she was much better and expected to be able to return to my service soo
The Destroyer Chapter 24 - Androkles
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
The Destroyer Chapter 25 - Androkles
“My… relationship with Ambrosia?” Kostis repeated. All color drained from his face as he started to tremble. Based on what Ambrosia said, he knew of Eugenius’ favor of her. He probably thinks he was called in here for an official challenge from Eugenius or me on the matter. Honestly, he looked like he might shit himself any second now. “Yes. Congratulations, you aren’t deaf. Ambrosia, the servant on my staff. I’m sure you are aware of her.” I said, folding my arms. “Well… there is no relationship, sir. But… did you say your staff? I thought she was working for Lord Ares.” he asked, stammering a little. He was worried about being caught having any relationship with a nymph, especially one he knew Eugenius had his eyes on. His eyes glanced around my office like he was waiting for Eugenius to step out any moment and declare his life forfeited or something along those lines. “Yes. I requested Ambrosia’s transfer to my household staff. And it is my understanding that there is a relatio
The Destroyer Chapter 26 - Ismene-Eirene
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.
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The Destroyer Chapter 67 - Androkles
I’d wanted to stay in the room with Ismene-Eirene, but Helene and Rea shooed me out to the hall. I could hear Ismene-Eirene in pain, and I hated it. I hated not being able to take the pain from her. I paced the hall, stalked like a caged animal with my eyes darting to the door at every cry from my wife. Hypatos sighed against the opposite wall as he watched me. Saea sighed and rolled her eyes, and tugged at his arm. I don’t know what the satyr whispered to my steward, but he found it amusing. I glared at them as they just smiled innocently at me. I know they are talking about me and most likely mocking my nervous energy, and to hell with them. Since the day we met, all I’ve wanted to do was protect Ismene-Eirene from pain. And when I heard a loud cry of pain, I said to hell with waiting. Screw what is normal or acceptable. I don’t give a damn if most men in Olympus don’t enter the delivery room. I couldn’t stay away. I can’t protect her from the pain of bringing our children into th
The Destroyer Chapter 66 - Ismene-Eirene
“I take it the doctor and midwife hadn’t realized that yet. Well, don’t blame them. I have the healing touch to sense the two babies.” Melanthios explained. “And I can hear their heartbeats easily.” Rosalyn nodded. I was still dealing with what the doctor and midwife had told us at our last visit. I’ve worried about my baby and my chances of surviving childbirth. And now Lord Melanthios and Lady Rosalyn have added to my distress by telling me there are TWO! Does that mean both babies are breech? Or is it just that one of them is? My mind has a million questions that I can’t form into words. “Would you like to hear your children?” Rosalyn offered. Her offer threw me off guard, completely derailing all my new fears. “I… can hear them?” I asked. “Of course. I’ll put the ear tips into your ears and then press the drum on your belly. You’ll be able to hear their heartbeats this way.” she explained, doing exactly as she explained. My eyes widened as I smiled, hearing their steady, fas
The Destroyer Chapter 65 - Androkles
Life has mostly returned to normal or perhaps a new normal now that Eugenius and Nikos are dead. Against my better judgment, I let Bion live to be sent to the Underworld with the other traitors. He had better be grateful for every breath he takes. I only spared him because Ismene-Eirene asked that no further blood be shed. And I wouldn’t refuse her, even if she wasn’t pregnant with our first child.Today we are meeting with the doctor from Apollo and a midwife from Hera to check up on the pregnancy as Ismene-Eirene has been having a migraine that seems never to end and has complained of pains in her abdomen that aren’t the baby kicking. I’m not sure what I’m doing, but I know I want to be as involved as I’m allowed. Not to mention I don’t trust most people with my wife.
