Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
That’s where I found Nerissa, who became indispensable to my plans. She knew exactly what levers to exploit to manipulate the rich and powerful who had long lusted after Olympus.
“Nerissa. You look well.” She’s small and slight with light-brown skin and straight medium-brown hair that reaches just past her shoulders. She’s mousy in a calculated way, able to manipulate her looks so the eye passes right over her.
She smiles when she sees us, her relief evident. “There was no trouble on the road?”
“The rats are scrambling from their sinking ship.” I shrug. “Is everything prepared?” Antigone said it was, but I like hearing things firsthand whenever possible.
“Yes. It will take a little bit of time to get everyone settled, but I’ve readied a room where you can rest and wait.” She motions to a door tucked back near the bottom of the stairs off the left side of the stage.
“Perfect.”
Demeter shifts at my side. “Are you ready to let me know what you’re planning? This seems a lot in the way of dramatics.”
I allow an edge into my tone. “Getting cold feet?”
She stills. “No, of course not.” Even as she speaks, her gaze tracks to the door where people now pour forth in a steady stream, heading for the available seats.
Psyche and Eros are among them, flanked by four of my soldiers. I’ve been very careful not to overtly threaten Psyche, and she’s too smart to try to flee without a surety of success. Not when Eros would die in the attempt. They’re guided right up front to the designated seats. If I had my druthers, I wouldn’t have him present for what comes next, but he won’t leave Psyche’s side, and Psyche’s presence is insurance of Demeter’s good behavior. She’s an atrocious mother, but all evidence points to her actually loving her daughters. She won’t risk Psyche—not after how things fell out with Hera.
“Let me know if there are any issues.” I nod to Nerissa and head down to the door. Before I open it, I give Demeter a long look. “Remember that you knew and approved of my intentions when you sought me out. I’ve upheld my end of our bargain. I expect you to do the same.”
A faint flush turns her cheeks rosy. She really is a handsome woman, though someone would require a death wish to be fool enough to marry her with her history of dead husbands. Demeter clears her throat. “I’m aware.” She settles even as I watch, tucking away her nerves and revealing the steel beneath. “Just like you should be aware that if you threaten my daughters again, I will kill you myself.”
I smile, testing her. How far is she really willing to go? “And risk your bid for power?” This woman has sacrificed much in service of her ambition—even her daughters, though I doubt she sees it that way. She would have allowed Persephone to experience the same fate I did as the last Zeus’s spouse. No matter how Demeter schemes, or what contingency plans she no doubt had in place, Persephone would have been just as vulnerable as I was on my honeymoon, just as helpless. I give myself an internal shake. There’s no point in dwelling on it.
“Circe.” She meets my gaze steadily. “Don’t make me choose between power and my daughters. You won’t like what happens.”
That remains to be seen. She can threaten and posture all she likes, but when push comes to shove, I suspect her self-preservation will hold. “Come along,” I say and push open the door.
Everything is waiting for me, just as I instructed. There’s a vanity set up with my preferred products so I can refresh my hair and makeup. I’m not changing my clothing; it’s important the people of Olympus continue to see me as one of them rather than an idol who strives to set herself above them. My leggings and slouchy sweater with boots will accomplish what I need them to do. If the leggings are high-end wool and the sweater is cashmere…well.
And the most important part: There’s a white woman, bound and gagged, on the floor in the corner. She’s certainly seen better days. Her previously immaculate blond hair sticks up in wild directions, and her makeup is smeared around hateful blue eyes.
My smile gains warmth and satisfaction as I ignore Demeter’s sharp inhale and cross to my captive. I crouch just out of reach and croon, “Hello, Aphrodite. Or should I say Peitho. Did you miss me?”
4
Hermes
As expected, I find Poseidon at the docks. He’s barely left the place since he returned from escorting the Aeaean soldiers to the ship that will carry them—and his lover, Icarus—back to their island. There are no shipments coming in and out despite the blockade being gone, but Poseidon always looks after his people first, and he’s set up a mutual-aid network to ensure folks are fed while the work is suspended.