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Chapter 43 - Androkles
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
BryantI'm glad Andy and Dio sent away Eugenius and Nikos. And now they have Aphrodite's approval time to get Hera's.
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The Destroyer Chapter 44 - Androkles
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
The Destroyer Chapter 45 - Ismene-Eirene
"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
The Destroyer Chapter 46 - Androkles
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
The Destroyer Chapter 47 - Androkles
“It is a new era in Ares House, and my people need to come to terms with that change. I... we...” I said, correcting myself as I glanced at Ismene-Eirene. Ismene-Eirene smiled at my correction to include her. She is Lady of Ares, and I want her to know that it isn’t an empty or frivolous title. She has power and will be able to wield it. I want her to know she is as much a part of the House and the decisions made as I am. I know I’ve fallen for her in my heart, and I refuse to treat the woman I love as anything less than an equal. I don’t want to treat her like Eugenius treated Kyltië or my father treated my mother and any of his wives. After all, she is going to be my wife. We are friends, and I would respect her input. And beyond that, we are friends. “Can only hope they will see that these changes are for the better,” I explained. “I have one last thing,” I said as I reached into a pouch and pulled out an item wrapped in fabric. Pulling back the fabric, I offered a golden baby
The Destroyer Chapter 48 - Ismene-Eirene
I'd enjoyed our trip, short as it was, to the Underworld. Androkles was so attentive during our time there. But that was something I should have expected. We were in an unfamiliar place, so even with Alexis, I wouldn't know where things were. Lady Persephone and Lord Hades were gracious hosts and showed us around their immediate property. I wished I had sight when Lord Hades offered to let Androkles hold Lady Chara. She was, of course, adequately swaddled to ensure no skin contact would be made. Rea whispered to me the details of the sight. Of my tall, broad-shouldered, muscular fiancé cradling the tiny, bundled infant with such care and a look of worry and possibly fear as he did. Andy later confessed he was afraid, not that he would die from perhaps touching her but that he would hurt her or drop her. It was rather sweet that his worry was never for himself but for her. This made me wonder how he will be when or if we start a family. If his behavior towards Lady Chara indicates, h
The Destroyer Chapter 49 - Ismene-Eirene
“Yes, many things can change how someone sounds. When we went to see Lord Hades and Lady Persephone, the Olympians and daemons had a different tone in their voices.” I agreed. “Dio was rather sparse on the details about you two, other than the wedding is soon,” Cassatt said. “Yes, tell us more about the two of you. Of how you got to the point of marriage.” Aigialeus encouraged starting to eat. “It isn’t all that exciting a story,” I said. “It isn’t all that thrilling.” Andy agreed, wanting to downplay our meeting like I was. “I’m from one of the Eastern villages. I met Androkles when a chimera attacked, and he found me in the debris. The chimera had been spotted a few times before. So, we were lucky it waited to attack.” I smiled softly. It was strange to look back on that day and be able to smile, but I can do that because of Andy. “Though he introduced himself as Andy,” I explained. “He saved my life when he decided to bring me to the Apollo tents. He caused quite a scare.” “
The Destroyer Chapter 50 - Androkles
I still can’t believe Diokles brought our brother and his wife here from the mortal realm to attend the wedding. It was certainly interesting to meet him. And jarring. I don’t think I was prepared for how much we look alike, how much he looks like our father. But at least he looks different enough from our father not to be unsettling. I was grateful to Ismene-Eirene for taking Diokles away with her. Though I’m on the fence about how good of an idea it was for him to leave. With him here, he acted as the middle ground. He’s the one that knows both of us. So, in that way, it would offer us both some stability. Yet if he were here, I’d probably feel under observation and not truly get to know our brother. “I love our brother, but he can be a bit much sometimes. Especially when he’s excited.” Aigialeus chuckled after they had left. “Um, yes. I would have to agree with that. Dio is an… acquired taste, especially among Olympians.” I nodded. “But he’s a good kid. You both are.” he smiled,
The Destroyer Chapter 51 - Androkles
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.
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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