The Destroyer Chapter 64 - Ismene-Eirene
It's probably for the best that no one tried to stop us on our way to our bedroom. It’s been months since he was home. I want and need to have this time with him. And while most probably fear him more than me, I think pregnancy hormones may make me the one to fear if they did get in the way. The door had barely closed before his lips were on mine, and I felt my back pressed into the door. “Ahem…" someone cleared their throat nearby. With a groan, we both pulled back from the kiss breathlessly. “Hypatos, you better have a damn good reason to be in here,” Androkles responded, not hiding his annoyance. I blushed at the realization of finding it was Hypatos in here. If anything, I would have expected Rea or Helene. “I was trying to leave m’lord. I put some food and drinks out by the bath Rea and Helene had prepared. So, I will gladly go if you move from the door. I have better things to be doing than standing around here." Hypatos explained. Androkles took my hand and moved us away fr
The Destroyer Chapter 63- Androkles
It was strange, to say the least, as we marched back into Olympia. I saw people from various Houses lining the streets, and they were… cheering. I don't think I've ever heard cheering for me. There was cheering after my arena fight against Eugenius, but I think they'd have cheered if I lost too. The mob is a fickle thing, that's for sure. I gave slight nods as we passed the crowds. As we came to a stop at the gates of House Ares. Holding up a hand, I signaled the dismissal of the army. I watched as the soldiers broke ranks to find their families in the crowd. I watched as wives, children, and mothers hugged the soldier that returned home to them. Most of the women contained tears, but some couldn't. They may have married a Spartan, but it didn't make them Spartans. I could hear crying, both in joy and sorrow. As I know, some widows or parents would not find their soldiers standing here. I'll have to make my rounds tomorrow to notify the families of those that died, but that will wait
The Destroyer Chapter 62 - Ismene-Eirene
Androkles has been gone for nearly two months now. And I don’t know if it’s because of the pregnancy, but it feels like an eternity since he left. We received word that he had defeated Eugenius and Nikos and would be returning home. But that was weeks ago. But I understand that marching home takes time. Especially as they travel with the injured and dead, his letter advised a battalion would be taking the prisoners directly to the Underworld for judgment. Today I was outside, getting fresh air and exercising as my doctor recommended. Rea and Helene have been of great help in making sure everything is getting done and that my instructions are being obeyed. I also ensured that the main House and the grounds were being cleaned and readied for when Androkles and the army would return. We didn’t know how soon that would be, but I wanted to be prepared. Mitha is still here even though the rebellion has ended. She said she would not leave till my husband dismissed her as he was the one that
The Destroyer Chapter 61 - Androkles
I’ve been away from Ismene-Eirene for over a month now. It feels much longer, which is strange. I never really missed home while gone on an assignment. But then again, I never had someone I wanted to return to. I write weekly, though my letters are updates on the war’s progress. I can’t send my wife a letter saying what I want to say. I don’t know how to write in braille, and I certainly don’t want someone reading my words to her. Only she needs to know what’s in my heart or my head. And it feels somehow like a copout if I write how much I love her instead of telling her. So, I’ll have to wait until I can return to say anything I want. We’ve at least made some headway in this war. My father and Eugenius had gathered many followers. However, not all are pledged to Ares or even any house. Rather odd for unpledged Olympians to want to side with the likes of them. It seems war tends to make strange bedfellows. Speaking of war-making strange bedfellows, Hypatos split off from my main for
The Destroyer Chapter 60 - Ismene-Eirene
“Death to….” someone started to shout, but their words turned to a cry of pain as I heard a thud. “I am sorry, but if you call for death, The House of Ares is the wrong house.” Mitha taunted as I heard bones cracking. I’m guessing she landed on my would-be attacker. Alexis growled, barking, taking a defensive stance before I heard him sink his teeth into someone who let out a cry of pain. Andy was right about Alexis. Even if the training never yielded results for him to be a reliable seeing-eye dog, he would protect me nearly as fiercely as him. “Bastard dog!” a voice shouted. “ALEXIS!” I yelled as I jumped to my feet, worried for my precious dog, as I heard him whimper in pain. “On your left, Lady Ismene!” Mitha shouted. Her warning came simultaneously when I felt the slight breeze of her wings before another thud. She must have taken down another attacker. I reacted quickly, revealing the long silver stiletto blade, and stabbed to my left. I winced as I put as much strength as
The Destroyer Chapter 59 - Ismene-Eirene
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
