Styxx

January 31, 9528 BC

"Get up!"

Styxx flinched as someone slapped at his head. His fever was so high that at first he couldn't focus on what was happening. Finally, his vision cleared enough that he saw his father standing over him.

"I said, get up, you worthless dog!"

When Styxx didn't move fast enough to suit him, his father jerked him to his feet.

"You ever pull another stunt like this and I will have you killed while you sleep. You understand?"

No. He didn't. Scowling, he looked from his father to Galen. "What are you talking about?"

"He doesn't know, Majesty. He's been burning with a fever for two days and hasn't left the bed except to piss."

Styxx was stunned that Galen would speak to his father like that. "What's going on?"

His father curled his lip. "Get him cleaned up and returned to the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

His father stormed off.

The instant he was gone, Galen helped Styxx back to bed. "Rest, boy. Don't worry about anything."

"But my father said-"

"He's only angry because he learned a frightening lesson over the last two days."

"Galen, I'm too ill to follow. Please don't riddle me."

Laughing, Galen took a cloth from the basin by the bed and ran it over Styxx's forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Very confused ... has it really been two days?"

"It has. About three hours after you fell asleep here, the armorer took your equipment back to your father and refused to melt it."

"What? Why?"

Galen poured wine for Styxx. "His youngest nephew is Darian and his son was Sandros." Sandros was one of the men who'd died on their return. As with Gaius's family, his widow and children had been denied his pension and Styxx had paid it. "He was the same man we bought the armor from originally, and he remembered how thrilled you were when he laced you into it the first time. And how you didn't have the money yet for the helm or greaves, but humbly asked him if he would save them and allow you to make payments." When the armorer had refused, Galen had stepped forward to loan him the money until Styxx had paid them off. "He told your father that he would never dishonor you by destroying something you'd worked so hard for and paid for with your own coin. That it wouldn't be right to melt down a hero's armor or sell it to another. And when your father had it taken to another armorer, he also refused once he learned it belonged to you."

"Why?"

"He was at Halicarnassus with us ... and said that having seen your bravery and skill firsthand, he would never dishonor you by dismantling your armor."

"I still have it?"

Galen nodded. "The third armorer brought it to me and said that he'd pay the king the value of it out of his own pocket to make sure it was returned to you intact. And then, while you slept, word from the armorers went round to the soldiers and veterans that you'd been stripped of everything because of what you'd done for us and for the families of our fallen. That your father had taken your rank, your armor, your horse and titles, and left you unclothed to wander the streets. One by one, every single member of the Stygian Omada came and threw down his weapons and stripped naked in front of the palace in protest of what had been done to you. More to the point, they vowed that they would see Didymos fall before they picked up another weapon to follow any man save Prince Styxx into battle."

Styxx was stunned that they would dare his father's wrath for him. "And I slept through all of that?"

"You did, indeed."

Honestly, Styxx didn't fully believe him until an hour later when he got up and dressed not in Galen's clothes, but his own that had been left for him and headed outside. There in the arena, his army had gathered, and as they saw him, they struck their shields with their swords and chanted his name.

Amazed and awed by their actions, he turned around, looking at them in disbelief. Every shield there had been repainted with his personal emblem on it. A black phoenix rising. It was an act of complete solidarity. The ultimate show of their support and respect.

For the first time in his life, Styxx felt worth something. Not much ...

But worth something more than the dirt under his father's feet.

* * *

"We have a serious problem."

Apollo arched a brow at Zeus's dire tone. "And that would be?"

"Have you been to Didymos lately?"

"Of course."

"Did you see the uprising?"

Apollo snorted. "You mean the army stripping naked? Yes. It was rather amusing."

"Yes, well, what isn't amusing is that little bugger of yours who doesn't respect us, leading an army of men who are willing to overthrow their king for him. Can you imagine what they'd do if he wanted our temples burned?"

Apollo rolled his eyes at Zeus's unwarranted fear. "I've got him in hand."

"I don't think you do. Nor do I think you appreciate how dangerous he could prove to be. Didymos is one of our richest city-states and she was hard won from Atlantis. The last thing we need is to lose her to them again."

