Styxx

This time, his father caught the sarcasm in his tone. His glare promised later retribution. Without another word, he stormed from the room.

Shaking, Styxx tried to find a portion of his bed that wasn't wet.

Galen wrapped his cloak around his shoulders then stripped the wet linen from the mattress. "Lie still, boy." He piled the linens in a corner before he left the room.

A few minutes later, he came back with more blankets.

"Thank you, Master Galen ... for everything."

Galen inclined his head to him. "I take it the king found out you reduced the soldiers' yearly obligations or upped the pay for those who wanted longer ones?"

"That would be my guess for this assault."

Frowning, Galen inspected the bite marks on Styxx's neck and the bruises that covered him. "I thought Apollo released you."

"So did I. Apparently, we were mistaken."

Galen cursed under his breath. "I knew something was wrong when you missed practice yesterday and no one knew where you were."

"What day is it?"

"Middle of the week."

Styxx let out a relieved breath that he'd only been gone a day and a half. This time. Good.

Galen sighed wearily as he continued to inspect Styxx's injuries. "Have you eaten?"

He shook his head. "I have some apples in my table drawer."

His mentor went to retrieve two and handed them to him. "Munch on those, Highness, and I'll be back in a few minutes with something more substantial for you."

"Again, thank you, Galen."

Galen patted him gently on the shoulder before he left.

Leaning back with another groan, Styxx bit into his apple and grimaced at the teeth Apollo had knocked loose. He'd give the bastard credit, he could hit.

He tested his teeth with his fingers then winced. At least Apollo beat on him solely and left his sister alone. As far as he could tell, Apollo had never struck Ryssa. But he was getting really tired of being the Olympian's whipping boy.

There had to be some way to weaken the god and get out from under his thumb.

Whatever it took, he was going to find it and show the bastard what it felt like to be tied down and knocked around. Even if it took him ten thousand years, he was going to get back at Apollo.

One way or another.

March 23, 9527 BC

Bethany kept her grip on Dynatos's collar as he guided her to the training arena where she knew Styxx would be with Galen. The moment they entered the area, she heard the clashing sounds of sword and shield as well as the men's good-natured insults for each other's abilities.

"You hit like an old woman."

"At least I am old. What's your reason, boy?"

Dynatos barked then jerked free of her grip and ran forward. Her heart stopped. "Dyna!"

She heard the sounds of Dynatos's attack. Galen cursed and hissed while Styxx barked as loud as the dog.

"Down, Dyna, down!" Styxx snapped.

Suddenly, Styxx was by her side with Dynatos. "Your dog doesn't like Galen hitting me."

"I don't like Galen hitting you."

Styxx kissed her lightly on the lips as Dynatos walked between them, while Styxx kept his left hand firmly on the dog's collar so that he wouldn't attack Galen again.

She sank her hand in Styxx's dripping-wet hair then grimaced. "Ew! You're all sweaty."

"You don't complain about my sweat when we're alone and naked."

"You don't smell like the back end of your horse when we're alone and naked."

Styxx laughed. "At least you didn't call me an old woman."

"Good day, Lady Bethany."

She smiled as she heard Galen approach from the side of them. "Hi, Galen."

"Would you like me to put your xiphos and hoplon away, my lord?"

She stopped Styxx as he moved to hand them over. "I actually came to listen to you two practice. Don't let me interrupt. I promise I'll keep Dyna off the field."

Galen snorted. "By the lovesick expression on Styxx's face, I daresay he'll be an even worse opponent than normal."

Styxx feigned laughter. "Thanks for making me look heroic to my woman, Galen. You could at least lie to her and tell her how fearless I am."

"Like a lion ... cub. All growl, with little baby teeth for biting."

She laughed at them and their gentle teasing then kissed Styxx on the cheek. "I know how fierce you are, my love."

Styxx handed his shield over to Galen and winked at him. "I think I'll give the old man a rest before he falls over from exhaustion."

"Don't listen to him. It's his own dignity he's trying to save, my lady. I shall put these away so as not to further embarrass him with his inferior skills. Good day."

