Thea's Fate, A Loves of Olympus Novella by Summers Sasha

Author:Summers, Sasha [Summers, Sasha]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2014-05-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Ariston watched the others, finding little in their words or actions of interest. He knew Xenia’s plans, she was far too obvious. The last few months, her banquets brought Athens’ finest to her door—many having eligible daughters and nieces. If she sought some to distract him, to bind him here, she would fail. No matter how gently or firmly he assured her he would not marry, she refused to hear him.

“My father says you’ve brought sense to the Council,” the young woman Xenia had left hanging upon his arm spoke again.

“Your father is generous,” Ariston answered, his tone cordial but hardly encouraging.

“No, sir,” the girl leaned forward as she murmured. “He is sparing and harsh… Which makes his praise of note.”

He looked at the girl—a young woman he supposed. She had lively dark eyes, her long black curls were artfully arranged to fall about her long neck and shoulders. She stared at him, waiting, curious.

“You’re the hero of Salamis?” Her gaze traveled, boldly, over his face.

“Many fought, many died.” He’d not meant to sound harsh, but there was no denying the edge in his voice. “Many died… heroes.”

Her eyes went round. “I’d not meant to offend you-”

“You did not.” He barely repressed a sigh, his agitation growing. “If you’ll excuse me-”

“Do I bore you, Ariston of Rhodes?” the lady asked, her brows high. “I was sent to woo you, you see. My father is quite determined that I gain your affection. Hero of Greece, nephew of Themistocles… You would honor my family.”

Ariston stared at the woman. “You speak your mind.”

She smiled. “I do.” Her cheeks colored. “I find you handsome… Most handsome. A man in form and deed.” Her gaze wandered down his neck, across his shoulders. “He has tried before, to find me a husband. But, I admit, it would please me, beyond the scheming of my father, to wed you. The others have all been… lacking.”

He blew out a slow breath. “I am married, lady.” His hand clasped the wooden owl pendant, relishing the knowledge that she’d done the same... He savored the slight weight of it against his skin.

It was her turn to frown, her gaze falling to his hand, the pendant. “But… Your grief must be great.”

Medusa and Galenus’ death were attributed to the Persians invasion. It was a myth that neither he nor anyone in Xenia’s house saw the need to correct. The truth, one still full of too many questions and uncertainties, would see them driven from Athens and branded mad.

He nodded, clearing his throat before he offered, “I will return your honesty lady. You and your father honor me, but I vow I shall never love again.”

Her frown grew. “Your love is not required, Ariston, for your heart is clearly gone. But your family? Your basileus? You’ve need of a wife, a partner.”

Again he regarded the woman, stunned anew by her candor. “You will make a fine wife for a politician, I think.” He could not help but laugh.

She smiled. “And you would make a fine politician, loyal to your people, to the Gods.

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