"You're not going to lose Didymos." But hopefully soon, Zeus and the rest would lose all of Greece.

Provided Apollo's pact with the Atlanteans held.

Apollo knew just what to do to make sure that everyone was kept in their rightful place.

And that Styxx learned a lesson of respect that he'd never forget.

February 1, 9528 BC

Styxx was still extremely ill from his fight with Acheron. The last thing he'd wanted was for his father to call him down to his study, especially given what had happened the last time he'd been here.

His head aching, he paused in front of the king's desk. "You summoned me, Majesty?"

His father handed the scroll he'd just signed over to the scribe on his left. He unrolled another and responded without looking up. "I wanted to let you know that I've negotiated a marriage contract for you."

Stunned, Styxx was frozen for several heartbeats as that unexpected news slapped him hard. "May I ask to whom?"

"An Egyptian princess ... what's her name ... Ned ... Nef ... Nera..." He searched about his desk. "Ah. Here it is. Nefertari. She and a royal envoy will arrive in about two weeks so that you can meet her. If you're acceptable to her, the marriage will proceed." His father pierced him with a malevolent glare. "You will be acceptable to her, understood?"

Don't worry, old man. I promise I won't piss on her.

"Is there anything else, Majesty?"

"No. I'm done with you."

He didn't miss the anger underlying his father's words or the next thought ...

Get out of my sight, before I do order you whipped. Ironically, his father wasn't as mad at Styxx as he was at Acheron. The king had never intended for Apollo to find out about his brother. But now that the Olympian knew, his father was holding Styxx responsible for it.

Whatever. Styxx turned around and left then grimaced as his nose started bleeding. Knowing better than to let his father see it, he returned to his room and grabbed a cloth to hold against it while he waited for it to stop.

But what hurt worse than the remains of the beating was the shattered remnants of his heart. He didn't want to marry a princess.

He wanted Bethany back.

Unable to stand it, he went to search for her again. Still, the chest that held her necklace was where he'd left it and there was no sign of her anywhere. For whatever reason, she'd never returned to him.

Even their original spot was completely undisturbed. Nothing had been left in his tree. No trace of her whatsoever.

Bereft, he returned to the cottage and opened the chest that contained her necklace. The moment he saw the contents, his world truly came undone.

On top of the necklace was the ring he'd given her that he'd accepted from Kreon. The one she'd been wearing the last time he'd seen her that he'd playfully twisted round her finger.

She had been here.

And this was her way of saying good-bye.

Tears fell down his cheeks as he roared in anger and overturned the table. He sent the chest with the ring and necklace flying.

At least she'd finally let him know that she was all right. That nothing had happened to her.

She'd gone on with her life, and left him to his.

Fine. There was no need in searching for her anymore. It was over....

Like everyone else in his life, she didn't want him. He wasn't worthy of her heart or her love.

I am nothing.

Furious and hurt to an unbelievable level, he considered burning the cottage to the ground. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. Maybe someone would happen upon it who needed a place to stay. Maybe they could find happiness here in his stead.

Heartbroken, he glanced around then left without bothering to close the door.

He swung up onto Troian and turned the horse toward the city. Without looking back, he dug his heels in and rode away from the only place he'd ever been happy.

What is so wrong with me that no one can love me? That no one will keep me?

Stop it! You're a prince. Who are you to feel sorry for yourself?

But in his heart, he knew the truth. He wasn't a prince. He was a just a tired whore, and the only one who wanted anything to do with him was a god he couldn't stomach. Not because Apollo loved him, but because Apollo craved the sense of power he had whenever he made a royal Greek hero beg and suffer. Their relationship was all about dominance and force.

Pain.

Styxx's abject humiliation and subjugation to Apollo's higher power. He was nothing more to Apollo than a toy was to a toddler. Something to be used and discarded, or bashed against furniture whenever its owner was displeased about something.

I have no real value to anyone....

There was no use in fighting it or crying. It was merely a fact.

Even worse, he couldn't change it.

February 13, 9528 BC

"You're being remarkably accepting of your marriage. Should I be worried?"

You might be if I was sober, old man.

Styxx shrugged at his father's question as they walked toward the throne room. "This is my duty, is it not? To marry and breed for you and Didymos. It's what you've trained me for."

