Page 21 of Love and Death
“My business is my own, and, as I believe we have established, I do not answer to you.”
“You do, if you wish to step foot beyond these doors,”Deimos hisses, leaning in as he tightens his grip on my shoulder.
“Isaid, remove your hand, or you will soon learn what it means to live without it,” I say, my tone cold and calculated, meeting his gaze out of the corner of my eyes.
Deimos’ jaw hardens, his nostrils flaring at my threat, but then his hand drops from me. “I take my orders from the king, just the same as you.”
“I know, and for that reason alone, I will not inform him of this little …displayof yours,” I say. “I doubt he would appreciate hearing that you stood in the way of me carrying out my own orders … yet again.” I am careful to add this last part, hoping to keep him second-guessing what was really behind yesterday’s encounter.
“But Hades made no mention of—”
“Oh, isthe kingnow required to inform you of his every decision?” I snarl, my lip curling up over one of my fangs.
Deimos shakes his head at this.
“No. No, of course not,” he answers quickly, clearing his throat and taking a step back.
“Good, then see to it that you do not stand in my way again.”
Deimos nods once, the hatred underlining his features now sharper than ever, before turning to the side to give me just enough room to pass.
“Will you be checking in on Death upon your return?” he asks as soon as I move to squeeze by him.
I pause, glancing down at the armored god.
“That is no concern of yours.”
“Oh, but it is,” Deimos says smugly. “For, you see,while Hades may have seen fit to task you with his little mortal pet … he has left me in charge of Death himself. But, of course, you already knew this.”
I did not know this, and I have to fight to keep my face from betraying my surprise.
Why would Hades putDeimosof all beings in charge of Death’s body? Especially after he saw what I could do to him, or most creatures for that matter, given the necessary encouragement.
And worse still, why is such important information being kept from me?
Fury burns hot within me at the thought, but with it comes fear.
If Deimos is telling the truth, then it is possible Hades suspects that I can no longer be fully trusted.
The girl … he is testing me.
I should have realized it the moment he rescinded my role as her protector, and again when he reinstated it.
I cannot allow the king’s doubts about where my loyalties lie to be proven right, not yet. Not before I know the truth of it myself.
I must be careful, for the girl’s sake as well as my own.
“As I have already said, my business is my own. You will know my plans as soon as Hades deems it necessary for you to be included in them, and not a moment sooner.”
I glare down at Deimos, daring him to question me further. When he does not, I take my leave with a curt nod and step out into the main courtyard.
My boot heels click against the cold stone, the weight of Deimos’ words heavy upon me.
What reason have I given Hades to keep me in the dark about his plans? Especially those concerning Death.
Even last night can be explained away. I was acting on the king’s own orders to protect the girl at all costs … but even I know this is not entirely true.
Hades never meant for me to protect the mortal from him.