Styxx took her hand and pulled her toward his dressing room. "Is something wrong?"

"Why would you think that?"

"You never come here, and I was supposed to meet you in a couple of hours at the cottage."

"True ... but I couldn't wait."

"For?" He released her hand and started disrobing.

She held her arms out and turned side to side. "Notice anything different about me?"

His body hardened at the sight of her playfulness that reminded him of one of her sensual Egyptian dances. "You're more beautiful than the last time I saw you?"

She smiled at him. "I love you ... but no. Try again."

Styxx frowned as he tried to discern it. Her hair was curled today, but she did that a lot, and it was the same ornate gold diadem she always wore when she gathered it up to the crown of her head. She had on earrings, which she normally didn't wear, yet he'd seen those before, too. Someone had ringed her eyes with kohl, but again, she often wore Egyptian cosmetics. Her skin was as luminescent as ever. Her eyes every bit as golden tinged by green. Her lips hennaed and shiny with beeswax.

Unlike him, she smelled wonderful ... but it was the same scent of lilies and eucalyptus.

For his life, he couldn't see a difference at all. Except ... maybe she'd gained a tiny bit of weight, but he knew from Ryssa not to ever remark on a woman's weight fluctuations. He didn't own enough armor for that particular brand of stupidity.

He set his helm on the mannequin then went to unlace his greaves. "New dress?"

"Since you're having trouble with this, let's try a riddle. When do one and one make three?"

Styxx froze as he realized what she was trying to tell him. For a full minute, he couldn't breathe as her news slammed into him like an iron mallet.

She scowled. "Are you still here?"

"I am."

Fear creased her brow. "Are you not happy?"

He took her hand and led it to his face so that she could feel his smile then he kissed her palm. "I have never been happier in all my life." He kissed her other hand then knelt in front of her.

She scowled. "What are you doing?"

He held her hands in his and looked up at her beautiful face. "Marry me, Bethany."

"Your father..."

"I don't give a damn what my father or anyone else thinks, says, or does. You're all that matters to me. You and the baby you carry. And I know how you feel about marriage, I do, but I swear I will never, ever stifle your freedom or your thoughts.... Marry me."

"Styxx-"

"Marry me.... Please."

She bit her lip, and every heartbeat that passed without an answer was complete torture for him. Finally, she took mercy on his misery and spoke. "Yes."

He pulled her against him and kissed her stomach. Smiling even more, he splayed his hand out across her belly where their baby was safely nestled and nurtured. "She finally said yes to me, little one. Thank you both."

Bethany brushed her hand through his sweaty hair. "You're so silly." And yet she knew he wasn't like this with anyone else. Only she got to see this playful side of him.

"Oops, sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt."

"Galen, come back here!" Styxx rose to his feet then gently turned her to face him. "Bethany's pregnant."

Tears glistened in his gray eyes. "That's ... that's incredible. Congratulations to both of you." He pulled Bethany into his arms for a hug and kissed her cheek. "How far along are you?"

"I'm told the baby is due Boedromion."

"Same as my blessed Antigone. Good month for babies. And now I shall leave you two to celebrate such wonderful news."

Styxx pulled her back against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He leaned down to nuzzle her neck. "Does this mean that I finally get to meet your parents?"

She wrinkled her nose at him. "Probably not."

He gaped at her words. "Really? Admit it. You're ashamed of me, aren't you?"

She snorted in response. "Yes, Highness. I'm mortified of you and your humble origins that shame my status. My father shall find you completely unacceptable."

"Then why can't I meet them?"

"Because I love you and I don't want my father to spear your head to the wall for impregnating me. I know you're brave, but meeting my father wouldn't be as brave as it is stupid."

"I have a healthier than normal dose of stupid in me. You can ask anyone who knows me, especially Galen."

She laughed. "I know you do. And once the baby is here, I shall introduce you to my father. Then he'll have something else to focus on besides your defilement of me. And he'll be less likely to gut you for it."