"I'm still shocked over your complacency."

Styxx slowed down as he felt the mark on his back heat up to the point it stung.

"Apollo," his father greeted happily as the god appeared in front of them. "Glad to have you join us for the betrothal ceremonies."

"Betrothal?"

"Styxx is to marry an Egyptian princess."

Apollo gave Styxx an arch stare and there was no missing the light of jealousy in his eyes. "Really? I hadn't heard."

Styxx knew better than to say a single word on the matter since it would only succeed in pissing off either his father or the Olympian.

"Indeed," his father continued. "She arrived earlier and is about to be received in the throne room. Would you like to join us?"

"Absolutely."

As the king resumed his walk, Apollo cut Styxx off. The expression on his face said he was as pleased by the news as Styxx was.

"How long have you known about this?"

"Two weeks, roughly."

Apollo caught his wrist and pulled him into a small alcove where he shoved Styxx against the wall and held him there by his throat. "Have you forgotten who owns you?"

Styxx kept his gaze on the floor. "You'll have to take the matter up with my father since he believes he's the one who holds my leash."

Apollo tightened his grip on Styxx's throat. "Don't get smart with me, prince. I still haven't forgotten about the last time I saw you, and the promise I made."

How could he forget? Apollo had promised him his full wrath. But it changed nothing. "What do you want from me?"

Apollo's gaze turned hungry. "You know what I want."

I'd rather be dead.

Sighing, Styxx tried to leave, but Apollo slammed him back against the wall again, hard enough to bruise his back.

"You have not learned your place, have you?"

"Right now, my place is at my father's side. Unless you wish to have me beaten, and then I won't be so pretty for you later."

Apollo laughed. "You are spirited. But be careful. Even the best stallion has to be broken."

Styxx's temper ignited as bitter memories of being a royal stallion tore through him. "They've also been known to throw and kill their riders."

"Are you threatening me?"

"I thought we were talking about horses."

Apollo grabbed Styxx's jaw and held him against the wall in a crushing, iron grip. "Do not ever think you can threaten me, human."

"Styxx? Where are you, boy?"

Apollo glanced over his shoulder at the sound of the king's voice. "Enjoy the next few hours, prince. Because I assure you, they'll be the last ones you have to yourself for quite a while."

"I look forward to it."

"Styxx?"

Apollo slung him away from him.

Straightening his clothes, Styxx went to his father, who glared angrily. "Where were you?"

"Forgive me, Father. I had something I had to attend to."

The expression on his father's face said he wanted to backhand him, but didn't dare since that would leave his face damaged for the princess. Though to be honest, he was surprised Apollo's handprint wasn't embedded on his neck.

He followed his father into the throne room and moved to stand in front of his chair while his father took his seat. Styxx sat down and scanned the room for Apollo. But the god was nowhere to be seen.

A fanfare began as the doors were opened and the procession began. A troupe of dancing girls led in three sets of slaves carrying chests of treasure for the king. One by one, they brought the chests forward and opened them for his father to see their contents. But that wasn't what held Styxx's attention. In the doorway, two large Nubian males held poles that had transparent linen strung between them to show the outline of the princess's body. She possessed the carriage of a queen as she followed them into the room.

Once they reached the thrones, the men lowered the screen to show an exquisitely beautiful woman who was a few years older than Styxx. Her dark skin was flawless. She wore a black wig laden with turquoise and gold, and her eyes were thickly lined with kohl, very similar to how Bethany often painted hers. Gold snake bracelets coiled around her arms and her thin linen sheath showed the outline of a perfect body.

But she was no Bethany.

And his body didn't react to her at all. Not the way it did whenever he thought of the woman who had carelessly thrown his heart away.

Styxx forced himself to smile and rise to his feet. Heartsick and aching, he descended the dais to take her hand and kiss it.

A slow, seductive smile curled her lips. Thank the gods you're handsome. I definitely wouldn't mind taking a bite out of those arms....

The relief in her tone almost made him laugh.

"Welcome, princess."

And thank the gods you have a deep, manly voice to match the rest of you. Holding his hand, she gave him a slight curtsy. "Your Highness."

