Their current thoughts overwhelmed him to the point he couldn’t pick out any single one. Several averted their eyes, unwilling to meet his gaze even in passing. “It was a battle won by all, Majesty. I fought no harder than anyone else.”
The king stepped down from his throne and approached him. “Yes, but you’re the one who single-handedly brought down the two highest commanders and greatest heroes of the Atlantean army. You’re the sole reason they retreated.”
Even more confused, Styxx lowered his gaze, waiting to hear how he’d screwed something up and embarrassed them all.
Kreon stopped in front of him with a stern frown. “Your father is counted among the most arrogant and bullish men I know. When I first learned that you would be leading your father’s army in today’s battle, I had a few choice things to say about it and none of them were complimentary to either of you. Honestly, I thought your father was mocking me, as is his wont. But it seems the gods have sought to humble my own arrogance. And I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you and Didymos came to our aid this day, young prince. I will be sending you home with gifts for both you and your father. Now come. I offer you my own private bath and the services of my most favored slave girl.”
For a full minute, Styxx was so stunned he couldn’t respond. Finally, he found his voice. “Thank you, Majesty. I am truly humbled by your generosity, and while I am more than happy to partake of your bath, I most respectfully decline your slave. While I’m sure she’s all you say and more, I have a lady who waits for me in Didymos and I would never do anything to dishonor her faith in me … I hope you understand.”
The king smiled and nodded. “I envy your father the heir he has raised. And it is an honor to know you, Prince Styxx. Now enjoy your victory this evening and the festivities to come.”
* * *
Bethany hungered for blood as they were forced to withdraw from the Greek island. She still wanted the throat of Prince Styxx, but she couldn’t be in another pantheon’s territory with her goddess powers. Not unless they were fighting.
Damn it!
“How could we be defeated?” Misos snarled. “We’ve never been defeated!”
Pali shrugged in disgust. “Did you see the Greek champion? Styxx of Didymos? Has anyone heard of this bastard before?”
“He was young,” Bethany said. “I saw him right before the battle began. And I almost had him … Ugh!” It pained her that she’d missed.
Repeatedly.
Bloody Greek dog!
Misos threw his shield down. “Is he a demigod? Or Chthonian?”
Bethany shook her head. “He was human with standard human equipment. How could he tear down our brethren? They have psychic powers … they should have cut through the Greeks like vegetables in a garden.”
Diafonia raked her hands through her dark hair. “How did he fight like an immortal?”
“Maybe he was trained by one?” Pali suggested.
Bethany ground her teeth. “Athena fought beside him.”
Misos scoffed. “That hasn’t stopped us in the past.”
No, it hadn’t. Bethany sighed as she saw their newfound champion in her mind. “It’s just one battle. He was lucky.”
Misos narrowed his gaze on all of them. “Then let’s see to it that the young prince’s luck runs out.”
As they started to disperse to watch over their troops’ withdrawal, Apollo joined them. “What in the name of Hades just happened?”
Pali gave him a droll stare. “We got our asses kicked. What were you doing? Napping through it?”
Apollo glared at them. “How are we going to take Greece if we get driven from their shores like spanked little girls?”
“We?” Misos raked a sneer over Apollo’s golden fair form. “We doesn’t include you, Greek.”
“It does as long as my people are fighting and dying. Especially my grandson! Which of them killed Xan?”
“Prince Styxx,” they shouted in unison.
Pali snorted. “Are you deaf, too? How did you miss your people chanting the little bastard’s name?”
Apollo’s eyes blazed with sudden recognition. “That little prick was the Didymosian prince and heir?”
“Where have you been?” Diafonia asked. “Obviously you weren’t here for the battle.”
“Of course not. I couldn’t let Zeus or Athena see me siding with our enemies. I only came after I heard you were retreating. And I have to say the news shocked me.”
Misos folded his arms over his chest. “Well, if you’d like some vengeance, by all means, remove your prince from our future battle plans.”
Apollo smiled wickedly. “Don’t worry, old man. I will take care of him.”
October 26, 9532 BC
Styxx sighed as he returned to his tent to try and sleep. But honestly, his head hurt so much he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to manage a single nod. Outside, his men and the rest of their Greek armies were celebrating fiercely. Styxx considered joining them, but he didn’t want to risk being mocked or rejected again. He’d had enough of being judged for things he could neither help nor change.
After Styxx’s bath, Kreon had gifted him with the fine silk stola and wool chlamys he wore and enough treasure to please even Styxx’s volatile father.
For himself, Styxx had only taken one thing. A small gold ring he wanted to give to Bethany when he saw her again. He wore it on his pinkie so that he wouldn’t accidentally lose it.
While she didn’t normally wear anything more than the necklace she’d given him and occasional bracelets or armbands, he wasn’t sure if it was because she didn’t like other pieces of jewelry or couldn’t afford them. But he hoped she smiled over the ring.
Just don’t stab me for the gift.
He poured himself a kylix of wine. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something flash. He jerked his head to find a beautiful golden man inside his tent. There was a glow to his skin that Styxx had only seen on two others.…
His blood ran cold.