Styxx cupped her face in his hand and kissed her forehead. "I'm glad he loves you so, and your mother, too."

But his family didn't love him like that and she knew it.

He spread his hand over her stomach again. "I still can't believe there's a little Bethany in there."

"And if it's a boy?"

"I shall love him, too.... Should you be standing?"

She smiled at the sincere concern in his tone. "I'm pregnant, Styxx, not infirmed."

He laughed. "I know nothing of pregnant women or babies. I fear you'll have to educate me on both."

"Have you not practiced with your nephew?"

He tensed as if the question slapped him.

"Styxx?"

Sighing, he shook his head. "Ryssa doesn't want me around the baby."

"Why?"

"It's not important. We have our own little one to worry over." He lightly squeezed her stomach. "We should find a scribe to marry us."

"I would prefer an Egyptian wedding."

He hesitated as if the thought of waiting didn't appeal to him. But he relented without comment. "Very well."

"No argument?"

"Right now, Beth, you could ask me for the moon and I'd find some way to get it for you, even if I had to steal Apollo's chariot to bring it down for your touch."

She laid her hand against his cheek and savored the smile she felt there. "I will need a few weeks to put things in place and to work around my parents so as to keep you breathing."

His smile faded. "My father is likely to disinherit me. But we will be fine. I have some money of my own put away where he can't take it from us, and in spite of what he says and the damage that was done to my hand, I can still work as a soldier. There's always someone who needs a strong sword arm."

She shook her head at where his thoughts went. "Have no worries there. I assure you, should your father disinherit you, mine will welcome you like a son-"

"Or kill me."

"Or kill you. But if I manage to keep you out of his spear range, my father isn't a poor fisherman. He is quite wealthy, indeed. You won't have to war to feed us, and we will have a life equal to the means you've been raised with."

He scoffed. "I don't care where or how I live so long as you're with me."

"We'll see how you feel when I'm fat and cranky."

"I will still worship the ground you tread on."

She only prayed he continued to feel that way once he realized that his new father-in-law would be the Egyptian god Set, and his mother-in-law was one of the gods who'd gleefully tortured him in Atlantis.

April 3, 9527 BC

Styxx froze as he came face-to-face with his brother in the hallway. Acheron held Apollodorus in his arms and it was obvious by the wet hair and droplets on his nephew's skin that Acheron had just bathed him. His nephew stood in Acheron's arms as he laughed and bounced happily.

A smile twitched at the edges of Styxx's lips as he saw the babe and thought of his own child he'd soon be able to hold like that and bathe. "He's grown a lot."

Apollodorus reached for Styxx. "Ackee?" Then he frowned in confusion as he looked back and forth between his matching uncles.

Acheron held the baby tighter while he glared at Styxx without comment.

Bitter regret thickened Styxx's throat as he realized how much his brother hated him. And that Acheron's and Ryssa's hatred would one day infect Apollodorus, too. It shouldn't hurt any worse than their rejection, and yet it did.

Styxx cleared his throat. "I still have the horse Ryssa gave you when we were boys ... if you want, you could give it to Apollodorus."

Acheron curled his lip. "We don't need anything from you."

Ryssa came out of her room then paused as she saw them. She took her son from Acheron. "What's going on?"

"Styxx was offering me cast-offs I want no part of."

In that one moment, Styxx desperately needed to hate his brother as much as Acheron hated him. And yet ...

"We were friends once."

Acheron sneered at him. "You were never my friend. You stole from me and you lied to me."

Styxx gaped at his unfounded accusations. "Name me one time in my life I stole from you."

"Your crown, for one. My parents' love..."

"And you can have them. Please, for the love of the gods, take them, if that's what you want. They've never brought me any kind of comfort or joy."

"Is that why you're plotting to kill Father?" Acheron asked.

Styxx's jaw went slack again. "Are you insane? Why would you accuse me of such a thing?"

"Because I know it's true. You're plotting against him, and you've tried to blame me for it."

