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Chapter 30 - Androkles
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
BryantWhat a whirlwind! Nikos did hire assassins to kill Ismene-Eirene. But they failed? Either she is Tyche reborn, or Eros did something with whatever he muttered to protect her. And Dio, you naughty boy teasing Androkles like that.
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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
The Destroyer Chapter 35 - Ismene-Eirene
Two days. Two days of worry and nightmares. Even though I got to speak with Androkles and learn why he was doing this, I couldn't stop being unsettled. I don't trust Lord Ares. I kept fearing that he would not stop and would kill Andy. That is my biggest fear. I don't think I would survive losing him. Which only leads me to more questions. Andy is supposed to be my friend. That's all. Yet I worry for him and fear losing him as much… maybe even more, than I did for Alkaios. How is that possible if Alkaios was my soulmate? Rea has gone to the Ares training ground to be my eyes and ears. She told me he was still diligently training with Lord Zeus, always drawing a large crowd of soldiers. My parents were livid to find that I'd gone to see Androkles and have since found ways to keep me busy at the house. I'm glad that Lord Zeus is in his corner and helping him. I know I'd be of no help to him in preparing. But today is the day. Today he faces Lord Ares in the arena. "He will be okay. L
The Destroyer Chapter 36 - Androkles
I’d sent Helene to find Ismene-Eirene as soon as I got to the changing room. That is, if she’s in the arena. If Helene can’t find her here, I told her to go to her family’s home to fetch her. I promised we’d talk, and there is much on my mind I want to speak to her about all of it. How strange is it that the girl I saved from the ruins months ago in the wake of a chimera attack would have become so important to me? Before her, I would have said I didn’t have any friends. Then Dio would have interrupted and introduced himself as my best friend. But now, if someone were to ask who my best or dearest friend is, I would say Ismene-Eirene. There are no secrets between us. There are no lies or half-truths, either. Ismene-Eirene is the one person in Olympus I feel I can be myself. She makes me feel comfortable in letting my guard down, sharing my mind, and sharing my heart. When I am with her, the world feels brighter. It feels like a place I belong. I want to bask in her warmth forever. W
The Destroyer Chapter 37 - Androkles
She seemed content at least to stand here and let me rub her forehead. She reached up and gently ran the back of her fingers along my arm. "I wish that I could have seen you. I wish that I could see you, Andy," she whispered. I may have cuts and bruises along my arm, but I don’t care because she is touching me. "I'm glad you couldn't. Witnessing such things... I didn't want you to see me like that." I told her. I’d felt a surge of power that I’d only felt at rare moments previously, even if they were fleeting. I was reasonably sure there were moments out there, flickers, of the destroyer I’m prophesied to be. But when Eugenius started to trash talk about Ismene-Eirene. I couldn’t contain it. The rage was too much to control. She continued touching me, fingers gently caressing up and down my forearm. It was oddly calming. No, it’s not odd, not anymore. The more I’ve spent with her, the more I’ve realized something. I would die for this woman, kill for her, and move heaven and earth t
The Destroyer Chapter 38 - Ismene-Eirene
I was irrationally angry with Lord Eros for speaking so plainly and crushing what hope he may have had. It wasn't surprising that he had no soulmate or destined love in Olympus. It was like the world itself stacked against him. Lord Eros was plain with him? And the detached voice hurt me to hear. I hate to think he was told he had no love in his future. And don’t get me started on his father or Eugenius wanting to pick his bride for him. He deserves a woman that will want him for him, for the man he is not for his title and what that would do for her or her family’s station in society. Andy is a fantastic man. He is everything a woman could ask for in a husband. He is thoughtful, strong, brave, loyal, passionate, and honest. "Eugenius certainly can't do that now. Even your father loses his control now that you're Lord Ares." I said softly. That was one of the benefits of his win tonight. They have lost all control over his life, and I am so happy for him. "No... suppose they can't.
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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
