Page 26 of A Touch of Chaos

“What a ridiculous question,” she snapped.

“Then allow me what I came for,” he said.

“What exactly did you come for?”

Theseus tilted his head. “A golden apple from your orchard.”

“You crave invincibility?”

He did not answer. The request made it obvious, but saying it aloud felt like admitting to weakness.

“It is not a tree of wishes,” said Hera. “It will demand something in return.”

“As all divine things,” he said.

He knew this, had prepared for it. Hera just stared. After a moment, she lifted her hand, and a golden apple appeared in her grasp. “Partake of this apple,” she said, “and it will take your immortality.”

“That is a heavy price,” Theseus said.

“An equal price,” said Hera.

He knew which had more value in the present given how close they were to battle. He would worry about deification later, when the war was won and he sat on the highest throne, exalted as the one true god of the world.

“What will it be, Theseus?” she asked, extending her hand farther.

He took the apple, and as he brought it to his lips, she spoke.

“You may only eat from this tree once.”

It was a warning that he could not return and make the exchange again.

Theseus took a bite.

The flesh was soft, almost slushy, as if it were close to rotting, and when he swallowed, he felt no different than before, save that his tongue was coated in a strange, sour film.

He looked at the apple, examining the juicy, white pulp, and then took another bite, gaze leveling with Hera’s.

“Are you ready to make your sacrifice?”

She raised an angry brow. “And what sacrifice is that?”

“The one where you fuck your husband for the greater good.”

Her eyes darkened.

“Do not pretend our sacrifices are the same,” said Hera. “Yours only saved yourself.”

Theseus smirked. “Are you suggestingsexwill save the world then, Hera?”

She glared and spoke between clenched teeth. “Do your part, Theseus, so my sacrifice is not made in vain.” Her eyes dropped to the apple. “You had better finish that,” she said. “You wouldn’t want to find out what happens if you waste a drop. Now, leave.”

“At once, Your Majesty,” he mocked and then vanished.

CHAPTER VII

PERSEPHONE

Persephone wore a pale pink dress with a pleated skirt. The neckline was square and modest—classy, Sybil had said as she handed her a set of pearl drop earrings to pair with the outfit. Leuce agreed.

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