Styxx shook his head at the ridiculous accusation. "When have I the time to plot against anyone?"

Ryssa snorted. "You're gone for days at a time and no one knows where you are. Tell me, honestly, that you're not meeting with your coconspirators." She nodded at Acheron. "I believe you, little brother. It's just the sort of thing he'd do."

Styxx was aghast at them. Gods help him if they repeated that poison to his father. The king was just stupid enough he might believe them. "I've plotted against no one. I was the one stabbed in his sleep. Not Father."

Acheron went pale. Does he know?

Styxx turned his anger to his brother. "You did it, didn't you? You're the one who tried to kill me."

Ryssa stepped between them. "Don't be ridiculous. Acheron did no such thing. Why would he? If something happens to you, it would kill him, too."

"No," Styxx breathed as he glared at his brother. "And Acheron knows that. If he dies, I die. But my life has no impact on his at all. Is that not right, brother?"

Growling, Acheron ran at him and shoved him back so that he stumbled and fell to the floor. "I hate you! You should have died when I stabbed you and stayed dead!"

"What is this!"

Eyes wide, Acheron retreated at the sound of the king's roar. Ryssa put herself between them so that she could protect the one brother she loved against the brother she couldn't stand.

She might as well have gutted him herself. That was what it felt like.

"Answer me!" their father demanded as he looked from Ryssa and Acheron to Styxx.

"It's nothing, Father," Styxx said, making sure to keep his tone level and calm as he pushed himself up from the floor. "Just squabbling among siblings."

Ryssa narrowed her gaze on him. "Did you know Styxx is plotting your death, Father?"

Styxx gaped at her accusation.

His father turned a suspicious eye to Styxx. "Have you proof of your words, daughter?"

Then Styxx heard it. The speculation in her mind that she now had full rein to kill him and not harm her beloved Acheron.

If Styxx is gone, Father will have to love and accept my brother....

"It comes from a reliable source."

The look on his father's face said that the stupid bastard believed her. Shocked anger riveted him to the floor.

Ryssa would actually see him dead.

Narrowing his gaze on his sister, Styxx jerked the crown from his head and shoved it into his father's hands. "Take it. Ram it into whatever orifice you can manage. I really don't care. I've walked out on all of this before and will gladly do so again. The gods know being prince has never brought me anything but absolute fucking misery."

"We know the truth, Styxx!" Ryssa snarled.

Styxx curled his lip at her. "You don't know anything, you stupid bitch." He raked his father, her, and Acheron with a sneer. "None of you do, and I'm done with you all."

He just wanted Bethany. Turning away from them, he headed for the stairs to leave and never come back.

"Guards!" his father roared. "Seize the prince."

When they moved forward, Styxx glared at them. "Do you really think you can take me?"

Only one was dumb enough to try. Styxx had him disarmed and flat on his back before his father could blink. Bellowing in rage, he threw the guard's sword into the wall where it embedded into the stone.

His fury riding him hard, Styxx turned his lethal gaze to his gaping father. "If I wanted you dead, Majesty, you'd be dead by my hand already. And if I wanted your fucking crown, I'd have taken it when I marched my army through...." Styxx's voice trailed off as he had a profound flashback of having said this to his father before, and yet ...

The memory was so vague. More like a dream than reality.

What in the name of Hades?

He locked gazes with his brother as Acheron's allegations rang in his head. I know you've tried to kill him. I know it! And you blamed me for it.

Styxx wasn't sure what Acheron was thinking. None of it made sense.

And still suspicion darkened his father's eyes. So be it. It wasn't like he'd gone down any in the king's estimation.

Disgusted, Styxx looked at Apollodorus who was now distraught and crying from the chaos. "I'm so sorry, dear nephew. You deserved much better than to be born into this travesty of a family."

"Styxx!" his father roared, but Styxx ignored him as he met Acheron's fearful gaze.

Now he knew for certain that Acheron had tried to end his life. And his brother knew that he knew. But what difference did it make? Really? Whatever he did to retaliate against Acheron would rebound onto him and he'd be punished, too.

