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Chapter 26 - Ismene-Eirene
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2024-10-29 19:42:56It’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 27 - Ismene-Eirene
"Why does he want her followed?" Androkles demanded. Ilias gulped, trembling in fear, unable to look at Androkles, or me for that matter. "Who…who said that." He stammered as if trying to take back what he's already told us. "You were rather specific. You said 'she.' Who else is following her? Do you or others follow her when she's not with me?" Androkles questioned. I could tell by his tone that he was holding back much anger. "I... I do not know why. It is not for me to question the orders of Lord Ares." Ilias said. I feel bad for him. I know I shouldn't. He's been told to follow me, which should anger me as much as, if not more, it angers Andy. But I can't help but feel sympathy for Ilias. He is a soldier of Ares. His lord gave him a command, and he must obey no matter his personal feelings. I don't want to begin to imagine the consequences of disobedience in Ares House. "I repeat. Who else is following her? Do you or others follow her when she's not with me?" Androkles practi
The Destroyer Chapter 28 - Androkles
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
The Destroyer Chapter 29 - Ismene-Eirene
I sighed as Androkles left. Turning my attention back to Amilios, I removed my hand from his arm. “Will you kindly not do that,” I said as politely as possible, walking past him into the house. Alexis growled softly when passing Amilios. I wonder if he reflects my or Androkles’ feelings. “Not do what, Miss? I was giving you my arm to help you find your way.” Amilios questioned, honestly clueless as to why I was annoyed. “That is not necessary. I know the layout of my own home. And with Alexis, even if he is not fully trained as my seeing-eye dog, I can find my way anywhere in the city without needing someone’s arm.” I stated. “Yet you walked up on the destroyer’s arm.” Amilios pointed out. I know that he doesn’t know Andy the way I do. And that, like most, he sees him that way. But it angers me to hear him so casually call him that. “Don’t you dare call him that!” I rounded on Amilios in my anger. “But it is what he is. The prophecy even says so. My brother is certain he is.” Am
The Destroyer Chapter 30 - Androkles
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
The Destroyer Chapter 31 - Androkles
“For your nuptials to Amilios." I grounded out. The very sentence left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm sure I'd have hated saying those words no matter whom Ismene-Eirene married. But something about it being Amilios, the brother of Zeno, served to piss me off more. Zeno only wants to secure control over her family's business, and her parents only want to ensure she marries someone in Poseidon House, all the better that he's related to the current Poseidon. I hate the idea that she was married over to that oatmeal of a man for political gain. Ismene-Eirene giggled. She laughed at me. Why is she giggling at me? Does she find this amusing? Just what I need today. She thinks my jealousy is entertaining. Fuck I am jealous, aren't I? I'm jealous that Amilios married her. I'm jealous that this will mean I get even less time with her. I'm jealous because even if it's a political marriage, she has the chance of being happy, and it's not with me. "Androkles. I'm…. I'm not whom Amilios married.
The Destroyer Chapter 32 - Ismene-Eirene
Before I went to bed last night, I prayed for the souls of Lady Kyltië and her child. I may not have known her nor been part of House Ares, but it is still tragic. She was not much older than me. So to not only die so young but to die while trying to bring a new life into this world? A life that also didn’t make it. I couldn’t help but feel sorrow. I hadn’t slept well last night, plagued by nightmares. Often my nightmares are of the chimera. But last night, it wasn’t. I don’t know the source, but an intense power engulfed the city and the world burning everything. I’d woken in a sweat. I don’t know what the nightmare meant, but I know it was not a good omen. And in my heart, something told me that I was the one who could stop it. “Miss…" Rea called, hurrying into my room. I furrowed my brow. What was Rea doing here at this hour? Shouldn’t she be at home still warm and safe in her bed with her new husband? “Rea? Why are you here at this hour? Shouldn’t you be home with your husband?
The Destroyer Chapter 33 - Androkles
It had been a whirlwind since the revelations last night about Eugenius, and that Lady Hades is his daughter, a daughter he discarded and is trying to cover up her existence. How dare he treat her that way. She is his daughter, and she is the heir of Hades. There are rules we are to follow, especially in presenting an heir, and Eugenius violated that. He cannot lead this House, and I won't let him. I'm sure my late-night letters to the council members caused an uproar across Olympia and spread outside the city. I don't care. Dio was pounding on my door before the damn sun threw my armor at me from where I slept in my bed. We've been out here ever since. Not that I mind. Of sparring partners, Dio is the best I'll get. He's faster and stronger than Eugenius, so I'll be better prepared. Plus, I wanted to get a few hits on him after his bullshit white lie about Ismene getting married. We've been at this for hours now. I refused to quit, however. I have to win this fight against Eugenius.
The Destroyer Chapter 34 - Androkles
“I know you don’t intend it to be. But I don’t trust Lord Ares,” Ismene-Eirene sighed as she moved from her chair. I furrowed my brow, not sure what she was doing at first. And blinked in surprise as she sat on my leg, having used her hand to be sure of where my lap was. Am I dreaming this? Did Dio knock me unconscious in training? I froze, probably not breathing for fear of startling her or waking up from a fever dream. Her arms wrapped around my neck and hugged me like if she let go, I was the one that would disappear. “You have to be careful. And you have to win,” Ismene-Eirene said softly. “You're fighting for a good reason because you're a good man. And I won't stop worrying until I can talk to you after the fight and hear your voice," she said, muffled slightly as she buried her face into my shoulder. I was not prepared for this. I've been hugged by... well, Dio was the only person I could remember hugging me, which was VERY different. This was Ismene-Eirene hugging me. Thi
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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
