Page 24 of Deadly Games
I glanced Hades’ way before I could help it. His eyes met mine for an instant before he looked away, clearly irritated with his father’s remark. Of course, even he wouldn’t challenge it. Blood only went so far when it came to decorum and royalty.
“You’re too kind,” I said stiffly. Not following it up with another your majesty was probably pushing the bounds of civility, but I wasn’t going to go overboard.
“Congratulations on your performance in the Games,” he continued. If he was offended, he was good at masking it. “You certainly overcame the odds to achieve victory.”
“I’m as surprised as anyone,” I admitted.
He smiled, but it was a twisted, unnatural thing. There was nothing wrong about the features on his face. It was more the way his eyes revealed what was behind them that was the problem. “A dark horse. You’ll fit in well with our family.”
Family. A strange way to phrase the only two people Cronus had yet to murder or banish, including himself.
I didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound as sarcastic as it was meant to, so I nodded, hoping he’d take it as meek deference. It seemed to work, because he leaned back, popping a grape into his mouth. “You may be seated.”
He gestured to the spot at his left side and I reluctantly sat down, even though I’d been hoping to have some distance from him during the initial meet and greet.
“Things will be done a bit differently this year,” said Cronus, reaching across the table for the goblet of wine the servants kept filled to the brim. At least, I hoped it was wine. You could never be sure.
I wasn’t sure if he was speaking to me until he paused and looked at me expectantly.
“How so, your majesty?” I asked, distracted by the clatter of silverware since everyone had started eating after Cronus had.
“The victor’s speech will not be televised. Your headmaster made the suggestion, in light of the tragedy that so recently took place in these halls,” said Cronus.
I gritted my teeth, casting a glance over at Odin. I had no doubt he’d made that “suggestion” after he learned of my victory, and even though I had no plans on going through with my subversive speech, I was still pissed that he’d seen through it. Or at least, had the foresight to expect that I’d pull something.
“A wise point,” I said, keeping my voice low since that was the best way to keep the disgust out of it.
“Instead, you’re welcome to address the assembly here,” he said, raising his goblet. The room went silent once more and I finally allowed myself to take a thorough sweep of everyone in attendance. The speech might not have been broadcast to all of Olympus, but enough influential deities had come in honor of their children’s participation. Despite Odin’s best attempts, I still would have had the chance to create some chaos if I so chose, but the temptation was less than I’d feared.
Dionysus caught my eye as I looked across the table and the faint smile he gave me lifted my spirits and reminded me to focus on the long haul. I could get through one miserable breakfast. This school had put me through a hell of a lot worse.
Cronus motioned for me to stand, but my body froze for a second, like it was a test. When I finally got the courage to stand, I felt everyone staring expectantly. Some of them looked as nervous as my mother. Guess my reputation proceeded me. I was kind of flattered.
Hades was watching me, too. His expression was as unreadable as ever. I just had to hope he trusted me. What had happened in the Ether meant something, even if I wasn’t yet sure what that was.
“It’s an honor to be here,” I began. “As your victor.” I let that sink in, and from the looks on the Valkyries’ faces, it had sufficiently ruffled their feathers. “I thought a lot about what I was going to say when I made this speech, but now that it’s actually time, I’m not sure any of those words really fit what I’m feeling.”
Without even looking, I could see Odin’s eyes on me, sharp and warning. If no one had told him what I’d been planning, he was already suspicious for his own reasons. And to be fair, he had plenty. Lucky for him, he was no longer the biggest fish on my line.
“I’ll just keep it short and simple,” I continued, raising my goblet. The others at the table did the same, prepared to toast with me. “To our King, to the Games, and to Phrixus.”
I saw the relief that crossed my mother’s face, and the confusion on Odin’s next to her. I turned away from them both as Cronus nodded sagely. “Aye.”
“Aye,” the crowd echoed.
The bitter wine touched my lips, but I didn’t let it pass to my mouth. I was already nauseous with anxiety and I didn’t need to add to it.
The rest of the ceremony was fortunately uneventful, and as soon as I had the option to extricate myself, I took it. I’d barely made it out of the dining hall before someone caught my arm.
I spun around, ready to punch someone in the face since I wasn’t in the mood to be grabbed, until I saw that it was the one person I’d promised I wouldn’t smack again. “Hades…”
“You changed your mind about the speech,” he said, releasing my hand.
I frowned, trying to figure out whether he was relieved or disappointed. The man’s face had two settings: pissed and apathetic.
Well… there was another expression that I’d only seen while he was balls-deep inside of me, but that definitely wasn’t at play here.
“Given the circumstances, it didn’t seem wise to piss your dad off.”