Perhaps the worst punishment of all was that Acheron would be saddled with Ryssa for a sister. Jealous, treacherous bitch that she was. I just hope she never turns on you, brother.

Tired of their crap, Styxx made his way out of the palace, to his horse. How he wished he could be with Beth today. He needed to see a set of eyes that didn't hate him. Feel a hand on his skin that didn't begrudge him anything, or wish him ill.

Five more days ...

He'd had longer separations from her. But for some reason it hurt more today.

Soon, though. Soon they'd be married and no one would ever force him to be away from her for another heartbeat. Ever.

* * *

"Where have you been?"

Styxx paused on the palace stairs as he heard his father's voice. "I went riding."

"I wasn't sure you'd be back."

Not like he had any reason to return and honestly, he still wasn't sure why he bothered. Other than this was all he knew.

Styxx turned slightly on the steps to glare down at his father. The old man looked tired and, if he didn't know better, sad. "What do you want from me, Father?"

I wanted a son I could be proud of.

Styxx hid the pain his father's thought caused him as he waited for the king to speak.

"Your sister is convinced you plot against me. Is there any reason she should think that?"

"She has the mental capacity of an aged flea, and I refuse to be held accountable for her grotesque, unhinged stupidity."

His father closed the distance between them. "I wouldn't be so concerned if I didn't feel your hatred every time you look at me."

What was there to love?

"What do you want me to say, Father? I love you? Fine. I love you. Now, may I go to my room?"

"You don't love me the way you do that old man who serves you. You've never once looked at me the way you do Galen."

Styxx wanted to laugh at his jealousy ... it was so ludicrous. "And you have never once tended me when I was sick. For that matter, you don't even check on me to ask after my health. You weren't there to fight against my enemies as they tried their damnedest to kill me then, wounded yourself, carry me off the field of battle and stitch my injuries. When you sent me too young to war, Galen was the one who stood by my side and defended me against the insults and jeers of my own people who thought you mocked them because I was there. For half my life and all my memory, Galen alone has picked me up when I've fallen. He is the only father I've ever known."

His father's head snapped back as if he'd slapped him. "You think he could give you what I have?"

"No, but when I was naked, he took his own cloak off his back to cover me. And he gave me the only thing that has ever mattered."

"And that is?"

"Love, Father. Even when I'm not at my best, even when I fail, he is proud of me, and he is there whenever I need him. He doesn't judge or condemn me for being human."

"Because he doesn't dare."

Styxx scoffed. His father knew nothing of Galen's fearless temerity. "I have no wish to argue with you on this." He turned to leave.

"Wait ... you should know that I've entered into talks with the king of Ithaca for his daughter. I'm arranging a meeting for the two of you."

Sighing, Styxx turned back around. "And you can un-enter them, Father. I'm already betrothed."

Rage mottled his cheeks with color. "To whom?"

Styxx braced himself for the full force of his father's wrath. "My Bethany."

"A peasant! Are you out of your mind? You're my heir, boy! She's not even Greek!"

"Neither was Nefertari. But if you want the Ithacan princess, I suggest you marry her to Acheron or yourself. I am bound to my Bethany and I will take no other bride."

"I forbid it!"

Ignoring him, Styxx continued up the stairs. "Forbid it all you want. I care naught what you say or do. I will have her as my bride."

I will see you dead first!

Styxx winced at his father's threat. Go on and try it, bastard. Let him learn what Acheron had. So long as his brother lived, he was free and clear of death.

April 6, 9527 BC

Styxx shook his head at the ring the jeweler held out to him. "Too small a stone."

"This is the one."

Styxx looked over at Galen's selection which appeared tiny in Galen's massive calloused paw. Even so, it was much larger than the one he'd been examining, and it would be large on Bethany's delicate hand. The stone was a deep celestial blue that glittered brightly even in the dim light of the store. "What stone is that?"

The jeweler smiled in approval. "Sapphire, Highness. It symbolizes purity, and is thought to protect against evil thoughts and wishes."

