OMG! They got ENGAGED!! Not the most romantic proposal, but still, he proposed and she accepted. Stupid bad timing, doctor. They were about to KISS!
My breathing had gone shallow. I don't know if I want to hear more. I don't want to imagine what Eugenius threatened to do to me. If he was willing to have me followed, who knows how far he'd go. "Please don't make me say it." he pleaded. It must not be good for Andy to plead like that. I don't think I've ever heard him so distraught. And it just solidifies my decision that I don't want to know and that Andy truly is the best man I could have as a husband. "Just... know he threatened you harm… physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially," he said. I nodded and squeezed his hand. He said plenty without details, and I can only consider the worst. And the worst wouldn't be killing me, just making me wish he had. I shuddered at the horrid thought that crossed my mind. Eugenius is genuinely evil, and Olympus should bow at Andy's feet in gratitude for removing him from power. "You don't have to say more. I won't make you repeat such vile words. I'm not sure I want to hea
“Thank you, but no reason to be formal," I assured him, raising my free hand slightly. “I don’t think I could be informal, Lord Ares.” Leander bowed his head, stressing my new title. “Thank you for walking our daughter home. I’m sure you have more important things to do. Your House must be waiting to celebrate with their new Ares." he said, trying to suggest I should go. “Yes, we wouldn’t want to keep you from celebrating with your House," Elaine added. “Thank you for your consideration, but there isn’t anything more important than Ismene-Eirene," I stated. Ismene-Eirene smiled, blushing a little as she squeezed my hand. It was then that her parents noticed our joined hands. Generally, I escorted her with her hand on my arm, more formal and proper. This was very different. “And what might you mean by that?" Elaine asked. “Well… Leander and Elaine. Ismene-Eirene and I spoke tonight after my fight and made a decision. So now we have come to you to ask your blessing on our engageme
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
I sighed and nodded. Androkles was right. There was still much we needed to do. At least we will get through it all together. “I understand. And it will give me more time to become acclimated to the House and ready to fill my role as Lady of Ares House." I nodded, doing my best to school my expression to not look disappointed. I was hoping to be his wife sooner than later. But I know that other things are more important. I blinked as I felt him take my hand into his. “Trust me, I don’t wish to wait months to be your husband," Andy assured me, squeezing my hand lightly. I couldn’t help but smile. At least I’m not the only one that doesn’t like the sound of months. “Part of what else would take so long is the idea of the big council member wedding." he sighed. “Yes, but we don’t probably have a choice. Do we?" I sighed. “Oh, we do, or I’m making it so. I don’t want some big wedding with the whole council and high-ranked people that are only there to be polite and from obligation b
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
Bidding our farewells to Myrrine, we returned to Atlas and headed for House Hera. At least Myrrine didn’t give me any shit about our engagement. Outside of her comment about not being surprised. I’d ask if she was not surprised why she didn’t mention anything to myself or Ismene-Eirene but knew better. She wouldn’t have told either of us what she was noticing. Aphrodites of old would have probably meddled, but Myrrine has learned more from Eros than her predecessor, which means being as sketchy and obtuse as possible. So, of course, she watched from the sidelines, interfering ever so slightly. Like that day, she came to Dio’s House to ambush me and offer me that glamor. “Have you had much experience with Lady Hera?" I asked. “No, I've never met her. My father wrote to her House asking for a priestess for Rea’s wedding to Amilios. But it wasn’t her in person that performed the ceremony.” Ismene-Eirene shook her head. “Outside of you, Lord Zeus, and Lady Aphrodite, I’ve never met any
"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 didn’t take me long to plan the trip to the Underworld. She may not have said it, but I knew Ismene-Eirene was nervous about this trip. I can’t blame her. She’s met various council members, but Hades isn’t part of the council. He’s something entirely different. I think Hades may be more feared in Olympus than I am, and I’m the one prophesied to destroy it. Hades should be more feared. Hades is the living embodiment of death. A Hades is the ferryman to whatever lies beyond life. It’s only natural to fear death. Death is inevitable, and all of us shall greet Hades someday. My prophesized destruction is only that, a prophesy. There is no guarantee that the prophecy will happen so that a glimmer of hope of salvation still exists. Knowing she was about to meet the God that stands between the living and the dead was enough to make any nervous. But there was the added pressure of meeting a daughter of The Zeus. I’ve never met Lady Persephone, so I know her only through what I’m told. I t
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
“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
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.
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
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
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
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
“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
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