Eryx: A Spartan Tale by Jaclyn Osborn

Author:Jaclyn Osborn [Osborn, Jaclyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-06T00:00:00+00:00

***

Days later, Axios and I were walking down the path that led from the training field to the courtyard outside the barracks.

“I have too much energy to sit still,” he said, swinging his arms at his sides. He reminded me of a bored child. He then turned to me, beaming with a smile. “We should journey to the agora. Leanna tells me new merchants have come to Sparta, and I’m curious as to the trinkets they’ve brought with them.”

“You are always curious,” I said, my gaze roaming his body as he continued walking in front of me. Sweat had gathered between his shoulder blades, causing a shine on his skin.

“Knowledge is power, Ery,” he said over his shoulder.

The path sloped as it led us up a hill.

Axios stopped suddenly, and I nearly crashed into him. His once playful expression had turned grave. I followed his line of sight and understood the sudden shift in his mood.

The Spartan envoys had returned at last. Ever since Tiribazus had summoned them to discuss peace, we had awaited further news. With their return, the fate of the war would soon be known.

From our spot on the hill, we saw the men enter the main part of the city and head for the council’s chambers.

“We will either be celebrating peace this night or preparing for campaign in the morning,” Axios spoke in an emotionless tone. “Depending on the news they bring.”

“It shall be a while yet before they provide us answers,” I said, returning my stare to the messengers who quickly moved through the crowd that had gathered to see them. “The council must be told and Sparta’s next move must be discussed in full before they inform the masses.”

“How long do you suppose that will take?” he asked.

Minutes? Hours? It was impossible to know.

“Perhaps they will announce it soon… or it may possibly take all evening and we will not know until the morrow. I cannot say for certain.” As an idea struck, I peered at him. “There are ways we could pass the time until then.”

His lips twitched as he fought a smile. “You’re insatiable. Is my body all you fancy?”

Desire traveled through me as I imagined all the things I wished to do to him. We both needed a distraction from the anticipation of whether we would be leaving soon for war. And though I would never utter the words aloud, I worried this would be our last night before our lives forever changed.

I grabbed his forearms and angled my face down to his, speaking in a low tone, “Run.”

“Aren’t we too old now for such childish games?” Axios asked, arching a brow. “Besides, I believe I’ve become a stronger runner, and I do not wish to wound your pride by beating you.”

“Run,” I growled again.

I hungered for Axios, but my true desire was to spend one more day at his side just as we were now. While we still can.

His honey eyes met mine, and I saw the moment when desire ignited in them.

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