Her parents came forward and were introduced to his father, who then excused Styxx and Nefertari so that they could walk, with a heavy Egyptian guard, out to the gardens.

Styxx folded his hands behind his back as she led the way.

"I hear you're a war hero, Prince Styxx."

"Really just a soldier."

"Oh." There was no missing the disappointment in that one single word.

Awkward silence stretched out between them as they walked. Styxx couldn't think of anything to say. Strange how he'd never had that problem with Bethany. They had been able to talk forever about absolutely nothing.

"Did you have a pleasant journey to Greece?" he asked her.

She walked down to the garden that had once been his mother's favorite. "Yes."

More awkward silence.

Nefertari stopped and faced him. "You don't speak much, do you?"

"No."

"That's not necessarily a negative.... Still, I propose we get one thing out of the way."

"And that is?"

She reached up and pulled his lips down to hers so that she could kiss him. Closing his eyes, Styxx followed her lead, but his heart wasn't in it. Yes, his body reacted to her. Still, it wasn't the same as when he held his Bethany. There was no overwhelming need to breathe in her scent. To lay himself against her and stay with her for eternity.

She was just there.

Nefertari pulled back with a satisfied smile. "You are acceptable to me."

"My father will be pleased."

"Are you not pleased, Prince Styxx?"

No. But he didn't want to hurt her feelings. "Of course, princess. You're exquisitely beautiful."

She narrowed her eyes on him. "Does it bother you that I'm Egyptian?"

"Not at all. Does it bother you that I'm Greek?"

"I thought it would. But no ... and you speak Egyptian incredibly well. I find your accent and voice exceptionally pleasant."

Nice to know he wasn't totally repellent. "Do you speak Greek at all?"

"A little, but not well. Would you help me learn?"

"Of course." That would at least give them something to talk about besides the weather.

She sighed. "So ... Styxx. What qualities do you expect from your wife and queen?"

"Nothing specific."

That stunned her so much, she actually gaped. "Nothing?"

"I would appreciate it if she liked me, but other than that, no. Do you have a list?"

"Absolutely. I expect courtesy and preference to be given to me and my children at all times. While I accept that you'll have mistresses and possibly other wives, they are not to be kept in our home. You may visit them in town or wherever you wish to place them. But as your first wife, I will not have them in my direct line of sight or near any children I birth. I want my children educated in Egyptian as well as Greek and they are to worship my gods. I expect an altar to be built for my gods in my end of the palace and for my personal priests to be given their own rooms with full, unrestricted access to mine."

Now it was Styxx's turn to gape.

"While I am not opposed to Greek servants," she continued, oblivious to his incredulity, "I will require that I have Egyptians kept, too. I expect you to give me notice in the morning if you'll be spending the night with me. I will not bed with you whenever you are drunk and you are to bathe before you come to me. I have a scent that I've brought from home that you will need to wear for those occasions. You are not to raise your voice to me or make demands of my private time. I require at least two hours a day for my own personal use. I prefer them in the morning, but they can be moved if necessary."

"Thought about this a lot, have you?"

She glared at him. "Are you mocking me?"

"No. I was joking."

"I don't like jokes. I find humor offensive."

Great. No laughter.

Maybe he could bribe Acheron into committing suicide so that they could both be put out of their mutual misery....

"Duly noted. What else, princess?"

"I expect a separate residence and rooms to be kept for me at all times. I will reserve the right to deny you access to my rooms should you displease me in any way or for any reason. And you are not to force yourself upon me. Likewise, I will not receive you if you are ill or infirmed or when I have my monthly flow. While I understand you may wish to strike me at times, you can use nothing other than your hand. And you are not to touch me at all during any pregnancy. Once I've given birth, I will require a six-month respite from your bed. I will expect lands as a gift for any sons and jewelry for daughters. You are to hold feasts on my birthday and declare them sacred holidays."

"Should I summon a scribe to take notes?"

"I told you I don't like jokes."

"I was quite serious. I'd hate to forget one of your dictates, princess."

"Fear not. I've already had them noted for you, and translated into Greek." She paused to look up at him. "Do you wish to negotiate any of my terms?"