“Are you a god?”
The man smirked. “Are you asking me … or do you remember me?”
Styxx’s stomach clenched with dread. No … it couldn’t be.
Surely not after all this time.
The wine cup slipped from his hand as the god’s teeth elongated. Styxx tried to run, but somehow the god held him immobile.
“Strange how swiftly time moves forward when you’re immortal. I had no idea that my little prince had grown into such a fierce, handsome warrior that he could take down a psychic army and kill two of their strongest heroes … one of whom was a demigod.”
In a completely different form than the one he’d had at the Dionysion, the god closed the distance between them and gave Styxx a cold, evil smile. “And you’re so much more beautiful and delectable with hair and ripped muscles.”
He grabbed Styxx’s head and jerked him against his side. “You have killed a member of my family this day, little prince. That is something I cannot and will not let pass. This time, there will be no bargaining. And I will show you no mercy.”
The Olympian dragged Styxx over to the table and threw him against it so that Styxx was facing a mirror where he could see himself and the god who held him down by the scruff of his neck. A tic worked in the Olympian’s jaw as he glared at him with potent fury. He ruthlessly pulled the stola up until Styxx was bared to him.
In the reflection of the mirror, he locked gazes with Styxx. “As you ravaged my army today, I’m going to ravish every part of you. And every time you feel me violently take you, prince, I want you to remember which of us is the god and which is nothing but a pathetic piece of human waste.”
October 27, 9532 BC
“Highness, the men are wanting—” Galen’s voice broke off at the sight of Styxx lying on the floor of his tent.
Styxx couldn’t move. He could barely breathe. Every part of him felt as if it’d been pulverized. He could only imagine how he must appear. Completely naked, he stared at his arm, which was cover
ed with bruises and blood. No doubt he looked like that all over.
Except for his face. The god had taken great care to leave his face undamaged.…
“Styxx?” Galen breathed as he carefully rolled him to his back.
His breathing labored, he met his old tutor’s gaze. “Don’t tell … please.”
Tears filled Galen’s eyes as the old man pulled him gently into his lap, covered him with his cloak, and held him like no one had done since the night his father had cut open his arm.
I must look like total shit. He hadn’t even known Galen possessed any kind of tender emotion.
Galen cradled Styxx’s head to his chest and rocked him like a child. “I would never betray you, my prince.”
Only then did Styxx relax. As long as no one knew, he could find a way to live with this as he lived with everything else that had been done to him.
“I should never have left you unprotected. I assumed you would stay with the others and celebrate your victory, but I should have known you better.” Galen placed a fatherly kiss to his brow. “I heard from the men that you felled the grandson of a god and I’ve seen their retribution before. I should have warned you, my lord. I am so sorry.”
Styxx patted his arm. “It’s all right … I can be taught.”
Galen gave him a bitter smile. “You are the best pupil I’ve ever had.” And I love you like a son, boy.…
Styxx’s lips quivered as he heard Galen’s thoughts. “I know we need to leave. I’m sure they’re ready to pack the tent.”
“You can’t ride in your condition, Highness.”
“I just need some water to bathe with. I’ll manage the ride.”
“Styxx—”
“Galen … I won’t keep them or you here. Let’s go home.” But home wasn’t what he really craved returning to.
Then again, the only thing he craved right now was one single, unimpeded breath.
November 3, 9532 BC
“Bethany?”
Her heart quickened as she finally heard the deep, husky voice she’d been longing to hear. “Hector?”
He sat down beside her on her blanket and laid his head on her shoulder then he wrapped his arms around her.
By the way he breathed, she knew he was in a great deal of pain. “Were you wounded?”
He placed her hand on his wrist so that she could feel her necklace there. “Not cut, but bruised to the point I can barely draw breath. Of course, it didn’t help that I rode ahead of all the others and snuck back here to see you as soon as I could.”
She cradled him against her. “Did you really?”
He nodded. “Night and day. I wasn’t tired at all, until now.”
She kissed his brow and savored the scent of his skin. “Does your head hurt?”
“Like I’ve been kicked by my horse.”
“Then lie down in my lap and let me see if I can help.”
“You already have.”
She smiled at him as he complied, but her smile died at the sound of his pain and the way his breathing intensified. He hurt so much, he was absolutely shaking. “I heard you won,” she said, trying to distract him from it.
“We did.”
Brushing her hand through his hair, she felt several large bumps on his head. Careful not to touch them, she massaged his temples and scalp as best she could. “Were you scared?”
His breathing came easier now. “Petrified. But I would only admit that to you.”
She paused as she touched a cut on the back of his head where it felt like he must have fallen against something. “I heard Prince Styxx was the battle’s hero. Did you see him?”
He was quiet for several seconds. “I did.”
“And?”
“Should I be jealous that you’re so interested in the prince? I thought money didn’t matter to you.”
“It doesn’t. I just wanted to know about this man who dared to pull my sweet Hector from my arms.”
“Mmm … I was too busy fighting to pay attention to him.”