Styxx nodded at Galen. "You're right. It's perfect for her." He glanced back at the merchant. "I'll take this one."

While the merchant went to box it, Galen laughed. "Two men picking out a wedding ring is like two women shopping for swords. Both of us out of our element. Next thing you know, we'll be shopping for dresses and panas."

Styxx snorted. They had both amused the merchant to no end with their questions and comments. "Let's just hope the baby's a boy. After this travesty, I don't want to even contemplate trying to shop for a daughter."

Galen's laughter was deep and rich. "It's not so bad, really. I rather enjoy it, and unlike boys, daughters never hesitate to hug and kiss your old whiskered cheeks. There's a lot to be said for having a daughter. Then again there's a lot to be said for having a son. Either way, I'm sure you'll be very pleased."

He was sure about that, too.

The jeweler returned with his purchase. Styxx carefully tucked it into the pouch he carried.

Leaving the store, he started home then stopped with Galen by his side. "Is a ring enough?"

"For your Bethany? Aye, boy. She only wants you."

Still, he wasn't sure. He looked to the end of the street. "It just seems so insignificant to what I feel for her. Perhaps I should get-"

Galen shoved him back toward the store, cutting him off mid-sentence. Irritated, he opened his mouth to bark at Galen when he realized that something wet and warm was on his leg. Something bright red.

Blood.

His heart racing, Styxx caught Galen against his side as the old man staggered. "Galen?" he cried out, cradling him in his arms as Galen struggled to breathe.

Someone had cut his femoral artery. Deep and ragged, the wound shot blood everywhere.

No!

Who would have dared such?

"Someone fetch a physician!" Styxx called as he sank to the ground with his mentor in his arms. "Hold on, Galen." He tried his best to stanch the blood. But it was impossible.

And it kept coming and coming no matter how hard he tried to stop it.

Galen's gray eyes stared into his as the old man smiled and patted his blood-soaked hands. "This is how it should be, boy."

"How what should be?"

He swallowed hard. "No man should ever outlive his son. Never mind thrice in one lifetime. This time when I saw the assassin's blade, it ended the way it should have." He touched Styxx's cheek. "My beloved son is safe from harm."

Tears blinded Styxx as he bit back a sob. "Don't you die on me, Galen! You hear me? That's an order! You are not to die for me ... please ... please, don't leave me."

Galen licked his lips. "I couldn't love you more had I been lucky enough to sire you myself. It's been my greatest honor to fight with you, Styxx. To teach and protect you at home, and in battle. You are the greatest hero Didymos has ever bred. And I couldn't have asked for a better son ... you've done my old heart proud time and..."

As he watched, the light faded from those gray eyes. Galen went limp in his arms.

Styxx couldn't breathe as tears fell down his face. He tried everything he could think of, but it was no use.

Galen was dead.

And it was his fault. He should have protected him. Why hadn't he been paying attention? Why?

It was so unfair.

"Damn you, gods! Damn you all!" Sobbing, he held Galen to his chest.

I can't die ... why did you interfere, old man? Why?

Had the assassin's blade gone into him, it would have hurt. But it would have healed. Why had he never told Galen that secret?

Now, it was too late.

What have I done?

He'd killed the only father he'd ever known. Hating himself completely, Styxx rocked his mentor in his arms as his heart splintered into pieces.

"Why, Galen?" he whispered against Galen's grizzled cheek. "Why did you do this for something as worthless as me?" But he knew. Galen had loved him. For whatever stupid reason, the old man had.

"Highness?"

Styxx looked up to see the physician standing over them. "You're too late." Even so, he laid Galen down on the ground so that the man could examine him.

After a few minutes, the physician sighed. "I'm sorry, Highness. I shall fetch-"

"No. I'll take care of him." Styxx picked Galen up and carried him to the palace in his arms.

As he entered the foyer, his father came out of his study to scowl at him. "What is this?"

Styxx didn't speak to him. He couldn't. Instead, he carried Galen up to his room to make final preparations.