Why bother? It was obvious they were far more important to her than they were to him. "Not really."

"Then you accept them?"

"Sure."

Good ... I wanted a weak husband I could control. I'm glad to know you're flaccid. She offered him a smile then started forward.

A fierce tic started in his jaw at the way she dismissed him as if he were nothing. "By the way, Nefertari, contrary to your opinion of me, I'm not a pussy. The reason I'm not negotiating is not because I'm weak. But rather I don't honestly give a shit, and your puerile terms aren't worth arguing over. And I do have one requirement of you. Whatever children we have, you are to be a loving mother to them, regardless of your feelings for me. You will never threaten or raise a hand to one of them. If you do, I will see you dead for it ... by my hands."

She gaped at him as he turned around and headed back into the palace. Without a word to anyone, he returned to his rooms to be alone.

He poured himself a cup of wine and opened a packet of herbs for it. His heart heavy, he looked down at his arm to see the scar his father had given him when he'd been a boy, and then his gaze went to Bethany's necklace on his wrist. He should cut it off and toss it in the fire, but he couldn't make himself cast her away as easily as she'd done him.

But then that seemed ever his destiny ... to only love women who couldn't stand him.

Except Nefertari. There would never be any love lost between them. Only royal duty and obligation.

And endless days of humorless misery.

* * *

Hours later, Styxx tried to breathe as his head pounded from the crowd of people who'd come, in theory, to wish him and Ryssa well. In reality, they were here to see the god Apollo, and to drink his father's wines and eat the elaborate banquet foods being carried in by waves of servants.

Nefertari stood beside him, but he could freeze ocean water with the glances she directed at him. Still, he gave her credit. She was as adept at hiding her feelings as he was. Together, they were able to allow their parents and the guests to think them a happy couple.

An illusion that would be helped if he didn't hear her thoughts.

His father stood up. Forcing himself to smile, Styxx stood and helped Nefertari to her feet while Apollo did the same with Ryssa on the other side of his father.

The king lifted his kylix to their guests. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate with me. It's not every day that a king is so blessed. Let us all raise our cups in honor of my only daughter, the human consort for the god Apollo, who is now expecting his child, and to my only son, who will be marrying the Egyptian princess Nefertari. May the gods bless them both and may our lands forever flourish."

As Styxx took a drink, he felt a malevolence so strong, it actually drowned out all the other voices tormenting him.

Acheron. He glanced up to see his twin in the shadows, glaring at them.

Brother, Styxx thought silently, you can have every bit of this with my blessings and gratitude.

Acheron's anger grew as the king leaned over and kissed Ryssa and then Styxx. "To my beloved children," he said to the crowd once more. "Long may they live."

A deafening shout rose up from the crowd. Styxx kept his gaze on his brother. He knew exactly how Acheron felt. It was the same pain he had whenever he heard Acheron and Ryssa laughing through the walls of his room.

It cut and it bled. But the difference was that with Ryssa, the affection wasn't for show.

It was sincere.

February 14, 9528 BC

Styxx smiled as he came awake to a gentle hand playing in his hair. "Bethany?"

"Not quite."

He jerked away at the sound of Apollo's deep voice in his ear. "What are you doing here?" He shoved at Apollo. "Ew ... you reek of my sister."

Apollo buried his hand in Styxx's hair and snatched his head back. "You seem to have forgotten the bargain you made. Or do you no longer care what happens to the people you love?"

"Our bargain didn't include your mauling me in front of my family."

"Your family isn't here now."

Styxx cringed as Apollo wrapped his arms around him and pulled him flush against the Olympian's chest.

"You still haven't learned obedience."

Styxx tried to move away from him. "I'm not a dog."

Apollo laughed in his ear. "No, but I'll bet I can teach you to beg."

"I'd rather not learn."

"Then roll over and kiss me."

Styxx ground his teeth as he did everything he could to force himself to obey Apollo's order. It'll be easier if you just do it.

But he couldn't. He was too tired of living like this. Tired of being threatened and tormented. By everyone. At this point, he didn't care anymore. Bethany was gone and there was really nothing else that mattered to him. "Why can't you leave me in peace?"

