Page 32 of Guided by the Stars
“Son, let’s take this to my personal chamber,” Zeus commands and we all fall in line. Zeus climbs onto his throne, and Hera follows, pushing her white silk gown to the side. The long slit exposes her bare legs up to her hip bone. It splits open wider when she shifts, leaning against her throne and resting her head under the golden lotus flower crest. Purity, my ass. She’s calling the attention of the room, trying to rile Zeus in any way.
“Go on then. Full report, Alexius. Leave nothing out,” he commands, pointing towards his goblet on the table. Despite it being within his reach, Aphrodite jumps up, making haste, handing it to him. Although equal in power, she is never seen as an equal to the gods holding the higher ranks. She’s treated like a fragile creature, ready to crumble out of sight. She’s proved to be anything but that on our assignments. She takes control, yelling out orders, and is a force to be reckoned with. It’s a shame to see her demeaned, seen only as a pretty face standing next to Zeus.
“Thank you, my Aphrodite,” he tells her, taking the goblet. His dark wavy hair falls forward and he pushes his nose into the mug, taking a deep whiff of the liquid, smelling it and making my blood run cold. Whatever is in that goblet will decide my fate.
I have one of two choices, sitting in this room. The truth would free me from the shit-ton of problems that I managed to entangle myself in. My life is a constant battle to fight for my existence. I’m always faced with the prospect of being tormented. Nora increases the risk. Not only for myself, but for Daemyn. If we’re caught, we will be made the examples of Zeus. He would not only punish us, but would destroy ourexistence. I owe Daemyn everything, and despite what I feel, I owe Nora nothing. At this point, I could walk away, offering Zeus the shift, and in return it would spare us, giving us a lesser punishment.
The other choice is more complicated. The first time I was given Stygian Waters was when Zeus caught me near his thunderbolts. I was young and curious about yielding his weapon, and without question, Daemyn offered to shield me. It’s his ability, which gives him the advantage of hiding the power coming off of him whenever he chooses. He can also shield others for a brief time. But that day, he drained himself and was unable to shield me any longer, when we suddenly sensed Zeus coming our way. I was quick, opening a portal and pushing him through, but I wasn’t as fortunate. That day is when I discovered the oath has loopholes. You can manipulate the vow by changing the words you utter and avoiding details to ensure what you say doesn’t break the promise. It’s a risk I only take for myself and Daemyn.
Whatever these feelings I have for Nora, it’s making her an exception. The vow, if said wrong, would bind me to a punishment that potentially could destroy me, but for her I’m willing to take this risk.
With a deep breath in, I look Zeus in the eyes, knowing I’m making the right choice.
“My guard and I arrived in the Mortal World close to Neda Waterfalls. Kai was there with his guard, watching from above. There was a sexy redhead in view among the rest. To me, it was clear that he was staring at his next delivery to take back to the Underworld,” I say, masking the increased beat of my heart. “Persephone is visiting her mother at this time of the year, my father,” I add, hoping it helps to paint the lie I want him to see.
“Very well my son. Would you vow your words to me?”
With a hard nod, I seal my fate, presenting myself as the hardened warrior he trained me to be. On the inside, I’m trembling, watching Zeus lean forward to hand me the goblet. “Drink, you deserve this.”
I swallow the huge lump caught in my throat, forcing myself to keep my eyes on his and tip the goblet back, thankful for the fruity taste of wine.
“With the shift, I forgot that Persephone went home.” He nods while rubbing his hands over his beard, smiling at his own thoughts. “Guess Hades has another conquest. Wonder if I can make him share again.”
Hera snickers at his words, increasing Zeus’ chuckles. “I know I’m busy, my goddess, but I promise...soon,” his voice dips low as his fingers stretch over, squeezing her thigh.
I shift, darting my eyes towards Aphrodite, watching her face express the same disgust that’s lining my stomach. He’s only this handsy if he screwed up and got caught fucking around. For centuries it’s the same battle, Zeus is unable to keep his cheating hands to himself, breeding babies like it’s a sport. Hera, in return, gets jealous, making us all pay with her sick wrath. The two clash against each other like a hurricane and a tornado, damaging anything in the crossfire.
Hera shifts in her chair but keeps her eyes trained on me, scanning my body head to toe. “How’s your guard these days? I would love to see him again,” she says, ignoring Zeus’ words and pushing his hand away. The harsh undertone of her sweet high-pitched voice belies her intentions. She’s manipulative, using those close to you to dig under your skin, coercing you to kneel before her. More and more she uses Daemyn as a weapon against me, knowing full well that I would do anything to protect him.
Zeus slaps his palm back onto her thigh, his fingers playing with the high slit. “Come on, sweet Queen of mine. It’s time for Alexius to leave. I have better plans with you.”
“Why Zeus, you’ve been far too busy to notice.” Her voice is as sweet as ambrosia. Her fake smile is too forced. “This shift keeps you away, it’s taking a toll on you, my husband. You’re failing to realize what he has done.” My spine stiffens, watching her eyes land on mine, her lips twitching in amusement. “Alexius has been lazy, wouldn’t you agree? He disobeyed your order by failing to report back to you once he returned.”
She’s wrapped herself right around Zeus, making his brows furrow as he considers her words. That bitch is good. She’s like a crow attacking, hacking away, sinking her claws in deeper to get what she wants.
“You’re wrong. I requested a meeting the moment I returned,” I spit out, rewarding myself with a harsh glance from Zeus. I’m out of place. Out of line. At least right now, while he’s groveling.
“Well, there is no telling the truth unless I talk to Daemyn. Maybe he can clear this all up.” Fucking Hera bats her eyes, delivering her threat loud and clear.
I cut Zeus’s response off, having no choice in the matter, “I’m sorry father, I may have been a few hours late. We were low on energy and lost track of time. Once I restored my power, I came straight away.”
“We cannot ignore him disobeying your urgent commands. What kind of an example would it be if you allow the Son of the Skies to think so little of you as our ruler, my faithful King?” She gloats, knowing what she has set into motion. I would rather lose my immortality than have her sinking her cold-blooded hands into Daemyn. He’s endured enough in his existence.
Zeus tightens his grip on her thigh and pleasure runs through me at seeing her wince. “No one tells me how to rule, Hera.” He leans over, planting his lips on hers. Pleasure turns straight to disgust as I watch his hand push higher up between her thighs. I taste the bile return, wishing I could turn around.
He turns his head towards me. “But you have a point, my sweet Queen,” he says with eyes that hold a tinge of regret, though not enough to change my fate. “I’ll make a mark. Will you forgive me, if I let you handle Alexius once I’m done?”
“This is a deal worth making, my King.”
Adriane
When Darkness Looms
“Let’s go.” I feel someone touch my shoulder, and I roll over. I look up and see Jax next to me. “We have to get moving.”
I was ready to get these handcuffs off me and honestly at this point I was ready to try my luck with the Hellhounds again. Kai exits the hut and I know I should hurry or he will find a way to put me on my ass again. I reach up and touch my necklace, and I think of Nora.
Please be ok. I will come for you Nora, somehow I will be there. Please be ok.
