The Year-god's Daughter (The Child of the Erinyes) by Lochlann Rebecca

Author:Lochlann, Rebecca [Lochlann, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Fantasy
Publisher: Erinyes Press
Published: 2011-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

The ceremony joining Chrysaleon to Iros drew royal guests and curious bystanders from as far as Euboea. His bride was dressed and decorated, painted to mimic a sophisticated woman, though the panic in her eyes could not be camouflaged.

He’d always imagined his marriage would be to a beautiful heiress, a woman he could show off. There were plenty such, and all had encouraged him. His only desire when he looked at Iros was to send her away with her nurses, but he went through the parades, ceremonies and rituals with shallow, indifferent obedience.

From dawn into the deepest night, King Idómeneus held games of skill to entertain his guests. Chrysaleon won several tourneys and only briefly wondered if his competitors were toadying favor. Night after night feasts, dancing, gambling and songs of valor were presented. It was widely claimed that no celebration in history could compare.

When it came time for the customary bedding of the bride and Iros’s women led her from the hall, a disturbance erupted at the other end of the room. Harpalycus, who appeared sloppily drunk, was pushed against the wall by two guards. His father, King Lycomedes, looked on impassively. Chrysaleon forgot it as his own intoxicated retinue surrounded him with whoops of encouragement.

Iros was as reticent and inexperienced as he’d expected, yet he was surprised to discover no barrier to his penetration. It was inconceivable that she’d ever lain with a man. The way she shrank away and wept afterwards convinced him. Some injury must have broken the membrane.

He awkwardly patted her shoulder. “Do not fear me,” he said. “Here you’ll lead a pleasant life. I’m not selfish or cruel. It could be worse for you, could it not? Your father could have married you to an old man. As my wife, you’ll be queen over all Argolis.”

She only cried harder.

Women. He rolled away, wondering where Theanô might be and what she was doing.

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