“Is it really true that he took no tribute, but rather had it divided between his men?”
He made a light sound that let her know he was slipping fast into sleep.
Leaning down, she rubbed her nose against his and savored the sensation of his breath on her skin. Even though it galled her that they’d been defeated, she was grateful her Hector was back and whole. It went a long way in soothing her ravaged ego. Still …
She had a grudge to settle and she wasn’t going to forget it. One way or another, Styxx was going to pay for what he’d done to them on the battlefield. And hers would be the hand that dealt the final blow to that arrogant little prick.
November 10, 9532 BC
Bethany laughed as Hector nibbled a scorching trail down her stomach until he took her into his mouth. Lifting her hips, she buried her hand in his soft hair while his tongue danced over her until she was breathless and weak. In just a matter of minutes, her body exploded into pure bliss. She cried out in ecstasy and still his tongue flitted over her until she was drunk from his masterful touch.
No one had a tongue like his.…
Body either.
Slowly, methodically, he kissed his way over her, taking time to savor her breasts before he claimed her lips. She felt the tip of his erection pressing against her, begging for entry.
Desperate to have him inside her body again, she wiggled her hips. He deepened his kiss, and laced his fingers with hers then he took mercy on her and slid himself inside. Sighing in delight, she ran her free hand down to where they were joined so that she could feel his cock as he thrust against her hips.
Styxx sucked his breath in at the sensation of her hand on him. His sweet Bethany took him away from all the nightmares he didn’t want to remember. From the horror of Apollo’s attack. “I love it when you do that.”
Smiling, she kissed him.
He should have gone home days ago, but he’d been holed up with Bethany in a small hostel on the outskirts of town where no one knew who he was. In truth, he had no desire to leave here.
To leave her.
She lifted her hips so that he went all the deeper inside her body. “I can’t believe how hungry you still are.”
“I’m never satiated where you’re concerned, akribos.” He nipped her fingers as she danced them over his lips.
She moaned deep in her throat.
Styxx buried his face against her neck as he quickened his strokes. He knew from experience that when she made that sound and tightened her arms around him, she was on the brink of orgasm.
A moment later, her dulcet cry filled his ears. He rolled his hips against hers, driving her climax on until she laughed and kissed him passionately.
Her lips were all he needed to tip him over into ecstasy. Growling in his throat, he buried himself deep and held her close. Strange how he only found peace with her. The rest of the world could burn and he wouldn’t care. Not so long as he could feel her hand on his cheek.
It felt as if he’d always known her. As if he’d been born solely to love her with every part of himself.
She sighed contentedly. “Oh, what you do to me, my sweet prince.”
His heart lurched at the endearment. “I wish you wouldn’t call me that.”
She frowned. “Why?”
Too many people had used the title to mock him. And now … he heard Apollo’s repugnant voice saying it in his ear. It made his skin crawl.
He was so grateful that Bethany couldn’t see the “wonderful” souvenir that bastard had left him with. A sun symbol between his shoulder blades so that everyone who saw it would know the sun god had violated him. Every time he thought about it, he wanted to scream and run his sword through that bastard’s gut.
“I’m not a prince, Beth. I’m just a man.”
“But you are so much more than that to me.”
Closing his eyes, he savored those words and reveled in the sensation of her hands gliding over his sweaty back. “Your father is most like
ly going to kill you for your absence.”
“I’m sure yours won’t be pleased either.”
“No … he won’t.” He teased her earlobe with his teeth. “I still wish you’d run away with me, Beth. I would give you anything you ask.”
“But you can’t run away from your responsibilities or problems. They always follow.”
“They don’t have to.”
“Please, Hector, don’t ruin this week by asking for something I can’t give you.”
He ground his teeth at the pain in his chest whenever he thought about leaving her and returning to a life he hated with every beat of his heart. “All right. I won’t trouble you again with it.”
Someone pounded on their door. “The prince returns!” They ran down the hall, banging on all the doors to announce it.
Styxx scowled then growled as he realized it meant their army had returned home.
Not him.
Bethany traced the line of his brow. “You should be marching in with them to receive your honors.”
Yes, he should. His father would be furious when he learned Styxx wasn’t with the others. “I would have to leave you in order to do that. Is that really what you want?”
She bit her lip playfully. “No. I rather like you where you currently are.”
“As do I.”
But there would be rancid Tartarus to pay whenever he left her.…
November 11, 9532 BC
It was just after midnight when Styxx entered the palace through the front door. He thought he was home free until he topped the stairs and met his father there.
The expression on his father’s face was anything but welcoming. His father backhanded him so hard, it knocked his teeth loose.
“You are ever determined to publicly embarrass and humiliate me, aren’t you?”
His lips already swelling, Styxx wiped the blood on the back of his hand. “How so, Father?”
“You turned down a king’s offer, you disseminated royal treasure to commoners without permission, and then you deprived the city of welcoming you home and insulted the noblemen and their wives by not attending the celebratory banquet held in your dubious honor.”
Styxx (DH #33) Page 31