Page 44 of A Spell of Bones and Madness
“A decaying kingdom?”
“Yes. A land of rubble and shadows.”
“Well, my father does a very good job at keeping the luxuries of this isle hidden. I guess one day I will too.” He lifted his hand, swirling a small bit of fog around his fingertips. “God of Shield and all.”
His power was back in bursts, enough that he could begin training once more, unfortunately not enough that he could just aervade them down to the market. It was strange, rebuilding that strength that had once seemed never-ending, but at least itcouldbe rebuilt. Hades had not won that battle yet.
Laughter twined with a loud melody of chatter and music, traveling up the pathway as Ander led Katrin down the last few steps to the market. Wafts of honey and freshly cooked bread tickled their noses coming from every direction. It was tradition in Nexos, as the day came to a close, the townsfolk would begin to close up their shops and head to the local taverna to indulge in good food and even better company.
“And now can you tell me where we are going?” Katrin asked once more, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity and a dash of annoyance at his secrets.
“That I can, Starling.” Ander paused before a wooden sign, the word θην? was carved in the middle, a painting of an owl and olive branch on each side. Ivy wound up white pillars to an orange roof with S-shaped tile, the color faded from years of sun and wear. The taverna was outlined in whitewashed stone coming up to Ander’s hips, allowing the unseasonably warm breeze to whip around the patrons enjoying their daily catch, washing it down with pitchers of wine.
“This was my favorite place to go with my brother before—well, before I left. We used to spend most nights here, dancing and acting as stupid and reckless as two prince’s could. Welcome to Athena’s.” Ander grabbed Katrin’s hand once more, leading her inside.
“It looks amazing,” Katrin replied, eyes wide in wonder. “We have places like this in Alentus, but none so lively, so—”
“Alexander!” a woman’s voice rang out from the archway to the kitchen. Standing there in front of him was Marianna in all her glory—rolling blonde waves, green eyes that could kill, her usual terracotta dress outlining every curve. She ran up to him, planting a kiss on each of his cheeks. “Oh, Alexander! I thought—gosh, I thought I’d never see you again.” Ander wrapped his arms around her, picking her up and spinning her around in a warm embrace.
“Ahem…” Ander looked to his left, where Katrin stood, arms crossed and an eyebrow cocked. Gods—she looked so incredible with that wrinkle of her nose and the smallest scowl on her face. She would be the death of him. “Care to introduce us?”
“Yes, yes, of course. Katrin, this is Marianna, she owns Athena’s.”
Marianna threw her arms around Katrin now, giving her the same two kisses on either cheek. “Oh it is wonderful to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you—well, the idea of you, I guess.”
Katrin’s shoulders slouched in relief. “Heard so much about me?”
“Oh, well Alexander—” Marianna started.
Heat spread across Ander’s nose.Boththese women would be the death of him. “Now, now, Mari, some things we keep to ourselves,” Ander chided.
Chuckling, Katrin swatted her hand against his bicep. “I’m curious to see what the woman has to say,Alexander.”
“I am going to get a bottle of ouzo if we are going to start this conversation.” Ander leaned over, picking up a crystal bottle of the clear liquor.
“Yes, that was always the problem. This poor, brokenhearted man never seemed to get over his childhood love. Would always drink too much—although I do suppose that was my fault seeing as I provide the ouzo—and wallow about his beautiful star in Alentus he had to return to.” Marianna winked at them.
Katrin’s eyes began to sparkle with the same glittering light of the stars that began to show above. “You really always knew?” she whispered.
“Really always knew what”—Ander lay a kiss on her temple, smile brighter than the sun itself—“that we were Fated? That I loved you?”
Katrin nodded back at him, parting those plush lips he’d love to get lost in.
“Yes, Starling, I always knew.” How could he not? From the first time they met on the sandy shores of Alentus and he saw the fire in her spirit and heard that melodic laugh, he was enchanted. When his father decided to close Nexos off from the other isles ten years ago he was devastated, but there was no way to break through the spells his father wove as a barrier, not until the Fates allowed him to go to her that day five years ago.
“This seems like I’m interrupting an intimate moment, why don’t you two claim a table and I will bring out all of your favorites, Alexander.” Marianna shooed them to a small candlelit table in the corner.
“Thank you, Mari. Could you make sure to bring some of your famous Horiatiki as well? It is one of Katrin’s favorites.”
“Horiatiki?” Katrin questioned, her nose wrinkled in.
“Yes, it’s that salad you love so much, with the salted cheese.” Ander reached for her hand, holding it tightly as he ran small strokes over her skin with his thumb.
Katrin lifted a brow. “Oh you mean the one where I apparently am so loud when I eat it, I sound like a beast in the woods?”
“That’s the one!” Ander chuckled back.
“You know, you really are lucky you're so handsome, Alexander. Otherwise I don’t know how she would put up with you.” Marianna’s laughter joined his own.