"Peace?" Apollo snarled as he pinned Styxx to the bed by his throat, facing him. "Do you not comprehend the honor I'm doing you? I have marked you!"

Staring at the wall, Styxx kept his head turned away from his tormentor. This was an honor he would gladly do without.

Apollo slapped him. "Look at me."

His lips bleeding, Styxx met his livid glare with one of his own.

Apollo backhanded him again. "I've had it with your insolence. You think you know what pain is, human? You don't. But you're about to learn. And this time, I won't have mercy on you, prince. I will take absolutely everything from you, and I do mean everything. There will be nothing left of you when I'm through, and I promise you, you will go down on your knees to beg me for my mercy."

Sick of everything and everyone, Styxx laughed at his threat. "Fine. Do your worst to me and I will relish it."

January 11, 9527 BC

Almost a year later

"Bet'anya ... we need you to settle a bet for us."

Bethany paused as she entered the grand hall on Katateros where statues of the main gods lined the massive round foyer. The white marble floor glistened brightly and held the sun symbol of Apollymi in the center. She'd been on her way to report to Archon that she had yet to find a trace of Apostolos.

But before she could make it to the doors that led to his throne room, her cousins Teros and Phanen, gods of fear and panic, stopped her. "Settle what?"

"Is this your emblem or Artemis's?"

Her heart clenched as they handed her the necklace she'd given to Styxx so long ago. At first, she thought it belonged to another, but there was no mistaking the spell she'd put on it. While it was extremely weakened for some reason, she could still feel some of her father's protection powers remaining. "Where did you get this?"

Teros crossed his arms over his chest. "You answer us first."

She moved into his personal space and glared at them in turn. "Where did you get this!" Not a question. It was a demand.

His dark eyes widening, Phanen took a step back from her. "Calm down, cuz. It's a souvenir we took."

"From?"

"A prisoner of war," Teros answered for him.

"Prisoner, my ass." Phanen snorted at his brother's explanation. "He was a gift from Apollo to Atlantis. A tribute, as it were."

She grabbed Teros by the throat and held him in a grip that let him know exactly how serious and angry she was. "Start at the beginning and tell me about the man you took this from."

"Why-"

She cut him off with a lethal stare. "The next words off your tongue better answer my question or they will be your last. And we both know I have the powers to do it."

He swallowed hard before he finally answered without hedging. "Styxx of Didymos. As an act of good faith on his part to all of us, Apollo handed him over to Archon about a year ago."

Her head swam with his news. It couldn't be ...

She knew better. If Styxx was in their realm here or in Atlantis, she'd know it.

Wouldn't she?

"Styxx is in Didymos," she insisted.

"No ... one of Apollo's servant spirits is in Didymos, masquerading as the prince. The real Styxx was brought here last year when you were in Egypt with your father and aunt. There was a huge celebration over it. He was trussed like a festival goose and dropped butt-ass naked into the center of the hall, at Archon's feet."

Bethany stepped back from them as horror and pain for Styxx invaded every part of her. Please be lying ... please. She looked back at the gloating brothers who were now on her last nerve as they laughed about something she didn't find amusing at all. "How did you get my necklace?"

Teros slapped Phanen on the chest. "Told you it was hers."

Phanen ignored him. "We took it from Styxx two nights ago right before they led him down to the arena for another exhibition match. He struggled like a demon to keep it though. Damn near had to take his arm off to get it. You could say thank you to us for returning it, you know." He jerked his chin toward her amulet. "How'd he get it, anyway? Steal it from one of our troops during the war?"

She ignored his question as she tried to make sense of what he was saying. "Arena?"

Teros scowled. "Is that all she got out of that?"

Bethany grabbed him by his formesta and jerked him closer. "What fucking arena!"

The brothers exchanged a gape over her language before Teros spoke again. "Atlantean main amphitheater. Three times a week they trot him out for public games and fights. Sometimes they just torture him for sport."

Sick to her stomach, Bethany flashed herself from Katateros to the main arena in the capital city. She took a moment to disguise herself as an Apollite servant before she entered the holding area below the main arena stage. Animals and props for shows were kept here. As were prisoners who were held for public executions or games where they could sometimes win their freedom.

"So did you get your pound of flesh?"