Page 76 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Yeah, about as funny as a Greek tragedy,’ I muttered, causing Tee to spurt a laugh. I watched him puff out his chest and wave majestically at the raucous crowd. ‘Ugh, he’s like a parasitic toenail infection.’ This time, Tee nearly choked on her wine as she thumped her chest to clear it.
Tee and I sat in the plush seats. The box was situated centrally, overlooking the enormous amphitheatre, which featured a full orchestra on a stage. Built in a semicircle, the amphitheatre featured tiered seating rising on one side of a central arena.
‘Welcome to Thrace Trials!’ Ares yelled, and the crowd screamed in delight. The acoustics of the amphitheatre were superb. ‘We have the first soldiers to fight, one-on-one.’ Two giant men, who also resembled mountain ash on steroids, strodeinto the arena, and the crowd went wild. ‘Then we will move on to the pairs’ battle!’ Ares yelled, and the crowd roared.
It was an ‘oh fuck’ moment. ‘They’re gladiators?’ I turned to Tee with wide eyes. ‘I don’t do blood sports,’ I croaked, starting to panic.
‘Calm down, babe. It’s simulated warfare. It used to be a major form of entertainment in ancient Greece. Being the god of war, Ares still has a hard-on for it.’ She tutted. ‘Ares’ soldiers are an expensive investment, so it’s preferable that they don’t die on the field… but they must be strong enough to last more than one fight.’
The orchestra started to play dramatic music, and I took deep breaths as I watched the soldiers come together in a clash of swords and shields. Ares sat down beside me, handed me another glass of fizzy wine, then placed a large hand on my bare knee, making me squirm internally.
‘The spear they carry is known as a panoply,’ Ares said, leaning close to my ear, his eyes fixed on the arena. As I studied the soldiers, I noticed they also carried a short sword and a circular bronze shield, and wore a bronze helmet, a bronze breastplate, greaves for their legs, and ankle guards.
He turned to me, his eyes zeroing in on my breasts. At the thought of him drooling, my temper sparked.
‘Are you completely psychotic?’ I gestured with my chin towards the bloodied, battling soldiers. ‘I’m about two seconds away from throwing up.’ He chuckled softly, shaking his head, then stared at my breasts again.
‘Gods, what I would give to get my hands, lips, and cock on your tits, Persephone.’
‘Excuse me? You’re such a fucking creeper!’ I snarl-whispered, and Tee sounded as if she was choking on air.
‘I know.’ He grinned. ‘But I’m a great fuck.’ Then the prick winked at me, his eyes turning back to the battling soldiers. Hestood and walked to the box balustrade, yelling instructions to the fighting men.
‘I’m about two seconds away from sharpening a shiv from my toothbrush,’ I whispered to Tee, seething.
‘Did you bring one?’ Tee cocked her head.
I glanced in my clutch. ‘Nope.’ I chuckled, and she almost spat out her wine. ‘I want you to fetch my divine blade, Tee. Please?’ She’d flatly refused several times.
She shook her head. ‘Nope. If you had that blade, both Ares and Hades would have been castrated by now.’
I snort-laughed. ‘Meh… you’re probably right.’ After another ten minutes of watching grown men fight, I turned back to Tee. ‘Please take me home, Tee. I’ve had enough of this crapfest.’ Tee gave me a furtive smile. ‘I mean, to the Underworld,’ I added hastily.
We stood to leave, and Ares darted to my side, making me jump.
‘We’re leaving, Ares,’ Tee said gently. ‘Persephone isn’t feeling too well.’
‘Persephone, please don’t leave me.’ Ares looked close to crying, which made me feel horrible—well, until I realised he was talking to my breasts.
I smiled warmly at him as I took his hand. ‘Did I, the original Persephone, like you?’ I asked.
He scratched his chin and looked pensive. ‘I don’t think so. You once called me an egotistical cock.’ He tilted his head as if in thought.
Bingo. Nothing had changed there. ‘Then, perhaps you need to find someone you’re more in tune with. You know? A female warrior. Someone who enjoys hunting and killing things. A woman who revels in torturing and maiming people, perhaps… like a serial killer?’ Tee covered her mouth to cough, likely trying to stifle her laughter.
‘But Persephone. Apart from Hecate, you’re the scariest chick I’ve ever met. Plus, your breasts are every man’s wet dream,’ he added quietly.
I took a step back, pointing at myself. ‘Me?’ He nodded. I shot Tee a worried look.
‘Told you we weren’t to be messed with.’ She grinned. I widened my eyes at her before turning back to the god of war.
‘Ares, I have to be honest. You and I—we’re just not a good match. I’m sorry.’ He pouted as though I’d just asked him to file a tax return. I squeezed his hand, and then Tee flashed me the fuck out of there.
‘I’ll make us some food. I said I’d meet Hedone and cook with her. Do you want me to bring you some?’ Tee asked. I nodded, and then she disappeared.
I poured myself a glass of nectar, kicked off my shoes, and stalked the sitting room. Hades—the arrogant, ignorant tosser—had actually told Poseidon about going down on me. The more I thought about it, the hotter my anger burned. Was it just a game to him? Doubt hissed through me like bitter smoke, sour and suffocating. I downed two more glasses of nectar, each gulp stoking the fury coiling in my gut until I was vibrating with rage. Finally, I stormed to the double doors, slammed them open, and marched inside. There he was—Hades—lounging on the sofa with a book, calm as a cucumber on ice.
Grrr.
